James Graham, 3rd Duke of Montrose facts for kids
James Graham, the 3rd Duke of Montrose, was an important Scottish nobleman and politician. He was born on September 8, 1755, and passed away on December 30, 1836. Before he became Duke, people called him the Marquess of Graham until 1790. He held many significant roles in the British government.
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Montrose
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| President of the Board of Trade | |
| In office 7 June 1804 – 5 February 1806 |
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| Monarch | George III |
| Prime Minister | William Pitt the Younger |
| Preceded by | The Earl of Liverpool |
| Succeeded by | The Lord Auckland |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 8 September 1755 |
| Died | 30 December 1836 (aged 81) |
| Nationality | British |
| Spouses |
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| Children | 6, including Georgiana, Lucy, and James |
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Contents
Who Was James Graham?
James Graham was the son of William Graham, who was the 2nd Duke of Montrose. His mother was Lady Lucy Manners. Her father was John Manners, the 2nd Duke of Rutland.
A Life in Politics
James Graham started his political career as a Member of Parliament. He represented Richmond from 1780. Later, he represented Great Bedwyn from 1784 until 1790. In 1790, he became the Duke of Montrose after his father passed away.
He helped to repeal the Dress Act in 1782. This law had made it illegal to wear tartans in Scotland. Thanks to him, Scottish people could wear their traditional clothing again.
Important Government Roles
James Graham held many important jobs in the government. From 1783 to 1789, he was a Lord of the Treasury. This role involved managing the country's money. He also served as a Paymaster of the Forces from 1789 to 1791. This meant he handled payments for the army.
In 1789, he became a Privy Counsellor. This is a group of advisors to the King. He was also the Vice-President of the Board of Trade. This board helped manage trade and business for the country.
He was Master of the Horse twice, from 1790 to 1795 and again from 1807 to 1821. This role involved overseeing the royal stables. He was also a Commissioner for India from 1791 to 1803.
From 1795 until his death, he was the Lord Justice General of Scotland. This was a very high legal position. He also served as President of the Board of Trade from 1804 to 1806. Later, he was Lord Chamberlain from 1821 to 1827 and from 1828 to 1830. This role managed the royal household.
Other Important Positions
James Graham received special honors for his service. He was made a Knight of the Thistle in 1793. This is a high honor in Scotland. In 1812, he became a Knight of the Garter, which is England's highest honor. He gave up his Knight of the Thistle title to accept this new one.
He was also the Chancellor of the University of Glasgow for many years, from 1780 to 1836. He served as Lord Lieutenant for several areas. These included Huntingdonshire, Stirlingshire, and Dumbartonshire. A Lord Lieutenant is the King's personal representative in a county.
Family Life
James Graham, the Duke of Montrose, was married two times. His first wife was Lady Jemima Ashburnham. They married in 1785. Sadly, she passed away in September 1786 at the age of 24. Their only son also died as a baby.
After her death, he married Lady Caroline Montagu on July 24, 1790. She was the daughter of the 4th Duke of Manchester. James and Caroline had seven children together.
Their Children
- Lady Georgiana-Charlotte was born in 1791. She married George Finch-Hatton, who became the 10th Earl of Winchilsea.
- Lady Caroline was born in September 1792.
- Lady Lucy was born in October 1793. She married Edward Herbert, Viscount Clive. He later became the 2nd Earl of Powis.
- James Graham, who became the 4th Duke of Montrose, was born on July 16, 1799.
- Lady Martha died when she was a baby.
- Lady Emily was born in 1805. She married Edward Thomas Foley.
- Montagu-William was born in February 1807.
James Graham, the 3rd Duke of Montrose, passed away in December 1836. He was 81 years old. His son, James, became the next Duke. The Duchess of Montrose, Lady Caroline, passed away in March 1847. She was 76 years old.
