Laskova N.V. The Polish service of the Scotsman James Murray: from diplomat to the founder of the Polish Navy (1601–1634)

Abstract: The article examines an aspect pertaining to the question of Scottish emigration to the European continent in the 17th century. On the basis of documental material, which includes contemporary testimonies and royal correspondence, the article traces the “Polish” period in the biography of the Scotsman James Murray. This representative of the ancient Scottish clan, while being in the service of the Polish kings of the Vasa dynasty Sigismund III and Wladyslaw IV, manifested himself in various spheres: from court and royal messenger to colonel in the ranks of the Polish army. The popularisation of his image in the literary works of writer E. Ryhlinsky is also addressed. The research methodology of this study is based on a retrospective analysis, including information from documentary sources. The historical-genetic method is applied to determine the influence of personal-subjective elements in historical development and in objective factors. The novelty of this research lies in its overview of the little-known in historiography events that reflect the role of the named Scottish native in the creation of an effective Polish fleet in the 1620s. The article can be recommended to all interested in the history of Poland, Scotland, and Scottish emigration to Eastern Europe in the Early modern period.

Keywords: