Sir John Maclean, 4th Baronet facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sir John Maclean, 4th Baronet
20th Clan Chief 16th Laird of Duart 4th Baronet
In office 1674–1716
Preceded by	Sir Allan Maclean, 3rd Baronet, father
Succeeded by	Sir Hector Maclean, 5th Baronet, son
Personal details
Born	John Maclean 1670
Died	March 1716 (age 46)
Children	Sir Hector Maclean, 5th Baronet, Katherine Maclean
Parent	Sir Allan Maclean, 3rd Baronet
Residence	Castle Duart until 1691

Sir John Maclean, 4th Baronet (1670–1716) was an important leader of Clan Maclean. He was the 20th Clan Chief, leading his family from 1674 until 1716. He was also the 16th and last Laird of Duart. In 1691, he lost Castle Duart to Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of Argyll. The Maclean family did not get their castle back until 1912. It was bought by Fitzroy Donald Maclean, 221 years later.

Early Life and Leadership

John Maclean was born in 1670. He became the leader, or "chief," of his clan when he was only four years old. This happened after his father, Sir Allan Maclean, 3rd Baronet, passed away in 1674. Because John was so young, two other clan leaders, Lauchlan Maclean, 2nd Laird of Brolas and Lachlan Maclean, 3rd Laird of Torloisk, helped guide him. They acted as his legal guardians.

Losing Castle Duart

In 1691, Castle Duart was attacked by Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of Argyll. This was a "siege," meaning the castle was surrounded and cut off. Sir John Maclean and his people were forced to give up the castle. This was a big loss for the Maclean clan.

Fighting for the Jacobites

Sir John Maclean was a supporter of the "Jacobites." These were people who wanted to bring back the old royal family to the throne of Britain. He led a part of the Jacobite army in the Battle of Killiecrankie. He also defended Cairnburgh Castle during this time.

In 1692, he made peace with William III of England, the king at the time. After this, he went to France and lived there for a while. He stayed at the Château de Saint-Germain-en-Laye. He returned to Scotland in 1703 after a special law, the Act of Indemnity 1703, allowed him to come back without punishment.

Sir John later joined John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar in another battle, the Battle of Sheriffmuir. After this battle, he went to Gordon Castle. He passed away there in March 1716.

Family Life

Sir John Maclean married a woman named Mary. She was the daughter of Sir Aeneas Macpherson of Invereshie. Together, they had two children:

• Sir Hector Maclean, 5th Baronet
• Katherine Maclean