James Maule, 4th Earl of Panmure

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James Maule, 4th Earl of Panmure (1658–1723). Born in Monifieth, Scotland, James Maule lived at Ballumbie and became the 4th Earl of Panmure in 1686 on the death of his brother, George Maule, who had been the 3rd Earl. James Maule married Margaret, the daughter of William Douglas, Duke of Hamilton (1634-94). He was responsible for commissioning Alexander Edward to reconstruct Brechin Castle between approximately 1696 and 1709.^[1]

James Maule was a Privy Councillor to King James VII (1633 - 1701), despite being a Protestant, continued to support James in exile. He was an early supporter of the Jacobite cause. James Maule encouraged rebellion and the return of the King by signing a letter suggesting the country would rise to support him (1707). From the Mercat Cross at Brechin, he proclaimed James Francis Edward Stuart, the 'Old Pretender' as King James VIII (1715) and went on to fight at the battle of Sheriffmuir in November of the same year. He was captured but escaped, with his younger brother Henry, via Arbroath to the Continent the following year. This resulted in the forfeiture of the Panmure title and estates; indeed it is said that the gates of Panmure House have not been opened since. Maule was honoured by the Old Pretender and followed him to Avignon (1716) and then Rome (1717).

He died of pleurisy in Paris, still in exile having twice refused the opportunity of reconciliation with the British government.

He had one son General William Maule (1700 - 1782) while in France.

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