The Massacre of Glen Coe MacDonalds
Mar 24, 2021 7:40:51 GMT
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Post by diane9247 on Mar 24, 2021 7:40:51 GMT
The massacre of Clan MacDonald of Glen Coe, Scotland, took place on 13 February, 1692. A recent excavation of one of the three "lost townships" has revealed some artifacts that may confirm Achtriochtan to be the location of the killings. An estimated 30-60 members (depending on source), including children, were killed by Scottish government forces for missing the deadline to pledge allegiance to the new monarchs, William III and Mary II.
According to Wikipedia, the Glen Coe MacDonalds might have been a more desirable target than the Keppoch MacDonalds, who also had not pledged, because of the Glen Coe clan's more rebellious reputation. Both engaged in cattle rustling and other crimes, however. King William was spending too much money keeping clan order in the remote highlands, instead needing those resources for the Nine Years War in Flanders. A brutal massacre would eliminate some troublemakers and also serve as a sobering example to other unruly clans, such as the MacGregors and Camerons. (See Wikipedia for a more thorough discussion of clan politics, way beyond the scope of this post, the Nine Years War and monarchical history of the time.)
Illustration from LiveScience. Unknown artist, possibly a book or pamphlet illustration.
Those not killed outright crawled in the snow up to the hills, where they froze to death. The region was shocked by the brutality of the killings. "Inhabitants of Achtriochtan were among those 'put to the sword' in February 1692, when government soldiers from the Campbell clan, who had been billeted in MacDonald homes in Glen Coe for almost two weeks, were ordered to kill their hosts." (Same source as illustration above.)
After the Massacre of Glencoe. Peter Graham (1836 - 18 October 1921) (Scottish) Born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dead in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. Public Domain (Source) This image is especially poignant, as the artist has painted the small figures of survivors on a ridge, while fires burn below.
Township of Achtriochtan.kmz (876 B)
Regarding Glen Coe vs. Glencoe: See my reply to Larryc1 below.
According to Wikipedia, the Glen Coe MacDonalds might have been a more desirable target than the Keppoch MacDonalds, who also had not pledged, because of the Glen Coe clan's more rebellious reputation. Both engaged in cattle rustling and other crimes, however. King William was spending too much money keeping clan order in the remote highlands, instead needing those resources for the Nine Years War in Flanders. A brutal massacre would eliminate some troublemakers and also serve as a sobering example to other unruly clans, such as the MacGregors and Camerons. (See Wikipedia for a more thorough discussion of clan politics, way beyond the scope of this post, the Nine Years War and monarchical history of the time.)
Illustration from LiveScience. Unknown artist, possibly a book or pamphlet illustration.
Those not killed outright crawled in the snow up to the hills, where they froze to death. The region was shocked by the brutality of the killings. "Inhabitants of Achtriochtan were among those 'put to the sword' in February 1692, when government soldiers from the Campbell clan, who had been billeted in MacDonald homes in Glen Coe for almost two weeks, were ordered to kill their hosts." (Same source as illustration above.)
After the Massacre of Glencoe. Peter Graham (1836 - 18 October 1921) (Scottish) Born in Edinburgh, Scotland. Dead in St Andrews, Fife, Scotland. Public Domain (Source) This image is especially poignant, as the artist has painted the small figures of survivors on a ridge, while fires burn below.
Township of Achtriochtan.kmz (876 B)
Regarding Glen Coe vs. Glencoe: See my reply to Larryc1 below.
Gaelic would be fun to listen in to, even if incomprehensible. 