Francis Wemyss-Charteris was born on 15 April 1772. He succeeded to the lands of Wemyss in August 1808 on the death of his grandfather Francis (1723-1808), 7th Earl of Wemyss. His own father, Francis, Lord Elcho, had died in January 1808. The younger Francis also succeeded to the Earldom of March and the lands and lordship of Neidpath on the death of William, 4th Duke of Queensberry, in 1810. Francis was Lord Lieutenant of Peebleshire. In May 1794 he married Margaret, daughter of Walter Campbell of Shawfield. Francis, 8th Earl of Wemyss and March, died on 28 June 1853. He was succeeded by his son Francis (1796-1883), 9th Earl of Wemyss.
From the guide to the Letters of Francis Wemyss-Charteris (1772-1853), 8th Earl of Wemyss and March, 1822-1847, (Edinburgh University Library)
