Link: Drummond

The Flemings and the Drummond family
Allies, c1482 - 1690

The Drummonds of Stobhall, later Earls of Perth, married into the Flemings three times. Two centuries later the Catholic Chancellor James Drummond became guardian of the young 6th Earl of Wigtown.

Three marriages

Around 1482 Sir David Fleming of Monycabock, grandson of the 1st Lord Fleming, married Elizabeth Drummond. Around 1492 his brother John, 2nd Lord Fleming, married Euphame Drummond, mother of the 3rd Lord. In 1633 John, later 3rd Earl of Wigtown, married Lady Jean Drummond, eldest daughter of John, 2nd Earl of Perth. That year his father settled Cumbernauld, Biggar, Denny and other estates on the couple.

Guardian of the 6th Earl

When William, 5th Earl of Wigtown, died in 1681, his son John was a boy. In 1684 Charles II appointed James Drummond, 4th Earl of Perth, the Chancellor of Scotland and a kinsman, as his tutor. Perth became a Catholic and sent John and his brother Charles to Catholic colleges in France. After the Revolution of 1688 their mother accused Perth in Parliament of “perverting” her sons to popery. In 1690 Parliament considered freeing Perth from prison if he could secure the young men’s return. The Drummond connection helped make the last two Earls of Wigtown Catholics and Jacobites.