James Douglas, Earl of Angus facts for kids
James Douglas, Earl of Angus (born 1671 – died August 3, 1692) was a Scottish nobleman and soldier. He was born at Douglas Castle in Douglas, South Lanarkshire. His father was James Douglas, 2nd Marquess of Douglas. His mother was Lady Barbara Erskine, the eldest daughter of John Erskine, 20th Earl of Mar.
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Early Life and Education
Young James Douglas was sent to England for his education. He had a private tutor named Master Abernethy. His family's money situation caught the attention of King Charles II. The King was very interested in James's education. This was because James came from the very old and loyal Douglas family. King Charles II wanted to make sure James learned good principles. He even gave James £200 a year for his schooling. King James VII, Charles's brother, continued this financial support. James Douglas often visited the King's court.
Joining the Revolution
Even though James spent time at court, his family's lands were in a strong presbyterian area of Scotland. The people living there did not like King James, who was Catholic. By 1688, James Douglas was back in Scotland. He decided to support William of Orange. He began gathering men from his father's lands in Douglasdale. His goal was to create a new army regiment.
Forming a New Regiment
In 1689, James became the Colonel of this new group. It was called the Earl of Angus' Regiment. On May 14, 1689, he showed off his men. They paraded on the marquess' Holm, near the Douglas Water. This new regiment later became known as the 26th (The Cameronian) Regiment of Foot. From 1881, it was called the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles). The regiment was officially ended in 1968.
Fighting in the Netherlands
In 1689, the Earl of Angus' Regiment was sent to fight. They went to stop the Jacobite uprising in the Highlands. They defended the town of Dunkeld in a battle. James Douglas was not at this battle. His father thought he was too young. So, he sent James back to London to finish his studies.
Seeking a New Path
James did not want to stay in London. He wanted to find a wealthy wife to help his family's money problems. In a letter from December 1689, he wrote about going abroad to find such a match. His father agreed, still worried about James's safety in Scotland. James got permission from the King. He traveled to the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands.
Returning to Battle
Soon, James heard whispers that a Colonel should not be away from his regiment during wartime. His regiment was fighting for King William against Louis XIV of France. By 1692, James was eager to prove himself. He wrote to his father, asking to return to his men or go back to Scotland. James Douglas, Earl of Angus, took command of his regiment. He died leading his men in the Battle of Steenkerque on August 3, 1692.
Remembering James Douglas
A statue of the Earl of Angus stands in Douglas village. It is on the Marquess' Holm. The statue was put up in 1888. This marked 200 years since the regiment was formed. The statue shows young Angus pointing towards the hills. This is where he found many loyal men for his army. In 1992, the Cameronian Trust gave the statue to the National Trust for Scotland.
Images for kids
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Statue of James Douglas, Earl of Angus, Cameronian Memorial at Douglas
