James Maule, 4th Earl of Panmure facts for kids

James Maule (born around 1658 – died April 11, 1723) was an important Scottish nobleman. He was known as the 4th Earl of Panmure.

Early Life and Family

James Maule was born in Monifieth, Scotland, around 1658. He lived at a place called Ballumbie. In 1686, he became the 4th Earl of Panmure after his brother, George Maule, passed away.

James Maule married Margaret, who was the daughter of William Douglas, Duke of Hamilton. He was also involved in building projects. He asked a person named Alexander Edward to rebuild Brechin Castle. This work happened between about 1696 and 1709. James Maule also made the family home, Panmure House, bigger.

Supporting King James VII

Lord Panmure was a special advisor, called a Privy Councillor, to King James VII. King James ruled from 1685 to 1688. Even though James was a Catholic and Panmure was a Protestant, Panmure continued to support King James. This was even after James was forced to leave the throne in 1688. This event is known as the Glorious Revolution.

The Jacobite Cause

James Maule was an early supporter of the Jacobite cause. This was a movement that wanted to bring King James and his family back to the thrones of England and Scotland.

In 1707, he signed a letter that suggested people in the country would rise up to support King James. This was to encourage James to return.

The 1715 Uprising

In 1715, from the Mercat Cross in Brechin, Lord Panmure made an important announcement. He declared James Francis Edward Stuart as King James VIII. This James was the son of King James VII and was often called the "Old Pretender."

Lord Panmure then went on to fight in a battle called the Battle of Sheriffmuir. This battle happened in November of the same year. He was captured during the battle but managed to escape. His younger brother, Henry, helped him. They escaped through Arbroath and went to Europe the next year.

Exile and Later Life

Because of his actions, Lord Panmure lost his title as Earl of Panmure and all his family's lands. This is called forfeiture. Even though he lost everything, the "Old Pretender" honored him. Lord Panmure followed the Old Pretender to Avignon in 1716 and then to Rome in 1717.

James Maule died in Paris on April 11, 1723. He was still living in exile, meaning he could not return home. He had twice been offered a chance to make peace with the British government, but he refused. He died from a lung illness called pleurisy.

James Maule is also mentioned in a famous poem by Robert Burns. The poem is called "The Battle of Sherramuir."