Scots GENDARMES were originally instituted by Charles VII. of France, about the middle of the 5th century, and formed a part of his guard; in which station also they acted under other princes. It was their prerogative to take precedence of all the companies of the gendarmerie of France; and, on particular occasions, they even preceded the two companies of the king's mousquetaires. The sons of the Scottish monarchs were the usual captains of this company; and, after Mary's accession to the throne, its command belonged to them as a right. It was thence that James VI. made a claim of it for his son prince Henry. This honour, and its emoluments, were also enjoyed by Charles I. and the next in command to this prince was Louis Stuart duke of Lennox. George Gordon, marquis of Huntley, succeeded the duke of Lennox in the year 1624, and took the title of captain or commander in chief when Charles I. mounted the English throne. It is not certain whether Charles II. was ever captain of this company; but it was conferred on his brother the duke of York, who was captain
of the Scots gendarmes till the year 1667, when he resigned his commission into the hands of the French king. Since that time, no native of Great Britain has enjoyed this command. See Scots GUARDS.