George Munro, 1st of Newmore facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George Munro, 1st of Newmore
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Newmore Castle, Ross and Cromarty, Scotland, 2008
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| Born | 1602 |
| Died | 1693 Newmore Castle |
| Allegiance | Thirty Year's War: Sweden Irish Confederate Wars: Covenanter (in support of Roundheads) Scottish Civil War: Engagers Irish Confederate Wars (return): Royalist |
| Rank | Major-General |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Lützen Battle of Nördlingen (1634) Rebellion of Ulster Capture of Belfast Battle of Stirling (1648) Siege of Derry Siege of Coleraine |
| Relations | Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis (great-grandfather) Robert Monro (uncle) Sir Robert Munro, 3rd Baronet (older brother) |
| Other work | Member of Parliament |
Sir George Munro, 1st of Newmore (1602–1693) was a Scottish soldier and politician from the Clan Munro. He lived in the 1600s and was based at Newmore Castle in Ross-shire, Scotland. George Munro fought in several wars, starting with the Thirty Years' War for Sweden. Later, he fought in the Irish Confederate Wars and the Scottish Civil War. He changed sides during these conflicts, first supporting the Covenanters, then becoming a Royalist for King Charles I.
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Family Background
George Munro was the third son of Colonel John Munro. His grandfather was George Munro, and his great-grandfather was Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis, who was a chief of the Clan Munro. George's older brother, Sir Robert Munro, 3rd Baronet, later became the chief of the Clan Munro in 1651. Because of his family connections, George was sometimes known as George Munro of Obsdale or George Munro of Culrain.
Fighting in Europe: The Thirty Years' War
George Munro was a brave and strong person. He joined the army and went to Europe with his famous uncle, General Robert Monro. His great-uncle, chief Robert Munro, 18th Baron of Foulis, also joined them. George quickly became well-known for his skills as a soldier.
In 1629, a big war called the Thirty Years' War started between Sweden and Austria. George Munro fought for King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. He commanded a part of the Swedish army at the Battle of Lutzen in 1632. The Swedish army won this battle against their enemies.
However, after Lutzen, the officers in the Swedish army started arguing. This led to their defeat at the Battle of Nördlingen. George Munro was so upset by these disagreements that he decided to return home to Scotland.
Wars in Ireland: Irish Confederate Wars
After returning to Scotland, George Munro fought in the Irish Confederate Wars. He served under his uncle, General Robert Monro, who led the Scottish Covenanter army. From 1642 to 1646, George and his uncle were successful against their enemies, the O'Neils. They stopped a rebellion in Ulster in 1642 and captured Belfast in 1644.
In 1644, Robert Monro was called back to Scotland. George Munro, who was now in charge of the Scottish Covenanter army in Ireland, started to favor the Royalists. The Royalists supported King Charles I.
In 1646, General Robert Monro was defeated in Ireland. He was later put in prison by Oliver Cromwell. George Munro then went back to Scotland in 1648. There, King Charles I of England made him a General, and George officially became a Royalist.
Civil War in Scotland
When George Munro returned to Scotland, he brought 1200 horse soldiers and 2100 foot soldiers. He was sent to help the Royalist leader, James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Hamilton. However, the Scottish Royalists were defeated by Oliver Cromwell's forces at the Battle of Preston (1648).
Before this battle, George Munro had a disagreement with another Royalist commander, James Livingston. Because of this argument, Munro's role in the battle was limited. Munro's forces later defeated the army of the Marquess of Argyll at the Battle of Stirling (1648). Munro surprised Argyll's men and even kicked down a door himself to chase them out. Argyll lost about 200 men. After this victory, Munro wanted to keep fighting, but his advice was not followed.
Becoming a Knight
In 1649, George Munro visited King Charles II of England in Holland. The King was in exile at the time. There, George Munro was honored with knighthood. He also received new orders from the King.
Back to Ireland (Briefly)
In 1649, Sir George Munro returned to Ireland for a short time. He fought against Cromwell's army and helped with the Royalist siege of Derry. On June 7, 1649, he left Derry and successfully captured Coleraine. He then rejoined the siege of Derry. However, the siege of Derry was not successful. In April 1650, Munro had to return to Scotland because the Scottish Royalist army was defeated.
Royalist Uprising (1651-1654)
After Oliver Cromwell's forces took over Scotland, many Highlanders fought against him. A Royalist uprising began in 1651, led by the Earl of Glencairn, to support King Charles II. General John Middleton was put in charge of the Royalist forces. Munro served as an officer in General Middleton's army.
However, the Royalist groups started arguing among themselves. This even led to a duel between Munro and the Earl of Glencairn, where both were wounded. The uprising, despite some small victories, ended by the autumn of 1654.
The King Returns
In 1660, King Charles II was restored to the throne. This event is known as The Restoration. Sir George Munro commanded the King's forces between 1674 and 1677.
Serving in Parliament
In 1661, George Munro was elected to the Scottish Parliament for Ross-shire. He served there until 1663. He then represented Sutherland from 1669 to 1674. He was again elected for Ross-shire in 1685 and served until 1686. He was elected for Ross-shire one more time in 1689 and remained a Member of Parliament until he died in 1693. In 1691, even at an old age, George Munro briefly commanded a group of soldiers whose job was to keep order in the Scottish Highlands.
George Munro passed away on July 11, 1693, at Newmore Castle. His oldest son, Hugh Munro, became the next head of Newmore.
Family Life
George Munro married twice.
His first wife was his cousin, Anne Munro. She was the daughter of his uncle, Major-General Robert Monro. They had one child:
- Hugh Munro, who became the 2nd of Newmore.
In 1649, George married his second wife, Christiana Hamilton. She was the daughter of Sir Frederick Hamilton. George and Christiana had several children:
- John Munro (who died in 1682).
- George Munro, who became the 1st of Culrain. The current chiefs of the Clan Munro are descended from him.
- Ann Munro (who married Donald Mackay, and later Lauchlan Mackintosh).
- Jane Munro (who married Alexander Sinclair).
- Isobel Munro (who married Robert Gray).
- Lucy Munro (who married James Sinclair-Sutherland).
- Helen Munro (who married Angus Mackay, and later Captain Andrew Munro).
- Catherine Munro (who married George Munro).
- Florence Munro (who married Andrew Munro).
See also
