James Murray, Lord Philiphaugh facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Right Honourable Lord Philiphaugh PC
Lord Clerk Register
In office November 1702 – June 1704
Preceded by	The Earl of Selkirk
Succeeded by	James Johnston
Lord Clerk Register
In office April 1705 – July 1708
Preceded by	James Johnston
Succeeded by	The Earl of Glasgow
Personal details
Born	(1655-07-11)11 July 1655 Eddleston, Peeblesshire
Died	1 July 1708(1708-07-01) (aged 52) Inch, Wigtownshire
Spouses	Anne Hepburn (m. 1678) Margaret Don (m. 1681)
Children	8, including John

Sir James Murray, Lord Philiphaugh (born July 11, 1655 – died July 1, 1708) was an important Scottish judge and politician. He held a key role called Lord Clerk Register twice. This job involved keeping important government records and managing the Scottish Parliament. He served from November 1702 to June 1704, and again from April 1705 until he passed away in July 1708.

Sir James Murray was a trusted advisor to James Douglas, 2nd Duke of Queensberry, a powerful leader. Together, they worked to pass the 1707 Union with England Act. This act joined the kingdoms of Scotland and England into Great Britain.

Early Life and Career

James Murray was born on July 11, 1655, in Eddleston, a place in Peeblesshire, Scotland. His father, Sir John Murray of Philiphaugh, was also a politician. He represented the Selkirkshire area in the Parliament of Scotland.

James studied at the University of Edinburgh and finished his degree in 1674. After his father died in 1675, James became a member of the Scottish Parliament himself. He represented Selkirkshire from 1681 to 1682. He also served as a "commissioner for supply" several times, helping to manage resources.

In 1675, Murray became the Sheriff of Selkirk. This job was like a local law enforcement leader. However, he had a disagreement with an army officer in 1680. The Privy Council of Scotland (a group of royal advisors) decided to remove him from his sheriff role in October 1681. They said he had not done enough to stop certain illegal religious meetings.

Challenges and Comeback

In September 1684, Murray was arrested. This happened after a secret plan, called the Rye House Plot, was discovered. This plot aimed to harm King Charles II and his brother, James, Duke of York. Murray confessed his involvement to the Privy Council. He was released in October 1684 and given a royal pardon. This was on the condition that he would speak against others involved in the plot.

Murray did testify against many people. Some of them had already left Scotland. His testimony was used in trials, and it led to some people being punished. Because of this, some people in Scotland did not like Murray.

However, after the Glorious Revolution in 1688, things changed for Murray. This revolution saw William of Orange take the English throne. Murray's career began to improve. In November 1689, he was appointed as a judge, known as an "ordinary lord of session." He was given the title "Lord Philiphaugh."

During this time, Murray became a close advisor to James Douglas, 2nd Duke of Queensberry. In May 1696, Murray joined the Scottish Privy Council. He also became a "lord of the exchequer," dealing with government money.

In 1702, after Queen Anne became queen, Murray was appointed Lord Clerk Register. This was a very important position. Murray continued to advise Queensberry. For example, in 1700, he encouraged Queensberry to make some changes to help Scotland after the failure of the Darien scheme. This was a big trading project that had lost a lot of money for Scotland.

Later Life and the Union

The 2nd Duke of Queensberry, who Murray advised.

In June 1704, Murray temporarily lost his job as Lord Clerk Register. This was due to a political issue called the "Scotch plot." This plot was an attempt by the Duke of Queensberry to cause trouble for his political rivals. Murray was replaced by James Johnston.

But Murray soon returned to power. On April 7, 1705, he became Lord Clerk Register again. He then played a big part in helping Queensberry pass the 1707 Union with England Act. This act officially joined Scotland and England into one country, Great Britain. This was a very important moment in history.

Murray also gave Queensberry advice on other matters. For instance, in 1707, he advised against a law that would have forced people to reject the "Old Pretender" (a claimant to the throne). Murray warned that this might make England less interested in the Union. His advice was followed.

Sir James Murray died on July 1, 1708, while staying in Inch, Wigtownshire. He was a wealthy man, owning land in Kershope Burn and Philiphaugh. His estates were passed down to his first son, John. Like many important Scots, Murray had also invested in the Company of Scotland. This company was involved in the failed Darien scheme. After Murray's death, David Boyle, 1st Earl of Glasgow took over as Lord Clerk Register.

Family and Legacy

Early in his career, Murray was part of a group of politicians called "the Club." They met in an Edinburgh tavern to discuss political ideas. This group helped make the Scottish Parliament more important in the eyes of the public.

A Scottish writer named John Macky described Murray as having "fair complexion, fat, middle-sized" and being "a great countryman." He was also known for his ability to restart his political career successfully.

Murray married twice. His first wife was Anne Hepburn, whom he married in 1678. Three years later, in 1681, he married Margaret Don. He had eight children with Margaret: three sons and five daughters.

His first son, John, also became a politician and a legal official. John represented areas like Lanark Burghs and Selkirkshire in the Parliament of Great Britain. He also became the Sheriff of Selkirk after his father. John Murray died in 1753.

Sir James Murray was well-known enough to be mentioned in Scottish folk music. A traditional song called The Outlaw Murray refers to him being a judge. This suggests the song was written between 1689 and 1702.