The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle
The Order was founded in 1687 by King James VII of Scotland (also known as James II of England) who claimed that he was reviving an earlier Order. James VII issued letters patent "reviving and restoring the Order of the Thistle to its full glory, lustre and magnificency" on 29 May 1687. The Order consists of the Sovereign and sixteen Knights.
The Knights Founders 1687
- James Drummond, 4th Earl of Perth (1648–1716) Later 1st Duke of Perth (Jacobite honours) Knight of the Golden Fleece (Spanish) 1687
- George Gordon, 1st Duke of Gordon (1649–1716) 1687
- John Murray, 1st Marquess of Atholl (1631–1703) 1687
- James Hamilton, 4th Duke of Hamilton (1658–1712) 1687
- Kenneth Mackenzie, 4th Earl of Seaforth (1661–1701) Later Earl of Fortrose and Marquess of Seaforth (Jacobite Peerage) 1687
- John Drummond, 1st Earl of Melfort (1650–1715) Later Duke of Melfort (Jacobite honours). "Duc de Melfort" in France. 1687
- George Douglas, 1st Earl of Dumbarton (1635–1692) 1687
- Alexander Stuart, 5th Earl of Moray (1634–1701) 1687