Melville, George
| Dates | 1660, 1680s-1700 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | London | ||
| Vocation | Politician | ||
| Place of Birth | Scotland | ||
| Marriage | Catherine Leslie | ||
| Issue | 12 children | ||
| Place of birth | Source | J.B. Paul, The Scots Peerage: A History of the Noble Families of Scotland, 9 vols (Edinburgh, 1904-1914), vi, 106-10; Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |
Fourth Lord, and first earl, Melville. Initially went to London to greet Charles II (1660) but did not remain long. Returned again in 1663 on a two-month stay. Whilst in Scotland, fought against covenanters. Helped defend Edinburgh. Joined Monmouth's forces. Association with Monmouth led to Melville being implicated in Rye House Plot. Escaped to Netherlands, returning in 1688/9. Was in London for coronation of William and Mary. Appointed secretary of state for Scotland (1689). Named exchequer commissioner in Scotland (1690). Political career began to wane in 1690s. Returned to London in 1695 to try and restore royal favour - appears to have been achieved as offered position of president of the privy council (1695). Travelled to Bath for health purposes, returned to London before travelling back to Scotland. Died 1707.
