James Smollett ca.1648-1731

Sir James SMOLLETT of Bonhill, ca.1648-1731

Biographical Note

The son of John Smollett of Stainflett (d.1680). He was educated at Dumbarton grammar school and Glasgow University, graduating in 1664. He represented Dumbarton in the Scottish Parliament from 1689 to 1707. He was one of the commissioners for the Treaty of Union with England and sat in the first British Parliament in 1707-1708. He supported the Hanoverian succession in 1714/1715.

He purchased the estate of Bonhill in 1684. He was knighted by William III in 1698.

Books

Used an engraved bookplate (Franks 27451): Smollett of Bonhill.

The extent and disposition of his library is not known.

Sources

• Gambier Howe, E. R. J. Franks bequest: catalogue of British and American book plates bequeathed to the ... British Museum. London, 1903.
• History of Parliament
• Mann, A. J. "Smollett, Sir James, of Stainflett and Bonhill (c. 1648–1731), politician." Oxford Dictionary of National Biography.