William Murray, 2nd Lord Nairne facts for kids
William Murray, 2nd Lord Nairne (born around 1665 – died February 3, 1726) was a Scottish nobleman who supported the Jacobite cause. He fought in the Jacobite Rising of 1715. After the uprising, he was found guilty of treason, which meant he was accused of betraying his country. He was sentenced to death, but thankfully, he was later pardoned and set free in 1717.
In 1721, he was given the title of Earl of Nairne by the Jacobite movement. This was a special title given by those who supported the exiled King James.
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Early Life and Family Connections
William Murray was born around 1665. He was the fourth son of John Murray, 1st Marquess of Atholl. His mother was Lady Amelia Sophia. William's older brother was John Murray, 1st Duke of Atholl.
His grandmother, Charlotte Stanley, Countess of Derby (1599–1664), was quite famous. She bravely defended Lathom House against enemy forces during the First English Civil War in 1644.
Becoming Lord Nairne
In February 1680, William Murray married Margaret Nairne. She was only ten years old at the time. Margaret was the only daughter and heir of Robert Nairne.
In 1681, King Charles II gave Robert Nairne the title of Lord Nairne. This was a special title that could be passed down to his son-in-law, William. So, when Robert Nairne passed away in 1683, William Murray became the 2nd Lord Nairne.
He joined the Scottish Parliament in 1690. However, he never promised loyalty to the new rulers, William III and Mary II. They had become king and queen after the Glorious Revolution of 1688, which saw King James II leave the throne.
Supporting the Jacobite Cause
Unlike his brother John, who supported William and Mary, Lord Nairne remained loyal to King James and his family.
When the Jacobite rising of 1715 began, Lord Nairne was one of the first to join the side of the Old Pretender. The Old Pretender was the son of King James II, who wanted to reclaim the throne. Lord Nairne fought throughout the campaign led by John Erskine, Earl of Mar.
After the difficult Battle of Preston in November 1715, Lord Nairne was captured. He was then sent to the Tower of London.
Trial and Release
On February 9, 1716, Lord Nairne was put on trial for treason. He was found guilty and sentenced to death. However, his execution was stopped. He was lucky enough to benefit from a special law in 1717 that pardoned many people involved in the uprising. In December of that year, he was set free.
On June 24, 1721, he was given the title of Earl of Nairne by the Jacobite court. He passed away on February 3, 1726. His wife, Margaret, lived until 1747.
Lord Nairne's Children
William Murray and Margaret Nairne had several children:
- Hon. Margaret: She married William Drummond, 4th Viscount Strathallan in 1712. They had four sons. Her husband was killed in the Battle of Culloden in 1745 during another Jacobite uprising. Her grandson later regained the family's titles.
- Hon. Catherine: She married William Murray, 3rd Earl of Dunmore. They had three sons and two daughters.
- Hon. Robert: He passed away on April 16, 1746. He married Jean Mercer. Robert was also killed at the Battle of Culloden.
- John, Master of Nairne: (born around 1691 - died July 11, 1770). He married Lady Catherine. They had three sons. Like his father, he fought as a Jacobite. He survived and moved to Sweden, then later settled in France.
- Hon. Henrieta Murray: (born 1714). She never married.
- Hon. Charlotte: She married John Robertson, 11th Laird of Lude. They had two sons and one daughter.
- Hon. May Marjorie: She married Duncan Robertson, 14th Chief of Clan Donnachaidh. They had at least two sons and one daughter.
