Sir James Montgomery, 4th Baronet facts for kids

Sir James Montgomery, 4th Baronet (who also used the spelling Montgomerie), was an important Scottish politician. He was the tenth laird, or lord, of Skelmorlie Castle. Sir James is best known for something called the Montgomery Plot. This was a secret plan by a group called the Jacobites to bring back King James VII and II to the thrones of Scotland and England.

Early Life and Family

James Montgomery was the oldest son of Sir Robert Montgomery, 3rd Baronet. His mother was Anna, or Antonia, who was the daughter of Sir John Scott. When his father passed away in 1684, James became the new head of the family in 1685.

In 1684, his mother asked him to help support her and her other children. James said he had already given more than he legally had to, just to keep the peace. In the same year, James was put in prison and fined. This was because he had helped covenanters, who were religious groups that went against the government's church rules at the time. In 1685, he and his mother were questioned about secret religious meetings that had happened when his father was alive. Both of them said they were not responsible for these meetings.

The 1688 Revolution

James Montgomery traveled to Holland during a time of big change in Britain. This was when William of Orange was invited to come to England to support Protestantism. Some people, like Colin Lindsay, the Earl of Balcarres, didn't think Montgomery had much influence.

In 1689, Montgomery was chosen to represent the county of Ayr in a special meeting called the Convention of the Estates of Scotland. Here, he spoke strongly in favor of a decision that said King James had lost his right to the throne. After this decision was made, Montgomery was one of three people chosen to offer the Scottish crown to William III and Mary II.

After this meeting became a formal parliament, he continued to serve for Ayrshire. However, he had to step down in 1693 because he didn't sign a pledge of loyalty to King William III. Montgomery really wanted to become the Secretary of State for Scotland. He felt this important job was what he deserved for his efforts. But when George Melville, 1st Earl of Melville got the job instead, Montgomery was very upset. Even though he was offered another important role, lord justice clerk, he felt insulted. Because of this, he decided to get revenge. He started a political group called The Club, which aimed to work against the government.

The Montgomery Plot Uncovered

In parliament, James Montgomery was a strong leader against Sir John Dalrymple. According to Balcarres, they often argued fiercely. When the parliament session was ending, Montgomery went to London with his close friends, the Earl of Annandale and Lord Ross. They wanted to tell the king about Scotland's complaints, but the king refused to listen.

After this, Montgomery started talking with a Jacobite agent named Henry Nevil Payne. Together, they planned a secret scheme to bring King James back to power. This plan became known as the Montgomery Plot. Some believed that both Montgomery and Payne were trying to trick each other.

Montgomery's alliance with the Jacobites actually made things harder for him in parliament. As his influence started to fade, the Jacobites turned against him. They had a disagreement, and soon after, Lord Ross confessed his part in the plot to a minister. The minister then told Melville. When Montgomery found out, he went to Melville and confessed everything he knew, after being promised he wouldn't have to be a legal witness.

Melville sent Montgomery to Queen Mary with a good recommendation. Montgomery asked her for "some place which might enable him to subsist with decency," meaning a job that would allow him to live comfortably. Queen Mary wrote to King William on his behalf. However, the king strongly disliked Montgomery and refused to use his services.

According to Gilbert Burnet, Montgomery's skill in managing the plot and his strength in not revealing his friends made him seem more important, even though it ruined his own future. After hiding in London for a while, he went to Paris, where the Jacobites welcomed him. Later, he returned to London. On January 11, 1694, he was arrested for writing strong papers against the government. But on January 18, he escaped from where he was being held. The two guards watching him even left their weapons and went with him. He fled to Europe, reaching Paris by February 15. He passed away in St. Germains before October 6, 1694. He had two sons, Robert and William, with Lady Margaret Johnstone.

Writings and Legacy

James Montgomery wrote a paper called "The People of England's Grievances to be enquired into and redressed by their Representatives in Parliament." This was later reprinted in a collection by Somers. Other political writings are sometimes said to be his, but some were also claimed by Robert Ferguson. It's possible they wrote some things together. There is also an engraved picture of Montgomery wearing armor.