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John Graham

1648-1689

John Graham of Claverhouse, 1st Viscount Dundee (c. 21 July 1648 - 27 July 1689) was a Scottish soldier and nobleman, a Tory and an Episcopalian. Claverhouse is remembered by history in two distinct characters. Unfavourable records of his persecution of the Covenanters, when he was responsible for policing south-west Scotland during and after the religious unrest and rebellion of the 1670s and 80s, led to Presbyterian historians dubbing him "Bluidy Clavers". Later, as a general in the Scottish army, Claverhouse remained loyal to King James VII after the so-called Glorious Revolution of 1688. He rallied the loyal Highland clans and, although he lost his life in the battle, led them to victory at Killiecrankie. This first Jacobite rising was unsuccessful, but Claverhouse became a Jacobite hero, acquiring his second soubriquet "Bonnie Dundee".