James Douglas (1662-1711)

Politician

James Douglas, second duke of Queensberry, joined William III in 1688 but kept his options open and was in correspondence with the Old Pretender, James VIII. His political career almost ended when he was double-crossed by the Jacobite plotter, Simon Fraser, lord Lovat in 1703. Queen Anne said of James Douglas: 'it grates my soul to take a man into my service that has not only betrayed me, but tricked me several times, one that has been obnoxious to his own countrymen.' (Anne, Queen of Great Britain, The letters and diplomatic instructions of Queen Anne, letter iv to Godolphin, June 14, 1705, p.160). Despite her reservations he was appointed as one of the commissioners to treat for Union in 1706. He was created duke of Dover, marquis of Beverley and earl of Ripon in 1708. In 1686 James bought Queensberry House in the Canongate of Edinburgh as his city residence. This building is now in the complex of buildings of the Scottish Parliament.

Testament of James, duke of Queensberry

National Records of Scotland, CC5/6/8 pp 67-68

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