George Kelly (Jacobite) facts for kids

George Kelly (born around 1680 – died October 1762) was an Irish church leader and a supporter of the Jacobite cause. The Jacobites wanted to bring the Stuart family back to the throne of Great Britain. Kelly was a close friend of Charles Edward Stuart, often called Bonnie Prince Charlie. He is famous for being one of the Seven Men of Moidart. These seven men traveled with Prince Charles to Scotland in July 1745 to start a rebellion.

Early Life and Studies

George Kelly was born in County Roscommon, Ireland. His family had long supported the Stuart royal family. For example, his cousin, Captain Dennis Kelly, was a Jacobite who fought in the Williamite War in Ireland.

George Kelly went to Trinity College Dublin in 1702 and finished his studies in 1706. He then became a deacon in the Church of Ireland. However, he was a "nonjuring" priest. This meant he refused to swear loyalty to the new king, instead supporting the exiled Stuart claimant, James Francis Edward Stuart. In 1718, Kelly gave a sermon showing his support for James. Because of this, he was removed from his job. He then moved to Paris. There, he was briefly involved with a large French trading company called the Mississippi Company.

Working for the Jacobites

In 1721, Kelly returned to London. He became a chaplain to Francis Atterbury, a bishop who also supported the Jacobite cause. Using the secret name 'James Johnson', Kelly became a messenger. He carried messages between Bishop Atterbury and the Stuart royal family in exile.

The Atterbury Plot and Imprisonment

Kelly was deeply involved in a plan called the Atterbury Plot. This was a secret attempt to bring the Stuarts back to power. When the plot failed in 1722, British authorities arrested Kelly. He spent the next fourteen years as a prisoner in the Tower of London. While in prison, he translated some books. These included Memoirs of the English Affairs (1724) and History of Cicero's Banishment (1725).

Escape and New Role

On October 26, 1736, Kelly escaped from the Tower of London. Some Jacobite supporters, like Fr Myles McDonnell, helped him. He then traveled to Avignon, a city in France. In Avignon, he became friends with James Butler, 2nd Duke of Ormonde. Kelly served as the Duke's chaplain and secretary.

By 1743, Kelly had become a close helper of Prince Charles. The Prince made Kelly his representative at the French royal court in Versailles. At Versailles, Kelly had disagreements with other Jacobite agents, Francis Sempill and Daniel O'Brien. These agents had been chosen by Prince Charles's father, James. Because of these arguments, James began to distrust Kelly. However, Prince Charles kept Kelly in his service. He put Kelly in charge of the Jacobites' efforts to spread their message and gain support.

The 1745 Rising

George Kelly was with Prince Charles when he sailed to Scotland on July 5, 1745. The Prince's group arrived at Eriskay on July 23, 1745. They then landed on the mainland at Loch nan Uamh. This marked the start of the Jacobite rising of 1745.

After the Jacobites won the Battle of Prestonpans in September, Prince Charles sent Kelly back to France. Kelly's job was to share the news of their success. He hoped to get more support for the rebellion. Kelly is believed to have helped secure the Treaty of Fontainebleau. This treaty brought more support, even though his rival, O'Brien, signed it. On October 10, Prince Charles issued the Jacobite manifesto from Holyrood Palace. This important document had been written by Kelly.

Later Life

The Jacobites were defeated at the Battle of Culloden in April 1746. Prince Charles then escaped from Scotland. Kelly remained as his secretary. This was despite James, Prince Charles's father, still thinking Kelly was a bad influence. James even suspected Kelly might be a British government agent.

Kelly was removed from his secretary position in 1749. However, he was still a companion to Prince Charles in the 1750s. He then became less well-known. He briefly reappeared in 1760. At this time, he caused trouble between Prince Charles and his lover, Clementina Walkinshaw. The exact date of George Kelly's death is not known, but he died in October 1762.

George Kelly was played by Harry Schofield in the 1948 film Bonnie Prince Charlie.