The Douglas Archives Genealogy Pages

Discovering our Douglas Ancestors and their Relatives

Share Print Bookmark

James (Earl of Drumlanrig) Douglas

Male 1697 - 1714  (16 years)


Generations:      Standard    |    Compact    |    Vertical    |    Text    |    Register    |    Tables    |    PDF

Generation: 1

  1. 1.  James (Earl of Drumlanrig) Douglas was born on 2 Nov 1697; died on 17 Feb 1714.

    Notes:

    Infamous cannibal. Eldest son of James Douglas (1662 - 1711), the 'Union' Duke of Queensberry, the Earl of Drumlanrig was dangerously mentally disturbed.

    While confined in Queensberry House (Edinburgh), he managed to escape from his quarters while his father and the rest of the household were out celebrating the successful enactment of the Treaty of Union (1707), or perhaps watching the ensuing riots in the streets. While looking for food, Douglas found only a kitchen-boy remaining in the house, but proceeded to mount him on a spit and roast him alive.

    It was only after Douglas had partially devoured the boy did other servants return and discover what had happened. The incident was seen as due punishment for the 'Union Duke' by those who had not supported his position.




This site powered by The Next Generation of Genealogy Sitebuilding v. 14.0.5, written by Darrin Lythgoe © 2001-2024.

Maintained by William Douglas. | Data Protection Policy.