William Murray


(Marquess of Tullibardine)

1689 - 1746

Jacobite soldier. Born in Edinburgh, the son of John Murray, the 1st Duke of Atholl (1660 - 1724), Murray was educated at the University of St. Andrews. He entered the Royal Navy and was an officer by 1707. He succeeded his brother, who was killed in action on in Belgium, to the courtesy title of Marquess of Tullibardine in 1709. The Duke of Atholl sat on the fence during the Jacobite Rebellions of the 18th Century, with some of his sons supporting the Government, while others were noted Jacobites. This ensured the continuance of the family line and estates regardless of the outcome. William supported the Jacobites in the Rebellion of 1715 and, after its failure, he was convicted of treason and attained, but escaped to France. This ensured he could never succeed his father as Duke of Atholl, but he was elevated to Duke of Rannoch in the Jacobite peerage, along with a string of other titles.

Murray returned to Scotland to take part in the 'Little Rising' of 1719 and fought at the Battle of Glenshiel. He managed to escape once again, despite a price of £2000 being placed on his head. Returning again to take part in the '45, he fought at Culloden and was captured.

He was committed to the Tower of London, where he died.


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