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Duke of Perth • House of Drummond

James Drummond, 4th Earl of Perth

1648–1716HistoryHistorical FiguresEuropeJacobites of Europe

The Chancellor Who Followed His King Into Exile

The Story

James Drummond, 4th Earl of Perth, was one of the most influential Scottish statesmen associated with the reign of James VII and II.

Born into the distinguished House of Drummond, he rose through the ranks of Scottish government and became Lord Chancellor of Scotland in 1684.

A convert to Roman Catholicism, Drummond became a close political ally of James and supported the king's religious and administrative policies.

Following the Glorious Revolution, Drummond lost his political authority and was imprisoned before eventually joining the exiled Stuart court in France.

In 1690, James granted him the title Duke of Perth within the Jacobite peerage, recognizing his continued loyalty to the displaced dynasty.

Drummond remained associated with the exiled Stuart court for the rest of his life.

Historical Significance

  • James Drummond symbolizes the political aristocracy that remained loyal to the Stuarts after the revolution, sacrificing established positions of power in support of the exiled monarchy.

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