Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscarden facts for kids
Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscarden was a Scottish soldier and a member of parliament in the 1600s. He was part of the Clan Mackenzie, a famous Scottish family from the Scottish Highlands. He was also known as Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscardine.
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Early Life
Thomas Mackenzie was the second son of Kenneth Mackenzie, 1st Lord Mackenzie of Kintail. His mother was Isobel Ogilvie. His father was the leader, or chief, of the Clan Mackenzie. Thomas's older brother was George Mackenzie, 2nd Earl of Seaforth, who became chief after their older half-brother, Colin Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Seaforth.
Fighting in Europe
Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscarden was a soldier during the Thirty Years' War. This was a big war that happened in Europe. In 1625, he fought in France alongside another soldier named Robert Monro.
Later, he joined the armies of Norway and Denmark. This happened when Christian IV of Denmark started a war against the Holy Roman Empire. In 1627, Thomas Mackenzie also served in the Netherlands with Donald Mackay, 1st Lord Reay.
Scottish Civil War
During the Scottish Civil War in the 1600s, Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscarden supported the Royalists. The Royalists were people who supported the King.
In 1639, a large group of 4,000 soldiers called Covenanters gathered near Elgin, Moray. They were led by the Earl of Seaforth, who was the chief of the Mackenzies. Thomas Mackenzie helped arrange a peaceful agreement. The Covenanters agreed to go home, and their opponents, the Royalist Gordons, moved south of the River Spey.
King Charles I asked for a special meeting of the Church of Scotland in Edinburgh in August 1639. Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscarden was chosen to be a ruling elder at this meeting.
Soon after, James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose left the Covenanters and joined the Royalist side. The Earl of Seaforth followed him, with support from Thomas Mackenzie. After Montrose won the Battle of Inverlochy in 1645, the Earl of Seaforth and Thomas Mackenzie met with him. Because of this, the Scottish Parliament asked Thomas Mackenzie to explain his actions.
After Montrose was defeated in 1646, Thomas Mackenzie was fined £2,000. This fine was given by the Committee of Public Affairs because he had supported Montrose.
In 1649, Charles II was declared king after his father was executed. Charles and his allies, who were living in exile, decided to try and take back the kingdom. This plan was connected to the Royalist army leader, James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose.
As a result, a rebellion started in the north of Scotland. Colonel Hugh Fraser led this uprising, and he was joined by John Munro of Lemlair, Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscarden, and Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty. On February 22, they entered Inverness. They forced the soldiers out of Inverness Castle and then destroyed the castle walls.
On February 26, they held a meeting to make plans. They decided to take control of the taxes and customs from six northern Scottish counties. Soon after, General David Leslie, Lord Newark was sent north to attack them. The clans then left Inverness and went back to Ross-shire. Leslie placed soldiers in the Castle Chanonry of Ross. Most of the clans made a deal to surrender, but the Mackenzies did not. As soon as Leslie left, the Mackenzies attacked and took back the Castle Chanonry of Ross.
After Montrose's final defeat at the Battle of Carbisdale in 1650, Thomas Mackenzie was allowed to speak with him while Montrose was being taken south as a prisoner.
Member of Parliament
Thomas Mackenzie was a member of parliament for Elgin. He served in this role from 1645 to 1663.
Lands and Property
King Charles I gave the land of Pluscarden in Elgin to Thomas Mackenzie on July 25, 1636. Thomas Mackenzie was also the lay-Prior of Pluscarden Abbey from 1633 to 1649. This meant he was in charge of the abbey's property, even though he wasn't a monk.
Family Life
Thomas Mackenzie married twice. His first wife was Jean Grant. She was the daughter of John Grant of Freuchie (d. 1622) and the widow of William Sutherland, 10th of Duffus.
They had the following children:
- Colin Mackenzie, who became the 2nd of Pluscarden.
- Margaret Mackenzie.
- Alexander Mackenzie.
- Charles Mackenzie.
- Kenneth Mackenzie.
Thomas Mackenzie's second wife was Jean Cockburn. He passed away on November 27, 1676, or sometime before May 1687.
See also
