Douglas, James (London) 1
| Dates | 1685-1711 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | London | ||
| Vocation | Politician | ||
| Place of Birth | Sanquhar Castle, Dumfriesshire | ||
| Marriage | Lady Mary Boyle | ||
| Issue | 4 sons and 5 daughters | ||
| Place of birth | Source | Oxford Dictionary of National Biography; J.B. Paul, The Scots Peerage: A History of the Noble Families of Scotland, 9 vols (Edinburgh, 1904-1914), vii, 142-3 |
Second Duke of Queensberry and first Duke of Dover. Studied at Glasgow University before travelling on the Continent. Began political career in Scotland, then accompanied father to court (1685). Queensberry was appointed to the privy council of 1686 and 1687. Received commission as a lieutenant-colonel of horse, issued from Whitehall (1688). Changed political allegiance to William of Orange after his arrival in England but only began attending at court in 1689. Played significant role in negotiations for a treaty of union with England (1702-3). Queensberry was unsuccessful and politically discredited through his involvement with Simon Fraser yet retained strong power base in Scotland which could not be ignored. Appointed High Commissioner during the second negotiations for a treaty of Union with England (1706). Made a British Peer (1708). Queensberry died in London 1711 but was buried at Durisdeer, near Drumlanrig, Dumfriesshire.
