Alexander Forbes, 4th Lord Forbes of Pitsligo facts for kids
Alexander Forbes, 4th Lord Forbes of Pitsligo (1678–1762) was a Scottish nobleman who supported the Jacobites. He was also known as a writer. He had to hide for many years because of his beliefs.
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Life of Lord Forbes
Alexander Forbes was born on May 22, 1678. His father was Alexander Forbes, 3rd Lord Forbes of Pitsligo. When his father passed away in 1691, Alexander became the 4th Lord Forbes.
Early Life and Beliefs
As a young man, he traveled in France. There, he met important thinkers like Fénelon. These meetings led him to study mystical writers. Lord Forbes was a member of the Scottish Episcopal Church. He strongly supported the Stuart family, who were exiled from the throne.
He was against the Act of Union of 1707. This act joined Scotland and England into Great Britain. Because of his beliefs, he stopped attending Parliament.
Taking Part in Rebellions
Lord Forbes joined the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. This was an attempt to bring the Stuart family back to power. After the rebellion failed, he had to flee to Europe.
In 1720, he returned to Scotland. He lived mainly at Pitsligo. He continued to write and study mystical ideas.
Even at 67 years old, Lord Forbes joined the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. He was suffering from asthma, but he still raised a group of about 100 cavalry soldiers. These soldiers were mostly gentlemen and their tenants from Aberdeenshire. He arrived in Edinburgh on October 8, 1745. This was just after the Jacobites won the battle of Prestonpans.
Hiding from Capture
After the Jacobites lost the battle of Culloden, Lord Forbes had to go into hiding. He hid in places like The World's End in Fraserburgh. He also used a cave near Quarry Head, which is now known as Lord Pitsligo's Cave. To avoid being caught, he pretended to be a beggar named Sanny Brown.
In 1748, his lands were taken by the government. They tried to declare him a traitor. However, they made a mistake in his title. Because of this, he tried to get the decision reversed. The court first agreed with him in 1749. But the higher court, the House of Lords, disagreed in 1750.
After this, the search for him became less strict. He often stayed with his son at Auchiries, using the name Mr. Brown. Messages were sent to him by The Countess of Erroll. In 1756, a search party came for him. He hid behind a wall panel, covered by a bed where a lady was sleeping. Lord Forbes passed away in 1762, at the age of 84.
Works
Lord Forbes was also a writer.
- In 1734, he published a book called 'Essays Moral and Philosophical.'
- He wrote 'Thoughts concerning Man's Condition' in 1732. This book was published in 1763 and again in 1835.
Family
Lord Forbes was married twice.
- His first wife was Rebecca Norton. They had one son, John, Master of Forbes. John later bought back his father's estate.
- His second wife was Elizabeth Allen. They did not have any children.
His grandson, Sir William Forbes, 6th Baronet, became a banker. He bought Pitsligo Castle.
