British Member of Parliament and solicitor general.

Called to the bar (1757). Member of Parliament for Ayr Burghs (1761-68), Richmond (1768-69), Bishop’s Castle (1770-74, 1778-80), and Okehampton (1774-78). Solicitor general (1771-78); attorney general (1778-80). Privy Councillor (1780).

Condemned the American Revolution, but collaborated on conciliatory plans of 1776 and 1778. Chief justice of the court of common pleas (1780). Lord chancellor (1793-1801). Associate of David Hume and Adam Smith.

Son of Peter and Janet (Ogilvie) Wedderburn of Haddington, Scotland. Educated at Edinburgh and the Inner Temple. Married Betty Anne Dawson in 1767; no issue. Married Charlotte Courtenay; one son. Created Baron Loughborough (1780) and Earl of Rosslyn (1801).