Archibald Campbell, 3rd Duke of Argyll facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Argyll
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| Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland | |
| In office 1733–1761 |
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| Monarch | George II George III |
| Preceded by | The Duke of Montrose |
| Succeeded by | The Duke of Queensberry |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 1682 Ham House, England |
| Died | 15 April 1761 (aged 79) London, England |
| Resting place | Kilmun, Argyll |
| Education | Eton College |
| Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
Archibald Campbell, 3rd Duke of Argyll (born June 1682 – died 15 April 1761) was an important Scottish leader. He was a nobleman, a politician, a lawyer, a businessman, and a soldier. People knew him by different names during his life. From 1703 to 1706, he was called Lord Archibald Campbell. Then, from 1706 until 1743, he was known as the Earl of Ilay. He became the Duke of Argyll in 1743. He was the most powerful political leader in Scotland for many years. He also helped with many big projects in the country.
Early Life and First Steps
Archibald Campbell was born in June 1682 at Ham House in England. He was the second son of Archibald Campbell, who later became the 1st Duke of Argyll.
He went to Eton College for school. Later, he studied law at the University of Glasgow and Utrecht University. In 1703, his father became a Duke. Archibald then joined the army for a short time. He served under the famous general, the Duke of Marlborough.
In 1705, Queen Anne made him the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland. This meant he was in charge of the country's money. He strongly supported his brother, John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll. They both supported the Act of Union. This act joined Scotland and England into Great Britain. Because of his support, he was given the title of Earl of Ilay in 1706. After the union, he was chosen as one of 16 Scottish peers to serve in the British Parliament.
His military career was not as famous as his brother's. But he did become a Colonel in a new army regiment in 1709. He also helped his brother in the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715.
A Powerful Leader
In 1711, Archibald Campbell joined the Privy Council. This was a group of important advisors to the King. Many people called him the "most powerful man in Scotland."
The Prime Minister, Robert Walpole, gave him control over royal appointments in Scotland. This meant Archibald could decide who got important jobs. He used this power to influence how other Scottish nobles voted in Parliament. In 1721, he became the Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland. This was another very important role. He then took charge of most Scottish affairs. In 1733, he was made Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland. He held this job until he died.
Lord Ilay also played a big part in starting the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Edinburgh in 1726. This school became very famous.
He helped create the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1727. He was also the bank's first governor. His picture has been on the front of all Royal Bank of Scotland banknotes since 1987. The picture is based on a painting by Allan Ramsay.
He also helped start the British Linen Company in 1746. He was its first Governor. He worked hard to help Scotland produce more linen, which was an important fabric.
Becoming Duke of Argyll
In October 1743, Archibald became the Duke of Argyll. This happened after his brother passed away. He worked on Inveraray Castle, which was his brother's estate. The castle was finished in the 1750s. However, he never actually lived there. He died in 1761 and was buried at Kilmun Parish Church.
He was married to Anne Whitfield around 1712. He did not have any sons who could inherit his titles. In his will, he left some of his English property to Ann Williams. His titles then went to his cousin, John Campbell, 4th Duke of Argyll.
The Duke created a large garden estate called Whitton Park in England in 1722. He loved gardening and brought in many unusual plants and trees. People even called him the "Treemonger." After he died, many of his trees were moved to Kew Gardens. Some of these trees can still be seen there today! A shrub called the Duke of Argyll's Tea Tree is named after him.
In Books
Archibald Campbell appears in two novels by Neil Munro. He is in Doom Castle (1901) as the 3rd Duke of Argyll. He also appears in The New Road (1914) as the Earl of Ilay.
See Also
- People on Scottish banknotes
