Laurence Oliphant (Jacobite) facts for kids
Laurence Oliphant (1691–1767) was a Scottish army officer. He came from a family branch living in a place called Findo Gask in Perthshire, Scotland. He was a Jacobite, meaning he supported the Stuart family's claim to the British throne.
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Who Was Laurence Oliphant?
Laurence Oliphant was known as the Laird of Gask. This title meant he was the owner of the Gask estate. He was deeply involved in the Jacobite cause. This was a movement to bring the Stuart royal family back to power.
Taking Part in Rebellions
Laurence Oliphant took part in two major Scottish uprisings. These were attempts to restore the Stuart kings.
The 1715 Uprising
Laurence Oliphant first joined the Jacobite rising of 1715. This was an early attempt by Jacobites to change the ruler of Britain. He was a young man at the time.
The 1745 Uprising
Both Laurence Oliphant and his son, also named Laurence, were active in the Jacobite rising of 1745. This was the last major Jacobite rebellion. During this time, Oliphant senior served as the Governor of Perth. This was when the Jacobite army marched towards Derby in England. Both father and son fought in important battles. They were present at the Battle of Falkirk and the Battle of Culloden. Culloden was the final, crushing defeat for the Jacobites.
Life After the Rebellions
After the Jacobite defeat at Culloden, Laurence Oliphant and his son faced danger. They had to hide from the government forces.
Hiding and Escape
The Laird of Gask and his son were among the Jacobites who gathered at Ruthven Barracks. This was after their loss at Culloden. When the remaining Jacobite army broke up, they went into hiding. They stayed hidden in the Angus Glens for about seven months. Then, they managed to get on a ship from Arbroath. They sailed to Amsterdam and then continued to Sweden.
Life in Exile
From Sweden, the Oliphants traveled to France. They mostly lived in a town called Corbeil, near Versailles. On July 14, 1760, Laurence Oliphant was given a special title. He was made Lord Oliphant in the Jacobite peerage. This was a noble title given by the exiled Stuart king.
Return to Scotland
Laurence Oliphant finally returned to Scotland in 1763. He spent the last years of his life peacefully. He lived on his Gask estate until he passed away in 1767.
Family and Descendants
In 1723, Laurence Oliphant married Amelia Murray (1698 - 1774). She was the daughter of William Murray, 2nd Lord Nairne. His family line includes some notable people. One descendant was Carolina, Baroness Nairne, a famous Scottish songwriter. From his sister Lilias, who married Laurence Oliphant of Condie, came other well-known relatives. These include Laurence Oliphant, who was an author, Member of Parliament, and diplomat. Another was Thomas Oliphant, a musician and the author of the words to "Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly."
