Alexander MacGregor Drummond facts for kids
Alexander MacGregor Drummond, 4th of Balhaldie (born 1660 – died 1 March 1749) was a Scottish leader and soldier. He was known for supporting the Jacobite cause, which aimed to bring the Stuart family back to the throne of Great Britain.
Alexander MacGregor Drummond was born in Balhaldie, Perthshire, Scotland. His original family name was MacGregor. He was the son of Duncan MacGregor and Helen Linton. He was also a cousin of the famous Scottish folk hero, Rob Roy MacGregor.
In 1683, Alexander inherited his father's land and title, becoming the 4th Laird of Balhaldie. A "Laird" is a Scottish landowner, similar to a lord. His family was a part of Clan Gregor, a well-known Scottish clan.
Early Life and Jacobite Risings
Alexander Drummond was involved in the Jacobite rising of 1689. This was an attempt to restore King James VII of Scotland (James II of England) to the throne. Drummond fought in the Battle of Killiecrankie, a major battle during this uprising.
In 1714, some important members of Clan Gregor secretly chose Drummond as their clan chief. However, his claim to be chief was not accepted by everyone, including John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl.
Drummond then joined the Jacobite rising of 1715. He fought in the Battle of Sheriffmuir, which happened very close to his home. After the battle, government soldiers chased him to his house, but he managed to escape.
Later, in 1717, a special law called the Indemnity Act 1717 was passed. This law offered forgiveness to many people who had supported the Jacobites, but Alexander Drummond and his clan were not included.
In 1740, James Francis Edward Stuart, who was living in exile, gave Drummond the title of baronet. This was a special honor given by the Jacobite royal family.
Role in the 1745 Rising
Alexander Drummond was an active supporter of the Jacobite cause for many years. He regularly sent messages to the exiled Jacobite court, telling them how ready people in Scotland and England were for another rebellion.
He did not fight directly in the Jacobite rising of 1745, also known as the 'Forty-Five'. However, he allowed Charles Edward Stuart, often called Bonnie Prince Charlie, to stay at his home, Balhaldie House in Dunblane, on 11 September 1745. Bonnie Prince Charlie was leading the Jacobite forces at this time.
Family Life
Alexander Drummond married Margaret Cameron on 26 April 1686 in Edinburgh. Margaret was the daughter of Ewan Cameron of Lochiel, another important Scottish clan leader. Alexander and Margaret had ten children together.
His oldest son, William, also supported the Jacobite cause. William was not included in the Indemnity Act 1747, which offered forgiveness after the 1745 rising. He later died while living in exile in France.
