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John Dalrymple, 1st Earl of Stair

John Dalrymple (born 1648 - died January 8, 1707) was a Scottish noble who played a key role in the 1707 Act of Union between Scotland and England that created the Kingdom of Great Britain.

The son of James Dalrymple, 1st Viscount Stair of Stair, John Dalrymple was born at Stair House in the parish of Stair that was then part of what was known as the District of Kyle, Ayrshire. He served under King James II, but as a dominant force in the Scottish Parliament he helped bring about the 1688 accession of William III to the throne. In 1689 the king rewarded him with the position of Lord Advocate and in 1691 he was appointed Joint Secretary of State over Scotland.

Dalrymple is most remembered for his part in the 1692 Massacre of Glencoe out of which rose a government enquiry that traced the orders for the infamous massacre to him. The matter brought little more than a temporary suspension from his duties before he returned to government in 1700 as a member of the Privy Council. Master of Stair, he was created 1st Earl of Stair in 1703 by Queen Anne.

For many Scots, John Dalrymple remains one of the most reviled men in their history.

Last updated: 06-02-2005 23:58:03
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