Newton

This is a name derived from lands in Midlothian. James and Huwe de Neutone appear on the Ragman Roll doing homage to Edward I of England for their lands around Edinburgh in 1296. Alexander de Newtoun of Newtoun appears on an inquiry into the boundaries of lands of Gladmor in 1430. The name arises in other parts of the country and may well relate to other places of a similar name. The name rose to prominence when Adam Newton was appointed tutor to Prince Henry, eldest son of James VI, around 1600. He was installed as Dean of Durham Cathedral in 1606. He was secretary to the prince until his death in 1612, whereupon he was appointed treasurer to the new heir to the throne, the future Charles I. He was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1625. He was a formidable Latin scholar and translated several works at the request of the king. In 1628 he was appointed as secretary for Wales, which post he held until his death in January 1629. He had married a daughter of Sir Thomas Pukering, Keeper of the Great Seal in the reign of Queen Elizabeth of England, and the family ultimately assumed this name in England.