The Downfall of the Earl of Traquair

Aug 06, 2024

The story of the Earl of Traquair is a compelling narrative of loyalty, political intrigue, and eventual downfall, reflecting the turbulent history of Scotland during the 17th century. Traquair House, the ancestral seat of the Traquair family, stands as a silent witness to these dramatic events.

Early Prominence

John Stewart, the 1st Earl of Traquair, was a figure of considerable influence and power in Scotland. Educated under the guidance of Thomas Sydserf, Bishop of Galloway, Traquair traveled extensively on the Continent before returning home to a life of political prominence. He was knighted by King James VI and later became a member of the Privy Council. On the accession of Charles I, he was elevated to the peerage and held several key positions, including Lord High Treasurer of Scotland.

Traquair's close relationship with King Charles I and his unwavering loyalty to the crown defined much of his career. He was entrusted with significant responsibilities, including the contentious trial of Lord Balmerino, which earned him both acclaim and enmity. Traquair's adept handling of political affairs made him indispensable to the king, who often relied on his counsel during critical moments.

The King's Right-Hand Man

Charles I viewed Traquair as a trusted confidant, a sentiment evident in numerous letters from the king, expressing gratitude and trust. This close relationship was pivotal during a period when Charles sought to impose his authority over Scotland through unpopular measures, such as the introduction of the new Service Book and the resumption of Church lands. Traquair, despite personal reservations, was instrumental in attempting to implement these policies.

However, the resistance to these royal edicts was fierce. The introduction of the new Service Book, for instance, sparked widespread outrage, culminating in riots and significant unrest. Traquair found himself at the heart of these conflicts, often bearing the brunt of public anger. In one notable incident, he was mobbed in Edinburgh, narrowly escaping with his life.

Political Intrigue and Conflict

As tensions escalated, Traquair's position became increasingly precarious. The Scottish Privy Council, which he dominated, faced relentless pressure from both the clergy and the nobility, who opposed the king's policies. Traquair's efforts to navigate these treacherous waters often put him at odds with various factions, and his loyalty to the king was both a strength and a liability.

In 1638, the situation reached a boiling point with the signing of the National Covenant, a direct challenge to the king's authority. Traquair, tasked with maintaining royal control, found himself in an impossible position. His attempts to enforce the king's will while placating the increasingly rebellious Scots were met with limited success.

The Earl's most significant challenge came during the General Assembly of 1638, where he served as an assessor to the Royal Commissioner. Despite his best efforts to assert the king's authority, the Assembly voted to abolish Episcopacy, further eroding royal influence in Scotland. Traquair's inability to prevent these developments marked a turning point in his fortunes.

The Fall from Grace

The Earl of Traquair's fall from grace was as swift as it was inevitable. By 1641, the Scottish Parliament, dominated by Covenanters, compelled Charles I to exclude Traquair from his service. The Act of Oblivion, which sought to reconcile the king with his subjects, specifically excluded Traquair, labeling him an incendiary who had incited discord between the king and his people.

Impeached by the Parliament and found guilty, Traquair was stripped of his office and faced with the threat of severe penalties. Though he avoided execution, his political career was effectively over. He was forced to find caution and pledge to conduct himself in a manner conducive to the peace of the country.

Despite these setbacks, Traquair remained loyal to the king. In 1643, he signed a remonstrance expressing his disapproval of the alliance between the Scottish Estates and the English Parliament against Charles. This act of loyalty resulted in the confiscation of his movable goods and the sequestration of his estates.

A Life in Ruins

The final years of Traquair's life were marked by poverty and obscurity. His son, Lord Linton, managed to rescue a portion of the family property, but relations between father and son were strained. Traquair spent his last days dependent on charity, a stark contrast to his earlier life of power and influence.

In 1659, the once-mighty Earl died in his chair at his own house, a figure of desolation and neglect. His death, reportedly hastened by a lack of necessities, was a poignant reminder of the fickleness of fortune.

Legacy and Reflection

The story of the Earl of Traquair is a powerful illustration of the perils of political life in 17th-century Scotland. His rise to prominence, unwavering loyalty to the crown, and eventual downfall reflect the broader struggles of the era. Traquair House, with its rich history and enduring presence, stands as a testament to the family's legacy and the dramatic events that shaped it.