Bestowing charity: war widows and the Privy Council during the Williamite Revolution in Scotland (1688–91)

Abstract

ABSTRACT Despite an ongoing war and rumours of treason and brutality, the Scottish Privy Council adopted a widespread charitable effort to repatriate and aid destitute women and children during the Williamite Revolution (1688–91). The contributions of soldiers and sailors to the Scottish armies during the Revolution meant their dependents often had to file for assistance. Wartime demands increased the scope by which women could interact with the central authorities and challenged their conceptions of the power and legitimacy of government. Focusing on the petitionary records contained within the Scottish Treasury register and the Scottish Privy Council records, this article shows women’s interactions with the political process and the process for petitioning for charitable relief. The petitioning process was rigorous, complex, and tied to the administration’s authority. Women’s success in this arena illustrates their understanding and knowledge in maneuvering within the political process.