George Buchanan (soldier) facts for kids

Sir George Buchanan (died 1651) was an important Scottish noble and soldier. He was known as the 21st Laird of Buchanan, which means he was the head of the Buchanan family and owned their lands. Sir George was an officer in the Scottish army during a big conflict called the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. He also held several important jobs in the government, like being a representative for Stirlingshire in the Scottish Parliament and a member of the Committee of Estates.

Who Was Sir George Buchanan?

Sir George Buchanan was the son of Sir John Buchanan and Anabella. His mother, Anabella, was the daughter of Adam Erskine.

Fighting in the Bishops' War

In 1641, Sir George was a leader in the Scottish army. He commanded a company of soldiers. This army was led by Alexander Leslie. They marched into England during a conflict known as the Bishop's War. This war was mostly about religion and power between Scotland and England. Later that year, Sir George also helped with a special trial for "broken men" – people who didn't belong to a clan or follow the rules.

Serving in Government and War (1643–1648)

During the 1640s, Sir George had many important roles. He represented his home area, Stirlingshire, on the Committee of Estates in 1644. This committee was a powerful group that helped run the country. He was also a Commissioner to Parliament from 1644 to 1646. This meant he was a representative who helped make laws.

Sir George also served on the Committee of War in 1643, 1644, 1646, and 1648. This committee was in charge of military matters. He did all these jobs while still leading his soldiers. In 1645, he even got permission from Parliament to go back to his regiment because there were problems with his troops.

His family's lands, the Buchanan estates, were attacked and robbed by soldiers fighting for Montrose. Montrose was a Scottish nobleman who fought against the Scottish government at the time. Sir George actively helped Marquis of Argyll's army to defeat Montrose. He was a colonel, leading foot soldiers.

In 1647 and 1648, Sir George refused to support something called the Engagement. This was an agreement made by some Scottish nobles, called Covenanters, with King Charles I. King Charles I was a prisoner of the English Roundheads (who were against the King). Because Sir George didn't agree with this plan, he didn't take part in the terrible Preston Campaign that year.

Later Years and Capture (1649–1651)

After King Charles I was put on trial and executed, the political situation in Scotland changed a lot. Sir George, who had once been against King Charles I, now supported his son, Charles II. He continued to be active in both government and the military.

In 1649, Sir George served on the Committee of War again. He also helped with a new assessment of Stirlingshire's value. From 1649 to 1651, he was a Commissioner to Parliament and a member of the Committee of Estates.

In 1650, Sir George became a Colonel of horse, which means he led cavalry (soldiers on horseback). He and his regiment fought in the Battle of Dunbar in 1650. He was also at the very difficult Battle of Inverkeithing the next year. At Inverkeithing, Sir George and another officer, Sir John Brown, bravely led their regiments. They stopped Cromwell's troops from crossing the Firth of Forth for several days. However, the Scottish army was eventually defeated, and many soldiers were lost. Sir George, Sir John Brown, and other officers were taken prisoner. Sir George Buchanan died as a prisoner of war towards the end of 1651.

Sir George's Family

Sir George Buchanan married Elizabeth Preston. She was the daughter of the Laird of Craigmillar. When Sir George died, he left behind one son and three daughters:

• John Buchanan: He became the next Laird of Buchanan. He was the last Chief of Clan Buchanan. John married twice but did not have any sons. His daughter, Janet, married Henry Buchanan of Leny. After John's death, his family's lands were sold.
• Helen: She married Sir John Rollo of Bannockburn.
• Agnes: She married James Stewart of Rosyth.
• Jean: She married John Leckie.