James Holborne of Menstrie facts for kids

Sir James Holborne of Menstrie was a Scottish soldier. He lived a long time ago, during the time of the English Civil War. This was a big fight in England. James Holborne became a high-ranking officer, a Major General. He first fought for the Parliamentarians. These were people who supported the English Parliament. He fought in battles like Newbury and Taunton. Later, he joined the Scottish Army. He then fought against Oliver Cromwell, another famous leader. James Holborne lived in Menstrie Castle in Scotland. He bought this castle in 1649.

James Holborne's Role in the Civil War

James Holborne was an important leader in the Parliamentarian army. He led a group of soldiers called a brigade. This was at the first Battle of Newbury in 1643. He also fought with Sir William Waller's army. This was at the Battle of Cropredy Bridge in June 1644.

In January 1645, Colonel Holborne captured Sydenham House. This was a large house near Tavistock. It was being used by the King's soldiers. Later that year, Holborne was offered a job in the New Model Army. This was a new, strong army. But he said no, like many other Scottish officers.

By 1645, Holborne was a Major General. He was chosen to talk with Oliver Cromwell. Cromwell's army was near Berwick at that time. On October 4, 1648, Cromwell visited Edinburgh. Major General Holborne helped lead him into the city. Cromwell stayed at the Earl of Moray's house.

Fighting Against Cromwell

In the autumn of 1650, James Holborne was fighting against Cromwell. This was at the Battle of Dunbar. After Cromwell won that battle, King Charles II was crowned in Scotland. He took charge of the Scottish army. King Charles II managed to stop Cromwell for a month.

Cromwell tried to get around the Scottish army. He sent soldiers into Fife. To stop this, King Charles sent a group of soldiers. This group included James Holborne. They had many horse riders and foot soldiers. On July 20, a battle happened at Inverkeithing.

In this battle, Holborne seemed unsure. He ran away with his horse riders early in the fight. Other Scottish leaders fought bravely. But they were defeated. Many soldiers were killed.

A Surprising Dinner Party

Major General Holborne later went to Ardvreck Castle. He was there to escort James Graham, Marquis of Montrose. Montrose was a prisoner. He was being taken to Edinburgh to face trial. This was in May 1650.

On May 6, Major General Holborne stayed at Skibo Castle. This was the home of Lady Gray. Lady Gray was loyal to the King. She wanted Montrose to sit next to her at dinner. But Major General Holborne wanted things to be very military-like. He made Montrose sit between him and another officer.

Lady Gray became very angry. She grabbed a leg of roasted mutton. She hit the Major General on the head with it! He fell off his seat. The other officers were worried. They thought someone was trying to rescue Montrose.

Lady Gray quickly reminded them they were her guests. She said gentlemen should respect her wishes. Order was restored. The mutton was put back on the table. Everyone then treated Montrose with great respect.

The next day, Montrose was taken across the Dornoch Firth. He was then led down the east coast of Scotland. He was going to Edinburgh. There, he was sentenced to a very harsh punishment.

Holborne's Family

James Holborne married Helen Millar in 1680. This was in Muthill, Perthshire, Scotland. He later married Margaret Gordon in 1682. This second marriage was in Monimail, Fife.

Holborne's son was also named James. He became a lawyer in 1714. He also worked in the government. This James married Janet Inglis. He later married Jean Spital. His son, another James, became a baronet in 1706. A baronet is a special title.

Many of Major General Holborne's family members became famous. They include Sir Alexander Holburn, 3rd Baronet and Admiral Sir Francis Holburne. Another descendant was Thomas William Holborne. He started the Holburne Museum of Art in Bath. Many of these family members served in the Royal Navy.

Major General Holborne was also related to Sir Robert Holborne. Robert Holborne was a lawyer for King James I.

See also

• Menstrie Castle
• Holburn Baronets