Background
His mother was Janet Roberton, daughter of James Roberton (principal Lord of Session) and great-granddaughter of advocate and judge Lord Bedlay.
His mother was Janet Roberton, daughter of James Roberton (principal Lord of Session) and great-granddaughter of advocate and judge Lord Bedlay.
They had eight children:
Lady Martha Bruce (b 3 June 1760), died young
Lady Janet Bruce (b 2 July 1761), died young
William Robert Bruce, Lord Bruce (b 15 January 1763), died young
William Robert Bruce, 6th Earl of Elgin (1764–1771)
Thomas Bruce, 7th Earl of Elgin (1766–1841)
Honorary Charles Andrew Bruce (1768–1810), Governor of Prince of Wales"s Island
Honorary Lady Charlotte Matilda Bruce (28 May 1771 – March 1816), married Admiral Philip Charles Durham
He built the planned industrial village of Charlestown, Fife.
James Bruce (1769–1798), Member of Parliament
Elgin was Grand Master of Scottish Freemasons from 1761 to 1763 and a founding member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of Street Andrews.
