John Dalrymple, 1st Earl of Stair, Scottish soldier and politician, Scottish Secretary of State (b. 1648)

John Dalrymple, 1st Earl of Stair: A Pivotal Figure in Scottish History

John Dalrymple, 1st Earl of Stair, Privy Councillor (PC) (10 November 1648 – 8 January 1707), was a towering and often controversial figure in 17th and early 18th-century Scottish politics and law. A distinguished Scottish lawyer by profession, Dalrymple's career was marked by significant influence during a period of profound transformation for Scotland, particularly concerning its relationship with England and its internal stability.

Early Political Career and the Glorious Revolution

Born into a prominent legal family, John Dalrymple followed in the footsteps of his father, James Dalrymple, 1st Viscount of Stair, a highly respected jurist. His legal acumen quickly propelled him into the political arena. His career gained significant momentum following the Glorious Revolution of 1688, an event that saw the Catholic King James VII of Scotland (James II of England) deposed in favour of the Protestant monarchs William III and Mary II. This political upheaval had profound repercussions in Scotland, leading to a period of instability and partisan division.

Joint Secretary of State and the Suppression of Jacobitism

From 1691 to 1695, Dalrymple served as Joint Secretary of State for Scotland, a critical governmental role that positioned him at the heart of national administration and policy-making. During this tenure, he played a central and uncompromising role in quelling the Jacobite Rising of 1689-1692. This rebellion, fueled by loyalty to the deposed King James VII and led by figures such as John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee, sought to restore the Stuart monarchy. Dalrymple's efforts in suppressing the rising involved robust political and military strategies aimed at enforcing the authority of the new Williamite regime and bringing stability to the Highlands.

The Glencoe Massacre: A Stain on His Legacy

Despite his political successes, Dalrymple's career became inextricably linked with one of the most infamous episodes in Scottish history: the Massacre of Glencoe. On 13 February 1692, members of the MacDonald clan of Glencoe were brutally murdered by government troops, specifically elements of Argyll's Regiment of Foot. This horrific event occurred despite many of the MacDonalds having taken an oath of allegiance to William III, albeit delayed. As Joint Secretary of State, Dalrymple was deeply implicated, having signed the official orders for the military action, which were perceived by many as an act of cold-blooded retribution rather than legitimate military enforcement. The public outcry and parliamentary inquiry that followed in the subsequent years revealed his significant responsibility. Consequently, in 1695, facing immense pressure and public condemnation, John Dalrymple was compelled to resign from his powerful secretarial post.

Restoration to Favour and the Acts of Union

After a period out of direct political office, Dalrymple's experience and strategic insight proved too valuable to ignore. In 1702, he was restored to favour under the reign of Queen Anne, who recognised his abilities during a crucial period for Anglo-Scottish relations. His rehabilitation was further cemented when he was elevated to the peerage as the 1st Earl of Stair in 1703, signifying his regained prominence and trust within the highest echelons of government. This restoration positioned him for his final, pivotal role.

The early 18th century was dominated by intense debate over the proposed union of the Kingdoms of Scotland and England. Facing economic challenges, particularly after the disastrous Darien Scheme, and anxieties over the succession to the throne, the Scottish Parliament began negotiations for a full political union. John Dalrymple, 1st Earl of Stair, became intimately involved in these complex and often contentious negotiations for the 1707 Acts of Union. He was a staunch proponent of the Union, believing it offered Scotland greater economic prosperity and political stability by creating the unified Kingdom of Great Britain.

Tragically, despite his instrumental role in shaping the future of Great Britain, the Earl of Stair did not live to see the full enactment of the Union. He died on 8 January 1707, several months before the Acts of Union officially came into effect on 1 May 1707. His death just as his most significant political achievement was about to be realised adds a poignant note to his already complex and impactful legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions about John Dalrymple, 1st Earl of Stair

Who was John Dalrymple, 1st Earl of Stair?

He was a prominent Scottish politician and lawyer who played a crucial role in Scottish affairs during the late 17th and early 18th centuries, serving as Joint Secretary of State and a key negotiator for the Acts of Union.

What was his role in the Massacre of Glencoe?

As Joint Secretary of State, John Dalrymple signed the orders that led to the brutal massacre of the MacDonald clan of Glencoe in 1692, an event for which he was later forced to resign his post due to public and parliamentary condemnation.

How was he involved in the Acts of Union 1707?

After being restored to favour under Queen Anne and made Earl of Stair, he became a central figure in the negotiations for the Acts of Union, advocating strongly for the creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain due to his belief in its economic and political benefits for Scotland.

Did he live to see the Union come into effect?

No, John Dalrymple died on 8 January 1707, just months before the Acts of Union formally took effect on 1 May 1707, making his instrumental role in the Union a poignant part of his legacy.