[1] The title Lord Crichton passed to William after his cousin Robert was hanged outside Westminster Hall for his involvement with a murder.
[1][2] A challenge arose to his claim to the title and lands from an illegitimate son of Robert, but a decree arbitral from King James VI found in favour of William's rights to the title, and compensated Robert's son with lands around Perth.
[1][3] On 31 July 1617, King James VI stayed at Sanquhar Castle while travelling through Scotland.
[1] During this visit, Crichton is reported to have burnt a bond recording a large debt owed to him the King.
[5] Then in 1635, Crichton was given Lefnoreis Castle and surrounding lands (on which a descendant would later build Dumfries House).