Lord George Murray

1694 - 1760

Distinguished Jacobite general and strategist. Born at Huntingtower Castle, near Perth, the son of John Murray (1660 - 1724), the 1st Duke of Atholl. George Murray took part in the Jacobite Risings in 1715 and 1745, together with the abortive invasion of 1719. Pardoned in 1726, undoubtedly following the influence of his brother James (c.1690 - 1764), a government supporter, who had become the 2nd Duke of Atholl, he agonised at length before joining Prince Charles Edward Stuart in the '45. Although he predicted the hopelessness of the uprising, he became Stuart's most effective commander, ensuring victory at Prestonpans, efficiently organising the retreat from Derby, following the invasion of England, and bringing a decisive victory at Falkirk.

He opposed the strategy that led to the bloody defeat at Culloden Moor (1746). After the battle, in which he commanded the right wing, he withdrew his troops in reasonable order to Ruthven Barracks, where they disbanded. Murray left for the continent eventually dying at Medemblik in Holland. His son, John, became the 3rd Duke of Atholl.

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