Simon Fraser of Lovat facts for kids
Simon Fraser of Lovat (born October 19, 1726 – died February 8, 1782) was a Scottish leader and soldier. He was the son of a famous Jacobite clan chief, but he chose to serve in the British army. He helped gather soldiers for battles against the French in Quebec during the Seven Years' War. He also helped during the American War of Independence. Simon was the 19th leader, or Chief, of the Clan Fraser of Lovat.
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Early Life and Family
Simon's mother was Margaret Grant. His father was Simon "the Fox" Fraser, who was the chief of the Clan Fraser. As the first boy born in his family, Simon was expected to take over as chief one day. This is why he was called the Master of Lovat.
He grew up at Castle Dounie, which was his family's old home near Beauly. He went to school in Edinburgh and then studied at St Andrew's University.
The 1745 Jacobite Uprising
Some people who knew Simon said he probably wouldn't have joined the 1745 Jacobite rebellion on his own. They said his father was very strict and had a lot of power over his children. So, because his father told him to, Simon led his clan members to support Charles Edward Stuart in December 1745.
Simon was not at the main battle of Culloden. Instead, Charles Fraser of Inverallochy led about 300 Frasers. They were at the front of the Jacobite lines. They charged and reached the British soldiers. But when they faced a second line of British troops, they lost their energy and had to retreat. Many were killed or hurt.
There are different stories about what Simon did at this time. One story says that as Jacobites ran from Culloden towards Inverness, they met Simon and his Fraser soldiers. He immediately turned his men around and marched back towards Inverness with music playing. Another story says he wanted to hold a bridge over the River Ness, but others talked him out of it. A third story says he wanted to keep fighting at Culloden Moor. But another Jacobite, Evan Baillie, stopped him at the bridge and said he should have fought earlier.
New Beginnings and Law Career
After the Battle of Culloden, Simon was on the run for several weeks. He then gave himself up to the Crown and was put in Edinburgh Castle. He was held there from November 1746 to August 1747. After that, he stayed in Glasgow and studied law at Glasgow University.
Simon received a full pardon in 1750. This meant he was forgiven for his part in the rebellion. In the same year, he became a lawyer in Scotland. He worked to show he was loyal to the government. In 1752, he helped the widow of Colin Roy Campbell in a famous case called the Appin Murder. The person accused, James Stewart, was from a local Jacobite clan. Stewart was found guilty and hanged.
In 1753, Simon wanted to become a politician for Inverness-shire. But the Duke of Argyll was worried this might restart old clan rivalries. So, he convinced Simon not to run for election.
Serving in the Military
When Britain went to war with France in North America, they needed more soldiers. The government decided to recruit soldiers from the Scottish Highlands. Simon, whose family lands had been taken away after the 1745 rebellion, quickly gathered 800 men from his family's old estate. He became a lieutenant-colonel. His regiment was first called the 78th Regiment of Foot, but soon became known as the Fraser Highlanders.
The regiment went to North America in 1757. They spent the winter in Halifax, Nova Scotia. There, Simon stopped his commanders from making his soldiers wear different clothes. The commanders thought new clothes would be better for the cold winters and hot summers. But Simon believed their traditional Highland dress helped them fight better. One officer noted that their unique clothing made them "formidable."
The Fraser Highlanders fought bravely against the French. They were part of the siege of Louisbourg in 1758, led by General Wolfe. They also fought in the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in 1759. A year later, they helped capture Montreal.
In 1762, Simon left his regiment to serve in Portugal. There, he became a major-general and commanded Portuguese soldiers against the Spanish. The next year, his regiment was disbanded in Canada, and he was put on half-pay.
When the American War of Independence started in 1775, General Fraser raised another regiment. This was the 71st Regiment of Foot, also known as the Fraser Highlanders. However, he did not go with them to North America.
Later Life and Legacy
In April 1761, the Duke of Argyll died. The next month, Simon was elected to the House of Commons for Inverness-shire without anyone running against him. This happened just one day after he returned from North America. He was re-elected three more times and stayed a representative until he died. He was often away from his political duties. For example, he visited in 1766 and was in Portugal in 1768. Some sources even say he was the British Ambassador in Lisbon in 1770.
In 1774, the Lovat family estates were given back to him. This happened ten years before other lands taken after the rebellion were returned. This showed how much the Crown valued Simon's service. Even so, he was very proud of his Scottish heritage. In 1778, he helped start and became the first president of the Highland Society of London. This group wanted to "promote the Interests of the Highlands." Their goals included allowing Highland dress to be worn again, promoting the Gaelic language and music, starting schools, helping Highlanders in need, and keeping the "Martial Spirit" of the Highland soldiers alive. His half-brother Archibald joined the Society the same year.
Simon Fraser married Catherine Bristow, but they did not have any children. He died in London in 1782 when he was 56 years old. He was respected in society, though he did have some debts. His half-brother, Archibald Campbell Fraser of Lovat, became the 20th Chief of Clan Fraser after him.
Simon Fraser in Stories
Simon Fraser appears in two fictional stories, but not always in a good way. He is a character in the novel Catriona, written in 1893 by Robert Louis Stevenson. This book is about events related to the Appin Murder.
He and his father, Simon "The Old Fox," also appear in Diana Gabaldon's 1992 novel Dragonfly in Amber. This is the second book in her Outlander series. In the book, "The Old Fox" is the grandfather of Jamie Fraser, and Simon is Jamie's half-uncle. He is shown as a young man who can't make up his mind and is easily tricked. James Parris plays Simon Fraser in Season 2 of the TV show Outlander.
About Simon Fraser's Picture
The picture of Fraser at the top of this page might actually be of his half-brother, Archibald. You can find more information about this on Archibald's Wikipedia page.
