Analysis of even a small snapshot of officers in the Jacobite army of 1745 reveals a complex web of close inter-relationships. The chart below is an example of relationships via three of the daughters and heiress of John Dow of Arnhall, near Stirling. Those in red were “out” in the rising and comprise some of its well-known individuals, including Lord George Murray and Charles Stewart of Ardsheal. Also noteworthy is the geographical scope which is throughout Highland Perthshire over into Appin. To this could be added a considerable number of other officers who were all at least first and second cousin, uncles, in-laws etc., to one another. The question is to what extent, if any, did such near degrees of relationship contribute to their participation in the ’45? This wasn’t unique to the Jacobite era and that faction; out of the near 70 persons charged with the murder of Queen Mary’s favourite, David Riccio, at Holyrood in 1567 at least 3/4 were either in-laws or first or second cousins.
The intention is to complete a series of papers detailing the near degree of kinship amongst those persons who were at the forefront of historic events in Scotland. Look back for further updates an information.