George Porter (conspirator) facts for kids

George Porter (born around 1659 – died in 1728) was an English soldier who became involved in secret plans to support King James II.

Early Life and Jacobite Connections

George Porter was the son of a writer named Thomas Porter. People at the time described him as a Roman Catholic and someone who enjoyed social gatherings. He was often found in taverns where supporters of King James II, known as Jacobites, would meet.

In 1688, George Porter served as a captain in a cavalry regiment led by Colonel Henry Slingsby. Later, in May 1692, he was named in an official announcement as a strong Jacobite supporter. Even so, he soon felt safe enough to return to his usual places. In June 1695, he was briefly held for showing his support for King James in a public place.

Involvement in Secret Plans

After Queen Mary passed away, Porter became more involved with a group of Jacobites. This group included people like Sir George Barclay and Robert Charnock. They were part of a secret plan to bring King James II back to the throne.

The 1696 Plot

In December 1695, Charnock told Porter about a plan to take control of King William III. Porter brought his servant, Keyes, into the plan. Keyes helped organize the details. The idea was to surprise King William in his coach in a muddy lane near Chiswick and Turnham Green. Porter was chosen to be one of the three leaders of the group that would confront the King's guards.

The Plot is Discovered

On February 21, 1696, the day before the plan was to happen, the plotters met at the place Porter shared with Charnock. However, the secret plan had been revealed to the authorities. Porter and Keyes were chased and caught in Leatherhead.

Luckily for Porter, an informer named Sir Thomas Prendergast, 1st Baronet owed him a favor. Prendergast made sure that Porter's life would be spared. In return, Porter agreed to tell the authorities everything he knew. He received a pardon and some money on August 1, 1696.

Porter's Testimony

Porter's statements helped convict several other plotters. These included Charnock, King, Friend, Parkyns, Rookwood, Cranbourne, and Lowicke. Sadly, Porter also gave evidence against his own servant, Keyes, whom he had brought into the plot.

Later Events

In November 1696, Sir John Fenwick, 3rd Baronet was worried about how much Porter knew about this and earlier plots. Fenwick tried hard to get Porter to leave the country. He promised Porter money, a regular payment, and a pardon from King James II if Porter would go to France right away.

These discussions happened through a barber named Clancy. Porter, however, told the authorities at Whitehall about this new plan. On the day he was supposed to leave for France, Porter met Clancy as arranged. At a signal, Clancy was arrested and later punished. Later that month, Porter gave evidence against Fenwick.

It is believed that Porter retired at the end of that year, likely with a good amount of money.