Clans & Crowns: The Noble, the Bishop, the Soldier & the King: The Earl of Mar & Jacobite High Politics in the 1720s

This August, Bannockburn House presents Clans & Crowns, a special programme exploring the people, politics and material culture of the Jacobite era.

August marks the anniversaries of the beginnings of the 1715 and 1745 Risings, the month will examine how dynastic ambition, clan allegiance and conflict shaped Scotland’s history, and how those national events connect directly to Bannockburn House.The Noble, the Bishop, the Soldier and the King: the Earl of Mar and Jacobite High Politics in the 1720sJohn Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, is best known as the leader of the 1715 Jacobite Rising.

But his story did not end with its defeat.

From exile, Mar remained at the centre of Jacobite politics, navigating a dangerous world of rival advisers, shifting alliances and competing plans to restore the Stuart monarchy.In this engaging evening talk, PhD researcher Andrew Colquhoun explores the nobleman, the bishop, the soldier and the king who shaped Jacobite high politics during the 1720s.

Their relationships reveal a story of political manoeuvring, personal rivalry and dynastic ambition—with consequences for Scotland and the wider Jacobite movement.Andrew is a graduate researcher at the University of Glasgow, where he studies the political writings and career of the Earl of Mar.

He also volunteers as a guide and researcher at Bannockburn House.Whether you are already fascinated by Jacobite history or simply curious about the people and personalities behind the Risings, this accessible talk offers a fresh look at a remarkable and often overlooked chapter of Scotland’s past.Photo Credit: R.

Page.

Portrait of John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, National Galleries of Scotland, Accession number: SP III 101.5.