Background
Born about 1605, he was eldest son of Sir Thomas Hope of Craighall, 1st Baronet, by Elizabeth, daughter of John Bennet of Wallyford in Haddingtonshire. Sir James Hope (1614–1661) was his younger brother.
Born about 1605, he was eldest son of Sir Thomas Hope of Craighall, 1st Baronet, by Elizabeth, daughter of John Bennet of Wallyford in Haddingtonshire. Sir James Hope (1614–1661) was his younger brother.
He was educated for the law, and having been admitted advocate acquired a practice, and in 1632 was knighted and appointed an ordinary lord of session.
He assumed the title of Lord Craighall, and took his seat on 27 July. In September 1638 Hope refused to subscribe the king"s covenant until it had been approved by the General Assembly. In 1640 he was placed on the committee of estates appointed to provide for the defence of the kingdom against Charles I.
Was reappointed ordinary lord of session in the following year.
And in 1644 was made one of the commissioners for the visitation of Saint Andrews, the plantation of kirks, the administration of the exchequer and the excise. In May 1652 Craighall was appointed one of Cromwell"s committee, consisting of five English and three Scotch judges, for the administration of justice.
Hope died at Edinburgh on 28 April 1654. The elder son, Thomas, born on 11 February 1633, was grandfather of Sir John Hope Bruce, 7th baronet, with whom his line became extinct.
The second son, Archibald Hope (1639–1706), was lord of session in 1689, and lord of justiciary in 1690.
He took the title of Lord Rankeillor, and was Member of Parliament for Fifeshire from 25 April 1706 till his death on 10 October that year.