Alexander Munro of Bearcrofts facts for kids
Sir Alexander Munro of Bearcrofts (died 4 January 1704) was an important Scottish soldier and politician from the 1600s. He played a part in many big events during a time of change in Scotland.
His Family Background
Alexander Munro came from a well-known Scottish family called the Munro of Milntown. This family was connected to the main Clan Munro chiefs. His great-great-grandfather, George Munro, was a famous minister in the church in northern Scotland. Alexander's own father, also named George, followed in his footsteps. Alexander was the second son of this George Munro.
His Life and Work
Alexander Munro chose a career in the army. He became a Major in an infantry regiment and served in Ireland. He was recognized for his good service and was made a knight. This meant he was given the title "Sir."
Sir Alexander fought for King Charles II in a big battle called the Battle of Worcester in 1651. He survived the battle and was not captured. After his time in the army, he decided to study law.
In 1657, he bought a small piece of land in Stirlingshire called Bearcrofts. It was located near the water, close to Grangemouth. In 1660, he became a "Commissary of Stirlingshire." This was like being a local judge who handled important matters such as marriages and wills.
Two years later, he became a lawyer in Scotland. In 1669, he was chosen to be one of the clerks in the Court of Session, which was the highest court in Scotland. However, in 1676, he lost his position due to political changes. He then joined a group of people who disagreed with the government at the time.
In 1683, Sir Alexander and some friends went to London. They said they were planning to start a Scottish settlement in America. But secretly, they were involved in a political plan to change the government and prevent the King's Catholic brother, the Duke of York, from becoming the next king.
The government found out about these plans, and Sir Alexander Munro was arrested. He was sent to Edinburgh and held in prison for ten months. During this time, he was pressured to share information about the plans. He was eventually pardoned and set free.
After a few quiet years, Sir Alexander became active in politics again after the Revolution of 1688. In 1690, he became a representative for Stirlingshire in the Scottish Parliament. He first joined a group that opposed the government, but later he supported the government. In 1695, he was knighted again and given a yearly payment for his past difficulties.
Some historians believe that Sir Alexander Munro might have written the official report about the Massacre of Glencoe. This was a sad event where many people were killed. The report was used as the main source for many later stories about the massacre.
Sir Alexander Munro of Bearcrofts passed away on January 4, 1704.
His Family
Sir Alexander's wife was Lillias Eastoun. They had two sons and three daughters.
- George Munro, 1st of Auchinbowie: He became a successful Scottish soldier.
- John Munro, 2nd of Bearcrofts: He became a surgeon and a professor at the University of Edinburgh.
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