BBC HomeExplore the BBC

1 December 2009
Accessibility help
Text only
Scottish History

BBC Homepage
Scotland
Scottish History
»On This Day

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
 

Contact Us

Like this page?
Send it to a friend!

 

1 May

Earl of Seafield

On this day in 1707, the Act of Union between Scotland and England came into force.

Scottish church bells played the tune "Why am I so Sad on my Wedding Day?" - the Union was brought about in spite of opposition by the majority of Scots. The image is of James Ogilvy, 1st Earl Seafield, on occasions M.P. for Banffshire and Lord Chancellor of Scotland. He promoted The Act of Union of 1707, but moved the repeal of the Act in 1713. Bribery was prevalent, with £20,000 sterling being despatched to Scotland for the payment of spies and agent provocateurs.


Today in 1690, the last organised Jacobite forces are beaten by government troops at Cromdale, near Grantown on Spey. The battle of the Haughs of Cromdale completely eliminated any Jacobite threat to William in Scotland, and enabled him to concentrate his forces in Ireland for another decisive victory over James at the Battle of the Boyne two months later.


May calendar
Send as an e-postcard 1 May 2 May 3 May 4 May 5 May 6 May 7 May 8 May 9 May 10 May 11 May 12 May 13 May 14 May 15 May 16 May 17 May 18 May 19 May 20 May 21 May 22 May 23 May 24 May 25 May 26 May 27 May 28 May 29 May 30 May 31 May


About the BBC | Help | Terms of Use | Privacy & Cookies Policy