John Murray, 11th Duke of Atholl facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
The Duke of Atholl
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1997 photograph by Allan Warren
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| 11th Duke of Atholl | |
| Preceded by | The 10th Duke of Atholl |
| Succeeded by | The 12th Duke of Atholl |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
John Murray
19 January 1929 Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Died | 15 May 2012 (aged 83) South Africa |
| Spouse | Margaret Yvonne Leach |
| Children | Lady Jennifer Murray The 12th Duke of Atholl Lord Craig John Murray |
John Murray, the 11th Duke of Atholl (born January 19, 1929 – died May 15, 2012), was an important figure from South Africa. He held several special titles in Scotland, like being a hereditary peer (someone who inherits a noble title). He was also the traditional leader, or Clan Chief, of Clan Murray. Plus, he was the Colonel-in-Chief of the Atholl Highlanders, which is a unique private army. As the Duke of Atholl, he was in charge of the only legal private army in Europe! He became the 11th Duke in 1996, taking over from his distant cousin.
Contents
His Early Life
John Murray was born in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was the only child of Major George Murray and Joan Eastwood. Sadly, his father passed away while serving in the Second World War.
John's grandfather was the Reverend Douglas Stuart Murray. He was a church leader in England. Douglas Stuart Murray's grandfather was Bishop George Murray, who was also a grandson of the 3rd Duke of Atholl. This shows how John's family had a long history with the Atholl dukes.
Young John went to Michaelhouse School in South Africa from 1941 to 1946. He enjoyed sports like cricket and being outdoors. After school, he went to the University of the Witwatersrand. There, he earned a degree in engineering.
Life and Family
After finishing his degree, John Murray worked as a land surveyor. This job involves measuring and mapping land.
On December 15, 1956, he married Margaret "Peggy" Yvonne Leach in Pretoria, South Africa. Peggy was the only daughter of Ronald Leonard Leach and Faith Kleinenberg.
John and Peggy had three children:
- Lady Jennifer Murray (born 1958)
- Bruce Murray, who later became the 12th Duke of Atholl (born 1960)
- Lord Craig John Murray (born 1963)
All three of their children grew up, got married, and had their own children.
Becoming the Duke
In 1996, when John Murray was 67 years old, his distant cousin, the 10th Duke of Atholl, passed away. This meant John became the 11th Duke of Atholl.
However, something important happened just before the 10th Duke died. He decided to give Blair Castle, the family's historic home, and most of his lands to a special charitable trust. This meant that John, the new Duke, did not inherit the castle or the lands. The 10th Duke had done this because John had said he didn't want to move from South Africa to Scotland.
So, the 11th Duke inherited mainly the titles, like "Duke of Atholl." He also inherited the special right to lead a private army.
The Atholl Highlanders and Clan Murray
Even though he didn't inherit Blair Castle, the Duke of Atholl still commanded the Atholl Highlanders. This is the only legal private army in Europe! The army is based at Blair Castle, which is the traditional home of the Dukes of Atholl.
Every year, the Duke would travel from South Africa to Scotland. He would visit Blair Castle for a special event where his army, the Atholl Highlanders, would put on a display.
The Duke was also the traditional leader, or Clan Chief, of Clan Murray. This means he was seen as the head of the Murray family and its many members.
Later Life and Passing
John Murray, the 11th Duke of Atholl, continued to live in South Africa. He made annual trips to Scotland to fulfill his duties and visit the Atholl Highlanders.
He passed away on May 15, 2012, in a South African hospital. He was 83 years old. After his death, his oldest son, Bruce Murray, became the 12th Duke of Atholl.
Images for kids
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The coat of arms for the Dukes of Atholl.
