William Maxwell, 5th Earl of Nithsdale

William Maxwell, 5th Earl of Nithsdale, was a Roman Catholic member of the Scottish nobility who took part in the Jacobite rising of 1715. He was attainted with his titles forfeited. However, Lord Nithsdale made a celebrated escape from the Tower of London by changing clothes with his wife's maid the day before he was due to be executed. The lordship of Herries of Terregles was later restored to his descendants and remains extant.

Occupation

politician

Position held

Member of the Parliament of Scotland

Citizenship

Kingdom of Great Britain

Born

1676

Died

March 20, 1744