Colville, James

Biography

Soldier and diplomat. First Lord Colville of Culross. Committed Calvinist, spent his early years fighting in Scotland and France. Accompanied Earl of Moray to France 1567, returned to Scotland by 1569, participated in the Leith convention that conferred the regency on the Earl of Morton 1572. Spent time in France and Scotland til 1582. Participated in the Ruthven raid Aug 1582, fled Scotland in the counter-revolution June 1583 but returned Sept 1583. Sent on an embassy to France 1586, ambassador to England 1589, also 1594 - key figure in Scottish-French relations. Also well connected with English court. Made Lord Colville 1604. Raised test case for establishing citizenship for Scots after the union of the crowns. Died Tillicoultry 1629.

Biography Date

c.1551-1629

Biography References

DNB;

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