Scotland Laird of Dundee
The Lordship of Dundee
Dundee's lordship history is marked by both military heroism and industrial wealth. The city's most famous noble connection is John Graham of Claverhouse, 1st Viscount Dundee, known as 'Bonnie Dundee' to his Jacobite supporters and 'Bloody Clavers' to his Presbyterian enemies. He led the first Jacobite rising in 1689 and was killed at the moment of his victory at the Battle of Killiecrankie.
Dundee received its royal charter from William the Lion around 1191 and grew wealthy from trade across the North Sea. The city was sacked by English forces multiple times, most devastatingly by General Monck in 1651, when much of the medieval burgh was destroyed.
In the 19th century, Dundee's 'jute barons' created a new kind of nobility based on industrial wealth. Families like the Coxes, the Baxters, and the Gilroys built grand houses and wielded influence that rivalled the old landed aristocracy.
Dundee and the Peerage
The Viscountcy of Dundee was created in 1688 for John Graham of Claverhouse, 'Bonnie Dundee.' The title became extinct after his death at Killiecrankie in 1689. The Earldom of Dundee was created in 1660 for the Scrymgeour family, hereditary Standard Bearers of Scotland.
Among the notable figures associated with Dundee, Viscount Dundee was known for 'Bonnie Dundee', Jacobite hero. Earl of Dundee, scrymgeour family, also left a significant mark on the area's history.
View the full Peerage Hierarchy ChartNotable Lords of Dundee
Dundee was known as the city of 'jute, jam, and journalism' in the Victorian era. The three Js made the city rich and powerful, with the jute lords controlling a global industry from the banks of the River Tay.
Scotland Noble Surnames
Explore the noble heritage of Scotland's most prominent family names and discover their connections to the peerage.
Become a Laird or Lady of Scotland
The lords of Dundee shaped centuries of history. Today, you can carry a Scotland title of your own as Laird or Lady, with a complete title pack from £55.
