James Drummond, 4th Earl of Perth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Earl of Perth
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| Lord Chancellor of Scotland | |
| In office 1684–1688 |
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| Monarch | James VII |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Aberdeen |
| Succeeded by | The Earl of Tweeddale |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1648 Kingdom of Scotland |
| Died | 11 May 1716 (aged 68) St Germain, Kingdom of France |
| Spouses | Lady Jane Douglas Lilias Drummond Lady Mary Gordon |
| Children | James Drummond, 2nd Duke of Perth Mary Drummond |
| Parents | James Drummond, 3rd Earl of Perth Lady Anne Gordon |
| Alma mater | University of St Andrews |
| Signature | .png) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | House of Stuart |
| Battles/wars | Glorious Revolution |
James Drummond, 4th Earl of Perth (1648 – 11 May 1716) was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He was also known as a KT and a member of the PC.
Contents
Early Life and Family
James Drummond was the oldest son of James Drummond, 3rd Earl of Perth. His mother was Lady Anne, whose father was George Gordon, 2nd Marquess of Huntly. James studied at the University of St Andrews. He became the Earl of Perth on 2 June 1675, after his father passed away.
Political Career in Scotland
In 1678, James Drummond became a member of the Scottish Privy Council. This was a group of advisors to the King in Scotland. He first supported Lord Lauderdale's plans to deal with rebellious areas in Scotland. Later, he joined a group that opposed Lauderdale.
After Lauderdale retired in 1680, James was part of a special "Committee of Seven." This group was in charge of managing Scottish affairs. In 1682, he was made Lord Justice General, which meant he was a top judge. He also became an Extraordinary Lord of Session in November of that year. From 1684 to 1688, he served as the Lord Chancellor of Scotland. This was a very powerful position, similar to a prime minister.
Connection to New Jersey
James Drummond was also involved in the settlement of East New Jersey in America. In 1681, he partnered with William Penn, who founded Pennsylvania. James was one of 24 owners of a large area that is now part of New Jersey.
In 1684, he helped fund a trip to start a new settlement there. The city of Perth Amboy in New Jersey is named after him. This city is on the waterfront, facing Staten Island, New York. A statue of Lord Perth stands in front of the City Hall there. The name "Amboy" comes from a local Native American word meaning "the point."
Religious Beliefs and Challenges
In 1685, the 4th Earl of Perth became a Roman Catholic. His brother, the 1st Earl of Melfort, also converted. This made King James II (who was also Catholic) very happy with them.
In 1686, James and his brother opened a Catholic chapel in Edinburgh. When they attended publicly, it caused a riot. They told King James II that the Scottish Parliament would agree to remove laws against Catholics. However, this turned out not to be true. Even so, on 29 May 1687, James was made a Knight of the Thistle. This was a very special honor.
When King James II left England during the Glorious Revolution, people in Edinburgh became upset. James Drummond left Edinburgh on 8 December and went to his home, Drummond Castle. But he didn't feel safe there. He tried to escape to France by boat. However, he was recognized and caught by watermen from Kirkcaldy. He was taken to prison in Kirkcaldy, then to Stirling Castle. He was finally released on 4 August 1693. He had to promise to leave the kingdom and pay a large fine of £5000 if he returned.
Life in Exile at St. Germain
After leaving Scotland, James Drummond joined the exiled King James II at St Germain in France. On 19 August 1696, King James II appointed him as Governor to the young Prince of Wales.
Later, before 17 October 1701, King James III and VIII (the Prince of Wales) gave him new titles. He was made Duke of Perth, Marquess of Drummond, Earl of Stobhall, Viscount Cargill, and Baron Concraig. These titles were part of the Jacobite peerage, which meant they were recognized by the exiled King, but not by the British government. In 1701, King Louis XIV of France recognized him as a Duke in France.
On 14 February 1703, he became a Gentleman of the Bedchamber. This was an important role in the royal household. On 21 June 1706, he was made a Knight of the Garter, another very high honor. He also served as Chamberlain to Queen Mary of Modena, who was King James II's wife. He is also said to have been made a Knight of the Golden Fleece by the King of Spain.
While King James was in exile, the Duke of Perth acted as his ambassador to Rome. After the King's death, James Drummond built a monument for him in Paris.
Marriage and Death
The Duke of Perth was married three times:
- His first marriage was on 18 January 1670, to Lady Jane Douglas. She was the daughter of William Douglas, 1st Marquess of Douglas. Their daughter, Lady Mary Drummond, married William Keith, 9th Earl Marischal.
- His second wife was Lilias Drummond, who passed away around 1685.
- His third wife was Lady Mary Gordon (1646–1726). She was a Lady of the Bedchamber to Queen Mary of Modena. Her heart was buried with her husband.
James Drummond died at St Germain in France on 11 May 1716, at the age of 68. He was buried in the Scots Chapel in Paris. His son from his first marriage, James Drummond, 2nd Duke of Perth, took over his titles.
Images for kids
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Signature of James Drummond, 4th Earl of Perth
