Archibald Stewart (Lord Provost) facts for kids

Archibald Stewart (born 1697, died 1780) was an important Scottish merchant and politician in the 1700s. He served as the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, which is like being the mayor of the city. This was during a very important time called the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. He was later held in the Tower of London for over a year. This happened because some people thought he didn't do enough to protect Edinburgh during the rebellion.

Life Story

Early Years and Business

Archibald Stewart was born in 1697. His father was Sir Robert Steuart, who lived near North Berwick in Scotland. His mother was Jean Cockburn.

Around 1715, when he was about 18, Archibald started his own business. He became a wine merchant on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.

In 1718, he joined the Edinburgh town council. This was an early step in his political career.

Becoming a Member of Parliament

In 1741, Archibald Stewart was chosen to be a Member of Parliament (MP) for Edinburgh. He was part of a group that often voted against the government at the time.

Because his job as an MP meant spending more time in London, he opened another wine shop there in 1743. This shop was on The Strand.

Lord Provost During the Jacobite Rebellion

In 1744, Archibald Stewart became the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. This was a very important role. His time as Lord Provost is famous because of the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745.

On September 17, 1745, the city of Edinburgh was taken over by the Jacobite Army. This army was led by Bonnie Prince Charlie. Lord Provost Stewart had been told to create a defense force. He had gathered about 300 men, but this group did not fight. The Jacobite force entered Edinburgh with little trouble.

Two groups of soldiers, called Dragoons, were sent to the west of the city. But they were ordered to leave Edinburgh instead of fighting. They went to Prestonpans. Even though Edinburgh was officially loyal to England, many people in the city, including some politicians, may have supported the Jacobite cause. The Jacobite army was able to stay in Edinburgh safely.

Arrest and Trial

Because Edinburgh was taken without a fight, Archibald Stewart was arrested. He had to go before a special council in London on December 7, 1745. He was accused of not doing his duty.

On December 10, he was ordered to be held in the Tower of London. He stayed there from December 13, 1745, until January 23, 1747. He was released after a very large amount of money, £15,000, was paid as bail.

After returning to Edinburgh, he had another trial in November 1747. This time, he was found not guilty. The court decided that while he was told to raise a defense group, he wasn't told exactly how he had to use it.

Later Life

After his trial, Archibald Stewart went back to London. He continued his wine business on The Strand. He lived in the Mitcham district of London.

He died in Bath, England, on January 24, 1780. He was 82 years old.

Family Life

Archibald Stewart married Grizel Gordon before 1728. Her father, John Gordon, was also a wine merchant in Edinburgh. Archibald and Grizel had a large family with four sons and five daughters.

One of their daughters, also named Grizel Stewart, married Edward Marjoribanks. Their son, Sir John Marjoribanks, later became the Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1814 and 1815.

See Also

• Lord Provost of Edinburgh
• Jacobite rising of 1745
• Tower of London

Images for kids

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  Archibald Stewart's House at the junction of Grassmarket and the West Bow, in Edinburgh