In 1618, the Earl of Holderness's brother, George Ramsay, was created Lord Ramsay. His eldest son, William Ramsay, opposed the religious politics of Charles I. During the Civil War, William raised a regiment of cavalry and fought at the Battle of Marston Moor. He was also part of Sir David Leslie's force at the Battle of Philiphaugh where the Marquis of Montrose was defeated. Ramsay had been created Earl of Dalhousie in 1633.