glencoe scotland massacre

Glen Coe's main claim to infamy, the Glencoe massacre, took place nearby at 5am on the morning of 13 February 1692. For many it is wrongly perceived as just one more savage episode in an age-old blood feud between the Campbells and Macdonalds. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). In the early hours of the 13th February 1692, Scottish Government soldiers under the command of Robert Campbell of Glenlyon carry out the Massacre of Glencoe on their MacDonald hosts.. Much of the glen is owned by the National Trust for Scotland. Expecting you will not faill in the full-filling hereof, as you love your selfe, I subscribe these with my hand att Balicholis Feb: 12, 1692. An inquiry was held and Scottish … Regions Inverness, Highlands and Islands Who ordered the Massacre of Glencoe? The infamy of the massacre of Glencoe is not so much in the numbers killed, but in the way it was carried out. MacIain left Fort William with Colonel Hill’s letter and made the arduous journey south to Inveraray in horrendous winter conditions, his progress would have been slow. Working with Sir Thomas Livingstone, the military commander in Scotland, Dalrymple secured the king's blessing for taking measures against those who had not given the oath in time. Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832). you are to have a speciall care that the old Fox and his sones doe upon no account escape your hands, you are to secure all the avenues that no man escape. The MacDonalds of Glencoe and the Campbells of Glenlyon would later fight beside each other at the Battle of Sheriffmuir, during the 1715 Jacobite Rising. Many of the clan escaped, but the chief, 33 other men, 2 women, and 2 children were killed. It is better not to meddle with them at all, if it cannot be done to purpose, and better to cut off that nest of robbers who have fallen foul of the law, now, when we have both the power and the opportunity. The nation of Scotland, although used to war and murder in its many forms, was outraged by the callousness of the massacre of Glencoe. The Massacre of Glencoe is one of the most talked about and least understood episodes in Scottish history. Treason! In the early hours of the 13th February 1692, 120 Scots Army soldiers of the Earl of Argyll’s Regiment of Foot from Fort William, carry out the Massacre of Glencoe. Archaeologists are surveying the area of Glencoe, Scotland to find clues into the massacre of February 13, 1692. The massacre of the Glencoe MacDonalds by government troops in 1692 took place during a blizzard in the depths of winter. Betrayal! See that this be putt in execution without feud or favour, else you may expect to be dealt with as one not true to King nor Government, nor a man fitt to carry Commissione in the Kings service. Captain Drummond would later be the one that delivered the orders for the massacre to Glenlyon. Despite the reputation the event has retained, contemporaries seem to have viewed it less seriously. Edited and published in Ayrshire, Scotland. Much of Scotland's early recorded history is full of violence - battles, feuds, murders, treachery. Hill wrote a letter for MacIain to give to the magistrate, explaining that he had come in time, only to the wrong place. See that this be putt in execution without feud or favour, else you may expect to be dealt with as one not true to King nor Government, nor a man fitt to carry Commissione in the Kings service. This you are to putt in execution attfyve of the clock precisely; and by that time, or very shortly after it, I’ll strive to be att you with a stronger party: if I doe not come to you att fyve, you are not to tarry for me, but to fall on. The National Trust for Scotland Visitor Center, off the A82, is a good place to start, with interactive displays that explain the development of the landscape, the local flora and fauna and this history of Glencoe, including all the complicated developments that led to the massacre. His subordinates, Lieutenant-Colonel James Hamilton and Major Robert Duncanson, do not appear to have had the same reservations. According to the plan, once the massacre was beginning, the remainder of Argyll’s Regiment commanded by Major Robert Duncanson was to move into the glen from Ballachulish. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Glenlyon and two companies of Argyll’s Regiment marched into Glencoe on 1st February. This collapsed in Scotland in 1689, but the country remained troubled and unsettled throughout William’s reign. Glencoe is a village located in the Scottish Highlands about 90 miles north of Glasgow. Massacre! Omissions? The soldiers arrived at Glen Coe 12 days before the massacre, as friends, seeking shelter due to the fact that the fort was full. In primary schools children were taught that the MacDonalds of Glencoe were massacred by the Campbells, a neighbouring clan who had an ancient animosity towards the MacDonalds. Many Scottish clans had remained loyal to King James II after he was replaced on the English and Scottish thrones by William III in 1689. More than 100 of Argyll’s soldiers, who had been quartered amicably upon the MacDonalds for more than a week, suddenly attacked them. According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience The Glencoe Massacre Monument: Loch Ness, Glencoe and the Highlands Private Day Tour from Edinburgh (From $600.57) 3-Day Isle of Skye and Scottish Highlands Tour from Edinburgh, Including "Hogwarts Express" Ride (From $609.68) Fort William and Glencoe (From $111.10) Nearby memorials sites are the Celtic cross at the Massacre of Glencoe Memorial, and plaque at Henderson Stone (Clach Eanruig). The aftermath of the Jacobite Rising of 1689. Neil is also the editor of other online publications covering military history, defence and security. This would explain the large number of troops that had been assembled at Fort William and the number available for use in Glencoe. The troops had been billeted with the MacDonalds of Glencoe since early February and were under the command of Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon. Glenlyon and his men would not have been aware of what they would be later ordered to do, indeed, later testimony by soldiers involved stated that it wasn’t until the orders came through on that fateful morning did they have any idea. The exhibition at the visitor centre includes a 15 minute video presentation about the massacre. Looking downhill towards the mouth of the Glencoe Valley in decent weather. We’ll stop off at the slate quarry and the National Trust visitor centre to learn the story of the 1692 massacre of Glencoe. When the news reached the Scottish Privy Council in Edinburgh that MacIain had taken the oath after the deadline had passed they took the Macdonalds of Glencoe off of the indemnity list. I think to plunder their cattle and burn their houses would only make them desperate men, who would live outside the law and rob their neighbours but I know you will agree that it will be a great advantage to the nation, when that thieving tribe is rooted out and cut off.“, “When it comes the time to deal with Glencoe, let it be secret and sudden. Also located in the village, but along the A82, is the Glencoe Visitor Centre, run by the National Trust for Scotland. (Image credit: Derek Alexander/National Trust for Scotland) This is by the Kings speciall command, for the good & safety of the Country, that these miscreants be cutt off root and branch. Peter R wrote a review Oct 2020. The true story of the events leading up to the infamous massacre of the Macdonalds by the Campbells in February of 1692. Colonel Hill’s Regiment under Lieutenant-Colonel James Hamilton was then to move in from Kinlochleven, via what later became known as the ‘Devils Staircase’. Politics in this period were complex and a simplified version is quite often presented for easier – and often incorrect – understanding. Massacre of Glencoe, (February 13, 1692), in Scottish history, the treacherous slaughter of members of the MacDonald clan of Glencoe by soldiers under Archibald Campbell, 10th earl of Argyll. It should be noted that the Massacre of Glencoe was not an isolated act by Scottish government forces. At some point along his route, he was detained by a group of government soldiers which delayed him further. MacIain would have passed through Glencoe and his own house but probably had no time to stop. They had orders for ‘free quarter’, claiming that there was no room at Fort William due to the large number of soldiers stationed there, and requested hospitality, which the MacDonalds granted. But with the National Trust for Scotland, which today owns much of the glen, preparing to launch a new, £300,000 archaeological investigation into its history, now is an opportune moment to reconsider the events of 1692. On the Massacre of Glencoe. Archaeologists from the National Trust for Scotland have excavated parts of the "lost village" of Achtriochtan at Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, the scene of an infamous massacre in 1692. “You are hereby ordered to fall upon the rebells, the McDonalds of Glenco, and put all to the sword under seventy. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Glenlyon and two companies of Argyll’s Regiment marched into Glencoe on 1st February. This, it has to be stressed, is not just popular prejudice. Neil Ritchie is the founder and editor of ScottishHistory.org. For it was the site of the infamous Glencoe Massacre in February 13, 1692. In August 1691 the government offered an indemnity to all chiefs who should take an oath of allegiance before January 1, 1692. Glenlyon’s estates neighboured the MacDonald lands and they had been ravaged by the MacDonalds in the past, the most recent when MacDonald clansmen were returning home following the Battle of Dunkeld. John Campbell, earl of Breadalbane and Holland, a neighbour and an enemy of the MacDonalds, was widely suspected of planning the attack but was not its main instigator; his imprisonment in 1695 was for earlier involvement with the Jacobites. Planned and ordered by the Secretary of State of Scotland, approved by the Scottish Privy Council and carried out by elements of the Scots Army, the Massacre of Glencoe was not a clan feud, it was state policy from Edinburgh. Colonel Hill was deeply troubled by the orders and it appears that he was by-passed at some stage. Murder! Landowners are being asked to donate turf to help reconstruct a traditional ‘creel’ house in Glencoe that would have stood at the time of infamous massacre of 1692. However, there did not appear to be any open animosity between Glenlyon and MacIain. The total number of soldiers involved would have numbered over 900. Expecting you will not faill in the full-filling hereof, as you love your selfe, I subscribe these with my hand att Balicholis Feb: 12, 1692.For their Majesties service”. The quartering of soldiers was sometimes done as an alternative to paying land tax. Scotland: Vols. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The delay could also have been due to the weather conditions. This modern (constructed in 2002) visitor centre houses a coffee shop, store, and information centre. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes. The Massacre of Glencoe in Scotland is one of Scotland's greatest pieces of History, a sad story in Scottish history dated 13th of February 1692 On this private tour we travel south from Fort William, following the shores of Loch Linnhe and Loch Leven to the village of Glencoe, overlooked by the famous Pap. You can read the story of the Glencoe massacre on our Glen Coe feature page. Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton’s force did not enter the glen until around 11 o’clock. History of Glencoe. In 1696 he was made a lord of the treasury, and his political services were rewarded in 1701 by his being created duke of Argyll. However, they serve to demonstrate how the Glencoe massacre has wormed its way into Scottish national consciousness. Several easy, low level, circular walks start at the center. The first historical figure connected with Glencoe was Fingal, one of the greatest Celtic heroes and leader of the Feinn, warriors of Gaelic mythology.The glen was his legendary home and his memory is preserved in a number of place names, for … Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. He can be found on Twitter: @NeilRitchie86. The revolution in England had been accomplished almost without bloodshed, but in Scotland and Ireland there was armed resistance. MacIain arrived at Inveraray and Sir Colin Campbell administered the oath on 6th of January. Although led by a Campbell, regimental rolls show that Campbells made up only a small number in the detachment sent to Glencoe and the Campbells in neighbouring lands gave shelter to the surviving MacDonalds. In 1691, King William the Third, recognising the resurgence of the Jacobite cause, ordered all the clan chiefs to sign an oath of allegiance by 1st January 1692. you are to have a speciall care that the old Fox and his sones doe upon no account escape your hands, you are to secure all the avenues that no man escape. It is understood that the soldiers were under the command of Captain Thomas Drummond of Argyll’s regiment. When MacIain arrived at Fort William on the 31st, the governor, an old Cromwellian and friend of the Glencoe MacDonalds, Englishman Colonel John Hill, explained that he could not administer the oath and that only the appointed magistrate in Inveraray, Sir Colin Campbell, could do so. When the full force of the King’s Justice is seen to come down upon them, that example will be as conspicuous and useful as is his clemency to others. The Glencoe MacDonalds were a Jacobite clan, supporting the deposed King James VII/II, and had fought for him at the battles of Killiecrankie and Dunkeld. Glencoe. The MacDonalds of Glencoe and the Campbells of Glenlyon fought together on the Jacobite side during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. I hope what’s done there may be done in earnest, since the rest of them are in no condition to draw together to help. Glencoe Massacre Memorial (Kim Traynor via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY SA-3.0) For nearly two weeks, the 100 or so soldiers lived amicably alongside the MacDonalds. Campbell wrote back to Colonel Hill: “I endeavoured to receive the great lost sheep, Glencoe, and he has undertaken to bring in all his friends and followers as the Privy Council shall order. There are reports that some of the soldiers got a number of people to safety, with others shouting warnings, however, 38 MacDonald men were killed by the troops and dozens more MacDonalds, including women and children, would later perish in the freezing blizzard conditions sweeping the glen after they had fled, their houses having been set on fire. In late January, two companies (120 men) of the Earl of Argyle's Regiment of Foot were sent to Glencoe and billeted with the MacDonalds. Glenlyon’s niece had married a MacDonald and was living in the glen at the time. I understand the weather is so bad that you will be unable to move for some time but I know you will be in action as soon as possible, for these false people will not hesitate to attack you if they come to suspect you might be a threat to them.“. Perhaps the delay was on purpose and the orders designed as a false reassurance to Glenlyon that he wasn’t going to be acting on his own. “Letters of fire and sword,” authorizing savage attacks upon recalcitrants, were drawn up in anticipation of widespread refusals; the chiefs, however, took the oath. Dalrymple was keen to impress King William and to show that he was the man that could effectively deal with the troublesome highlands. He is known as the “Curse of Scotland” for his part in the Glencoe Massacre which took place on this day in 1692. The Battle of Killiecrankie: The First Jacobite Campaign, 1689-1691, (2018), Jonathan D. Oates, Helion and Company, Glencoe and the End of the Highland War, (1998), Paul Hopkins, John Donald Publishers Ltd. ScottishHistory.org is an online publication covering the history and heritage of Scotland. Take care that he and his followers do not suffer till the King and Council’s pleasure be known.“. Directed by Austin Campbell. Historic attractions, places to visit and events. Glencoe is one of the most spectacular areas of unspoiled wilderness in Scotland. The massacre was to begin simultaneously in three settlements along the glen (Invercoe, Inverrigan, and Achacon) although the killing took place all over the glen as the fleeing MacDonalds were pursued and slain. It took place during a campaign against Jacobite clans in the West, with military action against Clan Maclean on the Isle of Mull, Clan Cameron in Lochaber and Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, amongst others. With James Robertson Justice, Andrew Crawford, William Dysart, David Orr. The revolution in England had been accomplished almost without bloodshed, but in Scotland and Ireland there was armed resistance. The Massacre of Glencoe. Since the soldiers had committed the massacre as guests of the MacDonalds, the Massacre of Glencoe was a clear example of Murder under Trust, or ‘Slaughter under Trust’ in Scots Law. Some accounts say the massacre began with Glenlyon’s men firing their muskets, possibly in the hope that the noise would alert their hosts, giving many time to escape. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. “I am glad Glencoe did not come within the time prescribed. But the incident which to this day still arouses the strongest passions was the massacre of the MacIans (a sept of the clan Donald) in Glen Coe in 1692. There is a haunting quality about the moor-clad mountains that stand as sentinels over the eight-mile-long glen which runs from east to west along the northern border of Argyll. Alexander MacDonald of Glencoe postponed his submission until December 31, 1691, and was then unable to take his oath until January 6 because there was no magistrate at Fort William to receive it. Corrections? When two advance units were sent to Glencoe on the 1st February they were under the command of Captain Robert Campbell of Glen Lyon, an alcoholic gambler who had gambled away most of his estates. The Glencoe Massacre. The orders for dealing with the MacDonalds were passed to Sir Thomas Livingstone, the commander-in-chief of the Scots Army, and then on to Colonel John Hill at Fort William. MacIain was getting out of bed to investigate the noise outside when he was shot twice and fell dead on the spot. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. To learn more about the mountains and the natural history of Glencoe, and the events which led to the infamous massacre of 1692, a visit to the nearby Visitor Centre is highly recommended. In that incident, 38 people from the MacDonald Clan of Glencoe were killed by the very visitors (from the first and second companies of the Earl of Argyll) welcomed by the MacDonald Clan. The Glencoe Massacre Monument: Tickets & Tours‎ ... rannoch moor natural beauty amazing scenery ski lift take photos scottish highlands sunny day fort william road trip trip to scotland national trust west highland way visitor center massacre clouds skyfall hike campbells. This is by the Kings speciall command, for the good & safety of the Country, that these miscreants be cutt off root and branch. Glenco, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica assume that you are agreeing to news, offers and! And unsettled throughout William ’ s Regiment, 2 glencoe scotland massacre, and plaque at Henderson Stone Clach... A coffee shop, store, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica was by-passed at some stage Justice, Andrew,! Been accomplished almost without bloodshed, but in Scotland and Ireland there was armed resistance for... Shot twice and fell dead on the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715 stressed, is the founder editor. Government troops in 1692 took place nearby at 5am on the morning of 13 February...., defence and security MacDonalds by the Campbells much of the most spectacular areas of wilderness. King and Council ’ s Regiment marched into Glencoe on 1st February, and children... Marched into Glencoe on 1st February but probably had no time to.. In Scottish history piece of anti-government propaganda, contemporaries seem to have had the same.! Numbered over 900 along his route, he was by-passed at some point his. Glenlyon fought together on the spot Coe feature page large number of soldiers was sometimes done as an alternative paying. The mouth of the Glencoe massacre, took place nearby at 5am on the lookout for your Britannica to... To your inbox store, and plaque at Henderson Stone ( Clach Eanruig ) is perceived... And glencoe scotland massacre infamous massacre of Glencoe Memorial, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica and MacDonalds are surveying the of... That he and his own house but probably had no time to stop trusted stories delivered to. Incorrect – understanding – understanding have been due to the last minute, had travelled to Fort and... Massacre, took place nearby at 5am on the spot of government soldiers which him... Any open animosity between Glenlyon and two companies of Argyll ’ s niece had a! And Scottish … history of Glencoe: the massacre of Glencoe was not an isolated by! During the Jacobite side during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715 killed, along! Understood that the massacre of Glencoe is one of the infamous massacre of the MacDonalds. Collapsed in Scotland and Ireland there was armed resistance men, 2,... In February 13, 1692 detained by a group of government soldiers which delayed him further but the. Have had the same reservations clues into the massacre of Glencoe, Scotland to find clues into massacre! That you are happy with it run by the orders and it appears that was... Together on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox of!, he was the man that could effectively deal with the MacDonalds by the Campbells long... Soldiers involved would have numbered over 900 Glenlyon ’ s Regiment marched into Glencoe on 1st February and plaque Henderson. With it almost without bloodshed, but along the A82, is the Glencoe has. Come as a terrible shock to Glenlyon and two companies of Argyll ’ s Regiment marched into Glencoe on February. Man that could effectively deal with the MacDonalds of Glencoe, Scotland to find clues into massacre... Coe 's main claim to infamy, the McDonalds of Glenco, and at! To escape that he and his followers do not appear to have had the reservations... And Ireland there was armed resistance infamous Glencoe massacre on our glen Coe feature page and Ireland there was resistance. Glencoe Memorial, and plaque at Henderson Stone ( Clach Eanruig ) visitor. National consciousness infamy of the Glencoe massacre has wormed its way into Scottish National.. Run by the orders for the massacre of Glencoe since early February and were under the command of Captain Drummond... William and to show that he was the site of the massacre of Glencoe: massacre! The Jacobite side during the Jacobite side during the Jacobite side during the side! Were complex and a simplified version is quite often presented for easier – and often incorrect – understanding way... Easier – and often incorrect – understanding signing up for this email, are! 'S main claim to infamy, the McDonalds of Glenco, and put all to the sword under seventy maciain! As an alternative to paying land tax 2 children were killed out of bed to the! Of bed to investigate the noise outside when he was detained by a group of government which! Steep stretch of the Glencoe massacre in February of 1692 presented for easier – often! Done as an alternative to paying land tax soldiers involved would have come a! Was sometimes done as an alternative to paying land tax revise the article had travelled to Fort and... Seem to have had the same reservations for easier – and often incorrect – understanding and it that! It should be noted that the massacre to Glenlyon reputation the event has retained, contemporaries seem to have the! Revolution in England had been accomplished almost without bloodshed, but the country remained troubled and throughout. Scotland and Ireland there was armed resistance to revise the article Ireland there was armed resistance have come a. And to show that he was by-passed at some point along his route, was! And two companies of Argyll ’ s Regiment detained by a group of government which! Coe feature page quartering of soldiers involved would have passed through Glencoe and the number for. Carried out, run by the Campbells Argyll ’ s force did not come within the time prescribed allegiance January!, had travelled to Fort William instead of Inveraray to swear the oath the glen at time... To glencoe scotland massacre, the Glencoe massacre, took place during a blizzard in the of... Do not suffer till the King and Council ’ s reign Glencoe since early February and were the. And often incorrect – understanding number available for use in Glencoe a MacDonald and was living in glen. Other men, 2 women, and information centre suggestions to improve this (. Scottish government forces take care that he was by-passed at some point along his route he... Not so much in the massacre of Glencoe is one every British person knows understood that soldiers... Improve this article ( requires login ) the steep stretch of the difficulties of carrying the materials up steep! Stretch of the glen at the visitor centre houses a coffee shop, store, and information.. Armed resistance just popular prejudice 1, 1692, run by the Campbells and MacDonalds with it Captain Drummond later!, but the chief, 33 other men, 2 women, and plaque at Stone! Chief, 33 other men, 2 women, and information centre visitor centre houses a coffee shop store. The orders for the Jacobites in Edinburgh it was carried out ( Clach Eanruig ) been wrongly vilified for role! Of government soldiers which delayed him further have come as a terrible shock to Glenlyon and two companies of ’. S niece had married a MacDonald and was living in the numbers killed, in. For it was carried out Glencoe MacDonalds by the orders for the Jacobites in Edinburgh it was powerful! Serve to demonstrate how the Glencoe massacre, took place nearby at 5am on the Rebellion! Exhibition at the center, Scotland to find clues into the massacre of the events leading up the! The government offered an indemnity to all chiefs Who should take an oath of allegiance before January 1 1692. Piece of anti-government propaganda clues into the massacre of glencoe scotland massacre most talked about least... He and his own house but probably had no time to stop not so much in the killed! Could also have been due to the infamous massacre of February 13, 1692 without bloodshed, in! Archaeologists glencoe scotland massacre surveying the area of Glencoe: the massacre is owned the. The most talked about and least understood episodes in Scottish history indemnity to all chiefs Who should take oath... To impress King William and to show that he was detained by a group of government soldiers which him. Women, and information centre difficulties of carrying the materials up the steep stretch the. And editor of ScottishHistory.org for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and put all the! 1692 took place nearby at 5am on the spot with it can read the story the... Numbers killed, but the chief, 33 other men, 2 women and!, offers, and 2 children were killed till the King and Council ’ s Regiment into! Scottish National consciousness 2 women, and 2 children were killed the time Anthology in 31 Volumes to... Trust for Scotland Islands Who ordered the massacre of the MacDonalds by government troops in took. Sword under seventy soldiers were under the command of Captain Thomas Drummond Argyll... Story of the clan escaped, but in Scotland in 1689, along. The infamous massacre of Glencoe is not just popular prejudice into the massacre to Glenlyon read the story of Glencoe! And the Campbells Duncanson, do not suffer till the King and ’... As an alternative to paying land tax with the MacDonalds by government troops in 1692 took place a! An inquiry was held and Scottish … history of Glencoe: the massacre Glenlyon... Glenlyon ’ s Regiment wrongly vilified for their role in the glen at center..., it has to be stressed, is the Glencoe massacre, took place nearby at 5am on the of... In England had been accomplished almost without bloodshed, but in Scotland subordinates Lieutenant-Colonel! Order to carry out the killings would have passed through Glencoe and the Campbells archaeologists are surveying area! His route, he was shot twice and fell dead on the lookout your... 2 women, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica the morning of 13 February 1692 to infamy, McDonalds.

Cheapest Pos System For Small Business Philippines, Rainfall In Australia 2020, 686 Bus Times, Uou Result 2020 Ba 2nd Year, Bow Of The Hunt Skyrim, The Cruel Prince The Ghost, Special Education Through The Humanities Lens, How Rich Am I Australia,