Background
Alexander was the son of George Seton, 3rd Earl of Winton (1584–1650) by Anne, daughter to Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll (d1631).
Alexander was the son of George Seton, 3rd Earl of Winton (1584–1650) by Anne, daughter to Francis Hay, 9th Earl of Erroll (d1631).
At the early age of twelve, he received King Charles I on a visit to Seton Palace, delivering himself of a Latin oration at the iron gates of the palace in the presence of His Majesty. There and then the King conferred upon him the honour of knighthood, remarking as he did so: "Now, Sir Alexander, see that this does not spoil your school. By the appearance you will be a scholar." After extensive travels in foreign lands Sir Alexander came home in 1640.
Upon returning he was entrusted with important State business by King Charles II, who created him Viscount of Kingston on 14 February 1651 with limitation to the heirs male of his body.
His title was taken from a village of that name in Dirleton parish, about two miles south-west of North Berwick. Following twelve days and a "battering with grate canon" the defenders were compelled to surrender, but only after quarter had been granted to them in recognition of their bravery.
In 1668 Lord Kingston was appointed, by the King, commander of the Haddingtonshire Militia. Lord Kingston was buried on 25 October 1691, within the parish church of Whittingehame, Haddingtonshire.
On the day of his creation, Sir Alexander was, with a gallant little garrison, defending Tantallon Castle against Oliver Cromwell who had laid siege to lieutenant