The Dramatic Fall James Graham, the 1st Marquis of Montrose

Aug 16, 2024

The life of James Graham, the 1st Marquis of Montrose, is a story steeped in the dramatic ebb and flow of fortune, ambition, and unyielding loyalty. Montrose’s journey from a celebrated nobleman and military genius to a condemned traitor is a compelling narrative that captures the essence of Scotland's turbulent history in the 17th century. His rise to power was meteoric, but his fall was swift and brutal, marking one of the most poignant episodes in the annals of Scottish history. This is not merely the tale of a man; it is a story of loyalty, war, and the harsh, unforgiving realities of political strife.

The Early Years and Rise of Montrose

Born into the noble Graham family in 1612, James Graham was destined for a life of influence and prominence. The Grahams were one of Scotland’s most powerful families, with a lineage stretching back to the 12th century. From an early age, Montrose displayed a natural aptitude for leadership, military strategy, and scholarly pursuits. His education at the University of St. Andrews, where he delved into the classics, along with his travels across Europe, equipped him with a broad understanding of the political and military tactics of the time.

Initially, Montrose’s political affiliations were with the Covenanters, a powerful Presbyterian movement that opposed King Charles I’s attempts to impose Anglican practices on the Scottish Church. The Covenanters were committed to maintaining Scotland’s religious independence, and Montrose, with his deep sense of duty and honor, aligned himself with their cause. However, as the movement’s demands became increasingly radical and their methods more extreme, Montrose grew disillusioned. He perceived the Covenanters as a threat not only to the monarchy but also to the stability and unity of Scotland. His loyalty began to shift back to the crown, and in time, he emerged as one of the most ardent and capable Royalists in Scotland.

The Wars of the Three Kingdoms

Montrose’s transition from Covenanter to Royalist came during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms (1639–1651), a series of conflicts that engulfed Scotland, England, and Ireland. Appointed as the King’s Lieutenant-General in Scotland in 1644, Montrose quickly set about raising an army to fight for the Royalist cause. His campaigns in Scotland during this period were marked by a series of brilliant, albeit unconventional, military strategies that would earn him a lasting reputation as one of history’s most talented commanders.

With a small, loyal force, often comprised of Highlanders and Irish troops, Montrose embarked on a campaign that would see him win a series of improbable victories against much larger and better-equipped Covenanting armies. His tactics were audacious and relied heavily on speed, surprise, and the use of Scotland’s rugged terrain to outmaneuver his enemies. The battles of Tippermuir, Inverlochy, and Kilsyth stand out as some of his most remarkable triumphs, each contributing to his growing legend as a military leader who could defy the odds.

At Tippermuir in September 1644, Montrose’s forces, though outnumbered, achieved a stunning victory against a Covenanting army led by Lord Elcho. This was followed by the Battle of Inverlochy in February 1645, where Montrose, using a forced march through the mountains in the dead of winter, surprised and routed the forces of Clan Campbell, led by the powerful Archibald Campbell, the Marquis of Argyll. These victories were not just military successes; they were symbolic blows against the Covenanting movement, showcasing Montrose’s ability to inspire his men and outthink his opponents.

The Fall at Philiphaugh

Despite his early successes, Montrose’s fortunes began to wane. After his greatest victory at Kilsyth in August 1645, where his forces crushed a Covenanting army and effectively took control of Scotland, Montrose’s Highland troops, true to their traditions, began to disperse. Satisfied with their plunder and eager to return home, they left Montrose with a significantly reduced force at a crucial moment. This depletion of his army set the stage for his eventual downfall.

On September 13, 1645, Montrose’s forces were encamped at Philiphaugh, near Selkirk, when they were surprised by a Covenanting army led by General David Leslie. Leslie had marched his troops rapidly and stealthily, catching Montrose’s men completely off guard. The Royalist camp was ill-prepared for an attack, and the ensuing battle was a disaster for Montrose. His army was quickly overwhelmed, and many of his soldiers were either killed or captured. Montrose himself narrowly escaped with his life, but the defeat at Philiphaugh marked the beginning of the end for his campaign. The victory he had worked so hard to achieve was undone in a single, devastating day, and the momentum of the Royalist cause in Scotland was shattered.

The Final Stand and Betrayal

Despite this crushing defeat, Montrose refused to abandon the fight. For the next several years, he continued to wage a guerilla war in the Scottish Highlands, hoping to rally new support for the Royalist cause. His determination and resilience were unmatched, but the political landscape was shifting rapidly against him. With the execution of King Charles I in January 1649 and the rise of Oliver Cromwell and the English Parliamentarians, Montrose’s efforts became increasingly isolated and desperate.

In 1650, Montrose made one final, bold attempt to reignite the Royalist cause. He sailed from Norway, where he had sought refuge, with a small force of mercenaries and landed in Orkney. From there, he crossed to the mainland of Scotland, hoping to rally the Highland clans to his side once more. However, this final campaign was ill-fated from the start. The expected reinforcements never materialized, and Montrose’s small force was soon beset by enemies on all sides.

At the Battle of Carbisdale on April 27, 1650, Montrose’s forces were ambushed by a Covenanting army led by Colonel Archibald Strachan. The battle was brief and brutal. Montrose’s Orkney recruits, untrained and poorly equipped, quickly fled the field, leaving the experienced soldiers to be overwhelmed by Strachan’s troops. Montrose himself was wounded in the battle and narrowly escaped capture. He fled into the wilds of Assynt, where he was eventually betrayed by Neil MacLeod of Assynt, a former ally who delivered him to the Covenanters in exchange for a reward.

The Execution of Montrose

Montrose was taken to Edinburgh, where he was subjected to a sham trial. His fate was already sealed before he ever set foot in the courtroom. The Covenanters were determined to make an example of him, and he was condemned to death by hanging. The sentence was carried out on May 21, 1650, with Montrose being paraded through the streets of Edinburgh in a humiliating procession. He was bound and displayed like a common criminal, a far cry from the noble warrior who had once commanded the respect and admiration of Scotland.

Despite the indignities he suffered, Montrose faced his death with remarkable courage and dignity. He refused to renounce his loyalty to the crown or express regret for his actions, declaring that he had always acted in accordance with his conscience and his duty to the king. His execution was carried out with brutal efficiency. His body was dismembered, his head was placed on a spike at the Tolbooth in Edinburgh, and his limbs were sent to various parts of Scotland as a grim warning to others who might consider defying the Covenanters.

Legacy of Montrose

The legacy of James Graham, the 1st Marquis of Montrose, is a complex and multifaceted one. To his supporters, he was a hero and a martyr, a man who gave his life for his king and his country. To his enemies, he was a traitor who waged a brutal and ruthless war against his fellow Scots. But regardless of one’s perspective, there is no denying that Montrose left an indelible mark on Scottish history.

Montrose’s military campaigns are still studied for their brilliance and audacity. His ability to inspire loyalty and achieve victory against overwhelming odds is a testament to his leadership and strategic genius. Yet, his story is also a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition, the complexities of loyalty, and the often-tragic consequences of political conflict. Montrose’s life was one of highs and lows, victories and defeats, but throughout it all, he remained steadfast in his beliefs and unwavering in his commitment to the cause he held dear.