His Majesties Royal Regiment of Foot - John King of Berwick. 1740s

[SquireofHistory]

Hello all,

(my first post so apologies if I've done something wrong).

I'm looking for information on my ancestor, John King who was born in about 1723. On his marriage to Elizabeth Trunch in Coldingham, Berwick in 1748, he is described as a Soldier in his majesties Royall Regiment of foot commanded by the Honourable Generall James Sinclair and in Lieutenant Colonel Ramsay’s company . It also mentions the Soldiers John Chapman and John McFarlane.

I have done some research, and, the royal regiment of foot was split into 2 battalions - the 1st fought at the Battle of Fontenoy during the war of the Austrian succession in 1745, whilst the 2nd was engaged in the 2nd Jacobite rising. I believe John was in the Ist, as the 2nd returned to Ireland in 1746. I have tried contacting the Royal Scots Museum at Edinburgh Castle - both by e-mail and phone - but had no answer on several attempts.

If anyone could give me some pointers or has any info on this - it would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Joe

[philipsearching]

The National Archive at Kew have records for the 1st Regiment from 1768 to 1784 ((WO12/1882) which might contain muster rolls naming John King if he was still serving by then.  I haven't found any online records for the 1740s, though.

http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C2461717

Hope this helps - sorry I haven't found more.
Philip

[millymcb]

Hello and welcome to Rootschat Squire

You may find some useful links and bits of info on the Royal Regiment of Foot, later 1st (Royal) Regiment, later Royal Scots here   

www.rootschat.com/links/01gi9/

List of name changes around the time you are interested in which may help you sift through the confusion of various titles...

1684.05.01   His Majesty's Royal Regiment of Foot also known until 1751 by the names of colonels
1747.           ranked as 1st Foot
1751.07.01   1st (Royal) Regiment of Foot
1812.02.11   1st Regiment of Foot (Royal Scots)
1821.08.29   1st, or The Royal Regiment of Foot
1871.12.15   1st, or The Royal Scots Regiment
1881.07.01   The Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment)
reorganised as the county regiment of Edinburgh (Midlothian), Haddingtonshire (East Lothian), Linlithgow (West Lothian), and Berwickshire, encompassing also its Militia and infantry volunteers
1887.05.01   Berwickshire transferred to King's Own Scottish Borderers district
1921.01.01   The Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment)


If you scroll down to list if colonols it does show Gen. Hon. James St. Clair (Lord Sinclair) as Colonol
27 June 1737 to 16 or 17 December 1762

It also lists movements for the battalions (see links under where it says "regulars"
 1st were in England in 1748 and the 2nd were in Flanders.

Also links to books, archives, battles etc. You won't find his name listed but good background info

Milly

[SquireofHistory]

Hi Milly and Philip,

Thank you so much for your replys 

The list of name changes is fantastic! It is confusing as the name seems to change so many times.

I will check the records for John King's childrens births. Hopefully it will mention if he is still a soldier by 1768 (or near to). That way I can check the national archives at Kew.

Thanks.

Joe