Montrose Museum
Marquis of Montrose Collection
About this collection
This collection is of items associated with James Graham. Marquis of Montrose. James Graham was born in 1612 and spent much of his boyhood at the family home of Old Montrose, on the S.W. side of Montrose Basin.
An ardent Presbyterian, James was soon caught up in the religious controversy then raging in Scotland. Scotland’s church was governed by the National Assembly, which had been gaining increasing control over political as well as spiritual affairs. When Charles I tried to curb this, outraged Presbyterians flocked to Greyfriars Churchyard in Edinburgh to sign a national protest or ‘covenant’ in defence of their faith. James Graham was one of the first to sign.
Besides being deeply religious, however, James was also a firm supporter of Royalty. When the Covenanters began to claim authority for the church over the crown he found himself in a dilemma. Forced to decide between Covenant and King, he pledged himself to Charles and became leader of the Royalist party in Scotland. When civil war broke out between Charles I and his government, Montrose and his army of Highlanders won a series of brilliant victories. Perhaps his most famous was at Inerlochy where he routed the forces of the Duke of Argyll.
But the King’s cause was doomed. Montrose’s army met defeat at Philiphaugh in September, 1645. After a last desperate campaign in the North Montrose fell into the hands of his enemies and was taken prisoner at Ardvreck Castle, by Loch Assynt. The Marquis was brought to Edinburgh and died on the scaffold on 21st May. 1650.
What are the highlights of this collection
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How can I find out more
All the collection is on display, more information of the Marquis of Montrose Collection can be obtained from museum staff.
© Angus Council 1998 - 2010