Roderick Maxwell Bruce

Roderick Maxwell Bruce was a Scottish nobleman and landowner known for his rakish lifestyle.[1]

Roderick, a relation to the Earls of Elgin, was born in 1744. Little is known about his early life. He was educated at Eton and the age of 17 he was enrolled in the University of St Andrews, where he completed a degree in Classics within a year. At the time it was widely believed that money had changed hands, since the normal tenure of a degree was 4 years.[2] He nevertheless remained at the university for the several years following, during which he widely gained a reputation for his extravagant and excessive of lifestyle. He was an active member of the Kensington Club during his time at the University.[2]

During his time at the university he was implicated an incident which led to a now famous accusation by the Proctor of the University that his "behaviour gives pretext to those who accuse students of using their wealth and situation for orgies. The chancellor himself is an object of scorn because it is believed he closes his eyes to these excesses".[3]

During the Seven Years' War, Roderick contributed significantly to the supply of the British Fleet.[3]

In later life Roderick inherited extensive lands in the North of Scotland. He became well known as an Edinburgh enlightenment libertine and socialite. He died in 1812 and is buried in Edinburgh.[3]

References

  1. ↑ Checkland, Sydney (1988). The Elgins, 1766-1917 : a tale of aristocrats, proconsuls and their wives. Aberdeen: Aberdeen University Press.
  2. 1 2 Smart, Robert (2004). Biographical Regester of the University of St Andrews. University of St Andrews Press.
  3. 1 2 3 Checkland, Sydney (1988). The Elgins, 1766-1917 : a tale of aristocrats, proconsuls and their wives. Aberdeen: Aberdeen University Press.
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