The Incident (conspiracy) facts for kids

"The Incident" was a secret plan made by a group called the Royalists. They wanted to kidnap some important Scottish nobles. This happened in October 1641, during a time of big conflicts known as the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. The nobles they targeted were leaders of the Presbyterian Covenanter group. These Covenanters were against King Charles I trying to control the Scottish Church.

The plan failed. King Charles I said he knew nothing about it. He had to agree to what the Covenanters wanted. He had to get rid of bishops in Scotland. He also had to let Covenanter nobles join his special council and other important jobs.

A Time of Trouble: King Charles I and Scotland

King Charles I was the ruler of both England and Scotland. He had been forced to make a peace deal with the Covenanters. This ended the Bishops' Wars that happened between 1639 and 1640. In August 1641, he signed the Treaty of London. Then, he traveled to Edinburgh to finish talks with the Scottish Parliament.

King Charles hoped to work with the Earl of Argyll. Argyll was the main leader of the Presbyterian Covenanters. Charles wanted Argyll to help him against the English Long Parliament. To show his support, Charles made Argyll a Marquis of Argyll.

The Royalists' Concerns and a Challenge

The Marquis of Hamilton was a Royalist, loyal to the King. But he also tried to become friends with the Marquis of Argyll. It's not clear if King Charles I fully approved of this friendship. However, many Royalists in Scotland felt worried by it.

On the evening of September 29, Lord Henry Ker rode into Edinburgh. He had armed followers with him. He challenged Hamilton to a duel, calling him a traitor. The situation ended peacefully, as Lord Ker backed down and said sorry. But this event started whispers and secret talks among other Royalists.

The Plot to Kidnap Nobles

The secret plan was aimed at three important men. They were the Marquis of Argyll, the Marquis of Hamilton, and Hamilton's brother, the Earl of Lanark. The plot was created by a Royalist named the Earl of Montrose. Montrose was a rival of Argyll. He had already tried to accuse Argyll of serious wrongdoing against the King.

The plan was to kidnap the three nobles. They would then be taken onto a ship at Leith. But on October 11, the plot was discovered. General Leslie, the leader of the Covenanter army, found out. He was told by Sir John Hurry, a Scottish soldier. Hurry had been asked to join the secret plan.

The Plot Fails and King Charles's Response

Because the plot was discovered, Argyll, Hamilton, and Lanark had to quickly leave Edinburgh. They fled to Hamilton's home at Kinneil House, near Bo'ness. The very next day, King Charles denied knowing anything about the plot. He was soon forced to allow an investigation into what happened.

King Charles had no choice but to agree to the Covenanters' demands. He agreed to get rid of bishops in Scotland. He also appointed Covenanter nobles to the Privy Council of Scotland and other important jobs. After this, he returned to England in November. There, he faced the growing threat of a civil war.