William Fraser (historian)

Sir William Fraser, KCB (18 February 1816 – 13 March 1898) was a solicitor and notable expert in ancient Scottish history, palaeography, and genealogy.

His mother was the daughter of James Walker, tenant of the farm of Elfhill of Fetteresso, about 5 miles (8.0 km) from Stonehaven.

He became an expert in these fields and published a series of approximately 50 volumes on the histories of between 20 and 30 leading noble and landed families of Scotland.

An article in the Dundee Advertiser on 1 June 1896, stated: "There is no Scotsman living who has so much experience in deciphering ancient documents, nor one who can so skillfully extract information from faded and time-worn parchments" as Sir William Fraser.

The nine-volume book series, The Scots Peerage (1904–1914), by Sir James Balfour Paul, was used for that purpose and is dedicated to him.

Portrait of Sir William Fraser, Merchants Hall, Edinburgh
The grave of William Fraser (1816–1898), Dean Cemetery
Detail on Sir Wm Fraser's grave, Dean Cemetery