Argyll's Rising

Quick Facts: Who was Argyll's Rising?

Subject:

Argyll's Rising

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A failed 1685 rebellion in Scotland led by Archibald Campbell, Earl of Argyll.

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Origins & Early Life

Argyll's Rising, June 1685, was an attempt to overthrow James II and VII in Scotland led by Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll. Planned to coincide with the Monmouth Rebellion in England, both were backed by Protestants who opposed James due to his Catholicism. Argyll expected to raise several thousand men from Clan Campbell, as well as additional support from Presbyterian dissidents. He landed in Scotland with around 300 men, but attracted few recruits. Hampered by disagreements amongst their leaders, the rebels began to disperse in mid June, while Argyll was captured and executed on 30 June.

Career & Major Achievements

Despite widespread opposition to Catholicism in the predominantly Protestant kingdoms of Scotland and England, in February 1685 James II and VII came to power with widespread support, despite being a Catholic himself. This was driven by a desire for stability, especially as James had yet to produce a legitimate son, and the legal heir was his Protestant daughter Mary. As a result, most members of the Church of Scotland argued there was no justification for taking up arms. Nevertheless, a significant minority had been expelled from the church under the Rescissory Act 1661, primarily in Southwest Scotland, an area dominated by the Duke of Argyll. These dissidents held religious services in the open fields, known as conventicles, which often attracted thousands of worshippers.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Despite his father's role in the Covenanter government of 1638 to 1651, Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll became a leading figure in Charles II's Scottish administration. However, by the 1670s his power in the West Highlands was seen as a threat to royal authority, as well as royal income. In 1679, a failed conventicle rebellion left him vulnerable to attack by Lord Advocate Rosehaugh, chief prosecutor of the 1679 rebels. As a result, his objections to the 1681 Test Act, he was convicted of treason and sentenced to death, a charge widely regarded as driven by James's vindictiveness. Charles allowed Argyll to escape, and he eventually reached the Dutch Republic after being accused of complicity in the 1683 Rye House Plot.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1638: 1638 Milestone — Despite his father's role in the Covenanter government of 1638 to 1651, Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll became a leading figure in Charles II's Scottish administration.
2. 1661: 1661 Milestone — Nevertheless, a significant minority had been expelled from the church under the Rescissory Act 1661, primarily in Southwest Scotland, an area dominated by the Duke of Argyll.
3. 1679: 1679 Milestone — In 1679, a failed conventicle rebellion left him vulnerable to attack by Lord Advocate Rosehaugh, chief prosecutor of the 1679 rebels.
4. 1681: 1681 Milestone — As a result, his objections to the 1681 Test Act, he was convicted of treason and sentenced to death, a charge widely regarded as driven by James's vindictiveness.
5. 1683: 1683 Milestone — Charles allowed Argyll to escape, and he eventually reached the Dutch Republic after being accused of complicity in the 1683 Rye House Plot.
6. 1685: 1685 Milestone — Argyll's Rising, June 1685, was an attempt to overthrow James II and VII in Scotland led by Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Argyll's Rising

True or False: “The primary goal of the Argyll's Rising was solely to overthrow James II and VII due to his Catholicism.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While opposing James II's Catholicism was a major factor, Argyll also initially planned the insurrection with the aim of regaining his own lands and titles.

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