William Cleland (poet) facts for kids

William Cleland (born around 1661 – died August 21, 1689) was a brave Scottish soldier and a poet. He lived during a time of many changes and conflicts in Scotland.

William was the son of Thomas Cleland, who worked as a gamekeeper for the Marquess of Douglas. The Marquess was the leader of a powerful family called the House of Douglas. William likely grew up on the Douglas family's land near Douglas Castle in Lanarkshire. He went to St Andrew's University for his education.

Joining the Fight for Freedom

Right after college, William Cleland joined the army of the Covenanters. These were Scottish people who wanted to protect their religious freedom and beliefs. He was part of the famous Battle of Drumclog. Some people, like the historian Robert Wodrow, believed that William Cleland's clever plan helped the Covenanters win this battle.

He also fought in another big battle, the Battle of Bothwell Bridge. After this battle, William and his brother James were named as leaders of the rebels by the king. To stay safe, William had to escape to Holland.

Return and Final Battle

In 1685, William Cleland secretly returned to Scotland. He was involved in a plan to invade Scotland led by Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll, but this plan failed. He managed to escape again.

He came back to Scotland in 1688, this time working for William III of England, also known as William of Orange. William Cleland was made a lieutenant-colonel in the 26th (Cameronian) Regiment of Foot. This regiment was made up of people from the Marquess of Douglas's lands and some Covenanters who agreed to fight for William of Orange.

The Cameronian regiment was given an important job: to defend the town of Dunkeld. On August 21, 1689, they faced a fierce attack from the Jacobites. The Jacobites were supporters of the old king. During this intense fight, known as the Battle of Dunkeld, William Cleland was sadly killed. He was hit by gunshots to his head and liver. His Major was wounded, and another officer, George Munro, took command. The Jacobites were defeated at Dunkeld, which helped end the Jacobite uprising of that year.

His Poems

After his death, a collection of William Cleland's poems and verses was published in 1697. It was called Collection of several Poems and Verses composed upon various occasions. While his poems are not widely famous today, they offer a look into the language and ideas of his time. He wrote mostly in English, but he also used many Scottish words. Two of his longer poems were about important events: On the Expedition of the Highland Host who came to destroy the western shires in winter 1678 and On the clergie when they met to consult about taking the Test in the year 1681.

See also

• Scottish literature