James Abercromby, 1st Baron Dunfermline (1776-1858), Politician

Sitter in 9 portraits
James Abercromby, 1st Baron Dunfermline, was a barrister, MP and auditor to the Duke of Devonshire's estates. He was called to the Bar in 1800. The following year he was made a commissioner of bankruptcy, and subsequently became auditor to the estates of the Duke of Devonshire. Abercromby entered Parliament as a Whig MP in 1807; he was appointed Judge Advocate General, and became a member of the Privy Council in 1827. Abercromby was chosen to represent Edinburgh in the first reformed parliament after 1832. He was elected Speaker of the British House of Commons in 1835 where he sat until moving to the House of Lords.