Viscount of Dundee: The History of a Scottish Peerage
The title of Viscount of Dundee represents a brief but turbulent chapter in the Peerage of Scotland. Established during a period of intense political and religious upheaval, the title is closely linked to the Graham family and the Jacobite cause—the movement seeking to restore the House of Stuart to the British throne.
The peerage was officially created on November 12, 1688, for John Graham. Along with the viscountcy, he was simultaneously granted the title of Lord Graham of Claverhouse. The legal terms of the creation specified that the title would pass to his heirs male of his body, and should that line fail, to his other heirs male.
Key Facts
- Creation Date: November 12, 1688.
- Original Grantee: John Graham, 1st Viscount of Dundee.
- Associated Title: Lord Graham of Claverhouse.
- Legal Status: Forfeited in 1690 due to attainder.
- Political Affiliation: Strongly associated with the Jacobites.
The Succession and Forfeiture
The lineage of the viscountcy was marked by tragedy and political conflict. The first Viscount, John Graham, died in 1689. He was succeeded by his son, James Graham, the 2nd Viscount, who died as an infant in the same year.
The title then passed to David Graham, the 3rd Viscount and uncle of the 2nd Viscount. However, the title's official standing was short-lived. In 1690, the 3rd Viscount suffered an attainder—a legal consequence of treason that resulted in the forfeiture of lands, titles, and civil rights. Despite this legal erasure, the heirs-male of the family continued to use the title informally into the following century.
Titular Heirs and the Jacobite Risings
Following the official forfeiture, several family members were considered heirs but for the attainder. David Graham of Duntroon (who died in 1706) notably chose not to use the title. However, subsequent generations remained active in Jacobite efforts:
- William Graham: The titular 5th Viscount (d. 1717), who was attainted for his involvement in the Jacobite rising of 1715 (the 'Fifteen).
- James Graham: The titular 6th Viscount (d. 1759), who participated in the Jacobite rising of 1745 (the 'Forty-Five).
Summary of the Viscounts of Dundee
| Holder | Relation | Status/Notes | Year of Death |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Graham, 1st Viscount | Founder | Created Lord Graham of Claverhouse | 1689 |
| James Graham, 2nd Viscount | Son of 1st | Died as an infant | 1689 |
| David Graham, 3rd Viscount | Uncle of 2nd | Title forfeited in 1690 | 1700 |
| William Graham | Titular 5th | Attainted for the 'Fifteen | 1717 |
| James Graham | Titular 6th | Participated in the 'Forty-Five | 1759 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the title Viscount of Dundee created?
The title was created in the Peerage of Scotland on November 12, 1688, for John Graham.
What other title did the 1st Viscount hold?
At the time of the viscountcy's creation, John Graham was also made Lord Graham of Claverhouse.
Why was the title forfeited?
The title was forfeited in 1690 by the 3rd Viscount, David Graham, due to an attainder resulting from political conflict.
Who were the Jacobites mentioned in the lineage?
The Jacobites were supporters of the exiled House of Stuart. In this lineage, the titular 5th and 6th Viscounts were involved in the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745, respectively.
Did the family stop using the title after 1690?
No, although the title was legally forfeited, the heirs-male continued to use it as a titular designation into the 18th century.