Alexander Murray of Elibank facts for kids
Alexander Murray of Elibank (born 1712, died 1778) was an important Scottish figure. He was the fourth son of Alexander Murray, 4th Lord Elibank. His brother was Patrick Murray, 5th Lord Elibank. Both brothers were known for supporting the Jacobite cause. This meant they wanted to bring back the House of Stuart to the British throne. A writer named Horace Walpole once said they were very active Jacobites. But they were also careful, so the government couldn't easily prove they had committed treason.
Early Life and Defiance
Alexander Murray joined the army in 1737. He became a lieutenant in the 26th (Cameronian) Regiment of Foot. He gained a good income from a marriage. This allowed him to lend money to Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie. Lending money helped Murray become part of Charles's close group of friends.
Murray did not take part in the Jacobite rising of 1745. This was a major attempt to restore the Stuart family to the throne.
In 1751, during a special election for Parliament, Murray supported a candidate named Sir George Vandeput, 2nd Baronet. Because of his actions during the election, Murray was called before the House of Commons. He was then sent to Newgate Prison. When he was told to kneel down to receive his sentence, Murray refused. He famously said, "Sir, I beg to be excused; I never kneel but to God."
He was sent back to Newgate for two months. This was for showing disrespect to the House of Commons. He tried to get released using a special legal order called Habeas corpus. But he was finally set free on June 25, 1751. This happened when Parliament stopped its meetings for the summer. When he was released, a large crowd cheered him. They carried a banner that said "Murray and Liberty."
The Elibank Plot
Between 1751 and 1752, Alexander Murray became involved in a secret plan. This plan later became known as the Elibank Plot. The main idea was to kidnap King George II. They also planned to kidnap other members of the Royal Family.
The plot was set for November 10, 1752. The plan was to take the King and his family. They would then place them on a boat in the River Thames. This boat would then sail to France. The plotters carefully studied the guard system at St James's Palace. This was the King's home.
They chose about 200 to 300 men for the plot. These men would stay in different places to avoid suspicion. On the night of the kidnapping, they would meet at specific locations. They planned to take over St James's Palace. They also intended to open the gates of the Tower of London. The guards would be overpowered. Then, the Royal Family would be secretly taken to France.
Charles Edward Stuart, however, rejected some of Murray's more extreme ideas. The plot eventually failed. This was partly because some of the people involved were not confident. Murray announced that the operation would be delayed. He then traveled to Paris to tell Charles about the postponement.
Later Life
Alexander Murray remained in exile for the next twenty years. This means he lived outside of Britain. In 1759, James Francis Edward Stuart, Charles's father, gave him a special title. He made Murray the Earl of Westminster.
In April 1771, Murray was finally allowed to return to Britain. He died in 1778 in Taplow, Buckinghamshire.
