At the time of the Reformation in Scotland (1559) Holyrood Abbey passed out of church hands and the nominal "abbacy" and lands were purchased by Adam Bothwell.
On 20 December 1607 King James VI elevated the title to that of a hereditary lord.
[2] In 1704, Alexander Bothwell of Glencorse served himself heir to the title, but his claim was rejected due to a faulty pedigree.
On 8 February 1734, Alexander's eldest son, Henry, submitted a petition to the king claiming the title under a different pedigree.
Despite the failure of the Lords to approve his claim, Henry assumed and used the title throughout his life.