Wemyss, James
| Dates | 1629/30-48, 1651-66 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | London | ||
| Vocation | Army officer | ||
| Place of Birth | Caskieberran, Fife | ||
| Marriage | Katherine Rayment | ||
| Issue | James (other children) | ||
| Place of birth | Source | Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |
Innovator in field artillery, refining his uncle's invention of a type of leather-covered cannon or leather gun. Devoted himself to gunnery and associated skills making Wemyss useful to the royal army. Travelled with the royalist army to Berwick (1639) but defeat persuaded Wemyss to transfer his services to the English parliament. Appointed master of the ordnance to Sir William Waller, joining Waller's army in 1643. Returned to Scotland in 1648, where he was granted the privilege to make leather ordnance. Appointed general of artillery and engineering, and master of the ordnance of Scotland (1649). Captured at the battle of Worcester and confined to Windsor Castle (1651). Granted six-months leave on grounds of health (1645). Granted a patent in 1660 for his scientific inventions for naval and military gunnery. Restored by Charles II as master-gunner of England and general of artillery in Scotland (1660). Retired to Scotland in 1666 where he died in 1667.
