Murray, Alexander

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Dates 1750s, 1771-8
Location London and Buckinghamshire
Vocation Jacobite Agent
Place of Birth Scotland
Marriage
Issue
Place of birth Source Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Sixth son of Alexander Murry, Lord Elibank. Joined military in 1737 but never advanced beyond rank of lieutenant. Attracted to Prince Charles Edward but did not join him when he arrived in Scotland, 1745. Through marriage of convenience, able to lend Prince Charles funds thereby gaining access to the prince's innermost circle. Became embroiled in a hotly disputed Westminster election and summoned before the House of Commons (February 1751). Imprisoned in Newgate. Freed in June of that year he drove to his brother's house in Henrietta Street, then fled to France. Also participated in attempt to seize the Hanoverian royal family and reinstate the Stuarts on the throne; became known as the Elibank Plot. Remained in exile for the next two decades but remained within prince's close circle. Created earl of Westminster (1759). Permitted to return to England in 1771. Died at Taplow, Buckinghamshire, where he is buried.