David Barclay (soldier) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Barclay
Colonel Barclay, c. 1645
Born	1610 St Cyrus, Kincardineshire
Died	12 October 1686 (aged 76) Ury House, Kincardineshire
Allegiance	Kingdom of France (1626–1630) Swedish Empire (1630–1636) Scottish Covenanters (1644–1648) Scottish Royalists (1648–1654)
Years of service	1626–1654
Rank	Colonel
Battles/wars	Thirty Years' War Wars of the Three Kingdoms Glencairn's rising
Relations	Robert Barclay (son) Ewen Cameron of Lochiel (son-in-law)

Arms of Barclay

David Barclay of Ury (born 1610 – died October 12, 1686) was a brave Scottish soldier and a courtier. He was also the first owner, or "Laird," of Ury in Scotland. David Barclay was a professional soldier who fought for different countries. He served Gustavus Adolphus, the King of Sweden, during the Thirty Years' War. Later, he fought with the Earl of Middleton during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms in Britain.

Early Life and Family Background

David Barclay was born in 1610. His father was also named David Barclay. He was the 11th person in his family line to be known as "of Mathers." This family lived in Kincardineshire, Scotland. David's mother was Elizabeth Livingstone. Her father was John Livingston of Dunipace.

A Soldier's Life: David Barclay's Career

Fighting in Europe

In 1626, when David Barclay was about 16, he traveled to France. He became a professional soldier, meaning he fought for money. In 1630, he joined the army of Gustavus Adolphus, the King of Sweden. He became a major, which is a high rank, during the Thirty Years' War. This was a very big war in Europe.

Returning to Scotland

David Barclay came back to Scotland in 1636. He joined the Covenanter army. The Covenanters were a group of Scots who supported a certain type of church. He became a colonel, leading a group of cavalry soldiers. He served under General John Middleton.

Life at Ury and Imprisonment

In 1648, David Barclay bought a large area of land. This land included the barony of Ury in Kincardineshire. Today, this area is part of Aberdeenshire. He bought it from William Keith, who was the 7th Earl Marischal. Because he was friends with the Earl Marischal, David Barclay was later put in Edinburgh Castle. While he was there, he met John Swinton, who was also imprisoned.

Serving the King

In 1660, the Civil War in Britain ended. This time was called "the Restoration." David Barclay then worked for King Charles II. He became an important person at the King's palaces. These included Whitehall in London and Edinburgh in Scotland.

David Barclay's Family

David Barclay married Katherine Gordon. She was born in 1621 and died in 1683. Her father was Sir Robert Gordon, 1st Baronet.

David and Katherine had several children:

• Jean Barclay (1663–1720): She married Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel. They had eight children together.
• Lucille Barclay (born 1657): She never married.
• Robert Barclay (born 1648): He was the oldest son. Robert became famous for explaining the beliefs of the Quakers.
• John Barclay (born 1650): He was the second son. John moved to America, to a place called East Jersey. He got married there and had children.
• David Barclay (born 1653): He also never married.

Images for kids

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  Colonel Barclay, c. 1645

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  Arms of Barclay