Field Marshal John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll KG KT


John Campbell was born at Ham House in Petersham, Surrey on 10th Oct 1680. His father was Archibald Campbell, 10th Earl of Argyll who was involved in the Glen Coe Massacre and became the 1st Duke of Argyll in 1701. John inherited the title 2nd Duke of Argyll and Chief of Clan Campbell in 1703. He was a politician and soldier, supporting the Union of Scotland and England which took place in 1707. He was made Knight of the Garter in 1710 and resigned from the Order of the Thistle. He commanded the government army at Sheriffmuir during the 1715 Rebellion which was inconclusive, but he later defeated the Jacobites. For his efforts he was rewarded with the title Duke of Greenwich in 1719. He reached the rank of Field Marshal in 1736 and was appointed C-in-C the British army. The portrait is painted by William Aikman, one of at least 14 paintings he made of this sitter. Campbell encouraged Aikman to settle in London where he had a flourishing career. John Campbell died on 4th Oct 1743 and was buried in Westminster Abbey on 15th Oct.

He was first appointed as Colonel of a regiment, raised by his father, at the age of 14, and served in the Nine Years War. His positions included two re-appointments to the colonelcy of the RHG Blues:

1694 Colonel of The Earl of Argyll's (Lord Lorne's) Regiment of Foot 1694 - 1697
1696 Colonel of 4th Troop Horse Guards 25th May 1696 - 28th Sep 1703
1707 Colonel of Prince George of Denmark's Regiment (The Buffs) 24th Feb 1707 - 25th Feb 1711
1712 Governor of Minorca 1712 - 1716
1715 Colonel of Royal Horse Guards 13th June 1715 - 7th Mar 1717
1715 Lord Lieutenant of Surrey 1715 - 1716
1725 Master General of Ordnance 1725 - 1740
1726 Colonel of The Princess of Wales's Own Royal Regiment of Horse (2nd Dragoon Guards) 26th Aug 1726 - 5th Aug 1733
1733 Colonel of Royal Horse Guards 6th Aug 1733 - 5th May 1740
1742 Master General of ordnance
1742 Colonel of Royal Horse Guards 24th Feb 1742 - 11th Mar 1742


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by Stephen Luscombe