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The Isle of Bute in the
Olden Time

'the NEW YORK

[PUBLIC LIBRARY.

ASTOR, LENOX AND
J^EN FOUNDATIONS.

CO
CO

1 \ k. .\ .

\ " ■ ' • \

The Isle of Bute in the
Olden Time

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS, MAPS, AND PLANS

JAMES KING HEVVISON, M.A., F.S.A. (Scot.)

MINISTER OF ROTHESAY
BDITOR OF 'CBRTAIN TRACTATES BY NINIAN WIKZBT'

VOL. II.

WILLIAM BLACKWOOD AND SONS

EDINBURGH AND LONDON

MDCCCXCV

HFMJCUft
2010:

tlLtef

AMp

•*WKOaT»|C^^

•• two.

• "••••••

THE MARCHIONESS OF BUTE

PREFACE TO THE SECOND VOLUME.

In this volume I have carried out my intention of
providing an account of the Stewards of Scotland,
and a history of ' Bute in the Olden Time,' from the
thirteenth down to the eighteenth century, to which
I have added a few of the more important facts which
link the last two centuries to the present time.

Having no special brief to furnish, in fullest detail,
the romantic history of the Royal Stewards, I have
been hampered in the effort to condense, within the
straitened framework of language attractive to the
reader, many important unpublished results of re-
searches which should add a new interest to the
mystery of the origin of the Stewarts who occupied
the throne of Scotland.

To find " the root of many kings " among the Celts
of Scotland, I have ransacked every likely place for
facts, with such success, chronicled herein, as may

viii Preface to the Second Volume.

possibly provoke some other zealous investigator to
follow up the clues through those unpublished MSS.,
which are the treasures of the Royal Irish Academy
in Dublin, and which my examination did not ex-
haust. By their means the ghost of Banquo may
yet become more vocal than he was to King
Macbeth.

To ensure reliable investigation into the connection
of Alan — the progenitor of the Stewards — with Bfit-
tany, I visited that ancient province, and in the
Public Library at Rennes, as well as in the British
Museum, verified the supposition that the Fitz Alans
were also Bretons. On my return, I had the honour
and good fortune to receive from the Right Honour-
able the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres the use of
a large collection of MSS. referring to the Fitz
Alans and their Breton contemporaries, which were
gathered during a lifetime by the late learned peer,
his father, who had given much attention to the
early history of his ancestry. Many of these docu-
ments are extracts from the chartularies of French
monasteries and records of Brittany, made by dis-
tinguished French scholars, notably Monsieur Fran-
cisque Michel.

I have to thank the Earl of Crawford and Bal-

Preface to the Second Volume, ix

Carres for his kindness in intrusting this valuable
collection to me.

I have also to thank the Most Noble the Mar-
quess of Bute, K.T., for his courtesy in permitting
me to study in Mountstuart Library, to have access
to his charters, and to publish the Report on Rothesay
Castle, drawn up by Mr Burges, architect.

To the many friends who have assisted me in
the production of this work, including those artistic
helpers whose names are associated with the beauti-
ful plates throughout this volume, and are mentioned
in the descriptive Index, I tender my thanks.

For ten years I have, in imagination, listened to
the voices of the saintly and patriotic makers of our
Fatherland, and have followed throughout these
western regions our immortal heroes, — Aidan from
Erin to lona — Wallace from Lanark to London —
Bruce from Carrick to Cardross — the Brandanes from
Bute to Bannockburn and many another field ; but
now the accomplishment of this work brings the
regret that I must forbear their "pastyme and gud
companie," and let the sword of freedom descend,
darkling, into its rusty scabbard, — the sweet chant of
St Blaan turn into the wind-gusts whistling through
his still roofless fane — the countenance of Walter,

X Preface to the Second Volume,

gallant companion of the Bruce, ** seemly to sycht,"
find base presentment in the mutilated effigy that
memorialises his fame in the Lady Kirk — and com-
munion in the brave days of old become ex-
changed for association in the diurnal conflicts of a
more flexible, and therefore a meaner age; wherein
too many consider patriotism to be a restrictive

prejudice.

J. KING HEWISON.

The Manse, Rothesay, March 1895.

CONTENTS OF THE SECOND VOLUME.

I. THE ORIGIN OF THE ROYAL STEWARTS,
II. THE STEWARDS OF SCOTLAND,
in. THE BRANDANES,
IV. THE HOME OF THE STEWARTS,
V. THE BARONS OF BUTE,.
VI. THE ROYAL BURGH,
VIL THE ROMAN CHURCH, .
Vin. THE REFORMED CHURCH,
IX. THREE CENTURIES OF CIVIL LIFE IN BUTE,

105

188
212
251

304

APPENDICES.

I. GENEALOGY OF MAORMOR OF LEVEN,
II. GENEALOGICAL TABLE OF THE STEWARDS OF SCOTLAND,

III. PRiECEPTUM DE ECCLESIA B. MARIiE DE COMBORNIO,

IV. INQUISITION MADE IN NORFOLK IN 1275, .

V. DONATIO DE SPARLAIO, ....

VI. AUCTORAMENTUM DE GUGUEN,

347
349
353
354
354
355

xii Contents of the Second Volume,

VII. FONDATION DU PRIEUr£ DE S. FLORENT-SOUS-DOL, 356

VIII. CHARTER OF FITZ JORDAN TO MARMOUTIERS, 357

IX. CARTA DE MOLENDINO DE BORTONE, -358

X. CARTA HENRICI REGIS ANGLORUM DE CELLA S. TRINI-

TATIS EBORACENSIS, . -358

XI. CHARTER OF ST FLORENT ATTESTED BY ALAN, -359

XII. DONATION X MARMOUTIERS PAR JOURDAIN, 359

XIII. GENEALOGICAL TABLE OF THE FITZ ALANS AND STEWARTS, 361

XIV. GENEALOGICAL TABLE SHOWING THE DESCENT OF THE

STEWARDS, ....... 365

XV. MR J. R. THOMSON'S REPORT ON ROTHESAY CASTLE, 369

XVL LIST OF STEWART CHARTERS, 372

XVII. THE BANNATYNES OF KAMES, -383

INDEX, ........ 387

ILLUSTRATIONS TO THE SECOND VOLUME.

ROTHESAY CASTLE IN THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY, . . Frontispiece

ROYAL ARMS OF STUARTS, . Vignette on title-page

ON SEPARATE PAGES.

PAGE

SEALS OF THE STEWARDS, . . . .38

TOMB OF WALTER, STEWARD OF SCOTLAND (WHO DIED IN 1 326),

IN ST Mary's chapel, rothesay, . . • 85

ROTHESAY CASTLE, GENERAL PLAN, . . I05

CHARTER OF ROBERT IIL APPOINTING JOHN, STEWARD OF BUTE,

SHERIFF OF BUTE AND ARRAN, . . . I42

CHARTER OF JAMES IV. APPOINTING SHERIFF NINIAN STEWART

HEREDITARY KEEPER OF ROTHESAY CASTLE, -153

WESTER KAMES CASTLE IN 1 894, . I78

THE TOLBOOTH, CROSS, TOWN, AND CASTLE OF ROTHESAY, ABOUT

1680,. ........ 188

From an old Engraving in the possession of the Marquess
of Bute; Photo by Messrs J, Adamson 6r* Son, Rothesay,

ST MARY'S CHAPEL. From Drawings by Mr James Walker,

Architect —

SKETCH VIEW FROM NORTH-EAST, PLAN, AND SKETCH OF

INTERIOR, ....... 212

XIV

Illustrations to the Second Volume.

ST Mary's chapel-
elevation, SECTION, AND PLAN OF TOMBS AND PISCINA, 238
TOMB OF A LADY IN ST MARY'S CHAPEL, ROTHESAY, 242
MOUNTSTUART HOUSE IN THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY, 304

From a Painting in the possession of the Marquess of Bute;
Photo by Messrs J, Adamson &* Son^ Rothesay.

KAMES CASTLE IN 1 894, -329

IN THE TEXT.

CHATEAU DE COMBOURG, BRITTANY, .
MAISON DES PLAIDS, DOL, BRITTANY,
SEALS OF—

1. JAMES, STEWARD OF SCOTLAND,

2. JOHN STEWART OF BONKYL,

3. ROBERT, STEWARD OF SCOTLAND,

ROTHESAY CASTLE. From Drawings by the late Mr William
Burges^ Architect—

CURTAIN WALL, .....
ST MICHAEL'S CHAPEL, SECTION LOOKING SOUTH,
TOP OF CURTAIN WALL, ....
ST MICHAEL'S CHAPEL, PLAN OF CRYPT,
II II PLAN, .

II I! SECTION LOOKING NORTH,

ILLUSTRATIONS OF MASONRY, .
GROUND-PLAN OF JAMES IV. WORK,
FLOOR PLAN 11 11

LONGITUDINAL SECTION THROUGH JAMES IV. WORK,
TRANSVERSE SECTION
MACNIELL'S TOMBSTONE
THE CROWNER'S CASTLE
MEIKLE KILMORIE.

rONE, \

LSTLE AT >

21
27

From Photos by Miss C. Macrae^
Kames Castle,

1 10
III
112

"3
114

"5
116
118
120
128
130
164

165

Illustrations to the Second Volume. xv

178

MANSION-HOUSE OF ASCOG, From Photo by Mr James M^Crone^ 167
WESTER KAMES CASTLE, GROUND- f By Mr Jos. Walker^ Archi-^

PLAN AND SECTION, I tect^ J

OLD SEAL OF ROTHESAY BURGH —

OBVERSE, ........ 196

REVERSE, ........ 197

ST bride's hill and chapel, ROTHESAY, IN 1830, . 233

EFFIGY OF WILLIAM CUMMIN, '\

SEPULCHRE UNDER SIR WALTER THE

STEWARD'S MONUMENT,
EFFIGY OF SIR WALTER THE STEWARD,
EFFIGY OF A SOLDIER, FROM ST MARY'S CHAPEL, . . 246

COAT OF ARMS, ST MARY'S CHAPEL, .... 248

COAT OF ARMS OVER DOOR OF ROTHESAY CASTLE, 250

ROTHESAY PARISH CHURCH, 1692-1795, . From an old Mapy 300

ROTHESAY PARISH CHURCH AND ST MARY's CHAPEL IN 1 895, . 303

239

From Drawings by
Mr 7. C Roger, \ 241
244

THE ISLE OF BUTE IN THE
OLDEN TIME.

CHAPTER I.

THE ORIGIN OF THE ROYAL STEWARTS.

^* Banquo. O, treachery! Fly, good Fleance, fly, fly, fly!"

— Shakespeare's Machdh,

" We found a great number of bones. . . . The Stuarts of Bute buried on this
side of the Choir."

— Account of Stuart Monuments in Rothesay,

** Son of man, can these bones live ? "

— EZEKIEL.

I HE origin of the royal house of Stewart has long
remained a mystery, perplexing historical stu-
dents, who feel tantalised at knowing so little
concerning the hapless victim of the jealousy
of King Macbeth — Banquo, round whom Shakespeare has
cast the glamour of undying romance, and to whom the old
chroniclers of Scotland traced back the family of Stewart.
The very fascinating excellence of the poet's conceptions of
VOL. II. A

2 Btite in the Olden Time.

the men and times he selected to depict creates the impres-
sion that only in imagination, not in real life, these heroes
existed ; and when the gratified reader of the thoughts of
the dramatist, on turning to history, discovers that this saucy
muse has scarcely given a " local habitation and a name " to
Banquo, he more than ever is pleased to believe that Banquo
is only a mythical personage, suitable to become a ghost,
because

" Thy bones are marrowless, thy blood is cold ;
Thou hast no speculation in those eyes
Which thou dost glare with ! "

But there are some aspects of this romantic apparition which
require investigation before we, assured of his non-existence,
can pledge a Banquo evanished from the page of history, and,
like Macbeth, drink " to our dear friend Banquo, whom we
miss," saying "Unreal mockery, hence!"

It is a sad loss to literature that, meantime, the companion
volume to ' The Brus,' which Barbour left " in metyre fayre,"
delineating the heroic exploits of the first Stewarts, has com-
pletely dropped out of sight since the time when Wyntoun

wrote —

" The Stewartis Orygenalle
The Archedekyne has tretyd hale,
In metyre fayre mare wertwsly,
Than I can thynk be my study,
Be gud contynuatyown
In successyve generatyown." ^

A passage in Father Hay's ' Memoirs,' wherein he states
that John Barber wrongly traces the Stuart dynasty to " a
certain Le Fleank of Warren of Wales," seems to bear that

* Bk. viii. ch. vii. II. 1445-1450.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts. 3

down to 1700 the manuscript still existed or was an
authority.^ What a charming narrative concerning the
chivalry of men equally brave and redoubtable with Wallace
and Bruce would the poet of Freedom have afforded us in
this epic! Probably to Barbour, and this hidden work,
Hector Boece was indebted for the romantic story of
Banquo and Fleance, which too critical minds would resolve
into a fable — because it is passing strange. Yet it is not
nearly so improbable a history as that which undoubted facts
enable us to present regarding the Fitz Alans, who were also
progenitors of the Kings of Scots, and according to my con-
tention and showing veritably the offspring of this mythical
Banquo.

The question which Sir Walter Scott makes Mattre Pierre
direct to Quentin Durward, and the reply of the latter, form
a suggestive parallel to this inquiry: "'Durward,' said the
querist, * is it a gentleman's name ? ' 'By fifteen descents in
our family,' said the youth, * and that makes me reluctant to
follow any other trade than arms.' " And it is evident that
the novelist, in tracing Quentin to "Allan Durward who was
High Steward of Scotland," was utilising the old national
traditions regarding the Stewart family, and throwing the
halo of romance around the hero whose adventures fall now
to be followed.^

It was to a paraphrase, by Holinshed, of a portion of the
Scots Translation of the History of the Scots by Boece,
made by the courtly Archdean of Moray, John Bellenden,

^ Tom. iii. pp. 293, 437, MS. Adv. Lib. : " Hiijus stemma sive genealogia
male texitur a Johanne Barberii qui asserit originem habuisse a quodam Le Fleank
de Warren de Wallia."

' * Quentin Durward,* chapter xxxvii.

4 Bute in the Olden Time,

more than to any other source, that Shakespeare was indebted
for the hapless memory which, under the name of Banquo,
he has reclothed with flesh and blood and personified in
the immortal tragedy of Macbeth.^ Bellenden and William
Stewart, the Court poet, had been employed to convert into
the modern tongue the Latin work by Hector Boece, which
probably had been composed, like the translations, to gratify
the youthful king, James the Fifth, to whom it was dedicated.
Hector Boethius was a man of many parts, formerly teacher
of philosophy in Paris, and in 1527, when he issued his His-
tory, Principal of King's College, Aberdeen.^ The fusion of
facts and dates with the elements of romance in the author^s
work has taken place after careful investigation of whatever
solid historical materials then extant, but now partly lost,
were available. Boece was no deliberate romancer, but
rather the exponent of a historical method which had not
yet authorised students to obliterate the traditions and im-
probable narratives of the ancients. That method was
still conservative, and happily it was so, since, after the
early scattering of the literary remains of Scotland, it would
have been now impossible, without the aid of those old
histories, to have pieced in and fitted together those remin-
iscential fragments, which are reappearing from our charter-
chests to alter the retrospect.

The origin of the Royal House was a theme whose orna-
mentation Boece might consider pardonable. But indepen-
dently of a substratum of fact, he could scarcely be so bold
as invent the tale of Banquo, unless he designed to expose

* Ralph Holinshed, *Thc First Volume of the Chronicles of England, Scot-
lande, and Ireland,' p. 243. London, 1577.

2 * Scotorum Historux: a prima gentis origine,' &c.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts. 5

the frailty of Fleance and cast a shade upon the royal scut-
cheon, which is not consistent with his dedication. We may
safely assert that the tragic tale told by Boece was no new
rqmance in the sixteenth century, but a history as possible as
it is acceptable, which philology and keener research may
restore to a shape harmonious with truth. In brief, his
narrative is to this effect, that in the reign of Duncan, King
of Scots (1034- 1040), Banquho was a royal thane in the
district of Lochaber, who, in the exercise of his official func-
tion as collector of the Crown revenues, was set upon and
left for dead by some ruffians called Magdoualds, who in-
habited those parts.^ Banquho, however, recovered, and
complained to the king, who empowered him and Macbeth,
the Maormor of Ross, another of his generals, to march
against and chastise the western rebels, who had gathered
together a mixed host of islesmen and Irish freebooters.
Banquho is next associated with King Duncan and Macbeth
at the battle of Culros, where he commanded the second
division of the army, which was vanquished by Sueno the
Norwegian. In a succeeding struggle the enemy, having
partaken of provisions rendered soporific by the Scots, who
placed them in their way, were defeated by the Scots at
Perth, who followed up this victory by dispersing Canute's
fleet in the Forth. In these and other brilliant campaigns,
Banquho, as a courtier of rank and importance, shared the
honours of the victorious generals.

As he and Macbeth, one day, were enjoying sport in the
vicinity of Forres, they were suddenly hailed by three ap-

^ Boece, *Historiae,* &c., lib. xii. fol. cclv. : "Banquho regius in Loquhabria
Thanus origo familise Stuart clarissimse, quae longa serie regem hodiemum pro-
duxit/' &c. The q in Banquho is simply the cursive ch.

6 Bute in t/ie Olden Time.

paritions of feminine aspect, who addressed them in prophe-
tic accents, as Shakespeare has paraphrased our historian : —

" 1st Witch, Lesser than Macbeth, and greater.
2d Witch, Not so happy, yet much happier.

^d Witch. Thou shalt get kings, though thou be none. So all hail,
Macbeth and Ban quo ! "

Incited by these suggestions, Macbeth, having Banquho in
his counsels, cut off the king and usurped his throne. Still,
the words of the weird sisters haunted the mind of the child-
less monarch, who conceived a dread for his fellow regicide,
who was to be the parent of kings. Accordingly he invited
Banquho and his son Fleanchus to a banquet, which was a
trap, hedged round with assassins ready to despatch them
both on their departure. But, duly warned by friends at Court,
both of them escaped the unassayed snare {insidias intentatas\
and Fleanchus fled an exile into Wales. The talent of Flean-
chus soon won the notice of the Prince there, who treated
"the beautiful and noble youth" well, only to be requited
by the exile dishonouring his host's daughter, who gave birth
to a son, Walter by name —

" In Albione wes nocht ane fairar child."

The Welsh prince slew Fleance, made his daughter a serf,
and rusticated the babe. In his twentieth year Walter re-
turned to, and ingratiated himself at, his maternal grand-
father's Court, until, embroiled in some bibulous fracas, he
slew a taunting Welshman and made for Scotland, where
his grandfather seemed still to be living, in order to seek
refuge under Queen Margaret^ (who, strange to say, was a

^ " Occiso convinciatore clam avo in Scotiam contendit," fol. cclx.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts, 7

Saxon princess of England born while her parents were
exiled in Hungary). Under King Malcolm III. he rose
to become the victorious general who subdued the rebels
of Galloway and the Isles, and finally was appointed the
Steward of the realm, and lord of the Stuart-lands in
Ayrshire. According to Boece (but erroneously), his son
was Alan the Crusader: Alan was father of Alexander,
founder of Paisley Priory, — Alexander, of Walter of Dun-
donald, who, with Alexander, the same Walter's son, were
heroes of the battle of Largs. Robert of Tourbouton was
brother of Alexander of Dundonald.

So far the plain narrative of Boece, credible in all but
minor particulars, — which, with trifling embellishment, re-
peated by the Scots writers, Bellenden, Stewart, Buchanan,
Bishop Leslie, and accepted by Holinshed, is agreeably
plausible.

So far gone as 1566, Queen Mary's favourite bishop, the
Scots historian Leslie, avers that the romantic story of the
origin of the Stewarts in Bute was " ane aide traditione " : —

" Bute mairatouer is ane elegant and trimme He, x myles lang,
eivin and plane, induct with gret fertilitie, decored with ane
ancient and magnifik castel, quhairfra first sprang, as we have
of ane aide traditione, the clann of the Kingis hous, to wit,
the Stuardes, and familie."^

When further treating of Malcolm Canmore's reign, the

bishop writes: —

"The sam tyme was Waltir Fleanthie, his son, decoret with
the honour of cheife Merchal (Senescallus), because in Galloway
and in the hilandes he dantounet had the rebellis; of quhome

1 *The Hist, of Scot./ transl. by Father James Dalrymple, pt. i. p. 55 (Scot.
TextSoc. edit.)

Bute in the Olden Time.

cam the familie of the Stuartis, quhais offspring we sie this day
illustre, and schine sa bricht in the kings scepter."^

He further elaborates the romance of " Bancho the Kingis
liuetenant in Loquhaber," and makes his son " Fleanch " father
of Walter the first Steward.*

From Leslie's words it is not plain whether or not he
means that the progenitors of the first Steward — that is, the
family of Banquo as well — ^had a connection with Bute. If
they were descendants of the successors of King Aidan
(see vol. i. p. 163), then it is certain they were connected
with Dalriada, and that may explain the tenacity with which
the Stewarts held to Bute.

Subsequent writers have embellished " the aide traditione,"
truthfully or otherwise, and adorned the outcast Fleance
with the virtues of a military Moses. In its elaborated form
the narrative, eked out by researches in Welsh history,
circumstantially declares that Fleance found protection under
Griffyth ap Lewellyn, Prince of North Wales,* in 1039,
probably at his palace of Rhuddlan, where he and his wife
Alditha, daughter of Algar, Earl of Mercia, brought up their
daughter,* named Guenta^ or Nesta® or Marjoretta,^ whom

1 *The Hist, of Scot.,* pt. ii. p. 310. « Ibid., pt. ill. p. 22.

^ * Chron. of Princes of Wales,' var, loc,

* Dr James Anderson's * Royal Genealogies' (London, 1733, P- 74^) make
Griffyth have two daughters — one, unnamed, who married Fleance, and Nesta or
Mary, who married Trahaem, Prince of North Wales.

* Yeatman, 'The Early Gen. Hist, of the House of Arundel,' p. 326. Lon-
don, 1882. Agatha, mother of Gwenta, married King Harold after Griffyth's
death.

« O'Flaherty's * Ogygia,' p. 500.

7 Sir J. Dalrymple's MS. Collections, Adv. Lib., 34, 3, 15, pp. 80, 81.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts. 9

Fleance beguiled. Their son Walter inevitably met one
Owen — a purist regarding genealogy — for whose ill-timed
opinions Walter incontinently slew him, and became a
fugitive in his eighteenth year. Some direct him to Edward
the Confessor's Court, whence the expert use of his dirk again
made him fly to the Court of Alan of Brittany ; while others
take him direct to Alan, a kinsman of his mother, whose
daughter he married, to return with him and the Breton allies
of William to participate in the Conquest, and become a
courtier at the Conqueror's Court.^ After another disgrace —
matter of honour, no doubt, the fiery Scot thought — his wan-
dering foot brought him to the Court of Malcolm of Scotland,
where he was well received, for political considerations ; and
by that time both the ghosts of Banquo and Macbeth were
laid to rest.

To gather up the ravelled threads of the romantic story
and thereby to make a consistent history, demands inquiry

* There were several contemporaneous counts in Brittany named Alan. Alain
Fergant, Count of Bretagne, married a daughter of the Conqueror ip 1086 ; Alan
the Red, Count in Bretagne, came with the Conqueror in 1066, and was settled
at Richmond. He married Emma, a daughter of Si ward, Prince of North-
umbria, and their daughter, according to Scots writers, married Walter the
Steward : —

Siward, Earl of Northumberland.
\

Emma=Alan, Earl of Brittany. Daughter = Duncan I.

I I

Christina= Walter the Steward. Malcolm III.

Siward. Emma (sister of Si ward )= Duncan.

Emma = Alan. Malcolm III.

Christina=WaUer.

Bute in the Olden Time.

in the primary sources where the narrative took its inception,
and these must necessarily be Iro-Scottish and Welsh Annals,
supplemented by later ecclesiastical charters, on which we
presume the Scots writers founded. At the outset, however,
the reader must remember that great weight attaches to the
fabulous-looking genealogies which the Seanachies or family-
recorders kept of old, for a reason given by Giraldus Cam-
brensis, in the twelfth century, when referring to the pride of
family exhibited by the Welsh nation : " Even the common
people retain their genealogy, and can not only readily re-
count the names of their grandfathers and great-grandfathers,
but even refer back to the sixth or seventh generation." ^ Ac-
cording to the early Welsh laws, a man's pedigree was his
title to his paternal acres, and descent through nine gen-
erations was required before a native was considered free-
born. This explains the point of the taunt of the hapless
Owen.

Among the first Irish settlers in Caledonia was Maine
Leavna, of the race of Eogan More, who (with his brother
Cairbre, afterwards of Mar) left the rushy lands of Leven in
Kerry, and came to the banks of Loch Lomond, where his
family and sept resided, except when they joined the tribu-
tary expeditions into Ireland which were common. From
Maine, after a succession of chiefs of Lennox, duly sprang
Banchu, according to the Irish genealogists. I shall
exhibit side by side two genealogies, the first in Irish by
Mac Firbis (1650), and the other in Gaelic, preserved in a MS.
of date 1450, before the time of the fabulist Boece, which
will illustrate this relationship with Core : —

1 * Description of Wales,* chap. xvii. Bohn, p. 505.

Tfie Origin of the Royal Stewarts.

Genealach Mor Mhacir Ltmhna^ in
Alban:"^—

Donnchad mac
Baltair mc

Amloib mc

Donnchaid mc
Amiaoib oig mc
Amlaoib raoir mc
Ailin oig mc
Ailia mhoir mc
Muiredaig mc
Maeldomnaig mc
Maine mc
Cuirc mc
An. 350. Luigdech [mc

[Oilill-Flannbeg mc
Fiacha Muillethan mc
Eoghan m6r mc
Oillill Olum mc
Mogh-Nuadhad mc
Mogh Neit.]

In 1685 the learned but luckless historian Roderick
OTlaherty, the pupil of the still more learned and still
more unfortunate Irish scholar Duald Mac Firbis (+1670),
in his * Chronology of Irish Affairs/ traces the Stewart
family back through a Dalriadic stock to the early Kings
of Munster, referring to Banchu, Fleann, and Fleann's wife,
whom he styles " Nesta." A sidenote, as follows, reveals his
authority to be Duald Mac Firbis ; * —

Bancu tanaiste Loch Aber, Fleadan.

Afc Cuirc,^

Ion mc

John, son of

Baltair ic

Walter 1.

♦

. . . Uanus ic

[A]llan
Flanus?

* IOI4?

Murechach mc

Murdoch n

Amlain og mc

Ailinog

Amiain moir mc

Ailin mor

Marius atair

Marius, father of

Mailduin mc

Mailduin, son of

Maine ic

Maine u

Cuirc ic

Cuirc M

An. 350.

Luit mc

Luit II

Oillila ic

Oillia II

Fiach mc

Fiach II

Enadritor mc

Enadritor n

Modha Nuadhat.

Mogh-Nuadhad.

^ Abridged Pedigree MS., in hands of W. M. Hennessy in 1875. ^^ Skene
prints this genealogy, 'Celtic Scotland,' vol. iii. p. 476, app. viii. He identifies
Ailin Mor with the first Earl of Lennox, who lived in the twelfth century, and
Duncan with the eighth Earl ; but gives no conclusive reasons for his supposition.

2 MS. Adv. Lib. : * Collect, de reb. Alban,' p. 358.

' ' Ogygia seu Rerum Hibemicarum Chronologia ex pervetustis monumentis.
. . . Authore Roderico O' Flaherty, Armigero : Londini, 1685,' p. 499 : — " Stuart-

Bute in the Oldest Time,

For in Mac Firbis's * Book of Pedigrees ' ^ we find a Gene-
alogy, including these very words, and giving this descent of
the Scots Kings : —

Genelach Riogh Alban^ Saxon^ dr'c, {Genealogy of the
Kings of Albany dr^c)

Roiberd 2 R. Alb. (Robert II., King of Alban).

Mc Altair baltair.

Mc Eojn.

Mc Alasdair.

Mc Alain (who is styled a crusader).

Mc Baltair, Stovaird to Edgar : Maormor of Alban in

reign of Malcolm the Maiden, 1050.
Mc Fleadan (n leat 146) tan.
Mc Banchon loca abair.

This genealogy ends here, but is followed by a long account
of the Stewarts, evidently compiled from Scots histories. It
has immense value in affording us a link by which we can
connect Banchu with the Maormors of Leven, who were
descended, along with the Maormors of Mar, from Core, son
of Lugaid, the King of Munster, whose wife was Mongfinn,
daughter of Feradach, a Pictish King of Alban. The gene-
alogies of Duald Mac Firbis have been collected with great
care out of the original MSS. of the tribe historians, and in

orum familise prseluxit Banchuo Dynasta Loquabrise h regione Dalriedinorum
stemmate originem trahens quem Macbethus rex suo titulo cavens. Anno circiter
1050 e medio sustulit. Banchuonis filius Fleannus paterno casu edoctus aufugit
in Walliam : ubi cum Nesta Wallise principis Griffini Lewellini filia matrimonium
contrahens ex ea Walterum genuit cui domum reduci et sub Malcolmo fiorenti
Stuarti cognomen in posteros derivatum adhjesit."

1 * The Branches of Relationship and the Genealogical Ramifications of every
colony that took possession of Erinn,' &c., compiled by Dubhaltach Mac Firbhisigh
of Lecan, 1650, pp. 408, 423. Copy MS. Royal Irish Academy.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts. 13

the main are reliable and unprejudiced compilations worthy
of notice.

Mac Firbis, in the same MS. volume, includes an anony-
mous poem of fifty-two verses, undated, which refers to the
inauguration of Allan Mac Muireadhaigh, a chief of Lennox
(Maormor Leamhna), who, it relates, was descended from
Core. This is evidently the Allan of the Gaelic MS. ; while
the Murdoch was probably the chief who, along with Donald,
his kinsman, the Maormor of Mar, brought their Dalriadic
allies to help Brian Boru at the battle of Clontarf in 1014.^
Is then Banchu, the fair hero, to be identified with Murdoch
of Leven ? According to Matthew Kennedy, who had an
opportunity of examining the older work of the Mac Firbises
— *The Book of Lecan,' written before I4i6^the account of
Duald is substantially correct, " the Irish books bring (Bancho)
in a direct male line from Maine Leavna, son to Core, king of
Munster." ^ The following is a translation of the passage in
the * Book of Lecan ' founded upon by Matthew Kennedy : —

" Ireland was divided in two between Heber and Heremon.
Heremon takes the north, and of his children [are the Kinelcon-
nell] and the O'Neills of the north, and the O'Neills of the south
and . . . and the Decies, and Leinster, and Ossory, and . . . and
the Fotharta, and the Dalriata, and Dalfiata, and Uladh, . . . and
the Royal Line of Scotland ( Alban), and all these are the seed of
Conaire. [And the race] of Angus M*Erc, of Fergus M*Erc, and of
Loarn M* . . . (Ere ?). These are the seed of Conaire in Scotland
(Alban), and of the seed of . . . (Con ?)aire, the ... , the Corca
Duibne, and the Corca Baiscinn. These then (so far) are Here-

1 *Ogygia,'p. 384.

* *A Chronol., Geneal., and Hist. Dissertation of the Royal Family of the
Stewarts.' Paris, 1705, p. 204. *The Book of Ballymotc,' p. 149, gives a Fland,
a descendant of Maine.

14 Bute in the Olden Time.

mon*s seed, except the . . . And Heber [took] the southern half;
of whose children are the Dalcassians the Del Cein and the Delbhna,
the Eoganachts of Cashel, of Lochhein, of ... , and of Glenamh-
nach, the Eoganachts of Ara . . . , and the Lennoxes of Scotland
{Lemnaigh Alban), All these are the seed of Heber, Lugaid son
of Ith, [of his children are] the Corca Laighde, and all the Calrys
are from Lugaid." ^

Kennedy also maintains that Walter, the first Steward,
was the son of Fleannus — a statement which Pere de la
Haye, in a reply to Kennedy, as flatly contradicts.^ The
difficulty of reading the faint caligraphy of the portion of the
magnificent * Book of Lecan ' — one of the treasures of the
Royal Irish Academy — referred to by Kennedy ^ as his auth-
ority for Bancho's direct descent, prevents me, at present,
saying more than that this book, and several other equally
ancient Irish MSS., clearly trace the Leven Maormors to
Core, who lived in the fourth century A.D.*

1 'Book of Lecan,' folio xiii. coL 2, 1. i6. This interesting old Irish MS. is in
the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin. It is the compilation of Gilla Isa Mor Mac
Firbis, one of the race of historians, genealogists, and poets to the chief septs of
Connaught, and was written before 141 6. The last of these hereditary historians,
Dubhaltach Mac Firbisigh of Lecan, the tutor of O'Flaherty and Dr Lynch, was
murdered in 1670, at Dauflin, Sligo. Of him O'Flaherty said : "Dualdus Fir-
bissius patriae antiquitatum professor hereditarius." In his genealogies he traced
the Stewarts to the Lennox family. The above translation of a passage which, by
indistinctness, baffled 0*Curry, and also prevented my own transcription of it, has
been done by Mr J. J. Macsweeny, the librarian of the Royal Irish Academy.

' " Lettre ecrite au Due de Perth, &c., par Pere de la Haye. " Paris, 17 14, p. 95:
'' II ne monte pas plus haut que Gualtier Stuart qui etoit certainement fils d' Alain
et non pas de Fleannus puisque dans les chartres il se dit Walterus filius Alani,
Dapifer Regis Scotiae."

• Fol. 1 19a, col. 3 ; fol. 13a, col. 2.

* MS. by Dermot O'Conor : Trin. Coll., Dublin, H. 2, 5. MS., H. 2, 7,
Trin. Coll., Dublin, col. 69. Geneal. of Scots Families of Irish Origin. (See
O'Donovan Catal. to MSS.) *Book of Ballymote,* foL 84, Gen. Hist, of Dalria-
die Kings in Scotland.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts. 15

By comparison of these tables it may be concluded that
Walter, the son of Fleadan, son of Banchu, is identical with
Walter, son of [AJUan (or Flan), son of Murechach of the
Lennox family, if not also with Walter, son of Amloib, son
of Duncan of the other genealogy. Chronology easily per-
mits of the equation of Murdoch, the Maormor of Leven, who
was at Clontarf in 1014, with Banchu the general of Duncan I.
in 1034, who might have survived even his son Fleance — we,
meantime only, assuming that Fleance was slain in Wales.
Ban-chu, the pale warrior, would be his complimentary title ;
the old surname of his family, Cu^ pronounced by his semi-
Cymric followers Chu^ also descended to his son Flan-chu^
the red or ruddy warrior, known to his Irish kinsmen as
Fleadan.

This Irish form of the name Fleadan tan (/.^., either Flea-
dan the Tanist, or Fleadan the younger) imports a significant
idea — namely, flead (pronounced Jl&, fld-dti), a feast, which
corresponds in signification with Flaald^ Senescal of Dol, the
name in Brittany of the father of Alan, afterwards Lord of
Oswestry, who in turn was the father of Walter, the Steward
of Scotland. Is it impossible that in those days of felicitous
surnames this designation of Fleadan was applied to the youth
who so happily escaped the Feast of murderous Macbeth ? It
is, however, plain that for some inexplicable reason the Scots
and Irish writers either omit this Alan, or, at least, identify
him with Walter, the son of Fleance or Flann, or maybe of
Aulay. Ailin or Allan may have become the family name,
as we see it before as a cognomen worn by King Aeda Alain ;
or the personal name Baltair may have been conjoined with
the designation of Aluin, the fair one, and thus have given
rise to confusion.

1 6 Bute in the Olden Time.

So far, I have not been able to trace Murdoch of Leven off
the warlike stage ; but it is one of the most incredible mistakes
made by Scots historians that they have assumed, what Boece
does not aver, that Macbeth succeeded in destroying Banquo,
whereas Boece apparently keeps him alive till Walter was
twenty years of age — say 1065. If this be so, and Banquo
himself was a claimant for the Crown as a descendant of
Kenneth I., where, then, did he find refuge during the eigh-
teen years of Macbeth's reign, is a competent question.

The Celts were great travellers and pilgrims, and were as
well known in foreign lands in the tenth century as the Scots
are in the nineteenth.^ Did he retire to Brittany ?

Chalmers, who first in the ' Caledonia ' elucidated the
origin of the Stewarts in the Shropshire FitzAlans, treats
the romance of Banquo as a fabrication undeserving of con-
sideration. His confident conclusions are, however, neither
in harmony with historical facts, nor with the legitimate
inferences which philology enables us to draw from the tradi-
tion he ignores. He says : —

" History knows nothing of Banquo the Thane of Lochaber, nor
of Fleance, his son. (Even the very name of Banquo and Fleance
seem to be fictitious, as they are not Gaelic. We know from the
evidence of record that Banquo was not an ancestor of the family of
Stewart.) None of the ancient chronicles nor Irish Annals, nor even
Fordun, recognise the fictitious name of Banquo and Fleance,
though the latter be made by genealogists the * root and father of
many kings.' . . . Neither is a Thane of Lochaber known in

1 'Ann. Tigh.' : **97S, Kl. : Domnall niacEoain Ri Brctain in ailitri"— Don-
ald, son of Eoain, King of Britain, goes into pilgrimage.

Chron. Mariani : ** 1050, Rex Scottiae Macbethad Romoe argentum pauperibus
seminando distribuit.'*

The Origifi of the Royal Stewarts, 1 7

Scottish history, because the Scottish kings had never any demesnes
within that impervious district." ^

The sobriquet Banqiiho (genitive Banquhonis, Boece, 1526)
is a pureGoidelic compound word — namely, Ban-chu ('Og-
ygia' 1685 bdncu) — signifying The White Dog (bdn, pale,
white, cii, Cymric, chu, a dog, gen. coitiy Irish, clton ; Bancho-n,
Mac Firbis's Pedigrees, 1650, p. 423), />., The Fair Hero.

Fleanchus (Boece: *Oxygia' Fleannus) is the Latinised
form oi Flarm-chu, The Red or Ruddy Dog (Goidelic yf^««,
blood, adj., ruddy, red : cf. fionn, fair), and is also a
sobriquet — The Bloodhound, i,e,, The Red Hero.

This nomenclature is evidently a reminiscence of the dog-
totem or dog-divinity, which was anciently held in reverence
in Ireland and among the Celts of Western Alban. The
term Cii became through time synonymous with a fierce
warrior, or heroic personage, who as a watchdog guarded the
district associated with him ; hence C'H Connaugkt^ now Con-
stantine, The Dog of Connaught ; Cii MumhaiUy Cii Midhe,
Cu Caisil, Cu Ulas? One of the kings of Strathclyde (which
formerly included part of Banquo's thanage) was Cu, The
great Ultonian hero was Cu-chulain, Saint Kentigern
(Munghu) was called In Glas Chii, or, The Grey Dog, and
being patron saint of Glasgow gave to his seat his name.®
One of the heroes who fell in the Bann, when the Dalriadic
fleet from Kintyre assisted their kinsmen in Ireland in 773,
was Bran-chu Mc Brain, The Black Dog, son of Bran, a hero
named either after his father or Fingal's famous dog. Bran.*

I * Caledonia,' p. 41 1. For an exposition of Chalmers's views, cf. * Stewartiana,*

pp. 55-69, by John RiddcU.

« Irish MSS., H. 3. 17, Trin. Coll., Dublin.

* Pinkerlon's * Vitae Sanct. Scot.,* pp. 195-297. "* 'Ann. Tigh.*

VOL. II. B

i8 Bute in l/ie Olden Tt7ne.

An abbot of lona, who died in 724, was Faol-cku, The Wolf
Dog.^ It IS still more interesting to find that the son of
Harold, King of Man, was styled in Latin Maccus Mac Arailty
— Mac-cu, The Son of the Dog, the son of Harold : and this
Mac-cu is designated "the king of many isles" when he
attended to pay homage to King Edgar in 973 at Chester,
where he was accompanied by his allies, the Lagmanns, who
were the inhabitants of that part of Argyle, then as now
called the Lamont country, terminating at Ardlamont, and
part of Dalriada.^

Further, one of the Orkney Sagas refers to a personage
named Karl Hundason, or Hound's son, whom Professor
Rhys prefers to identify with King Macbeth (in Goidelic,
Mac-coHy Hound*s-son) rather than with King Duncan, his
victim, a descendant of King Mael-con, slave of the dog.*
Some genealogists held that Mac Ailin, from whom Bancho
descended, was a descendant of Mac-con (anno 200).

One of the witnesses to the Inquisition of Prince, after-
wards King, David L, giving a list of properties in connection
with the Church of Glasgow in 11 18, is '' Maccus films Und-
neynl' which I take to be Mac-Cu, son of Hundchen (German,
hiindc/ten, a little hound), or, The Son of the Dog, Son of the
Little Dog.* He appears with Walter the First Steward as
a witness to David's grants to Melrose in 1142 — " Maccus
filius Undwain" — "Maccus filius Unwain."^

Maccus had two sons, Liulf and Robert, who are in

* *Ann. Tigh.' 2 'Annals of Four Masters.'

* Cf. Bede, bk. iii. chap, iv., for Meilochon — ?.^., King Brude Mac Maelchon.
** Pinkerton, * Enquiry,' p. 515. This is the origin of name Maxwell— a^^

Maccuswell,
» *Lib. Mel.,* pp. 5, 666.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts. 1 9

Walter's retinue when he dispones Mauchline to Melrose.^
They were probably Celtic relatives.

The dog was thus a venerated animal among the rude peo-
ple who inhabited the district now called Lochaber, where last
the wolf-dog was seen in Scotland, and it is not surprising
to find its name associated with a branch of the family who
sprang from the Munster house of Core and from Brude Mac
Meilochon, King of the Picts, whose palace was by Loch
Ness. In Kenneth M'Alpin the line of Pictish and Scottish
kings were united, and his sovereignty acknowledged from
east to west. In Duncan, the king (-{-1040), and in the wife
of Macbeth, the same blood ran, and, according to others, in
Macbeth and Banquo.

The relationship of Banquo to the king is not so easily
made out. Although there is no record that a Thane of
Lochaber existed at this epoch, there must have been a
Crown official over that district who was responsible to
the Crown, or to the High Steward, for the royal dues,
and also for the mustering of the troops, and who corre-
sponded with the hereditary chief of the clan. His official
designation was Maor^ which in the Teutonic tongue was
Thane, a word probably Celtic in origin, signifying a chief,
Tiem, A still higher official governing a larger district was
the Maormor (styled Jarl by the Norwegians *), or great Maor
— the Lord High Steward — of whom several appear in his-
tory, assisting the Irish kings, their kinsmen allies, in battle.*

1 'Lib. Mel.,* pp. 56, 57. "Liulfo filio Macchus." *Lib. Mel.,* p. 141 : the
Gaelic pronunciation is here retained in Macchus.

3 'Jarla Saga:' Rhys, 'Celtic Britain,' p. 190.

» Robertson, * Scotland under her Early Kings,' p. 102. Todd's * Cogad Gaill
re Gallaibh,' p. 211 ; see Introduction and Notes, pp. clxxviii, clxxix. *Ann.
Ulster,' anno 10 14.

20 Bute in the Olden Time,

Donald (in 1014) was Steward of Mar, Macbeth Steward of
Moray, Macduff of Fife, and Murdoch of Leven. Lochaber,
I infer, was the northern portion of the Stewardship of
Leven, and included Appin, long an appanage of the Crown
held by Stuarts —

" The land of Green Appin, the ward of the flood ;
Where every grey cairn that broods over the shore
Marks grave of the royal, the valiant, or good."

The Irish colonists from Kerry, who gave the name they
brought from their native district {Leamhnd) to the river
Leven, which watered their acquired territory, in conse-
quence called the Lennox {Leamhaiji'inscCy Leven Water:
Levenacky Leven men), probably impressed the same name
of Leven upon the loch and river in Lochaber on the nor-
thern confines of Dalriada. Their territory was extensive,
apparently stretching from the Clyde to Glen More, and
from sea to sea over middle-Scotland, Dumbarton being
their stronghold in the south, and Tor Castle^ on the
Lochy their defence in the north, which tradition avers
was the seat of Banquo.^ We must now change the scene.

Contemporaneously with the alleged flight of the son of
Fleance into Brittany, there appears in the feudal court of
Combourg, in Brittany, in the capacity of a seneschal or
steward, a stranger named Fredald or Flaald, of whose ante-

^ * Stat. Ace.,' vol. viii, p. 436 : " And a little below the site of Torecastle there is
a most beautiful walk, about a quarter of a mile long, that still retains the name of
Banquo "— " Banquo's Walk." The late Rev. Dr Clerk, Kilmallic, the dis-
tinguished Ossianic scholar, embodied the local traditions regarding Banquo in a
MS. brochure whicli he presented to her Majesty the Queen in 1873. In it he
maintained the antiquity of the traditions. I have not seen the brochure.

^ Inchmyrryne in Loch Lomond was the stronghold of the Earls of Lennox in
later times.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts,

"h- A.Ju

cedents nothing as yet can be specified.^ The picturesque
castle of Combourg, which in the end of last century was the
peaceful retreat of Chateaubriand, its noble owner, still bears
on tower and battlement the characteristics of the warring
age which saw it rise
to menace or protect
the fertile fields and
orchards lying around
the lake beneath its
basement. Its im-
pregnable situation
on a secure mound
might create the im-
pression that military
arrogance placed the
stronghold there, did
not the pleasing sur-
roundings of rich pas-
ture, anon variegated
with the flying blos-
som of the fruit-trees and their ruddy clusters, suggest the
cunning design of a happier spirit.

So it was that Junkeneus, the son of Hamo, the Count of
Dinan, when he ascended the archiepiscopal throne of Dol
(1008- 1032), founded the pinnacled towers of Combourg, and
set up there the secular court of Rivallon, his brother, first
Lord of Combourg and Dol. The frowning fortress, eight

T/ic Castle of Combourg,

* Lobineau, *Hist. de Bret.,' vol. ii. p. 310, 138; * Mon. Anglic.,' vol. i. p. 553 ;
Morice, 'Preuves i I'Hist. de Bret.,' vol. i. p. 492; * Notes and Queries,*
Series V., vol. x. pp. 402, 472 : also see Indices.

22 Bute in tlie Olden Time,

miles S.E. of the ancient Armorican capital, Dol, added
security on the Norman frontiers to the rich possessions of
the Church.

In Dol the successive bishops, well warded within the strong
walls which encircled the brow of the eminence on which the
ancient cathedral, the chateau, and the town then stood, main-
tained by their affluence all the pomp and circumstance of
powerful secular lords.^ A sword more oft than a crucifix
was in the bishop's hand ; the hauberk glistered on him as
oft as the rochet. His palace was thronged with every kind
of official, from the steward, who was overseer of all his
secular interests, down to the marshal, the constable, and
others who doled out the fragments of the savoury kitchen,
and to the more menial Scottish slaves.

The grey-granite town of Dol was thus an important eccle-
siastical and military centre, and on its "Grande Rue," off
which ran the shaded alleys up to the Cathedral, lived the
thriving vassals of the Archbishop, who never shrank to
quarrel with their Norman enemies. Its very position made
it a rendezvous for stirring spirits eager for any crusade, and
an asylum for exiles seeking service in perilous times. Its
hallowed associations gave it an especial attractiveness for
English and Welsh refugees. Sampson of Wales and of
York, of happy memory, founded his oratory there, over-
looking the salt marshes, in the sixth century ; and to him
came, among others — like Teliane of LandaflT, his successor —
the famous Welsh saint Iltud, to lay his weary bones in the

' * Gallia Christiana/ torn. xiv. pp. 1045-1048; * Histoire Eccles. et Civile de
Bretagne,* torn. ii. p. liii — *IIist. des Evesques/ par Dom. P. H. Morice ;
Paris, 1750.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts. 23

church beside his great friend and pupil. So Dol was dear
to Welshmen, who were also naturally allied to their Celtic
kinsmen over the sea, in Lesser Britain ; and what with the
reputation of the schools, what with marriage alliances, war,
and commerce with the Saxons, no more likely retreat for
the exiled son of Fleance could be imagined.

It was not an improbable occurrence for a Highland exile
to find shelter in the Welsh Court, and also for himself and
his family to receive equal sanctuary in the monasteries of
Brittany. The old link between the Celtic Churches was not
broken, and pilgrims were still leaving Welsh, Irish, and
Scottish homes to carry the light and culture of the Celtic
schools into foreign monasteries. At this very time the
Celtic monks were favourites in France and Germany, as
they had been in the time of Charlemagne. They were
founders of monasteries like Marianus, of Ratisbon, not needy
bakers, like Fleance and Alan. The shipmen of Kintyre
traded with the French, and the Normans sometimes raided
in Ireland. Who then can tell what brother Celt was there
to receive the royal wanderer to Dol ?

The lords of Combourg and Dol were generous to religion
and liberal to the Church. Rivallon and his family gave to
the monastery of St Martin at Marmoutier their rights in the
church of the Blessed Mary at Combourg some time before
1064, and among his retinue witnessing the charter appears
the name of his Seneschal, Fredaldus (" s. Fredaldi, senescalci "
— see Appendix III.) This name is almost unique in Breton
charters and history — being held by this individual and by
Fledald the brother of Alan, who succeeded Fredald in the
seneschalship of Dol, and by no others. Who was he, and
whence did he come ?

24 Bute in the Olden Time,

The late Earl of Crawford and Balcarres, after many years
of laborious inquiry into the mysterious origin of the
Stewarts, although he inclined to believe that "Fredaldus,
the Seneschal, was son of Frotmundus, surnamed Vetulus, or
the old, a landed proprietor in the district now called
Chateaubriant during the eleventh century, and that the
family were of Prankish extraction," descended from Phara-
mond, was forced to come to this conclusion : " I have found
no notice of the family of Predaldus Senescalcus in the
district of Dol or its neighbourhood, before the appearance
of that individual in the character of Seneschal as witnessing
the document already before the reader, which must bear
date previously to 1066. Moreover, I have not as yet met
with any positive or direct evidence by which Predaldus or
his son Alan can be affiliated as the son or descendant of
any house in Brittany." ^

This well-considered judgment opens the way for reason-
able speculation, which is in harmony with the probable truth
of the traditions preserved by Scottish writers in reference to
our Royal House.

I have not been able to discover the original authorities for
the various branches of the genealogical tree by which Pleance
is traced by descent to King Kenneth I. The older geneal-
ogists and heraldic writers quoted from old family histories
in MS., many of which have been lost I append a pedigree
compiled from these family trees (Appendix II.), without any
acknowledgment of its accuracy. It is not in harmony with
the Irish pedigrees, which were more likely to be correct.

1 * Memoir on the subject of the Origines of the FitzAlans and Stuarts.' MS.,
chap. iii.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts. 25

My hypothesis is that Fredald or Flaald, which is simply
an official title, was Fleance, the father of Alan, and of the
succeeding Stewards of Dol, together with the Fitz Alans of
England and the succeeding Stewards of Scotland. I further
contend that the much-abused Boece had good grounds for
believing the accounts of his predecessors, which traced the
Stewarts through Banquo to the ancient dynasties of our
native land.

Fledald, whom we must equate with Flaald, the father of
Alan, the English settler under Henry I., held the seneschal-
ship during the unhappy tenure of the See of Dol by the
amorous Juhellus (1040-1078), who equally defied the Pope
in his lascivious and in his military career. This Juhell was
a dear bishop to the Bretons, being mixed up in those un-
fortunate intrigues which ended in wars with the Normans,
who appeared several times before the walls of Dol to humili-
ate the Knight of Combourg in what William the Conqueror
styled " une orgueilleuse bicoque " — a proud little shanty.
The shanty appears on the Bayeux Tapestry in defiant great-
ness. An adventurer could not have found a home easier
than under Juhell or Rivallon, the chief of the rebels in Brit-
tany. If he had pretensions to royal lineage, it would be
easier for him also to attain to so high an honour as that of
Seneschal of the district, should an opportunity have oc-
curred. As Juhell was a Simonist and a despoiler of the
Church lands, which he gave to his family and his supporters,
he might have reason for appointmg a stranger to the im-
portant office of Seneschal, wherein he had to administer the
secular affairs of the province, to collect the ecclesiastical
rents and dues, and to regulate the official life of his lordly
master and his subordinates.

26 Bute in the Olden Time.

On the street called •' La Grand Rue " of Dol still remains
an imposing edifice built of granite, in the purest Norman
style of architecture of the twelfth cent *'^ which tradition
names "La Maison des Plaids," and avt ^" --avenue

office and court-house of the archbishops, i nis name, " The
House of the Plaids," is touchingly significant of Fleance
with the royal wearers of the tartan, who lifted the tithes
and the taxes, and " dantoned " the enemies of his master, as
his fathers had done ! ^

The office of Seneschal had a lowly origin, probably in the
responsible work of the upper servant (Gothic, skalks, a
servant), senior (Gothic, sins, old) or otherwise, who was
trusted with the oversight of his lord's household, or, as
Vossius held, his flock of sheep {son, seneste, or sente). The
oversight of his cattle led to his being known among the
Teutonic nations as the Stiward, or warden of the stye (A.S.
stigOy weard).

From seniority as a servant this official rose to be superin-
tendent of the other domestic servitors, taster of his master's
food, master of the house, and treasurer of the revenues.
The mastership of the palace was a position of honour and
trust, sometimes held by the heir-apparent, and always by
one of royal or noble blood, who was privileged to carry the
royal banner into battle. In Scotland the Steward of the
king was at first simply the " Seneschallus Domus Domini

* *Dol-de-Bretagne,* par Charles Robert, 1892, p. 5 : "On lui donne le nom
de Maison des Plaids, C'est 1^ que, au moins avant le xvie si6cle, se serait rendue
la justice et exercee la juridiction temporelle de I'eveque de Dol. Les sentences
auraient et^ proclamees au peuple par les deux baies sup^rieures." For lands of
Dol see "Enquesle de Dol faite en 1181 par ordre de Henri II., Roy d^Angle-
terre," Ix)bineau, torn. ii. fol. 132.

Tlie Origin of the Royal Stewarts,

Regis/-' or "Dapifer," but was advanced through time to
the higher dignity of Steward of the kingdom, " Seneschallus
Scotiae," in the tb'*^':enth century.

Tha^'***""^ i'equivalent for the Seneschal was Fredald,

Fledald, or ria'a'fd will presently appear. This we infer was

La Maison des Plaids,

the name of Alan's father, from this circumstance, that when
William, a monk of St Florent-pr^s-Saumur, and elder
brother of John, Lord of Combourg, along with his brothers,
gave the township of Mezuoit beside the Castle of Dol to the
monastery of St Florent-sous-Dol, of which William became

28 Bute in the Olden Time.

Abbot, some time between 1079 and 108 1, not only is "Alanus
Senescallus " a witness to the gift, but the deed declares that
Alan was himself a donor of the village oven and his right of
the sale of bread therewith, which gifts were homologated by
his brother Fledald on condition that a younger brother,
Rivallon, was admitted to the novitiate (see Appendices
VII., XI.) The monopoly of bread-making must have been
a fee of the Seneschal, and consequently hereditary in that
office, descending from Fredald to Alan and his brothers or
next of kin.

Underneath the different forms in which the name Flaald,
and its cognates, appear — Fleald, Flaald, Flaad, Floaud,
Flahald, Fladald, Fledald, Flodwald, Flodoald, Fredald— lies
a root common to all, namely, flad. This is evidently the
Goidelic vfor A Jleadh (pronounced flay), which in Old Irish is
fledy signifying a meal. The Old High German word to rule is
waltan : wa/d, a ward. So in the compound F/ad-wa/d, the
ruler of the meal, we have a similar instance of word-coining
observed in the term lord, A.S. hldf-ward, ruler of the loaf.
Nor is this all the coincidence: the Gothic /re/un, in German
fressen, corresponds with our word to eat, so that Fret-ivald is
a form synonymous with Fledwald, In the Romance tongue
of Yvdincey flaftyflafiCy flans is defined to be "a sorte of cake,
or piece of pastry which is made of flour, butter, milk, and
eggs ; in Low Latin, fladoy flanto*' ^ In Flemish the same
word appears as vlade : German, fladen.

If, then, we identify the fugitive Fleanchus with the Flaald
of Dol, although Boece declares that the Prince of Wales
slew him, we might harmonise many apparent discrepancies

1 * Glossaire de la I^ngue romaine,* par. J. B. B. Roquefort, p. 606. Paris, 1808.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts, 29

in the tangled story. Nor is this too bold a demand on
credence.

The native name of Banquo's son would be the common
Goidelic one, Flann^ which signifies rosy or fair, and has an
equivalent in Aluinn^ beautiful, fair, to which the word Alan,
both in Brittany and Ireland, may be traced. The Flann of
Lochaber would thus very readily become the Breton name,
Alan, more especially when in the vulgar tongue of Dol
the former, denoting a pancake, would sound like a nickname.
Change of name was not an uncommon circumstance : Alan,
Earl of Brittany, was also called Geoffroi ; John, the son of
Robert II., ascended the throne of Scotland as Robert III.
And just as the royal Stewards dropped the Latin name of
Seneschal, which they long bore, for the Teutonic designation
of Stewart, Flann may have obtained for surname, in keeping
with his office, Flawald or Fretwald. His eldest son Alan
bore the name that ran in the race of Eogan ; his second took
the father's official name ; his third was named Rivallon, after
his knightly master of Dol.

That this Flaald, Seneschal of Dol, was no other than
Flancus who joined the bands of Norman warriors who
conquered England under William the Vigorous, is amply
proved by a remarkable reference to a property in England
for centuries afterwards held by the FitzAlans.

In an inquest made in the hundred of Laundiz, in Norfolk,
in the reign of Edward I., in 1275, the jurors note : " They say
also that the manor of Melam with its pertinents was in the
hands of King William the Bastard at the Conquest, and the
said king gave the said manor to a certain soldier, who was
called Flancus, who came with the said king into England,
with its parts and all its pertinents, and afterwards the said

30 Bute in tlie Olden Time,

manor descended from heir to heir to John the son of Alan,
who is now in the custody of the king/* &c.i— (see Appendix
IV.) In another inquest held in 1305, this hundred is men-
tioned as "hundreda de Flando (or Flaudo), filio^ Alani,
quondam Domino de Miiham," &c.^ Fitz Alyne is among
the list of the conquerors of England in the Battle Abbey
charter;* Fitz Alayne appears in Leland's list ;^ Fitz Aleyn
in Grafton's Chronicle.^

That Alan the son of Flaald possessed property in Norfolk
and at Mileham is shown by a charter preserved in the White
Book of St Florent, by which Alan gives to the monks of St
Florent-pr^s-Saumur, for the safety of his soul, the church of
Sporle and its tithes, and besides other rich gifts of fuel and
pasturage, a hundred acres of land in Melehan (Milaham).
(See Appendix V.)

These lands formerly were possessed by Stigand, the
patriotic Archbishop of Canterbury, whom William the
Conqueror drove into exile in 107 1, and probably became
part of the spoil of that " audacious athlete," Raoul de Gael,
whom William made Earl of Norfolk for assisting him in
the campaign of 1070. According to the Saxon Chronicle,^
Raoul was a Welshman on his mother's side, and his father
was an Englishman named Ralph and born in Norfolk, so
that Flancus had in him a congenial comrade among the
Breton auxiliaries who, from Dinan, Dol, and Combourg, for
the second time threw in their swords with the Norman

1 * Hundred Rolls,* vol. i. p. 434.

' Probably clerical mistake for /o/r^r, or an addition.

* *Cal. Gen. Henry HI. and Edward I./ ed. Charles Roberts, vol. ii. p. 687.

* * Script, rer. Normann.,' p. 1023. ' 'Collectanea,' ed. Hearne, p. 208.

* 'Chronicle of Briteyn,' p. 4, 1568 ed. ^ Under ann. 1075.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts, 31

invader. Flaald could then be in the prime of manhood,
too. But his Scottish name does not appear in the Domes-
day Book, unless he is to be identified with one of the many
Alans found therein, which is quite probable. That Flaald
joined destinies with the rebellious Raoul, whom William
deprived of his lands and chased back to Dol, can only be
hypothetical, although it readily explains why Alan, who
accompanied Raoul in the Crusade of 1096, was not in a
position in England to evince his customary liberality to the
Church until the reign of his patron, Henry I., when Breton
influence was a desirable buttress to an unstable throne.

Flaald disappears from the historic page as mysteriously as
he came, somewhere about the year 1079, when Alan assumed
the Seneschalship.

In treating of Alan Fitz Flaald we are fortunate in possess-
ing many charters which bear his name, as witness to the
generosity of his feudal superiors, and as donor of many
benefactions to churches, both in England and Brittany, con-
nected with the Great Monastery of the Benedictine Order at
Marmoutier.

If our assumption be warranted that Alan was the son of
Fleance, he might have been sufficiently old to have borne
arms with those adventurous Bretons who, under the two
sons of the Earl of Brittany, Briant and Alan, Raoul de Gael,
and other warriors, distinguished themselves at Hastings, hav-
ing in 1066 probably attained to his majority.

Where he won his spurs can only be conjectured. But it
is not likely that he stayed to watch the pancakes turning in
Dol when the air was full of the romance of the Conquest, or
local free-lances recited how the hand of Hereward himself
laid low Raoul of Dol.

32 Bute in the Olden Time,

Alan, as the eldest son of his father, inherited, with the
occupancy of the seneschalship, some lands which lay in the
immediate vicinity of Dol. In the disposition of these by
himself and his descendants we are able to trace a little of
his personal history.

Somewhere between 1063 and 1084, when Abbot Bartholo-
mew ruled the great Monastery of Marmoutier, Maino, the
lord of Erc6, came to him and craved him to descend to the
little village of Guguen, some eight miles south of Dol, and
heal his two sons, Hamo and Gauter, who were stricken with
leprosy there. By the sign of the cross and a kiss of love
from the venerable abbot, the youths arose miraculously
cured. The father and grandfather, with their whole house
and their retinue, made gifts of gratitude to the monastery —
among which "Alan, the son of Floaud, conceded to the
abbot and monks of Combourg whatsoever right he had in
the church of Guguen " (see Appendix VI.)

From this the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres concluded
that Alan held this property from the house of Lohiac in
right of his wife, who was a daughter of Maino, and not
hereditarily.

The Lords of Dol were conspicuous for their benefactions
to their favourite house in Marmoutier ; and when John and
his brother Gilduin dedicated the township of Mezuoit and
its privileges to the Benedictines, and John founded and
erected the priory of St Martin and St Florent there, Alan
the Seneschal, on his part, gave the bakery and the bread
monopoly to the monks, and Eventius, the Archbishop of
Dol, between 1076 and 1081, completed the donation with
his benediction (see Appendix VII.)

Alan next appears as a Crusader, among that daring com-

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts, 33

pany, led by Robert Duke of Normandy, in 1096, to rescue
Jerusalem from the Mussulmans.^ It is interesting to notice
the names of the Breton warriors — none of whom were from
Dinan — which are preserved for us by Baldric, the Arch-
bishop of Dol (1107-1130), who wrote a contemporary ac-
count of the expedition and the * History of Jerusalem.'
Alain Fergent, Count of Brittany, the old rebel Raoul de
Gael, formerly of Norfolk, Alan his son, and lords from the
houses of Lamballe, Lohdac, and Penthievre, brought their
thirsty swords. And the venerable Archbishop of Dol, Hol-
land (1093-1107), along with his steward Alan, graced the
company (" et Alanus dapifer sacrse ecclesiae Dolensis, Archi-
episcopi, et alii plures erant ki uno agmine "). Doubtless Alan
had his share in the fearful battles and sieges by the way
which preceded the capture of Jerusalem in 1099. From
these associations we may safely infer that Alan was a
partisan of Robert of Normandy, rather than of Rufus, at
this juncture.

The Bretons returned in the autumn of iioi.^ And it is
after this date I would place the birth of Alan's eldest son,
whom he named Jordan, in memory of his expedition to the
Holy Land.

Meantime Henry I. had in Robert's absence seized the
throne of England, as in his penniless days he had tried to
seize Mont St Michel, and was gathering round him a new
aristocracy who would secure his throne against his Norman
opponents, and render him a welcome ruler to the oppressed

* Baldricus, * Historia Hierosolymoe,' lib. ii. ; Migne's * Patrol.,' vol. clxvi.
p. 1084.

* * Actes de Bret.,* vol. i. col. 507.

VOL. II. C

34 Bute in the Olden Time,

Saxons and Welsh, whom he promised to defend and be-
friend. Alan may have taken advantage of this new policy
to regain his forfeited estates in England, — for, by the
autumn of iioi. King Henry has either invested him in
or permitted him to reassume property in Norfolk, and he
comes into prominence among the "illustrious of England,
ecclesiastical and secular," who, with the king and queen,
subscribe to a charter granted by Henry to the Bishop of
Norwich, at a great court held at Windsor.^ The same day,
September 3, iioi, "Alan Fitz Flaald " is a witness to the
charter, attested also by Henry and Queen Matilda, by
which the Bishop of Norwich founded the Cathedral priory
of his see, and the Charter confirms a grant of the " Church
of Langham, which had been Alan's and his tithes," by
which Alan had endowed Norwich priory.^ This Langham
was a part of the Mileham lands held by the Fitz Alans.
From this time onward Alan Fitz Flaald, doubtless a
trusted favourite at Court, is in constant attendance on
the king, and in various parts of his realm is a witness to
charters * (see Appendix X.)

The native qualities in him, which Breton life in camp,
court, and church made valuable acquisitions for a prince
in dire need of a trusty body-guard, were to King Henry
enhanced by the circumstance that Alan was not merely a
scion of the royal houses of North Wales and Mercia, but was

* * Monasticon,* iv. 17, v. s Ibid., iv. 17, Num. iii.

" See * Monasticon,' var, he, ; 'The Houses of Fitz- Alan and Stuart,' by R. W.
Eyton, 1856; *Antiq. of Shropshire,* by R. W. Eyton, vol. ii. pp. 193, 194; vol.
vii. pp. 211-262, Lond. 1858; 'Coll. for Hist, of Staffordshire,' by R. W. Eyton,
vol. i. pp. 213-225 : Birmingham, 1880.

The Origin of tJie Royal Stewarts. 35

also a Scottish kinsman to his queen. These factors led to
easy and certain advancement at the English Court. His
influence had been further increased by alliance with the
powerful family of Hesdin in Artois, when he wedded
Adeliza (Adelina or Avelina), the coheiress of Ernulf de
Hesdin, son of the Count of Hesdin and Avoue, probably
after his return from the crusade.

So chivalrous a knight was just such a buttress to the
throne as the king would secure in the debatable frontiers
of his realm, where family associations might make up for a
weak military position among unsettled lieges. So where he
had spent his boyhood, probably at Old Oswestry — Oswald's
tree, where Oswald and Penda fought in the perilous stretch
of land between Offa and Wat^s dyke, whose meads were
fattened by Cambrian and Saxon flood — Alan was given his
fortified home.^ At the beginning of the twelfth century
records show him invested in the whole Honour of Shrop-
shire, carrying with it lands in Warwickshire, Staffordshire,
and Sussex, formerly held by Warin, then deceased : " Alanus
filius Fladaldi honorem Vicecomitis Warin post filium ejus
[Hugo] suscepit." ^ This fresh favour may have been one of
the consequences of the struggle between Henry and Robert,
his brother, which gave rise to the revolt of Earl Robert de
Belesme, suzerain of the Honour, who forfeited his lands and
was exiled in 1 102.^ As yet, however, we can throw no light
on the reference in Blind Harry's * Wallace ' to the episode

* Leland, •Collect.,' vol. i. p. 231, quoting *Ryme of the Gestes of Guarine,*
has : ** Alane Fleilsonc had gyven to him Oswaldestre."
' * Monasticon,' vol. iii., 519, col. A. * * Ordericus Vitalis,' pp. 806, 807.

36 Bute in the Olden Time,

when " the gud Wallas," grandfather of William, a retainer of
Alan's, performed some worthy deed —

" Quhen Waltyr hyr of Waillis fra VVarayn socht"*

— an episode, probably, of later date than this epoch.

It was long erroneously settled that Alan had obtained the
shrievalty by marriage with the supposed daughter of Warin.
Rather it was a political reward.

The Salop Chartulary, The White Book of St Florent,
and other authorities display Alan munificently enriching the
churches in which he was interested, especially those which
had sprung from St Florent-pr^s-Saumur, a daughter of the
great Monastery — benefactions which his descendants homolo-
gated (see Appendices VIII., IX.) ** Alanus filius Flaaldi," as
he is styled, with Adelina his wife, gave lands at Komeston
and Sporle in Norfolk to the priory of Castle Acre, a depend-
ency of Lewes, the chief Cluniac abbey in England.^ But he
seems to have died about 11 14, leaving Adeliza and a young
family, Jordan, William, Walter, Simon, and Sibil, enfeoffed in
various properties in England and Brittany.

From a charter in which Alan the son of Jordan confirms
his grandfather's gift of the tithe of the lordship of Burton to
the monks of St Magloire de Lehon (i 161) it is to be inferred
that Jordan was the eldest of the family — ^" Ego siquidem
Alanus Jordani filius primogenitus supradictorum descen-
dens," &c., — and that Alan junior was Jordan's eldest son
(see Appendices VIII., IX., XII.) The peculiarity of this lan-
guage might create the impression that Alan senior had been
twice married, and that Jordan was of the first marriage, and

* * Wallace,' bk. i. I. 32. « * Monasticon,* v. p. 31, ed. Bandinel and Ellis.

The Origin of the Royal Stewarts. 37

heir of Burton, — a supposition which would harmonise with
the Scottish tradition that Walter (Alan) married Christina,
a daughter of Alan the Red of Brittany,^ in whose fee Burton
was in 1086.

Jordan succeeded to the Seneschalship of Dol and the
paternal property in Brittany, which he handed down to his
heirs till the office passed out of their hands about the end of
the twelfth century ; but it does not fall within the scope of
this work to follow the fortunes of the Breton branch of the
family, nor to do more than allude to William, who settled in
Shropshire ; to Simon, the ancestor of the Boyd)s ; and to Sibil,
who married Roger de Freville. William Fitz Alan suc-
ceeded to his father's Honour and farms in England, and
by marrying Isabel de Say, Lady of Clune, strengthened
his position as a great feudal baron.* The liberality of the
Lady of Clune to Wenlock Priory was imitated by her hus-
band, who enriched the Canons of Haughmond Abbey, his
brother Walter being a witness to this beneficence, and, in
turn, sharing in his generosity.* Jordan Fitz Alan, however,
was in 1 1 30 in possession of lands in Lincolnshire, which were
part of the fee of Alan, Count of Brittany, registered in
Domesday Book ; and also in Nottinghamshire or Derby-
shire, the assessment on which he was freed from at this
time.* Our concern is with Walter.

* Hailes, 'Ann.,* vol. i., App. There is much confusion among the many Alans,
red and black, from Brittany, at the time of the Conquest.

^ 'Caledonia/ p. 573. ■ •Archseol. Journal, * vol, xiii. p. 145.

* *Mag, Rot. Scacc. vel. Pipa de Anno xxxL regni Hen. I.,' p. 113, ed. 1833.

Till ,

'.'/ 'r' . .' K

[''y, ] ' ' .

::.':;a:-;y.

A - '■

. -^ AN 'J

' .■ ; •. '

' * * ,' ' ^ .

The Stewards of Scotland. 39

Alan, which was fraught with the most important destinies
in both kingdoms, to be wrought out two centuries after-
wards. It was a school of policy, in which the prince learned
much that was profitable to his own realm — the most bene-
ficial lesson being that of surrounding his own throne with
chivalrous warriors ever ready to lift the gage for their royal
master.

Among his retinue were many possessed of thirsty swords
— both the discontented scions of old Saxon nobility, alien-
ated by Henry, and the restless young cavaliers of Norman
lineage — who were eager to take and hold any unsettled part
of Scotland by the prowess of their blades.

After the quarrel arose between David's niece, the Em-
press-Queen Matilda, and Stephen as to the throne of England
in 113s, David embraced the cause of the former, and those
loyal to Matilda rallied around The Dragon of Wessex, which
was the standard in battle of the Scots king.

In the miserable epoch which succeeded the death of
Henry, when England was embroiled in internecine war, the
Fitz Alans and King David were true to their vow of fealty
to the Empress Maud, and became her conspicuous defenders
against King Stephen, for which devotion they had to suffer
forfeiture of their lands in England. The brother-in law of
Alan, Ernulph, the brave defender of Shrewsbury in Maud's
interest, met a shameful death at the hands of Stephen. After
the serious reverses to Maud's cause in the south in the
summer of 1141, William and Walter Fitz Alan, along with
King David, appear at her Court in Oxford. And when that
cause totally collapsed, and the Empress had to seek refuge
abroad, Walter had no other seat save his saddle, on which,
like many another free-lance, he crossed the Scottish border

40 Bute in the Olden Time.

to enter the service of the Scots king, with whom he appears
at Melrose in 1 142.^ Then began the influx of Norman war-
riors, whom David gathered round him to carry out the
feudalisation of his realm, and whom he secured in their
moated holds guarding the rich lands he granted to them.

Another friend of David's was Thomas de Lundin, the
Doorward, whose daughter, Eschina,^ married Walter Fitz
Alan, and brought him the lands of Molla and Huntland in
Roxburghshire, parts of which she gave to Paisley Priory.

When early in his reign David granted to Robert the Brus
his lands in the valley of Annan (11 24-1 140), Walter Fitz
Alan, so designed, was present to witness the charter at
Stapelgortune, and he survived till, as " Dapifer Regis Scotiae,"
or Steward, he was called in as witness to the Charter of Con-
firmation by William the Lion, in 1 166, in the Castle of Loch-
maben.^ Little indeed could these two barons imagine that
their families would unite, long afterwards, to place a king of
their own blood upon the throne of David, and to save the
independence of a nation, which they as aliens then had
adopted.

David settled Walter in the fat lands watered by the Cart
and bounded by the Clyde, where Paisley presently thrives,
no doubt for military reasons as well, — as the Charter of Mal-
colm IV. declares, " on account of the service which he himself
rendered to King David." He further complimented him
with portions of his own private lands in Partick, as well as
with lands in various parts of the realm, to sustain him in the

* * Lib. Sanct. Mar. de Melros ' (Bann. Club), p. 4.

2 Eschina first married Robert de Croc : their daughter Isabel married a
Lyndsay.
' Bain, 'Calendar,' vol. i. No. 29; ibid., No. 10$.

The Stewards of Scotland. 41

high dignity of Steward of the King, to which he was
advanced.^

When attesting any charters of King David and Prince
Henry I have examined, Walter is designated " Walter, son
of Alan," but in Malcolm IV.'s reign he is designated
"dapifer Regis Scocie," Steward of the King of Scotland.
The same title, or Seneschal, is borne during the reign of
William. During the reign of Alexander II., in 1236, Walter
son of Alan is designated Seneschal of Scotland.^

The particulars of this honour and office we learn from a
Confirmatory Charter granted, on June 24, 1 157, at Roxburgh
to Walter by Malcolm IV., by which he not only confirms the
appointment and grants of his royal grandfather, but makes
the Seneschalship a hereditary function in the family of
Walter — an additional importance which the office does not
appear to have previously possessed. The charter runs as
follows : —

"Malcolm, King of the Scots, to the Bishops, Abbots, Earls, Barons,
Justiciaries, Vicecomites, Provosts, and to all other proprietary
[men], clerics and laics, French and English, Scots and Gallovidians,
of his whole land, as well present as to come, greeting, be it known
to you all that before I have taken up arms, I have granted and by
this my charter have confirmed to Walter, son of Alan, my Steward,
and his heirs, in fee and possession, the gift which King David my
grandfather gave to him, namely, Renfrew and Passelet [Paisley],
and PoUoc [Pollok], and Talahec [place unknown], and Kerkert
[Cathcart], and Le Drep [the Drip], and the Mutrene [place un-
known], and Eglisham [Eaglesham], and Lauchinauche [Lochwin-
noch], and Innerwick [in East Lothian], and all their pertinents, and
similarly to him have I given, and by this my charter confirm, my

^ One of the estates in Partick is called Jordanhill.
2 'Lib. deMel./p. 17a

42 Bute in the Olde?i Time,

Seneschalship, to be held by himself and his heirs of me and my heirs,
freely in fee and heritage, as well and as fully as King David better and
more fully gave and granted to him his Seneschalship, and as himself
holds it from him better and more fully ; farther, I myself give, and by
this same charter confirm, to the same Walter in fee and heritage,
on account of the service which he himself rendered to King David
and myself, Prethe [Partick], as much as King David held in his
own hand, and Inchenan [Inchinnan], Stemtum [Stenton], and
Halestinesdene [Hassendean in Teviotdale], and Leguardsuade
[Legertwood in Lauderdale], and Birchinsyde [Birkhillside in
Lauderdale] ; and besides, in every one of my Burghs, and in every
one of my demesne dwellings \dominica Gista\ throughout my whole
land, an entire Toft to make him a residence there, and with each
Toft twenty acres of land : wherefore I will and direct that the same
Walter and his heir in fee and heritage hold off me and my heirs, in
chief, all the foresaid, as well those which he himself possesses by gift
of King David as these which he has from my gift, with all their
pertinents, and rights, and through right divisions of all the foresaid
lands, freely and quietly, honourably and in peace, with sac [/>., right
to try causes] and soc [exemption from customary burdens, and right
to impose others], with tol [right to hold markets], and them [right
of holding bondmen], and infangtheeffe [jurisdiction over thieves],
in manors, in shealings, in plains, in meadows, in pasture-lands, in
moors, in waters, in mills, in fisheries, in forests, in wood and open,
in ways and by-ways, as any one of my barons more freely and
quietly holds of me his fief,— by rendering to me and my heirs for
that fief the service of five soldiers."

The names of the attesting witnesses are interesting, as
showing the dignitaries and landholders of the day : —

" Ernest Bishop of Saint Andrews, Herbert Bishop of Glasgow,
John Abbot of Kelso, William Abbot of Melrose, Walter the
Chancellor, William and David, brothers of the king. Earl Gos-
patrick. Earl Duncan, Richard de Morweill, Gilbert de Wmphraweill,
Robert de Bruis, Radolph de Soulis, Philip de Colveille, William de
Sumervilla, Hugo Riddell, David Olifard, Valden son of Earl Gos-

The Stewards of Scotland, 43

Patrick, William de Morweill, Baldwin de la Mar, Liolf son of
Maccus. At the castle of Roxburgh, on the Festival of John the
Baptist, in the fifth year of our reign." ^

This ward-holding charter, as it was called, granted to the
king's house-steward for military service, does not take the
Fitz Alans further back than to King David's reign, and, as
will be noticed, contains no reference to tenure of land in
Bute, which originally may have been a demesne of the
Dalriadic kings. Rothesay may have been an early burgh,
and around its royal castle the Steward may have possessed
his twenty-acre toft ; but it is not till nearly fifty years after
this date that we find Alan the son of Walter, in 1204, able
to dispone land in Bute to Paisley Priory.

We must now turn aside for a moment to investigate a
most remarkable claim made in 1336 by Richard Fitz Alan,
Earl of Arundel, to be considered the Steward of Scotland
by hereditary right, "de Senescalcia Scotiae (quae ad eum
Jure Haereditatem spectat"), and which suggests the idea
that, after all, Walter had been chosen to be Steward because
it was an oflSce held by Banquo his grandfather and his
family. The Earl of Arundel, when with Edward III. in
Scotland, sold his alleged right to the king for a thousand
merks; and this sale was afterwards confirmed by Edward
Baliol, so that there might be no doubt as to the property of
the subject The instrument of the king ordaining the price
to be paid was signed at Bothvill on the 28th November
1336.* Arundel's claim must have been based upon the fact

* Original printed in George Crawfurd's * Gen. Hist, of Stewarts,' p. 2.

^ Rymer's 'Acta Angliae/ torn. iv. p. 719, No. 1218 ; * Caledonia,* vol. i. p. 574 ;
'Clause Roll,' 13 Ed. III.; 'Stewartiana,' p. 58; 'Scotland under her Early
Kings,' vol. i. p. 184.

44 Bute in the Olden Time.

that he was lineal descendant, as he was, of William Fitz
Alan, elder brother of Walter, the holder of the Stewardship
in David's reign, and further, that Walter only held the office
because of his descent from Alan, William not being in a
position as a Scottish vassal to act on his father's decease.
The assumption by the Edwards of what they deemed their
proper regality in Scotland altered the circumstances, and
made Arundel the rightful Steward, according to this conten-
tion, or because the cadet branch by rebellion had forfeited
their right, which returned to the representative of the family
in its elder branch. Unless, then, Arundel was acting under
some impression caused by the traditions of his family, that
the office was hereditary before the time of Walter Fitz Alan,
his claim was as barefaced as that of his liege lord to be con-
sidered Suzerain of Scotland. The claim, however, is in line
with the romance of Banquo, and cannot well be dismissed
until that mystery is solved. If it could be shown that the
Thanes of Lochaber had been the hereditary High-Stewards
at the Court of Kenneth and his descendants, which as yet is
impossible to prove, there might have been a basis for this
novel and unavailing claim. But the first Steward, who was
not even an earl or knight, held no patrimonial possessions in
Scotland, unless Bute was an exception; and we can only
surmise this from the fact that there is no charter granting
it to Walter (the Steward from 1204 to 1246), whom we find
in possession of Kingarth.

Walter inherited the devout and generous spirit of his
ancestry, and followed the example of King David in extend-
ing and munificently enriching the Church, and comforting
the lepers and the poor. In 1 163 he founded the beautiful
Priory of Paisley, for the Glory of God and the Virgin Mary,

The Stewards of Scotland. 45

in memory also of King David, King Henry, and Prince
Henry, for the safety of King Malcolm, and on behalf of the
souls of himself and his family.^ He filled the house with
Cluniac monks from the Priory of Wenlock in Shropshire,
and settled in the adjoining lands the vassals and military
tenantry, bearing the foreign names of Crok (hence Crook-
stone Castle), Montgomerie, Costentin, Caldwell, Fitzfulbert,
Wallace (of Elderslie), who accompanied him from his
paternal acres in England and Brittany .^ A record of their
benefactions to this and other churches will be found in the
Registers of Paisley, Melrose, and other monasteries. His
devotion had a tender aspect, which evinced itself in dedica-
ting lands to keep alive in the country the memories of King
Malcolm and his own parents.

But the Steward was soon called from prayers to arms,
when it was announced that Somerled and his gay galleys,
filled with truculent warriors, had sailed up the Clyde, and
were roystering on the meads of Renfrew. The Steward and
his vassals threw themselves upon the invaders, and com-
pletely vanquished them in 11 64.'

I imagine that at this juncture King Malcolm, who, accord-
ing to the Annals of Ulster, was " the best Christian that was
to the Gael on the east side of the sea, for almsgiving and
fasting and devotion," granted the Castle of Rothesay and
the lands of Bute, now forfeited to the Crown by the family
of Somerled, to the Steward as a reward of his prowess.

For Celt or Norsemen the irregular islet was a convenient
retreat for land and sea forces, and came to be considered a
stronghold of importance in the west It guarded a goodly

* * R^ de Passelet.' « See vol. i. p. 269. ' Ibid., p. 248.

46 Bute in tJie Olden Time,

heritage, covered with rich crops and fat cattle, never to
speak of deer, for which the forest of Cumbrae especially was
famous. No better guerdon could a conqueror have offered
to a free-lance than this critically situated royalty, which no
" laggard in love or dastard in war " could retain mastery of.

Time, however, had at length dismounted this chivalrous
warrior, and made his lance too heavy for his hand, so that
he would fain lean on the Church for his support.^

As it was customary then for warriors tired of the tented
field to retire to the cloisters to engage in the heavenly
warfare, Walter exchanged the barred helm for the cowl of
Melrose Abbey, which already he had enriched with gifts,
among others, of land in Mauchline. And truthfully the
Abbey Chronicle might record : —

" Anno MCLXXVIJ Walterus filius Alani, dapifer Regis Scotorum,
familiaris noster, diem obiit cujus beata anima vivat in gloria." — In
the year 1177 Walter, son of Alan, Steward of the King of Scots,
our friend, died to-day : may his blessed soul live in glory.^

Thus passed away from the stormy scenes of medieval
life a brilliant warrior, of whom unfortunately we know all
too little, and who is justly entitled to rank as one of the
makers of Scotland along with others now but faintly re-
membered. The date of his wife Eschina's decease I have
not discovered.

^ The seal of Walter, used in disponing lands in Mauchline to Melrose about
1 1 70, presents the figure of **an armed knight on horseback, at full speed, a
lance with pennon couched in his right hand, and a shield on his left arm," the
legend bearing "Sigillum Walteri filii Alani Dapiferi Reg." The counter-seal
presents **a warrior with a spear in his right hand, leaning against a pillar, and
with his left hand holding a horse." Laing's * Scottish Seals,* p. 126, Nos. 769,
770, Plate iii. fig. i ; * Lib. Mel.,' vol. ii., Plate vii., which is here reproduced.

« 'Chronica de Mailros,' Edin., 1835 (Bann. Club, p. 88).

The Stewards of Scotland. 47

Walter left three children — Alan, William^ (David *), and
Margaret; according to others, four — Emma, who married
Griffin of South Wales, and Helen, who married Alexander
of Abernethy, Margaret, and Alan. Alan appears in at-
tendance upon the Steward's Court, and in the signing of
the royal and paternal charters is designated " Alanus meus
filius," "Alanus filius Walteri Dapifer meus," "Alanus filius
Walteri Dapifer Regis Scotorum."

In 1 177, Alan succeeded his father in the royal Steward-
ship, and lived through the eventful reign of William the
Lion, when Scotland lay under the papal interdict, and the
two kingdoms were embroiled in war.

He was one of the five hundred " men of weir " who ac-
companied Prince David of Huntingdon to join Richard Coeiir
de Lion in the third Crusade of 11 89-1 192, and witnessed
the glories of that romantic campaign against Saladin. He
was present at the fall of Acre in July 1191. Probably, too,
he shared in the captivity of his prince, who with his fellow-
shipmates was sold into slavery in the East.' But unfor-
tunately we have no details of Alan's adventurous career.

In 1 197, Alan was sent to quell the rebellion of Roderick
and Torphin the son of Harald, Earl of Caithness, which he
effected in a battle fought near Inverness — a success which
was followed soon after by the capture of Harald.*

Alan married Eva, daughter of Swan, son of Thor, a
Border proprietor, who was a benefactor of the abbey of

1 " Willielmo filio Walteri nepote (Alani) dapiferi."— * Lib. de Melrose,' p. 57.

' Dalrymple, * Annals,* p. 147. " David Senescallus" is guarantee in 1219 for
King Alexander. He may have been a brother of King William. *Lib. Mel.,*
pp. 32, 33. ' Boece, xiii. fol. 276. See * The Talisman.'

* *Chron. Mel.,' anno 1197 ; Fordun, vol. i. p. 512.

48 Bute in t/te Olden Time,

Scone. Symson says he married Alesta, daughter of Mor-
gund, Earl of Mar.

Alan, in disponing Kilblain to Paisley before his death in
1204, does not mention his wife Eva nor son Walter. (See
vol. i. pp. 272, 284.)

The * Chronicle of Melrose ' records his decease in 1204.^

Walter Fitz Alan the Second succeeded his father as Dapi-
fer in 1204, in the reign of William the Lion. Shortly after
this the official name appropriated by him, and accepted by
his family, was Senescallus or Senescaldus. His seignorial
title was Walter of Dundonald — a grim strength in Ayrshire,
which he made his principal residence.

Walter was one of the notable Scots barons whom King
Alexander II. took with him to York in June 1221 when
he wedded Princess Joan, and the Steward attested the
marriage-settlement*

Walter was also one of the representatives of Scotland
who, at York in 1237, swore to maintain an agreement made
between the King of Scots and the King of England,
whereby for an equivalent King Alexander swore fealty to
Henry III.^

Androw of Wyntoun informs us that when King Alex-
ander held his Yule at Elgin in 1331, he purposely came
to St Andrews, and

" Thare efftyr dedys syndry dwne,
Come till hym Waltyr Alanswne
The Stewart off Scotland, in plesand wis :
Thare made the King him his Justis."*

^ P. 105. ** Anno mcciiii. Obiit Alanus filius V^alteri."

' Rymer's * Foedera,* vol. i. p. 165.

» Ibid., p. 234. * Bk. vii. ch. ix., vol. ii. p. 242.

The Stewards of Scotland. 49

Symson gives the exact date — August 24, 1230.^

He now appears in witnessing charters as " Walterus, filius
Alani, Senescallus, Justiciarius, Scotisfe,"^ and as Seneschal
of Scotland.*

The Chief Justiciary — Capitalis Justiciarius — usually a
trained lawyer, executed the judicial portion of the Grand
Seneschal's official duties, and presided over every court in
the realm. The two offices of High Steward and Chief
Justice were often conjoined, as in the cases of Walter the
Steward and Ranulph de Glanville, in England.

The churches of Kingarth and the church lands, as pre-
viously stated (vol. i. pp. 269, 272, 284), were given by Alan
to Paisley Priory, and he probably built the Norman addition
to Blaan's Church. Nor is it unlikely that he also erected
the circular wall and four towers of Rothesay Castle, which
consist of masonry of a character similar to that of St Blaan's
Church, even to the size of the stones, which have been
supplied from one quarry to both works.

They may have been begun by Alan to secure his pos-
sessions ; but the fact that when Uspak besieged Rothesay
Castle, in 1230 (see vol. i. p. 250), he "hewed down the walls,
for the stone was soft," seems to imply that the mortar had
not set and bound the masonry together. The Norwegian
account of the siege states that the " Master of Lights, called
Skagi Skitradi, shot the Steward dead while he was leaping
upon the ramparts." What Steward this could be is diffi-
cult to discover, unless it was the David or William, Sen-

1 *Gen. Hist. Stuarts,* p. 39.

* Charter of Alexander II., 8th Feb. 1237, to Church of Glasgow,
s *Lib. Mel.,'p. 170.
VOL. II. D

50 Bute in the Olden Time.

eschal, mentioned above. Walter s own son Walter was also
called Seneschal, while Alexander his brother was called
"Seneschal of Scotland." In 1296, Sir John Stewart of
Bonkyl is styled in a charter "John Senescal, brother to
James Senescal of Scotland." ^ The Norwegian reference is
the first mention of the Seneschal under the Anglo-Saxon
designation of the StfvarS, or Steward, which became the
proud name of the Scottish dynasty. It has less pretty
associations than the term Seneschal, and refers to the
humble office of the keeper of the Sty (A.S. stigo, a sty ;
weard, keeper, warden), who tended his master's cattle to
provide food for his table ; and in a more luxurious time this
official rose to be master of the household of prelate, earl, or
baron. Before the Fitz Alans were called Stewarts they had
acquired this family name of " Senescal," which always ap-
pears in designating the various members of the different
branches of the family, in documents in Latin.

On the death of Alan, Lord of Galloway, in 1233-34, the
Gallovidians rose in revolt against the government for not
acceding to their selection of an overlord, and the king, with
a well-appointed army, accompanied by Walter the Steward,
entered Galloway to quell the revolt. After a severe casti-
gation, the rebels, assisted by a host of Irish, revolted in the
succeeding year, and Walter the Steward and the Earl of
Dunbar were sent again to restore the peace.^

On the 4th March 1239, Johanna, Queen of Scots, died.
The desire, or the Council, of the king did not give him long
time to mourn. Walter the Steward was despatched with

> And. Stuart, *Gen. Hist.,* p. 45.

' * Chron. Mel.,* pp. 144, 145 ; Ilolin.shed, p. 395 ; Fordun, ix.

The Stewards of Scotland. 5 1

a billet-doux to Mary, daughter of Ingelram the Great,
Lord of Couci, in France, to solicit her love. And the Scot
was so successful that he brought the fair maid with him, and,
on the 15th of May, king and bride were standing before
the high altar in Kelso Abbey .^

In 1246, Alexander 11. was king, when to his Court came
ambassadors from Louis IX. of France, who was possessed of
a zeal to recover the Holy Land, to plead for a subsidy, and
to gather under the Oriflamme and cross a Scots band of
Crusaders. Without delay three choice cohorts, under Pat-
rick Earl of March, David Lindesay of Glenesk, and Walter
Stewart of Dundonald, wise in policy and war, marched
away, to perish with few exceptions on the sands of Egypt,^
by sword or pestilence. This, I think, refers to Walter
Stewart, a younger son of the Steward, rather than to the
Steward himself, although there is doubt as to the precise
date of his death.* But the genealogists of the Stewarts
assert that among this hapless band was a younger brother
of Walter, John, who perished at the siege of Damietta, in
1249. If Boece is accurate, this statement is not acceptable.
After the bitter reverses in, and retirement of Saint Louis
from, the East, he inaugurated a new crusade, and applied for
help to Alexander III., King of Scots. And among the
leaders of the thousand crusaders sent from Scotland was
" John Stuart, brother of Alexander," who was High Steward
at this time, 1270.* These mostly, says the historian,

1 * Chron. Mel.,* p. 149 ; Wyntoun, bk. vii. ch. ix.
' Boece, lib. xiii. fol. ccxciii.

* **Walterus Senescallus filius Walter! Senescalli Scotie ;" " Walterus Senes-
callus Comes de Monteith."

* Boece, lib. xiii. fol. ccc.

5 2 Bute in the Olden Time,

succumbed to the heat and the pestilence ; among them, no
doubt, a choice band of Brandanes from Bute.

According to the * Chronicle of Melrose,' Walter, junior, died
in 1141,^ but this is a mistake, as the Register of Paisley-
preserves a charter granted by him in 1246, conveying to
the monastery the goods of the monks of Simpringham at
Dalmellington.

Walter left four sons, Alexander, John, Walter (Earl of
Menteith, 1220- 1296), and William; and two daughters,
Christian and Margaret.

Alexander the Steward shares the glory of driving the
brilliant King Haco and his daring host off Scottish soil into
the sea, and of securing the peace of his country from Norse
invasions, by the famous land and sea fight of Largs, on 2d
October 1263. The youthful Alexander III. was king, and
two great antagonistic parties of northern and of southern
nobles kept up strained relations in the country. The
Steward, Alexander, was not of the national party, but bent
to English influences ; and during the minority of Alexander
III. was appointed one of the fifteen guardians of the king
and queen, at Roxburgh, 20th September 1255. Through
quarrelsome factions interfering, another regency, of which
Alexander was one, had to be appointed three years later.

The national party under Comyn, Baliol, and Menteith
soon threw the land into anarchy, seized the king, and
scattered their opponents for a time. But the balance turned,
and after the Earl of Menteith's death in 1258, his property
was divided between Walter Senescal and William Comyn,
the former becoming Earl of Menteith.

^ " 1 141 : Obiit Walterus filius Alani Junioris."— *Chroii. Mel.,* p. 151.

The Stewards of Scotland. 53

The grim hill and strength of Dundonald, near Ayr, was
the chief seat of the Steward at the time when the beacon on
the heads of Ayr announced the approach of Haco's fleet,
and gave the signal to the knights and vassals of the king to
gather at their rendezvous at Garnock Castle. Thence they
marched to the hills above Largs under Alexander, and
waited for the enemy. Fifteen hundred were iron -clad
cavaliers, and the unnumbered infantry, the men of Strath-
clyde and the Brandanes, with their long Scots spears, bows,
and other rude weapons. Their own stormy rush, added to
the resistless tempest, gave Alexander the victory. The
grateful monarch immediately afterwards (30th November)
conferred on Alexander the barony of Garlies, which was
afterwards held by Sir John Stewart of Bonkyl — so called by
writers — the second son of the Steward. His name appears
in many charters, both as grantor and witness, as well as in
the instruments of national importance signed by the Privy
Council.

In 1267, Alexander the Steward and John Cummin led an
expedition into the Isle of Man, and, vanquishing its Nor-
wegian possessors, added the isle to the realm of Scotland.^
Shortly afterwards the Steward accompanied another host
into the Western Highlands to compel allegiance to the
Crown.

The king, in 1263, sent his Steward on a polite errand to
King Henry, requesting him to pay up the arrears of the
queen's portion — a delicate mission which he performed with
success. Meanwhile the brother of Alexander, Walter Bail-
loch, or thei Freckled, had raised a terrible feud by marrying

^ Boece, lib, xiii. fol. ccxcix.

54 Bute in the Olden Time,

a sister of the Countess of Menteith, through whom he ob-
tained the title of Earl of Menteith, and which required the
intervention of Parliament. Their son John obtained un-
enviable notoriety for seizing the patriot Wallace.

He was one of the Court officials who signed the marriage-
contract between the Princess Margaret and the young Eric
Magnusson of Norway, ratified at Roxburgh, 2Sth July 1281.
He did not live to realise the unfortunate time of 1285, de-
scribed by Wyntoun : —

" Quhen Alysander oure Kyng wes dede.
That Scotland led in Lwve and Le,
Away wes sons of Ale and Brede,
Of Wyne and Wax, of Gamyn and Gle.
Oure Gold wes changyd in-to Lede,
Chryst borne in-to Virgynytd,
Succour Scotland, and remede.
That stad is in perplexyt^."

Alexander had secured himself in possession of Bute by
marrying Jean, the supposed heiress of the line of Somerled,
as previously mentioned (vol. i. p. 249). Alexander's sons,
James the Steward and John (of Bonkyl, by marriage), were
makers of Scots history in a most critical time, and were
patriots of the highest order, loath to submit to the tyranny
of Edward I. Their history is the history of the day, for they
constantly appear on the scene.

In 1283, James, Senescal of Scotland, took the oath of
Alexander HI. to receive Margaret, the Maiden of Norway,
as Queen ofScotland.^

In 1286, James the Steward was appointed one of the six
Regents appointed to watch over the interests of Scotland
during the reign of Margaret ; but he seems to have quarrelled

1 Westminster Chapter- House, Robertson's Index, Appendix, p. 3.

The Stewards of Scotland, 55

with his colleagues, and entered into alliance with other
nobles, including his brother-in-law, Richard de Burgh, after-
wards taking up a position which necessitated him calling out
his retainers in Kyle for personal protection.^ There was
peril of anarchy ensuing when the Kings of Norway and
England interfered in Scottish affairs, and mutually agreed
to the treaty of Brigham in 1290, which was based on the
proposed marriage of Margaret and Edward. But the death
of Margaret blasted the hopes of peace, and " the kingdom
was troubled, and its inhabitants sunk into despair."

In 1288, James the Steward acted as Sheriff of Ayr and
Bute, and his brother John became security for his actings,
and those of his attorney.

On 20th September 1286, the two Senescals.were the guests
of the Bruce at Turnbury Castle, where, with him and other
Scots and English nobles, they sign a bond — " The Turnbury
Bond " — for mutual defence, alone reserving their allegiance
to him " who has a right to reign," — a sufficiently comprehen-
sive designation of the future King of Scots. That was soon
to be a problem of vast importance. As one of the six
guardians of little Queen Margaret's interests — "custodes
regni Scotiae " — James appears resenting the harsh treatment
of the King of England on the one hand, and meting out
stern reprisals upon the English lieges on the other, and
otherwise performing the duties of his office.

When in 1290 the Queen died, the bloody struggle for the
Crown began, and " a devil's dozen " of competitors appeared
to claim, and determined to win, it, with their murder-tools, if
need be. Every one of them, as much as Bruce the younger,

1 *Lib. Mel.,'p. 359.

56 Bute in the Olden Time,

had a henchman to " mak siccar " his ambitious work. Over
all appeared the spectre of Edward L, " Lord Paramount of
the Kingdom of Scotland," who soon came in the flesh, to
take his realm, in the name of Saint Edward. The Steward
was one of the brilliant crowd of Scots chivalry — the most
magnificent that ever met ** the auld enemy " in Scotland in
times of peace — who assembled on the verdant mead of Nor-
ham in May 1291, to hand over the Independence of Scotland
to the English king. It beets one's blood to recount such a
miserable instance of national imbecility and pusillanimity —
wherein proud Wallace had no share — as this by which the
Crown of Scotland was so meekly laid at the feet of Edward.
Mark, of Sodor, was the only bishop who swore fealty at this
time. The only excuse one can frame for the Steward is that
his motto was not that of Edward, " Serva pactum," and that
when he demitted his Regency and accepted it again (nth
June 1 291), under the shadow of the temporised throne beneath
the yellow battlements of Norham, he was only playing the
political patriotic game in which he afterwards was so suc-
cessful.

The Steward's predilections were in favour of Bruce, and
in 1292 (June 14), James entered into an Indenture of Mutual
Defence between Florence, Count of Holland, and Robert
Bruce of Annandale, with covenants respecting the division of
the realm of Scotland between them, — the terms being that
he who succeeded to the throne was to assign one-third of the
realm to the other. Perhaps the blood of Banquo was
beginning to show its royalty in his descendant, after he felt
the iron heel of Edward on his fatherland in 1291. Every
castle, save Rothesay, had its proud English warden within
it. John Baliol was the vassal-king of Scots, and all the

The Stewards of Scotland. 57

nobles had fallen into a trap and become vassals of England.
In 1292 John Baliol included Bute in the Sheriffdom of Kcn-
tyr (Kintyre).

The interference of Edward in Scots affairs became intol-
erable, and caused a rupture with Baliol and a wanton war
with the Scots in 1295. The ruthless Southron king marched
North with sword and brand, and soon left no sanctuary for
youth nor eld, for women or clergy, in the hapless land. In
the town of Berwick, 30th March 1296, all were put to the
sword, for the Hammer of the Scots had sworn he would ex-
tinguish the rebel breed. It was said that the stream of
Scottish blood drove the mill-wheel of Berwick that day.
And, according to Wyntoun, the life of Scotland would have
been swept out on that tide of "rede blood," had not the
sight of a woman, assisted to give birth to her child by the
sword of a ruffian, touched the last spark of pity in Edward,
drawn his hindmost tear, and slacked his fury. The men
of Scotland had their travail too at the point of the sword,
and waited the birth of freedom. The patriot's blade was
resting, not rusting, in its scabbard. Menaced by armies of
Welsh vagabonds and pardoned homicides from Ireland,
whom Edward had drafted into his conquering hordes, the
Scots barons and chiefs were forced to offer their fealty to the
English king — no doubt against their better nature.

On the Sth May 1296, among nearly two thousand names
of those who swore fealty to Edward, first appears James,
Seneschal of Scotland, followed by John his brother,^ both of

, ^ Ragman Roll, pp. 6i, 62. ''5 May (24 £d.) at Rokesburgh: A touz ceaus
qui cestes lettres uerront on orront James Seneschal Descoce Saluz ; " also *'. . .
Johan Seneschal frere mon sire James Senescal Descoce Saluz;" ''Johannes
quondam Senescalli predict! domini Jacob! Germanus miles.'*

Bute tft the Olden Time,

whom append their seals, of which the accompanying engrav-
ings (copied from And. Stuart's * Hist/) are a representation.

No. 1. Seal of James, Steward of Scotland. No. 2. Seal of John Stewart of Bonkyl.

No. 3. Seal of Robert, Steward of Scotland.

In July 1296, the Steward and Bruce, among other nobles,
were commanded by their assumed liege-lord Edward to ac-
company Antony Bek, Bishop of Durham, to the churchyard
of Stracathro in Forfarshire, and witness the servile Bishop,

The Stewards of Scotland, 59

— a fierce warrior, fleshed with the spoils of the dead Scottish
King Alexander, — stripping Baliol of robes, sceptre, and
crown, and treating the King of Scots as a mere corpse of
royalty. A month later, James, who had married Egidia,
sister of the Earl of Ulster, the leader of the Irish ruffians now
garrisoning Scotland, swore fealty to Edward, becoming " his
liege man, of life and of members and of earthly honour, against
all persons who can live and die " ; and soon afterwards with
his wife he is confirmed in possession of the Castle of Roo —
a gift from the Earl. As a test of sincerity, the English king
commanded the Steward's men in " Both, Cowal, and Rothe-
say" to assist with their galleys and other vessels the
Steward's cousin, Alexander, Earl of Menteith, who was ap-
pointed warden of the castles of these Crown lands.

But the blood of the new Banquo of Kyle and the Macbeth
of Carrick was reaching boiling-point, and however much they
vacillated, both awaited their time. The land rung with the
exploits of the Westland youth, the bold bowman, William
Wallace, whose family (of Wales) were allies and retainers of
the Stewards in Kyle-Stewart and Renfrew — men of British
race and Celtic spirit. Wallace supported the claim of Baliol ;
the Steward that of Bruce : both, the grand principle of
national independence. This hero, according to Blind Harry,
had a Shropshire connection with the Fitz- Alans : —

" The secund O [/>., grandson] he was of gud Wallace :
The quhilk Wallas full worthely at wrocht,
Quhen Waltyr hyr of Waillis fra Warayn socht." ^

His daring forest-band emboldened a few patriots, including
the two Stewards, James and John, Bruce "of Carrick, Sir

1 Henry the Minstrel's 'Wallace,' bk. i. 11. 30-32 (S.T.S. ed.)

6o Bute in the Olden Time.

William Douglas, the Bishop of Glasgow, and others, to throw
in their swords with the national party in the summer of 1297.
The receipt of the news of this rebellion had incited Alexander
de Yle to take possession of " a certain castle with a barony
named Glasrog [ = Glascog = Glass of Ascog] which the said
Senescal held by seisin of King Edward.'*^ For this piece
of Somerledian spite King Robert Bruce afterwards made
Alexander long count his beads in the dark dungeon of the
Steward's castle at Dundonald. This outbreak soon collapsed,
and these notables capitulated in Irvine — Douglas, who had
married Elizabeth, a sister of the Steward, being led off in irons
to an English prison. James and John sent in their sub-
mission soon after.^

Then Bute became a rendezvous for the friends of Scottish
nationality, who lurked under protection of the Castle of
Rothesay, as Sinclair, Bishop of Dunkeld, and staunch friend
of Wallace, did : —

" To saiff his lyff, thre Jer he duelt in But ;
Leifyde as he mycht, and kepyt ay gud part,
Wndir saifte off Jamys than Lord Stewart." 3

Many of the Scots clergy were patriotic in the War of
Independence. John Blair, for example, attached himself to
the heroic outlaws, and appears at one time saying Mass, anon
clad in burnished mail with steel truncheon in his hand, and
again stealing away in his priestly dress to warn the men of
Bute to come to the assistance of Wallace. The short shrift
which the English gave to the conference of noble Scots who
unsuspectingly came to the Barns of Ayr, wherein Mont-

^ * Hist. Documents/ vol. ii. p. 191.

* (25 Edward I.) Palgrave's * Doc. and Records,' pp. 152, 197.

^ Henry the Minstrel's 'Wallace,' bk. vii. II. 936-938.

The Stewards of Scotland. 6 1

gomeries, Crawfurds, Kennedys, " and kynd CambelHs, that
neuir had beyne fals/* " Berklais, Boidis, and Stuartis off gud
kyn " were hanged, maddened their relatives, and made them
rally round William — " the Kyng of Kyll " — at Stirling
Bridge. A wily ruse of the Steward assured the Scots a vic-
tory there.^ According to the * Chronicle of Lanercost,' James
the Steward craftily told the English general that there was
no need to vex his whole army on account of the "single
ribald fellow," Wallace, and if he were intrusted with a few
choice men, he would soon bring in the rebel, dead or alive.
And he thus led the English into a trap at Stirling Bridge,

1 ith September 1296. Thereafter he openly joined the rebel-
lion, and hastened with his i2,ocx) vassals, in "armes bricht,*'
to join Comyn, and then Wallace at Falkirk : —

" The gud Stewart of But com to the land,
With him he ledys weill ma than xij thowsand,
Till Cumyn past, was than in Cummyrnauld." *

Jealousy and pride undermined the power of Wallace, chosen

Guardian of the realm.

" Lord Cumyn had inwy at gud Wallace," and instigated

" Lord Stewart " to demand the leadership of the vanguard in

the imminent battle of Falkirk, on 22d July 1298. Wallace

resented the claim, bitterly retorting to Stewart, who had

likened his leader to an owl which had borrowed its

feathers : —

" * Thou leid,* he said ; * the suth full oft has ben
Thar I baid, quhar thow durst nocht be seyn
Contrar enemys, na mar, for Scotlandis rycht,
Than dar the howlat quhen that the day is brycht.' " '

* * Chronicle oC Lanercost/ p. 190 ; Harleian MSS., " Wallace Papers," pp. 35, 50.

2 • Wallace,' bk. x. 11. 65-67. » Ibid., bk. x. 11. 145-148.

62 Bute in the Olden Time.

This heated conversation, however, did not prevent the
Steward doing his duty on the bloody field, whereon his
brother Sir John fell surrounded by the brave Brandanes, the
Westland men, and the " Flowers of the Forest," as will be
afterwards narrated (Chapter III.)

The Scots, defeated, sought safety in flight Wallace
retired for a short time to France, and the national party
lost coherence. During the absence of Wallace the Steward
acted as temporary governor : —

'* In till his sted he chesyt a gouernour
To kep the land a man of gret walour,
Jamys gud lord, the Stewart off Scotland." ^

The unforgiving Edward made rebellion the dearest game,
by forfeiting the lands of his opponents. On 31st Aug. 1298
the lands of the Steward were granted to Alexander de Lind-
say.^ Scotland's miseries increased, as English and foreign
soldiery swarmed everywhere like locusts. During the ten
years preceding the capture of Wallace, over half a million
men-at-arms, enlisted in various lands, crossed the Tweed and
Solway to subdue the unsubduable. No instrument the
Southron ever forged could annihilate that spirit. It was to
Bute and Arran Wallace ever looked for succour, which never
failed him when "Gud Byschope Synclar" showed his fiery
cross in the isles. His call to battle was to raise his cloak or
rochet, and show the glistering plate upon his soldier's breast.
Said Wallace :

"Gud Westland men off Aran and Rauchle
Fra thai be warnd, thai will all cum to me."

Wallace and Stewart were only typical of the Steward's

1 Wallace, bk. viii. 11. 1699-1701. ^ * Hist. Doc.,* vol. ii. p. 306.

The Stewards of Scotland. 63

men, whom Southrons had cause to rue, as Blind Harry
sang : —

"Quhat be Stuart and syn be wicht Wallace
For all his pryss, King Eduuard rewyt that race."*

In October 1301, an English fleet under Hugh Bisset, and
swelled by the galleys of Angus of Isla, filled with the wild
insulaniy or marines of the isles, swept into Rothesay Bay, in
order, if need be, to annihilate {ad nichiluni redigere) the
rebellious Brandanes.^

The Steward appears in France as an ambassador to King
Philip the Fair, craving succour for his unhappy fatherland,
in 1303. The English king, dreading the influence of the
Steward, angled, with fair promises, for his return and for his
allegiance, which he could not effect, at this juncture.

His old friend Wisheart, Bishop of Glasgow, who, it was
said, concocted the ruse at Stirling, did not lie in English
irons without the Pope knowing of it, and the latter asserted
his suzerainty over Scotland. At the same time he demanded
the retreat of Edward, " my dearly beloved son in Christ,"
from his patrimony there. And between Pope and foreign
potentates a little pressure was put on the invader.

Notwithstanding, the coils tightened round Wallace, until
his fighting- ring of heroes grew smaller. In an evil hour,
early in 1305, John of Menteith, whilom Lord of Arran, a
Stewart too, once a covenanter for his country's freedom,
also prisoner in Nottingham for his patriotism, but now a
constable for Edward, captured and betrayed to his doom
his own former crony — " gossop," in the language of Henry —
the noble Wallace. The terror caused by his execution

1 * Wallace,' bk. x. 1. 437. « * Hist. Doc.,' vol. ii. p. 436.

64 Bute in the Olden Time.

drove his associates into submission again. The Steward
had now to succumb. The deed expressing the Steward's
submission is interesting, in showing how great servility the
" Hammer of Scotland " demanded of the hapless Scots. It
is in French, and was sealed before the Lord Chancellor at
Westminster : —

" To all those persons who shall see or hear these letters, James,
formerly Steward of Scotland, wishes greeting in God.

" Know ye that whereas I (being in the homage, faith, and alleg-
iance of my Lord Edward, King of England, Lord of Ireland, and
Duke of Aquitaine), led by bad advice, have raised, and caused to
raise war against my said lord, and thereto was assenting and pro-
curing and aiding his enemies, overtly and covertly to my power,
against my said homage, fealty, and allegiance, whereof I perceive,
know, and acknowledge myself culpable, I, of my good and free
will, have surrendered and do surrender myself entirely, absolutely,
and completely to the will of my said lord. And albeit that, moved
by pity towards me, he has granted me a special grace, and beyond
what I have deserved in this matter, as to my pardon of life and
limb, and of release from imprisonment, nevertheless, I have sub-
mitted and do submit myself entirely to the will of my said lord,
and will and grant that he should do to my body, and whatever I
have or can have, and all the lands and tenements which were
mine at any time, or which may fall to me henceforth in any man-
ner whatever, in the land of Scotland or elsewhere, and that he
should ordain, establish, and do fully at his will, and according to
what he pleases. And thereto I bind myself as strongly and as
fully as I know and can by this writing. In witness whereof, I have
thereto set my seal.

"Dated at Westminster, 3d November 1305, 33 Edw. I."^

Of the hapless Wallace, in his death, it may be fitly said —

** To weep would do thy glory wrong,
Thou shalt not be deplored."

1 * Hist. Doc. Scot./ vol. ii. p. 495.

The Stewards of Scotland. 65

Like the Douglas of Chevy Chase, dead he was more
powerful than when alive. More perhaps than the removal
of the mainstay of the Baliol faction, yonder gruesome head
of the patriotic defender of Scotland, looking down from the
spike on London Bridge in grinning hatred upon every
passer-by, was the galling incentive of a higher duty to
Robert Bruce than to be dallying longer at his conqueror's
Court. If to hear of the capture of Wallace, Bruce had gone
" near out of wit," what must have been his feelings to see
that noble countenance so dishonoured by the " auld enemy "
of his country? Both pride and policy lent him spurs to
action, and soon he was a rebel in Dumfries, where

" Comyn fell beneath the knife
Of that fell homicide the Bruce."

New Year's Day (25th March) 1306 ushered in a happier
era for Scotland. Then at Scone Bruce assumed his sover-
eignty, on 27th March 1306, the gallant Countess of Buchan,
in the absence of Macduff, placing the golden ring around his
brow — gold for crowns had the Scots none in Edward's day.
The resolute women of Bruce's day were also famed for their
gallantry. Edward might shut them up in cages {en un
kage)^ like this brave Countess, for popular show ; but he
could never cage their Scottish spirit, which yearned after
the success of the Bruce and the restoration of national
independence.

The die was cast for Bruce, who soon found himself an
outlawed king, seeking safety where he might. The Steward
and his vassals did not share his cruel perils at first. There
may have been a helpful policy in this delay, approved of by
Bruce himself, although the conduct of James savours of

VOL. II. E

66 Bute in the Olden Time.

pusillanimity and vacillation at first sight. On the 23d day
of October 1306, James the Steward appeared in the Priory
of Lanercost, near Carlisle, before the Bishop of Coventry
and other English officials, and gave token of his fealty under
his seal to Edward of England, having "sworn upon the
Body of Gody and upon the Holy Gospels^ and upon the Cross
NeytZy and upon the Blakerode of Scotland^ and upon several
other Reliques, . . , which things being thus done, the said
Lord James, on the same day, came into the presence of his
Lord the said King for his the said James's lands in Scotland,
in the due and usual form."^ After some early reverses,
Bruce escaped to the Clyde, where Sir Neil Campbell of
Lochaw met him with a few galleys, which soon bore the
fugitives past Bute into Kintyre. The Butemen watched
them with their strong square fists upon the oars making
the galleys cut through the water — as Barbour, the biog-
rapher of Bruce, narrates : —

*' Then schippyt thai, for-owtyn mar ;
Sum went till ster, and sum till ar,
And rowyt be the He of But
Men mycht se mony frely fute
About the costis thar lukand,
As thai on ayris raiss rowand :
^ And newys that stalwart war and squar,

That wont to spayn gret speris war
Swa spaynyt aris, that men mycht se
Full oft the hyde leve on the tre." *

To the quiet cloisters of the Cistercian monks of Saddell,
which Bruce's grandfather had enriched, they were first
probably bound. In the stronger peel of Saddell lived

^ Madox, * Baronia Anglica,* bk. iii. chap. vi. pp. 267, 268.
« • The Bruce,' bk. iii. 11. 575-584.

The Stewards of Scotland. 67

a new-made ally of the king — Angus, of the blood of

Somerled : —

" Anguss off He that tyme wes syr,
And lord and ledar off Kyntyr.
The king rycht weill resawyt he ;
And wndertuk his man to be." ^

According to a Seanachy of the Macdonalds, Bruce and his

band loitered here for six months, his pioneers trying to

recruit troops for him in Ireland,^ till his host gave him for

a three-days' refuge the sea-lashed fort of Dunaverty in South

Kintyre : —

" For mar sekymess, gaiff him syne
Hys castell off Donavardyne,
To duell tharin, at his liking." ^

But Rathlin Isle became his securer base of operations and
outlook.

It was a wise policy for the Steward to keep in the back-
ground when the king was so near in desperate straits. The
sternest patriot then required the stoutest heart to embark
on such forlorn-hopes, when relatives and friends were arrayed
against each other in a strife from which there was no escape,
except by sacrificing the dearest hostages — their children —
whom the barons had given to an unrelenting tyrant. The
Steward was growing old : many of his boon-companions
lay in bloody graves, or had their limbs and heads be-
stowed on popular towns for spectacles ; others languished
in English service, or wept in southern dungeons. His three
sons were still boys. But as soon as they could gird a sword
we find them — Walter, John, and James — standing by their
king and country and freedom.

1 * The Bruce,' bk. iii. H. 659-662.
« ' Collect. Reb. Alban.,' p. 289. » * The Brace,' bk. iii. 11. 665-667.

68 Bute in the Olden Time.

" The flower of Christendom," as courtiers called Edward,
was now afoot, pushing north for the eighth time, to blossom
red with slaughter on Scottish soil, under the July sun of
1307. But a stronger king than he was in the camp to roll
his crown in the dust ; and when deatli drew near, no more
news of hostings, hangings, and quarterings could give to
his moody spirit the brutal joy he often had in hearing of
disasters to the Scots. He had to lay down his Hammer
{Malleus Scotorum\ and the anvil rested a while and re-
sounded not with the din of war.

The Bruce and his henchman the Steward were not afraid
of the more chicken-hearted Edward H., who soon retreated
beyond the Borders. The national cause grew stronger. In
the spring of 1309, James the Steward with other nobles
formed an embassy to the Court of France to announce their
acknowledgment of Robert Bruce as the rightful sovereign
of Scotland. The duties of courtiership, however, had been
too much for the ambassador.

On the i6th July 1309, James died, and was interred in
Paisley Abbey. Nor was death long in disrobing Antony Bek
as completely of his earthly adornments as that bishop had
stripped John Baliol. Over all marched the irresistible
conqueror, breathing the invincible spirit of Freedom, which
was to bring peace, as Barbour sang: —

" Fredome mayss man to haiff liking;
Fredome all solace to man giffis :
He levys at ess that frely levys."

If ever a Scotsman realised that noble sentiment it was James
the Steward, who did more than any other to build up the
prestige of his country.

James the Steward married, first, Egidia, sister of Richard

The Stewards of Scotland. 69

de Burgh, Earl of Ulster, and, secondly, Cecilia, daughter of
Patrick, Earl of Dunbar and March. His children were
Andrew, the eldest, who died in his father's lifetime ; ^
Walter, the Steward ; John, killed at Dundalk ; James of
Rossyth and Durrisdeer; Egidia, wife of Sir Alexander
Menzies of Enoch (Durrisdeer).

It is not my happy duty to follow King Robert in his
adventures, and with the sleuth-hound of history to track
him by road and river, by bale-fire and gipsy refuge, by kyle
and castle, till he meets his braves in dark Torwood in 13 14.
Among the rest appeared James Douglas, the forwardest
warrior of any age. He came to cry " Onward, brave heart ! "
that day. Son of a Stewart, too, was he, Elizabeth having
married Lord William Douglas, the Hardy, now dead in
English chains. This Scottish Hector was come of " war-
proof," although his soft lisp and the blythe smile on his grey
visage belied the manhood slumbering within his " banys gret
and schuldrys braid." Into the review at Torwood, too, steps
forth a beardless youth with a tail of veterans, purpose-like
in manner, and handsome in appearance. Douglas greets
his cousin, young Walter of Bute, and the fail -me -never
heroes of Wallace, still as fearless as their patron saint,
Brendan. Thus Barbour describes this sight: —

'* Valtir, Steward of Scotland, syne,
That than wes hot ane berdlass hyne,
Com vith a rout of nobill men,
That all be contynans mycht ken." ^

King Robert "welcummyt thame with gladsum fair." The
ambitious youth had not long to wait in that leafy June till

* "Andreu I'esnez fils et heir du dit Seneschal." — Palgrave's *Doc. and Rec.,*
p. 336. ^ * The Bruce,' bk. xi. 11. 216-219.

70 Bute in tJte Oldeti Time.

he won his knightly spurs. The opposing hosts lay before
each other at Bannockburn. Of the four divisions of the
Scots army, the third, the left wing, was intrusted to Douglas
and Walter Stewart : —

" And syne the thrid battale he gaf
To Valtir Stewart for to leid,
And till Dowglass douchty of deid.
Thai war cosyngis in neir degre,
Tharfor till hym betaucht wes he,
For he wes young ; and, nocht-for-thi,
I trow he sail sa manfully
Do his dewour, and virk so weill,
Than hym sail neyd no mair themseill." ^

To a youth of twenty-two this was a most responsible charge.
However, his conduct on the field of battle became his mighty
instructor, the Douglas. The king had the Carrick men and
the redshanks of " Anguss of Ylis and But," in the rear of the
van. Among these " brave sons of Innisgail," who

** Beneath their chieftains rank'd their files
In many a plaided band,"

may have mustered those Butemen who were vassals of
Angus. They, too, share the praise King Robert, according
to tradition, gave to Angus for his family motto, " My trust
is constant in thee."

The Scots answered an early tattoo on Monday morning,
the 24th June 13 14. They had their "mess" to say and
their oaten " sop " to take before they assembled in their gay
masses, with variegated banners, lit up with glittering arms, as
if they were a host of angels. Before the king dressed their
ranks, he called out to kneel upon the sward, among others,

* 'The Bruce,' bk. xi. 11. 321-329.

The Stewards of Scotland. 7 1

the Steward and Douglas, and struck the first blows of chivalry
that morn upon their shoulders — the kindliest that day — to
make them knights: —

" The kyng maid Valter Stewart knycht,
And James of Douglass, that ves vicht" *

It rouses the blood to read Barbour's account of the bloody
fight, — how the long Scots spears, as thick as spines oa a
hedgehog's back (hyrchoune), met the iron-clad horse, prick-
ing them to death or madness; how glittering helms rang
with the dinning (dynnyng) of hatchets ; how breastplates
sang after the "hideous shower" of arrows darkened the
air ; how sword met sword in fatal fray over dying men,
"giming and granying" in their blood-red shrouds of iron,
as the wild fury of war swept from rank to rank, and bore
away unseen thousands after thousands of their spirits — the
while "the pibroch lent its maddening tone." Conspicuous
were Douglas and the beardless Stewart in " rushing " the foe
to gory earth : —

" A ! mychty god ! quha than mycht se
The Steward Walter and his rout,
And the gud Dowglas that wes stout,
Fechtand in- to the stalward stour,
He suld say that till all honour
Thai war worthy, that in that ficht
Sa fast presit thair fais mycht,
That thai thame ruschit quhar thai geid." 2

Then the English broke and fled. Douglas chased them over
the Borders with will as good as that of Gideon of old smit-
ing the Midianites — " faint yet pursuing."
Walter's guerdon was the fair Marjory, sole daughter of

^ *The Brace,' bk. xiii. 11. 415, 416. « Ibid., bk. xiii. 11. 186-193.

72 Bute in the Olden Time,

The Bruce, whom he married in the summer of 1315. The
royal deed granting a marriage portion ran thus : —

" Robert, by the Grace of God, King of Scots : Know that I
have given to our dear and faithful Walter, Seneschal of Scotland,
in free marriage with Marjory, our daughter, the barony of Bathkat,
the lands of Ricardtoun, the barony of Rathew, the lands of Barns
beside Linlithgow, the land called The Brome near the land of
Lithgow ; an annual out of the Kers of Striveling, an annual rent
of 100 shillings out of the lands of Kinpunt, and the lands of Edin-
hame in the Earldom of Roxburgh." ^

It was a well-earned largess.

Their connubial bliss was short-lived, the princess suc-
cumbing at the birth of Robert on the 2d March 13 16, leav-
ing Walter for the second time widowed, although he was
still a youth of twenty-three. Marjory was buried in a chapel
of Paisley Priory, but in 1770 her monument and remains
were transferred to another chapel in the edifice.*

The subsequent exploits of this dauntless patriot are so
bound up with his brave followers The Brandanes, that in
order to do justice to these heroes I include them more fully
in their story in Chapter III.

The Settlement of Ayr, on 20th April 1315, by which it
was agreed that Edward Bruce should succeed his brother,
Robert, and failing him, the Princess Marjory (then unmar-
ried, and after her, should she marry, the heirs of her body),
was now rendered void by the fall of Edward Bruce at Dun-
dalk ; and it became necessary for Parliament to enact at
Scone, on the 3d December 13 18, that Prince Robert, the
son of Marjory and Walter, should be heir-presumptive to

* Robertson *s * Index,* p. 9, No. 11 ; Crawford's * Hist.,* p. 14.

* Clialmers's 'Caledonia,* vol. vi. p. 781, note (new edition).

The Stewards of Scotland. 73

the Crown in the event of the king having no son and heir.
Walter was a signatory to the deed. But after all an heir,
David, was born, and in 1326, at Cambuskenneth, another
settlement was agreed upon, declaring the son of Marjory to
be heir-presumptive after David.

Meantime the Borders raged with war, and Berwick be-
came the scene of blood which Walter was set to take and
hold, while the Scots armies overran the northern parts of
England.

Yet, though engrossed with warfare, this pious patriot
was not unmindful of the peaceful monks who sang dolorous
masses for his brave comrades who fell by his side, and the
Chartularies of the abbeys testify to his grateful remem-
brances and thanksgiving for his safe keeping by the God
of Battle.

At length the ring-mail coat could no longer confine his
spirit ; the fevered hand dropt the well-notched blade ; the
voice of victory ceased to ring from the empty helm ; and
the monks of Newbattle conveyed the dead hero to their
church of Bathgate, to chant over him the requiem, " Pro
Fidelibus Defunctis." " And many a knight and fair lady,"
says the poet, also wept a sad Trental for the young warrior
who fell asleep in his thirty-sixth year, on the 9th April 1326
The panegyric of Barbour needs no magnifying here : —

" In this tym that the trewis war
Lestand on Marchis, as I said ar,
Walter Steward that worthy was
At Bathket ane gret seknes tais.
His evill it wox ay mar and mar,
Quhill men persavit be his far
That him worthit ned pay the det
That na man for to pay may let.

74 Bute in the Olden Time.

Schrevin and als repentand wele,
Quhen all was done till him ilkdele
That nedit Cristin man till haf,
As gud Cristin the gast he gaf.
Than micht men her folk gret and cry,
And mony ane knicht and ek lady
Mak in apert richt evill cher,
Sa did tha all that evir thar wer ;
All men him menit comonly,
For of his eld he was worthy.
QCihen tha lang tym thai dule had mad,
The Cors to Paslay haf tha had,
And thar with gret solemn ite
And with gret dule erdit was he.
God for his micht his saul he bring
Quhar joy ay lestis but ending." *

While Barbour may be accurate in declaring that Walter was
" erdit " in Paisley Priory, there are good grounds for conclud-
ing that a monument was erected in St Mary's Chapel,
Rothesay, by King Robert II., his son, in memory of this
gallant knight, as will be afterwards shown.

Walter's family consisted of Jane, — daughter of Alice,
daughter of Sir John Erskine, — who married Hugh, Earl of
Ross, killed at Halidon Hill ; Robert, afterwards king, son
of Marjory Bruce ; by Isobel, daughter of Sir John Graham
of Abercorn, Sir John Stewart of Ralston and Egidia, who
married, (i) Sir James de Lyndsay, (2) Sir Hugh de Eglinton,
(3) Sir James de Douglas (ancestor of the Earls of Morton).

Robert Stewart, the first of the Fitz Alan and Senescal
family who sat on the Scots throne, was the son of Walter
the Lord Steward and Marjory Bruce, and was born near
Paisley on the 2d March 13 16, being brought into the world

1 * The Bruce,* ch. cxl. p. 445 (C. Innes's ed.)

The Stewards of Scotland. 75

by the Caesarean operation. George Crawfurd thus relates
the doubtful story : —

"At this place, on the lands of Knox, there is a high cross
standing called Queen Blearie's Cross. Tradition hath handed
down that it was erected on this occasion. Marjory Bruce, . • .
being hunting at this place, was thrown from her horse, and, by
the fall, suffered a dislocation of the vertebra of her neck, and
died on the spot. She being pregnant fell in labour of King
Robert II. : the child or foetus was a Caesar. The operation being
by an unskilful hand, his eye, being touched by the instrument,
could not be cured ; from which he was called King Blearie.
This, according to our historians, fell out in the year 1317."^

Lord Hailes could not discover these authorities referred
to, and came to the conclusion that "Queen Blearie" is a
corruption of Cuini Blair (Gaelic, cuimneachan blair\ a
memorial of battle. Might it not be the spot where Somer-
led suffered his defeat }

Froissart, who visited King Robert's Court, says : " Robert
King of Scotland had one of his red eyes turned back. It
resembled sandal-wood " — ue.y a very red cock-eye.* Symson
declares that "Erntully's tomb in the cathedral church of
Dunkell " gives this Robert the ag-name of " Blear Eye." ^

During the unfortunate minority of that weak king, David
II., when the patriots of Scotland had to fight the battle
of national independence over again, the Steward of Scot-
land was also a minor. But he was a youth of different
mettle, and early associated himself with the Brucian party,

* * History of Renfrewshire,* p. 41.

' Froissart, vol. ii. p. 169 : " Le roy Robert d'Escosce, avec uns yeux rouges
rebrasses. II sembloit de sendal."
' 'Gen. Account of Stewarts,' p. X15.

76 Bute in tJie Olden Time.

who resented the plots of Edward Ballol and the pretensions
of the English king. Where he spent his boyhood in those
less perilous days, when bold Randolph was a terror to
evildoers from Lochar Moss to Loch Awe, I can only pre-
sume to have been among the rounded hills of Durrisdeer,
where his uncle and tutor Sir James Stewart had his forti-
fied home, and where his aunt Egidia and her husband Sir
Alexander de Menyers or Menzies dwelt in the castle of
Enoch. This romantic home, now a verdant mound, over-
looks the lovely vale and linns of the Carron, still full of
as dainty trout as ever fascinated a youthful eye. But this
was no time for idle sport, when the chaplet itself had fallen
from Randolph's helm, and he lay dead with honour, as his
successor Mar, with dishonour, lay on Dupplin Moor in 1332.
Scotland cried aloud for a Joshua, and all she could obtain
was Sir Andrew Moray of Bothwell, the Regent, who was
the Steward's granduncle, till Douglas, the bastard knight
of Liddesdale, assumed the regency. Edward Baliol ac-
cepted the crown as a vassal of England. An insurrection
was brewing.

Robert, the Steward, had all the martial ardour of his
ancestry, and joined Archibald Douglas, nicknamed "Tine-
man," and a body of cavalry at Moffat, and swooped down
on Baliol at Annan so suddenly that the kinglet was glad
to escape in his shirt into England — i6th December 1332.
Raids over the Borders followed, until the ire of King
Edward was roused, and reprisals ensued. " Tineman," how-
ever, soon bore down upon the English king, then sorely
pressing Berwick, and ventured to give his host battle on
the green hills of Halidon on 19th July 1333. Of the four
divisions of the Scots army, the Steward of Scotland, with

The Stewards of Scotland. 77

his uncle Sir James, led the second. By bad generalship
the Scots met a terrible discomfiture, in which the Regent
Douglas was mortally wounded, and the flower of his army
was either killed or made prisoners. Sir James Stewart was
mortally wounded and taken prisoner, and his kinsmen John
and Alan killed outright. The Steward himself escaped, and
fled for safety among the Brandanes in Bute. (See Chapter
III.) With their aid he soon recaptured the castles of
Rothesay and Dunoon, invaded Renfrew and Galloway (July
22, 1334, *Chron. Lanercost'), and, with the assistance of the
men of Annandale and Kyle, made the governor of Ayrshire
submit.

The Earl of Athole was now seized by Baliol in the lands
of the Steward, and King Baliol celebrated a merry Christ-
mas in Renfrew in 1334, distributing his honours at the
expense of the Steward. After the country was once more
ravaged, the barons, with the Steward, were glad to treat
of peace with their Lord Paramount ; and in September 1335,
" Edwarde the 3d cam from S. John's tounne to Edingburgh,
whether cam Robert the Seneschal of Scotland unto hys
peace. This Robert was sunne to the doughter of Robert
Bruse, King of Scotland."^ Fordun thus describes the
Steward : " He was a comely youth, tall and robust, modest,
liberal, gay, and courteous ; and for innate sweetness of his
disposition, generally beloved by true-hearted Scotsmen."

Meantime Regent Moray and the Knight of Liddesdale
conducted an irritating and successful guerilla warfare, in
which they were encouraged by the King of France and his
guest the exiled King David. Moray died in 1338, and the

^ Lclaml, vol. i. p. 555, quoting * Scala Chron.*

78 Bute in the Olden Time.

Steward was appointed Regent. His policy was warlike,
masterly, and prompt. While his ally Douglas was hasting
to France to secure subsidies, Robert boldly prepared to
attack Baliol at Perth, the seat of his government, and at
the very nick of time Douglas reappeared with five French
men-of-war and many steel-clad warriors. Perth soon fell,
after it Stirling, and in a brief space there was not an
English soldier north of the Forth.

The Regent, imitating Randolph, soon restored the land to
order, and by politic methods prepared for the return of his
sovereign in 1341. David was a weak ruler, and soon per-
mitted himself to be embroiled in a fresh war, which ended in
his defeat and capture at Neville's Cross, Durham, it is said
by the Queen of England herself, 17th October 1346. It was
a well-fought fight, in which the king, though wounded, dis-
played a courage worthy of his blood. The Steward and the
Earl of March, who commanded the left wing, after desperate
fighting, had to retreat, leaving dead on the field two John
Stewarts, Alan Stewart, and, as prisoners, John (of Dalswin-
ton), Alexander, and John Stewart, beside many other kins-
men and vassals.

David was taken to the Tower, and John Earl of Menteith
to the traitor's gallows. Southern Scotland once more was in
English hands. The Steward, however, assumed the Regency
or locum tenefis of King David with promptitude, until the
release of his sovereign in 1357, when his son John was given
as a hostage for the observance of the treaty of release. The
king's lieutenant had no easy task in the irritable state of the
plague-struck, impoverished country, where several strong
garrisons were maintained by the Southron, such as Dalswin-
ton and Carlaverock, while fear made the Borderers lean to

The Stewards of Scotland. 79

English fealty. In 1356, John Stewart, the Regent's eldest
son, reduced Annandale to Scottish allegiance.

At length David returned, a discontented vassal and courtier
of King Edward. He seems either to have taken an umbrage
against his intrepid and faithful lieutenant, or to have for-
gotten the parliamentary treaties concerning the succession
to the Crown, when, in 1363, he proposed to the Estates that,
should he die without issue, they should elect the Duke of
Clarence to be King of Scotland. The Estates scorned his
proposition, and declared, " That they would never permit an
Englishman to reign over them,'* and, remembering the
national debt of honour to their Steward, further said :
"That by Acts of Settlement, and solemn oaths of the
three Estates, in the days of Robert Bruce, the Steward
had been acknowledged presumptive heir of the Crown;
and that he and his sons were brave men, and fit to
reign."

The Steward, perceiving that his position was being under-
mined through the indiscreet proposal of the king, and the
machinations of England, entered into a defensive confeder-
acy with the Earls of March and Douglas, and with his own
sons, to maintain his rights, and fell into open rebellion. This
the king quickly crushed, and in 1368 the Steward forfeited
his title to the Crown and his patrimony, becoming a suspect
to the jealous sovereign. The Steward and his sons, John,
Robert, and Alexander, were arrested and kept in custody,
until after the divorce of Margaret Logie, the Queen, who
had suggested their arrest.^ The Steward and his son Alex-
ander were incarcerated in Loch Leven Castle after June

* Fordun, bk. xiv. c. 27.

8o Bute in the Olden Time.

1368, and we learn from the Exchequer Accounts that Alex-
ander was still in custody in 1 369.^

By the death of David II. on 22d February 1371, the
Steward was advanced to the throne, and the prophecy re-
garding the offspring of Banquo was fulfilled on the 26th
March following. At the Coronation at Scone appeared
Lord John, Senescal of the king, first-born, Earl of Carrick
and Senescal of Scotland ; Lord David Senescal, son of the
king, junior. Earl of Stratherne ; Lord Robert Senescal. son
of the king. Earl of Menteith ; Lord Alexander Senescal, son
of the king; Alan Senescal, Robert Senescal, Alexander
Senescal, knights.^

On 27th March 1372, and again on 4th April 1373, Parlia-
ment drew up a deed of settlement of the Crown upon Lord
John, who, on his accession, for luck's sake, changed his name
to Robert III., although during his Seneschalship he was
designated John, Seneschal of Scotland.

The eighteen years during which Robert II. reigned were
not characterised by any brilliant events, with the exception
of the battle of Otterburn in August 1388, which by the
romantic ballad of " Chevy Chase *' is known to every reader.
Warfare now was only a serious pastime, however, of the
Scots nobility, who, inured to war, fell upon fighting as a good
sport, which, if not entailing death, always demanded of the
chivalrous " that at their departynge curtoysly they will say,
' God thank you.' "

The king was a frequent visitor to Bute from 1379 onwards,
as will be shown in the account of the Castle of Rothesay.

* * Excheq. Rolls/ vol. ii. p. 309.

' Robertson's * Index,* Append., p. 3. Here I have retained the Latin form of
the word, ** Senescal," instead of transhiting it by Steward.

The Stewards of Scotland. 8 1

According to Riddell, who has satisfactorily cleared up the
difficulties connected with Robert's marriages with Elizabeth
Mure and Euphemia Ross, the Steward was " a gay deceiver,"
and was living in open and incestuous concubinage with
Elizabeth, a daughter of Sir Adam Mure of Rowallan, the
issue of which being ten sons and daughters, including the
heir - apparent^ Their marriage was previously legally
barred by their double relationship in the third and fourth
degrees of affinity and fourth of consanguinity, and their off-
spring had to be legitimated by a dispensation granted by
Pope Clement VI. in 1347, under the condition that the
Steward should erect and endow a chapel in expiation of his
sin.* This he did in 1364.

In May 1355, Robert obtained another dispensation from
Pope Innocent for his marriage with Euphemia Ross, widow
of John, Earl of Moray .^

Robert 11. died in Dundonald Castle, 19th August 1390,
and was interred in Scone.

From the various charters printed in the Appendix will be
seen the extent of the " Stewartlands," as they were called,
before the accession of the Steward's family to the throne.
At first they were the proper inheritance of the family. The
value of the Steward's lands in Bute, the Cumbraes, Cowal,
and Kintyre was ;^iooo Scots in 1366.* Then the eldest son
of the king, without the title of a charter, or Act of Parlia-
ment, was considered entitled to the usufruct of these lands.
The king, however, only made a liferent grant of them to his
eldest son, on whose decease they reverted to the Crown.^

* * Stewartiana,' Edin., 1843.

* A. Stuart's * Hist.,' p. 418 ; * Stewartiana, * p. 135.

' A. Stuart's * Hist.,' p. 420. * Act Pari., vol. i. p. 500. » Rob. III., Dec. 1404.

VOL. II. F

82 Bute in the Olden Time.

But from later Acts of Parliament it can be inferred that
some time between 1467 and 1477 the Stewartry and other
lands held by the king were regularly erected into a princi-
pality, to afford out of the rents a perpetual provision for the
king's eldest son and heir - apparent From 1469 down-
ward the charters granted to the vassals were sealed by
his eldest son, each in his capacity as " Prince and Steward of
Scotland." ^ We see from an Act in 1489 that, in default of
the prince. Parliament called the vassals to account. On
22d November 1469, an Act was passed, declaring that the
following lands belonged to the first-born princes of the royal
house : —

"Lordship of Bute with Rothesay Castle; Lordships of Arran
and Cowal with Dunoon Castle ; Earldom of Carrick ; Land and
Castle of Dundonald ; Barony of Renfrew and its holdings ; Lord-
ships of Stewarton, Kilmarnock with its Castle, and Dairy ; Lands
of Neddesdale, Kilbride, Nairstoun, Cavertoun, and their rights ;
also the lands of Drongan, Drumcoll, and Trabach with their Castle ;
also the lands of Teling and rents of Brechin forfeited by Thomas
Boyd."

In 1489, the Earldom of Ross and Lordship of Ardmannoch
also belonged to the Prince of Scotland, being forfeited on
account of the Earl's treason in besieging the Castle of
Rothesay in 1475.^

In February 1489, Lord Darnley collected the dues in
Bute for the sustentation of the king's household.*

The following is the Act of Parliament passed in 1593,
enumerating the Crown lands, with Bute among the rest, at
that date : —

* Act Pari., vol. ii. p. 187a. ' Ibid., p. 219. ' Ibid, p. 220a.

The Stewards of Scotland. 83

" Our Soveraine Lorde, And Estaites of this present Parliament :
Considdering the dailie in-crease of his Hienes charges and ex-
penses, and diminution of his Hienesse rentes of his propertie and
commoditie, throw unprofitable dispositiones maid thereof in time
bygane : Therefore thinkis expedient, that the landes and Lord-
shippes under-written, be annexed to the Crown; and presentlie
annexis the same thereto, followand the example of his Predecess-
oures, for the honorable support of his Estaite; and the same
Lands, Lord-ships, and utheris hereafter specified, to remaine per-
petuallie with the Crown : Quhilkis may nather be given awaie in
free frank-tenement, pension, or uther disposition to ony person, of
quhat estaite or degree that ever he be of, without advise, decreete,
and deliverance of the haill Parliament : And for great reasonable
causes, concerning the weill-fare of the Realme: First to be ad-
vised, and digestlie considdered be the haill Estaites. And albeit,
it sail happen our Soveraine Lord that now is, or ony of his Suc-
cessoures, Kinges of Scotland, to annalie and dispone the saidis
Landes, Lord-schippes, Castelles, Tounes, donation and advocation
of the Kirkes and Hospitalles, with the pertinentes, annexed to the
Croun, as said is, utherwise : That the same alienationes and dis-
positiones, sail be of nane availe ; bot that it sail be lesum to his
Hienesse, and his Successoures, to receive the same landes and
rentes to their awin use; quhen ever it likis them, without ony
proces of Law : And the takers to refound and pay, all profites that
they have taken up thereof, againe to his Hienesse, and his suc-
cessoures uses, for all the time that they have had them, with sik
uther restrictiones, as ar conteined in the actes of Parliament,
maid be his maist Noble Progenitours, Kingis of Scotland, in their
annexationes to the Croun. They ar to say, the landes of Beau-
fort : The landes of Pettindreicht : The landes of Cowll : The
landes of Oneill : The landes of Fettircarne : The landes of Teiling
and Polgavie : The landes of Colbrandis-peth : The Erledome of
Marche : The landes of Trabeache and Teringzeane : The landes
of Canict, Lesualt and Mennybrig : The landes of Cowell : The
landes and Lord-ship of Galloway, abone and beneath Cree : The
landes of Duncow : The Castle and landes of Lochmabene : The
landes of Glencharny and Glenmoreistoun ; The landes of Discher

84 Bute in the Olden Time.

and Toyer : The landes of Kinclewin : The Lord-schip of Men-
teith : The landes of Rosneith : The landes of Bute : The landes
of Ruthvens in Cromar : The assise herring in the East and West
Seas: The Lord-ship of Dumbar: The landes of Normangill,
Quhitegill & South-wood : The landes of Dunedonald : The Kingis
wai-k in Leith : The Kingis stable : The Kingis Meedow : The
Pallace, zardes, and Parke of Haly-rude-house : The Lord-shippe of
Linlithcow; without prejudice of the former annexation of the
landes and Lord-shippes abone written, or ony of them, gif ony be
maid of before, with tennentes, tennendries, service of free-ten-
nentes." ^

How these lands are held by the present vassals of the
Crown does not further concern us here.

* Act Pari., vol. iv. p. 28.

TOMB OF WALTER, STEWARD OF SCOTLAND (WHO DIED IN I326),
IN ST MARYS CHAPEL. ROTHESAY.

CHAPTER III.

THE BRANDANES.

** Warriors — for other title none
For some brief space we list to own,
Bound by a vow — warriors are we ;
In strife by land, and storm by sea,
We have been known to fame."

— Lord of the Isles,

I HE Scots historian of the fifteenth century,
John Major, informs the reader that there
were two kinds of his countrymen, "the wild
Scots" and "the house-holding Scots," the
latter of whom he defined to be ** all who lead a decent and
reasonable life." Quite as natvely he declares, " The island-
ers we reckon to belong to the wild Scots." They were all
combative. The rich were law-abiding, lest they lost their
property : the needy " follow their own worthless and savage
chief in all evil courses sooner than they will pursue an honest
industry." He pictures the islander in peace-time clad in
yellow shirt and plaid, with bow, sword, or halbert in his
hand ; in war-time either clad in ring-mail, or in a patchwork
shirt, daubed with wax or pitch, covered with a deerskin.
Each cateran also carried a cow-horn, to make an inspiriting

86 Bute in the Olden Time.

clangour when the ranks closed on each other.^ And this is
not unlike the illustrations of them preserved in manuscripts
of two centuries earlier, when the " Brandanes of Bute " were
the matchless soldiers of the " War of Independence.*'

In England the northern fighters had a terrible reputation
for temper, pride, and invincibleness, so much so that Bar-
tholomew de Glanville (1360) stated "that among the Scots
'tis held to be a base man's part to die in his bed, but death
in battle they think a noble thing." That was the spirit of
Douglas at Otterburn. This is exactly the character, too,
which the Wizard of the North gave the brave swordsmen of
the Debatable Land of two centuries afterwards : —

" Burghers to guard their townships bleed
But war's the Borderer's game ;
Their gain, their glory, their delight
To sleep the day, maraud the night"

The few pictures we have of " The Brandanes " lead us to
infer that while they were as irresistible as " the wild Scots,"
they were always actuated by high patriotic principles when
they took the field. They were, as Ennius says, not
"hucksters for war," but fighters for glory and freedom.

John of Fordun is the first writer who mentions the
followers of the Steward under the name of Brendans, when
describing the result of the battle of Falkirk : he narrates
how, "among whom, of the number of the nobles, John
Senescal with the Brandanis and Macduff of Fife and its in-
habitants were wellnigh extinguished." * The next mention
of the Bute men under the clan name of Brandanes is found

> *nist.,* p. 48, Scot. Hist. Soc. edit.

* * Chron. Gent. Scot. : ' Gesta Ann., c i. Skene's edit., vol. i. p. 330.

The Brandanes. 87

in *The Orygynal Cronykil of Scotland,' by Androw of
Wyntoun, who was prior of St Serfs monastery in Loch Leven,
about the year 1420. Therein describing the fierce fight of
Falkirk, where Sir John Stewart fell encircled by his followers,
he says : —

" Thare Jhon Stwart upon fute,
Wyth hym the Brandanys thare off Bute,
And the gentill men off Fyff
Wyth Makduff, thare tynt the lyff."*

In the same book the Brandanes are again referred to when
they went to the help of the Steward at Dunoon Castle in
1335.^ In connection with this same exploit, Walter Bower,
Abbot of Inchcolm, in the * Scotichronicon * of Fordun, in
1441, designates the "native men" of Robert Stewart the
"Brandanes, as it were, from Bute."^

They were thus the ** native men " of the Steward — a legal
term of common occurrence and of easy explanation. These
** native men," or " neyfs^' otherwise termed serfs, carls, bonds,
villeins, husbandi, were sons of the soil, bound to the spot
where they resided, either because they were born in servitude
to the lord of the soil, or had by a bond contracted to serve
him under certain conditions. They were originally the en-
slaved populations. With them were associated tenants, who
bound themselves to give rent for the lands they tilled, and
also personal military service. They existed under the Celtic,
Saxon, and Norman polities. The " neyf s " distinction was
permanent residence on his native or rented soil, which he

^ Vol. ii. p. 347. Laing's edit., Edin., 1872.

" Ibid., p. 414. • Vol. ii. p. 315. Goodall's edit.

88 Bute in the Olden Time,

could nowise alienate from his lord, who possessed the rights
of his toil and his fruits — all, if he was a serf; part, if he was
a villein. Over him the lord had the right of " pit and
gallows," or imprisonment and death. His family, if he was
permitted to have offspring, was entered in the baronial stud-
book. Should he fly away, he could be recovered by proving
his nativity. But if his overlord did not claim him, he was
accounted a freeman, after he had lived a year and a day in a
free burgh,^ — a position the Brandanes only acquired when
they became the kindly tenants of the Crown. The freemen
in the old burghs had much more freedom. Landlords and
churchmen leased their lands to relatives and friends, who
became their vassals or "goodmen" {Duine Uasait), and
were equally bound during their tenure to perform services
agreed upon. In 1190, for example, Alan, son of Walter the
Steward, consented to a lease of Church lands by the Abbot
of Kelso to his men at Innerwick, for thirty-three years.

Whether the Brandanes were only the vassals of the Steward
in his twenty-acre toft around Rothesay Castle, or the more
numerous body of serfs and villeins who were bound to follow
his slogan, I cannot determine. The nature of the Fitz-
Alans' tenantry of Bute is unknown, for before King Robert's
time the barons had lost their title-deeds. And when that
king in Parliament commanded them to produce their titles,
says Buchanan, every one drew his sword and cried out, " We
carry our titles in our right hands." If that was the kind of
title the Steward had at first, then the servitude of the " sons
of the soil," and of his military tenants, may have been an
abject one. Otherwise the Brandane may have been a bold

^ * Leg. Burg.,' 15 ; * Reg. Mag.,* vol. ii. p. 9.

The Brandanes. 89

yeoman, only forced to don his iron-quilted jacket at the
sound of war or the summons of his chief —

*' Loth to leave his cottage dear,
And march to foreign strand."

Historians do not explain how they took their name of
Brandanes, further than that they came from Bute, which
formerly possessed the booth of the saintly voyager of that
name. Bran-an, little Bran, was a common Celtic name.
King Aidan had a son of this name, and a nephew who
fought in the Isle of Man, styled Brendinus. Since, however,
the festival and cult of St Brendan were remembered in Bute
with special regard and magnificence in the ornate days of
the old religion, and the Butemen gathered to the Hallow-
fair on that saint's day, they accepted him as their patron
saint. Most of the clans had a saintly guardian — Columba,
Duthac, Mary, Brigit.

The men of Lennox swore by Saint Kessog ; the men of
Douglasdale by St Bride ; the Scots generally by St Andrew.
From earliest times fighting bands have had rallying cries
and slogans, since Gideon cried, "The sword of the Lord and
of Gideon!" On many a field, "A Douglas! A Douglas!"
was a sound terrible to the English. On the Borders the
yell of "Jeddart's here!" was fuel to the failing fight. In
the isles the peasants quailed to hear the shout of the
Campbells, " It's a far cry to Lochaw ! " In the bloody
battle of The Standard, in 11 38, the Scots rushed into the
fray calling aloud, " Albanaich ! "—Men of Alban ! At Byland
the challenge was " Saint George and Edward of Carnarvon ! "
answered by " Saint Andrew and Robert Bruce, father of
victories ! "

90 Bute in the Olden Time.

It is almost certain that these Brandanes joined the
national muster which followed King David into England,
as we find among his other troops at Northallerton the
Lavernani (Campsie men, probably under Nes, a Norman
settler and vassal of the Steward), and the Insulani, or men
of the Isles.

The Brandanes were both marines and common infantry.
One of their gifts to Wallace was a war-ship — a " ballingar "
— no doubt secretly made for their hero in some recess of
the Kyles.

If the Brandanes were the husbandmen, or, later, the
vassals of the Church, as has been pointed out (vol. i. p.
153), their first leader may have been the secular lord who
was recognised as possessing the Church lands, and who was
latterly " The Steward."

History gives us a few glimpses of them, mostly in times
of war. In peace, they doubtless shared the common pros-
perity of the age, which was not altogether devoid of culture
and civilisation, especially in the twelfth and thirteenth cen-
turies. We see their homes wasted and broken up by Norse
marauders. Their fertile land soon restored prosperity.
Merchant vessels brought them even the fashions from
France, with which the ship-men of Kintyre then traded.^
Their own brawny smiths could as cunningly weave their
webs of mail as the maids could twill the plaids of tartan.
In a fray they had only one need, and that was a worthy
leader. Said Blind Harry, in other words —

" O for an hour of Wallace wight ! "
" Had thai Wallace, off no thing ellis thai roucht [recked] ! "

^ Bk. ix. 1. 1249.

The Brandanes. 9 1

To call, said Wallace, was enough for those men, who —

'* Scorning danger's name,
In eager mood to battle came."

They are frequently mentioned as men of handsome appear-
ance, martial bearing, patriotic dutifulness, and indomitable
bravery. When they appeared at the siege of Perth with
Bishop Sinclair, they looked " seemly men " : —

" Byschop Synclair in till all haist him dycht,
Com out off But with symely men to sycht." ^

Their fine countenances and warlike form impressed Bruce
when they appeared in the Torwood. Some of them were
those veterans of Wallace, of whom it is related : —

" For in thar way thar durst na enemys be,
Bot fled away be land and als be se." *

They were verily " the wild Scots," accustomed to sleep in
the heather or the snow, afraid of nothing.

The French chronicler Froissart gives a description of the
Scots troops of Bruce on the march, which, in detail, re-
sembles that of the islanders given in later centuries by
Monro, Leslie, and Buchanan. He writes : —

" They bring no carriages with them, on account of the moun-
tains they have to pass in Northumberland ; neither do they carry
with them any provisions of bread and wine : for their habits of
sobriety are such, in time of war, that they will live for a long time
on flesh half-sodden, without bread, and drink the river-water with-
out wine. They have, therefore, no occasion for pots or pans, for
they dress the flesh of their cattle in the skins, after they have taken

1 Bk, Ki. U. 757, 758. ' * Henry,' bk. xi. 11. 765, 7^6.

92 Bute in the Olden Time.

them off; and being sure to find plenty of them in the country
which they invade, they carry none with them. Under the flaps of
his saddle each man carries a broad plate of metal [girdle] ; behind
the saddle a little bag of oatmeal. When they have eaten too much
of the sodden flesh, and their stomach appears weak and empty,
they place this plate over the fire, mix their water with oatmeal, and
when the plate is heated, they put a little of the paste [Gael.
brochan\ upon it and make a thin cake, like a cracknel or biscuit,
which they eat to warm their stomachs. It is therefore no wonder
that they perform a longer day's march than other soldiers." ^

Such were the hardy carls who stood unflinchingly around
Sir John Stewart at Falkirk in 1298, as Blind Harry so
graphically relates. The meeting of English and Scots there
"was awfull for to se." After the long spears broke, out
flashed their swords, and soon the " dredfuU wapynnys" were
death's artists, painting red the iron coats, skull-caps (basnets),
and blazonry of 20,ocx) dead men. Cumin fled, leaving the
brunt of the battle to the " hardy Stewart," who was soon
surrounded by his antagonists — among others the Bruce,
according to the Minstrel: —

" The men off But before thair lord thai stud
Defendand him, quhen fell stremyss off blud."

Sir John had arranged his men in a "schiltrom" or circular
formation, with the archers, or " Flowers of the Forest," from
Selkirk in the centre. But he himself fell from his horse in
their midst, and was instantly surrounded by his men, who
were noted in Southron eyes for their elegant form and dis-
tinguished carriage.* They stood unmoved by the showers
of arrows and stones poured in by their antagonists, until
they were totally extinguished by the horsemen. The scene

1 'Chron.,' vol. i. p. i8.

• Walter of Hemingford in * Wallace Papers,' pp. 62, 112.

The Brandanes. 93

reminds the reader of the similar incident which occurred at

Flodden, as Aytoun so graphically writes : —

" No one failed him ! He is keeping
Royal state and semblance still ;
Knight and noble lie around him,
Cold on Flodden's fatal hill.

And the English spearmen gathered

Round a grim and ghastly wall !
As the wolves in winter circle

Round the leaguer on the heath,
So the greedy foe glared upward.

Panting still for blood and death.
But a rampart rose before them,

Which the boldest dare not scale ;
Every stone a Scottish body,

Every step a corpse in mail ! "

That stance was soon a flood of gore, wherein, himself the
bravest of 10,000 dead by his side, dropped the noble lord,
" for he wald nocht be tayn." ^ His ancestor Siward would
have exclaimed on hearing of such a glorious ending, " Had
I as many sons as I have hairs, I would not wish them to a
fairer death." As bravely fell Sir John Graeme and Mac-
duff of Fife, to the grief of their leader, who sorely wept for
them, and fled the field, defeated. A plain slab was for cen-
turies the mark of the resting-place of this hero in Falkirk
churchyard.* Beside it the Marquess of Bute has reared a

* "Waulter le freir de Seneschal Descoce qu defenduz estoit a pee entre lez
comunz, fust mort od plus de x. mille dez comuns." — Sir Thomas Grey's
* Scala Chronica,* p. 125 (Mait. Club).

* The stone is the segment of an octagon, and was probably intended for an
effigy. A plan of the former old church and churchyard, dated 1789, still pre-
served, shows grave of ** Stewart of Bute " ; but it was only about eighty years
ago that the followiDg inscription was cut on the stone: ''Here lies a Scottish
Hero, Sir John Stewart, who was killed at the battle of Falkirk, 22d July 1298."
—Notes by J. R. MacLuckie, F.S.A., 1894.

94 Bute in the Olden Time.

memorial cross with this inscription : " In memory of the
men of Bute who, under Sir John Stuart, on the 22d July
1298, in the battle near the Fawekirk, fought bravely and
fell gloriously, this cross is reverently raised by John Stuart,
Marquess of Bute. A.D. 1877."

King Robert the Bruce, like Wallace, found that Bute was
a safe military centre, both on account of the recuperative
quality of the land and the staunch adherence of the islanders.
In his will he appealed to his successors to retain the isles, and
prevent them falling into the hands of the nobles : " Inasmuch
as they could thence have cattle in plenty, and stout warriors,
while in the hands of others they would not readily yield
allegiance to the king, whereas with the slender title of the
Isles the king can hold them to the great advantage of the
realm, and most of all if he should make recompence to others
of a peaceful territory."^ In 13 13, according to some, Robert
Bruce took and levelled Rothesay Castle.*

During the early struggles of Bruce the broken bands from
Falkirk found shelter in the isle, and received priestly comfort
from Bishop Sinclair, as well as daring incentive from Camp-
bell of Lochaw, who lurked about the Kyles. When the
young Steward joined Bruce immediately before Bannockbum,
as has been related (p. 69), " a rout of nobill men " from his
various lands accompanied him. They excelled their fame
upon the battle-field that day. Whether they were actually

* Major's ' Hist, of Greater Britain,' bk. i. chap. vL p. 38 (Scot. Hist. Soc.
edit.)

' In 1313, Bruce subdues the Isle of Man, and '' takes from the English by force
the castells of Bute [more probably BuittU]^ Dumfries, and Dals[w]ynton, all
which he levels to the ground.'* — Balfour, 'Annals,' vol. i. p. 93 ; Fordun's 'An-
nals,' cxxix, read Bulk, Fordun, xii. 18.

The Brandanes, 95

under Walter or under Angus does •not appear; but they
were certainly in the thick of the battle, led by Douglas.
According to John Major, where the battle-axe of these
wild Scots laid on, "its course is lined by many a corpse,
and death's pale face is constant there." His account of
their manners is warm and lively: —

" The wild Scots rushed upon them [the English] in their fury as
wild boars will do ; hardly would any weapons make stand against
their [two-edged] axes, handled as they knew to handle them :
all around them was a very shambles of dead men, and when stung
by wounds, they were yet unable by reason of the long staves of the
enemy to come to close quarters, they threw off their plaids, and, as
their custom was, did not hesitate to offer their naked bellies to the
point of the spear. Now in close contact with the foe, no thought
of theirs but of the 'glorious death that awaited them if only they
might at the same time compass his death too. Once entered in the
heat of conflict, — even as one sheep will follow another, so they,
and hold cheap their lives. ... In blood the heroes fought, yea,
knee-deep." ^

Sad to say, every blow was needed before they had
redeemed their morning vow, " The day is ours, or every one
of us shall die in battle." At sunset — gory enough that eve
— the day was theirs ! Yet of that heroic band we have only
one name preserved — Walter the Steward.

The Steward and his body-guard were sent to the English
Borders after Bannockburn, to exchange the prisoners of war,
and to escort the liberated Queen of Scotland to her victori-
ous husband. But when the wearied war-worn heroes of
Bannockburn got their furlough in Bute, it was not to hang
their well -notched blades upon the peaty rafters of their

^ Major's ' Hist, of Greater Britain,' bk. i. chap. iii. p. 240.

96 Bute in the Olden Time.

quiet homes, like the trusty weapon of Deuchar in Fife, which
bore the graphic inscription —

" At Bannockbum I served the Bruce,
Of whilk the Inglis had na russ [boast]."

The Scottish galleys conveying Edward Brace's host to
Ireland to pay off old scores had just sailed, when King
Robert, in 1315, quietly appeared in Bute waters, and taking
with him the Steward and his Brandanes, made for Tarbert,
to chastise the wild West Highlanders. By an ingenious de-
vice like that of Haco — laying down trees and planks to
form a keel-way — they sailed their full-rigged galleys over
the narrow neck of land into the western ocean, and soon
quelled the men of Lorn. This was the first ship-railway.
The Bruce next proceeded to Ireland to assist his brother,
who was accompanied by members of the Steward's family,
including Sir John Steward, his brother, who fell at Dundalk
on the 14th October 13 18, and Sir Alan Steward, his cousin.

The Steward and Douglas were left as joint-wardens of
the realm. The city of Berwick, still in English hands, was
soon invested and taken by the Steward, who had "such
yearning " to be on the bloody Borders with his deadly
archers from the Forest. He called out five hundred of "his
friends and his men," says Barbour — no doubt the jakmen
and the cross-bowmen of the burghs and of Bute — ^with others
bearing the " arms of ancestry " as well as the tools of death,
to defend the castle of which he was appointed the keeper in
1 318. Every kind of engine was prepared, every defensive
device planned, "and great fire purveyed." In the strong
apparel of battle, the city and its five hundred well-led men
waited the beleaguerment of their foes — led by Edward him-

The Brandanes. 97

self — not long, however. From land and sea, on St Mary's
Eve, 7th September 13 19, the wild carols of chivalry rung
round the walls, and were answered by showers of stones,
fire, and arrows. The Steward rode around, inciting the
defenders incessantly. The blazing galleys gave them light
by night. But nothing " skunnirrit " (disheartened) the besieg-
ers in their fierce assaults, and nothing the untiring garrison.
They fell where they were posted, to a man. There ensued
a terrible fight at the Mary Gate, which the foe had fired,
and nearly burst, when the Steward appeared in the hand-to-
hand encounter. But what with " stabing, stoking, and strik-
ing" — what with the arrows gathered by the women and
children and shot again, the fell foe were driven away, and
a blithe shout rose from the sturdy band. And when the
English army, baffled, retreated, there was "gamyn and
gle" within the walls. The Steward and his men were
praised for their "manhed and subtilite," while of the
Steward his compeers thought —

" He was worthy ane prins to be."

By this time the English had seen enough of Douglas and
his furred hat, of Walter and his men of pith (peth), and a
truce was struck from Christmas Day. The Brandanes got
two years to draw their breath in their native air, till the wild
alarms of war rallied them again, and they found themselves
with other islemen on the Braes of Byland chasing their an-
tagonists. Following up this success of the king, the Steward,
again with a gallant five hundred, harassed the English to
the very gates of York, sitting down before them till nightfall,
and challenging the garrison to come and try their mettle.

But the Brandanes were fighting against another author-
VOL. II. G

98 Bute in the Olden Time,

ity, which for a time almost threatened the extinction of their
liberty. King Robert and his following had been for years
under the ban of the Pope, on account of their alleged bar-
barity and paganism. English counsels prevailed, and ob-
tained the most terrible anathemas against them. The Bruce
was incorrigible, and maintained the justice of his cause
against all the powers temporal and spiritual. On the 6th
April 1320, the lords and barons, free tenants, and the whole
community, had a representative meeting at Aberbrothock,
and drew up a manifesto, declaring their nationality and
other independent rights, which was sent to the Pope. Its
most striking clause was : '' So long as a hundred remain
alive, we will never in any degree be subject to the dominion
of the English. Since not for glory, riches, or honour we
fight, but for liberty alone, which no good man loses but with
his life." Among those who in " filial reverence " sent kisses
to the " blessed feet " of the Supreme Pontiff, was Walter,
Steward of Scotland. The Papal Court negotiated a long
truce between the two nations.

During this peaceful lull the Steward died in the spring
of 1326, leaving a son, Robert, the young Steward, ten
years of age. Three years afterwards the Bruce died, while
the young Earl David was in his seventh year.

Sir James Stewart of Rossyth and Durrisdeer, brother of
Walter, became the commander of the Steward's men, and
led them under Douglas in the raid on England in 1327.
The young Steward was now heir-apparent of the throne.
Baliol and the English soon embroiled Scotland in a fresh
conflict, which came to a decisive issue on Halidon Hill
above Berwick, on the 20th July 1333. The young Steward,
then sixteen years old, led one of the four Scots divisions,

The Brandanes. 99

under the supervision of Durrisdcer, his uncle. A fierce

carnage ensued, in which the Scots were nearly annihilated.

Many of Stewart blood that day embraced the rounded

breasts of green Halidon, including three cousins of the

Stewart of the Bonkyl house, and also his sister Jean's

husband, Earl of Ross. Some writers state that the battle

took place on the Magdalen's Day (22d July), probably

because it was a day of repentance and of tears to Scotland.

Every shield was in mourning after that fateful fray. Its

issue was — save himself who could.

The Steward found refuge in Bute. The strong places,

with few exceptions, soon fell into the hands of Baliol and

the English, and the country was humiliated under southern

soldiery : —

" The Ballyoll Schyre Edward then
Gaue landis till his sworne men ;
To the Erie of Athole, Schyr Dai^ry
The Stwartis landis he gaue halyly.

The keys thai browcht hym thare,
That in Dw(n)hwne and Rosay ware.
Schyr Alane the Lyle made he hale
Schyrrawe off Bwte and Cowale :
Thome off WoUar, I wndrstand
Thare-in he made his Iwtenand." *

The keys of the castles of Dunoon and Rothesay were
handed over to Edward Baliol at Renfrew.* But a loyal

* Wyntoun, bk. viii. c. xxviii. 1. 4099. *

' 'Extracta e variis Cronicis Scocie,* p. 164, ed. TurnbuU : "Rothsay et
Dunhun castrorum claves presentantur Eduardo de Baliolo apud Renfrew anno
predicto (?). . . . Robertus Senescallus Scocie, regni heres extitit in castro
Rothsay etatb sue anno xvi. : per Johannem Gilberti et Willelmum Ileriot in
baronia hinc roemorantem, cum certis de Stewartlande usque Dounbertane fideliter
et sapienter deduxerunt, et ibidem per Malcolmum Flemyng honorifice est sus-
ceptus ibidemque absque metu pennansit."

J01021

loo Bute in the Olden Time,

garrison held Dumbarton, into which, accompanied by two
henchmen, John Gilbert and William Heriot, the Steward
escaped. At this juncture Baliol may have repaired the
Castle of Rothesay, which twenty years before the Bruce
had rendered defenceless; or his lieutenant, David Earl of
Athole, to whom he gave " grants of part of the Steward's
lands," may have done it to secure his possession. " All the
lands of the Stuart and of the Cummings of Bute the Earl
of Athole now fastened upon for himself." ^ Alan Lisle was
appointed Sheriff or Senescal of Bute. John Gybbownsone
was Castellan of Rothesay.

Revenge was only slumbering in the cunningly quiet land.
Summoning to his aid his kinsman Campbell of Lochow,
the Steward issued from Dumbarton and took the Castle of
Dunoon, an exploit which incited the Butemen to rise and
join their chief. The Sheriff and his men tried to intercept
the Brandanes, who, being disarmed or only sparsely armed,
had to take up a position on a stony hillock, probably the
face of Barone. The natives met their antagonists with volley
after volley of round stones, the larger being precipitated by
rolling from the height, the smaller being shot from their
hands with such effect as to discomfit the Sheriffs company.
Lisle himself was among the slain. The garrison, too, soon
capitulated. The fight was called the " Batail-nan-dornaig "
— as we thus learn from Wyntoun : —

" Thus wes the Kynryk off Scotland
Sa hale in Inglis mennys hand,
That nane durst thaim than wythsay.

* Major, bk. v. chap. xiii.

J
/

The Brandanes, i o i

The Stwart wes in Dwnbertane
That hevyly in hart has tane
That off Athole the Erie Da>^
Swa occupyid his senyhowry.
So in Argyle wes a barown,*
That had a gret affectyoun
To this Stwart the yhyng Roberd.

Qwhen t^e Brandanys off Bute herd say,
That thare lord in swylk aray
Had tane Dwnhowyn in till Cowale,
In hy wyth hym thai ras all hale :
And he thame thankyd off thare rysyng,
And heycht to mak thame rewardyng.
Thai assemblyd that ilke day
Welle nere by, qwhare the Schyrrawe lay :
The SchyrraWe thare-at had dyspyte,
And gert his men aray thaim tyte,
And eschyd, and can to thaim ga
Qwhare thai ware standand in a bra,
Qwhare plenty ware off stanys rownde :
Thare mete thai in a lytill stownd.
Wyth stanys thare thai made swylk pay.
For thare off thanne enew had thay,
That the Schyrraue thare wes slayne.
Jhon Gybbownsone in hand wes tayne.
That heycht to gyue wpe the castelle :
He held command thare off rycht welle.
And for thai thare with stanys faucht,
And wan thare fays wyth mekill mawcht ;
That amang the Brandanys all
The Baiayle Domang^ thai it call.
The Stwart, qwhen he herd this deyde,
To thame in hy he can hym speyd
Till his Castelle, and thare-in made
Keparis, that in yhemsale hade ;

^ His name was *' Dowgall Cammell of Lochow." Stuart sent for Cammell,
and with 400 men and galleys took and garrisoned '^ Dwnhovyn " Castle.
' Batail-nan-dornaig— Gael, dbrn^ a fist, a fistful, a stone.

102 Bute in the Olden Time.

And bade the Brandanys ask thare mede,
That thai suld haue for thare gude dede.
Thai askyd to be multyre free :
Than that wyth gud will thame gave he.
Than had he wonnyn till his land
Nyne hundyr markis worth off land." ^

The news of victory soon brought the Steward from
Dunoon, and being delighted with the bravery of his followers,
he gave them as a reward perpetual exemption from the
payment of multures. This spirited deed fanned the fire of
patriotic rebellion, till the Steward found a large following
of Westland men round him.

The Bute family of Glass hand down an interesting tradi-
tion, apparently in reference to this very affair, to this effect :

"When King Robert Bruce was scrambling for the kingdom,
and fighting his way in the west, he was opposed by Argyle and
other Highland chiefs. At the time alluded to he had come from
Ayrshire, and had accomplished a landing in the island of Bute.
His followers were few, and fewer still appeared to join his standard
in the island, till Glass of Ascog with sixteen retainers, and another
small laird with a few more retainers, joined him. By their example,
many others turned out and gained a battle — or skirmish it might
perhaps be called — and, in the evening, when Bruce returned to
Rothsay Castle, which he took possession of, he was so pleased
with the conduct of Glass and his neighbours, that he caused his
* learned clerk ' to make out Free or Crown Charters in their favour
of the lands they held — /.^., he granted them the lands Free for which
they formerly paid Rent or Mail. These Charters are in existence
to this day, bearing date from Rothsay Castle. Glass's family, by
this Grant and Royal Favour, became highly respectable, the Laird
being now a small Baron." ^

^ Wyntoun, bk. viii. c. xxix. 11. 4327-4360.

5 Note to Geneal. Tree of the Glassfords, by Wm. Glassford, 1834, in possession
of Mr J. G. Jamieson, Rothesay.

The Brandanes. 103

This incident might have referred to the capture of Rothe-
say Castle in 1 312 by Robert I.; but, meantime, in the ab-
sence of the charters, I think the event has been antedated.

The first thing we would expect the Brandanes to have
done now would be to put their castle in order, — an import-
ant work, of which the memorial appears to be left in the
rubble-work built upon the Norman masonry of the circular
court.

Robert the Steward was made Regent of Scotland in 1338,
and set himself to reduce Perth and the other castles still in
foreign custody. King David returned from France in 1341,
and invaded England, where at Neville's Cross he was
defeated and made prisoner. The Steward and the Earl
of March led the left wing of the Scots ; but when they
perceived the day going against them they retreated, an act
which David never forgave his nephew. During the king's
imprisonment the Steward was appointed Regent by the
nobles, and prudently conducted the business of his office in
a very critical time. During the treacherous proceedings of
his uncle, who, after his release, endeavoured to settle the
Crown of Scotland on the Duke of Clarence — a proposal
indigfnantly rejected by the Scots Parliament and the sup-
porters of Robert — the Steward acted a becoming and manly
part. The ungrateful king, out of jealousy, threw into prison
his faithful servant. In all his trials there can be no doubt
the faithful Brandanes and Westland men stood close to their
chief, until in 1371 they saw the crown upon his head. Long
before this, John Lord of Kyle, afterwards Robert IIL, had
taken up his father's sword to lead the Brandanes, which we
find him doing so early as 1355 in Teviotdale. As John was
unfit for warfare, being lame, the Steward's men were after-

I04 Bute in the Olden Time.

wards led by his brothers, Robert and David, over the

Borders.

Thus the terrible Brandanes had no small share of the

glory of gaining and maintaining the national liberty, with

the dauntless

" Scots wha hae wi* Wallace bled —
Scots wham Bruce has aften led."

I
I

THE NRW YORK |

PUBLIC

LIBRARY,

KZ*:i?,

LENOX AND

T\- .. •» «■

•JtNDATIONS.

SCALK QF F««T

DRAWING No. 5

I05

CHAPTER IV.

THE HOME OF THE STEWARTS.

" There's a castle biggit with lime and stane,
O gin it stands not pleasantlie I
In the fore front o' that castle fair,
Twa unicorns are bra to see."

^Old Ballad, ** The OtUlaw Murray^

jEVERAL hundred years have now flitted away
since the weather-beaten coat of arms which
surmounts the doorway of Rothesay Castle — or,
more properly speaking, Palace — reminded the
mariner whose galley touched the shingly beach beneath the
shadow of the castle walls that he was under the guard of
the king's own men. Otherwise the golden Lion Rampant
fluttering over a turreted tower, or the abrupt call of the
sentinel shouting his challenge " A Brandane," soon informed
the visitor that the Steward of Scotland still held the fortress
as a gage in war, or as his own hereditary home.

When those bright-coloured walls, which in sunshine belie
for beauty their warlike purpose, were first reared to dominate
the strath of Bute and the Bay of Rothesay, is no less a
mystery than that which surrounds the origin of the first
settler on this "coign of vantage."

io6 Bute in the Olden Time.

If the site was artificial, it may be surmised the first fortalice
got its name Rothers-ay from the whole island ; if the site was
an islet, stranded at the mouth of the local stream, it may
have given its name to the island. I prefer the former as-
sumption. [In a previous chapter^ I endeavoured to trace
the name to a Norse origin, a surmise now strengthened by
subsequent study of the researches of Professor Thomsen of
Copenhagen, who finds that anciently some parts of Sweden
— Upland and East Gothland — were called Rother^ Rothin, a
word he connects with Roths-menn^ Roths-karlar^ signifying
rowing-men, rudder-men, vikings.* Out of this people prob-
ably sprang King Rother, the mythical hero of the Icelandic
Saga, " The Romance of King Rother," which narrates how
" On the Western Sea there dwelt a king whose name was
Rother ; in the town of Bari, there he dwelt with great renown.
Other lords did him service ; two-and-seventy kings, men of
both valour and piety, were under him. He was the greatest
king who was ever crowned in Rome." ^

Rothesay was Rother*s-Isle, in any case, whether we accept
the assumption that it was overrun by a colony from Swedish
Rother, or by the rothers — the row-men — of the Norse
peninsula.

Their central place of meeting in the fortified islet in the
ancient burgh for judicial purposes might also have the alter-
native name of the isle of management (Rothis-ay)].

Rothesay Castle, in its present ruined condition, consists of
an immense edifice, built on an islet, with water ornamentally
disposed around it to give the appearance of the original

1 Vol. i. p. 14.

' * Scottish Review,' vol. xxii. No. xliv. p. 329.

3 Ibid., No. xliii. p. 37.

The Home of the Stewarts. 107

fosse. The fortification itself, as the illustration shows, was
originally a circular fort, somewhat irregular in outline, formed
of a wall 8 feet in thickness and over 20 feet in height. At
each of the four cardinal points of the compass appear the
remains of a round tower 28 feet in internal diameter. Abut-
ting on the wall between the north and east towers rises a huge
rectangular structure, whose front wall is pierced for the mod-
ern doorway, which opens into a long vaulted passage leading
to the original entrance to the fort. This latter structure
was the domiciliary residence of some of the Stuart kings. A
drawbridge gives access to the palace. Such a castle in its
glory Sir Walter Scott describes in " The Bridal of Triermain " :

" But, midmost of the vale, a mound
Arose with airy turrets crowned.
Buttress, and rampire's circling bound,

And mighty keep and tower ;
Seem*d some primeval giant's hand
The castle's massive walls had planned,

Above the moated entrance slung,

The balanced drawbridge trembling hung,

As jealous of a foe ;
Wicket of oak, as iron hard,
With iron studded, clench'd, and barr'd.
And prong'd portcullis, joined to guard

The gloomy pass below."

I am fortunate in being permitted by the Marquess of Bute
to print here the report on the castle, drawn up in 1872 by
the late Mr William Burges, Architect, London : —

To the Most Noble the Marquess of Bute.

My Lord, — About the middle of last year you did me the
honour of requesting a report upon the past and present condition
of your castle at Rothesay. Accordingly I proceeded to the Isle of

io8 Bute in the Olden Time.

Bute, and there spent the week ending August 12 [1872] examining
the building in company with Mr Thomson [Rothesay]. With
his assistance I measured sundry portions of the buildings, and I
have since received several supplementary drawings from him,
copies of which will be found in this report marked T.

I. The Present Condition of the Building,

From drawings Nos. 4 and 5 it will be seen that Rothesay
Castle consists of an irregular circular space some 135 feet in
diameter, surrounded by a wall 8 feet thick. This wall is con-
structed of a hearting of rough rubble, enclosed by outer and inner
facings of cut sandstone. At the four angles of the compass are
four exterior circular towers, portions of three of which still remain.
But the walls and towers have evidently been added to, from the
original height, for the sandstone facing, which in the lower portion
is red and yellow, after attaining a height of about 20 feet, suddenly
becomes white ; however, on the inside face of this additional work
there is no sandstone — ^whinstone is substituted for it. Apart from
the entrances to the towers, which are square-headed, there are two
doorways in the wall — viz., the entrance doorway, and the postern.
The arch of the great entrance is three-centred, or rather elliptical,
a form often seen in Norman work. The postern doorway, now
blocked up, has a semicircular head, but has lost its ring of
voussoirs.

In front of the entrance doorway a projection has been added
at some later period ; but in this case the archway is pointed, and
has been pierced for a portcullis. There is also a plain chamfered
impost-string. The whole style of this archway evidently points to
the early half of the thirteenth century, at which period it is prob-
able that the original elliptical archway was considerably narrowed
by building another archway within it.

It should be observed that the nature of the squared sandstone
walling renders it very difficult to detect alterations and repairs
whenever the old stones have been used again : thus the place
where the south-west tower (now destroyed) impinged on the wall
has been repaired with the old stones, and many persons might
pass the place without suspecting that any tower had ever been

The Home of the Stewarts. 109

there; and it would require very sharp eyes indeed to detect
where the postern has been blocked up, and yet this doorway
was reopened as late as 181 6, when the first excavations were made
by the orders of the late Marquis.

The inside of the area enclosed by the wall was doubtless, as
the excavations have proved, filled by a variety of buildings —
probably having the lower storeys constructed of stone and the
upper of wood. All these have now disappeared with the exception
of the chapel, which presents architectural features which in England
would be attributed to the time of Edward I. The excavations
of 1816 and those made last year by Mr Thomson show that the
rest of the area was full of buildings, though we have little or no
evidence as to their destination. They evidently surrounded an
irregular court in the centre of the area. This area at all periods
must have been excessively crowded, and its inconvenience prob-
ably necessitated the erection of the great barbican, which was
added to the entrance doorway at the beginning of the sixteenth
century.

The dilapidated condition of the structure and the large quantity
of ivy which grows over almost every part present great hindrances
to an exhaustive inspection; but as far as can be ascertained, it
appears to me that the system of defence adopted is that in practice
during the thirteenth century, when keeps were abandoned, and
the defence intrusted to the walls and towers, with the engines placed
behind the curtains. The great object was to prevent the acquisi-
tion of one part of the wall by the besiegers, entailing the loss of
the whole castle. Thus it will be seen each of the four curtain
walls possessed its own flight of steps. The towers also have
their separate entrances, and had no communication with the top
of the wall, except perhaps a temporary one on the inside face,
which could be removed in time of war. The enemy, therefore,
when he had acquired a tower or a curtain wall, could get no
further.

Traces of the stairs to the N.E, curtain are very visible (see
drawing 5, No. 22), while the steps behind the chapel are nearly
perfect at the present time.

When it was decided to raise the height of the walls, the arrow-

I lO

Bute in the Olden Time.

slits in the lower storey of the towers were blocked up \ and it is
possible that the postern may have undergone the same process
at the same time. But the most notable change is to be found
in the curtains on either side of the barbican, where the old
battlements (which, by the way, have a very thirteenth-century
appearance) have been retained and made part of the new wall,
the top of the old wall being converted into a gallery. This is
shown on drawing 12.

Section.

r^X6^

- — -■' ^>-

v^^-^

^^ifi^^^-

<• • * . • t _i_ . J_

Elevation,

V I i I I I I I I I i

6e*ka •« ^n»

Rothesay Castle^ curtain wall (No. 12).

The new work in this part of the building shows evident signs of
haste, the wall being composed of small irregular pieces of whin-
stone, and unlike the walling of the chapel, (see drawing 1 3, fig. 4).
The old waterspouts have doubtless been taken out and used up
above, where we now see them.

The Home of the Stewarts.

Ill

The upper wall in other parts of the building has been executed
in a more leisurely manner, the old battlements have been taken
down below the level of the waterspouts, and a well-executed wall
of whinstone, faced on the exterior with white sandstone, superposed.
There are traces of a gallery similar to that above described in
the southern curtain, but it is now quite overgrown with ivy, so that
the examination presented great difficulty.

We have every reason to congratulate ourselves on the necessity

which compelled the builders of the upper part of N.W. curtain wall

to leave the battlements, inasmuch as we are

enabled to ascertain the modes of defence

adopted I before the wall was raised. There

I'S?

iJ^

St MichaeVs Chapel y longitudinal section^ looking south (No. I la).

were two modes — (i) the battlements, which protected the de-
fenders, and enabled them to annoy the besiegers from a distance ;
(2) the movable wooden framework, which projected from the
battlements, and afforded the besieged the means of pouring down
stones, hot water, and other things on any one attempting to sap
the bottom of the wall. In drawing 1 2, elevation, the holes for in-
serting the timber frames for this purpose are distinctly to be traced.
Below are another series of holes, which formerly contained stone
waterspouts to drain the top of the wall ; for the timber framing,
which extended over the top of the wall, was only put into position
in times of war. Very often the merlons are pierced with arrow-
slits, but the traces of them in the present instance are very
doubtful.

«op : OP : <{inpi»jcTy : miTi?

ROTHESAY CASTLE (No. 14).

The Home of the Stewarts.

113

Sketches of the present condition of the tops of the various walls
will be found in drawing 14, and in the conjectural restoration I
have endeavoured to show the application of the timber framing or
hourds in connection with the battlements (see drawing 2).

I must now return to the chapel, plans of which are given in
drawing 10, and sections in drawing 11. It consisted of two storeys,
an under and upper. The lower may have been used by the
garrison and the upper part by the governor, or the king when he
was in residence. It will be remembered that the Sainte Chapelle
at Paris has a similar arrangement, which was a very common one
in the middle ages.

It is of course just possible that the lower storey in this case may
have been simply a cellar, more especially as the excavations of 18 16
brought to light no traces of interment. The
windows have had iron bars but no glass.

The upper storey was approached by a flight

j\ p^

V V VM

Plan of crypt, St MichaeVs Chapel (No. loa).

of Steps on the south side. There was no eastern light, as the
bloody stairs are placed between the chapel and the castle wall
In the N. and S. walls we find double windows of two lights near
the altar. These are remarkable as having their muUions prepared
for internal shutters.

To the westward of these windows on either side are single
lancets, which have been provided with shutters but were destitute
of glass. In enlinological nomenclature these lancets would be
called " vulne " windows, from a fancied resemblance to the wound

VOL. II. H

114

Bute in the Olden Time.

on our Lord's side. I am not aware that there is any ancient
authority for this theory, but it is certain that in several edifices
of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, small windows different
from the other windows are found in the north and south-western
ends of chancels and chapels. Prior Crawden's Chapel at Ely is
one instance in which precisely the same arrangement occurs as in
Rothesay. These windows are more generally called lynchnoscopes.

g" \i

r\r\

fww

6c*i.i • c» ■ 'it'

Plan of St MichaeVs Chapel (No. loJ).

Their supposed use was to allow the sacring bell to be heard.
Hence they are never found glazed, but simply provided with a
shutter.

The chapel was provided with a piscina in the east end of south
wall, the usual place. There are no traces of sedilia, but there are
traces of an aumbry in the eastern wall to the north of the altar.

As before observed, the walls of the chapel are built of small
whinstone rubble, and very much alike to the upper part of the
N.W. curtain. In all probability it was once covered with thin
plaster and roughcast, like many of the churches in England.

About the beginning of the sixteenth century the immense
barbican was built in front of the main entrance to afford more
accommodation. Its interior dimensions, which measure roughly
2 5 X 6o, and its three storeys, enabled it to perform the functions

The Home of the Stewarts.

115

of a small palace. Here the king and his family would be lodged,
while the crowded and inconvenient court would be given up to
the nobles and soldiers. The material of the walls is whinstone.
On the north (entrance) face it is carefully worked in large square
blocks, with occasional slates in the joints. In the side-walls the
stones, which are not squared, are not so large, and alternate with
those of much smaller dimensions. (See drawing 13, fig. 3.)

The lowest storey is very nearly perfect : some necessary repairs
have been made to the roof a few years ago. Drawing 6 shows the
plan, which may be described as two walls 11
feet thick enclosing a passage of similar width
between them, the west wall containing two
loop-holes. These are simply to give light, as

I * I » 1 1 1 1 1 ?

3. T

St MichatVs Chapel^ longitudinal section^ looking north (No. 11^).

there is no space between the jambs for an archer or crossbowman
to handle his weapon ; they are also very low down, and, from the
section of the jamb, have probably been provided with shutters.
The other or south end of the wall contains a postern-gate, giving
access to the piece of ground lying between the outside of the walls
and the palisades which garnished the inner edge of the ditch.
This strip of ground was called les lices — perhaps from the word
Hsta^ a border, a strip. It was used as the parade-ground for the
soldiers. Tournaments took place there, and the palisades which
defended it were always the first parts of the castle attacked.

^ii><:oBr-Bj^t\«i<pi?: ^.^

I ■ -^

-i

<{T^jtfi(n-

ILLUSTRATIONS OF MASONRY IN ROTHESAY CASTLE (No. 13).

The Home of t/ie Stewarts. 1 1 7

Froissart gives several instances of combats at the barriers, as the
palisades were called.

The eastern wall contains a recess or small room for the porter,
provided with a guard-robe in the window-seat. At the southern
extremity is a passage similar to that leading to the postern gate in
the opposite wall, but which in this instance gives access first to
a flight of steps leading to the first floor ; and, second, to a small
side-chamber, which it is just possible may have been used as a
guard-room, more especially as it has one inside and two outside
windows. The part of the building over the guard-room evidently
continued all the way up, as may be seen by a small portion of
ribbed vaulting yet remaining on the second storey attached to the
curtain wall. It is not improbable that it may have contained
a staircase communicating between the first and second floors.
The vaulting at the top is generally pointed out as part of the
room where Robert II. (?) died, but it is evidently of the same date
as the rest of the barbican. The passage between the walls was
defended at either end by doorways ; that to the south has already
been described, and, with the exception of the small arch in front,
belongs to the earlier period of the castle.

The entrance at the north is very narrow, measuring 7 feet 6 by
S feet wide. It was defended by two doors, one opening inwards
and the other outwards; over the latter the drawbridge could be
drawn, and in the corners of the arch are the holes for the chains.
It will be noted how very careful the designer of the barbican was
in the construction of the doorways; he made them small and
multiplied them. In fact, the entrance passage could be equally
well defended against enemies from the castle court from those
without

The passage itself is vaulted, and in its floor is a stone which,
lifted up, gives access to a vaulted dungeon, lighted by a very small
window, with a guard-robe in the seat. This is generally said to
have been the prison of Sir Patrick Lindsay, but I am afraid it is
of a later date than that event. Certainly it answers to James IV. 's
description of the dungeon into which he condemned Sir Patrick —
viz., a place where he should not see his feet for a year ; but doubt-
less there were other dungeons in the castle, — for instance, the little

< 1 1 i I i 1 1 1 * T

ROTHESAY CASTLE (No. 6).

Tfie Home of the Stewarts. 1 1 9

apartment near the south-east tower, which is tolerably dark, and
which also possesses a guard-robe. [Size of dungeon, 1 7 feet 6 by
1 1 feet 6 by 8 feet. — H.]

The first floor of the barbican is far from being in the same state
of preservation as the ground-floor. The east wall is entirely de-
stroyed, and we also meet with traces of modem alterations, made
when this was doubtless the most habitable portion of the castle.
It is very doubtful whether the space was divided into two or three
rooms. In the first place, we must allow one division at the southern
end for the working of the portcullis; northward of this, in the west-
em wall, seems the jamb of a fireplace, and close to it must have
been the entrance to the passage leading to the great guard-robe,
afterwards made into a room ; then we come to a large chimney-piece
and a portion of a transverse wall. Unfortunately this piece of wall
ends opposite the chimney-piece, with a rebated jamb as if for a
door; now therle could not have been an opposite jamb, for the
chimney-piece is in the way, which is apt to make us view this
transverse wall with some suspicion. After the chimney-piece we
come upon a window, and then we meet the northern wall. As to
the eastern wall, I strongly suspect it was double for some portion
on account of the staircase; at all events, it is very thin at its north-
em end. Access to the first floor was obtained from the inside area
of the castle by means of a flight of stairs which are still in use,
although in an exceedingly bad condition. They were anciently
carried on an arch, which, having given way, is now blocked up with
pieces of rough stone. On the top of these stairs was a doorway,
now utterly destroyed, the only part remaining being the hole for
the bar. Right and left of the doorway are the covered passages
formed on the top of the oldest wall, which conducted to open
landings, and by them to steps leading down to the castle court
It is by no means improbable but that these landings also had
communications with the first floor of towers.

The second floor presents us with sundry windows, and a fireplace
at the northern end. The holes for the joists are visible from the
northern end to about the entrance to the guard-robe passage;
beyond this point southward the wall both of the first and second
floor has a very disturbed appearance, which causes me to suspect

SCNkB OI» ^««^

ROTHESAY CASTLE (No. 7).

The Home of the Stewarts. 1 2 1

that the division wall was somewhere at this place. The whole
edifice was probably surmounted by a high-pitched roof, which would
afford space for bedrooms. Part of the gable-wall can be traced at
the northern end, and the arrangement of parapet is shown in
drawing 14, fig. 3.

The designer of the barbican did not forget the sanitary part of
his work; on the contrary, he constructed very large and commodious
guard-robes. In fact, the great projection on the eastern side is
dedicated solely to this purpose. From the section, drawing 9, it
will be seen that the lower guard-robe has been enlarged at a sub-
sequent period in order to convert it into a room. That on the
upper floor has undergone the same process, as we see by the
remains of a fireplace.

The third storey equally possesses a fireplace, besides sundry holes
for musketry. The gable is stepped in the usual Scotch style, and
affords us a hint as to the probable shape of the gable of the main
building. The only other remains of the second Hoor is the small
piece of vaulting in the S.E. angle, and which has been noticed
before. One thing is to be observed about the architecture of this
barbican — viz., that with the exception of the above groining there
is no trace of Gothic work in it ; all the windows are square, and
the arches, where they occur, are round and segmental.

The coat of arms over the entrance door is unfortunately defaced
by the smoke of a smithy forge immediately under. The only thing
we can positively make out is the fact that two unicorns support the
shield : this would give us a range from James IV. to James VI.
The crest is utterly defaced. (See p. 250.)

2. The History of the Castle as far as it relates to the Architecture,

Before entering on this part of the subject, it may be as well to
say a few words about the various accounts published up to the
present time.

There are four published accounts of the castle : —

1. An Account of Rothesay Castle, Third edit., Glasg., 1831.
No author's name appears, but it is known that it is the work of
John Mackinlay, a collector of Customs.

2. The History of the Isle of Bute. By J. E. Reid. 1864.

1 22 Bute in the Olden Time.

3. A Guide to Rothesay Castle, Descriptive and Historical. By
John ITioms. Rothesay, 1870.

4. Tourist's Guide to Rothesay and the Island of Bute. By
John Wilson. Fourth edit, 187 1.

As I have before observed, all these writers more or less copy one
another, and it is extremely rare that any original or contemporary
authority is quoted. Mr Bullen [of the British Museum] has done
his best in his account to remedy this state of things, but I am still
painfully aware that very much more remains to be done. To do
such a work perfectly would demand the labour of an antiquary of
the old school, who would make it the labour of his life, and to
whom time would be no consideration. I now propose to consider
the salient points in Mr Bullen's account, as far as they relate to the
architecture of the castle.

It is generally supposed that the castle was built either by Magnus
Barefoot to secure his conquests or by the Scotch to defend the
place against the Norwegians. There is positively no evidence at
all on the subject, — neither Rothesay nor Bute being mentioned in
the accounts of the expedition. Mackinla/s theory is very probably
correct — viz., that it is built on the lines of some ancient British
fort. These were generally round, and thus we may account for the
irregular setting out of the circle. The same author tells us that
the word Rothesay is composed of the Gaelic roth^ a circle, and said^
a seat or place of residence. He adds that Macbeth's castle at
Dunsinane Hill only presents the remains of dry-stone walls.^ The
object of the fortification at Rothesay was evidently to protect the
harbour, the shore of which was, until even the middle of the last
century, very much nearer the castle than at the present day (see
drawing, which gives a copy of a portion of a survey of the year
1759, where the shore is shown as being 260 feet from the castle
doorway). The first authentic fact concerning the castle is the siege
by the Norwegians, 1228, as described in the * Anecdotes of Olave
the Black,* published and translated by the Rev. P. Johnstone.
Here we find that the Norwegians " went to Bute, and the Scots lay
there in a castle." " They set down before the fortress and gave a

^ M. quotes as his authority Williams's 'Account of Vitrified Forts/ &c

The Home of ihe Stewarts. 123

hard assault" — />., they tried to take it by escalade — but "the
Scotch fought well, and threw down upon them burning pitch and
lead." The Norwegians "prepared over themselves a covering of
boards, and then hewed down the walls, for the stone was soft, and
the ramparts fell with them, and they cut it up from the foundation."
This could not have been difficult with walls of soft sandstone, more
especially if uncemented. And here the question arises (and one
very difficult to answer) — viz., Are the present walls the same as
those attacked by the Norwegians ? At my request Mr Thomson
has made a very careful examination of them, and the following is
his report : —

" I have this morning [August 7, 1872] made a particular examin-
ation of the hearting or core of the original or lowest wall of red
and yellow sandstone-facing in Rothesay Castle. I was able to do
so at several points without being under the necessity of taking down
any part of it, and it appears to be much the same all round. The
best section of the wall is to be seen at the entrance to the * A ' or
pigeon tower from the courtyard. Here it is exposed fully to view,
with the sandstone on each side and the hearting made up of (i)
roundish stones of greyish rock water-worn, such as might be
gathered from the sea-shore, various sizes; (2) sharp irregular
blocks of whinstone ; (3) pieces of white quartz rock ; (4) pieces
of sandstone similar in colour to the facing, which probably not
being large enough for outside work were thrown into the hearting ;
(5) a few pieces of limestone rock ; (6) pieces of slaty rock, not so
compact or solid as (i). All these are bound firmly together and
set in lime, a peculiarity of which is the coarseness of the gravel
which had been mixed with the lime. It would take a J^-inch
riddle to let much of it through. The various kinds of stones are
all local, and could be readily found in Bute at the present day."

In a subsequent communication (August 21, 1872) Mr Thomson
says : " I have been so fully occupied that I had no time to make
a careful re-examination of the castle walls, but to-day I have done
so again. At several places, both inside and out, where the square
facings have been removed and exposed the interior of the wall — I
mean the curtain wall — ^between the towers and the lower part
thereof, the hearting appears to be the same as I described in my

1 24 Bute in the Olden Time.

last letter. It certainly is not sandstone throughout, but a mixture
of a variety of stones, such as could be gathered off the beach.
Many of them are round and water-worn, and the mortar does not
adhere to these so well as to rough sandstone or squared rough
blocks, and it would not surprise me to read that the Norwegians
in their attack upon the castle found it to be of soft stone. What
sandstone there is in the wall is certainly very soft. Their first im-
pression in the attack upon the walls would be that it consisted of
soft stones, and I do not think they would have much difficulty
with heavy tools, however rude they may have been, in getting
through the wall; the smoothness of many of the stones would
render the task less difficult."

From this examination it would appear to be a doubtful point
whether the present walls are those besieged by the Norwegians.
All we can with any certainty attribute to that time is the elliptical-
headed entrance gateway, and perhaps the postern gateway. The
pointed-arched addition to the entrance gateway (see drawing 8)
might also be contemporaneous with the Norwegian capture of the
fortress.

It will be observed that the castle itself was not finally won until
three days after the breach had been effected : this would point to
the interior being crowded with houses, each of which could be
burned and defended. I must confess that the present castle gives
me very much the idea of an Edwardian castle erected on the lines
of an older building, the towers being additions.

In the * Norwegian Account of Haco's Expedition,' 1 263, published
and translated by Rev. J. Johnson, we read that Haco and Andrew
Pott go before him south to Bute with some small vessels to join
those he had already sent thither. News was soon received that
they had won a fortress, the garrison of which had capitulated and
accepted terms of the Norwegians, "The Norwegians, who had
been in Bute, where they burnt many houses and several towns."

Of course it is a question whether, as in the former instance, they
thought fit to keep the fortress. It is just probable that their
object was the plunder, and that they would not attempt to occupy
a place so far distant from Norway. It is also by no means certain
that the castle in question was the one in Rothesay.

The Home of the Stewarts. 125

A treaty was made (after the battle of Largs), 1266, by which all
the islands except the Orkneys and Shetland belonged to Scotland.

The name of Rothesay or Bute does not occur among the castles
given up to Edward I. on various occasions ; but that it was in his
possession we may be certain, for we learn from the * Rotuli Scotiae '
that he enjoined Alexander, Earl of Menteith, to take possession of
the lands of Alexander of Argyle, and John his son. At the same
time he ordered all the men of James the Steward of Scotland in
Bute, Cowell, and Roresy to aid the said earl with their galleys and
other naval forces in maintaining his guardianship of the castle and
fortresses here named.

Thinking that some information may be obtained from the Record
Office in London, I applied to my friend Mr Joseph Burt, who very
kindly gave me the results of his investigations, in the following
words : —

^^ Dec. 21, 1871. — I have just been able to finish looking
through what I promised about Bute and Rothesay. I have now
gone through all the Record publications that could have any
bearing on the subject, and I have carefully examined a mass of
MSS. relating to the Scotch wars of Edward I. and II. In none
of them do I find any entry whatever of either Bute or Rothesay, so
that the notice of the castle being in the hands of the English king
when the strong places of the country were given up to him would
appear to rest upon the authority of the chronicles alone. I have no
means of testing that authority. Perhaps if Bullen knows what
ought to be done, he might be able to do it ; but I fear you must
go to Edinburgh to get the matter worked out

" So great is the amount of material here relating to the Scotch
wars of Edward I. that I do not think the place could have figured
as it is said to have done in these events without the name occurring
here. There are lots of references to the provisioning, the arming,
and the repair of (perhaps more than) a dozen castles in Scotland,
and of the pay of armed troops there or going there, but no entry
of the place you are now interested in."

The next notice we have is from Fordun under the year 131 2,
and as Fordun wrote at the end of the century, he must have got
his information from some early author. " In the same year the

126 Bute in tfie Olden Time.

Castles of Bute, of Dumfries, and of Dalwyntoone, with many other
fortresses, were taken by force and levelled to the ground." Now,
we often hear of castles being levelled to the ground, but which
on examination present very large portions of the original structure.
What we are probably to understand in the present instance is that
the Scottish king was not satisfied simply with the destruction
of the battlements, but that he caused sundry breaches to be made
in the walls, so as to render the castle untenable : that he did not
level the castle to the ground, the elliptical and pointed arches at
the entrance gateway sufficiently testify.

We next read that the keys of Rothesay Castle were presented
to Edward Baliol at Renfrew, 1334. The young Stuart escaped
to Dumbarton, and Sir Alan de Lyle was made Sheriff of Bute,
&c. The nearest authority for this is Wyntoun, who flourished
circa 1400.

The printed histories say that Baliol fortified the castle, but Mr
Bullen has not been able to ascertain any authority for this state-
ment. Here we have one fact quite in opposition to the (even
partial) destruction of the castle — ^viz., that its keys were presented
to Baliol. We can only suppose the castle to have been rebuilt,
with the exception of the entrance doorways, some time between its
partial demolition by the Bruce and its surrender to Edward Baliol.
In this case the old foundations would be preserved, — the towers
probably being additions, — ^the old materials — viz., the red and
yellow sandstone — being used for the facing of the new walls ; but
this, of course, always supposing the old walls were entirely con-
structed of sandstone. Another argument in favour of this rebuild-
ing is derived from the arrangement of the towers, which divide the
circumference of the walls into a number of small garrisons, all
without communication with one another in time of war. This was
a very favourite arrangement during the time in question (131 2-
1334) and anterior. The architecture of the chapel also agrees
with the beginning of the fourteenth century, considering the art
was somewhat later in Scotland than in England. The walled-up
battlements in curtain have also a general likeness and proportion
to those we find in the Welsh castles built by Edward.

If Baliol did fortify the castle, he probably heightened the curtains

The Home of the Stewarts. 1 2 7

on either side of the entrance. Here the old battlements have been
built up so as to form a passage, and the whole wall very consider-
ably raised. It will be observed that this part of the building is
done with very rough shaley whinstone, not unlike the walls of the
chapel, and betraying great carelessness and roughness.

When the Stuart recovered the castle, he probably heightened
the rest of the walls and towers, but he proceeded in a regular
manner. The battlements were taken down, not built up, and
the new work made of worked whinstone and faced with white
sandstone, thus distinguishing it from the red and white material
of the whole wall below (see drawing 12).

It should be observed that there are no traces of any keep, this
feature having gone out of fashion ; on the contrary, there is every
reason to believe that the extensive area was covered with a quantity
of tenements, which were probably of two or more storeys, for the
space was small, and not only the garrison and governor but the
king and his suite had to be accommodated. Thus there are
several notices of the residence of Robert II. and Robert III. at
Rothesay. In fact, the latter is said to have died there, and part
of a chamber, now destroyed, is pointed out by the guides as con-
nected with that event ; but unfortunately the destroyed chamber
clearly belonged to the additions made to the castle at the beginning
of the sixteenth century. The fact of Robert's death at Bute rests
on the authority of Bower, Fordun's Continuator, but Wyntoun says
the occurrence took place at Dundonald. In 1475, Jo^^i Earl of
Ross, was accused among other things of seizing the castle of
Rothesay.

Some time at the beginning of the next century the barbican was
added to the entrance gateway. Over its entrance we find a coat
of arms ; this is much defaced from the smoke of a blacksmith's
forge, but sufficient remains to show the arms of Scotland supported
by two unicorns. Unfortunately the crest, supported on a helmet,
which is placed above the crown, is too much obliterated to be
made out; the whole achievement is surrounded by a border of
thistles. The first sovereign of Scotland who employed two unicorns
as supporters was James IV., whose arms with these additions are
to be found on the westermost buttress of Melrose Abbey. James

The Home of the Stewarts, 1 29

IV. ascended the throne in 1488 and was killed at Flodden in
1 5 13. From an English point of view the architecture of this
barbican has somewhat a later aspect than these dates, and we
must remember that his successors equally used the twin unicorns
as supporters. On the other hand, popular tradition connects the
dungeon with the place of imprisonment of Sir Patrick Lindsay,
who, having provoked the anger of the king, was told that "he
schould sitt quhair he should not sie his feet for ane yeir, and im-
mediately caused tak him to the Rosa (Rosay ?) of Bute and pat him
in prisone." This took place in 1489, in the second year of the
king's reign, so that if the prison in question is really that in which
Sir Patrick Lindsay was confined, the building must have been
begun at the very commencement of the reign.

It will be observed that in this part of the building there is
no attempt at tracing or moulding. All the windows are small and
square, and the entrance arch is round, as also is the vaulting on
the ground-floor.

In 1536 James V., after the failure of his attempted journey to
France, remained some time in the castle. In 1540 he again
visited Rothesay, and with a view of making a royal residence
he gave money to Sir J. Hamilton to make repairs. Lindsay of
Pitscottie gives full particulars of this event. It appears Hamilton
was a courtier, not an architect, and his embezzlement of the funds
does not appear to have been one of the charges at his trial.
According to Pitscottie, the king "had directed him in 1541 [go
to] Rose to repair his castle thair, that he might remain thair at
his pleasure the space of ane year together with his queine and
court, and to this effect gave the said Sir James thrie thousand
crownes to fie maissons to complete his work in the Rose of Bute."

When we connect these facts with the two visits of James V.
to the castle in 1536 and 1540, in which latter year he had been
setting in order public affairs in those parts, it is extremely probable
that we may consider him to be the builder of the barbican, and
not James IV.^ Of course this disposes of the legend of the prison

^ From the local accounts of Ninian Stewart in the ' Exchequer Rolls,' we now
learn the exact date and expense of building of the great tower or dungeon (f.«.,

VOL. II. I

1 1 > 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 I

-1^

ROTHESAY CASTLE (No. 9).

The Home of the Stewarts. 1 3 1

of Sir Patrick Lindsay ; but, as I have before observed, there were
probably many other prisons contained within the area of the old
castle. It is probable that James gave orders to Sir J. Hamilton
to see after the addition, that the latter was accused of embezzling
the money, and that he either disproved the accusation or returned
the amount, which would account for the absence of this charge in
his act of accusation.

The Earl of Lennox and his English auxiliaries obtained posses-
sion of the castle in 1544; an English garrison was left; but it is
not known how and when it was given up.

Mackinlay states, upon the authority of the Blain papers, that
under Cromwell the castle in 1650 was garrisoned by a detachment
of his troops " under the command of Ralph Frewin, and that when
they left Rothesay they razed part of the castle." The destruction
of the tower is generally attributed to that event. Upon the restor-
ation of the castle to its legitimate owners the breach was made
good with the old materials, and, as I have before observed, so
well does the old masonry lend itself to the purpose, that it is
difficult to discover where the breach begins and where it ends.
The castle appears to have been inhabited until 1685, when the
Duke of Argyle plundered the town and demolished the doors and
windows of the castle, which was soon after burnt by his brother.
Other accounts, however, say the earl burnt it himself.

The Marquis of Bute, during a very hard winter, 1 8 1 6, employed
seventy men to excavate the area, which had been filled up by
rubbish. Mackinlay gives an account of the affair.

The vaults over the entrance passage, which had partly fallen in,
and the pointed arch of the ancient doorway, were repaired. (See
the 1 83 1 edition of Mackinlay.)

In August 187 1 part of the ivy, which had greatly overgrown the
building, was cut away for the purposes of the present report, and a

donjon) of Rothesay Castle, which had been ordered by King James IV., and
probably delayed in execution by his death. The account extends from 7th
August 15 18 to 6th Novemlier 1520 : "Et eidem pro construclione magni turns
dicti le dungeon in caustro de Rothissay de mandato domini regis quondam Jacobi
quart! cujus anima propicietur Deus extendente . . . ;fi9i, 7 sh." — *Rot.
Scacc.,* vol. xiv. p. 362.— J. K. H.

132 Bute in the Olden Time.

few months afterwards the area was again excavated by Mr J. Thom-
son, whose report follows. (See Appendix XV.)

To resume in a few words the history of the architecture of the
castle : —

1. The site and contour of the circular walls are probably those
of an early British camp.

2. The inner doorway, and perhaps the postern, may be, and
probably are, anterior to the siege by the Norwegians.

3. The pointed archway, which forms an evident addition to the
inner entrance, may be anterior or a little posterior to that event.

4. I suspect the present castle with its towers dates between 131 2
and 1334.

5. The barbican was built by James V.

— I have the honour to remain, your Lordship's faithful servant,

William Burges.

August 26, 1872, 15 Buckingham Street,
Strand, London.

In keeping with practical suggestions added to this report,
the Marquess of Bute caused this noble pile to be effectively
repaired, the disordered courtyard cleared out, the various
excrescences around its basement removed, a deep fosse cut
and filled with water, and other restorations made, which
combined afford a clearer conception of what this seat of
kings appeared in its day of might and beauty, as delineated
by Mr Burges in the Frontispiece. Seven years, 1872-79,
were occupied in these operations, during which the original
pitching of the edges of the fosse was discovered, and part of
it is now visible. The supports of the present drawbridge
were inserted into the oak frame of the original structure,
which was found to have been burned down to the water's
edge.

133

CHAPTER V.

THE BARONS OF BUTE.

** A manly race
Of unsubmitting spirit, wise and brave,
Trained up to hardy deeds."

—Thomson.

jHE only trace I can discover of a chieftain looking
upon Butemen as a distinct clan, and making
claim by hereditary right to their fealty, is in
the case of Rudri, a scion of the Somerledian
House, who, in the thirteenth century, "considered Bute as
his birthright," as has been previously narrated.^ One
chronicle alone indicates that Bute had been governed by
a Thane — a Government official, who corresponded to the
Celtic chief or "Toshach," and as such exacted the dues
payable to the Crown, lifted the rents of the Crown-lands,
and presided over the court of justice. This headman was,
to all intents and purposes, a farmer of the privileges of
the Crown, and had his hereditary office confirmed by a
written charter, and paid whatever tax stood against him
in the King's Rental. He sublet the lands he thus rented.

^ Vol. i. p. 253.

1 34 Bute in the Olden Time,

The office, too, went with the fortunes of war, so that by
the distribution of forfeited lands favourite soldiers, like the
Fitz Alans and Bruces, ousted the old proprietors and their
acknowledged leaders.

Other lands reserved by the Crown were occupied by
farmers, and their kinsmen the cottars, each on his own
steading from generation to generation, without any title
or charter, so long as they paid their "maills" or rents,
gave the military service required of them, and lived in amity
with their chief — if they had one. The Crown took the
place of the early chief, and the husbandmen were simply
the descendants of the original population, working on the
patch that gave them birth and bread. They thus acquired
the name of " Kyndlie Tenants " — i,e,^ tenants of the same
blood or kind, and natural to the soil. 'The family were
liferenters in perpetuity. Their family differences they
usually settled among themselves, and the thirsty sword
prevented over-population and over-crowding.

Of the original land belonging to the tribe the last remnant
may now exist in the Burgh Lands or Common Good, now
attenuated to 442 acres, although we have a trace of it, under
a Norse name, in Meadowcap — the caup or common lands of
the meadow — which was in close proximity to the old
Kirktoun round the parish church, and also in the lands
scheduled in the maill-book of the burgh under the names
"Clan Patrick" and "Clan Neil," also the "Common of
Ardnahoe," and the "Common Lands" of the burgh.

Under the feudal system lands were held under four kinds
of tenure off the Crown — namely, holdings in Ward^ Blanch^
Feu, and Burgage; and these are illustrated by our local
history.

TJte Barons of Bute. 1 3 5

In what manner the first Stewards held Bute is not known,
although it may be safely surmised it was similar to that
by which they held their other possessions — Ward-holding,
granted for military service.^ Between 13 14 and 1325 they
were granted to Walter's son, Robert, afterwards king ; and
after Walter's death we find "John, son of Gilbert Baillie de
Boyet," in 1329 paying the dues in money, meal, and marts
to the Exchequer. These lands in Bute, Cowal, Knapdale,
Arran, and the Cumbraes were in 1366 valued at £\qqo
old extent.* In 1649 the valued rent was £22,000, but meal
was being sold then at 90s. a boll. The Cummings and the
Glasses also held lands in Bute in the fourteenth century.
The fact that in 1459 and 1460 the lands of Ascog paid a
rent of ;f 2 as ward-holding, adds weight to the tradition of
the Glasses that they held their possessions for military
service.' This Ascog family do not appear in the later
charter given in 1506 to the so-called "Barons of Bute."
In the minutes of the kirk-session in the seventeenth century
the heritors are called " barons."

" A Baron, in the large sense of that word," according to
Erskine, "is one who holds his lands immediately of the
Crown, and such had, by our ancient constitution, right to
a seat in Parliament, however small his freehold might have
been. ... To constitute a baron in the strict law sense, his
lands must have been erected, or at least confirmed by the
king in liberavi baroniam, and such baron had a certain juris-
diction, both civil and criminal." The so-called " Barons of
Bute" of 1506 had no such jurisdiction.

* * Excheq. Rolls,' vol. vi. Preface, pp. xcvi-civ,

5 *Act. Pari.,* vol. i. p. 500, "Xerre dni Senescall. Scocie;" Act. Pari., vol.
vi., ii. 502A * Excheq. Rolls,* vol. vi. pp. 532, 629.

136 Bute in the Olden Time.

The oldest charter extant granting lands (with feu-duties)
in Bute is that given by King Robert III., on nth November
1400, to Sheriff John Stewart, establishing him in the lands
of Ardumlese (Armoleish) and Grenane in "our isle of Bute,"
and Coregelle in "our isle of Arane" for the rendering of
military service only — "servitia debita et consueta."^

From this centre the Bute family have radiated into
territorial power, having been barons for wellnigh 500 years.

A second form of holding was Blanch, or a mere acknow-
ledgment of superiority — such as a rose, peppercorn, pair of
spurs — whereby the vassal paid a merely nominal rent. The
Leiches held Kildavannan by this tenure, which, on 5 th
June 1429, was renewed to John Leich, son of the late
Gilzequhome, who had yearly to pay at " the parish Church
of Bute " a reddendo of two pennies or of a pair of gloves.

A third form was Feu-holding, whereby the tenant paid
his superior money, labour, or the fruits of labour. This is
also well illustrated in Bute, where we have the various
rents accounted for as paid to the Crown bailie by the
tenants in Bute in 1440, 1449, and 1450. The farmers of
Bute were simply squatters, till, in 1506, they became feuars.

From the * Exchequer Accounts ' we learn that " from 1445
to 1450 the whole amount of ferme [rent] paid to the Crown
by its tenants in Bute, as stated by the chamberlain, Nigel,
the son of James [Niel Jamieson], was yearly ;f 141, i8s. 6d.,
for every 5s. of which sum every 5 marklands, except the
burgh of Rothesay, paid yearly one mart [a fat ox killed at
Martinmas]. For the same period the grassum bear of the
Crown-lands was yearly 1 1 chalders, 2 bolls, at £^ per chal-

^ Marquess of Bute's Charters.

The Barons of Bute.

137

der, and the * Mailmartis * yearly 405^." ^ Favourite nobles
farmed these rents from the Crown, receiving a commission
for the uplifting of them. The rents payable by these ren-
tallers or kindly tenants, called " husbandi," from the Crown-
lands in Bute, are detailed in the ' Exchequer Rolls ' for the
year 1450* thus: —

Name of Lands.

Garoch— (i) North
•f (2) South

Dunguile

Loubas-beg
Loubas-more .
Kellis Loupe .
Bransare
Langil-Culcathia

II Culcreith

II Wcnach

I, (4) .
Killecatan-beg
It more

(2)
Bnichag

Skologmore .

Kervycroye .

Stramanane .

(2)

Dalachane (Gallachan)

Ardnahowa
Ambrismore
Ambrisbeg
Byrgadill-knok

:: (si

Bemaul .
Kervecresach

Berone .

Name of Rentaller in 1506.

I. Gilnew Makkaw .
( I. Gilpatrick Makkaw )
\ 2. John Makkaw )

j I. Donald Makconochy \
\ a. Patrick Makkoll )

Alexander Banachtyne, jr.
Do.

(Kelspokis, John Stewart)

Gilchrist Makwrerdy .

Donald Makwrerdy .
r I. Alexander Glas 1
\2, Finlay M'Wrerdy /
{ I. Donald Makalester 1
\2. John Makyntail^our /

James Stewart .
Do.

/ 1. Walter Banachtyne \
\a. Gilchrist Makwrerdy j"

John Stewart
John Makwrerdy
Finlay Makallan
( I. Robert Kymmingbui^gh )
\ 2. John Douglas f

John Glas, jr. .
Sheriff Ninian Stewart
Eugene Makconochy .
John Glas .
Nigel Jamesoun .
George Kelso
( I. Donald Makwrerdy )
( 2. Alexander Glas )
John Glas .

( I. Gilchrist Makwerich ^
J 2. Do. I

j 3. Archibald Stewart j
V4. Gilchrist Makconoch j

Carry fonvard

Rent paid |!'i7„

B. F.

26 8

16 8
53 4

4 13 4
40

2
4

3 68

3
S
3
3

368
368

258

5
5
3

40
40
33 4
SO
50

3
2 2

4
4

468
46 8

3 2

3 68

67 9

92 2

' Vols, v., vi.

Vol. V. pp. 79, 360, 406.

138

Bute in the Olden Time.

Name of Lands.

Name of Rentaller in 1506.

Rent paid
in Money.

Barley

Rent m
Bolls.

Bennore

Quyene ....

Scalpsay

Ardscalpsay .

Kilmoiy (inferior) .

M (superior), Chapeltoun,
Kerefeme, Over Kilmore

Kilconlyg

Blaredyve

Ascaschragane

Achkynghervy

Dunawlunt-over
. II nether .
II makgillemichel

" (4) . .

Largabrachtane .
Kncrsay (Knaslagwerardy)

Drumcly

Lapennycahil (Lepinquhillin)

Scarale (Starrael) .

Glaknabcthy .

Aldtone.
Kyllemechale
Schowlunt
Cloynschamray

Stuk ....

Achywylk

Cawnach— (i) (Tawnich)
•I (2)

" (4)
Kylmore (inf.)

(3) .
The Burgh .

Brought forward

John Glas, jr

Donald Makcany )
Gilnew Makilwedy J *
Robert Stewart of Kilmory )
John \fakilkerane )

John M akilkerane )

Robert Stewart

John Makkay )

lattan

> Robert Jamesoun
Alexander Stewart

Donald Spens .
( X. Archibald Makgillespv
\ 2. James Stewart of Kilchi
Alexander Banachtyne
John Makwerich
Muldony MakgiUemichell .

(' I. Finlay MakgiUemichell "j
2. Finlay Makcaill V

,3. Gildow Makintare J

>5villiam Stewart .
John Stewart

r I. Alexander Banachtyne )
\ 2. John Stewart J

f I. Ferquhard MakneilH
"[ 2. Eugene Makkymme >
1^3. John Makkymme J
Richard Banacnt

1^:

ityne .
Ferchard Makneill
William Banachtyne

Ferchard Makneill
Donald Banachtyne .
Robert Stewart .
j I. John Spens )

\ 2. John Banachtyne )
David Stewart .
John Makgylquhynnych

[Original] Summa

J. (/.

9
40

33 4
46 8
46 8
13 4
38 4
40

33 4
26 8

40
40
40

53 4
40

46 8

40
1 68

53 4
26 8

53 4

B, F.
92 2
3

4
8

2 2
3

26 ^

25 .
25

7 2

25 J

34 4

2 2

...

141 18 6

40 chald.

iSbolls.

The following lands do not seem to have paid their rents
in 1450: —

Kerelawmond
Kerytonla

(Rentaller in 1506.)

Alexander Banachtyne.
Malcolm Makfersoun.

The Barons of Bute. 1 39

Finlay Makwrerdy.

(Rentaller in 1506.)

Kerymanach . . . i _,. , ,, , .,

' ^2. r inlay Makilmon.

J I. John Makconochy.

* \2. Alexander Makwrerdy.

Kyngawane. . Malcolm Makconochy.

Kerymanch . . Duncan Makconochy.

Row .... Donald Makkane.

Bronoch . Morice Maknachtane.

Bolochreg . . . Donald Makewin.

M*Kenach (Mecknoch) . John Jameson.

Archibald Banachtyne.

2. John do.

Cogach . . . j

In 1 507 " the forest of Bute," in North Bute, yielded £^ rent.

The Burgh of Rothesay, which never had, properly speak-
ing, any lands of its own, paid for the rentallers of the Crown-
lands within its bounds £^0 annually, and, by the charter of
novodamus of 1584, obtained liberty to "rent, grant, and
feu " all the lands within the bounds of the burgh to the in-
habitants of the burgh only ; a portion of the rents, ;£^6, being
transferred to the Crown exchequer.

In the fifteenth century the Crown-lands were looked after
by special commissioners, who let them on lease to the farmers.

On 1 2th January 1468, Wil of Cunigburgh (Mountstuart)
and Fynlaw Spens were appointed to make the " inquisitions "
— />., value Bute — and next year this lordship and its castle
were annexed to the Principality.^

There was also a class of " maisterful men," who sat down
on lands paying nothing, who were recommended to the
attention of the sheriffs. On the west coast, washed by the
sea, lords and barons had also to provide war-galleys according

* * Act Pari.,* vol. ii. pp. Qifl, 187a; vol. iv. p. 28.

140 Bute in t/ie Olden Time.

to their land-extent, and every ^ble-bodied husbandman had
to provide the arms appointed for his station in life.

On the isth February 1489, in the reign of James IV., an
Act "Anent the free tennentes, that haldis of the Duke of
Rothesay and Steward of Scotland," was passed, ordaining
them, their " suites and presentes, as effeiris," to appear and
answer in the Parliament and law courts, until an heir to the
Crown be born to answer for them. In the same Parliament,
a woeful complaint was made that these "puir tennents,
maillers, and inhabitants of the king's proper lands" were
greatly hurt and oppressed by lords and gentlemen, and
compelled to do " service, avarage [ploughing], cariage, scheir-
ing, leading, labouring, ryding, and travelling." The Parlia-
ment made this tyranny a punishable offence. This happened
on the birth of a prince, James, in 1506. But their chief only
survived a year, during which the king granted them and
their heirs a feu-charter at Linlithgow, on the i6th August
1 506. It is to this effect : —

Grant by King James IV. to the Steward's Vassals in
Bute, dated at Linlithgow, i6th August 1506.

James, by the grace of God King of Scots, to all propertied
men of his whole land, cleric and laic, Greeting, — Know ye that
because we finding that those holding and inhabiting our lands of
Bute have been infeft in them in the way of feu-farm, from of old,
by our progenitors, we therefore, with advice of the Lords of our
Council, have given, conceded, and given up to feu-farm heredi-
tarily to those holding our lands of the Isle of Bute aforesaid, and
to their heirs-male, the said lands particularly, as is specified below :

Then follow the names of tenants and lands, printed at pp.
1 37, 1 38, and the usual conditions ; among which were, freedom
from " multures except suckin to the mill of Rothesay," pay-

The Barons of Bute. 1 4 1

ment of the rents in money and marts in use to be paid, with
duplication to a new entrant, to the Stewards of Scotland.^

The origin of the Stewarts of Bute is nearly as much
involved in obscurity as that of the royal house from which
they descended. Several charters constructively prove that
John Stewart, the Sheriff of Bute in 1400, was a son of the
deceased king, by stating that he was a brother of Robert
III.; but others qualify this statement by designating him
the natural brother of Robert the king, and of Robert of
Albany.^ Consequently it has been assumed, and in my
opinion unwarrantably, that John Stewart of Bute was illegit-
imate, in the ordinary sense of the term, and, in consequence,
bound to wear the baton sinister upon his arms.

In tracing the scions of so fertile a stem as Robert II.
was — the Pope himself noted this virtue in the king and
Elizabeth More : " diu cohabitantes, prolis utriusque sexus
multitudinem procrearunt" — it is well to be vigilant, lest
among the crowd of branches a shoot remain unobserved.

It is supposed that, when in 1385 Bute and Arran were
formed into a sheriffdom, John Stewart was appointed Sheriff.
His name appears in the 'Exchequer Rolls' for 1388, where
he is credited with receiving £6^ 13s. 4d. of salary, and also,
till 1449, when he receives £^0 of annual salary for the
Keepership of Rothesay Castle. These appointments, the
gift of his father, he held sixty-one, if not sixty-four, years.
His brother confirmed him in the office by a charter, still
preserved by the Marquess of Bute.

^ This charter is giren in fiiU in Reid's ' History of Bute,' Appendix, p. 266,
as extracted from the Register of the Great Seal.

» 'Excheq. Rolls,* vol. iii. pp. 458, 686; vol. iv. Pref. ; vol. v. var. loc, ;
vol, vi. Pref,

142 Bute in the Olden Time.

The following is a translation of the charter by Robert
III., given under the Great Seal — a reduced fac-simile of
which is here given — appointing John, Steward of Bute, to
the office of sheriff in 1400 : —

" Robert, by the grace of God King of Scots, to all the propertied
men, of his own land, cleric and laic, Greeting, — Know ye that we
have given, conceded, and, by this present charter, confirmed to our
dear brother John, Steward of Bute, the office of Sheriff of the Isles
of Bute and of Arran with pertinents, with which office indeed by
the gift of the most excellent prince and lord, lord Robert, by the
grace of God, King of Scots, our illustrious father, thus far is the
proviso, that it be held and possessed by our said brother and his
heirs-male legitimately procreated or to be procreated of his body —
all, by chance failing, reverting to us and to our heirs — of us and
our heirs in feu and heirship, for ever, with rights, feus, and customs,
and with their own just pertinents whatsoever belonging to, or in
future justly effeiring to belong to the said office, freely, quietly, and
in peace. In witness whereof we have ordered our seal to be
appended to our present charter, — witnesses being the venerable
fathers in Christ, Walter, Bishop of St Andrews, Gilbert, Bishop of
Aberdeen, our Chancellor; our dearest first-bom, David, Duke of
Rothesay, Earl of Carrick and Athole, and Steward of Scotland ;
Robert, Duke of Albany, Earl of Fife and of Meneteth, brother;
Archibald, Earl of Douglas, Lord of Galloway, our dear son;
James of Douglas, Lord of Dalkeith, Thomas of Erskine, our dear
cousins and officers. At Irvine, the eleventh day of the month of
November, in the year of grace one thousand four hundred, and of
the eleventh of our reign."

If John was a son of Elizabeth More, who died between
1347 and 135s, he was a centenarian, or wellnigh one, at his
decease. But probably he would not have been designated
a natural, if he was a germane^ brother of the king. Yet it is
possible. On the other hand, if John was a son of Euphemia
Ross, the second wife of the king, and born even about 1360,

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The Barons of Bute. 1 43

he was old enough for official duty in 1385, and a nono-
genarian in 1449. In this case he might be properly styled
a natural brother of the king, being his father's son by a
different mother.

Crawford says (p. 19), enumerating the natural issue of
King Robert II. ^i—

" Sir John Stewart, Sheriff of Bute, commonly called the Black
Stewart.^ For this I have seen a charter ^ under the Great Seal, by
King Robert III., of an annuity of 16 merks sterling to Sir Adam
Forrester out of the Customs of Edinburgh, in which ^2cci\Johanne
Senescallo Vicecomite de Bute fratre nostro naturali is a witness, and
is dated 15th February in the year 1404. Moreover, there is a
charter in the Public Records by Robert, Duke of Albany, when
Governor of Scotland, dated at Rothesay the 24th August 1408, to
John Campbell of Loudon of the lands of Chalucbreks in Carrick,
to which Johanne Senescaico fratre sua naturali Vicecomite de Bute
is a witness."

In the charter dated nth November 1400, at Irvine, wherein
King Robert III. grants the office of sheriff to John Senescal,

* According to W. A. Lindsay, Robert II. was father of John (Robert III.),
Walter, Alexander, Robert, Margery, Jean, Margaret, Elizabeth, Margaret (2),
Alan, Catherine, Egida, David, Walter (2) : Brown, in 1792, enumerates the
above excepting Jean, Elizabeth, a Margaret, Alan, but adds a daughter unnamed,
John of Bute, Thomas, Bishop of St Andrews, John of Dundonald, and John of
Cardney. Burnett (* Excheq. Rolls,' Preface, vol. iv.) enumerates the family of
Robert II. thus : by Elizabeth Mure, John, Walter of Fife, Alexander of Bade-

nach, Margaret (of the Isles), Elizabeth (Hay), (Keith), Marjory (Dunbar),

Isabel (Douglas), Jean (Lyon) ; by Euphemia Ross, David of Strathem, Walter

of Athole, Egidia (Douglas), (Jean, Catherine, or Elizabeth, Lindsay),

(Catherine, Logan) ; illegitimate, John of Bute, Thomas, Archdeacon of St
Andrews, Alexander, Canon of Glasgow, John of Dundonald, Alexander, James,
John, Walter, four sons of Mariot Cardney.

^ Sir John of Dundonald was the Red Stewart.

' In the hands of James Robertson, Advocate.

144 -5»/^ in the Olden Time.

he is styled "dilecto fratri nostro Johanni Senescalli de
Bute " — " our dear brother John Steward of Bute " ; but on
the same day, at the same place, another charter is granted
him, of the lands of Ardumlese (Ardmoleish) and Grenane
in Bute with Coregelle in Arran, and in it he is styled

"dilecto fratri nostro ^ Johanni Senescalli Vicecomiti

nostro de Bute." The word amissing is presumably naturally
but may have been gemtano. Naturalis, natural, is used by
Latin writers to designate children of the same blood, as op-
posed to a child adopted, adoptatus^ and did not necessarily
imply illegitimacy. Bede styles Ethelberga, Abbess of Brie,
"the natural daughter of the same king" of the East Angles
and Anna his wife.* Germanus signified born of the same
father and mother.

In Albany's charter of 4th July 14 19, granting Barone to
Sheriff John, he is styled "dilecto fratri nostro Johanni
Steuart," and one of the witnesses is " Johanne Steuart de
Dondonnald fratre nostro."

John, the first-born of King Robert II., is always called
" primogenitus " until he changed his name to Robert, as if
to distinguish him from other Johns (see Appendix XIV.),
John being a favourite name with Robert II. It was not
uncommon to have more than one son with the same bap-
tismal name. King James III. had two lawful sons of
the name of James.

Besides this John, Robert II. had a son John by Marion
de Cardney to whom he gave lands in Kinclaven ; ' and also

^ There is a hole in the parchment cutting out the word.
' Bede, bk. iii. ch. viii.; Bohn, p. 121.
' Robertson's 'Index,' 124, 13.

The Barons of Bute. 1 45

a John gotten betwixt the king and "dilectam nostram
Moram," who got lands in the same thanedom.^

The so-called tradition, not mentioned by Crawford or
Blain, that the Sheriff, John Stewart, was the offspring of an
amour of King Robert II. with a daughter of Lech of Ard-
maleish, cannot be traced further than to the crack-brained
laird of Kilwhinleck, the Rev. James Stewart, formerly
minister of Kingarth. Reid, quoting M*Kinlay*s MS., says :
"There is a tradition imported into the Bute family history
upon the authority of the late Lord Bannatyne (1742- 1833),
who is merely said to have heard it from Stewart of Kilwhin-
leck, that the mother of the first of the family of Bute was
named Leitch, and was the daughter of the laird of Ard-
malish, in Bute, whose attractions had fascinated the High
Steward one day while hunting." ^ The source of informa-
tion is most suspicious, and unreliable.

There is a curious circumstance, which, after research, I am
unable to clear up, in connection with one of these numerous
John Stewarts. In one charter granting lands in Kinclaven
to a John Stewart, he is described as the son of King Robert
11. and Marion Cardney. In another the John Stewart is
thus referred to: —

"Robert, by the grace of God, King of Scots, &c. — Let it be
known that we have given, conceded, and by this present charter
confirmed to our dear son John Stewart, born between us and our
dear More, all and singular our lands q{ Ballachys^ Invernate, and
Mukersy, with a part in the thanedom of Kynclevyn, within the
sheriffdom of Perth," &c.^

' Robertson's * Index,* 125, 29.

» Reid's * Hist.,' p. 195 ; 'Third Report of IlisL MSS. Comm.,' App., 402.

« ' Reg. Mag. Sig.,' vol. i. p. 166.

VOL. II. K

146 Bute in the Olden Time.

This charter was granted at Perth on the isth January 1383.
It, of course, might refer to John, the first-born son of the
king; but he is usually designated in full, with all his
titles.

In 1502, we find that Ninian Stewart, Sheriff of Bute, was
able to dispone a property, BallochsJuhechan (Ballechin ?), in
the barony of Abernethy, in the county of Perth, to John
Stewart of Ardgowan.^ Are Ballachys and Ballochshchechan
to be considered identical with each other, and with the
subject of the charter referred to in Robertson's ' Index'? —
see Appendix XVI. If they are, then Ninian, Sheriff of
Bute, may have possessed these lands on account of his
descent from John, the son of "dear More" — and therefore
a full brother of the king. If not, we are no nearer the
discovery of the mother of John, the founder of the House
of Bute.

The charter of James IV. — here presented in reduced fac-
simile (p. 153) — appointing Ninian Stewart, then Sheriff of
Bute, to the keepership of Rothesay Castle, and his heirs-
male to the same office hereditarily, provides for his salary of
forty marks a-year, together with the regular dues customarily
given to such oflScers. It was given under the Great Seal at
the New Castle of Kintyre {i,e,, Tarbert) on the 5th August
1498. These customary dues are specified in actions subse-
quently raised by the captains of the castle against debtors,
and are also more fully detailed in the Investiture of Sir
George Mackenzie (pp. 149-151).

In 1 579, Sheriff John Stewart sued Ninian Bannatyne of
Kames for "2 wedders, 5 creills of peat, and 5 sleds of

1 ' Reg. Mag. Sig.,' vol. ii. p. 573.

The Barons of Bute. 1 4 7

stray," as dues from his, lands of Cowbasbeg and Cowbas-
more {ix. Lubas).^

On 15th May 1687, Sir James Stewart raised an action in
the Burgh Court against several feuars for his dues as keeper
of the castle, sheriff, and keeper of the fairs, in which he
condescends that his predecessors and authors were " heralds,
captanes, and keepers of the Castle of Rothesay in possession
of ane casualty of ane creill of peitts, and ane hen yeirly
furth of ilk reeking house, payable to the said castle within
the Burgh of Rothesay, . . . also ane gallone of ale . . . furth
of ilk brewing-house." The action, doubtless, was sustained.^

King Robert III., on i ith November 1400, granted to John
the lands of Ardmaleish, Greenan, Corriegills in Arran, and
£\0 yearly out of the feu-duties of Bute, with 10 merks out
of the feu-duties of Arran.

Robert, Duke of Albany, granted charter to his brother
John, Sheriff of Bute, of half the lands of Finnoch, within the
barony of Renfrew, on ist June 141 8.

Albany granted by charter to John, Sheriff of Bute, and
Jonet his wife (daughter of John Semple of Elliotstone),
on 4th July 1419 at Renfrew, Barone, which the deed states
belonged hereditarily to Agnes, daughter of Walter.

In 1440, Gilbert Kennedy and Robert Chisholme were the
bailies of Bute and Arran.

Neil Jamieson was chamberlain of Bute from 1436 to 1454.

On 28th May 1490, Ninian Stewart was seized in Ard-
maleish, &c., and sheriffship.

A commission was given serving James heir to Ninian
Stewart on 15th January 1538.

* Marquess of Bute's Charters. ' Council Records.

148 Bute in the Olden Time.

On 8th September 1549, a charter was given under the
Great Seal in favour of James Stewart and his heirs-male, of
the office of Chamberlain of his Majesty's property in Bute,
mill, and forest thereof, paying for each boll of bear yearlie
eight shillings and four pennies, for each boll of meal four
shillings, and for each mart twenty-four shillings, with three
merles yearly of augmentation.

On 1 8th January 1590, a charter oinavodamus was granted
to Sheriff John Stewart, confirming the offices and ward-lands,
erecting Ardmaleish into a barony, and granting the patron-
age of Rothesay Church.

Sir James Stewart was on 27th April 1659 invested in the
following lands and privileges : ^ —

Ardmaleish* (with slate craig), 3-merkland ; Kneslagvouraty,
3-merklandj Drumachloy* ; Dunalunt*; Ballicaul,* 2-merk-
land; Auchintirrie*; Greenan,* 3-merkland, and mill ; Coag-
ach,* 2-merkland ; Mickle Barrone,* s-merkland ; Ballilone,*
i6s. 8d.; Auchamore,* i6s. 8d.; Glenchromag,* i6s. 8d.; Bar-
mor,* 3-merkland ; 2 Kelspokes,* ^-merkland ; Mill of Kil-
chattan*; Kerrycroy, s-merkland ; Mid Ascog,* 3-merkland ;
Kerrycrusach,* 3-merkland ; Patronage of Kirks of Rothesay,
Mill of Rothesay, and multures ; Kneslagloan,* 3-merkland ;
Ardnahoe,* 3-merkland; Stravanan,* 3-merkland; Kerry-
menoch*; I nchmernock (with slate craig) ; Fifty-shilling-land
of Garrachty ; Corriegills* in Arran ; 3 Kirktowns ; Pen-
machry, 2-merkland ; Breckoch, with mill and multures, in
Cumbrae ; and lands of Fuird with mill, in Edinburgh, to be
holden blench of Sir James himself. The Sheriffship and the
keepership of the castle were also included.

^ The values attached are those found in the charter granted to Sir George
Mackenzie in 1681.

The Barons of Bute. 1 49

When the whole Bute estate passed into the hands of Sir
George Mackenzie of Rosehaugh, the following additional
lands, &c, had been purchased, and are mentioned in the
charter granted to Sir George Mackenzie, 4th March
168 1 :—

Woodend Butt* ; Ballycurrie,* and Cottar Butts ; one-half
of Balnakelly* ; one-half of Teydow ; Ballianlay* ; Chappel-
town,* i6s. 8d. ; Culevin,* 3-merkland ; dues of the Crownery
of Bute and Cumbrae; Dungyll* (Torrygill) ; Eschechrag-
gan and Glenbuy; Gallachan*; Kilwhinleck,* S-merkland ;
Kechag, Kilchattan* — Meikle,* 5-merkland, and Little,* 3-
merkland; Kildavannan, 3-merkland ; Kerrytonley*; Kilmory-
Meikle* ; Kilmory - Chappel* ; Kerryfuirin* ; Kerryneven,*
4.merkland ; Kerrymoran,* 4-merkland ( = Scoulag) ; Langal
(-kechag* ; -corad,* 3-merkland ; -cuthilachlan ; -bunnach,*
3-merkland) ; Penmachray (Cumbrae) Row, 255. ; Scalpsca
mill ; Scoulag — Middle, 4-merkland, and Nether, 4-merkland.

Beside these lands were the teinds — " the five-horse gang
of ... , tiends of parsonage and bishops' tiends out of
the twenty-pound-lands of Rothesay, whereof the deceased
Sir Dugal Stewart was in use to draw the tiend sheaves," and
"the tiends parsonage and other tiends" out of the lands
following, and those before marked with an asterisk : —

Wester Kames, Easter Kames, Edinmore, Edinbeg, Kil-
machalmaig, Nether Ettrick, Over Ettrick, Kilbride, Nether
Glenmore, Over Glenmore, Lenihuline, Tawnie, Bualoch-
reg, Shalunt, Stuck, Mecknock, Ardroscadale — Nether and
Over — Largivrechtan, Acholter, Auchawillig, Balnakelly,
Ambrismore, Glechnabae, Kilmichel, Ballicreg, Ascog— Over
and Nether — Kerrylamont, Leninteskin, 2 butts of Lochend,
Bransar, Kerrygavin, Merkland of Kingarth, Birgidale Crief,

1 50 Bute in the Olden Time,

Birgidale Knock, Barnauld, ^-merkland of Sheriff, Lubas —
Little and Meikle — Largizean, Kneslag -vourathy and -mory,
Quien, Row, Scalpsay (with other lands in Cowal).

There were also the patronage of Kingarth, Rothesay, and
Inverchaolain churches.

**The office of the Hereditary Keeper of His Majesty's Castle
of Rothesay is granted with houses, biggings, yeards, office houses,
parts, pendicles, and pertinents thereof whatsomever, and particularly
the houses and yeards opposite to the said Castle pertaining thereto
and then possest by Ninian Allan, officer, and John Kerr, sometime
bailie of Rothesay, and other houses and yards likeways belonging
thereto over against the houses on the south side or the High Street
of Rothesay, with all services and casualties payable to the Hereditary
Keepers of the said Castle, and which were paid to Sir James and Sir
Dugald Stuarts, then deceast, for their service as heretable keepers
thereof; out of the feu-lands, called Dumbarton Lands, within the
Island of Bute, and particularly out of the lands of Kerrycroy two
kain wedders, two creel of peats, two cartsfull of straw, six reek hens
with two nights* meat for two horses and one man yearlie ; out of
the lands of Kerrylamont i kain wedder, and 2 reek hens and
siklike the casualties of wedders, peats, straw, reek hens, and nights'
meat for horses, and their keepers, with service to the Castle for
necessaries, and when required out of all and haill the feu-lands
possest by the tenants within the Island of Bute, called Dumbarton
Lands, whereof the possessors of the said feu-lands and liferents had
been in use of payment conform to their particular proportions and
rental thereof past memory of man, and also a creel of peats and a
hen yearlie out of every reek house within the Burgh of Rothesay,
also an annual rent of three score merks payable out of the feu-
duties of the Mill of Rothesay."

The following charter shows how very near the serene
village of Kerrycroy came to being transformed from " The
Ferry," as it is sometimes, as of old, called, into a large

The Barons of Bute. 1 5 1

seaport and emporium.* The charter of 27th August 1703,
under the Great Seal, embodies the General Investiture of
the Bute estate in favour of Sir James Stewart, and erects
Bute, Great Cumbray, and Inchmernock into Barony and
Regality, with free chapel and chancery, to be called the
Baronry and Regality of Bute. It also erects the town or
village of (blank) in a free Burgh of Regality and head Burgh
of the said Regality, to be called the Burgh and Regality of
Mountstuart, at whose market-cross all publications within
the jurisdiction should be made, and with power to the
inhabitants to deal in merchandise and to carry on handi-
craft trades, and to have a weekly market and three fairs in
a year, each to continue for three days, Sir James being
entitled to lift the customs of the said fairs and markets ;
and power is given to erect and build free ports and
harbours, within any part of Bute, Inchmernock, and Meikle
Cumbray, belonging to him in property or superiority, and
of exacting the tolls, dues, anchorages, shore - dues, and
other customs and duties of the said ports, with all other
liberties and privileges that any other ports or harbours
within any barony and regality in Scotland have or do
enjoy. The charter further contains a novodamus and a
grant of the patronage of the parish kirk of Kingarth and
teinds thereof.

In 1689, Sir James Stewart disposed in trust to David
Boyle of Kelburn the office of Sheriff, and the latter re-
conveyed it to Sir James on 23d September 1692.

King James VI. granted the feu-duties of Bute to the
Duke of Lennox, governor of Dumbarton, and his suc-

^ " Inventory of the TiUe-Deeds of the EsUte of Bate, &c.," MS., p. 67.

152 Bute in ttie Olden Time.

cessors.^ Parliament ratified their attachment to Dum-
barton in 1606; they were dissolved from Dumbarton in
1764, after which James, second Earl of Bute, bought them
from the Duke of Montrose, representative of Lennox.

The following is a detailed pedigree of the Stewarts of
Bute:—

I. John (L), son of King Robert II., born 1360 (.?), died
1449, Sheriff of Bute, Keeper of Rothesay Castle, Baron of
Ardmaleish and Grenan.

By Jonet Semple, the Sheriff, John Stewart, had issue —

1. James, his successor in office.

2. William, who succeeded to Finnock, and became

keeper of Brodick Castle, 1445-1451, for which he
was paid ;£'2o of annual salary.

3. Robert, supposed to have held Kihvhinleck, which was

granted in heritage in 1 506 to his son Alexander.

4. John, tenant of Kerrycroy, Kelspoke, and Drumach-

loy, also of Southbar in Renfrew.

5. Andrew, tenant of Rosland in Rothesay, and laird of

Balshagry in Lanarkshire. From him descended
the lairds of Scarrel and Patrick Stewart, minister of
Kingarth. The tradition that he married the heiress
of Grant and became progenitor of the Earls of Sea-
field is disproved by Sir William Fraser.^

II. James (I.), keeper of Rothesay Castle till Martinmas
1465, when the office was given to Lord Darnley, who gave
the office to his own son Ninian. But James received his
salary till 1477. His children were —

1 'Act Pari. Scot.,' 8 James VI. Pari. 9. 2 . b^oI^ ^f the Grants,* vol. i. p. 29.

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The Barons of Bute, 153

1. Ninian, his successor.

2. James of Kilchattan. His son James sold Kilchattan

to Ninian (II.) The first charter of Kilchattan is in
favour of John Stewart, Sheriff, &c., in 1474.

3. David of Auchawillig.

4. John of Upper Kirkton, C umbrae, who had two sons,

Patrick and John.

III. Ninian (I.), served heir to his father James in 1490.
He was made hereditary Castellan of Rothesay by James
IV. in 1498. He married —

i. Campbell, had issue —

1. James, who succeeded.

2. Robert of Nether Kilmory, 1506, and Ambris-

more, 1529, ancestor of the Stewarts of
Ambrismore; married a daughter of John
Lamond.

3. William of Largivrechtan, 1506, and the south

half of Cugach, 1535.

4. Janet, who married Ninian Bannatyne of Kames,

but was divorced on account of consanguinity,
ii. Janet Dunlop —

5. Archibald of Largizean, ancestor of Stewarts of

Largizean.
iii. Elizabeth, daughter of Blair of that Ilk —

6. Alexander of Kildavanan, who married Elizabeth

Tait.

7. Ninian of Nether Kilmory, 1532, and Largivrech-

tan, 1548. He obtained Kildavanan from his
father, and purchased Kilchattan from his cousin
James. From him sprang the Kilchattan,

1 54 Bute in the Olden Time.

Ascog, Ballinstraid, Ballintoy Stewarts, of whom
is the Londonderry family.
He was granted Ambrismore in heritage in 1506. He ex-
changed his lands in Perthshire for Kildonan, &c., in Arran.

Reid, utilising M*Kinlay's MS., accepts this account of
Ninian's family.

IV. James (H.) was served heir to his father, 15th January
1538. He married —

i. Mary Campbell, daughter of Archibald, Earl of Argyle,

but had no issue,
ii. Marion, daughter of John Fairlie of that Ilk, and widow
of Thomas Boyd of Linn, and had issue —

1. John, his successor.

2. Robert of Kelspokes, acquired from Southbar.

3. , married to Alexander Stewart of Kelspokes

and Ballochmartin.

V. John (II.) added considerably to the estate, by purchase
of lands and superiorities at Ballicaul, Langalquochag, Kerry-
menoch Stewart, Mill of Ambrismore, Drumachloy, Auchin-
tirrie, Arnahoe, Coaghag, Incbmarnock, Mid Ascog, &c. He
sat in Parliament, 20th October 1579, and attended Court as
a gentleman of the bedchamber, 1602 (?). He died before
161 2. He married —

i. Mary, daughter of John Campbell of Skipnish, and
had issue —

1. John, his successor.

ii. Fy^wald, daughter of Sir John McDonald of Dunivaig.
iii. Jean, daughter of John Blair of that Ilk.

2. James of Ardnahoe.

The Barons of Bute. 1 5 5

3. Grizel, who married Ninian Stewart of Kilchattan
in 1615.

VI. John (IIL)i usually styled of Kirktown or Ardmolis,
received the honour of knighthood from King James VI.
Sir John added to his property Kerrycrusoch, Dunalunt,
Kneslagvouraty, &c He married Elizabeth, daughter and
heiress of Robert Hepburn of Foord in Haddington, and
liad issue —

1. James, his successor.

2. Robert.

3. Thomas, Colonel, who died in France.

4 , married Archibald Stewart of Kilwhinleck.

The Sheriff died in 1618; and his widow married Sir
Alexander Foulis of Colinton.

VII. Sir James (III.) was created a Baronet of Nova
Scotia by Charles I., 28th March 1627. He was a Royalist,
was fined 5000 merks by Parliament in 1646, and was at-
tainted. He sat in the Scots Parliament in 1644, 1661, and
1662. He died in London in 1662, and was buried in West-
minster Abbey. There is no monument to him now traceable.

He married Grizel, daughter of Sir Dugal Campbell of
Auchinbreck, and had the following children —

1. Dugal, his successor.

2. Robert, Senator of the College of Justice, and one of

the Lords of Justiciary — Lord Tillicultrie — was a
Commissioner from Scotland in the Union nego-
tiations, and was made a Baronet in 1707.
3 Isobel (Elizabeth), married Ninian Bannatyne of
Kames.

156 Bute in the Olden Time.

4. Anne, married (i) Alexander M'Donald of Sana ; (2)

Walter Campbell of Skipness.

5. Jean, married (i) Angus Campbell of Skipness; (2)

James Graham.

VIII. Sir Dugal came into an impoverished estate,
over which John Boyle of Kelburne held bonds. He
married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John Ruthven of Diin-
glass, and had five children —

1. James, his successor.

2. Dugald,who became a Lord of Session — Lord Blairhall.

3. Barbara, married Alexander Campbell of Barbreck.

4. Margaret, married Dugal Lamont of that Ilk.

5. , married Stewart of Auchinskeoch.

IX. Sir James (IV.), succeeded his father in 1672 ; sided
with the Revolution party in 1688, and in 1702 negotiated
for the Union of the Parliaments ; became a Privy Council-
lor to Queen Anne, who raised him to the Peerage on 14th
April 1703, with the title of Earl of Bute, Viscount Kingarf,
Lord Mountstuart, Cumra, and Inchmarnock. His estate
was heavily burdened to John Boyle of Kelburn (;£^76,i69),
and to John Stewart of Ascog (;£^938s). He married —

i. Agnes, daughter of Sir George Mackenzie of Rose-
haugh, Lord Advocate of Scotland, who took
over the estate in 1681, and by her had —

1. James, his successor.

2. Margaret, who married John Crawford, Viscount

Garnock, fifteenth Earl of Crawford,
ii. Christian, daughter of William Dundas of Kincavil,
by whom he had —

The Barons of Bute, 1 5 7

3. John, who died at Rome in 1738, and is buried in
the Scots College there.
The Earl died at Bath, 4th June 17 10, and is buried in the
mausoleum in Rothesay. See Crawfurd's * Peerage/ p. 57.

X. James (V.), second Earl, was born in 1690. He suc-
ceeded to the Rosehaugh estates in 1707. He married
Lady Ann Campbell, sister of John, Duke of Argyle, and by
her had —

1. John, his successor, Lord Mountstuart.

2. James of Rosehaugh, who married his cousin Eliza-

beth of Argyle; member of Parliament; Keeper
of Privy Seal of Scotland, 1763, &c., &c.

3. Mary, who married Sir Robert Menzies of Weem.

4. Anne, who married James, third Lord Ruthven.

5. Jean, who married William Courtenay, Esquire.

6. Grace, married John Campbell, yr. of Stonefield.
The Earl died on the 28th January 1723, aged thirty-
three, and was buried in Rothesay. His town-house, built
by George . Cunningham, W.S., in 1680-81, still stands in
the High Street Mountstuart House was begun in 17 19.

XI. John (IV.), third Earl, was bom at Edinburgh, 25th
May 171 3, died loth March 1792, and was buried at Rothesay.
This Earl was courtier, politician, patron of literature and
science, a generous friend to literary men, a benefactor to
universities, and one of the most esteemed and influential
peers of the eighteenth century. He was installed K.G. in
1762. He married Mary, only daughter of Edward Wortley
Montague, Esq., afterwards created Baroness Mountstuart of
Wortley, with the title of Baron Mountstuart to her lawful

158 Bute in the Olden Time.

issue male by John, Earl of Bute. Of thirteen children
eleven survived —

1. John, his successor, who was created a peer of the

realm, Baron Cardiff of Cardiff.

2. James Archibald Stuart Wortley M'Kenzie of Rose-

haugh, Lieut.-Colonel of the 92d, which he raised.

3. Frederick, M.P. for Rothesay Burghs, 1775, for Bute,

1796.

4. Charles, Colonel of the 26th Regiment, created Baron

Stuart de Rothesay in 1828.

5. William, Bishop of St David's, Archbishop of Armagh,

and Primate of Ireland.

6. Mary, married the Earl of Lonsdale.

7. Jane, married George, Earl Macartney.

8. Ann, married the Duke of Northumberland.

9. Augusta, married Captain Andrew Corbett.

10. Caroline, married the Earl of Portarlington.

11. Louisa, died unmarried in 1851, aged ninety-four.

XIL John (V.), fourth Earl, first Marquess. For his
diplomatic services in Sardinia and Spain this Earl was,
2 1st March 1796, created a Marquess of Great Britain, with
the title of Viscount Mountjoy in the Isle of Wight, Earl of
Windsor, and Marquess of Bute. He married —

i. Charlotte Jane, daughter and co- heiress of Lord
Viscount Windsor, who died in 1800, and
had by her —
I. John, his heir, married Elizabeth, heiress of
Patrick, Earl of Dumfries, and had two chil-
dren, John and Patrick ; died in 1794, his
son John succeeding his grandfather.

The Barons of Bute, 159

2. Herbert Windsor.

3. Charles, Lieutenant R.N.

4. Evelyn, Lieut- Colonel of 21st Regiment, M.P.

for Cardiff.

5. Henry, married Gertrude, daughter of Earl of

Grand ison.

6. William, Captain R.N.

7. George, Rear-Admiral Lord, R.N., married Jane

Stewart. His son Henry (1808- 1880) married
Cecilia Hammersley. He was factor in Bute.
His family are Evelyn, Emily Catherine, Dud-
ley Charles, John Windsor (present factor),
Gertrude Mary, Elizabeth Charlotte, Clara
Georgina, Cecilia, Frederica, Octavia Hen-
rietta Mary.

8. Maria Alicia Charlotte, born 1768, married C.

Pinfold, Esq., died in 1841.

9. Charlotte, married Sir William Homan, Bart,

and died 1847.
ii. Frances Coutts, daughter of Thomas Coutts, Esq.,
banker, London, and had —

10. Dudley Coutts, M.P.

11. Frances, who married the Earl of Harrowby.
Earl John was Provost of Rothesay from 1788 till i6th

November 18 14, when he died.

. XI n. John (VI.), second Marquess. John Crichton
Stuart was born 13th August 1793, and lost his father, Lord
Mountstuart, in 1794. He succeeded his maternal grand-
father in 1803, as Earl of Dumfries, his paternal grandfather
in 1814. He was Commissioner to the General Assembly

1 60 Bute in the Olden Time,

in 1842; Provost of Rothesay, 1814-15, 1829-1837. In 1818
he married —

i. Maria, daughter of the Earl of Guildford, who died in

1 841, but by her had no issue,
li. In January 1847, Sophia, daughter of the first Marquess
of Hastings, by whom he had one son —
John Patrick Crichton-Stuart
The Marquess died, i8th March 1848, and the Marchioness,
28th December 1859.

XIV. John (VII.) Patrick Crichton-Stuart, third Marquess,
was born 12th September 1847. He married the Hon. Gwen-
dolen Mary-Anne, eldest daughter of Edward-George, first
Lord Howard of Glossop, a descendant of the Arundel family,
being younger son of the thirteenth Duke of Norfolk. Their
children are on both sides directly descended from the Fitz
Alans, Banquo, and the early kings of Alban, Dalriada, and
Ireland.

1. Margaret, born 24th December 1875.

2. John (called Earl of Dumfries), born 20th June 1881.

3. Ninian Edward, born 15th May 1883.

4. Colum Edmund, born 3d April 1886.

One of the officers of the Crown in Bute was the Crownare
or Coroner, whose duties it is not easy to particularise. The
office, though distinct from that of a sheriff, was not infre-
quently united with it, and held hereditarily in some families.
It seems to have been within the scope of his duty to watch
over all the interests of the Crown within his bounds, assisting
at the courts of justice, apprehending and protecting criminals
or accused, citing suspects and witnesses, investigating suspi-

The Barons of Bute. 1 6 1

cious cases^ poinding forfeited goods and lands, acting as
coastguardsman in seizing castaway vessels, collecting the
Crown rents and dues, and otherwise representing the Crown
as a bailie or factor with the powers of a constable. His fees
for each person convicted, a quey or thirty pennies ; for each
accused who was discharged, nothing. If a man was sen-
tenced to death, the Crowner's fee consisted of "all the
dantoned and tamed horse* not shod, al the scheipe within
twentie, al the goats and swyne within ten, al the grains and
corns lyand in byngs or in broken mawes, all the utensils or
domicil of the house within the cruke hingand upon the
fire." ^ In Bute the Crowner was annually entitled to a cow
out of the feu-duties of Bute, and a firlot of corn and a lamb
from every portioner of a ploughgate of the feu-lands, which
numbered sixty-one. The office in the sheriffclom of Bute
was held by Nigel or Neill of Kilmorie and his descendants,
the Jamiesouns of the same place. The family were probably
sprung from the Dalriadic invaders. Ferchard of Bute, son
of Nigel of Bute, and Duncan his brother, about the close of
the thirteenth century, appear attesting charters by Angus,
son of Dovenald, to Paisley monastery.* From 1436 to 1458
Niel Jamieson (Nigellus Jacobi) is the Chamberlain (earner-
arius) of Bute, and hands in regularly his accounts of the
rents paid by the Crown tenants in the isle. When the king
was in residence in Rothesay, 1458, Niel made such a poor
mouth about the bad weather for the past twenty-two years
and the loss of his fees from Arran, which had been scoured
by raiders in 1444, that the compassionate monarch allowed

^ "The Crownare in Scotland," 4n 'Scotsman,' i8th September 1893.
" * R^. Pass.,' pp. 127, 128.

VOL. II. L

1 62 Bute in the Olden Time.

him an extra payment of 8 chalders, for his vexations in
gathering and despatching the royal rents, or marts, to the
moving Court

He seems to have been succeeded by his son James, for in
1501 we find Fergus, the son of James, Crowner of Bute,
making a grant of two shillings to the Friars Preachers of
Glasgow.^ In 1506, Robert Jamesoun is enumerated among
the so-called "Barons of Bute" who received charters from
King James IV. ; and in 1534, apparently the same individual,
Robert Neilsoun, is confirmed by James V. in the Crowner-
ship of the island and sheriffdom of Bute with the feus,
which office had, according to the deed of grant, then lost,
been held hereditarily by the family above two hundred
years.* In 1618, Francis Jamesoun was served heir to his
great-great-grandfather, Robert, in the office, and to his
father James in the Kilmory lands— viz., " the 5-marklands of
Kilmorie-moir, 2^-marklands of Keirfarne, and 2^-niark-
lands of Kilmorie-Chappeltoun."

In 1642, " Robert Jamieson, Crowner off Bute, his lands and
heritage," are enrolled in the Maill-book of the burgh, but the
extent is undecipherable.

In 1660, " Robert Jameson, Crowner," the last of his family
in the office, was an elder in the Church of Rothesay.

After 1672 the Crowner's duties were transferred to other
officers, and in 1748 the heritable jurisdiction was abolished
by Act of Parliament.

The progress by which the lands of the Coroner passed
out of the hands of the Jamesons was as follows : Robert
Jameson, the last Crowner, who had married a daughter

* Lib. Coll. Nost Dom.,* p. 205. « * Reg. Mag. Sig.,* vol. vii. p. 317.

The Barons of Bute. 1 63

of Robert Kerr, disponed of his lands of Meikle Kilmorie
to Robert Kerr, but to be redeemable on the payment of
4700 merles. Kerr's right in the crownary was challenged,
and he employed John Stewart of Ascog, advocate, to defend
his rights, and also conveyed to him the office on 2d Novem-
ber 1666, probably in lieu of his fees.

In June 1675, Robert and Mark Kerr disponed to John
Boyle of Kelburn, who was at that time trustee on the
Bute estate, their interest in the Crowner*s lands, while Robert
Stewart of Kilchattan, who was also a creditor on the
estate, disposed of his interest to the trustee. James Jame-
son, the nephew of Robert, sold his rights in the office
of Crowner to Boyle on ist August 1674, and this sale gave
rise to the two following lawsuits : —

On March 4, 1685, " Sir James Stewart, as Sheriff of Bute,
pursued Mr John Stewart of Ascog, advocate, for reducing
the right to the crownry of Bute and for declaring his lands
free from the custom and casualty of as many oats, &c.,
payable to the crowner's office, formerly belonging to the

simame of . The reasons were — imo. He, being a

member of the session, had bought this right while depend-
ing in a plea ; 2do. He acted and exercised the said juris-
diction before he had taken the test : Ascog denied both ;
but objected against his title of Sheriff, seeing both the
officium Vicecomitis et coronatoris are consistent in one
place, and the one needs not interfere with the other." ^

In 1690, Robert Stewart of Ascog sued John M'Kinley
of Meikle Kilmorie for dues payable to Robert Jamieson,
Crouner of Bute, "one firlot of come and ane lamb yearly

^ FountaiohaU's ' Decisions,' vol. i. p. 348.

164

Bute in the Olden Time.

from each persone who are worth one, two, three, four, five
or six horses, plewed, tilled, laboured, or manured [out of]
any of the few-lands within the Isle of Bute." ^ It was found
that the said Robert "had good and undoubted right to
ane lamb and firlot, good and sufficient oats to be paid
out of the haill few-lands of Bute." This decision of the
Privy Council (nth November) was afterwards (1703) con-
sidered by the Duke of Argyle as an interference with his
privileges as Justiciary General of the Isles.

MacNielCs Tombstone,

Ultimately, on 13th December 1698, John Stewart sold
his rights to the Sheriff, who thus by purchase became the
hereditary Coroner of Bute.

Marquess of Bute's Charters.

The Barons of Bute. 1 6 5

The MacNiells were buried in Rothesay churchyard, where
a monument bearing their coat of arms still remains in
perfect preservation.

The following inscription is visible on the back of the
stone : " This is the Buryial place of thee M'Nilles [super-
inscribed Nealls] of Kilmorie."

Their residence, formerly called "The Crowner's Castle,"
is now a mere fragment of a tower, with nothing more

The Crownef^s Castle at Meikle Kilmorie,

than a round shot -hole to indicate that on this mound
stood the keep of the terror to evil-doers in Bute.

Ascog formerly belonged to the Glasses (see p. 102), but
early in the fifteenth century part of it was in the hands of
the Cochrans of Lee, Edward of Chochran becoming infeft
in the property on 24th August 1425.^

^ * Mem. of Montgomeries,' vol. ii. p. 27.

1 66 Bute in the Olden Time.

In 1503, Ninian Cochrane sold the north half of Ascog to
Hugh, Lord Montgomery, who, as Earl of Eglinton, was after-
wards appointed " feare, kepare, suppleare, and correkare of
the said He (of Litill Cumray), dere, and cunyngis thairof."

In 1510, John Glas of Ascog resigned to John Glas of
Ardniho his portion of Ascog, and in 1564 William Glass
received seisin in the ;^i-land of Ascog and the Mill of
Ambrismore. At this time Archibald M'Lane (Dovard) held
the ;f 3-lands of Ascog, which Queen Mary granted to Archi-
bald M'Lachlan, son of M'Lachlan of that Ilk, in 1547.

Robert Glass disponed the 20-shilling land of Mid-Ascog
to Sheriff Sir John Stewart in 1595 (confirmed 1601).

Mid-Ascog 40-shilling lands were disponed by James Glass
to John Stuart in 1606.

On 31st March 1618, Sir John Stewart granted to James,
his son, the lands of Mid-Ascog.

In 1629, James Stewart of Ardnahoe disponed the 20-
shilling land of Mid-Ascog to Sir John Stewart.

In 1 60 1, John Glass succeeded his uncle Robert in Ascog.

In 1637, Ninian Stewart of Ascog was served heir to his
father John in the 40-shilling lands of Over Ascog and the
20-shilling lands of Nether Ascog, with the mill and lake
of Ascog, together of the old extent of £6 and 4 marks.

In 1 8 19, Archibald Glass disponed one-half of Mid-Ascog
to the Marquess.

Where the house of Ascog stood before its ruin by the
Campbells (Chapter IX.) is unknown. The old mansion-
house, still inhabited, was built by John Stewart in 1678,
as the inscriptions and dates upon it prove (see p. 185).

M
J s

M C

The Barons of Bute.

167

The coat of arms on a shield, bearing date 1678, is effaced.^
Culevin in 1506 was granted to John Makconochy and

Mansion-house of Ascog,

Alexander Makwrerdy. Both families held the lands a con-
siderable time.

1 THE LAIRDS OF ASCOG (Stuck).
I. John Stewart, Advocate ( 1673) =M Cunningham.

2. John Stewart, = Elizabeth
died 1725. I Robertson.

I I

3. John Stewart, = Margaret 4. Mary. Daughter =

died 1771 ; Murray. Sir M. S. Plcydell.

changed his name to |

Murray of Blackbarony. H ARRIET= William,

Earl of Radnor ;
died 1776.

jACOfi, Earl of Radnor.

Colonel Robert Isabels Others.

Stewart. (i) John M' Arthur
of Milton.
I
John
M 'Arthur.

I
5. Archibald
M'Arthur Stewart.

1 68 Bute in the Olden Time.

In 1680, Culevin, disponed by Robert Stewart of Kil-
chattan to Charles Stewart of Ballintoy, was acquired by
the Sheriff from the latter.

The lands of Scoulogmore in the middle of the fifteenth
century were in the hands of Cristin Leche, who paid rent to
the Crown. Gilbert Cunningburgh received a grant of the
lands, and was succeeded in 1506 by his son William. They
included the marklands of Kerenevin, Keremorane, Mydscow-
lok, and Nether Scowlok. On Keremorane there was situ-
ated a cemetery, relics of which were turned up by the plough
during this generation.

Kerryniven, Kerrymoran, Mid and Nether Scoulag, disponed
to Argyle in 1643, were exchanged by the sheriff for lands in
Cowal in 1666, on payment of 40 merks feu-duty and a twelve-
oared birline, and on Argyle's forfeiture were confirmed to
Sir James Stewart in 1683.

Kellisloupe, which paid dues to the Constable of Bute at
first, and afterwards was rented from the Crown by a family
of Stewart, was granted in 1563 by a charter to Robert
Stewart, second son of James, the Sheriff at that time.

The 7-merklands of Kelspokes, held by Robert Stewart of
Kerrycroy in 1558, which Alexander Stewart disponed to
Ninian Stewart of Kilchattan in 1622, were resigned to Sir
James Stewart in 1649.

Ambrismore mill and Ardnahoe lands were possessions of
members of the Glass family in the fifteenth century ; but, in
1 546, Robert Glass disponed of the reversion of the mill to
the Sheriff of Bute.

The Crown lands of Ambrismore, which in 1498 were in
the hands of David Lyndesay, husband of Eufame Stewart,
were in 1 506 granted in heritage by James IV. to Ninian

The Barons of Bute. 169

Stewart, Sheriff of Bute, whose descendants in the cadet
branch continued to hold them till William Stewart sold
Ambrismore to Sheriff Sir J. Stewart in 1696.

Ewin Makconochy was granted a charter of Ambrisbeg in
1506, and his descendants held these lands till 1865, when
Alexander M'Conochy, known as Baron M'Conochy of Am-
brisbeg, sold them to the Marquess of Bute. He married
Beatrice, daughter of Andrew Haig, farmer of Kilmory, and
had one son and four daughters.

In the fifteenth century the lands of Kildavanan were held
by a family of Lech for " a yearly reddendo of two pennies or
a pair of gloves within the parish church of Bute." John
Lech succeeded his father Gilzequhome in 1429, and was in
turn succeeded by Gilchrist and David. But by 1530, Alex-
ander Stewart was in possession, and from him it passed to
Ninian Stewart, Sheriff of Bute, who had also acquired the
Kilchattans, which descended to his family. In 1664, James
Stewart of Ballinstraide was proprietor.

In 1680, Kildavanan was disponed to Charles Stewart of
Ballintoy by Robert Stewart of Kilchattan. The Earl ac-
quired the superiority in 1808.

Nether Kilmorie was in 1506 another holding of the
Stewarts, Robert then being in occupation of it. From
him it passed to his brother, Ninian of Kilchattan, who in
1 541 exchanged part of it for a portion of Largabrachtan
held by William Stewart, and in 1557 sold another small
part to M'Gillespik M'Neill.

Nether and Little Kilmory were publicly sold by James
McNeill in 1778, and the Earl was the purchaser.

Kilmory Chappel feus, held by Josias Martine and Catherine
Hyndman, were resigned to the Earl in 171 3.

1 70 Bute in the Olden Thne.

Barrone was in 1419 the property of John Stewart the
Sheriff, being held on a ward tenure from the Steward of
Scotland. In the middle of the fifteenth century part of it
was held by the king's ranger, John Scott, in payment of his
official duties. At the end of the century James IV. granted
the whole lands to David Lyndesay and his wife Eufame
Stewart.

In the redistribution of lands in 1506, Barrone was divided
between Gilcrist Makwerich of Achamor, Gilcrist Mak-
werich (or Macmorich of Beallelon), Archibald Stewart, and
Gilcrist Makconochy. Before 1554 the larger portion of
these lands had been disponed to Sheriff James Stewart

Garrach, or The Garachtys, comprising North Garochty (now
Plan) and South Garochty, has been tenanted from time imme-
morial by the family of Makkaw. Three tenants of the name
received charters in 1506 — Gilnew in North Garochty, and
Gilpatrick and John in South Garochty.

Sheriff Sir James Stewart obtained South Garrachty from
John M'Caw by disposition dated 28th December 1590. In
1699 Bannatyne of Lubas sold the Sheriff a part of Garrachty
and Glencalum.

Arch. M'Caw sold his half of North Garrachty to the Earl
in 1737.

Arch. M'Caw sold Glencalum to the Earl in 1707.

From a clare constat executed by the Marquess in 1796, it
appears that Daniel, son of James, son of Daniel, son of Gil-
new, was then portioner of the west part of South Gar-
rachty, holding in feu-farm off the Marquess for the yearly
payment of —

1. 25 shillings Scots at Whitsunday and Martinmas ;

2. I boll 3 firlots of oats, and

The Barons of Bute. 1 7 1

3. 2 bolls bear between Christmas and Candlemas.

4. One-fifth, one-twentieth, and one-thirtieth part of a

lardner mart at each Martinmas in name of feu-
duty, deducting three-ninths on account of marts
and oats from feu -duty; heirs-male doubling feu-
duty on entry.

By a settlement in 1845, James M*Kay (the last of the
Mackays), portioner, disponed the lands of South Garrachty to
John M'Kechnie, eldest son of the deceased James M'Kechanie,
merchant in Rothesay, and Mary M'Kay, and to his heirs ;
failing whom, to the heirs of James M*Kechanie, on condition
that they took the name of M*Kay. On i6th April 1875 the
Rev. John M*Kechnie entered into possession, and on his
decease in 1877, his widow, Mrs Mackay, succeeded to the
property.

In 1828, the Marquess's property extended to 103 acres 2
roods 18 falls.

In 1828, James M'Kay's property extended to 70 acres 2
roods.

On 3d November 1474, James Stewart, Sheriff of Bute,
obtained from James III. a grant of an acre of land in
Kilchattan, with liberty to erect a mill, for the yearly payment
of one mark. The remains of the great steading are still
visible. James Stewart was succeeded by Ninian in 1490,
Ninian by James in 1538, James by John in 1566.

On 8th April 161 8, Ninian Stewart renounced the mill of
Kilchattan in favour of Sir John Stewart.

The Crown-lands of Kilchattan (Little and Mickle), which
in 1498 were granted to David Lyndesay, were granted in
1506 to the occupier, James Stewart, by whose son they
were disponed to Robert of the Kildavanan family. In 1664,

172 Bute in the Olden Time.

James, son of John Stewart of Ballinstraide, was served heir
to his cousin Ninian in the lands of Kilchattan and its
mansion.

In 1680, Kilchattan (Mickle and Little) were disponed to
Charles Stewart of Ballintoy by Robert Stewart of Kilchat-
tan, but in 1698 were disponed by Charles to Sir James
Stewart.

Stravanan, in 1506, was held — one-half by John Makwrerdy,
the other by Finlay Makallan.

Kerrylamont, in 149 1, was gfiven in seisin by Ninian
Stewart to Alexander Bannatyne, in whose family it remained
till it was bonded by Ninian Bannatyne through the Sheriff,
into whose hands it passed from the Duke of Montrose in
1714.

Lubas lands were held first by a family of Lech, from
whom they passed in 1506 to the Bannatynes, and from them
to the Earl in 1707.

Hector Bannatyne disponed two farms of Lubas to the
Earl of Bute in 1723.

The Crown -lands of Langill, formerly held by David
Lyndesay, were in 1506 granted in heritage — Langilculcathla
to Donald Makwrerdy ; the half of Langilculcreich to Alex-
ander Glas, and the other half to Finlay Makwrerdy; and
the half of Langilwenach to Donald Makalester, and the
other half to John Makintailzour.

Allan Makallane obtained part of the lands of Langil-
wenach, which descended to his heirs.

Robert Stewart of Scarrel sold Langalbunach to Sir Dugald
Stewart in 1664 ; in 1672 it passed into John Boyle's hands,
and back to Sir James Stewart in 1683.

Langilquochag was in 155 1 held by John Kelso and granted

The Barons of Bute. 1 7 3

by him to Alexander Stuart, and at the same time John
Frasell was in possession of Layngill.

The 20-shilling land of Langalquochag was disponed to
Sheriff Sir John Stewart by John Stewart of Kilwhinleck on
19th September 1595.

Before 1624, Alexander Stewart, the laird of Kelspoke,
held Langilmilgay, which he passed on to his family — while
the Kilchattan branch of the Stewarts possessed Langil-
chorad and Langilkechag. Both passed into the Sheriff's
hands in 1680 by disposition of Charles Stewart of Ballmtoy.

One-half Quochag and tenement in Rothesay, through loans
to Stuart of Kildonan, fell into the Earl's hands in 173 1.

Kerrytonlia, in 1 506, was granted in heritage to Malcolm
Makfersoun.

Langalcorad was disponed by Robert Stewart to Charles
of Balintoy in 1680, and from him to the Sheriff in 1698.

Alexander MTherson parted with his portion of Kerry-
tonlia in 1762 to the Earl.

In 1698, the Sheriff acquired part of Kerrytonlia from
Charles Stuart of Ballintoy.

Ardnahoe was the holding of Angus Glass before 1506,
and descended in his family, but was acquired by Stewart,
at whose failure in 1660 it passed into the Sheriff's hands.

Birgadill or Brigadill consisted of two parts — Brigadilknok
and Brigadillowin. In 1506 the former was apportioned
between three proprietors — ^John Glas, George Kelso, and
Donald Makwrerdy. Donald soon parted with his share to
Stewart of Kilchattan ; John Kelso exchanged his for the
lands of Drumachloy belonging to Robert Stewart ; and
Alexander Glass sold his part to Robert Stewart of Ambris-
more in 1547. After other bargainings, Ninian Stewart of

1 74 Bute in the Olden Time.

Kilchattan in 1557 got part of Brigadilknok, which then
descended to the Stewarts of Ascog, Ninian becoming heir
in 1637, while the Stewarts of Ambrismore held to Birgadil-
crief. Birgadil - knock was disponed by John Stewart of
Ascog to the Earl in 173 1.

Galachane, North and South, in 1449 ^^^^ ^AA by Robert
Kynnungburgh and John Douglas. In 1533 Archibald
Kunyburte sold the holding to Duncan Makwerarty, and
their son Finlay by 1564 sold all or part of his share to
Ninian Stewart of Kildavanane.

Dunagoil (Dunguild), originally held by Makconochys
and Makcees, ultimately fell into the hands of Ninian
Stewart of Kilchattan, to whom, in 1664, James, son of
John Stewart of Ballinstraide, was served heir. In 1680
Charles Stewart of Ballintoy acquired Dunagoil from Robert
Stewart of Kilchattan, and disponed it to the Sheriff.

Bransar, held in 1506 by Gilcrist Makwrerdy, who sold it
to John M'Conquhy in 1551. It came into the Sheriff's
hands in 1699.

Bruchog in 1 506 was divided between Walter Banachtyne,
from whose heirs it passed to Sir James Stewart in 1698,
and Gilcrist Makwrerdy. The M*Vurathys clung to their
half-portion ; but Robert and Finlay M'Vurathy and Eliza-
beth Beith sold it to the Earl in 1706.

Kerrycroy in 1506 was held by John Stewart, whose
descendants — Robert, Archibald, Robert — held on till the
seventeenth century. Kerrycroy was resigned to the Sheriff
in 163s by Robert Stewart of Kilchattan and John Stewart
of Ascog.

Kerymanach in 1506 was granted in equal portions to
Finlay Makwrerdy and Finlay Makilmon, and Kerymanch

The Barons of Bute. 1 7 5

to Duncan Makconochy. Duncan sold part of his grant
to James Stewart of Kilchattan. The other two families
held to their lands.

Kerrymenoch (Stewart) became the property of the Sheriff
in 1579, and the 2-merkland there in 1 596, although it was
not till 1630 that Sir John Stewart was infeft in the latter.

Kerrymenoch, 3-merkland, was sold by Finlay and Robert
M'Vurathy to the Earl in 17 10.

Ardmoleish and Grenan, along with £\o yearly out of
the feu-duties of Bute, were on nth November 1400 part
of the remuneration of John, the Steward of Bute, and were,
along with the mill and multures of Grenan and Kilcattan,
held by the successive Sheriffs of Bute, being in turn
resigned and anew received by each holder of that office.^

In 1590, Sheriff John Stewart obtained, along with this
grant, the patronage of Kingarth.

Sir Dugald Stewart granted his cousin James of Kil-
donan the mill of Greenan in 1668.

On 31st March 1618, Sir John Stewart disponed of the
Barony of Ardmaleish, with Mid-Ascog and Kneslagloan,
to his son James.

Scarale or Skarellis, another Crown holding, was in 1 500
in the hands of Richard Banachtyne, in whose family it
remained till 1696, when it was disponed to Sir James
Stewart by Hector Bannatyne.

The Camys or Kames lands, also called Bannachtyne,
were held long before the fifteenth century by Bannatynes,
there appearing before 1491 Thomlyne of Bannachtyne, in
1495 Ninianeof Kames, son of Thomlyne, and Robert, son

* Third Report, Hist. MSS. Commission, App., p. 402.

1 76 Bute in the Olden Time.

of Ninian. Their whole property consisted in 1475 of
Achynhervy (Auchantirie), Ardroscadale, Cuarfanenbeg, Cuar-
fanen, Easter Karnes, and Kilmachalmaig. In 149 1 Ninian
had built the mill at Karnes. In 1506 Auchantirie had
passed into the hands of James Stewart and Archibald
Makgillespy, and then from Stewart to Donald Maknele.

The Bannatynes of Karnes traced their descent from Gilbert
of Bute, who lived in the thirteenth century, and whose son
Gilbert was royal bailie of the isle, collecting the dues in the
time of Robert I.

John, son of Gilbert, held the Castle of Rothesay in Baliol's
interest in 1334, and seems to have died before 1372. Kames
Castle was probably built in the fourteenth century.^

The family, as shown in Chapter IX., came into great
prominence in the seventeenth century. Hector, who became
laird in 1623, on the death of his father Ninian, was Commis-
sioner from Bute to the Scots Parliament of 1641. He
married a daughter of Patrick Stewart of Rossland, and his
son Ninian married Isabella, daughter of the sheriff. Sir
James Stewart. Ninian's son Hector married Marion Fair-
holm and had a son James, who succeeded to the estate, and
a daughter Isabella, who married Roderick M'Leod, Writer
to the Signet.

Isabella's son, William M'Leod, succeeded to the estate.
He became Lord Bannatyne, and died 30th November 1833,
at the advanced age of ninety-one. He commenced to build
Port-Bannatyne, and enlarged the old keep of Kames. His
sister Isabella married Dr Maclea of Rothesay.

In June 1810, Mr James Hamilton, W.S., bought the

^ For Uie description of the castle see Chapter IX.

The Barons of Bute. 1 7 7

estate.* In November 1854, Mr Duncan Hoyle bought the
property from the Rev. James Alexander Hamilton, son of
James. Mr Hoyle disponed the estate to the Marquess of
Bute on the nth November 1863.

It includes the following lands: Kames, Wester Kames,
Edinbeg, Edinmore (excepting burying - ground), Kneslag-
morie, Kneslagloan, Acholter, North St Colmac, part of Kil-
machalmaig, St Colmac ; together with the teinds of Acholter,
Edinmore, Easter Kames, including the East, Upper, Middle,
and Lower Butts of Oughtas, the Point-house Butt, the Butt
of Rullihaddan and the Gartown's Butt, Wester Kames,
including the Butt of Tree House, the Butt with the mill of
Wester Kames, together with the lands of Edinbeg, the lands
of Kneslagmorie, North St Colmac, with the said part of the
Muir of Kilmachalmaig, as also the superiority of the Mill of
Attrick and mill-lands, multures, and sequels of the same ; as
also all and whole the lands of Lennomolloch and others
within the Burgh of Rothesay.

The lands of Wester Kames were anciently held by the
Spens family, who, like the Leches, were servitors of the
Royal House ; and in 1445 we find the Royal Chamberlain
paying lis. lod. for 130,000 slates quarried in the slate-
quarries of Bute by Robert Spens, and sent to Dumbarton to
repair the king's castle there.* In 1506, Donald was laird of
Camys and Kerslak (Crioslachmorie .?). The family held the
lands into the seventeenth century, when in 1670 Margaret
Grahame was entered as heiress of her mother Margaret
Carnegie in the lands of Kneslag, Edinmoir, Auchiltir, and
Wester Kames with its mill.

' See vol. i. p. 46 ; Reid's * Hist.,' p. 250. " * Excheq. Rolls,* vol. v. p. 210.

VOL. II. M

1 78 Bute in the Olden Time.

Wester Kames Castle is a modern house, probably not so
old as the close of the seventeenth century, in exterior
measurement 25 feet long and 21 feet broad, and two storeys
in height. A circular tower at the south-west corner, 9 feet
6 inches in diameter, serves for the staircase. The walls are
2 feet 6 inches thick. The lower floor has been divided for
two vaulted chambers.

^^h^.

)sd* tf Ikst.

Wester Kames Castle,

What its proper name originally was I cannot determine,
although I suggest that before it took the name of Wester
Camys (1616) it was known simply as the house of Spens,
since we find in 1447 the Constable of Bute was designated
Finlay de Spens — Finlay of Spens ; and from the thirteenth
century downward several of the name Spensa, Dispensa,
are mentioned as Government officials.

Kneslagloan and Moss of Lagmorie were sold by the Earl
of Radnor (descended of Stewart of Ascog) to the Earl of
Bute in 1801.

On
CX)

The Barons of Bute, 1 79

Sir John Stewart, on the resignation of Kneslagloan by
Hector Bannatyne of Kames, obtained a Crown charter for
it in 1615.

Crioslachvourathy in 1506 was granted to John Stewart,
from whom it descended to Sir John Stewart of Kirktoun,
the Sheriff of Bute, in 1658.

Shawlunt before 1496 was the holding of William Banna-
tyne, in whose family it remained till 16 — . It was disponed
by John Stewart of Ascog to the Earl in 173 1.

The Crown -lands of Dunallunt were divided into four
portions. King James IV. granted part of them to David
Lyndesay.

In 1506, John Makwerich held half of Nether Dunallirde ;
Muldony Makgillemichell, half of Dunallirde Makgillemichell ;
Finlay Makcaill, Gildon Makintare, Finlay Makgillemichell,
a third part of Dunallirde ; Alexander Banachtyne, the lands
of Ovir Dunallirde ; Sheriff Ninian Stewart and his wife,
Jonet Dunlop, the other half of Nether Dunallirde, the other
half of D. Gillemichell, and all the lands of Largilyane;
Malcom Makconachy, the lands of Kyngawane.

These properties, in the beginning of the seventeenth
century, were held by Gilbert Mactyre, John Bannatyne of
Kames, Francis Jamesoun, the Crowner, and the Sheriff.

The 3-merkland of Dunalunt was sold by John Bannatyne
to Sheriff Sir John in 1607, was conveyed to Sir James in 1623.

In 1699, Largizean was acquired by the Sheriff from Ninian
Stewart.

In 1506, Barmor, part of Barnauld, Kerrycrusach, were
holdings belonging to members of the Glas family. Half of
Barnauld belonged to Niel Jamesoun, otherwise called Niel
M*Came, and descended in the M'Kame family.

i8o Bute in the Olden Time.

Bamauld passed from hands of Robert Kerr to the Earl of
Bute in 1705.

Kerrycrusach was bought by the Sheriff from John Stewart
in 1601.

Quien, in 1506, was granted to Donald Makeany and Gil-
new Makilwedy, the latter of whom seems to have disponed
of his portion to the Sheriff about 1529.

In 1506, John Makilkeran held half of Scalpsay, and two-
thirds of Ardscalpsay ; while Robert Stewart held the other
half of Scalpsay, and John Makkay the other portion of Ard-
scalpsay. In 1503, the south half of Scalpsay was disponed
to William Stewart of Ambrismore. In 1699, Stewart of
Kerrymenoch disposed of part of Ardscalpsie to Sir James
Stewart

Kildavannan was held blench of the Crown by Gilze-
quhome Leich, whose son John succeeded in 1429. He
seems to have been succeeded by Gilchrist, who also held
Scoulogmore and Kerrylamond, and in 1466 granted a
Charter of Kildavannan to his son David Leich.^

Largobrachtan, in 1 506, was possessed by William Stewart,
who in 1 54 1 exchanged it for Nether Kilmorie and a money
payment from Ninian Stewart.

In 173 1, John Stewart of Ascog disposed of Largivrechtan
to the Earl.

Cogach was granted to Archibald and John Bannatyne,
but it soon fell into the hands of Ninian Bannatyne of
Kames and Ninian Stewart of Kildavanan, the latter of whom
in 1547 also obtained from Robert Makkamy the lands of

' Reg. Mag. Sig.,' vol. vi., Pref., p. xcviii.

The Barons of Bute. 1 8 1

Maknaught (or Manach — />., Mecknoch), which he in turn
sold to James Stewart in Little Kilchattan.

Stuk, in 1500, was held between John Spens and John
Bannatyne. In 173 1 it passed from John Stewart of Ascog
to the Earl.

Lapennycale was the heritage of the Makneills, Ferquhard
holding in 1506, and his grandson Ferquhard in 1555.

Row, disponed by James Lamont to John Stewart of Ascog
in 1672^ was sold to Sir G. Mackenzie in 1681.

Tawnich was acquired from John Campbell of Auchawillig
by James, Earl of Bute, in 1709.

Lenihall and Lenihulline (David Bannatyne's) were acquired
by the Earl in 1701 and 17 10 respectively.

Clonshamerag, in 1506, was granted to Robert Stewart
of Kerrycroy, who gave it to his brother James. In 173 1, it
was acquired by the Earl from John Stewart of Ascog.

Drumachloy was, in 1 506, held three-fourths by Alexander
Bannatyne and the other fourth by John Stewart. Robert
Stewart of Ambrismore bought John's portion in 1541, and
exchanged it with John Kelso for Birgadillowin, so as to
extend his property in that district.

Part of Drumachloy and Auchintirrie, belonging to Stewart
of Kelspoke, were added to the SherifFs lands in 1585.

Kilwhinlick, in 1506, was granted to Alexander Stewart;
Escachragane to Donald Spens; Auchawolik to David
Stewart; to Ferquhard Makneill the half of Glechnabae
and Kilmichael ; to William Banachtyne the other half of
Glechnabae ; to John Makgylquhinnych the lands of Cawn-
ach ; to Ewin and John Makkymme, the lands of Lepin-
quhillis ; to Donald Makkane the lands of Row ; to Morice
Maknachtane, Bronoch; to Donald Makewin, Boloquhreg.

1 82 Bute in the Olden Time.

Kilwhinleck was united with Kildonan in 1745, and the
lands of Kildonan with Plada, Corrigills, Kilwhinleck,
Greenan, and Penmachrie were at a judicial sale in 1790
bought by the Earl.

Eschachragane remained in the Spens family until it
was acquired by the Ascog family, from whom in 1731 it
passed to the Earl.

Glechnabae was joined to Kames in time, and one-half
passed from Janet Stuart to Earl James in 1708.

By charter, William, Bishop of Argyle, granted the ;f 5-
land of Inchmarnock to Hugh Gumming, his brother-german,
also part of it to Donald MacGilchrist on 30th April 1 540.

In 1574, James, Bishop of Argyle, confirmed the grant by
James, son of Alexander Bannatyne, burgess of Edinburgh,
in favour of Catherine his wife and their heirs, of Inchmarnock.
James Bannatyne disponed it to Sir John Stewart, to be
holden of the Bishop in 1592, ratified in 1599, and con-
firmed in 1630. Sir James Stewart feued it to John Stewart
of Ardnahoe, on whose failure in 1660 it reverted to the
Sheriff.

The lands of Inchmarnock were of the extent of £^^ and
in the seventeenth century passed from the hands of John
Stewart of Ardnahoe to a family named Carnegie, from whom
they passed in 1670 to Margaret Grahame.

Bulochreg was disponed by John Stewart of Ascog to the
Earl in 1731.

Mecknock was disponed by William Stuart to the Sheriff
in 1688 and 1714

James M*Neill excambed one-half Ballycurry for Little
Kilmory, 1761.

Charles Stewart of Ballintoy and other relatives of Robert

The Barons of Bute. 1 83

Stewart of Kilchattan disponed Ballianlay to Sir James
Stewart in 1698.

A sasine of the lands of Little Barrone, Gartnakelly,
Knockanrioch, were granted to Marion Fairlie, widow of
Sheriff John Stewart, in 1573.

Parts of Ballycaul were disponed to the Sheriff in 1576,
I577> by John M*Call and Donald M*Ilmichael ; and a part
from Campbell of Dunoon in 1707.

Ballilone, Auchamore, and Glenchromag were disponed by
Gilchrist MacMorish to James, son of John Stuart of Kerry-
croy, i6th August 151 3, and James sold the two former
properties to Sir James Stewart in 1553 and IS54, and the
latter in 1560.

Robert Allan disponed of Eschechraggan and Glenbuy to
Sir Dugald Stewart in 1669.

The Earl acquired the superiority of Kilbride in 1807.

Butt M'llmichael was sold by John M*Ilmichael to the
Earl in 1707.

Lands in Rothesay were sold by John Campbell of Dunoon
in 1707 to the Earl.

John M'Neil passed Auchintirrie to Stewart of Kilchattan
in 1685 ; John Stewart of Ascog, to the Earl in 1731.

John Stewart of Balshagrie confirmed to Sir James Stewart,
19th March 1658, the following lands: Chappeltown, Over-
Ascog, Nether-Ascog, Birgidale Knock, Largivrechtan, Tey-
dow, Balnakelly, Drumachloy, Rossland.

In 1637, Ninian Stewart of Ascog was served heir to John
Stewart of Ascog, his father, in the half of the ;f 5 -lands of
Ballinkaillie and Blackhous, of old called the ;£^5-lands of the
Forest in Bute. In 1664, Master James Stewart was served
heir in the half of these lands to Ninian Stewart of Kil-

184 Bute in the Olden Time.

cattan, his cousin. The Forest passed into the Bute estate
in 1781.

Kneslag was held by Alex. Stewart in 1552.

Ardroscadale passed from Bannatyne of Karnes to Sir
James Stewart in 1696.

Half of Bruchag passed from Bannatyne of Lubas to Sir
James in 1699, the other half from Finlay and Robert
M'Vurathy in 1706.

Kilmachalmaig and Ettrick Mill were bought from Kirk-
man Finlay in 1834.

Largizean was disponed to Sir James Stewart by Ninian
Stewart in 1696 ; and at the same time Branser, Kennygaven,
and Butts.

Kilmichael was bought from Campbell in 1702.

The lands of Ascog, Over and Nether, are held blench
of the Crown ; and Bogany, or Murray Park, now conjoined
with them, is a burgage holding.*

Archibald M*Lachlan resigned the ;f 3-lands of Ascog in
favour of Lachlan M'Lachlan, and his wife Catherine Tait,

in 1553.

In 1568, John Stewart, senior, of Kilchattan, had a gift
of the " ward and marriage of Donald M*Lachlan of his lands
of Over- and Nether- Ascog."

In 1584, William Glass of Ardenhead (Ardnaho?) dis-
poned of his portion of Nether Ascog to John Stewart,
and Marion Fairlie his wife, of Largibrachtan, who in 1 595
completed their title to the part held by M'Lachlan, and got
a charter from James VI.

John, their son, married Geills Kelso in 1605, and suc-
ceeded his father in 161 3. He held Bogany in 1609.

' See pp. 166, 167.

The Barons of Bute. 1 8 5

In 1630, John granted a charter in favour of Ninian
his son.

In 1 67 1, Margaret Graham obtained a precept from Chan-
cery for infefting her in the property ; a similar precept being
granted to John Stewart, advocate, in 1676.

The daughter of John Stewart, advocate (Margaret or
Isabel), after the death of her first husband, John M'Arthur
of Milton, married Alexander Campbell of Kirnan, and
became the grandmother of Thomas Campbell the poet.
They had three children, Robert, Archibald, and Alexander.
Archibald, after entering the ministry, emigrated to Virginia,
and had, at "Kirnan," a family. His grandson, Frederick
Campbell, afterwards Stewart, became heir of entail of
Archibald M'Arthur Stewart of Ascog, who died in 181 5.
Frederick died in 1828, and was succeeded by Ferdinand
Stewart Campbell Stewart, his brother, who disposed of the
estate in 1831 to Robert Thom, cotton -spinner, Rothesay,
who died in 1847.

By the will of Archibald M'Arthur Stewart, the poet
Campbell obtained a legacy which realised ;f4498, 15s., while
the estate fetched ;f 78,000.*

The trustees of Robert Thom sold Ascog to Mr Daniel
Macbeth in 1876, who, in 1877, sold it to Thomas Russell,
Esq., the present proprietor.

The following lands now pay stipend to the ministers of
Kingarth and Rothesay : —
The Bute estate.

The lands of Ardbeg, extending to 156 acres, belong to
Mrs Caroline Mary Hetley Pleydell Bouverie Camp-

^ ' Life and Letters of Thomas Campbell/ vol. i. p. 5. London, 1849.

1 86 Bute in the Olden Time.

bell Wyndham, wife of Lieut.-Col. Philip Arthur Pley-

dell Bouverie Campbell Wyndham, — held burgage.
The lands of Larkhall and Roodgown extend to 30 acres,

and are held by the trustees of the late Daniel

Macbeth, Esq., — burgage.
The lands of M'Kirdy's Barone extend to 21 acres, and

are now held by Archibald Mackirdy, Esq., — burgage.
The lands of Ashfield extend to 25 acres, and are now held

by John Mackirdy, Esq., — burgage.
The lands of Meadowcap extend to 17 acres, and are now

held by Mrs Ker Hall and the trustees of the late

Robert Thom, Esq., — burgage.
The Burgh lands — Westland, Wilson's Fields, Crossbeg,

Beith's Field, and East Burgh lands — extend to 442

acres.
In the burgh — Kelso's land, Fergus Fauld, &c., belong

to Andrew Wilson, Esq., — burgage.
Broadcroft belongs to Messrs A. & J. Mackirdy,, — burgage.
Buttkie and Gillies Rood are held by J. R. Thomson, Esq.,

and trustees of A. M. Scott, Esq., — burgage.
The lands of Ascog belong to Thomas Russell, Esq.
The lands of Garrachty are now held by Mrs M'Kay.

From this rent-roll of 75 holdings it can be seen that as
early as 1506 the Stewarts had 13 lairdships, the Bellendens
or Bannatynes 11, the Maconochys 6, the Mackirdys 7, the
Jamesons 3, the Glasses 3, the Makkaws 3, the Makneills 3,
the Spenses 2, in the island. This roll does not include those
estates which were ward-holdings ^ such as those of Ascog and
Kames — the latter being held, it is said, off Walter the
Steward from before 13 18. (See p. 137.)

The Barons of Bute. 1 8 7

The fourth kind of holding is designated " Burgage-hold-
ing," and is that by which Royal Burghs hold those lands
enumerated in their charters, from the Crown. The burgh
is the vassal, with this distinction, that the whole commun-
ity, not the individual, must give the service agreed upon.
Burgage tenure is thus a ward-holding, — and the magistrates
are therefore bailies of the sovereign. The terms on which
the burgh of Rothesay received its freedom are treated of in
Chapter VI.

None of the ancient mortifications or grants of land to
churches and hospitals are now preserved, save what is
represented by the teinds or tithes, payable out of all lands
to the two parish ministers of Kingarth and Rothesay for
performing their spiritual functions, and also by the glebe-
lands, which are held without any charter by the ministers.

1 88

CHAPTER VI.

THE ROYAL BURGH.

" He saw the hardy burghers there
March armed, on foot, with faces bare,

For visor they wore none.
Nor waving plume, nor crest of knight ;
But burnished were their corslets bright, . . .
Like very silver shone."

—Scott.

jHE development of the burghal system out of the
simple arrangements made for the conduct of
village communities to ensure order, peace, and
prosperity forms an interesting study. The
Celts were wont to meet in a great assembly called a Ddl
(cf' Dunburgidale), at which all questions relating to money,
war, or peace in the district were discussed by the represent-
atives from the number of land-divisions {tuaths) forming a
eland or tribe. Their judgments and rules, designated bretha,
were pronounced by the bretheman^ brehon, or judge. (The
name of Birgidale in 1440 was Brethadale, or the judgment-
assembly.)

Over every village was set a Bruighfer, or man of the brugh,
who acted as chief magistrate.* Round his house — the brugh

^ O^Curry's 'On the Manners, &c., of the Ancient Irish,' vol. i. pp. clx, ccliv.

< .
o ?•

o ^

- I

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o

Ui
X

The Royal Burgh. 189

— the village, which was the prototype of a borough town,
was built Similarly in later times the Norman baron's castle,
or the abbey or cathedral, became the centre of security round
which the citizens gathered to form a community, with privi-
leges granted by their lord, and afterwards confirmed by the
king and Parliament Burghs were combinations for protec-
tion, freedom, and commercial enterprise. They formed a
valuable balance to the great feudal lords, with their immense
retinues of grasping vassals. The ancient burghs, which had
existed from time immemorial when the soil was all folc-land,
or common, in many instances, in the reign of William the
Lion (1165-1214) obtained written charters detailing their
privileges. In districts where the king was compelled to
erect a castle to keep his subjects in check, the burgesses
of the adjacent burgh — the king's milites or isoldiers — obtained
lands and benefits direct from the Crown. The burgh, like
Rothesay, paid its cess direct to the Royal Exchequer. One
qualification of a burgess was possession of a " toft " or rood
of land within the burgh, for which he paid rent to the
king's or to the town's bailie {bcUlivus) — the latter being also
sworn to serve the Crown. In the castle the king always
had his own officer— Castellanus, or Constable, as in the
case of Rothesay. The burgh sent a representative to the
Scots Parliament The advantageous situation of Rothesay,
fronted with a sea full of fish, and affording a secure
anchorage for craft, watered by streams sufficient to drive
the indispensable corn-mill and waulk-mill, surrounded by
fertile food-producing soil, and guarded by a powerful fort,
made it suitable for a free burgh. King Robert III. in 1401
advanced it to the honour of a Royal Burgh by the following
charter : —

I90 Bute in the Olden Time.

Translation of the Charter of the Burgh of Rothesay.

" Robert, by the grace of God King of Scots, to all the pro-
pertied men, cleric and laic, of his whole land. Greeting, — Know
ye that we have given, granted, and, on behalf of ourselves and
our successors, for ever confirmed to our beloved and faithful men
of our town of Rothesay, that they and their successors henceforward
be our free burgesses ; and that they and their successors for ever
may have, hold, and possess henceforward the said town as a free
Royal Burgh, from us and our heirs, for ever, by all the just, ancient,
allotted bounds of that burgh, with all the privileges, liberties, ad-
vantages, assedations, and just pertinents whatsoever belonging,
or in any manner whatever in future effeiring justly to belong to a
free Royal Burgh, as freely, quietly, fully, wholly, honourably, well,
and in peace, in and by all things, as any burgh within our realm,
either by us or our predecessors, Kings of Scotland, is more freely
conceded or given to any burgesses on account of Service to the
King, — the use and wont of a Royal Burgh: inhibiting strictly
that no merchant, stranger, or such person whatsoever, buy or sell,
make or make use of, anything for sale contrary to the liberties and
privileges of our said burgh, within its ancient estates and bound-
aries, under every penalty which, according to the laws of our
kingdom, is bound to follow thereupon. In testimony whereof,
we order our seal to be appended to the present charter, — the
witnesses being, the venerable fathers in Christ, Walter, Bishop of
Saint Andrews, Gilbert, Bishop of Aberdeen, our Chancellor ; our
most dear first-bom, David, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick
and Athole; Robert, Duke of Albany, Earl of Fife and of
Meneteth, our brother-german ; Archibald, Earl of Douglas, Lord
of Galloway; James of Douglas, Lord of Dalkeith, and Thomas
of Erskine, our dear cousins and officers, — at our Castle of Rothe-
say, the twelfth day of the month of January, in the year of grace
one thousand four hundred [i>., 1401] and in the eleventh year
of our reign." ^

^ This charter in Latin is printed with many inaccuracies in Reid's ' Ilist. of
Bute,' App., p. 257.

The Royal Burgh. 191

King James VI. in 1584 confirmed this charter: —

Translation of the Charter of Confirmation and Novo-
DAMUS OF THE BuRGH OF RoTHESAY, dated Feb. 19, 1584.

" James, by the grace of God King of the Scots, to all good men
of the whole earth, and to our clergy and laity. Greeting, — Know
ye, whereas we, understanding that our burgh of Rothesay, situated
in the island of Bute, was formerly, by our most noble progenitor,
Robert, by the grace of God King of the Scots, the third of that
name, erected into a free Royal Burgh, and endowed with liberties,
privileges, and immunities, like as pertains to any other free burgh
within our kingdom, even as the infellment given to the said burgh
under the Great Seal of the said King Robert the Third, at the
Castle of Rothesay, the twelfth day of the month of January, the
year of our Lord one thousand four hundred, in itself more fully
bears. And, as according to the tenor and strength of the said
infeftment of the said burgh, the burgesses and inhabitants in all
time past have been in use, and wont to elect and have Provosts
and Bailies holding burgh Courts for the administration of justice
in the same, creating burgesses, buying and selling wine, wax, wool,
bread, fish, fiesh, and other kinds of merchandise and victuals, and
having trades of any kind, and having a vote by their commissioners
appearing in our Parliament, and in those of our predecessors.
Rendering the established proportion of the burgh and other duties
into the Exchequer, letting, occupying, and using their lands and
customs within all the bounds and limits underwritten, with liberty
to raise the same off all their lands and limits, and with every
privilege of a free burgh. Therefore, considering their respectable
character from time immemorial, used and wont, and in consideration
of their good faith, and the gratuitous service rendered to us and
our predecessors by our said lieges, and the inhabitants of the said
island and burgh, who were always, without exception, faithful
in voluntarily bringing aid to us. For which causes our free
will is, and we hereby notify to them, that they shall have the
liberty and power hereby granted of a weekly market, and two
free fairs annually, to be held in our foresaid burgh in all time
coming, to the great and evident advantage and benefit of all

192 Bute in the Olden Time.

the inhabitants of the said burgh and islands of Bute, and others
resorting there, and in order that the buildings and government of
the same may advance and increase. Therefore the said charter of
donation and concession made by our said most noble progenitor
Robert the Third, by the grace of God King of the Scots, to our
and his chosen and faithful men of the said burgh of Rothesay, and
their successors, with all the liberties contained in their said charter,
to be holden of himself and his successors as a free Royal Burgh for
ever, by our order having been seen, read, and inspected, and care-
fully examined, found whole entire, nothing erazed, not cancelled,
nor in any part suspected, and fully understood in this form.
[Here follows the charter of 1401, verbatim.] Which Charter,
with the donations and concessions contained in the same, in all its
points and articles, conditions, clauses, and circumstances whatever,
in all things and by every form, and the same in effect as said is, we
approve, ratify, and for us and our successors perpetually confirm, and
also of new make, constitute, erect, and confirm the burgh of Rothe-
say a free Royal Burgh, with privilege and liberty of territory, and
liberties within all their limits following, of which the foresaid
burgesses and their predecessors were possessors — ^namely, over the
land lying between the lands of Ascog and Kerrycrusoch on the
east lowest* in the original by mistake], the burn of Bamauld on
the south, the lake called Lang-loch, the lands of Chappletown,
Ballyloan, Meikle Barone, Eskachragan, Acholter, Cranslagmory, and
Easter Kames on the west and north-west respectively, and its sea
on the north from the one boundary to the other. And over the
sea, beginning from the island of Pladda on the south, verging from
thence to the west towards the Kyles, and the straits between Arran
and Kintyre, Argyle and Bute, and Loch Ridden to the Clochstane,
comprehending all the Kyles of Bute and Loch Stryin on the north,
and from the foresaid Clochstane to the foresaid island of Pladda,
comprehending the station of Cumbray, the station of Fairly, the
station of Holy Island in Arran, otherwise called Isle Malathe.
Giving, granting, and committing to the foresaid Provost, Bailies,
Council, and community of the said burgh, and their successors, all
the privileges, liberties, and immunities of any free royal burghs
within our kingdom, and giving them full power and liberty, in all

Tlie Royal Burgh. 1 93

time coming, to elect, and have annually, within the said burgh, a
Provost, Bailies, Councillors, and Officers, holding, having, maintain-
ing, and continuing burgh courts, for regulating and governing the
burgh, and for the administration of justice to the inhabitants of the
same, and others whose interest it is to' be admitted free burgesses ;
and for service of the same, to possess, have, and sell, within the
burgh, wine, wax, leather, hides, wool, bread, fish, flesh, and other
kinds of merchandise and victuals used in other burghs within our
kingdom, and to sell and buy, as is usual with fishmongers, wool-
dealers, tailors, shoemakers, and all other trades \ to have a market-
cross and justice-seat within the said burgh, a weekly market
(keeping and observing the Sabbath-day), with common and public
fairs and markets, two of them in the year, the one on the twenty-
second day of July, the other on the twenty-third day of October
annually, and both the fairs continuing for the space of eight days
immediately following the first, for the buying and selling of every
kind of goods and merchandise, with every liberty and privilege of a
free fair, to receive and raise all kinds of customs, and other duties
used and wont in the same, and to receive whatever is usual in other
free burghs within the kingdom. And also, with full power to
receive and raise off whatever is destined for the foresaid weekly
market, as said is. And also, in the said other annual fairs, all
customs of goods and corn, and other customs, duties, and profits in
use and wont, paying the magistrates, officers, and customers of the
said burgh, like any other burgh within our kingdom in times past,
with proclamations, statutes, acts, and ordinations, for ruling and
governing the foresaid market days, and other fairs, causing to be
set forth the meaning of the said customs and other duties used and
wont. Moreover, for us and our successors, according to the tenor
of our present charter, we give and grant to the magistrates and
inhabitants of the said burgh, present and to come, a free port and
harbour for ships in the bay and station of the said burgh of
Rothesay and Kyles of Bute, the stations of Cumbray, Fairly, and
Holy Isle, and all others within the foresaid bounds, with free
entrance and exit for ships and boats, for carrying burdens with
all kinds of goods and merchandise not prohibited by our laws
and acts, with all privileges and liberties of a free port, and recep-

VOL. II. N

194 Bute in tJie Olden Time.

tacle for ships, with power for the support of the foresaid port, to
receive and raise off goods, merchandise, ships, and boats, carrying
and transporting into the market of the same all kinds of lesser
customs and other duties received by whatever magistrates, officers,
and customers of any burgh within our kingdom, to this effect, to
elect and have the usual customers with coquets, and their clerk of
coquets, in the usual form, rendering annually to our Exchequer an
account of all and every thing in the said burgh liable to pay dues,
and returning the same according to use and wont of the same — viz.,
of all and each lesser customs and other duties pertaining to a free
burgh and port to be applied to the use and advantage of the said
burgh and the magistrates of the same. Yet all the greater customs
you shall save and reserve for us, and deliver an account of the same
annually into our Exchequer. With power to the magistrates,
councillors, and community of the said burgh, present and to come,
to rent, grant, and feu all the lands within the foresaid bounds and
liberties of the same to the inhabitants, burgesses, and others within
the said burgh, and to no others, it being for the use and advantage
of the said burgh and its inhabitants. And as it appears very
expedient and convenient to give and set to them the commons,
revenues, and customs of the said burgh, proclaiming the same
annually, commonly called *to roup' and set the revenues and
customs, without diminution of the same, to be set or otherwise to
be collected by the treasurer of the said burgh, for the advantage
and use of the said burgh and its inhabitants, bringing a proportion
thereof to be paid annually into our Exchequer, according to this
manner of holding. And generally all and every privilege, liberty,
and advantage pertaining to a free burgh, free fairs, market days, a
port and receptacle for ships, to be used and exercised as freely as
any other magistrates or officers holding the same privileges use
within our kingdom in times past or to come. To hold and have all
and whole the said burgh of Rothesay, and the limits and liberties
of the same by land and sea, as is above specified, with the liberties,
privileges, advantages, immunities, and others specially and generally
above mentioned, to the said Provost, bailies, councillors, and com-
munity, and their successors, of us and our successors in feu and
heritage, as a free Royal Burgh for ever by all the meiths and limits

The Royal Burgh. 1 95

of the same as it lies in length and breadth, houses, biggings, gardens,
orchards, cattle, plains, moors, seas, roads, paths, standing waters,
rivulets, meadows, grass, and pastures, mills, multures, and their
sequels, together with fowling, hunting, fishing, peataries, turberies,
with coals and colliers, mines and miners, smiths, braziers, brewers,
also forests, groves, underwood and twigs, wood timber, quarries,
stones, and limestone, with courts and their issues, heriots, bloodwits,
and mercheat of women, or the profits and escheats of the same.
With common pasture and free entrance and exit to it, and with all
and each other liberties, accommodations, profits, and assedations,
and their just pertinents whatever, as well not named as named, as
well under the earth as above the earth, far and near to the limits of
the foresaid burgh, with the privileges, offices, and immunities per-
taining or justly belonging to the same, to be in force in this manner
in future, freely, quietly, fully, wholly, honourably, rightly, and in
peace, without any revocation, contradiction, or obstacle whatever.
The said Provost, bailies, councillors, and community of the said
burgh, and their successors, now and in future, giving from this time
annually to us and to our successors the annual duty of the burgh,
amounting to six pounds, at the usual terms, with the service of the
burgh used and wont in the usual manner. In testimony whereof,
this our present Charter of Confirmation, to which we order our
Great Seal to be set before these witnesses : — Our dear cousin and
councillor, James, Earl of Arran, Lord of Evandale, and Hamilton,
our Chancellor ; the most reverend and venerable fathers in Christ,
Patrick, Archbishop of Saint Andrews ; Walter, Commendator of our
Priory of Blantyre, Keeper of our Privy Seal ; our dear friends and
councillors Lord John Maitland, of Thirlstane, our Secretary;
Alexander Hay, of Easter Kennet, our Registrar of the Rolls and
Council Clerk; Loudovic Bellendin, of Auchnoule, knight, our Justice
Clerk ; and Robert Scott, our Director of Exchequer. At Holyrood
House, the nineteenth day of the month of February, the year of our
Lord one thousand five hundred and eighty-four, and of our reign
the eighteenth.^

' I have given Mr Reid's translation of the charter of Atra^A/amMx, as its sections
make it clear to the general reader — ' Hist.,' App., p. 262.

196

Bute in the Olden Time.

The following illustrations of the original coat-of-arms of
Rothesay are photographed from impressions out of the
matrix designed by Mr John Mackinlay to correspond to
the impressions of the old seal.

Old Seal of Rothesay Burgh {obverse).

At present Rothesay has not matriculated any armorial
bearings, but the burgh uses party per pale, the dexter side
argent ; a castle triple-towered between in chief, on the dexter
a crescent, and on the sinister a mullet, and in base a lymphad,
sail furled, the sinister side being the Stewart or, a fesse
cheeky azure and argent. The seal represents the foregoing
arms, with the legend —

" LIBERTAS • DATUR • VILLiE • DE • ROTHISEA
PER • ROBERTUM • STUART • REGEM • SCOTTORM."

Tfie Royal Burgh.

197

This latter legend is incorrect, as may be seen from the
accompanying illustrations, which read —

"villa de rothissa liberius datur
per robertum stuart regem scotorum."

The translation is, " Town of Rothesay, it is given more freely
by Robert Stuart, King of Scots" — the reference being to
these words in the original charter, " liberius conceditur, seu
datur."

Old Seal of Rothesay Burgh {reverse).

According to the Town Council Records, in 1823 Mr John
Mackinlay presented a new reverse for the ancient seal, which
had been lost about a century before. The seal was afterwards
found in a field near Loch Fad, and lost again.^

In a deed dated 1490, the Cross of Rothesay, called M*Gib-

Town Council Records ; Reid's * Hist.,* p. 121.

igS Bute in the Olden Time.

bon's Cross, was stated to be in the middle of the street,
— " Crucem medie vie, vulgariter nuncupata Crux M'Gibbon."
In an old engraving, the cross appears before 1681 as a Latin
one, standing on a square pedestal approached by seven steps.^
It was removed in 1768 by the Town Council.

" Near the town-house stood till lately the market-cross, a small
octagonal mound, surrounded on all sides by a stair, and ending in
a single stone on top, wherein a stone pillar, six feet and a half
high, was inserted, having on the transverse a figure of the cruci-
fixion. On each side, instead of the two thieves who suffered on
the momentous occasion along with the Saviour of the world, were
placed, in two shields, the arms of the burgh of Rothesay. In one
a castle proper, in the dexter chief a crescent, and in the sinister a
mullet, both tenny ; middle base, a sloop sable, with its sails furled
up and colours flying, as if before the wind ; and in the other, or,
the fess cheeky, azure and argent ; these are impaled together on
the Corporation seal, with the following inscription around:
* Libertas datur villae de Rothesay per Robertum Stewart, Regem
Scottorum.*"*

The Registers and Records of the burgh only go back to
the seventeenth century, the previous records having either
been removed by Cromwell's soldiery or destroyed in unsettled
times. Vol. i. of the Council Minute-book begins at ist Feb-
ruary 1654 and ends at 9th October 1673 — the Record of the
Burgh Court extending over the same period ; vol. ii. begins
at 9th October 1673 and extends to 25th November 172 1.
Vol. i. of the Old Maill-book begins in 1642 ; vol. ii., in 1659 ;

1 From the absence, in the engraving, of the town-house of the Sherifi^ built in
1681, I assume this date.

' Blain, p. 306. In its place a pillar was to be erected at the southmost corner
of the Tolbooth, but this was never done. Probably the bridge in Montague
Street, built at this time, swallowed up the displaced stones and cross.

The Royal Burgh. 1 99

vol. ill. has no date ; vol. iv., in 1689. The Sheriff Court
Records date from 1661.

Some of the laws sanctioned by Parliament and obtaining
in the early burghs are very strange and amusing.^

Every burgess, for each rood of burgage land, shall pay the
king 5d. yearly.

Every new burgess had to swear fealty to the king, his
bailies, and the burgh community.

All imported merchandise, save salt and herrings, shall not
be sold from ships.

A thrall living in a burgh a twelvemonth and a day un-
challenged shall remain free.

The king's burgess, no other, might have an oven on his
own land.

The king's bailie shall neither be a tavern-keeper nor a
baker (thirteenth century).

A burgess may sell his land in the burgh.

A jury of twelve shall ordain when an old man cannot pass
to fight.

Every spoused man to answer for his spoused wife.

The burgess will sue a man in the castle at the castle gates.

Brewster-women to brew all the year through, after the
custom of the burgh.

Fleshers to sell good meat, at the sight of good men, show-
ing it in the window.

Each burgh to have a wakstaff by day, a watchman by
night.

No bondsman can be captured during a fair.

^ 'Ancient Laws and Customs of the Burghs of Scotland/ Preface, var» loc,
Edin., 1868.

200 Bute in t/ie Olden Time.

Bread, ale, and flesh to be assised.

No one without burgh shall have a brew-house unless he
there have pit and gallows, and there one brew-house only
(thirteenth century).

No shoemakers to buy skins on which ears and horns are
not of equal length.

None to cut fish for sale before the third hour in winter
and before the first hour in summer.

Cattle to be slaughtered from Martinmas to Yule.

The following passages are culled from the * Records of
Rothesay Burgh ' : —

"1660. June 27. — Enacted, that the ale be sold for twenty pennies,
and the beer for two shillings and four pennies the pint, except at
Saint Brux-day Fair, until the prices should be altered, and that the
magistrates in rotation, with some of the Council, to be chosen by
them, go about every Saturday as consters to taste the drink and set
the price thereof according to its worth.

^^ November 16. — Appointed Thursday to be the weekly market-
day, and that none go into the country to buy up goods beforehand
under the pains specified.

^^ November 26. — Two merks Scots was the allowance per day
given at this time by the Council to their representative in Parlia-
ment. They continued to pay their member for most part until the
Union.

"1665. June 30. — The whole inhabitants obliged to contribute
towards repairing the harbour.

^^ October 17. — All persons admitted burgesses to contribute a
certain proportion towards paving the public streets.

"1669. July 22. — The Laird of Loup having been prisoner in
the Tolbooth of Rothesay, a great body of armed Highlanders
arrived privately in the night-time, attacked the magistrates, broke
open the prison, and rescued the prisoner. The magistrates having,
by proclamation, summoned the inhabitants to their assistance, and
for the defence of the prison, an Act was made, of this date, for

The Royal Burgh. 201

punishing some who wilfully absented themselves, and for banishing
the jailor, who appears to have been particularly faulty.

" 1670. May 12. — In consideration of the prejudice sustained by
many in the burgh, through the retailing of wine, sack, and brandy,
and as the brewers and excise were much hurt thereby, enacted that
there should not be any wine, sack, or brandy imported into the
town during one year from that time, except so much as importers
were able to depone they had previously bargained for ; with certifi-
cation that such liquors should be brought to the Cross, and the
heads of the hogsheads or other vessels broken up, and the liquor
distributed gratis ; besides which, the importers or retailers were to
be otherwise punished at the discretion of the magistrates.

"1678. March 14. — Enacted, for the promoting agriculture and
improvement of land, that every person in the royalty occupying land
sow half a fourth part of peas in proportion to every boll sowing of
oats or bear he has, under the penalty of forty shillings.

"Enacted also, that it shalf not be lawful for any person to keep
bee-skapes within the town, except those who are worth a yearly free
rent of ;^io besides his dwelling-house and yard, or such as pay
;^io of rent to another within the same. Such as are not authorised
to keep skapes, ordained to remove them betwixt and May following,
under penalty of six pounds Scots, toties quoties^ and the loss of the
skape ; which was appointed to be uplifted by the procurator-fiscal
and employed for the town's use. The clerk and doctor are ex-
empted, and licensed to keep one skape each, although they should
not happen to be heritors or renters of land.

" Enacted also, that the public drummer have for his trouble four
shillings Scots out of each house in the town.

^^ September 20. — A general rendezvous of all the men in the
burgh between sixty and sixteen, under arms, to be made, so as a
levy of soldiers might be drawn from them for the King's service.

" October 28. — ^That, for the present expedition, the town be
divided into nine parts, and every part to furnish its proportional
quota of men, as they shall be answerable.

^^ November i. — ^The magistrates and Council impose a month's
cess to be uplifted from the inhabitants for defraying a part of the
Laird of Kames's expense in going on town and country's desire to

202 Bute in the Olden Time,

Inverary to solicit the Earl of Argyle for permission to dispense with
the militia company of Bute going to Mull, and also in compensation
to Kames for the expenses of other journeys made by him in the
public service.

"1679. May 10. — Order intimated from the Earl of Argyle to
the Laird of Kames, requiring and commanding him to have the
militia company of Bute in readiness, with sufficient cloaths, forty
days' loane, fixed arms, and a pair of spare shoes besides the shoes
on their feet, and to march with them to Achalader against the
twentieth of that month, on his Majesty's service, against the Popish
rebels and outlaws in the Highlands, the town thereupon set about
raising its quota of men.

" 1683. October 2. — A rendezvous of the militia company of Bute
having been appointed, the Town Council ordered arms to be
delivered to their quota of men. The arms consisted of a gun,
bandalier, and pike.

" 1685. April 25. — A letter having been received from the Lord-
Chancellor, ordering six score of men to be sent from Bute to join
Lieutenant-General Drummond at Maybole, the town immediately
raises its proportion.

" 1687. October 4. — Letter from the Duke of Hamilton, by warrant
of the Privy Council, produced, prohibiting and discharging this
burgh, as they would answer at their peril, from electing any new
magistrate or Council this year, and the then magistrates and Council
are, by the King's authority, signified through him, appointed to
continue until His Majesty should signify his further pleasure.

"1688. October 12. — Order of Council for dressing and fixing
the militia arms belonging to the town, that the people might be in
readiness to march on His Majesty's service.

^^ November 14. — Sir James Stewart, empowered by the Privy
Council to convene and keep together in arms for His Majesty's
service, and defence of the shire of Bute, the militia force, and to
name officers, and to do every thing else that might best conduce to
His Majesty's service and the peace of the shire. On this the
magistrates and Council imposed a month's cess on the burgh
towards defraying their quota of expenses, and made choice of four
of their number to meet and act with Sir James, and with power to

The Royal Burgh. 203

lay on further necessary burdens and impositions as to them might
seem requisite for the service, and to model, outreek, raise, and keep
in arms as many of the inhabitants as Sir James and they might
think fit.

" 1689. March 17. — The election of member for the burgh was
by poll, being the only election of that kind which appears on the
record here. By the minutes, it appears the burgesses compearing
were one hundred and fifty-two in number. Mr Robert Stewart,
advocate, uncle to Sir James Stuart of Bute, was chosen, the whole
having voted for him except three.

"1692. January 13. — A new valuation roll appointed to be drawn
up with respect to all the houses and lands.

^^ March 3. — The faculty roll, being that which ascertained the
tax upon trade, also to be rectified.

^^ May 20. — A levy of seamen made by the burgh for the King's
service.

^^July 30. — A poll-tax laid upon the inhabitants for building the
third part of the parish kirk, there not being any share of it laid
upon the land.

"1707. October 3. — Another ineffectual attempt made by the
town, in conjunction with the heritors of the land, to establish a
market here every Friday.

" 1761. January 9. — ^Seats in new loft of the kirk of Rothesay to
be set or sold to the highest bidder.

" 1768. August 27. — Market Cross to be removed from opposite
Tolbooth. [The Tolbooth itself was removed in 1834.]

" August 30. — The streets in Rothesay having no names, the
following are given : Castle Street, High Street, Watergate, Princes
Street, Montague Street, Gallowgate, Cowgate, New Vennel, Laed-
side. Store Lane, and Old Vennel.

1769. January 6. — Bridge over Water of Rothesay built at a cost
of ;£4i> 6s. 3d.

"1772, 1773. — Extensive improvements made on the quay,
bridges, and ro2lds.

"179 1. November ^, — Memorial sent to the Postmaster-General
anent the carriage of the mails, narrating that the two men who had
hitherto been paid jQii^ 6s. each annually for carrying mails in a

204 Bute in the Olden Time.

boat from Greenock to Rothesay three times a week had given up
the employment, and suggesting an advanced rate of payment.

"1795. ^^y 27. — It was minuted that the magistrates had been
unable to find two men willing to serve in the navy, although they
had offered a bounty of £2$ each, the above being the number
required to be raised in Rothesay by Act of Parliament.

" 1798. June 14. — New school to be built, to cost jQzA^^ ^os.
Marquis of Bute gave jQ^o and a free site. Old schoolhouse was
sold on 6th July to Archibald McAllister for £6^.

^^July 13. — Chapel of Ease erected, cost ;;^i4oo.

^^ April 12. — Sunday schools to be established."^

The Corporation of Rothesay at no time received from
the Crown of Scotland grants of lands, as some have sup-
posed, — lands not being referred to in the charter of Erec-
tion. By the charter of Novodamus the burgh has become
infeft in those lands which now form the Common Good.
Bute was especially a regal property, and was early, and
is, attached to the Stewartry or Principality, from which
it was never alienated. The wild uplands, and outfield, —
which, as a Common, and the last part of the old tribe-land,
all the inhabitants had right to graze cattle upon, — together
with those nearer pendicles for which the tenants received
no charter in 1506, were simply looked upon as subjects for
maill, and being assessed assumed the likeness of corpora-
tion property. The arrangement by which as early as
1658 the king's bailies were permitted to discriminate, as
the table shows, the King's from the Common lands, is not
extant

The following is a list of the proprietors in the burgh, the
extent of their lands, and the amount of assessment paid by

^ Reid's ' Hist.,' pp. 109-118.

The Royal Burgh.

205

them in 1689, extracted from the Maill-book of the burgh
for that year:^ —

Imprimis^ The Shireff of Bute,
His Kittys Land,

Item, his kilne and yarde . . . two roodes
Item, his two crofts called the SherefTs Crofts, some-
lyme pertenning to George M'Neall two aikers
Item, Todd's house and Rood

lib, s. d.
Summa King's Land payes 00 2 09

His Comon Land,

Item, litle Barone .... seuen aiker
Item, the Land called Lappie's fauld, three aiker,

ane rood, and ane quarter of a rood
Item, the Breckoch besyde the Lappie's fald, two aiker
Item, the Comon Land quhilk pertened to Rory

Gavin (rough Rory) . . . two aikers

Item, the Meadow wnder Barone pertenning of old

to M'llnew five roods

Item, the half meadow quhilk pertened to M'Caw

and M'Kesog at the Lochend . . six rood
Item, the meadow under Barone called Rorie's

meadow . . . eight rood (five rood)

Item, the Comone Land of Gartnakelly (the loning

excepted) .... thretty-six aiker

Item, the Comon Land of Knockenreoch

fourteen aiker
Item, the Lands Besyde Knockenreoch called Bal-

lachgoy two aiker

Item, Toidd's two faulds .... two aikers
Item, the Shireffs part of Lochend . . two aiker
Item, a fald in Grenoch called Allester raye's fald

three aiker
Item, the lands now pertaining to the Shereff former-
ly pertenning to Allester Glass . . six roods
Item, the fald called Cumres fald besyde faldrioch

two aiker

Item, Achenluib two aiker

Item, M'Kirdy Mills waird nuik . ane aiker

Item, the Meidow att Lochend quhilk peretened to

Archibald Stewart Three Roods, third part rood
Item, for James M*Kirdyes house and land in

Breckoch . . . Ane aiker, thrie rood

Summa his Common Land 8 18 06

Carry forward

King's.

K. R.

2 2

Common.

£. s, d.

2 9

2
2
2

3K
3

87 oA

8 18 6

9 I 3

^ The Maill-book begins in 1642, but the first part is much destroyed : vol. ii.
includes the year 1659; vol. iii., no date; vol. iv., 1689.

2o6

Bute in the Olden Time.

Brought forward
The Captain of Danoon, King's lands in Ardbeg and

Bank

Mr Patrick Stewart of Rosshind (Croft Loddan, Col-
lumshill, £ild pullester, the comon of Ardnahow,
Glendinom, Gowfald . . . King's lands

Common
Mr Robert Stewart of Skarrell, Croft Spagoch, Bal-
skyt, Croft Kechan, Croft Berry, Gallowsfald

Common
Mr John Stewart of Ascog, Bogany, Grenoch, Red

Robertson's land

Robert Stewart of Lochly, fald tarsin

The Baron of Grenoch (Laird of Kames)
Baillie Ninian Stewart
John Ker, Niniane son, Croftcross .
John Geally, Cordiner

Patrick M'Conachy.
Patrick Ker, Buttnapeni

William Auld

Robert Wallace, Ballachinduan

William Frazer, Weiver .
Alexander Wood, Rossyde's fald
William Hunter, Meadowcap .
Heirs of Robert Hug^in, Lagmony .
John M'Nuyer, Lenigarone, fald feiras,

''in Clan Neill a rood," fald Croggan
John M*Neill

King's
Common

King's
Common
Common

King's

house

King's

Common

King's

Common

King's

Common

King's

Common

Buttcorse,

Common

King's

Common

King's

Common

houses, King's

Common

Finlay M'llmun King's

David Stewart Common

Colin Stewart King's

Robert Stewart, Mecknock, . . . . (?)

Neall Bannatyne King's

Common

Donald Eraser King's

James Niven, Tayler .... King's
Bailie Adam Stewart .... King's

Alexander Wilsone King's

Common

Carryforward

John Moore, Buttnagaive
Patrick Moore

King's.

Common.

A. R. A. R.

2 2 ; 87 Ox's
52

6 I

3
I 2

2
I 2

5 3

1 2

2 3

2
2

1 I

2
2

2 3

20 I

4 3

69 I

31
18 3

4*3?

3 I
3

3 2
51

2*"oK

96 I 261 3A

I s. d.
9 I 3
3

2 6
226

6 3
9 6

I 6
649

336

I 17 6

I 10

2
8

7
6

7
I

I
5

6
6

8
8
9

3
6

9
6
6

9^
3

6
6

32 16 9

The Royal Burgh.

207

Brought forward
John Kelbume, The Standand tree, Croftgoune,
Broad Chappell, The golden rood, Broadcroft,
Buttnakuill, Korie's fald, " land beside Clann Pat-
King's
Common

rick in Breckoch "
Niniane Kelbume, Crofl Kairdoch

Aires of John Stewait, Balskyte
Archibald Gray
Aires of John M'Koman .
William M*Ilherran*s aires

King's

Common
King's
King's
King's
King's

Common
King's

Common
King's
King's

Common

Duncan M'Nicoll King's

Aires of Patrick M'Nicoll, Brydeshill, Croft Kerdoch

King's

Common
Donall M'Cathen King's

John Allan ....
John M'Kinlay, Cladoch, Ralivoyle

John MTyre
Robert Beith

Total

King's.

Common.

ASSKSS-
MBNT.

K. R.

A. R.

5, d.

961 '

261 a/f

16 9

4 I

8 10

2 2

3
10 10

I
2

...

4
6

...

I 2

2 2

3 '?
I 6

12 8

I 6

1 '3

I 9

,1183

283 2A

6 10

King's 118 3
Common ' ...

Total of Money

... 699
283 2 A 29 17 1

'36 6 10

From the table it appears, however, that the Common lands
in 1689 were less extensive than they are to-day, proving how
expert the bailies have been in swallowing up the unclaimed
lands and loanings in the burgh. In this procedure the
Sheriff caught them sharply, as the following minute of
Council shows: —

"10 August 1 77 1. — . . . The Magistrates and Council find
that these two faulds [Fauldreoch and Loaning fauld] are the un-
doubted property of the family of Bute, and that the doubts which

2o8 Bute in Uie Olden Time.

have been started with respect to the EarFs property in them have
not had any foundation."

The Council were in the habit of selling pieces of their
ground, as it suited the requirements of their finance. On
26th August 1762, several patches and loanings, amounting
to 48 acres, were put up to public roup at the upset price
of 19s. lod. per acre, during the running of a half-hour sand-
glass, and the only bidder was John Blain, for the Marquess,
at the price of ;f44, 12s. 6d. sterling.

Other feus were disposed of to the burgesses during the
running of an " eight-minute " sand-glass, and if the feu-duty
was not paid nor buildings erected on the stances within a
reasonable time, the ground was resumed by the Council.
The king's bailies were not such simpletons as to permit
the burgh to be robbed or impoverished by any aggrandising
neighbour, as some have imagined. Thus the supposed
spiriting away of the fat burghal possessions is a local fiction
which dissolves on the production of the Registers of Sasines
and Retours still extant.

In the Maill-book of 1642 we find "Robert Jamieson,
Crowner off Bute, his landis and heretage," but the extent
and assessment are obliterated. In the Maill-book previous
to 1689 is recorded : —

" Item, The Minister's Gleib.
Item, the croft of land with the yard following called Bishop's land,

one aiker.
Item, the house and yarde upon the toune, two roods.
Item, Buttinlyne, with the yarde at the back of John Moore's bame,

two roods and half rood."

The manse was at Townhead or Kirktoun. In 1596 the
manse is described as being situated thus: "having the

The Royal Burgh. 209

common gate of the church on the east side, the kirkyeard
on the south, the lands of Creagans pertaining to Donald
Ballentyne on the west, and James Campbell land on the
north parts." In 1660, the manse was erected in the High
Street, where part of it still remains.

The glebe was made up of the " Parson's Gleib, Bishop's
Yeard, Bishop's Croft, Bishop's Rood, Lady Rood, Mickle
Lady Rood."

The Burgh Magistrates, by a charter in 1578, gave part of
the common lands in Little Barone to Sheriff John, and on
loth August 1 77 1, in an Act of Council, the Earl was
declared to be the proprietor of Fauldrioch and Loaning
Fauld on the east side of Drumachony, and the Fauld at
the back of John M'Nab's house.

The Bush (including Broomlands, Ardacho, Fauldcruin)
passed from John Muir to the Earl in 1692, and back again
to Muir, from whom it came to Robert Wallace in 1702,
and back to the Earl in 1763.

The West Calfward was sold to the Sheriff by the magis-
trates on 23d October 1691 ; the East, on sth June 1712.

Townhead passed from John MacNuir to the Sheriff in
1693.

Lochly was disponed in 1730 by James Stewart to the
Earl.

John Stewart, advocate, held Grenach, which he disponed
to the Earl in 1780.

The Bishop's house, an extensive edifice (with office-
houses), removed in 1785 when Bishop Street was made,
was the private residence of Patrick Stewart of Rosland,
minister of Rothesay. Over the outer gateway, says Blain,
were two stones, one of which bore the inscription : " Pax

VOL. II. O

2IO Bute in the Olden Time.

intrantibus, Salus exeuntibus" — Peace to those entering,
safety to those departing. Blain concluded that this was
the ancient episcopal palace.

John Glas of Bogany became proprietor, and placed his
own and his wife's initials, with the date 1662, upon one of
the windows. It became the property of Archibald Graham,
afterwards Bishop of Sodor.

The Bishop's house, orchard, and park, called Stirling's
braes, with a malt-kiln, and one-third of Relivoyle, which
belonged to Bishop Graham, passed to his daughters, Eliza-
beth, who married Walter Grahame of Kilmardinny, and to
Helen. John, heir of Walter, disponed the property to the
Earl, and it was feued to Charles Gordon, who built
two houses on the front, which were bought by Bailie Duncan
Bruce. It was used as the parish school till 1780.

Bogany was disponed by James M'Neill, successor to
Alexander Glas in 1762, to the Earl in 1780.

By a decreet of apprizing. Sir James Stewart obtained
from John, eldest son of John Stewart of Balshagrie, 79
borough lands called Rosland in 1657, and the Earl got
sasine of them in 1780.

The mill of Rothesay was one of the most important
Crown holdings within the burgh, being evidently an ap-
panage of the castle, and under the control of the represen-
tative of the Steward of Scotland. It stood on the Lade, in
John Street. It was called " the King's Mill." To it all the
lands in Bute were "thirled," or attached for obtaining
their milling. Before 1480 the Sheriff of Bute held it,
and by an action raised by the king's comptroller against
the Bute farmers in 1511, the question was settled that
they had to pay multures to the miller, which were a royal

The Royal Burgh, 2 1 1

perquisite — although the charter of 1506 freed them of
multures. In 1522, the Lords of Session decreed against
the burgesses and farmers of the king's land for the one-
and-tvventieth peck as abstracted multures. In 1527, James
V. granted to Patrick Colquhone and Elizabeth Colville,
his wife, the mill, mill-lands, and astricted multure for a
yearly payment of 13 marks; and they in turn, in 1535,
gave their privilege to Colin Campbell and Matilda. Mont-
gomery at the same terms. The latter obtained a Crown
charter.

In 1549, James Stewart, Sheriff and chamberlain, had
a lease of the mill, which, however, in 1552 was confirmed
to Colin Campbell, who gave it to his son Donald in 1563.
In 1565, Archibald Stewart was tenant, paying of yearly
rent ;^io, 12s. 4d. Scots. In 1587, Sheriff John resigned
the mill and had a new grant of it from James VI. By
an arrangement in 16 16 with the laird of Kames, the
farmers in North Bute were permitted to mill at Atrick
on paying the legal multures to Rothesay. The Sheriff's
multures in 1658 amounted to 24 bolls of oatmeal, with
3s. 4d. in augmentation.

An excellent account of the later history of the burgh of
Rothesay and of the Isle of Bute will be found in Reid's
'History of the County of Bute,' pp. 118-175. It contains
a list of the members of Parliament, sheriffs, provosts, and
magistrates down to 1862.

212

CHAPTER VII.

THE ROMAN CHURCH.

" The reverend pile lay wild and w'aste,
Profaned, dishonourM, and defaced.

The Civil fury of the time
Made sport of sacrilegious crime ;
For dark Fanaticism rent
Altar, and screen, and ornament.*'

— Rokehy,

jHE growth of the Church of Scotland, under the
Roman form, was due to the inherent strength
of a well-graduated organisation, which moved
onward with the unflinching decision of a well-
trained host called upon to meet the incoherent forces of a
weaker body interrupting its progress. Beautiful in theory,
the Celtic system of missionary enterprise and monastic
government was in practice quite inadequate to move and
control the energies necessary to subjugate to the faith tribes
and petty nations which were ever throwing themselves at
each others' throats. The soldiers of the cross required
capable officers and suitable marching orders to enable them
to cope with the difficulties in their campaign. And these
indispensable requirements were provided by the priesthood

•S~ Maky's Chapel -BUTE'

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The Roman Church. 213

directed from Rome, who were united so closely that they
were irresistible, by reason of the accumulated powers of
christianised Europe behind them. The efforts of this
Church were substantially and unmistakably supported by
the chivalrous soldiery, who in medieval times looked upon
the Church and its domains as a sanctuary, and respected
the offices of the priesthood. The same military exactitude
which ruled in the affairs of the feudal chiefs was either the
cause of or the consequent of the precise methods of spiritual
government carried out by the Church. The alliance between
Church and State was of the closest character. There was a
seemly fitness in the existence of huge monasteries filled with
unwarlike devotees of religion, and of beautiful churches ever
resounding with worship, side by side with frowning fortresses
bristling with armed men ready for the fray. No one need
dispute the fact that the Roman Church rose to the full
height of her responsibility at the epoch when the restless
nations of Europe were overflowing their natural boundaries,
and intellectuality was being stimulated by the fresh ac-
cessions of knowledge in every department of inquiry. The
Church was far before the age.

The spirit and usages of Rome had from the eighth century
spread throughout Scotland, gradually extinguishing the
characteristic features of the Celtic Church, and leaving
very few practices in the latter to which exception might
be had. The Pope was in reality Father of the Church
now, and even into his own hands the kings of Scotland, as
pilgrims, placed their offerings and alms.

The Saxon Princess Margaret, an exile at first, then queen
of Malcolm Canmore, a most devoted ascetic and strict
adherent to the faith, was the instrument by which the'

214 Bute in the Olden Time.

transformation of the Celtic Church was completed, and
customs and rites at variance with the authorised canons
were abandoned. She gave church - building in stone a
fresh impetus in Scotland. Her lovely life and holy works,
ended in 1093, obtained for the zealous queen canonisation.
A few of the more secluded Celts, with the pertinacity
characteristic of their race, adhered still to the "old way."
But they could not stem the tide of Anglo-Norman forces
at work colonising and modernising the people, which were
at full flood in the reign of King David I., 1124-1153. The
Celtic Church was no longer the missionary power it was,
and its clergy, finding that their variance with the Church
of Rome was only in matters of ritual, not of faith, were
soon extingfuished by their more aggressive brethren. With
the zeal of his mother. Queen Margaret, David gave the
Celtic system the coup-de-grdce. He was no superficial
innovator. He completely feudalised the Church, and prac-
tically made the Pope its superior, and the various orders of
the clergy his vassals, holding rank and lands for proper
service. Where the Norman noble reared his moated hold
and gathered his mailed tenantry into a village, there the
abbots or bishops erected a well-girded abbey or neat parish
church, whose ecclesiastical officers were as easily summoned
to their spiritual posts by the church bells as were the armed
vassals to their muster at the blast of the horn. It was the
fashion to build, endow, enrich, and beautify the houses of
prayer. An old chronicler says that David covered the land
with churches, as thick as lichens. It swarmed with the
motley Orders of monks and priests, as lively as the char-
acters in Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales.* The people, too,
shared in their joys. Besides, David was a thorough poli-

The Roman Church. 2 1 5

tician, and rested the property and privileges of his people
on a sure legal basis. He codified the fugitive laws of the
ancients. He subdivided the land into dioceses and parishes.
Thus religion and law welded the nation under the Crown.
Where the heather and the rush grew David made the apple-
tree and the flowers to blossom. Andro of Wyntoun was
not romancing when he wrote of this king: —

" He wes the held* off all hys kyn.

He illumynd in his day is

His landys with kyrkys and wyth abbayis,"

His piety and liberality stimulated the first three Stewards
to build and enrich Paisley Monastery, which was one of the
richest in Scotland ; and one cannot doubt that it was his
immediate influence which led to the erection of the beauti-
ful church of St Blaan, wherein prayers were long said on
behalf of his memory.

There may be more than a coincidence in the facts that
the Benedictine monastery which Celestinus, Abbot of St
Columba, of the island of Hy, erected in lona, and the
disponing of St Blaan*s Church to Paisley, took place in
the same year, 1204. A very small clue is wanted to give
a reasonable explanation of the rebuilding of St Blaan's and
its affiliation to St Mirrin's at this very date. I imagine I
found that clue as I stood with admiration examining the
regular masonry of the Abbey Church of lona, built by
Prior Donald O'Brolchan in 1202 at the charge of Reginald,
Lord of the Isles, who at this time was Superior of Bute,

^ Beld=: model.

2i6 Bute in the Olden Time,

at least in opposition to the Steward.^ Reginald, following
the example of King David, became a patron of the Church,
and undertook the rebuilding of lona, and the settlement of
Benedictine monks there. He also erected the monastery
of Saddel for the Cistercian Order. But by this time the
church-lands of lona were in possession of the Abbot of
Derry, who was the Coarb ; or, according to another author-
ity, wholly or in part, belonged to the King.* The Abbot
of lona in 1203 was Cellach, or Celestinus, who is also be-
lieved to have been the same as the Bishop Koli or Kolus of
Icelandic writers, and the Nicolaus who inscribed his name
in runes in the cave-cell of St Molaise on Holy Isle, Lamlash.
To this Celestinus Pope Innocent HI., on the 9th Decem-
ber 1203, gave a charter confirming the erection of this
Benedictine monastery, and granting various churches and
church-lands in the Western Isles to the brethren.^ But
the remnant of old Celtic monks, perceiving that their dis-
placement meant extinction, took advantage of the old treaty
made by Columba, and called to their assistance their blood-
allies of Dalriada in Ireland — the Eoghan clan, which was
the stem of the men of Lorn — who appeared in a " hosting "
of clergy and soldiery, led by their bishops and the Abbot
of Derry with the " Derry boys."* In this congenial ruction
they demolished the new Benedictine monastery, and, in 1203,
installed Abbot Awley OTreel, a scion of the Niall blood,
as the last occupant of Columba's chair. Whither then did
Cellach betake himself for refuge ? Is it not possible that

^ 'Adamnan,' Reeves, p. 409.

^ 'Lib. Cart. S. Crucis de Edwinesburg,' p. 41.

' * Regest. Innoc. III.,' letter given in Munch 's *Chron. Man.,' pp. 152, 153.

^ 'Ann. Ulst. ;' ' Adamnan,' Reeves, pp. 410-412.

The Roman Church. 2 1 7

Reginald would direct his attention to Bute, and thither the
skilled monks came to rebuild and resuscitate the ruined
abbey of St Blaan? The son of the founder of Paisley,
Alan, would welcome them. According to Spottiswoode,
these exiled monks were of the Order of Cluny, a fact which
would harmonise with the disposition of the church of Kin-
garth to Paisley by Alan in 1204, and also explain why the
rents were never exacted. There were then two claimants
for the proprietorship of the Isle of Bute — the representative
of Somerled, and Alan, son of the victor of Somerled. It
is within the range of possibility, and even of likelihood, that
Alan — descendant of the old Eoghan stock and of Kenneth,
who had territory somewhere before he became king of the
united Scots — was Coarb of Bute — 1>., ecclesiastical heir of
Blaan, in enjoyment of the saint's lands. This privilege was
often a grant by the kings to their favourites, who displaced
the Coarbs, lineally descended from the heir of the saintly
founder of a church and accumulator of church-lands. Abbot
Nicholas could thus easily obtain a double permission to
settle there. He was an Argyleshire man himself, and from
the fact that he was buried in Bangor in 1217, it may be
assumed that he was a pupil of Bangor, mother of Kingarth.
Reginald, King of Man, was married to a lady from Kintyre,
and when he was in Ireland (1204-5) ^^ "lay have met the
Abbot, whom he promoted about this time to the bishopric
of Sodor and Man. Possibly Nicholas during his lifetime
may have been permitted to draw the rents of Kingarth to
support his episcopal office, or his elevation stopped the
settlement of the monks, and on account of the exigency
of ecclesiastical jurisdiction (Papal Brief, February 1305),
the rents would have to be accounted for to the Bishop of

2i8 Bute in the Olden Time,

Sodor and the Primate of Nidaros in Norway — not to Paisley.
If Alan, to show his loyalty to the memory of King David
and filial regard for his parents, did not in 1204 rebuild St
Blaan's, in the Norman style, to gratify his own tastes or
those of Nicholas and his masons, he at least did so by
consigning this lovely abbey church and lands to the monks
of Paisley. As Alan died that very year, it may have been
his last, his dying, gift.

The services in the Roman Church, during the heyday
of her glory in Scotland, from the twelfth to the sixteenth
century, after the total disappearance of the Celtic Liturgy,
were almost identical with those which obtain now, and
therefore demand no detailing.

The Missal, or book of public worship, contained the
service of the Mass, with the collects, epistles, gospels, &c.,
proper to Sundays and festival days.^ The Breviary con-
tained the entire offices for a year — prayers, hymns, lessons
for each hour, &c., of every day, feasts, &c The * Horae
beatae Virginis Mariae' was a manual of devotion for the
laity, containing offices in honour of the Virgin, prayers for
saints and martyrs, psalms, &c. Every reader of Scottish
history remembers the touching incident regarding William
Wallace on the scaffold and his Psalter, and what the Marquess
of Bute writes in reference to the worship of the Wallaces.
Paisley Abbey "was their parish church, and if they had
no chapel nearer home, thither they repaired at least once
every Sunday, and there Malcolm Wallace and Margaret,
his wife, took their little boys on the great festivals to listen
for hours to the solemn rise and fall of the Gregorian chant.

> 'Aberdeen Breviary,' Preface by D. Laing.

The Roman Church. 219

At least three-fourths of the public worship of this period
consisted of singing Psalms, and it was as the sublime com-
positions of the ancient Hebrew poets alternately thundered
and wailed through the Abbey Church of Paisley that Wil-
liam Wallace contracted that livelong love for the Psalms,
which lasted until he died, with a priest holding the Psalter
open, at his request, before his darkening eyes." ^

The most practical way of understanding to what extent
the Romish Church had interest and influence throughout
Scotland before the Reformation is to take the total number
of the churches, chapels, monasteries, and nunneries which
were in a flourishing condition then, and try to realise what
might have been the power of a Church manned by able-
bodied and sound-minded servants, all together actuated
by similar high religious motives, and controlled by one
imperial authority. The country was divided into 13 dio-
ceses, over which the Archbishops of St Andrews and
Glasgow presided, St Andrews being the primacy — St
Andrews, Glasgow, Dunkeld, Aberdeen, Moray, Bi'echin,
Dunblane, Ross, Caithness, Galloway, Lismore or Argyle,
Sodor and Man, afterwards The Isles, and Orkney. In
these dioceses no fewer than 1042 churches, with 546 chapels,
existed. Indeed we learn that, just on the eve of the
Reformation, there were 13 bishops, 50 provosts of collegiate
churches, 500 parsons, and 2000 vicars in Scotland. Not
only then had every one of over 900 parishes of Scotland
a fully equipped parish church, but in many of them there
were planted here ancl there at convenient places, clachans or
thickly populated districts, little baptismal chapels, at which

1 'The Early Days of Sir William Wallace,' p. 43.

220 Bute in the Olden Time,

religious services were conducted by the parish priest or his
assisting chaplains, as in the case of Rothesay, with St
Michael's and St Bride's chapels.

There were also collegiate churches, which were ruled
by deans, called provosts, who had under them several
priests and teachers, who ministered at the different altars
in these churches, and who taught the schools which were
commonly found attached to the collegiate churches. For
example, St Giles' in Edinburgh was a collegiate church,
was ruled by a provost, and had a curate, i6 prebendaries,
sacristan, beadle, minister of choir, 4 choristers — in all about
100 clerics and 36 altars.

Besides all these, there were the great monastic institu-
tions, which had been for generations the envy of the laity
on account of their rich possessions, which had increased
enormously since the time the pious people endowed the
Celtic Church with the broad lands they had everywhere
reclaimed and made fertile.

Of these there were 84 monasteries (or houses, priories,
and abbeys), in which resided the various Orders of the
monks, who were presided over by an abbot, or a prior,
or a sub-prior. And every religious house, monastery or
nunnery, had many inmates as well as officials. Each had
a praecentor, cellarer, treasurer, sacristan, almoner, cook,
infirmarer, porter, refectioner, chamberlain, hospitaller, and
others appointed for various duties.

Twenty-three convents were similarly officered.

Still further, there were the Friars or Mendicant priests of
different Orders — white^ blacky and grey friars— Observantists,
of St Anthony, Knights of St John, Knights Templars,
and Lazarites, who had together 74 houses.

The Roman Church. 221

And last, but not least, there were scattered throughout
the land no fewer than 85 hospitals, which also had en-
dowments in lands, in which the infirm were cared for,
lepers isolated, and travellers found shelter. These hospitals
were not merely dispensaries of medical aid and nourishment
for the body, they were in some cases as much churches as
the ordinary parish churches, having a master, with whom
were associated several chaplains, in order to maintain the
rites of religion among the poor and the needy.

This was the visible fabric of the powerful institution.
And in trying to realise this vast establishment in a country
whose inhabitants were not nearly so numerous as we are
at the present time, we must not forget the very quality
as well as the quantity of the visible symbols of that
universal power. And when we inspect the beautiful
remains of those sacred edifices — once the glory of this
land — which for gfigantic bulk, magnificent proportion, and
rich detail are the wonder of men, we cannot but feel that
the organisation which so impressed its thoughts and aims
upon the landscape and upon the minds of our forefathers
must have been one as rich in its intellectual and spiritual
resources as it was in its material wealth.

Edifices so grand and thought-inspiring do not seem to
have arisen in circumstances wherein those who were
compelled to rear them had become degraded and bereft
of interest in their own worldly welfare, because they had
to sacrifice so much of their freewill for the good of the
Church commanding them to work out its behests in stone.
At least I cannot suppose that a Church so rich in cultured
centres, so lavish in creating the beautiful, and so careful
for its poor and needy, could, at least when it was moved

222 Bute in the Olden Time.

to execute such memorable works, have made it an aim
to prevent its votaries enjoying the same sentiments and
desires it had pleasure in thus expressing.

The very extensiveness of the Church, its numerous
churches, and its public endeavours to meet the wants of
a pious people, always seem to indicate the very opposite
opinion to that held by many, that all these great works
were subtly planned to degrade the masses and glorify a few
in the Church under the cover of glorifying God. For it
must ever be remembered that however powerful the Church
in Scotland was, there always existed a strong lay power,
which was not constantly acting side by side with the priest-
hood — and it was often the case that the priesthood had to
throw in its lot with one or other of the contending parties in
the State — at the very time the State was nominally and
really a Catholic power. For example, Edward I. of Eng-
land, William Wallace, and Robert Bruce were all Romanists,
yet we know that the Scottish clergy were patriotic enough
to show their influence for our own countrymen, and to main-
tain the rights of the Scottish Church against the assumptions
of the Church south of the Cheviots, when they came into
conflict regarding the claims of England. And the influence
of the Church was an element in every struggle for political
power which had to be estimated by kings and statesmen.
The wealth of the Church largely lay in land, and conse-
quently its influence was territorial, and was maintained by
the tenantry and servants who owned the bishops and parish
clergy as their landlords. Every parish had church-lands of
greater or smaller extent, according to the antiquity and good
fortune of the church planted in any particular district, and
the dwellers upon these not only were called on to act in

The Roman Church. 223

defence of their superiors, but were liable to be mustered for
national enterprises. It is readily seen how the temporal
power of the clergy increased. Not only so ; their culture and
learning in the dark ages, and their knowledge of the arts
and sciences, rightly gave the priesthood a superiority over
those whose delight was in war or the chase. If they did not
suggest and compose the laws of the land, their learning at
least made them the only writers of them, and in their hands
were intrusted the preparation and preservation of valuable
documents, such as titles, contracts, &c., on which the stability
of the nation depended. This led the priesthood up to the
position of being the advisers of both rulers and ruled. And
in consequence of this we find that the superior clergy — the
bishops and thirty-two mitred abbots — sat in the Scots Par-
liament, having there an authority equal to that of the most
powerful nobles or barons.

But apart from this connection altogether a spirit of world-
liness had crept over the whole Church, and it assumed its
very worst form in the fifteenth century, when the doctrine of
justification by faith was completely nullified by the action
of the Papacy, which gave liberty to sell privileges for persons
in purgatory. That, among other abuses, such as the fleecing
of the poor by death-duties, created throughout all Europe
a feeling that there was room for reform. (Kingarth affords
one instance of that serious abuse which brought ridicule upon
the clergy, and was severely satirised by Sir David Lindsay
— namely, the appropriation by the parish priest of some
valuable article or money which belonged to a departed
parishioner in payment of religious services at death and
burial — ^when the vicar, Harbart Maxwell, in 1489, sued Robert
Stewart for seizing, probably for rent, a cow and a cloak.

224 Bute in the Olden Time.

which the vicar had got as death-dues.) This movement took
evangelical shape in England and Bohemia. There had been
other attempts at minor reformation, but these had largely
been confined to scholars, whose little schools soon broke up.
This was a popular movement. It approached the masses of
the people, and struck directly at the teaching of the Church, by
declaring salvation to be entirely based on the doctrine of justi-
fication by faith in Christ and on submission to the Scriptures.

John Wyclif (1324-1384) and John Hus (1369- 141 5) were
the great leaders of the movement The adherents of
Wyclif, called the Lollards^ were particularly active. They
went everywhere, preaching advanced evangelical doctrines ;
they opposed priestly celibacy and monastic ideas; de-
nounced the doctrine of purgatory; ordained their own
priests, and allowed laymen to preach ; objected to oaths,
wars, and punishment by death ; opposed transubstantiation ;
held art to be anti-Christian, and used the Lord's Prayer
alone of the Liturgy.

In the fifteenth century Lollard and Hussite views spread
into Scotland. But the Church was on the alert, and caused
the Lollard preachers, Resby and Craw, to be executed.
Still, their peculiar views continued to exist secretly, and
indeed to spread quickly, as soon as the art of printing be-
came common in the sixteenth century. Translations of the
Bible began to circulate among the more intelligent ; and by
the time the German Reformation, under the leadership of
Luther, early in the sixteenth century, commenced to be felt,
Scotland was by no means unprepared to accept some kind
of reform.

" During the reign of the hapless Stuart dynasty the country was
sorely tried. The author of *The Complaynt,' in 1549, attributes

The Roman Church. 225

the afflictions which his countrymen experienced, at that time, to
three main causes — the inroads of the English, pestilence, and
domestic dissension. Freebooters kept both sides of the Borders
in a state of turmoil ; Highland clans menaced or fought each other ;
the Scottish barons kept their retainers armed to ward off quarrel-
some neighbours, or to unite at the royal will against *the auld
enemy.* Circumstances like these, together with a series of national
misfortunes, rendered civil government a difficult task. Several
causes, both external and internal, were also operating so as to
destroy the influence and utility of the Church. Its territorial
power was on the wane. Feudal lords obtained benefices in the
Church, which they held in commendam^ and, by having the spirit-
ual duties attaching to the offices performed vicariously for them,
brought prejudicial influences to bear upon the Church.

" Winzet traces this deformation to two evils — the low tone of the
clergy, which ecclesiastical legislation vainly endeavoured to correct,
and the failure of the Church to ordain suitable pastors. Synodal
statutes remain to corroborate the detractory statements of worthy
defenders of the old faith, like Kennedy and Winzet, who lamented
the appointment of incapable clergy. Winzet writes : * Give ony
of 30W wyl object that the preistis, bischopis, and the clergie in our
dais hes bene blekkit with the saidis deformiteis, and [are] sa
ignorant, or vitious, or baith, and alsva sclanderous, that they are
unworthy the name of pastores, allace ! we ar rycht sorie that this
is trew for the maist part, and main' Kennedy had, in 1558, stated
the case against ' the gret men of the realme * more emphatically :
*And quhen thai have gottin the benefice, gyf thay haue ane
brother, or ane sone, ge suppose he can nolder sing nor say,
norischeit in vice al his dayis fra hand he sal be montit on
ane mule, with ane syde gown and ane round bonnett, and than
it is questioun whether he or his mule knawis best to do his
office.'

" The ruthless ravages of the armies of Henry VHL, which re-
duced Scotland * almost to a desert,' destroying on the march towns,
monasteries, and churches, contributed much to the development
of the Reformation.

"The reformed doctrines, professed by a few adherents in the
VOL. II. P

2 26 Bute in the Olden Time.

fifteenth century, were in Winzet's time alarmingly popular. Scot-
land seemed so predisposed to heresy and reform, that even the
national miseries and *the auld enemy' were made to contribute
to this liking.

" While civil and ecclesiastical power was thus shattered, the potent
ideas of Wyclif developed into the stern principles of the Reforma-
tion. At last the Church came to feel their influence through the
medium of the civil power. Indeed, from the first quarter of the
fifteenth century, when King James I. commissioned ecclesiastical
representatives to attend the reforming Council of Basle, and sent
the vigorous letter of exhortation to the abbots and priors of the
Benedictine and Augustinian monasteries, charging them to reform
and thus to save their houses, down to the Reformation, the Scottish
Parliament had frequently, by statute, incited the clergy to a more
vigilant exercise of their duties. And Parliament not only gave * the
remeid of the law ' for the outrooting of heresy, the superseding of
incapable pastors, the better regulation of spiritual affairs, and the
maintenance of the estate and authority of the Church, but Par-
liament encroached so far upon ecclesiastical prerogative as to
create strained relations between the civil and the spiritual powers.
One of the worst blows dealt by the civil magistrate against the
authority of the Church was the legal sanction granted to the
people to use the Scriptures in the vulgar tongue, in 1543, two
years after the publication of an Act for reforming * Kirkis and
Kirkmen.*

"Now the clergy discerned disaster speedily approaching, and made
strenuous efforts in Conventions and Provincial Councils to avert
the ruin impending. The Council of Trent, then sitting, fostered a
defensive spirit, which the Church wisely attempted to illustrate in
self-reformation. The General Convention and Provincial Council
which assembled in Edinburgh in 1549 honestly confessed that the
greatest danger to the Church arose from internal evils — im-
morality, ignorance, and venality. This serious judgment took the
practical shape of the vigorous canons which the Council directed
against prevalent abuses, and shortly afterwards, in 1552, of a
manual of popular instruction, known as Archbishop Hamilton's
Catechism.

The Roman Church. 227

" These well-intended efforts came too late. A few writers, roused
from lethargy, tried to waken a genius to save the Church. Their
efforts were futile." *

There is no doubt that the attempt of Henry VIII. to
impose his form of Protestantism upon Scotland also ac-
celerated the Reformation. His interference weakened the
hands of those who would have endeavoured to stamp out
the heresy with a high hand, and his invasions crippled the
power of the Church.

The military report to Henry VIII. bore, that besides 7
monasteries and friars' houses, 192 towns, towers, parish
churches, with 243 villages, had been fired and destroyed,
so that to the English soldiery, more than to the Scottish
Reformers, must we attribute the terrible desolation of the
sacred edifices in the sixteenth century.

There was another element in the Reform struggle — viz.,
the greed of the needy barons, who were lying in wait to
despoil the Church of its rich heritage, and who were not
particularly troubled with any love of the Church or of re-
ligion. This was proved as soon as the Reformation was
effected, by the niggardly manner in which these rich appro-
priators doled out the pittances they gave to the clergy, the
schools, and the poor.

To this spoliation the dissolute clergy themselves lent aid,
by accepting spiritual offices on condition that their patrons
should enjoy the emoluments along with them. And yet,
if we are to believe such a special reporter on Reformed
Scotland as Nicolaus of Gouda, the Roman clergy, for the

1 Winzet*s 'Tractates/ Pref., pp. xxi-xxv (S.T.S., edited by J. K. Hewison :
Edin., 1888).

228 Bute in t/ie Olden Time.

most part, had been faithful to their vows of ordination, and
preferred exile to enrolment in the uninfluential ranks of the
new clergfy.

From the scarcity of the material at my disposal I can do
nothing more than indicate the names of the chief represen-
tatives of the Church in Bute, and leave the reader to follow
the guidance of the general historian through the centuries
in which these bishops and priests existed, in discovering
the spirit of the times.

The following is a list of the bishops of Sodor, drawn up
by the Rev. Dr Gordon : * —

1388. John III.

1409. Michael.

1427. Angus I., son of Donald, Lord of the Isles, died 1437.

1476. Angus II.

1492. Robert.

1498. John IV.

1510. George Hepburn, Provost of Lincluden, Abbot of Arbroath,
killed at Flodden.

1524. John V.

1545. Roderike Maccallister, Dean of Morven.

1547. Farchard or Farquhar, natural son of Ferquhard Maclauchlan.

1547. Roderick M'Clane, Archdeacon of the Isles; presented to the
temporality by Queen Mary.

1553. Alexander Gordon, second son of John Master of Huntly;
titular Archbishop of Athens, Abbot of lona, Inchaffray, Glen-
luce ; Bishop of Galloway in 1558 ; died in 1576.

1558. John Campbell. " He alienated the benefice to his relations."

1 566. John Carswell, Vicar of Kingarth and Kilmartin ; Superinten-
dent, and latterly Bishop, of the Isles.

This list does not correspond with Keith's catalogue in every
particular. The most notable of these bishops — Hepburn,

^ ' lona,' pp. 99-101. Glasgow, 1885.

The Roman Church. 229

Gordon, and Carswell — made a considerable figure in their
day as ecclesiastics.

Some bishops were merely titular, and others only elected
to enjoy the temporality until a suitable bishop was conse-
crated.

George Hepburn was elected to the abbacy of Aber-
brothok on 3d February 1503. He was of the family of
Bothwell, and at this time was Provost of Lincluden, near
Dumfries. In 15 10, he was consecrated Bishop of the Isles,
and held the Abbeys of Aberbrothok and lona in commen-
dam. He accompanied James IV. to Flodden, and fell there
in 1513.

Alexander Gordon was a gay Gordon who, like many
others upon whom the Reformation came as a surprise,
thought he might have both pleasure and profit at a very
critical time, in running with the hare and hunting with the
hounds. Though of royal and aristocratic blood, he had long
waited for episcopal promotion, and when at length the
Chapter of Glasgow elected him to their see, he had, by
papal injunction, to step aside in favour of James Betoun,
although for compensation he was appointed Archbishop of
Athens. In 1553, he was appointed Bishop of the Isles and
Abbot of Inchaffray, holding at the same time the temporalities
of lona. In 1558, he was translated to the see of Galloway.

In 1560, however, he appeared in Parliament as the only
prelate who sanctioned the disestablishment of the faith, a
position he confirmed by signing the Book of Discipline, and
undertaking the oversight of the Church in his diocese,
although unsuccessful in being appointed superintendent by
his Protestant compeers. This slight seemed to have biassed
his policy. He became careless in his duties, and did not

230 Bute in the Olden Time.

appear in Assemblies, so that the brethren held him in
suspicion. They were right. By frequenting the Court he
had become a Privy Councillor and a judge, showed his
disdain of the paltry ministry, and not long after came out
in his true colours with the lords who rose in favour of their
imprisoned queen. At their request he took upon himself
to lecture the clergy on charity, and to rate them for not
praying for the queen. His argument is choice: "Sanct
David was a sinner, and so is she; Sanct David was an
adulterer, and so is she ; Sanct David committed murther in
slaying Uriah for his wife, and so did she. But what is this
to the mater ? The more wicked she be, her subjects should
pray for her, to bring her to the spirit of repentance; for
Judas was a sinner, and if he had been prayed for, he had
not died in despaire."

But the General Assembly soon brought him to his knees ;
and, although at first he despised their condemnation and
judgment to repent publicly, in sackcloth, in the three most
prominent churches in Edinburgh, — after they had excom-
municated their contumacious brother, — the haughty judge
was glad enough to supplicate the Church for peace and
make his public confession in 1576, while being spared the
sackcloth.^ The time-serving prelate survived his humiliation
only a year, but he took care before departing that his lawful
son John, by consent of the queen, should succeed to the
temporality of his benefice. He is very typical of the kind
of men who at this time blessed Scotland with one breath
and cursed her with another. Of him Spotswood said only,
"he embraced the truth"!

^ Calderwood*s * History of the Kirk,' var, loc.

The Roman Church. 231

John Carsevvell was much after the same model. He was
a cunning Gael. In 1540, he was incorporated in St Salvator's
College, St Andrews, of which he took the degree of B.A. in
1 541, and of M.A. in 1544. He became chancellor of the
Chapel Royal, Stirling, rector of Kilmartin, and chaplain to
the Earl of Argyle. He is credited with building the
Castle of Carnasrie in Kilmartin, where he lived, — others
declaring his father was constable of it for Argyle. He died
before 20th September 1572, and is buried in Ardchattan
Priory. See Chapter VHI.

The priests who officiated in the parish churches and their
dependent chapels throughout the isle, in these early cen-
turies, with a few rare exceptions of witnesses to charters,
are nameless.

Gilbert Templeton, Rector de Rothyrsai, who attests a
charter to Paisley between 1283 and 1 303, and who afterwards
appears on the Ragman Roll, having sworn fealty to Edward
I., is the cleric who first is recorded in connection with the
Roman Church in Bute.

Without doubt Bishops Allan and Gilbert performed their
priestly and episcopal offices in the Church of the Blessed
Mary in Rothesay, where their bones repose, though of their
local work we have no reminiscence. From the * Exchequer
Rolls* we learn that in 1375 Alan of Largs, rector of Bute,
acted as clerk of the audit of the Crown accounts down to
1388. Among those who flit across the scene, leaving scarce
a memorial save their names, are Thomas of Bute, a student
at Oxford in 1379; Malcolm of Bute, chaplain to the king,
who gets an allowance out of the customs in 1402 ; Lord
Donald of Bute, dean of Dunblane in 1406 ; and Friar John of
Bute, a Cistercian monk, who received a pension of £6 from

232 Bute in the Olden Time.

St Leonard's Hospital out of the old royal charity.^ Friar
John was not merely a preacher, but possessed either engin-
eering skill or the sculptor's art, since in 1438 he was engaged
to fabricate some apparatus for the tomb of King James I.
in the Carthusian monastery in Perth. About the beginning
of the fifteenth century James Stewart gave the right of
presentation to the Church to the Tyronensian Abbey of
Kilwinning, and this connection with Ayrshire was maintained
until 1639, when the General Assembly disjoined Rothesay
Parish from the Presbytery of Irvine.

The Cathedral church was not the only place of worship in
the parish, there being a chapel dedicated to St Bride, on St
Bride's hill, now called ChapelhiU; St Columba's Chapel,
probably on Columshill ; St Michael's Chapel in the Palace ;
St Mary's Chapel near Kames Castle ; Kilmachalmaig, and
probably Kilmichael in North Bute, where regular services
were held either by the vicar or other celebrants.

In the middle of the fifteenth century, 1447- 1463, Lord
Nigel was the vicar of Bute, who was paid for conducting
worship in St Bride's and for business done for the king at
Stirling and Edinburgh. The name of the chaplain in the
castle at the same time is not given in the accounts : —

" 1440 till 1463. For payment made to two chaplains celebrat-
ing in the Castle of Bute, and in the chapel of the blessed Brigid,
ad extra^ infeft of old, receiving annually from the fermes of the
said Isle of Bute, ;£i2, 55. 4d. . . .

" And to Lord Nigel, chaplain, celebrating in the chapel of the
blessed Brigid beside the Castle of Bute, working in various ways in
business of the King, from Bute to Stirling and Edinburgh, . . .
I boll of barley." 2

^ 'Excheq. Rolls,' vol. v. p. 34. 2 jbid., pp. 88, 162, 208, 250.

The Roman Church. 233

The chapel had been repaired in 1440 : —

" And for the repair of the above-mentioned chapel of the blessed
Brigid, 40 shillings." ^

A little cemetery girded this ancient fane, which was
totally removed by the utilitarian Town Council in 1860.^
The accompanying illustration represents the ruin about
sixty years ago.*

St Bride's Hill afid Chapel, Rothesay, in 1830.

In 1501, Sir Andrew Banachtin was vicar of St Mary's, and
the same year the parish church was made one of the pre-
bends of the Chapel Royal at Stirling. In May 1501, Fer-

1 * Excheq. Rolls,* vol. v. p. 86.

2 The Town Council purchased St Bride's Hill and its sacred remains from
William York in i860 for ;f 310. On razing the church human bones were cast up.

' The illustration is photc^rapbed from an engraving in ** Sar-Obair nam Bard
Gaeloch," 1841. The original painting is in the hands of Mr Kirsop, Glasgow.

234 Bute in the Olden Time.

gus Jameson, Crowner of Bute, gave two shillings to the
Friars preachers of Glasgow, and the instrument is signed by
" Master Andrea Banachtin, vicar of the Church of the blessed
Virgin Mary in Rothesay, John MacOleif, and Malcolm Mac-
Quhyn." In November 1502, Master Robert Abemethy was
rector of St Mary's, as well as official of the Isles of Bute and
Arran, in which capacity he sat and attested charters on be-
half of the Friars preachers in the Church.^

On loth December 1490, Ninian Cocherane of Lee and
Ascog granted sasine, by the giving of stone and earth at
the Cross at two in the afternoon, to Mr Robert Abernethy,
rector of St Mary's, Rothesay, of " a croft with pertinents
beside the Cross in the middle of the road, commonly called
M'Gibbons Cross, ... in the presence of Robert Steward,
chamberlain of Bute, Mr John Schaw, vicar, Mr Andrew
Banachyn, John Spens, John Glais, &c., &c." In the rever-
sion Abernethy used the common seal of the burgh.*

Abernethy, on his decease, was succeeded as rector in 1512
by Master Thomas Diksoun, then Dean of Restalrig. He
was a student of St Andrews, graduated in 1492, and was
a Canon of Aberdeen. He became provost of the collegiate
church of Guthrie, in Forfarshire; in 1508-9, prebendary of
TurriflF; in 15 10, dean of Restalrig; in 1511, rector of
Dunbar; and on i8th October 151 1 the king directed the
Bishop of the Isles to collate him to be rector of Rothesay.'

On loth October 1515, James V. confirmed the grant
of his father, who attached eight prebends to the College

1 * Lib. Coll. Nost. Dom.,' pp. 205, 206, 207.
■ * Mem. of Montgomeries/ vol. ii. p. 50.
' ' Rec. Sec. Sig./ vol. iv. fol. 184.

The Roman Church. 235

of Restalrig, six of which were called "Bute Prebends,"
because they consisted of the fruits of the rectory of
Rothesay, and were set apart to sustain those learned in
" cantu and discantu " — song and descant^ The prebendaries
farmed out these parsonage teinds, perhaps not without
abuses, till 1586, when James VI. granted authority to
David Gumming, Master of the Sang Schule in Edinburgh,
to inquire if these prebends and livings were enjoyed by
persons qualified in music according to the old foundation.
In 1587 the king appointed Gumming to be preceptor
and master of the kirk of Restalrig, and to enjoy the pre-
bend called "Bute Tertius." The other teinds were in the
hands of the Bishop of the Isles, so that practically the vicar
lived on voluntary offerings from his flock at this time.

In 1527, Sir^ Johne Finlaysone resigned the chaplaincy
of St Bride's, and Sir William Bannachtyne was appointed
in his room by James V. A Master Patrick Lorane, in
IS 38, attested a sale of land in Kingarth, being styled
"chaplain of the royal chapel of St Bride."'

Sir Walter Turnbull appears to have been the next vicar
and chaplain, since Queen Mary in 1543 gave Master
Andrew Hamiltoun two presentations, the one appoint-
ing him successor to the deceased Sir Walter Turnbull,
and the other, successor to the deceased Sir Alexander
(Andrew ?) Bannauchtyne.* On Hamiltoun's resignation

* 'Carta Coll. de Restalrig,* pp. 280-290, No. 4.

' The title '' Sir" was the title of respect commonly used in referring to '* Sir
King," **Sir Knight," and "Sir Priest." It was given to inferior priests who
had not graduated in some university. See note, vol. ii. p. 109, 'Certain
Tractates,* by Winzet, J. K. ITewison's ed.

» * Reg. Sec. Sig.' * ' Reg. Mag. Sig.'

236 Bute in the Olden Time.

in 1550, Queen Mary presented Sir James M'Morane to the
office.

In 1516, the chapel of St Columba was ministered to by
Sir Patrick Makbard, presented by James V., who gave him
the privilege of performing the services either personally
or by substitute.

In 1 5 14, David Masone received £(> for performing the
duties of chaplain " in the Church of Saint Michael the Arch-
angel, in the Castle of Rothesay." ^

Tn 1527, James V. presented Master Finlay Scott or
Levenax, who was also vicar of Kingarth, to the chaplaincy
of the chapel of Saint Michael in the Castle of Rothesay.*

On 7th February 1489, Master Harbart Maxwell was parson
of Kingarth, and raised an action against Robert Stewart,
Provost of Glasgow, and his son Alan, whom he accused of
stealing "a corspressand cow worth twa merkis, and a mantill
worth 20 schillingis of the froitis of the said kirk of Kyngarth "
— presents he had obtained for attending some dead parish-
ioner. How the suit ended is not known.

In 1497, Master Adam Colquhone was rector of Kingarth.

In 1509, James IV. conjoined Kingarth to Southwick to
provide a prebend in the Chapel Royal, reserving, however,
as much of the teind as would provide for the vicar.

From 15 17 to 1541 (?), Master Finlay Lenax or Levinax,
who was also chaplain in Rothesay Castle in 1529, was vicar,
and he seems to have been assisted by Sir Patrick M'Con-
noquhy, styled "lady prest of the kirk of Kyngarth," who
"slew himself wilfully" about 1529,50 that his goods were
escheat to the Crown.

* * Rot. Scacc.,* vol. xiv. p. 62. ' • Reg. Sec. Sig.'

The Roman Church. 237

Michael Dysert was parson in 1550, and leased the parson-
age to Ninian Stewart of Largibrachton.

In 1558, Master John Cars well became rector of South wick
and Kingarth, and ultimately Bishop of the Isles. This
interesting personage will again require our notice in connec-
tion with the Protestant Church, into whose service he passed
at the Reformation, being probably the last Catholic vicar in
the parish, and not beyond the suspicion that, amid the tur-
moil of the times, he was also a veritable " Vicar of Bray.*'

In 1554 and 1556, Sir James M*Wartye was the vicar.

M*Verrit, as he was also called, seems to have been a
staunch Catholic, and to have clung to the old religion, since
he is reported by his superintendent Carswell to the General
Assembly, in 1562, as defiant of his authority.

The present ruined Chapel of St Mary is an appendant
vestige of the Cathedral of Sodor, the nave of which was
removed in 1692 to make way for the parish church, which
was also removed in 1795 to allow the present bam-like
edifice to be built. The nave measured 81 feet long and 22
feet broad. The present ruined chapel was supposed to
have been the choir or chancel. It is not easy to infer from
this interesting fragment, which has often been repaired,
and in fact transformed from a lovely lady-chapel to an
unsightly cemetery, what it originally was. But I imagine
it was neither choir nor chancel, but a separate chapel built
on the site of an earlier Celtic or Saxon edifice, and con-
verted into the mortuary chapel of the Stewards of Scotland,
Lords of Bute, about the year 1315.

It is a small rectangular building, oriented duly, in exterior
length 33 feet, in exterior breadth 22 feet 6 inches ; in interior
length 27 feet, in interior breadth 17 feet 6 inches ; the walls

238 Bute in the Olden Time.

being 2 feet 3 inches thick and 10 feet high. The eastern
gable is still intact, and rises to the height of 25 feet It is
pierced by a large three-light window, of the late first-pointed
period (1212-1272; later in Scotland), 9 feet 6 inches high
and 4 feet 6 inches broad.

The western gable or wall is pierced by a doorway or
arch, 5 feet 4 inches broad, and 6 feet 3 inches high to the
spring of the arch ; but this portion bears traces of very
modern repair, probably in 18 17.

The northern wall is pierced by two windows and a door-
way, one of the former being square-headed, 3 feet 6 inches
high and 1 1 inches broad ; the other window and the door-
way being pointed — the former 4 feet 10 inches high and 13
inches broad ; the door is 6 feet high and 2 feet 7 inches broad.

The southern wall has been pierced by a square-headed
doorway, now built up, 5 feet 6 inches high and 2 feet 3 inches
broad, and by a window, horizontal with the altar, also pointed,
4 feet 8 inches high and i foot 6 inches broad.

All the windows are splayed inside : the rybats are cham-
fered ; there is a check in each window for a shutter, as well
as the remains of iron stanchions.

The quoins, rybats, and jambs are of white sandstone.

A sandstone string-course, forming the dripstone, runs
round the north wall-head.

The floor has no pavement. The coffer and the piscina
are quite intact.

On the floor, among other grave-slabs, is a rude effigy of a
knight, 6 feet 6 inches long, of which an illustration is given.
The conical helmet, the pear-shaped shield, &c., indicate an
Anglo-Norman warrior of the time of William the Lion. The

t/eyatrif^ a^ TonrS •

'P/pJIf'

* Jkefiof^ •

^Sle^aito^ o/ Tof^6 ^

'JecffOf^ •

P/a^ '

'Scdte for Details*

MONUMENTS IN ST MARYS CHAPEL, ROTHESAY.

THE NEW YORK

PUBLIC LIBRARY.

A5T0R. LENOX AND

The Roman Church.

239

following inscription, in Gothic
letters, is visible on the stone :
EM CUMM, which I take to
be a part of Wilgem Cummin's
name. Among the many
Cummings of the twelfth, thir-
teenth, and fourteenth cen-
turies, which one was this?
There was William Cumin,
Chancellor to King David,
who was made prisoner in the
Battle of the Standard in
1138.^ There was William
Cumin of Kilbride, Sheriff of
Ayr and Bute in 1265. The
Cummings, as we saw, had
lands in Bute, and were asso-
ciated with the Kings of Man
and Lords of the Isles against
Bruce.^

One of the slabs, unlettered,
bears a gyronny of eight, the
well - known emblem of the
Campbells, and may mark the
grave of Lady Anne Campbell.

There are two altar -tombs

1 * Ailred,* Twisden, Extr. Var. Cron.,
p. 326.

' * Manx. Soc. Publications,* vols, x.,
XV., var, lo€»

Effisy of ^iiiiam Cummin.

240 Bute tn the Olden Time,

or recesses in the side walls, — one filled with the effigy of a
knight in armour, and one with a lady holding a child.
Before passing from the structural features of the building
to the historical investigation of these memorials, it may be
observed that in the case of the lady's effigy the recess has
the appearance of being constructed with the wall ; in the
other case the outer south wall is visibly bulged out and off
the plumb, indicating that the monument was not of the age
of the building, but was let into the wall — ** slapped out," as
it is technically called.

The former is composed of the local white sandstone ;
the latter and its canopy is a hard dark red sandstone,
imported.

No information bearing upon the age of the chapel and its
effigies was obtained by Mr John Mackinlay in April 1817,
when the chapel was repaired. His account of the excava-
tions bears : " In the course of the repair we dug down in
front of the monument, in which the coffins had been placed.
We found a great number of bones, several of which were
pretty fresh. There were three sculls, one of them was broken,
another lay on its face, and the third one, which was lowest,
lay on its back, and probably belonged to the last person
buried here. The Stuarts of Bute buried on this side of the
choir." ^ Mackinlay inclined to think it was a monument to
King Robert III.

In 1857, Mr James C. Roger tried to prove that the effigy
of* the mailed knight "presents us with an actual represen-

^ ' Archxol. Scot.,' vol. iii. p. i, art. I, '* Account of two ancient monaments
in the Church of St Mary, Rothesay," by John Mackinlay, Esq., Rothesay. [In
a letter addressed to the Hon. Lord Bannatyne, Edinburgh, accompanied with 2
drawings, read January 24, 1825.] Edin., 1831.

The Roman Church.

241

tation of King Robert II., executed during the lifetime of that
monarch." ^ Tradition associates it with Sir John Stewart of
Bonkil, who fell at Falkirk in 1298. Another hypothesis

Sepulchre under Sir Walter the Steward* s monument.

connects it with John Stewart, son of King Robert II., Sheriff
of Bute, and ancestor of the Bute family.

* * Proc. Soc. Antiq./ vol. ii. pp. 466-481.

VOL. II.

242 Bute in the Olden Time.

In default of documentary evidence settling the dispute as
to the age of the effigies and to the persons thereby com-
memorated, there are several important data to be taken
account of, which may, properly appraised, help to place the
subject on a proper basis for a final judgment — namely,
the style of architecture of the chapel, the stones whereof the
effigies are composed, the fashions adorning both the mailed
and vested figures, and the heraldry displayed upon the
knight's tomb.

Muir writes of it: "Lady Kirk, close upon the town of
Rothesay, is also an interesting fragment of what seems to
have been originally a structure of Norman date. The nave
is quite destroyed, but the chancel remains not much dilapi-
dated : it is wholly late First-pointed, and contains some rather
fine monumental recesses with recumbent effigies." ^ A study
of the accompanying plans and plates will show that it is not
improbable that the building was erected not earlier than the
year 1 300, the low doorway and the simple head of the pointed
window, formed of two stones, on the south side, indicating
Saxon influence or a Celtic basis for working on. It is
remarkable that so small an edifice should have three door-
ways. The recess wherein the effigy of the dame lies has
all the appearance of having been part of the design and
built along with the masonry of the northern wall. There
has been no " slapping out," as in the case of the knight's
monument. The stone, too, is from the same quarry as
that of the rybats and jambs of the building — the white
sandstone of Bute. Nor is the recess so pointed in design
as its neighbour.

^ ' The Church Architecture of ScoUand,' by J. Muir, p. 124.

TOMB OF A LADY IN ST MARYS CHAPEL, ROTHESAY.

The Roman Church. 243

The female figure is chastely executed in low relief in the
same white stone. A gown and kirtle, with sleeves tightly
circling the wrist, flows down with simple folds. The mantle,
fastened on the breast, sweeps down and appears with a
running pattern of ivy upon it Beyond her left arm reclines
a babe, clothed in long robes. The hands, with fingers
touching each other, lie upon her breast. The feet lie upon a
rest, in shape not unlike an animal. The head reposes upon
a pillow. The head is covered with a high cap or chaplet,
from which a head-dress droops down over both ears to the
shoulders.

The head-dress of these habited figures is similar to that
which came into fashion in England in the time of Edward I.,
and had in the reign of Edward 11. assumed the particular
shape seen on this monument and repeated on the supporting
angels of the other. " The hair, instead of being plaited as
previously, was turned up behind, and entirely enclosed in a
caul of network composed of gold, silver, or silk thread, over
which was worn the peplum or veil, and sometimes in addition
a round hat or cap. Garlands or chaplets of goldsmith's
work were also worn by the nobility over or without the
caul." ^ Knight gives an illustration of this head-tire from an
old MS.«

The base of the monument is divided into eight panels,
within each of which is carved a figure, habited as a female,
and engaged on some oflfice. Two of the figures display on
their breasts Celtic brooches — one pentagonal, the other of
the Gothic letter © — fastening their mantles. Some of the

1 Knight's * Pict. Hist, of Eng.,* vol. i. p. 867.

« Ibid., p. 868; 'Royal MS.,* 14 E. iii. and 15 D. ii.

244

Bute in the Olden Time.

^ffisy of Sir Walter the Steward,

figures are said to have been dis-
placed at the time of the repair.
Their symbolical significance I
have not made out Round the
outer edge of the ogee are placed
ornaments which originally have
been either foliaceous crocket-
work or figures of animals.

The whole monument is much
disfigured, and is just in that
decadent state which, if not ar-
rested, soon develops into quick
destruction. The ^^^ itself is
cut out of white sandstone, and
has been treated with some pre-
servative wash, so that, consider-
ing its experience of five cen-
turies, it is in a good state of
preservation. The recess for the
monument of the knight is of
more durable material, red sand-
stone.

The effigy represents a knight
clad in full martial accoutre-
ments, lying with his feet to the
east. His head rests upon his
empty jousting-helmet {heaume\
which terminates in a dog's or
lion's head with the neck col-
lared. The face appears through

The Roman Church. 245

the head - dress {coif de maUles) — a visored bascinety from
which the visor is absent. A ring-mail coat (hauberk) covers
the trunk as far as the middle of the thigh. The arms,
encased in plate-armour, are bent until the gauntleted hands
and outstretched fingers, protected by knobs called gadsy meet
each other over the camail or the gorget, which rests beneath
the chin. The surcoat, with its escalloped border, appears
over the hauberk. According to Mr Roger : " On the jupon
is a heater-shaped shield, — charged with the arms of the
knight, — presenting, in the first and fourth quarters, a fess
cheeky, surmounted in middle chief by a lion's head erased,
and in the second and third, the Scottish lion within the
double tressure, a coat, which, ornamented with sepulchral
figures in the form of angels, is repeated on the central
division of the front of the tomb underneath" (Illustra-
tion, p. 248). By no amount of imagination can I, and others
I have requested, make out this emblazoned coat, nor yet the
lion's head erased on the lower coat There are some rough
portions of the stone, but it is impossible to say what they
defined. The legs are cased in greaves {chaussefde mailles) ;
the knees are protected by plates {genouillires) \ the ankles
carry the rowelled spurs. The feet in sollerets rest crossed
on a lion couchant, whose tail is curled over its back. The
belt, formed with square ornaments, girds the thigh, and from
it, on the right side, is suspended the fragment of a falchion,
on the left of a dagger {estoc\

The front of the monument displays a coat of arms, on
each side of which run quatrefoil ornaments, which have been
defaced in order to make room for eight small figures of
soldiers to correspond with the females of the other monu-

246

Bute in the Olden Time.

ment. This defacement has been an after-thought to make
the two designs similar. One of these effigies, 19 inches high,
was given to the Society of Antiquaries by Mackinlay, is still
preserved in their Museum, and is here illustrated.
The lower coat of arms consists of a shield, supported by
two bending winged angels, while another
winged angel, with both hands touching the
shield, appears behind it

The quartering of this shield is ist and 4th
a fess cheeky of three tracts ; 2d and 3d, a
lion rampant within the double tressure.
Quartering was introduced into England in
the reign of King Edward III., about 1340.
I cannot, however, as Mr Roger found, dis-
cover a lion's head, either issuant or naissant,
on this shield.

The ogee terminates in another coat of arms,
consisting of a shield bearing the lion rampant
within the double tressure, and supported by
two lions sejant — the sovereign arms of Scot-
land. To right and left of this two recesses,
prepared for similar escutcheons, are visible.

Mackinlay submitted a drawing of the
armour to Dr Meyrick, who gave as his
opinion that the hausecol or gorget worn over the armour
marked it as the fashion which prevailed in the reign of King
Henry IV. of England, 1399-1412.^ But is the gorget a separ-
ate plate, part of the bascinet, or part of a simpler hausecol ?
The armour resembles (with the exception of the gorget)

Effigy of a soldier^
from St Marys
Chapel

* Arch. Scot.,' vol. iii. art. I, note.

The Roman Church. 247

the armour represented on the brass of Sir Robert Attetye,
in Barsham Church, Suffolk, which dates from 1380; also
in other particulars that on the effigy of the Black Prince,
in Canterbury Cathedral, who died in 1376, and also the
statue in Tewkesbury Abbey of Edward, Lord Despencer,
who died in 1375.^

It is to be specially noted that the bascinet is a visored one.
There are very few specimens of these extant in Europe.
They came into vogue in the reign of Richard IL, 1377- 1399,
and of Robert II. of Scotland, 1371- 1390. After a careful
examination of the effigy, I am of opinion that this so-called
plated gorget is nothing more than part of the camaily or at
least a simple hausecol. In any case, the armour is repre-
sentative of that worn at the close of the fourteenth century
in this country. •

There are three notable Stewards who might be memor-
ialised here — viz., Walter ; his son, King Robert II. ; and his
grandson, Robert III. But all three are said to have been
buried elsewhere — Walter and Robert III. in Paisley, and
Robert II. in Scone. Our authority for Walter's burial-place
in Paisley — namely, Barbour — however, was not his contem-
porarj% which leaves room for doubting his statement. Tra-
dition homologates history in placing Marjory's tomb in
Paisley, but ignores Walter.

Robert II. had all the failings of the Egyptians for tomb-
making, and had his own made of stone from England, lying
ready in St John's Church, Perth, as we learn from the
accounts in 1379: —

" Et magistro Nicholaeo cementario, facienti opus sculpture tumbe
^ Carter's 'Ancient Painting,' &c., p. 25.

248 Bute in the Olden Time.

regis, in partem salarii sui, videlicet \£\ 120 lib. . . . Et Andre
. . . nostri regis et eciam pro tumba ipsius domini regis pro parte
videlicet in Anglia, et eciam a portu de Leth usque ad Edinburgh
in partem scilicet solucionis sibi debita \J[^ x lib."

In the accounts for 1379 appear the following entries : —

" Et Andre pictori pro labore et sumptibus suis et caragio fact
pro petris ordinat. ad tumbas Patris et Matris Domini nostri regis "
(/>., Walter and Marjory).

" Et in solucione facta Andree pictori pro una petra de Alabaster
pro tumba prime sponse Domini nostri regis \£\ xii lib." (/>.,
Elizabeth More).^

The words, "tombs of the father and mother of our king,"
might give rise to the supposition there were to be two monu-
ments and not at the same place. No place is mentioned.
The work, thus, was begun in 1379, during the time the

visored bascinet was the
fashion, so there is nothing
bold in suggesting a date
from 1380 onward for this
effigy.

The shield of the lower
coat of arms, here illus-
trated, is quartered ist and

Coat of amis. St Mary*s Chapel, ,, e , , ,, ,

"^ 4th a fess cheeky, the 2d

and 3d the lion rampant, or Royal Arms, within the double
tressure. The fess cheeky was the arms of blood of the
Steward as a family. It is supposed to have been assumed
by reason of their connection with the Royal Exchequer, the

'Excheq. Rolls,' vol. ii. p. 622.

The Roman Church. 249

accounts of which were calculated on a checkboard. How-
ever, we find that an identical coat was borne in Brittany
contemporaneously with the first Alan.

The fess cheeky is seen on all the seals of the royal
Stewards.

"The Royal Arms, when brought into any family by an
heiress, are usually placed in the second quarter " according
to Parker's 'Glossary of Heraldry/^ Walter Stewart had
thus the right to carry the Royal Arms, on account of his
marriage with Princess Marjory.

The three angelic figures supporting this shield might be
symbolical of the three wives of Walter, two of whom may
have been buried with him here, there being three skulls
found in the sepulchre beneath the monument.

The coat of arms surmounting the monument is the Royal
Arms supported by two lions sejant, in all probability the
arms of Robert II., who would have to discard the fess for
the lion on his sovereign coat.

From these and other considerations it may be accepted
that the effigy of the dame is that of Alice, daughter of Sir
John Erskine, first wife of Walter, for whom the mortuary
chapel was reared or renovated, and the effigy placed in it
by her husband, after the first decade of the fourteenth cen-
tury ; and that the effigy of the knight represents Walter
the Steward, and was erected about 1380 by Robert II., his
son, who frequently resided in Rothesay Castle between 1379
and 1390.

It is a melancholy feature of our forgetful age that this
tomb of one of the greatest of Scottish heroes, the peer of

* * Glossary of Terms used in British Heraldry,' by J. H. Parker.

250

Bute in the Olden Time.

Wallace and Bruce, and the ancestor of kings, princes, nobles,
and the flower of northern chivalry, should be left unheeded
to the mercy of the elements. Surely the Brandanes might
do something to protect this hoary memorial of their worthi-
est chief.

Coat of arms over door of Rothesay Castle,

251

CHAPTER VIII.

THE REFORMED CHURCH.

" For forms of government let fools contest ;
Whate'er is best administer'd is best :
For modes of faith let graceless zealots fight,
His can't be wrong whose life is in the right ;
In faith and hope the world will disagree.
But all mankind's concern is charity.
All must be falser that thwarts this one great end ;
And all of God, that bless mankind, or mend."

— Pope.

|N what manner, and by what agents, the deforma-
tion of the Roman Church in Bute took place,
and under what aspects the Reformed Church
took its first shape, there is, for lack of material
and the absence of local records of the time, not given to me
to delineate, in the meantime.

What occurred throughout Scotland probably also took
place in Bute, the people welcoming the Reformation as a
novelty, and the landed proprietors hailing in its advent the
prospect of being relieved from ecclesiastical exactions and
of receiving what spiritual comfort they wanted "without
money and without price." The isle was too exposed to
governmental influences to be able, like the remoter parts of

252 Bute in the Olden Time.

the Highlands, to resist for any length of time the stem
decrees of the General Assembly and the Scots Parliament,
ordering the total extermination of the Roman Church, and
establishing the new ecclesiastical polity and form of worship.

The Presbyterian polity and form of worship introduced
by John Knox and his associate Reformers were a com-
plete revolution of those which obtained for centuries in
Scotland. The antidote was made unmistakably effective.
The Pope was banned ; and the General Assembly assumed
the function of an infallible Council, whose edicts were made
legal by the signature of its Moderator; the Provincial
Synod took the place of the Provincial Council ; the Pres-
bytery stood in room of the Diocesan Synod; the Kirk-
session was a kind of Chapter; the bishop gave place to
the superintendent; the priest to the minister; the choir
to reader or precentor ; the elaborate Liturgy to "con-
ceived prayer," — and so on to the smallest detail. The
unchangeableness of the Roman Church renders it easy
for any one to find what the spiritual food of our pre-
Reformation forefathers was, — with these exceptions, that
the Liturgy had no parallel translation, nor was the sermon,
if at all given, prominent in the vulgar tongfue. The service
was in Latin, consequently the adoration of the people
consisted mostly of a pious silence and the making of
signs indicative of faith. "Then," says a contemporary
bishop, "ceased all religious and godlie minds and deeds,
wherewith the seculars and temporall men being slandered
with their evil example, fell from all devotion and godliness
to the workis of wickednesse, whereof daily mickle evil did
increase."

The first thing of a constructive character effected by the

The Reformed Church, 253

Reformers after the purging of " idolatry " was the introduc-
tion of the Bible in the English tongue, of the English Metri-
cal Psalter, and of * The Book of Common Order ' or Liturgy.
By "idolatry" was understood "the masse, invocation of
saints, adoration of images, and the keeping and retaining
of the same ; and finally, all honouring of God not conteined
in His Holy Word."

In this period the people generally could not read, even
some priests were deficient in this elementary acquirement,
and the Reformers had to rouse popular interest by popular
methods. Week-day services, sometimes daily, were ap-
pointed, during which labour ceased, and a public reader,
in the absence of a minister, read the prayers and Scrip-
ture; while men, women, and children "were exhorted to
exercise themselves in psalmes, that when the Kirk doth
convene and sing they may be the more able together with
common hearts and voices to praise God."

Every parish church, and, afterwards, every head of a
house, were ordained to procure an English Bible and Psalm-
Book. At first there being none in the hands of the con-
gregation, the reader was ordered to read through the Bible,
" for this skipping and devagation from place to place " was
not "profitable to edifie the kirk," but was as the "Papists
did." On the day of " public sermon " the Prayer-Book was
discarded, to prevent superstition on the part of the people,
"who come to the prayers as they came to the masse."

The service, originally, was in two portions in those churches
— having both a reader and a minister.

So early in the morning as nine or ten, in some towns
earlier, the second bell rang, and the public reader ascended
the desk — now the precentor's box — and forthwith read the

254 Bute in the Olden Time.

prayer from Knox's Liturgy or the * Book of Common Order/
during which the people bowed. He also recited the Ten
Commandments and the Creed. Then a psalm was sung.
Thereafter the passages from the Old and New Testaments
were read. A curious custom also prevailed of children public-
ly catechising each other in the presence of the people. After
the reader was done — an hour having elapsed — a third bell
began to sound its calling note to people and pastor, and
the latter, with his hat on his head, marched up to the pulpit
and gave out the 95th psalm, or "gathering psalm." The
singing of it was termed " entertaining the time," while the
congregation trooped in from the churchyard. The melody
was called " Old Dukes," now known as " Winchester."

Till long after the Reformation the churchyard was the
market-place wherein on Sabbaths many a bargain was
driven, the trysting-place of friend and lover, and the central
news-agency of the parish and time. The call of the bell
was necessary, because the old churches were small, incom-
modious, and not furnished with seats, save those at the
Communion-tables, so that before the aged and delicate
got their stools placed, — and these they lugged along with
them, like Jenny Geddes, — before the wearied country-folks
got their plaids spread on the clay or gravel floors, and before
the youngsters got a comfortable stance, it required a little
time to compose the audience. If there was no reader, the
minister began the service in the desk, and thereafter mounted
the pulpit to orate his discourse. In the seventeenth cen-
tury, however, when the two offices were conjoined, tlie min-
ister also expounded the Scriptures in the desk.

The psalmody was at first a difficult question, the people
only being accustomed to the chanting and instrumental

The Reformed Church. 255

music of the priests. There were no metrical version, no
melodies, and no music-masters, for the old school songs were
taught by priests. The Reformers made their sacred hymns
the chariot-wheels of the Reformation, to carry the enthus-
iasm of the populace from place to place.

The Scots were lovers of minstrelsy, and had many
catching melodies wedded to vulgar themes, which the
Reformers applied to their "godly psalms and ballads."

For example, there is a unique song, beginning "The
Joly Day now dawis," the melody of which is supposed
to have been the March of Bruce at Bannockburn. The
Reformers set these lines to it: —

'* Hay now the day dallis,
Now Christ on us callis,
Now welth on our wallis

Appeiris anone :
Now the word of God rings,
Whilk is King of all kings :
Now Christis flock sings

The night is neere gone."

To this air Burns set " Scots wha hae," and Baroness Nairne
" The Land of the Leal " ; and it used to be sung in the
Secession churches of Renfrewshire within memory. It
should be in our Psalter, being extremely suitable for a
song of Christian warfare. The history of the Psalmody is
interesting. John Wedderburne of Dundee, 1540, who
metrically translated the psalms and hymns of Luther, first
supplied the Scots Protestants with hymns. Then the
Scots exiles in Geneva drew up an incomplete metrical
psalter, out of the productions of Thomas Sternhold and
John Hopkins, published in 1549. This was the basis of
the Scots Psalter, which was made complete in 1564,

256 Bute in the Olden Time.

printed by Lekprevik, and ordained for public use, along
with the Order of Prayers attached to it

Some of these original psalms with their melodies are,
to our satisfaction, still retained. For example, The Old
Hundred, composed by William Kethe, a Scot, exiled for
the faith, is set to a melody of the French Psalter of Marot
and Beza, sung to the 134th psalm. The music is commonly
attributed to Luther.

At first these melodies were sung in unison, which style
was termed "plain singing." The people had committed
the verses to memory, but the whole passage — not a line
— was read out by the reader, as is customary still, to
refresh the memory. The psalm was usually raised by
a paid minstrel, who was called the " uptaker of the psalm,"
and in degenerate days, "him that carryes up the line,"
since the reader had not always the gift of song. Gradually,
however, part-singing was learnt, especially after Parlia-
ment in 1579 enacted the foundation of music - schools.
An episode of 1582 illustrates this. When John Durie,
the reformer, who had been banished for his criticisms of
King James, was permitted to return to Edinburgh, the
masses met him. "At the Netherbow they took up the
124 psalme, 'Now Israel may say, &c.,' and sung in such a
pleasant tune in four parts, known to the most of the people,
with such a great song and majestie, that it moved both
themselves and all the huge multitude of the beholders."
The second version of the psalm was composed by Calvin's
son-in-law, William Whittingham, minister of Geneva, and
the old French tune was again sung by the citizens of
Geneva when in 1602 they repulsed the Savoyards from
their walls. It was a favourite, too, in "the killing times."

The Reformed Church. 257

One of the characteristics of the Early Scots Psalter was
the varieties of the metres and the melodies, and of the latter
a few are extant. Some lines had five, six, eight, or ten
syllables. The verses combined different lengths of line, as
in the common measure, to suit which twelve tunes were
printed in the Psalter of 162 1 — viz., Old Common, Kings,
Dukes, English, French, London, The Stilt (now York), Dun-
fermeling, Dundie, Abbay, Glasgow, Martyrs. Up till 1649
the doxology in metre was sung after every psalm, and this
was discontinued to please the English Puritans. As has been
indicated, the musical notation was printed in the combined
Prayer and Psalm Book, so that the education of the people
was assured. Consequently, a lighter and more attractive
style of music came into vogue, not unlike that of madrigals.
These tunes, called " Reports," were of an antiphonal charac-
ter, one part of the song being caught up by another voice or
set of voices. This idea of repetition became a favourite, and
resulted in such fine old tunes as Orlington, Devizes, East-
gate, Pembroke.

Unfortunately, the grand old Psalm-Book became unpop-
ular, probably on account of English influences. The General
Assembly set itself to amend it and the version of the Bible,
and in the process of emendation everything Scottish was
deleted from the Presbyterian form of worship, including
Knox's Liturgy.

When Jenny Geddes threw her stool at the head of the
Dean reading Laud's Prayer-Book, it must not be supposed
hers was a solitary act, for that day s work was the devised
rebellion of the spirited patriots, who were angry to see their
native Liturgy contumeliously evicted by " the auld enemy."

Among the innovations resulting from English interference
VOL. II. R

258 Bute in the Olden Time.

was the abolition of the priest's-grey cloth, and the assump-
tion by the clergy of black clothes, which had always been
condemned as the attire of the evil one.

Another was the removal of bonnets from the head in
church — Mess John being no more mannerly than the
*' coarsest cobbler in the parish." " In he steps, uncovers not
till in the pulpit, . . . and within a little falls to work as the
spirit moves him."

It was not till after the Westminster Assembly (1645) that a
stupid fashion crept in, that of reading the psalm line by line
before singing it. The recommendation came from West-
minster, but the Scots Commissioners justly resented this inno-
vation as unusual in the Reformed Churches, and particularly
discrediting to their countrymen, who could read. The read-
ing of the line became fashionable, and may still be heard at
Communion services in rural parishes in the Highlands.

After the Scots Commissioners returned from Westminster,
the cry for a revised metrical Psalter was revived, and the
General Assembly appointed a committee to subject the para-
phrases of Francis Rous, an English Independent and member
of Parliament, and of other poetasters, to the criticism of
themselves and of presbyteries, and to report. This resulted
in the authorisation by the Church, in 1650, of the present
Metrical Psalter, which contains the amended productions of
Rous and others, with a few of the original metrical psalms.

It was a poor exchange. The metres were limited, and the
people deprived of the variety of melodies. Besides, a fine
collection of hymns which had accompanied the Psalter for
two generations was omitted. These were popular, especially
among the young, being metrical versions of the Command-
ments, Lord's Prayer, Creed, and other subjects. The loss of

The Reformed Church. 259

them gave rise to the movement which ended in the publica-
tion of the collection of Paraphrases in 1742 and 1781.

Another regrettable consequence of the discussions at West-
minster was the dismissal of the reader, the minister having
to take his place, and conceive the public prayers himself.
This accounts for the reason why there used to be only two
psalms in the public worship, the " gathering psalm " and the
" parting psalm." It would require a long chapter to illustrate
the methods of preaching and the dispensation of the Com-
munion. The sermons were long and, in a double sense, ex-
haustive. But to keep the preacher right, a sand-glass, which
ran by half-hours, was affixed to the desk or pulpit. If the
quick-eyed orator did not watch, the reader was often tempted
to turn the glass too soon, and the familiar beadle would step
up and give the simple horologe an ominous tap, to discover
if the sand was running rightly.

The sermon over, prayer was publicly conceived, the second
psalm was sung, the benediction was given, and the kirk
" scailed," every one on foot seeking his home in town, dale,
or muirland. During the week all heard the bell again call-
ing them to wait upon the reader. These were the forms of
worship in early Presbyterian Scotland.

The Communion of the Lord's Supper, to be made unlike
the Mass, was authorised to be observed four times a-year by
those who could say the Lord's Prayer, the articles of belief,
and the Decalogue, and who understood its import. The
churches being small caused the use of several " tables," for
which several clergy were required throughout the day's ser-
vices. In consequence of these clergy being removed from
their own parishes, the people delighted to flock to the sac-
raments in the adjoining parishes, and created thereby the

26o Bute in the Olden Time.

" Holy Fairs." To prevent promiscuous gatherings of those
worthy and unworthy to receive the sacrament, tokens were
invented for distribution to the former. While the sacrament
was being dispensed, the preachers discoursed to the crowds
in* the churchyard, or neighbouring field, and after their
duties ceased retired to a tent erected for their convenience
there, and well stocked with provisions.

In the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries the kirk-session
had all the powers of the Jewish Sanhedrim regarding matters
of character, conduct, and life, and used these with all the
vigilance of the Inquisition. The business of the session
went on, even though the minister was absent from their
meetings, so that often the lay mind and not the clerical is
mirrored in the actions of the Church. The session-house
was a veritable Star Chamber, wherein the actions of the
parishioners were reviewed with unsparing criticism. The
laws of the Reformers to purge away Popery and evil of
every kind were acted upon to the observance of the letter,
and woe betide any wretch who dare overstep the vulgar
decorum of the day. The Church had in every parish a
hundred eyes to watch after each soul, and a wakeful Cer-
berus to lay the flesh by the heels. To prefer retirement,
or to complain of indigestion, was to induce a charge of
witchcraft; to sport and daff" with the fair was a sin re-
quiring caution or public rebuke ; to speak to your " guid-
mother," as men sometimes do, endangered the position of
a cleric ; to be over-hilarious at a bridal led to a prolonged
seat on the cutty-stool of repentance; and other offences
ended in incarceration in the branks, stocks, jougs, and other
odd instruments of humiliation which the session, abetted by
the magistrates, were masters of. The records of the parishes

The Reformed Church. 261

and burgh in Bute Illustrate the strange life and customs of
two centuries ago, and afford us many a humorous scene
which would have delighted a Wilkie or a Cruikshank.

The Celtic races have ever been prone to doat on the
mysterious, and to love superstition and the appearance of
the supernatural. A latent Pantheism has always delighted
the Celtic mind, which has unconsciously clung to ideas
recognising the presence of spirits in this world. The repres-
sive laws of the Catholic Church and the Reformed State
encouraged a greater keenness to scent out, bait, and worry
uncanny beings, commonly called witches ; while native sup-
erstitiousness inclined the Butemen to find comfort in the
belief in gentler patrons of their homes, called Side^ fays, or
fairies.

Horror for the former had been intensified by a bull of
Pope Innocent VIIL, which rang the knell of witchcraft in
these words : —

" It is come to our ears, that the number of both sexes do not
avoid to have intercourse with the infernal fiends, and that by their
sorceries they afflict both man and beast ; that they blight the
marriage-bed, destroy the births of women, and the increase of
cattle ; they blast the corn on the ground, the grapes of the vine-
yard, the fruits of the trees, the grass and herbs of the field."

There are several places in Biite associated with the
meeting-place of the witches — the Witches' Knowe near St
Blane's, the Witch's Craig in Glenvodian, and the Fairies'
Grotto at Ambrisbeg. Those suspected were usually lone
and harmless old women or youthful imbeciles, who had
warped and wandering intelligence, the exercise of which
was designated scorcery.

In Kingarth, in 1650, during the pastorate of John Stewart,

262 Bute in the Olden Time.

who translated the Psalms into Gaelic metre, — a man likely
to have possessed an enlightened conscience, — we find two
elders apprehending a Finwell Hyndman who was bruited for
a witch, " or an * E,' as the country-people calls it," because she
took periodic vagaries, no one knew whither, and was sup-
posed to go away with the " fayryes." But the records do not
inform us of her fate, except in so far that she soon brought
home a little fairy of her own to nurse. John Stewart, how-
ever, had better luck when he became minister of Rothesay, and
had a detective system to aid him in bringing Janet M'Nicol
ultimately to the gallows, where others had gone before her
in 1662. By some black art the guilty Janet had escaped
from the Tolbooth then, and evaded justice for twelve years
on the mainland, only to be brought before the Dempster on
the isth October 1673. From the extant ditty we learn that
at the instance of the procurator-fiscal at the assize she was
adjudged "guilty and culpable of the aforesaid vile and abom-
inable crime of witchcraft, in so far as she did, about Hallow-
day 1661 or thereby, meet with the devil, appearing to her
in the likeness of ane gross leper-faced man, whom she knew
to be an evil spirit, and made a compact covenant with him
to serve him, upon his promising to her that she should not
want gear enough, whereupon she renounced her baptism,
and he gave her a new name, saying, * I baptise thee Mary.'
Like as the said panel keeped the meeting and consultation
with the devil, the time foresaid, at the place called Buttkee,
upon the shore of Rothesay, where were several other persons,
witches, of whom four were sentenced, and executed to the
death. Anno Domini 1662, or thereby, who likewise delated
her guilty of the said crime of witchcraft, quhilk she herself
confessed and could not deny. Like as for further evidence of

The Refor7ned Church. 263

the said panel, her guilt, she being apprehended A.D. 1662
foresaid, and imprisoned within the Tolbooth of Rothesay,
and fearing to be put to death with the rest who suffered at
that time, it is true and of verity that she brake and escaped
out of the said tolbooth* and fled to the Lowlands, where
she remained in Kilmarnock and thereabout these twelve
years byegone; always under an evil fame both at home
and abroad, and there committed several malafees, notour
and known to all the country, as at more length is contained
in her ditty ; for the quhilk cause of witchcraft above written
the said panel was put to the trial," &c., and " by the mouth
of Duncan Clerk, Dempster of court, decerned and ordained
the said Janet M'Nicol to be taken and strangled to the
death, upon Friday, 24th inst, be twa hours in the afternoon,
and her goods and gear to be escheat."

The Gallows - craig thus numbered another victim, who
for lack of gold had leagued herself with the devil, as
many more fortunate Covenanters before and since have
done.

Convictions were not always so easy, and to expedite
the process a class of professional truth - seekers, called
"the common prickers," were employed to drive long awls
or pricks into the suspected flesh to probe out the truth.
If the buried steel provoked no pain in the alleged " marks of
the devUl^ the patient was a child of Beelzebub, and was
sent to the fire or the gallows.

These evil reports often arose out of well - meaning
attempts to cure diseases by the use of herbs, which the
Church considered tantamount to sorcery. On 26th January
1643, the Presbytery of Dunoon ordained that Marie Mark-
man be esteemed a witch if she " gave drinks made of herbs,"

264 Bute in the Olden Time.

and ordered the ministers to intimate from the pulpit this
resolution, "to give neither lodging nor entertainment to
Marie Markman, and that for suspitioune of charmes and
deluding of the people." In 1660, a Rothesay woman,
Jeane Campbell, who was a martyr to indigestion, had
used "a salve to rub on her breast, which was good for
comforting the heart against scunners." The watchful
elders brought her case before Mr Stewart, whereupon
" the session finding that there is a report throw the countrie
that Jeane Campbell, wife to Robert M'Conachie, gangs
with the faryes, appoints the elders to tak tryell thereof,
and how the scandall raise, and to make report to the next
session." The true state of matters was discovered, and the
minister allayed the fears of his faithful fiock by announcing
from the pulpit that Mistress Jeane had only the "scunners."
But it appears as if others similarly afflicted had craved
her skill and the cure she was proud of, for in 1661 another
minute bears : " Considering that the said Janet goes under
the name of a witch or a deceiver, by undertaking to heal
desperate diseases by herbs and such like, the session did
discharge the said Janet in time coming to use the giv-
ing of any physick or herbs to anybody, under certification
that she shall be esteemed a witch if she do so." A similar
case occurred in Kingarth in 1661, when Janet Morison was
indicted for telling Mrs Elspeth Spence that her invalid
daughter "would not be whole till they would take her
out and lay her at the end of three highways." But for
Janet's denial it would probably have been the most fitting
prescription for a patient lying in a stuffy cot. The session
" discerned her a slanderer of Elspeth Spence, and appointed
her to satisfy, according to order, and to pay a penalty of

The Reformed Church. 265

forty shillings. As also the said Janet goes under the name
of a witch or deceiver, by undertaking to heal desperate
diseases by herbs and such like, the session did discharge
the said Janet Morison in time coming to use the giving
of any physick or herbs to anybody, under certification that
she shall be esteemed a witch if she do so, and that the
people may not hereafter employ her — intimation hereof to
be made out of the pulpit next Sabbath." Such were the
ecclesiastical pains for gathering a dandelion or a nettle
without the advice of a licensed leech, that the witch of
Endor could not have eluded them.

Nor were men exempt from those vile accusations. In
1670, in Kingarth, James MThie complained to the session
''against Robert Glass for scandalising his good name in
saying that he sould frequent the company of a lemman
among the faries, commonly called fairfolks, whilk was a
base and unchristian scandal," for which he demanded repar-
ation. The case was called, and Glass deponed that one
Mackevin said " it was no wonder James his wife could not
be well, because he had a fary lemman." A few months
afterwards ''the session ordains that Robert Glass do
publickly acknowledge his fault at the parish kirk of Kin-
garth, on the Sabbath day, and that he take James MThee
be the hand, craving a pardon of God first, and then of
James for reproaching him, and that they forgive other ;
whilk was done." What a wholesome scene was this at the
door of St Blaan's !

The fairies or kind folks were credited with having a home
in a cave under Cnoc Alastair Drummer (the hill of Alaster
the Drummer) on the farm of Ambrisbeg, whence they issued
betimes to assist, like Aiken-drum, an anxious proprietor in

266 Bute in the Olden Time.

harvest - time.^ At night the farmer placed beside their
habitat bannocks and milk, and when morning dawned these
had disappeared, and in proof of their appreciation the stooks
on the field were safely secured for him by the industrious
fays. But the session never knew of this strange practice.

Belief in the power of incantations for securing help, health,
and happiness had not disappeared in the seventeenth cen-
tury, as some interesting cases from Kingarth show. One
of the forms of divination practised in the East, handed down
in various countries, and held in repute in Kingarth, was
" Koskinomancy," or divination by the sieve or riddle. It
was also utilised as an ordeal for the discovery of criminals,
as well as by love-sick swains for the revelation of their
future mates. The riddle was suspended from a pair of
scissors (usually inherited), one leg of which was driven into
the wood rim, the divining instrument being held up loosely
on a finger. Words of invocation were uttered, and the riddle
turned and silently told its augury.* 'The Universal Fortune-
Teller' thus gives directions for the practice: "Stick the
points of the shears in the wood of the sieve ; let two persons
support it, balanced upright with their two fingers ; then read
a certain chapter in the Bible and ask S. Peter and S. Paul
if A or B is the thief, naming all the persons you suspect.
On naming the real thief, the sieve will suddenly turn about."

The following references to this sieve-chasing, or sieve-
dance, are from Kingarth session records: —

''April 24, 1649: whilk day Kat. M'Caw, Archibald McNeill's
wife, was delated [/.^., informed against] for being suspected that

* See vol. i. p. 88. Read Ambrisbeg for Ambrismore.

• Grimm's 'Teutonic Mythology,* Stallybrass's trans., vol. iii. p. 1108 ; Hender-
son's 'Notes on the Folk-Lore of the Northern G>unties of England,' pp. 53. 233.

The Reformed Church. 267

she used the charm of the ridle." Bu.t it turned out to be Archi-
bald himself who was the sorcerer.

^^ May 27, 1649 : whilk day compeired Marget M*Kirdy, who
was delated for charming Robert Hyndman, and confessed that she
used the charm for ane evill ey, and being asked several questions
about her uses of the same, would give no satisfactory apswer. She
repeated the charm as follows : —

** * Cuirrith mi an obi er hull
A hucht Phedir is Phoile,
An obi is fear fui na yren
Obi thia o neoth gi lar . . .* "

The translation is —

" I will put an enchantment on [the] eye,
From the bosom of Peter and Paul,
The one best enchantment under the sun,
That will come from heaven to earth."

" The session ordaines Kerelamount and John Wallace to speir
at her more particularlie to see what farther they can learne of this
or other poynts of witchcraft, and to report to the next session.
The whole elders are admonished to enquire of her carrage."

"Compeared Cat. M*Call, Ard. M'NeilFs wife, and denyed that
she used the charme of the ridle, and lykwise that she knew not if
it was turned in her hpuse."

" Compeired Lachlane M*Kirdy and confessed that he and Alester
M*Call did use the charme of the ridle in Suthgarachtie for getting
of silver that was stone fra him, and that he and Isobell M*Call did
practise the said charme ane only tyme. Compeired Isobell M*Call
and confessed that shee and Lachlane M'Kirdie did practise the
charme of the ridle for getting some silver that her mother wanted.
Lachlane M*Kirdie and Isobell M'Call having confessed that they
practised the charme of the ridle, the session did referr them to the
Presbyterie."

Two girls of tender years were apprehended at this time
for this superstitious practice, but they confessed ignorance
of its meaning, and were referred to the Presbytery.

268 Bute in the Olden Time,

^^ i^th March 165O: . . . whilk day compeired Archibald
M*Neill and confessed the using of the charme following in Irish : —

" ' Eolus chuir shiag obi er chrissadh er
Chliskadh er shiachadh er att er ith er
Ambhais nach deachie fomo
Dhume no mobheach acht fo
Leadhas dhia nan dule. ' "
Translation : —

'* The charm which seven enchantments put on shivering, on starting, on wither-
ing, on joint, on the death that went not under [affected not] my man nor my
beast, but went under [undem'ent] the healing of the Lord of Hosts." ^

"The said Archibald confessed that he made this charme in
tallow and applyed the same to horses with a wristed legg, and that
he practised the samen on John Wallace's horse, and to a horse of
Mllcheyne's."

Afterwards Archibald confessed his sin, and was referred to
the Presbytery.

The belief that a witch could assume the form of a hare
was so tenaciously held by one wise laird of Ambrisbeg, that

* The above translations are by a Gaelic scholar ; the following by an Irish
scholar. The text is very corrupt : —

•' I will put a chann on the eye
In the name [/</., for the sake] of Peter and Paul ;
The best charm under the stm,
A charm that is [or goes*] from heaven to earth."

See Mackenzie's ** Gaelic Incantations,'' p. 161 of vol. xviii. of Transactions
Gaelic Society of Inverness.

II.

" A charm which t said : a charm against obstruction, against being startled, against attack,

against swelling, against eating, against a neck,! that they may not go upon my friend or my
beast [animal], but [may go] under the cure of the King of Creatures."

For difference between Eolus and ohaidh {obi in MS., word now obsolete in
modern Irish) see Mackenzie as above.

• If the reading is Ma=ls, /A^/V/=goes.

t Shiagf if for sidheog^ fairy (the sound of which it represents wellX it is unusual, as a saint
is usually connected with those charms.
X Neck would mean diseased neck or throat*

The Reformed Church. 269

he would on no account molest the timid rodents. A worthy
Buteman still tells that his father used to recount how, when
herding, he saw a hare stand up and suck a cow ; and although
he hounded the collie upon the thief, the dog would not give
chase to what even the dog realised to have been a witch. It
is also said that one of the doctors of Rothesay, in the past
generation, was called upon to extract a crooked silver six-
pence from the body of an old woman who, in the shape of a
hare, had received this charmed shot by a dead marksman.

When, in 18 12, the simple natives of Bute saw the Comet
approach the isle, they gathered by the shore ; but as soon as
she entered the bay, they sought refuge in their old retreat on
Barone Hill, believing that this pioneer of progress was the
devil !

If Bute fishermen on their way to their boats met certain
ill-favoured women — notably one who lived at the Gatehouse
— they, being assured of no catch that day, instantly returned.

The last genuine case of belief in necromancy I have heard
of occurred in Rothesay in 1857.

A child was pining away, without any discoverable cause,
when an Irish woman informed the child's mother that it was
a case of the " evil eye," or bewitching. She was permitted to
use the following charm, which she declared to be unfailing : To
place some water in a basin along with some salt. A needle
was to be dropped into the mixture. If the needle stood up
on end the " evil eye " would cease its baleful influence, and
the child would recover. The charm wrought: the needle
stood erect; the boy immediately recovered, and is still
alive.

Among other " freits " still observed in Bute are the burning
of a light in the dead-chamber and the covering of the mirror

270 Bute in the Olden Time.

till the corpse is removed ; the removal of the dead feet fore-
most from the house ; the care to prevent the funeral turning
except in one direction or going by a side-road ; the baptism
of a boy before a girl, when both are presented for what is
termed the "christening," lest the one should be beardless and
the other bearded ; the keeping of the child indoors till after
baptism lest it should not thrive ; the proper position of the
child in the father's arms during this rite, and other minor
customs with symbolical meaning.

The Presbytery of Dunoon took cognisance of a curious
observance, of which I have not seen another instance : —

"13M Feb, 1656. — Compeared Marie M*Ilwee, medwyfe, and
spouse to Dod M*Lucas, who pat ane rope upon and about ane
new-bom childe and did cut the same in thrie pieces and cast the
same into the fyre, for which she was cited before the session of
Kilmadan and censured therefor as superstitious."

It was one of the functions of the session to see that pro-
mises of marriage were duly fulfilled or lapses from purity
condignly punished. During the period intervening between
the " laying in of the cries " — that is to say, the registration
of the proclamation of banns — and the marriage ceremony,
which frequently was a long time, the parties had to procure
two cautioners and consign a sum of money into the hands of
the session lest the compact were broken, or a venial sin
occurred. In either case of a breach of the law, this "con-
signation money " was forfeited.

The bridals were sometimes amorous riots, where un-
hallowed sports like " Bab at the Bowster " were indulged in
by vinous revellers, who were summoned "for scandalous
carrage at bridels," and piously admonished to "cary chris-
tianly in tyme coming." The guests paid a penny for admis-

The Reformed Church. 271

sion to these popular riots. They were eschewed on "Yuill-
day," lest the strain on frail nature became too great.

A Bute marriage was a function of groaning boards and
grunting pipers, as profane as the wisdom of their special
proverb made them, so that in December 1658 the Rothesay
session, " for the better regulating of the disorders that fall out
at Penny Brydells, appointed that there be no more than
eight Mense [j>., tables] at most, that there be no pipeing nor
promiskuous dancing under the penaltie of the parties maryed
losing their consignation money, and that there be no sitting
up to drink after ten o'clock at night, under the phine of forty
shillings, to be paid by the Master of the family where the
Brydell holds."

An old song, " The Blythsome Bridal," will vividly illustrate
the uproarious conviviality and luxuriousness of a country
wedding banquet, with which in comparison a puritanic
sermon had no chance : —

" Fy, let us a' to the bridal,

For there will be lilting there ;
For Jocky's to be married to Maggie,

The lass wi* the gowden hair.
And there will be lang kail and pottage,

And bannocks of barley-meal ;
And there will be good sawt herring,

To relish a cog of good ale.

And there will be fadges and bracken.

With fouth of good gabbocks of skate,
Powfowdy, and drammock, and crowdy.

And caller nowt-feet in a plate.
And there will be partans and buckies,

And whitings and speldins enew,
With singed sheep-heads, and a haggis,

And scadlips to suck till ye grew.

2 72 Bute in the Olden Time.

And there will be lapperd-milk kebbucks,

And sowens, and farles, and baps,
With swats, and well-scraped paunches,

And brandy in stoups and in caps :
And there will be meal-kail and castocks,

With skink to sup till ye rive,
And roasts to roast on a brander.

Of flowks that were taken alive.

Scrapt haddocks, wilks, dulse, and tangle,

And a mill of good snishing to prie ;
When weary with eating and drinking.

We'll rise up and dance till we die.
Then fy, let us a' to the bridal."

The two pipers in Kingarth in 1681 appear to have been
especially profane fellows, and to prevent the ** close-bosom-
whirling " or hedonic Highland Fling undoing the innocent,
the Session, "considering the profane cariage at weddings,
especially by profane pipers, ordains that none employ or
make use of Patrick Macpherson or James Walkir at weddings
as pipers within the parish afterwards or give them money
for playing, and that under penalty of losing their dollors."
Patrick was a merry muse, and the session soon interviewed
him for kissing and " sporting at " Alice M*Caw, who appeared
along with him piping to another tune.

Swearing then was no more profitable a pastime than
kissing, as the Presbytery by deposition taught Mr Patrick
Stewart, Minister of Rothesay in 1657, who had no better
excuse for minced oaths and cantankerousness than that he
was simply enjoying a ** crack " with his " guid-mother."

The session had a summary method of dealing with the
bacchanalianism of the day, first by fining, and afterwards by
exposing habitual drinkers in the stocks. The session were

The Reformed Church. 273

temperance reformers in their own way, which is illustrated
thus in 1707 : —

"The Session taking to their consideration that Elspeth M*Intylor,
spouse to James Stewart, wood-keeper, is a person, because of her
Furiosity, unfitt to be dealt with, according to the rules of Discipline :
And that she is very subject to drink, which leaves, besede the
scandal of it, very bad and lapsing effects both on her body and
mind, to the great prejudice of her husband, squandring his sub-
stance even to the giving away his and her own body-cloaths : And
that the said Elspeth M*Intylor hath too many accomplices who
encourage or assist her in such courses : Do therefore discharge all
Brewers and Retailers of ale within this town and parish to furnish
the said Elspeth M'Intylor with any Liquors to the disordering of
herself or disturbing others by that means, — With certification that
if they do otherwise they shall be processed themselves as scandalous
persons : And that Intimation hereof be made from the Pulpit next
Lord's day."

For scorning wholesome advice Patrick the piper was
handed over to Mr Robert Stewart, the local magistrate in
Kingarth, to enjoy a season of ascetic teetotal treatment.

The session were naturally very punctilious concerning the
sober observance of the fast-days and Sabbaths, which were
not to be profaned by indulging in worldly thoughts, works,
or recreations : —

^^ Rothesay y i6ih Dec. 1658: whilk day it is appointed, for the
better observance of the Sabath-day, That the former Acts made
anent Sabath-breakers be put in execution, with this addition, that
whosoever of the Town-people be found sitting at drink less or more
in their neighbour's house upon the Sabath-day shall be delated to
the Session, and shall pay a merk for the first fault. Twenty shilling
for the next, and forty shilling for the thrid ; and that all families
keep themselves within doors upon the Sabath-day before and after
divine service, that they be not vaguing through the streets nor
standing or sitting in flocks together speaking vain and Idle dis-

VOL, II. S

274 ' B^^^ ^^ ^^ Olden Time.

courses, under the like pain ; and masters of Families to be answer-
able for their children and servants ; and that all Landward people
that shall be found drinking after the Toll of the Tolbooth bell,
which is hereby appointed to be rung half-an-hour after the Sermon
afternoon skails, be delated and pay the like penalties ; and thir
penalties are by and attour their public satisfaction. Moreover, for
the better observance of this act, it is appointed that any two of the
Town Elders whom the Minister shall pitch upon shall go through the
Town after the Bell-ringing and observe the Contraveeners ; and ap-
points intimation of this act to be made out of pulpit the next Sabath."

An anxious creditor was admonished for craving his debts
on the fast-day. Some industrious ploughmen for ploughing
on that day were cited, as also were some fishermen who had
sailed out of Kilchattan in search of a catch on a Sabbath.
In 1 7 10, the industrious farmer in Greenan and his whole
family, who were " very much humbled and disquieted," being
" otherwise of a very blameless reputation and honest life,"
were rebuked for "going about their ordinary work on the
morning of that day [Sabbath], never remembering or con-
sidering what day it was until they observed the neighbour-
hood flocking to the church." It went harder still with a
needy snuffer, who was accused of turning her taddy-mill in
Kingarth on the Sabbath : —

^^ October lo, 1699: whilk day Katrin M*Millan being sumoned
and called, compeared : being inquired of, if she was grinding snuff
on the Sabath-day, she flatly denyed doing so ; there were no wit-
nesses to prove it : she was dismissed for this, but in respect she
was a stranger come out of Lorn, she was desired to produce a testi-
monial. She told she had none : therefore she is enjoyned to get
one ere Candlemas, otherwise to leaf the parish. This she pro-
mised."

Unfortunately Katrin could not get a " character," and she
was dismissed the parish ! It would have required an inbred

The Reformed Church. 275

Pharisee, of the purest descent from the time of Moses, to have
kept a Kingarth Sabbath better than Elspa Muir did : —

"^/. 7, 1667: whilk day compeired Elspa Muir, being sum-
moned and callt, confessed she took up the rock [distaff] on the
Sabbath but did not spin. She is ordained to be rebuked publicly,
and to be admonisht that she keep holy the Sabbath."

Keeping holy the Sabbath was properly defined to the
people there: —

March 12, 1671. — Masters, servants, and children were
ordained to attend church, and return home without " vaiging
and drinking," — transgressors to stand on the pillar and pay
forty shillings.

"yb«. 15, 1670 : whilk day it is ordained that intimation be made
that no person use their worldly talk or business on the Sabbath,
otherwise to be noticed by an elder and delated to be censured."

This meant their own proper parish church ; and in 1678 parish-
ioners of Kingarth going to Rothesay church were fined 6d.
Scots, because "the poor wants their charity at the kirk."
William Blair, the ferrier at Kilmichael, was ordained, under
penalty, in 1700 not to row travellers over to Kames unless
" they can evidence the same to be upon urgent necessitie."

If the Church seemed a hard taskmaster in demanding such
constant attendance on public duty, it was not without a sense
of a Samaritanism which cared for the comforts of the creature.
The Rothesay session record bears : —

^^June 27, 1692. — It is enacted and ordained that no hostler
or innkeepers shall sell any drink in tyme of sermon except to kirk
persons, and this act to be intimated the next Lord's day."

276 Bute in the Olden Time.

But those slow in gathering to worship were first admon-
isht, then "unlawt" (fined).

To be wilfully absent from the Communion was an offence
requiring the criminal " to pay 46 shillings and to stand on
the pillar ane Sunday, as also appoints the guiltinesse of
his fault to be referred to the Kirk-session."

The elders did not escape ministerial supervision, being
exhorted to be faithful and exemplary:—

^^ Rothesay y March 8, 1687. — ^That day the minister requested the
elders that because he was now by his sermons and catechisings
preparing the people for the holy sacrament of the Lord's Supper,
therefore they should take care by their example and authority to
persuade and lead all the people, to all occasion that might dispose
their spirits for so divine an action."

Nor were elders' duties perfunctory, and permitting them to
slumber at home on the Sabbath-days : —

^^ Rothesay^ 2d June 1700. — ^The Session appoints the Elders
who are to collect the poores alms should still in their rounde be
observant that there be no misdemeanor or misbehavior in the toun
on the Lord's day; and that the Countrey elder take a walk
through the toun in the time of the English sermon, and challenge
all miscariages he perceives, and call sucH people to account whom
he suspects to stay from church without a relevant excuse : and the
Toun Elder to take notice in the time of the Irish sermon and do
in the same manner. Moreover, the toun elder is appointed after
sermon to goe and take any one of his neighbour elders he thinks
fit to pitch upon, and walk once or twice in the Sabbath evening
through the whole toun, and observe and reprove any breach of
Sabbath or smaller indecencies they can find, and if persons con-
tinue obstinate and will not forbeare upon their reproofs, they are to
delate them to the session."

It is not to be wondered at that, in the glorious days of

The Reformed Church. 277

the Covenant, the people found every inducement to attend
public worship, when on the one hand they were in terror
of the judgment, and on the other were entertained so
variously with all the spiciest morsels from human experi-
ence which the pulpit took cognisance of — from a young
wife's "scunners" to an old wife's snuff, from David dancing
before the ark to Patrick condemned to pipe no more, not
to mention " the weightier matters of the law." No modern
Society journal could have afforded so choice a weekly
budget of Sabbath entertainment as the Covenanting Kirk
of Scotland.

Offenders were made to stand, in the way of punishment,
or to "satisfy," on the pillar, the stand, or in the branks,
jougs, or stocks.

The "pillar" was an erection at the foot of the pulpit,
with several steps, which indicated the degree of the offence.
The higher the ascent was the farther from grace. In other
parishes it was simply a stool or a form.

The " stand " was no less prominent a place, being outside
the door and covered to protect the delinquent from the
elements. In Kingarth, in 1694, "the kirk stand" was so
much out of repair that Ninian Stewart, the carpenter, was
employed to repair it with "slait, fogg, or lime."

The "branks," or iron-bonnet, was used for scolds; the
"stocks" for beggars and inebriates; the "jougs" for the
contumacious.

The sessions were much exercised in trying to extirpate
slandering, which is a failing in Bute not easily eradicated.
On the first offence, the slanderers were enjoined "to for-
give each other freely," and for the second offence paid 20
pounds Scots.

278 Bute in the Olden Tinie.

In 1670, "Jane Hunter, goodwife of Kerelamont, com-
plaint to the session that Katrine M'llmertin, her neighbour,
had most maliciously, vilely, and ignominiously slandered
her in saying that she did eat lice," and sought justice. "The
session ordains Katrin M'llmertin to stand on the pillar
the next Lord's day, since she publisht such a vile lying
slander," But Katrine proved contumacious, and was " un-
lawed" (fined) in 2 pounds Scots.

Mary M'Conochie said to Agnes Hyndman, " Witch, witch,
go home to your house and see if ye have the devil in your
kist or your master in the cove," and for this pretty speech
Mary stood two days on the pillar and craved pardon.

One of the evil effects of the siege and capture of Laird
Lamont of Toward came out in 1659, when the Laird was
cited for "slandering Walter Stewart, baillie, an elder, by
accusing him of wicked counsels, the said Walter also com-
plaining that Lady Lamont said to her brother, the Laird
of Ardkinglas, that Walter called him and other friends
' Bloodthirstie murdering Traitors.' " This was not far be-
side the mark, but Lamont was reported to the Presbytery.

In 1666, a Rothesay woman, Elspeth Spence, was "found
guilty of slandering Janet Jameson, . . . and because the said
Elspeth Spence is found to be an ordinar scold, the Session
appoints that whensoever she shall be found to flyte or scold
again, that she shall be led by the Town Officer through the
town, and that a paper be set upon her forehead containing
her faults, and thereafter to be banished the town."

In 1679, the minister, Mr John Stewart, cited Patrick
M'Caw, the tailor, for calling him a " common lyar and tale-
teller," and although Patrick denied the offence, the minister
proved his case, and had the sweet satisfaction of seeing the

The Reformed Church. 2 79

tailor compelled "to take his minister be the hand" and
swear better conduct for the future.

The session had some mercy for frail women, as a case
in 1701 shows, when a Magdalene whom "for the second
time the divel got advantage of" was imprisoned and had
her head shaved "in the public mercat-place"; but the session
ordained her to get "a peck of meales piece towards her
maintenance." All this war was a holy crusade against the
devil, for when her paramour was before the minister he was
reminded "how loath the Divel was to part with any grip
he once got" The argument went home, and he gave " verie
good symptoms of remorse and contrition," and "satisfied."
The session had so reduced spiritual diagnosis to a science,
that the devil could not escape having his works displayed
in high places. Some of his worst clients "were ordained
to stand bareheaded and barelegged in sackcloth at the kirk-
dore [St Blaan's] from the one bell to the third, and afterwards
in the pillar during the tyme of devyne service, and that
for the space of twell Sabbaths, and also to pay jf 20 of
penaltie." If Romeo was complaisant to the session, and
Juliet still clung to her admirer, the scene of retribution
was rendered more acceptable to the former by his being
permitted to appear " in whyte sheets six Sabbaths," before
putting in the "cries."

Revolt against this draconic legislation was then as in-
effective as the attempt of a heretic to escape Torquemada,
and was a greater offence than the crime itself. The Presby-
terian Church inculcated filial obedience. Its will was law.
An Act of Assembly was as infallible as a decree of Papal
Council.

The session had no respect of persons in the enforcing

28o Bute in the Olden Time.

of the law, gentle and simple alike being dragged before
their stern tribunal. The Rothesay session had occasion
to investigate into a social quarrel which took place between
the Lady of Ascog and the Countess of Bute, which resulted
in a terrible fracas among their servants in the churchyard
on a Sabbath afternoon. The scene among the green mounds
and grey stones must have been a striking one indeed, when
the fiery " cadies " set down their mistresses in their sedan-
chairs to draw their swords and call on each other as " cow-
ardlie dogs" to come and fight. Nor could the serving-
women brook indifference to the quarrel, and Grissal
M'Lauchlain, tiring-maid to Lady Ascog, expert in combing
her mistress's locks, took hold to comb those of David Glass,
who interfered for peace, " by the hair of his head and held
the same fast untill some who beheld her relieved him " from
the rude carding, and thus enabled him in retaliation to give
an Ascog " cadie " " a shoak on the head." Meantime Lady
Ascog is hounding on the sport. As the genteel combatants
wound their way homeward over the hill, by the Bush, a
running commentary of Biblical language, quite out of place
in the mouths of the laity, was hurled at each other, and
staves were brandished threateningly.

The incriminating record is very circumstantial in all these
comical details : —

"Likeways Elizabeth Robisone, Lady Ascog, was delated for
Sabbath-breaking, and particularlie that upon the foresaid 27 th of
Aprile last [1707] she did not onlie contribute to begin the forsaid
Scandalous and Impious tumult in the Churchyard, but after it was
thought to be over, did more than once with a loud voice Incite
the said James Allan to challenge James Stewart and David Glasse
to come up the brae to fight ; and that when the Countesse of Bute
was passing by her at a distance, and in her chair, she — viz., the

The Reformed Church. 281

Lady Ascog — gave the said Countesse sundrie very opprobrious

names, such as and [these epithets would not be pretty

even coming from the lips of Queen Bess], and that she was heard
horridlie Imprecate the Earle of Bute and his Familie, and saying
that she hoped ere long to see the Earl of Bute's heart-blood."

Lady Elizabeth and Allan would not obey the citation of
the session, who referred the case to the Presbytery for advice
— and then exhausted every means to place them under
discipline. But in vain ! At length it was announced from
the pulpit that, for " weighty and prudent considerations, the
Session thinks fitt to surcease all further process herein for
some time, until it please the Lord to bring them to some
sense of their hazard and danger."

When fines failed to create moral discipline, the magistrate
was called in, as an independent woman discovered in Rothe-
say: —

15/A August 1661. — Catherine Wood, summoned for dis-
obedience, said **in face of Session, *the Devil a bit she
would stand, and the Devil let her never stand more.' The
Session appoints her to be put in the Joggs at the Kirk-r
door upon Sunday next betwixt the second and third bell
for her contempt, and to satisfie for the fault as was enjoyned."
The officer reported he could not get " baud " of Catherine, and
the session ordained the magistrates to " grip " her. If every-
thing failed to subdue, the offender was then excommunicated,
and forbidden to live in the parish. The Episcopal bishop
in 1685 restrained this inquisitorial power. A fugitive had
no resting-place, since in every parish a travelling or dis-
joining certificate was required on arrival. Irish vagrants
were sent back to their own country, and the mendicant
class had metal tokens or badges assuring the public of

282 Bute in the Olden Time.

their genuine poverty. The bulk of the church collections
went for their maintenance, and was disbursed by the elders
or deacons. In Rothesay, in 1691, twenty-eight poor persons
were relieved, ;f 20, which were nearly the total collections,
being distributed amongst them. After this the number of
the poor increased. In Kingarth, in 1692, the poor's col-
lection of £^y 4s. Scots was distributed among nine poor
persons. The session forced the parishioners to do their
duty to their poor relatives and neighbours. On i ith August
1659, Rothesay session appoint the farmers in the north end
to lay down the material for, and instruct two masons to
build, a house at Atrick for Matthew Bannatyne, a leper,
and ordain his sister ''to wait on him." In 1661 they assisted
a leper named M'llduy.

Another important element in public life which came under
the jurisdiction of the Church was education. One worthy
result of the Reformation in Scotland was the fresh impulse
given to education, for the maintenance of which the Re-
formed clergy made an earnest and successful eflFort to obtain
part of the " patrimony of the Church."

The first parish school in Kingarth was opened in 1654.

The statement that the people of Scotland once possessed
" the ancient privilege of free education," though frequently
asserted as true, is an unworthy fabricatioa Fees have
been exacted in Scottish schools, except from the poorest
children, from time immemorial. Evidence regarding the
means whereby the Romanist clerks and schoolmasters were
paid for their school duties to those preparing for offices in
the Romish Church, and to the children permitted to attend
school with them, is scanty. But ample records remain to
show that prior to the Reformation fees for education were

The Reformed Church. 283

paid. Pre-Reformation schools, though under the jurisdiction
of the Church, do not all seem to have been part of the
organisation of the Church; and since monastic schools
were few and far distant from each other, through exped-
iency were founded private "lecture schools" and "dame
schools," for whose maintenance, without fees or bequests,
there seemed to be no provision made either out of "the
scoloc lands "for poor scholars or the ordinary revenues of
the Church. In the fifteenth century there must have been
a minimum of enthusiasm for education among the laity,
when it was necessary by Act of Parliament, 1494, cap. 54,
to compel even the barons and freeholders, under a penalty,
to send their eldest sons to school from their sixth to their
twelfth year. In towns and burghs the need of education
was more felt, so that in the sixteenth century magistrates
founded or maintained in efficiency " grammar schules " and
"art schules," whose teachers were paid salaries, each of
forty shillings and upwards, which without the supplement
of fees can be easily computed to be inadequate as the full
payment of a teacher. This was a voluntary imposition on
the part of the citizens, who at tuck of drum met to fix a
teacher's salary, as, in 1529, the townsmen of Aberdeen met
at their cross for this purpose. In some towns unauthorised
schools were extinguished.

At the Reformation the Protestant clergy were unsuccess-
ful in obtaining from the greedy barons and Crown agents
part of the confiscated patrimony of the Church to form a
sustentation fund for the maintenance of parish schools. A
meagre moiety remained for the Reformed Church, and it
would be unreason for the people of Scotland to further
confiscate the small portion preserved for the higher educa-

284 Bute in the Olden Time.

tion of the adult masses by the Church, while a national
settlement of the older question of the real proprietorship
of the larger portion is possible. It perhaps might not be
comfortable for those who demand a second spoliation if it
could be shown that some of them are inheritors of those
against whom the statute of 1633, cap. 6, was directed to
prevent them further diverting the gifts, legacies, and pious
donations left to churches and schools for their own private
uses, and if they were asked to give an account of their
stewardship. History would then reveal strange facts re-
garding bequests long since amissing, such as the Dean-
side Brae property, given to Glasgow Corporation at the
Reformation.

" Honest men held up their hands,
And wondered who could do it.''

However, the Acts of Privy Council and of Parliament down
to 1696 and onwards provided that schools should be settled
in every parish " upon the expense of the parochiners," for
which the heritors were "stented," with relief to extent of
one-half the tax from their tenants. Thus, any way looked
at, the burden of education has always fallen to some extent
directly on the people themselves. The execution of the
provisions of these Acts was intrusted to the Presbytery,
and by them to the kirk-sessions generally.

^^ Kingarth^ Oct, 16, 1670 : Quhilk day the Heretors and Elders
present ordain that there be a schoolhouse provided for at the moor
butts of Quschaig, as being the most centrical place of the parish
for a school, and do agree with Mr John Gragan, recomended to
them be Mr Archibald Graham, Minister of Rothesay, to be their
Schoolmaster, and for his encouragement to teach the bairn, they
ordain him 5 sh. out of every merkland in the parish and 3 sh. 4d.
from each cotter that hes sowing, and 2od. from these that have not

The Reformed Church. 285

sowing, with 20 merks out of the Session bag if it bees, 12 sh. out
of every baptism, a groat is for the beddel, and two groats to the
schoolmaster and 6 sh. to the beddel, with 8 sh. quarterly from every
child that comes to school; providing always that the said John
Gragan find bond and cation to give an whol year from Mertinmes
1670 till Mertinmes 1671."

But a winter in Kingarth was enough for Gragan, and he
" was payd off and dismist, in respect they can not get him
a frequent schole, nor sufficient maintenance, he being a
stranger, and that Lubas give out of the Kirk-box 5 merk
Scots, and that the officer puind such as refust to pay for
their merklands."

So Kingarth did not pine for education then. They next
employed Jonat Walker, a decent woman at Langalchorad,
at 20 sh. a month, to teach the youth. But Jonat took to
drinking and flyting, and had to make a very public ap-
pearance in the church more than once. Manus O'Conochar
was appointed to the office of teacher, which he held till
1682, when he was advanced to be beadle, an office he held
for seventeen years, till his death.

''Kingarth, Oct 25, 1699 : Whilk day the Heretors and Elders
. . , make choice of James O'Conochar to be their Scholmaster,
. . . and for his encouragment he is to have the dues formerly
possessed, whilk was 5 sh. out of every merkland in the parish and
3 sh, 4d. from each cottar that have sowing ; 1 2 sh. out of the
manage, and as many out of the mariage to the Bidel ; 4 sh. out of
the baptism and as many to the Bidel with sh. for every child of
quarter wages."

'' Kingarth, Jan. 8, 1700 : Whilk day the Session finding severals
backward and unwilling to send their children to school to be
taught and instructed, therefor it's thought fitt that the former act
anent the school be renued and in force, that whosoever may and is
able to send their children to school be obliged to send them one

286 Bute in the Olden Time.

or mor, otherwise that they be compelled to pay the quarter wages
quarterly, and this to be intimate next sabbath."

This is not a solitary instance of the working of the early
Education Acts. The teaching of the poor children only
was provided for out " of the common expenses " of burghs
and out of parish kirk-session funds, a custom long prevalent
in many places. Permission was also given to poor children
(as in Luther's case in Germany) to forage for their meat ;
while others who were not able to bring sterling money
brought their wages in kind — farm produce, peats, &c.

The re-establishment of Episcopacy did not change the
" use and wont " of payment of fees, and teachers were, as
formerly, paid their " sallarys, casualtys, perquisites, and em-
oluments." In the Burgh Records of Rothesay the minute
of the appointment of Mr James Stewart, teacher in 1661,
clearly sets forth the different items in his emoluments : —

" 40 pounds Scotis of the readiest common gudes of the said
burgh: together with the accustomed college fees, penalties, and
duties payable, be the country conform to use and wont, and the
proceeding acts and ordinances made thereanent."

Again, in December 1680, on making another appointment,
the magistrates, heritors, and session mutually agreed to
cancel this settlement, and to provide for the teacher a better
salary, made up of (i) the ordinary stent, (2) precentors'
fees, (3) fees; "and for the schoolmaster's encouragement
they agree every burges bairn within the toun shall pay
quarterly ten shillings Scots for every one that learns Scots,
and every Latiner [a blank here] and every landward bairn
of the parish quarterly [blank] for Latine, and every stranger
therein the same fiall," &c. It has also to be noticed

The Reformed Church. 287

that in fixing the fees they are generally mentioned as " ac-
cording to use and wont." It has been said that the Act
43 Geo. III., c 54, 1803, imposed a new and unjust tax upon
the Scottish people. That is not the case. That Act of 1803
recognised the existence of school-fees as " the ancient privi-
lege " of the teacher, as formerly fixed by kirk-sessions and
magistrates; and, in "making better provision for the par-
ochial schoolmasters," transferred the power of fixing these
fees to heritors possessed of land valued at one hundred
pounds Scots only, with the parish minister, a fact clearly
borne out by the definite wording of that Act, § 18, — "the
heritors qualified as is hereby required, &c., shall have the
power of fixing the school-fees from time to time." And so
far as the children or their fees are concerned, in this Act
there is no compulsory clause, thus leaving it open to heritors
to give teachers the maximum salary, without fees if they
chose. Hence from these and other facts it can be shown
that there was never a time when the education of the people
of Scotland was free and "an ancient privilege," except to
the very poorest children, who until 1803 received their edu-
cation as a gratuity, often from the teachers themselves, and
thereafter legally, but conditionally, at the instance of the
heritors and parish minister.

Both young and old were under their supervision, and " the
compulsory clause" for forcing children to school was in
unresisted force. Nor was all this system founded on a
narrow view of life which failed to recognise the humanities.
Far from it. In 1650, the Presbytery ordered a collection
throughout the bounds for a farmer burned out of his stead-
ing : appeals were made for distressed Scotsmen in England,
slaves, a Presbyterian church in England, and other works of

288 Bute in the Olden Time,

mercy. The session in 1702 collected money for the making
of a bridge at Water of Leckan, besides assessing for the
building and repairing of the ecclesiastical edifices in the
parish.

Last scene of all, — the session controlled the burials of the
parishioners. Coffins were not commonly used for interments,
and each parish possessed a '' common chist " ready for public
use to convey the dead to the churchyard. The coffin of
Kingarth in 1693 cost 26 shillings.

In 1 701, in Rothesay —

" The session desiderates yet the want of ane engyne to convey
the coffin convenientlie into the grave with the corps. Therefore
they have appointed John M*Neill, Thesaurer, to agree with a smith
to make and join to the said chest a loose iron cleik fit for receiv-
ing a man's hand, one at everie end, and to pay the workman for the
same, and appoints the said chist when finished to be committed to
the care of the Kirk Officer, and he is hereby strictly appointed to
take particular care that the said chest when used be no way damni-
fied, or if it be, that the person to whom it was delivered should be
obliged by him to repair the damnage."

Before 1660 the corpse was brought to the churchyard
before the grave was dug — relatives usually performed this
office — and left on the ground till the grave was " hocked."
To end this indecency, the session ordained that "in time
coming, the grave be hocked before the corps comes to the
kirk-yard, under the pain of 40s. to be paid by him whose
duty the session shall find it is to look to the dead's buriall."

In the transit from the house to the grave, the corpse and
the coffin was covered by a black mortcloth which belonged
to the session, and was let out for a small fee.

1706. — "And the method according to which the session agrees
the said mort-cloath should be let out — i,e,y For Fourtie Shilling

The Reformed Church. 289

Scots per night to any within the twentie pound Land of Rothesay,
and For Four Shilling sterling per night to any in the country of
Bute, and if at any time it was Imployed without the Isle, it was to
be For a doUor the first night and Fourtie shilling Scots per night
thereafter."

In 1708, the Rothesay mortcloth cost ;^i8 Scots. All that
now remained for the minister to do was to cut the green
grass of the churchyard for his cattle — it was his perquisite —
and for the session to see that the mourners believed that
the departed were either in heaven or hell, for Presbytery
permitted no belief in Purgatory.

What influence the establishment of Episcopacy in Scot-
land had locally I have been quite unable to discover
from any sources. It seems, however, from lack of tradition,
to have been slight and transitory. The burgesses and the
farmers seem to have clung to the Presbyterian polity, while
the Sheriffs family sided with the royalist party and their
southern fashions and faith.

The parish church of Rothesay became the Cathedral of
the Bishopric of Sodor, a see over which the following
bishops presided : —

Andrew Knox, A.M. of Glasgow, minister first at Lochwinnoch,
then at Paisley, was appointed to the Bishopric of the Isles
and the Abbacy of lona on 2d April 1606. He was translated
to the see of Raphoe, in Ireland, 26th June 161 1, and died
at RamuUen Castle, 17th March 1633, aged seventy-three.

Thomas Knox, his son, succeeded to the office. He was rector of
Clondevaddock in Ireland. He died about 1626, and, accord-
ing to Blain, in Rothesay.

John Leslie, rector of St Martin-le-Vintry, in London, was nominated
by King Charles I. to the Bishopric on August 17, 1628. He
was eldest son of George Leslie of Crichie, and a graduate
VOL. II. T

290 Bute in the Olden Time.

of Aberdeen. In 1633 he became Bishop of Raphoe, in 1661
Bishop of Clogher, and died in 167 1, in the hundredth year of
his age, at Glasslough, Monaghan.

Neil Campbell, parson of Kilmichael-Glassary, Argyle, was appointed
bishop in 1634, and died about 1646.

" Mr Robert Wallace, minister of Barnwell, in the Shire of Air,
famous for his large stomack, got the Bishoprick of the Isles,
though he understood not one word of the language of the
natives. He was a relative of the Chancellor's, and that was
enough."^ He was consecrated at Holyrood in 1662, and
died in Rothesay in 1675, leaving, by Margaret Cunningham,
his wife, two sons and three daughters. The following is the
epitaph on his tombstone in Rothesay churchyard : —

" Hie jacet Reverendus Robertus Wallas, Episcopus Sodor-
ensis qui, post annos — providens in sacro ministerio piu et
fideliter peractos, huic muneri prgepositus insulis poene vacuis,
verbi prceconio pastores suffecit, veritatis propugnator strenuus,
regi fidus, de ecclesia semper bene meritus, adolescentium
patronus munificus summo omnium bonorum desiderio, fato
cessit Rothesaise, tertio idus Maias mdclxxv, aetatis suae Iv."

Then follows the Wallace coat of arms — first and fourth, the
lion rampant ; second and third, the fess cheeky — and the
initials "R. W." The rest of the inscription is illegible.

The successor of Bishop Wallace was Archibald Graham, who was
deprived at the Revolution, and died at Edinburgh on 23d
June 1702, aged fifty-eight. He bequeathed his library to the
poor of Rothesay, and part of it is still in possession of the
kirk-session, part having been sold for the poor, as the follow-
ing minute of session bears : —

^^ Rothesay, April 13, 1715 — The minister reports, that
about the beginning of February last he received nineteen
pounds eighteen shillings Scots, which was resting for a little
parcell that was sold of the Books mortified to this session by
the late Bishop of the Isles for the use of the poor."

The session record begins 5th August 1658. On loth Dec-

* Wodrow, * Hist, of the SufFerings,' &c., vol. i. book i. p. 102.

The Reformed Church, 291

ember 1680 it is signed by Archibald Graham, Bishop of
Sodor — "Arch. Sodoren." (See pp. 294, 298.)

The following is a list and condensed account of the min-
isters of Kingarth and Rothesay since the Reformation : ^ —

1572. King James VI. presented Archibald Sinclair to the parson-
age and vicarage of Kingarth on the i8th March 1572.

1597. Patrick Stewart, A.M., was son of John, usher to King James
VI., who presented him to the vicarage about 1608. He
was translated to Rothesay in 1623. (See p. 298.)

1626. Donald Omey, a graduate of Glasgow, 1622, had the church
at Keel, Southend, succeeded or was colleague to Patrick
Stewart, and was translated to Lochhead, Campbeltown,
about 1639.

1639. James Maxwell, graduate of Glasgow, 1628; son of the

minister of Mearns ; presented to Holywood and Keir in
1633; assistant-minister of Kingarth in 1640; became
minister of Kirkgunzeon, 20th September 1656.

1640. John Campbell, graduate of Glasgow in 1637 ; admitted 8th

November 1640; died in 1645.

1645. Archibald M'Laine, graduate of Edinburgh, 1639, was pre-
sented by Charles I., i8th June 1645, and translated to
Row in 1648.

1649. Jo^*^ Stewart, graduate of Glasgow, chaplain at Kinloch in
Campbeltown in 1648, admitted to Kingarth 31st January
1649, was appointed by the Synod to translate the Shorter
Catechism and part of the Psalms into Irish — the latter
Irish metre. On 30th June 1658 Stewart was translated
to Rothesay.

1660. Alexander M*Laine, translated from Kilmaglass 19th March
1660, deprived by Act of Parliament in 1662.

1664. From March to July 1664 session was "keiped by Mr
Robert Aird."

* This list has been compiled from Scot's * Fasti Eccl. Scot.' and local records,
with the assistance of Rev. J. Saunders, Kingarth.

292 Bute in the Olden Time.

1665. John Stewart, graduate, Glasgow, 1651; presented 1665;
appears in session ist August 1665.

" Oct 26, 1673. — It was thought fitt to be recorded here that
about this time the chamber of the manse, where the minister
was studying, did fall down on a sudden at once, so that by the
admirable providence of God the minister was preserved, he bping
at the time not in, he only stept in to a little study, hearing some
creaking, not suspecting the house, but thinking it had been
some drops of rain dropping on his books, so that the top of the
study saved him from being crushed to death, for which he and
all concerned are ever obliged to be faithful to God and bless him."

From July 1674 onwards for several years the minister could
not, because of bodily infirmity, attend the session meetings.
There are two curious minutes bearing upon this period — one
being a minute by the Synod of Argyle referring to what Stewart
had done under Episcopacy, without the approval of Presbytery;
the other the minister's correction of their complaint to this
effect, that in September 1668 Mr Robert Wallace, Bishop of
the Isles, and the Presbytery had visited Kingarth, when " the
minister preached and was approven in doctrine, discipline, and
conversation ; that the same occurred with Mr Androw Wood,
Bishop of the Isles, and that the third visitation was " by the
Presbytery of Cowal in January 1 691, at whilk time those present
wold have the minister deprived, and the place clear to have
Gospel ordinances planted there, for no other reason but because
he being under the afflicting hand of God by atrocious flux for five
years and a half, he was not able for the present to serve the
cure (for there was no other cause inquired into), but it pleased
God of his infinit goodness — he hath compassion on the afflicted
— to restore the minister shortly after to better health, so that by
the good hand of God upon him he was able to exercise his
function, and by the favour of the government continued in his
charge and keept possession."

The meetings of session were held at this period at the kirk
• of Kingarth, Langalchorad, Kilchattan Mill, Clachanuisk, and
other places. In December 1675 the nave of St Blaan's Church
fell into ruin.

The Reformed Church, 293

"1675. — This year, upon the 19 day of December, by an
horrible and great storm of wind, the roof [it was new in 1670]
of the kirk was blown off in the night-time. It was a remarkable
and singular providence of God that it fell not on the Sabbath
when people were assembled for divine worship, but that it came
to pass on Saturday's night."

^^ April 9, 1676. — This year, in respect the kirk was ruinous,
and no certain place where divine worship might be constantly
performed, but being in a flitting condition here and there, as
the weather would permit, sometimes at a hillside, on a good day,
sometimes in the cove at Ardniho, sometymes in a bam at Langal-
rorad, and at Kilcattan milne, therefor there were few sessions
keepit and many of the minutes lost."

The session record for December 23 bears, "Whilk day it's
ordained that the pulpit be taken down out of the place where
it stands, and got into the Quire, and that sermon be here when
the weather is seasonable." At Langalchorad, on the 27th
February 1677, "the heretors and gentlemen" of the parish
make " a band anent the biging of the New Kirk," which was
seated for 250 persons. It was finished in 1680, and in October
of that year the heritors, feuars, and other parishioners "after
advertisement" met to divide the kirk, "when the Sheriff of
Bute was apportioned the whole Isle [aisles] on the north side
of the kirk, high and low, allowing him if he please to loft the
said Isle, . . . and that Manus O'Conochar presently take up
the School in the kirk." At a subsequent meeting, " The session
agreed with James Rodger to secure the glass windows with
wire — to wit, all the low windows, in number seven, for whilk
he is to have sixteen marks out of the readiest of the stent or
kirk fines." It was also appointed that the space betwixt the
north door and the aisle be for a pillar of public repentance.
This Church from the middle of last century was called the
Mid Kirk, to distinguish it from St Blaan's and Mountstuart
churches.

The present parish church, built in 1826, stands on the
site of the Mid Kirk.

294 jff/^/^ in the Olden Time,

1682. Archibald Graham, A.M., was presented by Charles II.,
30th August 1682, and held both the bishopric and the
parishes of Rothesay and Kingarth. (See p. 290.)
1 69 1. John Stewart, as above stated, was reinstated in Kingarth,
keeping session in July 1691. He died October 1703,
aged 72.
On 27th August 1703, the Earl of Bute received the patronage
of Kingarth from Queen Anne.
1704. Robert Glen was admitted 20th September 1704, and was
translated to Lochgoil in 1724.
It appears from a minute of Presbytery, date 27th December
1 7 1 5, that on the threatened invasion of Argyle and Inveraray
by the Highland rebels, the records of Dunoon Presbytery were
removed for safety to Ardgowan Castle. In the spring of the
next year the Presbytery are informed that the said papers had
been returned, although the Clerk stated he had not received
them. When returned, they do not seem to have been bound
up with the other volumes of record, for in 1820 the Clerk
writes to Dr Lee, Clerk of General Assembly, a letter in which
he declares that the Presbytery records between the years 1 7 1 6
and 1736 were amissing. All the while they have lain among
the papers returned from Ardgowan. It would seem from these
minutes that at nine o'clock of the night of the 3d March 1724,
after the induction of the Rev. Robert Glen, of Kingarth, to the
five-years*-vacant parish of Lochgoyll, the parish of Kingarth was
declared vacant, and the usual steps consequent thereon were
taken. The vacant " steepends " are lifted to pay probationers
ten shillings a Sunday for supply of the pulpit. Two years pass,
and apparently no attempt is being made to fill up the vacancy.
That was not an uncommon result of the exercise of the Patron-
age Act of Queen Anne, enacted in 17 11. The third Earl of
Bute was then a minor, and his affairs were being managed by
his mother and another guardian. In December 1726, the
Presbytery "appoynt ane letter to be sent to the Countess of
Bute, and that she be instructed to fall upon speedy measures for
planting that vacant parish with a minister." In 1727 a letter
from the Countess is read, to the effect that she cannot proceed

The Reformed Ctmrch, 295

to the choice of a minister until she has " all the difficulties com-
plained of by the last minister removed." These seem to have
been connected with the state of the church buildings. In July
of the same year, the elders of Kingarth compeared and " be-
wailed the desolate condition of the parish for want of a Gospel
ministry," and craving supplies for their pulpit. This goes on
seven years, when in April 1731, Mr Dugald Stewart reported
" that he fulfilled the recommendation on him by the last Presby-
terie to speak to the Countess of Bute about the planting of Kin-
garth and preaching for the new church, and that her answer was
that she hopped ear long that it would be settled to the Presby-
terie's satisfaction, and the new church fitted up for preaching
therein." In 1732 the Presbytery recommended, as a fit minister
for Kingarth, Mr Dugald Allan. The Countess did not appoint
him. In 1733 the Presbytery fixed their diet at "the Kirk of
Mountstuart," citing all concerned to appear at that place, and
were determined that this state of matters should cease. Ac-
cordingly, then, the Presbytery met on the isth May 1733, at
Mountstuart, which is called " the Kirk of Kingarth," and admit to
be heard certain parishioners who " did make a heavy complaint
of their long desolation, being now these 9 years vacand." The
Presbytery exonerated themselves from blame. A conference
was also held with Lord Strichan and the Countess of Bute
about the long vacancy, and they were told there would be a
speedy settlement, since "the Earle would be major in 12
months." They also "returned answer they had not as yet
pitched upon a place fitt for manse and gleib to a minister, but
that the Presbytery might depend upon it, that it would be a
more convenient place than the last manse was in, being 2
large miles from the place of this new church, which the Pres-
bytery told them was a very prettie little church, and re-
commend it very much." However, it is not until July 1740
that Mr James Stewart, of Kilwhinleck, was appointed minister.
In September of that year Mr Dugald Stewart reports that he
had preached at "the New Kirk of Kingarth, according to ap-
pointment, and served Mr James Stewart's edict," which was duly
endorsed — "there being no objections" — and fixed his ordina-

296 Bute in the Olden Time.

tion at the New Kirk of Kingarth. Accordingly, on the 24th
September 1740, after a vacancy extending during sixteen
years and a half, the parish was again " planted," and " at the
Kirk of Kingarth, Mr James Stewart was, after the legal formal-
ities, ordained and accepted by all the parishioners as their min-
ister." However, it was an unlucky choice, and Mr Stewart,
who was an eccentric gentleman, was at last practically deposed
from his office. The proceedings against him were of an extra-
ordinary kind. In the minutes we read of the Countess of Bute
seizing the keys of the church and preventing the sermon being
preached — an act which resulted in legal proceedings, through
which the keys of the church were handed over to the Pres-
bytery.
1740. James Stewart, son of James of Kilwhinleck, was appointed
next minister, as stated above. He was an eccentric
and extravagant man, with so pronounced a leaning to
the exiled Stewart family that he preferred to pray for
them instead of the king. After a long course of pro-
cedure, he resigned the charge, 3d December 1754.
He retired to his estate, which he further burdened
by building, in 1760, the present mansion-house of
Stewarthall.
1756. Richard Brown, licensed in Forres in 1754, was presented
by the Earl of Bute in 1755, admitted 6th May, and
translated to Lochmaben in 1765. He did not speak
Gaelic.
1766. James Thorburn, an English Presbyterian minister in Dar-
lington, was admitted 24th December 1766, and held the
charge till his death on 28th March 18 10, aged 83. He
was the friend of Home the dramatist and Dr John
Jamieson. He wrote the first "Statistical Account of
Kingarth."
181 1. Mark Marshall, from Caithness, was ordained 19th Septem-
ber 181 1, and died 14th December 1820.
1822. James Denoon, minister of Dunrossness, was admitted at
Scoulag 25th April 1822, and translated to Rothesay
I St December 1824. Kingarth church was then ruinous.

The Reformed Church. 297

He was invested with the keys of both Scoulag and Kin-
garth churches.

1825. Joseph Stuart, son of the minister of Luss, was ordained at
Scoulag nth May 1825, and died 8th September 1826,
aged 29.

1827. John Buchanan, student of Edinburgh, licensed at Peebles
15th August 1 82 1, tutor in the family of Gilbert Laing
Meason of Lindertis, was ordained 9th May 1827, and
died 26th May 1871.

1872. John Greenshields Scoular was translated from New Rothesay
iSth February 1872, and died ist August 1879.

1879. John Saunders, B.D., was ordained assistant and successor
to Mr Scoular on 2 2d July 1879.

The following are the names of the parish ministers of
Rothesay : —

1589. Patrick M*Queine, son of Patrick Oig M*Queine, had
charge of Kingarth and Killumcogarmick (St Colmac,
North Bute), which was added in 159 1. He was trans-
lated to Monzie. "In a record still extant, and under
1 601, he is described as *ane beboysched and depryved
minister* who had accused Sir Duncan Campbell of
Glenurchy by ' certain false lies and forged invents.* Yet
M*Quiene was a great favourite with James VI. * Moved
with pitie for him, under what he considered as the
grievous persecution to which he was subjected, his
Majesty assignit for the better sustenance of his wyff,
bairns, and familie the yearly pension of the third of the
vicarage of Kingarth." ^

1594. Donald M*Kilmorie, or M'llmorie, A.M., minister of Barony,

translated from Rothesay to Kilmalien or Glenaray.

1595. Robert Stewart, graduate of Glasgow in 1591, presented by

James VI. in 1595, appointed constant moderator of the
Presbytery of the Isles in absence of the Bishop, present
at Glasgow Assembly 16 10, survived until 161 4.

^ * Historic Scenes in Perthshire,' by Dr Marshall, p. 302,

298 Bute in the Olden Time.

1623. Patrick Stewart of Rossland, translated from Kingarth in
1623, was progenitor of the Maxwells of Springkell. He
demitted office from old age on ist May 1650, but
enjoyed the fruits of the benefice till 25th August 1657,
when the Presbytery deposed him for swearing at his
mother-in-law.
1626. John Bogill, graduate of Glasgow in 1607, was minister of
Rothesay till i4ih December 1635.
His son, Patrick, was murdered at Dunoon by the Campbells
in 1646, when they raided Ascog and Toward.

In Bishop Knox's Report on his Diocese in 1626, it states:
"Buite peyis the haill rent to the Castle of Dunbertane, the
schirreff of Bute and uther gentlemen. Is twelflf myles in lenth
and four in breid. Pays 160 merkis a yeir to the Bishope, is
servit be Mr Patrick Stewart, Mr Johne Bogill, and Mr Donald
Omey." ^
1642. Robert Stewart, graduate of Glasgow in 1638, assists his

father Patrick, and is ordained loth October 1642.
1658. John Stewart, translated from Kingarth 30th June 1658,
died after i8th June 1666, aged about forty-nine. He
married Anne Gordon.
In 1660 the parish church was in a ruinous state. The
following minute of session shows how the teinds were uplifted
at this time : —

"12M May 1659. — Whilk day the Elders and Heritors present,
considering that the small vicarage tiends of the parish has been
confusedly uplifted at one rate and some years at another rate,
appoints (untill there be some settled course taken thereanent) :
That ilk Tydie Cow shall pay of tiend six shilling. Ilk foal as
meikle. Ilk boat at the herring fishing an merk, and the rest
to be taken up in kind according to use and wont."
1667. Archibald Graham, alias M*Ilvernock, was a student of Glas-
gow. He was a descendant of Sir John Graham of Kil-
bride. He became subdean, then Bishop of the Isles,
but continued in the pastoral office. He signs a minute

1 *Coll. deReb. Alb.,' p. 123.

The Reformed Church. 299

in the Rothesay Record "Arch. Sodoren.," on loth Dec-
ember 1680. The valuable theological library, which he
bequeathed to the poor of Rothesay, consisting of over
169 volumes, contained a few Gaelic volumes. He was
deprived at the Revolution. He married (first) Grisell,
daughter of Sir Dugald Campbell of Auchinbreck, widow
of Sir James Stewart of Bute, and had a daughter Helen;
(second) Margaret, daughter of Sir John Cooper of Gogar.
He died of fever at Edinburgh, 23d June 1702, aged
fifty-eight. (See pp. 290, 294.)

1689. Andrew Fraser, A.M., minister of Lochgoilhead, was deprived
of his benefice by the Privy Council for not praying for
William and Mary, according to the proclamation. He
was present in session February 7, 1688. He died in
Edinburgh, 25th April 1711, aged fifty-five.

1 69 1. John Munro, from Lochgoilhead, admitted nth March 1691,
died in 1696, after a long illness. His tombstone lies
immediately below that of Dr MacLea in Rothesay church-
yard, and being much weathered is illegible. According
to Wodrow, " He was very useful in the Synod, as well as
in the whole Church, being a public-spirited man, and
fitted to deal with persons of quality. Though educated
and licensed under Episcopacy, yet by conversing with
Mr Robert Muir and other good men, he was even in the
height of persecution brought from these opinions, and
further confirmed by intercourse among the persecuted
ministers in Ireland, whither he had fled." During his
incumbency the parish church was rebuilt.

The pre-Reformation church of Rothesay, which in 1660
was tottering to its fall, was, under the ministry of John
Munro, in 1692 removed to make room for another. The
nave was 81 feet by 22 feet within walls.^ The new church,
built on the north of the nave, was within walls " sixty-two

*Orig. Paroch./ vol. ii. part i. p. 223.

300

Bute in the Olden Time,

feet long, by twenty-two and one-half feet broad, with an
aisle projecting nineteen feet within walls, and twenty feet
in width." ^ It had a gallery at the east, another at the
west end, and the Earl of Bute's gallery — with accommoda-
tion for about 500 sitters.

There is no reference to the new church in the session
records, but in the Town Council minutes, under date July
30, 1692, we read of "A poll-tax laid upon the inhabitants
for building the third part of the parish kirk, there not
being any share of it laid upon the land."

Rothesay Parish Churchy 1692-1795.

Under Dr MacLea's rigime the present structure was
erected in 1796, it being reported to the session on 22d
March 1795 that "the church was- in so ruinous a situation"
it was not possible to dispense in it the Lord's Supper with
decency and propriety that season.

1700. Dugald Stewart, student of Glasgow, licensed in 1698; or-
dained in Rothesay nth April 1700; after a long period
of debility, died in 1753, aged ninety. He married in
1 71 2, Janet Bannatyne, who died in 1761, leaving two

^ " Proceedings with respect to erecting a New Church at Rothesay," Glasgow,
I793» p. 8.

The Reformed Church. 301

sons and two daughters, one of whom was Matthew,
Professor of Mathematics in Edinburgh, born in Rothesay
in 1 71 7, and father of the famous philosopher, Dugald
Stewart.

1753. Lord Bute, in July 1753, presented Hugh Campbell, minister
of Craignish, who was admitted 20th November 1754,
and died in 1764. He married Susanna, daughter of
Angus Campbell of Asknish. His tombstone in Rothesay
churchyard still bears the following epitaph : —

" Hie positae sunt reliquiae Hugonis Campbell, Rothe-
sayensis ecclesiae quondam pastoris, generose omnibus
chari sed suis charissimi, qui, pietate erga Deum ac
benevolentia erga mortales quamdiu vixit, paucis secundus
fuit Obiit xxiv. Juni An. Dom. mdcclxiv aetat Ixiv.
His wife Susanna died 13th May 1781."

1765. Archibald MacLea, minister of Kilarrow and Kilchoman, was
presented by the Earl of Bute, and admitted on 31st
October 1765. The present parish church was built in
1796. He was made D.D. of Glasgow in 1801 ; wrote
the first " Statistical Account of Rothesay " ; lived to be
father of the Church of Scotland, in 18 18. He married,
on 29th March 1787, Isabella, daughter of Roderick
MacLeod, W.S., Edinburgh. He was an exceedingly
able and successful parish minister, his name being still
a household word in Bute. The following is the epitaph
on his monument behind the parish church : —

"Sacred to the memory of the Reverend Archibald
Maclea, Minister of Rothesay, and of Isabella Macleod
his wife, daughter of Roderick Macleod, Esq., and of
Isabella Bannatyne, only daughter of Hector Bannatyne,
Esq. of Kames and Bannatyne. As private individuals,
happy in their warm attachment to each other, and equally
possessing the esteem of all who knew them. In that
public situation as minister of Rothesay, which he held
for 59 years, the exemplary fidelity with which Dr Maclea
discharged its duties will be long gratefully remembered
by the inhabitants of this large and populous parish, while

302 Bute in the Olden Time.

the manly zeal he, on all occasions, manifested for the
interest and honour of the Church of which he was a
member recommended him to the general regard and
esteem of his brethren, to which it gave him so just a
claim. Mrs Maclea died on the nth day of May 1812,
aged 74; and Doctor Maclea on the nth day of April
1824, aged 86 years and 6 months."

1824. James Denoon was translated from Kingarth, ist December
1824, and died on 19th August 1834.

1835. Robert Craig, A.M., minister of New Cumnock, was admitted
17th September 1835 j joined the Free Church, and was
" declared no longer a minister " of the Church of Scot-
land, 14th June 1843; died 26th May i860, aged 68.
He wrote 'Theocracy,' 1845; *The Man Christ Jesus,*
1 85 5 5 *The New Statistical Account,' * Memoirs of Rev.
James Stewart.*

1843. Alexander Brown, admitted 2 2d September 1843, died loth
October 1869.

1870. Robert Thomson, admitted i6th May 1870, translated to
Rubislaw, 2 2d May 1883.

1884. James King Hewison, admitted 8th January 1884,

The Chapel of Ease in Rothesay.

1799. John Robertson, admitted 8th August 1799, presented to

Kingussie 31st July 18 10.
181 1. Alexander Flyter, graduate of Aberdeen, admitted 26th

January 181 1, presented to Alness 12th October 1820.
1 821. David Fraser, ordained i6th October 182 1, translated to

Dores 25th September 1823.

1824. Alexander Stewart, admitted loth September 1824, translated

to Cromarty 23d September 1824.

1825. Peter M*Bride, licensed 26th January 1825, admitted nth

June 1834; joined Free Church in 1843; died 2d
October 1846, aged 49. His monument is in Rothesay
churchyard.

1847. James Wilson.

1850. John G. Scoular, translated to Kingarth 15th February 1872.

The Reformed Church,

303

1872. Thomas Martin, translated to Dundee 6th February 1874.
1874. Adam Bruce Scoular Watson, translated to Lauder 29th

July 1875.
1877. John F. Macpherson, translated to Greenock 27th October

1881.
1882. William Macloy.
1886. James Brady Meek.

North Bute.

1836. Alexander Macbride, admitted loth March 1836.

1844. John M*Arthur.

1869. John M'Corkindale.

1872. Peter Thomson.

1 88 1. Peter Dewar, M.A.

Rothesay Parish Church and St Mary^s Chapel in 1895.

304

CHAPTER IX.

THREE CENTURIES OF CIVIL LIFE IN BUTE.

" Past services of friends, good deeds of foes,

What favourites gain, and what the nation owes,
Fly the forgetful world, and in thy arms repose.

The parson's cant, the lawyer's sophistry.
Lord's quibble, critic's jest, all end in thee.
All rest in peace at last, and sleep eternally."

—Pope, " On Silence,**

|HE close of the fourteenth century witnessed
Scotland, by the persistent efforts of King
Robert II., established in freedom, although the
land was kept wakeful and irritable by the
raidings of Scots and the retaliations of English soldiery.
Nothing delighted the Scots king better than to leave the
clangour of Court and the machinations of his Privy Council
in Scone or Perth, to breathe the balmy breeze that broke
over Loch Ranza, to chase the roe-deer in the forest of
Cumbrae, or to drive his pleasure-galley upon the shingly
beach that lay before the portals of Rothesay Palace. There
peace and pleasure awaited the now ageing monarch. His
son Robert and his grandson David, a clever but hapless
youth, were often by his side ; and when he came to Bute,

I
^

5 ^

H ^

O
1^

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 305

his own son John, the Sheriff of the isle, was there to
mark and supply his wants. During the last fifteen years
of the king's life he frequently visited the scenes of his
early exploits in angrier times, seemingly delighted with
his maritime residences. From the 'Exchequer Rolls,* 1376
and onwards, we discover how the transports of pipes of
wine, fat cattle, and other delicacies came for the use of
the king — ^almost year after year. There arrived lampreys
from the Forth, and honey from Blackness, and from Lin-
lithgow many a jar of red Rhine wine to swill down the
huntsman's venison. The old castle was gay with trusted
courtiers, who accompanied the king in his expeditions over
the bay into his rented and preserved game-lands of Ormidale.
Nor did he forget to see how the grim castle stood wind-
and water-tight at the hands of Hugh the plumber, and also
charged with soldiers, armed anew, as the Accounts in 1381
show, with ''breastplates, helmets, and other coats of mail
and engines of war." Doubtless, in the great hall, his son
John, in 1385, was honoured with the appointment to the
sheriffdom when Bute and Arran were then united. The
spring of 1390 saw his last visit here, and the March winds
had few days to wait until the king, who had retired from
Portincross to Dundonald Castle, owned their chilling power
in death on the 19th April.

If King Robert II. loved retirement in Bute, much more
did his son Robert III., who, naturally of a timid, irresolute,
and indolent disposition, had the misfortune to be crippled,
and also afflicted with indifferent health, so that he neither
relished courtly stir nor brooked political anxiety. He
trusted the regal management to his robuster brother

VOL. II. U

3o6 Bute in the Olden Time.

Robert, afterwards of Albany, and looked forward hope-
fully to the development of his eldest son, David, who
was a boy of over eleven years of age when his grandfather
died. He leaned on breaking reeds, however. The fullest
and best account of the miserable affairs which preceded
the death of David, Duke of Rothesay, is afforded in a
recent article in 'The Scottish Review' — "David, Duke of
Rothesay " — by the Marquess of Bute.^ But the article does
not consider the probability of the document, said to be
published by King Robert to exonerate the Duke of Albany
from blame in the matter, being a forgery. The following is a
meagre risutni of the carefully sifted facts in the treatise : ^ —
Prince David, according to Bower, was born upon 24th
October 1378, probably at Scone or Perth. His father, not
" possessed of any unusual mental force whereby to counter-
act the results of his physical misfortunes," was incapable
of business social and public, moved restlessly through the
country, which generally was in a deplorable condition, and
had to rely on others, notably Albany, to manage the realm.
The shores of Clyde were his favourite retreat. David was
with the king and his consort, on August 14, 1390, at Scone
during the coronation services. Soon after he was made
Earl of Carrick, with an allowance quite inadequate to the
position. His tutors are unknown. In 1391, the king was
in the west, having moved from his northern Courts, as he
again did in February 1392, and once more, at Christmas of
the same year. In 1393, the prince was sent to Lanark to
the Assizes, and probably, with his father, spent the summer

* Vol. xix. No. xxxviil Art. Hi., April 1892.

* For a romantic treatment of the subject see Sir ^yalter Scott's • Fair Maid
of Perth.'

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 307

on the Clyde, returning by Glasgow and Edinburgh to Perth,
and then to Linlithgow, whence he came back to the Clyde
in spring 1394. In 1396, 1397, the prince was engaged on
royal business in the north, and probably arranged the
famous Battle of the Clans in Perth on September 28, 1396.
On March 16, 1398, the prince, with Fife and others, was
present at Haddenstank on the Borders negotiating a truce.
On April 28, 1398, David was created Duke of Rothesay, and
his uncle created Duke of Albany. In the same year
Rothesay engaged in a grand tournament at Edinburgh, and
appears moving about, enjoying a virtuous and popular life.
On January 27, 1399, the prince was appointed Regent for
three years, with a capable Council to assist him. The same
year he became engaged to Elizabeth, daughter of the Earl
of March, whom he jilted for Mary, daughter of the Earl of
Douglas, whom he wedded in Bothwell Church in April.
"As for profligacy, there is not a contemporary word to
support the charge." Scotland and England still squabbled,
and Henry IV. conducted a mild war as far as Leith in
August — David meantime being on Edinburgh Rock, and his
father on the Clyde. After Henry's departure, David joined
his father at Rothesay in September 1400, where probably
the Court remained till the next year; for on the 12th
January 1401, King Robert, in the midst of a brilliant Court
assembled at Rothesay Castle, and probably at David's
desire, erected Rothesay into a Royal Burgh.^ The Court
moved northward, and the queen died in harvest. The king
probably sought consolation in Bute, for he is mentioned as
having been there in 1402.

* See p. 190.

3o8 Bute in the Olden Time.

Meanwhile the prince had become straitened for money,
and fell into questionable courses to obtain it, during which
period, through the appearance of a comet in February, he
had some presentiment of an impending personal disaster.
The proposed seizure of the temporalities of St Andrews by
the prince was stopped by his arrest at the instance of the
Duke of Albany and the Earl of Douglas. He was taken
first to St Andrews Castle, and afterwards incarcerated in
the Tower of Falkland, and in a short time it was announced
that the prince had died of dysentery — the date being prob-
ably the 26th March 1402. [It was whispered that the
prince had been starved to death, despite the efforts of the
loving women who tried to prolong his life.]

The sad affair was discussed in Parliament on i6th May, and
on the 20th of that month the king published a document,
wherein it was stated that the two lords, Albany and Douglas,
had been arraigned before the General Council, and had
declared that their action had been taken for the public weal,
a defence which the king and Council had accepted, pronoun-
cing that no blame attached to them, and forbidding under
penalty any whisper of blame against them. The Marquess
concludes his examination of the facts in these words :
"My own impresssion is, that the truth as to the cause of
the Duke of Rothesay's death is and must remain uncertain."

The death of Rothesay plunged the king into an immov-
able sorrow, which darkened his few remaining years, and
kept him in constant apprehension of misfortune attending
his house. This foreboding was near fulfilment. To keep
Prince James out of peril, and to secure a chivalrous educa-
tion at the Court of France, the young prince was despatched
in a vessel, which was captured by an English ship off Flam-

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 309

borough Head. He was taken prisoner to Windsor in April
1405. This disaster overwhelmed the king, who died "of
sturt and melancolie " at Dundonald on the 4th April 1406,
and was interred without pomp in Paisley. The tradition
that he died in Rothesay is inaccurate.^

The young King of Scots was detained in England till
April 1424, when, accompanied by Joan Beaufort, who forms
the subject of his poem " The Kingis Quair," he regained his
native land.

During the king's absence the affairs of the kingdom were
transacted under the Regency of Robert, Duke of Albany,
and afterwards of Murdoch his son ; while John, Sheriff of
Bute, in 1406 and 1408 audited the accounts of the Exchequer.
Albany appeared in Bute in 1408 with his viceregal retinue.

The Sheriff of Bute received a safe-conduct from the King
of England to pass into England and escort homeward his
monarch, now released, in 1424.*

^ " Wyntoun (1. ix. c. 26) tells us that he died at Dundonald on Palm Sunday,
being also the Festival of St Ambrose (f.^., 4th April) 1406. Bower, on the
other hand, and the 'Extracta de variis Cronicis Scocie/ make Rothesay the
place of his death, and the date Palm Sunday, i8th March (iv. Kal. Aprilis 1405)
(*Scoti/ 1. XV. c. 19; *Extr,,' p. 212). As to both year and day, Wyntoun is
allowed to be in the right : and as he was Prior of Lochleven and engaged in
noting down the events of the day in 1406, it is difficult to suppose that he was
not right as to place also. Yet in this particular all later writers have followed
Bower, who was not a contemporary ; and tradition points out the apartment in
the ruined Castle of Rothesay where the broken-hearted king expired. He was
buried without pomp in Paisley. In Roll cxxxiii. of volume third, audited 15th
to 27th March 1405-6, in which Robert III. is still king, and James is designed
Steward of Scotland, we have an addition, were any needed, to the accumulated
evidence adduced by Ruddiman (Notes to Buchanan's 'Hist, of Scot.,' p. 436,
Annotations, lib. x., note on pages 182-186, edit. 1715) that Wyntoun rightly
dates Robert's death on Palm Sunday (4th April) 1406, and Bower wrongly on
Palm Sunday 1405."— *Excheq. Rolls,' vol. iii. p. xcv; vol. iv. p. xliL

* • Rot. Scot.,' vol. ii. pp. 244, 245.

310 Bute in the Olden Time.

Albany in 1418 and 1419 granted charters to John, Sheriff
of Bute, his brother, of lands in Renfrew and Bute. Shortly
afterwards the Regent died.

The well-meant attempts of James to reform his distracted
country and harmonise its irritable factions led to mutual
distrust, which, on the one hand, he satisfied by arresting and
executing among others his own cousins, as did his enemies,
on the other hand, by taking mortal revenge upon the king
in Perth on the 20th February 1437. Friar John of Bute
had the honour of " fabricating an apparatus " for the tomb
of the murdered king in the Carthusian Monastery of Perth.^

James II. was a minor when he ascended the throne.
Scotland was still as disturbed and intractable as ever, inter-
minable feuds and jealousies everywhere rendering govern-
ment difficult to the national regents. The Black Douglases
cast their menacing shade over the land, until the king and
his counsellors lightened the darkness but a little while by
transferring its deep dye to their own characters, after
treacherously murdering their proud opponents in Edinburgh
and Stirling Castles. Still there was "another for Hector"
to gall the king. The Earl of Douglas publicly disavowed
his allegiance, and entered into open rebellion with the York-
ists and with the Lord of the Isles to subvert the monarchy.
Donald Balloch, Lord of Isla, was placed in command of a
powerful fleet, which swept up the Clyde in August 1455 to
devastate the land. Although the expedition failed, the
sufferings in the west, according to a contemporary chron-
icler, were great : —

" There were slain of good men fifteen \ of women two or three ;
* * Excheq. Rolls,* voL v. p. 34.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 3 1 1

of children three or four. The plunder included five or six hundred
horse, ten thousand oxen or kine, and more than a thousand sheep
and goats. At the same time they burned down several mansions
in Innerkip around the church, harried all Arran, stormed and
levelled with the ground the Castle of Brodick, and wasted with
fire and sword the islands of the Cumrays. They also levied tribute
upon Bute, carrying away a hundred bolls of malt, a hundred marts,
and a hundred marks of silver." ^

In 1444, the king's castles on the west were put into repair,
Dumbarton being slated out of Ardmaleish quarries, and the
Castle of Rothesay repaired by Symon the carpenter at the
expense of forty shillings.

In 1449, the Sheriff died.

The stout doors of Symon the carpenter and the loud-
throated culverins of Sheriff James Stewart were too many
for Balloch, the freckled Celt, who left the Castle of Rothesay
unscathed.

From the accounts of Niel Jamieson, Chamberlain of Bute,
we learn what expenditure was required for the maintenance
of the royal household in Rothesay during the year 1445 :—

"To two chaplains officiating in the Castle and in St

Bride's Chapel, receiving from the fermes in Bute

yearly .
II the Constable, yearly
II the porter, yearly .
II two watchmen, yearly
II the Keeper of Litill Cumbray
II the Chamberlane of Bute and Anran
II the porter, granitor, two watches, and Keeper of Cum

bray
II John Stewart, Sheriff of Bute, as his yearly fee, fixed

by King Robert II. .
.. John Scott, the King's ranger

5
6
2 o

1 o

800

16 13
I 3

< Aucblnleck Cbron.,' p. 55.

312 Bute in the Olden Time,

To John Stewart, Sheriff of Bute, Keeper of Rothesay

Castle ....... £,^o o o

II Ewen, the King's ranger . . . . .200

II Cristin Leche, a royal gift . . . .368

ft Finlay of Spens, the Constable . . .134

It Alexander of Name, Comptroller, for expenses of the

King's household . . . • 7 '3 4

II do. do. . . . . . . 20 13 4

• •....*••

n Allowance made to the husbandmen of the Isle of
Bute for 32 *mailmartis' taken from them in 1544
and delivered to Thomas BuUe, steward of the
King's household, at 5s. each . . .800

II Sum for driving these marts from Amele [Portincross]

to Strivelyne . . . . . .100"

Then follow other accounts in reference to articles bought
in Bute and sent to other places where the Court assembled.

In 1452, King James II. granted to the canons of Glasgow
the Crown rents of Bute, the customs of other burghs, and
other privileges, in repayment of the sum of 800 merks,
which they had lent him out of the offerings received for in-
dulgences.

In July 1458, the king came to Rothesay.

The death, by accident, at Roxburgh Castle in 1460 of
James II., involved the country in another regency, during
which the Earl of Ross and Donald Balloch again became
prominent disturbers of the peace. John, Earl of Ross, was
tried in Edinburgh, on the 20th November 1475, for, among
other offences, " the tresonable provocatione of our soveraigne
Lord's lieges, and segeing of his castel of Roithissay in, Bute,
and birning, slaing, wasting, and destruuying of our soverain
Lord's lieges and land of the He of Bute." ^ A sentence of

^*Act. Pari.,' vol. ii. pp. io8*iii.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 313

forfeiture was passed against him, and his lands were annexed
to the Crown.

In the turbulent times of the fifteenth century the king
and Parliament took care that whatever education was ne-
glected, the youth were well trained in arms of every sort.
Each youth and man had to provide the tools of death at
his own charges, according to his rank as a holder of land or
a cottar. In 1424, it was enacted "that all men busk them
to be archeres fra they be 12 year of age, and that in ilk ten
pundis worth of lande ther be maid bow-markes quharin upon
halie daies men may cum . . . and have usage of arch-
erie." The penalty of disobedience was "a wedder" taken
by the " laird." Later, two bow-butts were set apart at every
parish church. Weapon-schawings, or reviews, were held,
sometimes twice, sometimes four times a-year, when men
and weapons were duly inspected and enrolled by the Sheriff.
Each had his particular suit of armour. Yeomen had iron
breastplates and iron hats, with swords, hooks, &c. ; spear-
men had ash spears from 5 to 6 ells long. In 1540, every
parish was ordained to meet armed and elect its own captain,
who had to exercise his men in military movements and train
them to obedience. This was the beginning of the militia.

In James I.'s reign the yeomen of £20 in goods met four
times a-year for the weapon-showing, each according to his
station, with doublet of fence, habergeon, iron hat, bow, sheaf
and arrows, sword, buckler, and knife ; or if he was no bow-
man, with a " gude axe, or else a brogged staff." Noblemen
and gentil-men had full coats of steel-mail. Bow-butts, four
or five in number, were set up in every parish, which selected
its own captain of the parishioners. The landed gentry had
armed galleys. The variety of armour changed from time

314 Bute in the Oldett Time.

to time^ and included '' pikes, stark and lang, of sex elnes of
length [18 feet 6 inches], crossbows, shot-guns, &c.," in the
sixteenth century, each being "weaponed efTeirand to his
honour."

James III. and James IV. ordained ships and bushes of not
less than twenty ton to be built in every burgh, and sheriffs
and other officers to compel idle men to serve in them at the
fishing under pain of banishment.

In 1469, Parliament annexed the Crown lands of Bute to
the principality.

It must not be imagined that the methods of agriculture
were not thoroughly understood by the farmers, well tutored
by the monks, and also by those Norman settlers who, like
King David I. and Alan the Steward, took a great interest in
the culture of trees and flowers. In the case of the barony of
Rolden each husbandman had to pay annually eighty silver
pennies as silver rent. His household contributed four days'
shearing and one day peat-raising ; a man and a horse were
requisitioned for a journey to Berwick ; an acre and a half
were to be ploughed ; one day's harrowing, one day's carting
at harvest, one day's sheep-washing, and one day's sheep-
shearing of a man were also exacted. The service might
be in road-making, ditching, fencing, or any other kind of
agricultural work. There are extant many ancient Acts of
Parliament regulating every kind of agricultural concern —
e,g,y leases, digging, ploughing, rotations, weeds, vermin, deer,
hares, " cunnings," birds, doves, wolves, trees, setting of broom,
fences, and the like. The vexations of the farmers have never
been out of Parliament — and if there is any force in heredity,
farmers must be by this time constitutionally aggrieved, and
unable to enjoy fixed laws.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 3 1 5

In 1424, King James I. ordained that labourers were each
to have half an ox to plough with, or dig 7 feet square daily
under penalty of paying an ox.

In 1426, every farmer possessing a plough of eight oxen
was ordained to sow at least a firlot of wheat, half a firlot of
peas, and forty beans yearly, under a penalty to the baron
of ID shillings, and of the baron to the Crown of 40 shil-
lings.

In James II.'s reign tenants were ordered to plant woods
and hedges and sow broom, while destroyers of woods were
severely punished.

The peaceful occupations of the husbandry were so dis-
turbed by the perpetual internecine wars in the realm through-
out the reigns of the Stewart dynasty, that although the
farmers were to all intents and purposes owners of the soil,
they gradually sank into difficulties, and had to part with
their properties. The history of the progress of these small
estates out of the hands of their original owners is a striking
example of the difficulty of families hereditarily retaining
small portions of land. In 1 506, there were eighty-one land-
holders; in 1657, thirty-six ; in 1894, twelve, including these
within the burgh boundaries. In 1704, the old " barons " were
reduced to seventeen in number. Their lands seem to have
been designated "heritage" lands. The lands in the burgh
were designated " king's " and ** common " lands, which indi-
cate that the rents in the one case were paid directly into the
king's Treasury by the king's bailie, and of the other, being to
all intents and purposes feu-duties, the rents were paid to the
burgh. The "common" lands must have been parcels of
ground feued off " the common good " to their own burgesses
at the annual rate of two shillings Scots per acre by the

3i6 Bute in the Olden Time.

magistrates. The infeftments of these feuars are recorded
in the Burgh Register, pursuant to an Act of Parliament in
1681.

There were no cut highways on the isle till after 1768,
transport being carried on pack-horses over the "drove-
roads," which ran along the higher ground, to avoid the un-
drained hollows and flats. Drainage was done by cutting
trenches, into which branches of trees were laid, these being
covered with turf and the soil.

In 1457, Parliament ordained the fashions, forbidding other
than dignatories and their families to wear silk, scarlet, or
furred gowns. The poorer gentry's wives and daughters were
to wear " short curches with little hudes," and unfurred gowns
save on holy days. The day-labourer might change his
grey or white stuff of daily wear into a blue, green, or red coat
on holy days ; but his wife had to wear a cheap curch of her
own making, and not to mussal (veil) her facjc at kirk or
market.

During the troubled reign of James III., while his kinsmen
the Boyds of Kilmarnock were in favour at the Court, the
Crown lands in Arran, Bute, and Cumbrae were granted to
Thomas Boyd, who was raised to the dignity of Earl of
Arran, and became husband to Mary, eldest sister of the
king. Fortune ceased to smile on the earl, whose wife, after
obtaining a divorce, married Lord Hamilton of Cadzow, and
became mother of James Hamilton, afterwards Earl of Arran,
and holder of the Crown lands in Arran. Several chamber-
lains successively attempted to lift the Crown rents in Arran
and Bute, among others being John, Lord Damley, who
from 1473 to 1491 received payment of £26^ 13s. 4d. as
keeper of Rothesay Castle. He also drew a salary as Sheriff

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 317

of Bute. Robert and Ninian Stewart were about this period
chamberlains in Bute, and in 1473 William Hacket of Beilsice
was appointed king's Clerk of Justiciary.

The murder of James III. at Sauchieburn led to the usual
confiscations of land and redistributions of honours. Among
those who fell under the displeasure of the monarch was the
stout and warlike Lord Lindsay of the Byres, who was
arraigned for treason before the king and Council. He had
the assistance of his eloquent brother Patrick, who was able
to nullify on technical points the indictment, and to obtain
a delay of the trial. The success of this action irritated
the king, who vowed " he should gar him [Patrick] sit where
he should not see his feet for a year," a threat it is said he
carried out by incarcerating Patrick in the dungeon of Rothe-
say for a whole year after 1489.^

In 1489, King James IV. granted the Stewartry in Bute
to Hugh, Lord Montgumry, with power to lease the lands
thereof, for the annual payment of £\/^\y i8s. 6d.; £^ as
fogage; 41^ marts; 11 chalders 15 bolls of bear; and
I chalder 8 bolls of meal ; also a life appointment of the
bailieship of the isle and the justiciarship of Bute and Arran,
with power to appoint deputes.

The king made several visits to the west to subjugate the
rebellious Highlanders in Kintyre, whence, after reducing
Dunaverty, he seems to have sailed in his warship the
Christopher round to the Castle of Rothesay in July
1494. After the next Yule he was back again in Bute in his
royal " row-barge " ^ — a visit which probably caused Matthew

^ Pitscottie, vol. i. p. 238 ; * Lives of the Lindsays,* vol. i. p. 179.
« * Ace Lord H. Treas. of Scot.,' vol. i. var. loc.

3i8 Bute in the Olden Time.

Stewart to have the castle furbished up at a cost of ;^io and
4 chalders of barley.

In August 1498, James IV. was in the west, and on the 5th
of that month, at Tarbert, he made Ninian Stewart hereditary
keeper of Rothesay Castle. Next year, in March and April,
he held Court under the Sheriff's roof in Rothesay, during
which visit the miller was busy grinding their wheaten flour.

The king's anxiety to form a Scottish fleet may have
brought him so often to the west to draft the descendants
of the hardy Norsemen, who form the best marines possible,
into the royal service.

The county Justice Air was appointed to be held at Ayr
or Rothesay in 1503.

The birth of a prince in 1 506 led to the consideration of
the tenancy of the Crown lands, and a demand for the pay-
ment of the Crown dues.

The king empowered commissioners to let the lands of
the principality; but on their reporting that the tenants in
Bute had been of old infefted in the lands by his progenitors,
the king, with the consent of the Lords of Council, in 1 506
granted them charters of their lands, to be held on payment
of the fixed fermes and the giving of service. (See Chapter
V. on " The Barons of Bute.") In this way the landholders
in Bute, with a few exceptions, got their feu-charters from
the king.

From 1445 to 1450 the money-fermes of Bute, payable
to the Steward or Prince of Scotland, amounted to ;f 141, i8s.
6d., including ;^40 from the burgh of Rothesay; and each
tenant was bound to furnish a mart to the royal table for
every five marks of rent payable by him, for which mart he
received the sum of 5 shillings from the chamberlain. These

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 319

marts were gathered at Portincross and transported to the
various castles where the Court assembled. A passenger-
boat plied between Bute and Cowal, the ferryman of which
down to 144s received a boll of barley annually out of the
rents.^ Kerrycroy is still popularly known as " The Ferry,"

At the beginning of the sixteenth century the men of
Kintyre indulged in a feud with the Butemen, during which
the vassals of Argyle about 1507 invaded Bute and com-
mitted incendiary devastations, which in turn led to retalia-
tions on the part of the victims. For these breaches of the
law the invaders had to make amends, and in 15 12 the
islanders of Bute and Cumbrae obtained a remission of all
past crimes saving the four pleas of the Crown. The quarrel
did not end here, and the Earl of Argyle, who had been ap-
pointed Lieutenant of the Isles, while executing his warrant to
apprehend certain troublesome islesmen who were supposed
to have found refuge in Bute, paid off the old score at the
same time. Consequently, in 1515, Albany, Regent of Scot-
land, granted the Earl of Argyle and his vassals, including the
Lamonts of Cowal, a remission for their ravages committed
on the lands, castle, and inhabitants of Bute.

The absence of records at this date prevents us describing
the horror which spread throughout the land on the realisa-
tion of the disaster of Flodden, where in 1513 James IV. and
the best of his kingdom perished. I am not able to determine
under what flag the Brendanes fought that day — ^whether as
the body-guard of the king in the centre of the van, or, along
with their neighbours from the west, in the right wing under
Lennox and Argyle.

^ 'Excheq. Rolls,* vol. vi., Prcf,

320 Bute in the Olden Time.

Probably it was they who formed that sacred circle of
humanity devoted to die around their ill-fated king, as their
ancestors had done before on the field of Falkirk. The
forester of Cumbrae, Hunter of Hunterston, was among the
slain. Ninian Stewart, the Sheriff, at least did not fall on
that bloody field with the muster of "all manner of men
between sixteen and sixty, spiritual and temporal, burgh and
land, islesmen and others," who assembled at the Bore-Stone.
In his account, as Chamberlain of Bute, from 7th August
15 18 to 6th November 1520, appears a charge for the building
of the great tower and dungeon in the Castle of Rothesay,
which had been commenced at the order of King James IV.,
and cost ;^ 191, /s,^

The CrdWn-fermes of the isle were at this time granted to
the Earl of Lennox. There still exists a " bond of manrent
by Ninian Bannachtyne of the Kamys, and Robert Bannach-
tyne his son, whereby they become bound to be men and ser-
vants to John, Earl of Lenax, and to give him their best coun-
sel when required, and to take part with the captain or captains
of the Castle of Bute,"* which is dated loth February 15 14.

King James V. granted two leases of the lands and lord-
ship of Bute, with the forest, extending between 1521 and
1 53 1, for payment of 6 merks for each chalder of bear, 32
shillings for each chalder of oats, and 13s. 4d. for each mart,
to John, Earl of Lennox.' The Earl was appointed Justice
in Bute in May 1525.

Scotland was once more unfortunate in being governed by

^ 'Rot. Scacc.,* p. 362: "Et eidem pro constructione magni turris died le
dungeon in caustro de Rothesay de mandato domini regis quondam Jacobi quarti
cujus anima prospicietur Deus extendente, ;f 191, 7s."

' Duke of Montrose Charters. ' Ibid.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 32 1

a Regency — and that at first in the worst form under the
widowed queen — until King James V. assumed the reins of
power. The country was distracted. What with the levity
of the queen, the quarrels of nobles and clergy, the rebellions
of the Douglases and the Earl of Arran, the sanguinary feuds
of the Highlanders, the intrigues of King Henry VIII., and
the secret propagation of the new Reformed doctrines of
religion, the mass of the people became unsettled, irritable,
and distrustful. The history of the period reads like that of
Central Africa, where every pleasant spot has its rivulet of
blood murmuring for revenge.

On January 24, 1527, the Master of Ruthven and five
associates obtained a remission for treason in laying siege to
Rothesay Castle and burning the town of " Bute." ^

Brodick Castle, then under the castellanship of George
Tait, was taken and burned by Archibald and Robert Stewart
in 1528, who killed the keeper, for which crime they were
returned for trial*

In 1534, Colin Campbell of Ardkinglas was lessee of the
Crown lands at an increase of rent upon that of 1440.

In 1536, the castle was honoured by a visit of the young
king, who, "weary of his single life," was on his way to
France to woo Mary of Bourbon, when, during his sleep, his
influential companion Sir James Hamilton of Evandale caused
his vessel to be turned back into western waters. For this
interference the king never forgave Hamilton, and a few years
later consented to his execution as a traitor. One of the
accusations made against him was that, having obtained 3000
crowns from the king to repair and appoint Rothesay Castle

^ Pitcaim, vol. i. p. 240. ' Ibid., vol. i. p. 139.

VOL. II. X

322 Bute in the Olden Time.

as a royal residence, he had failed to perform the work and
account for the money.' Hamilton was executed on Edin-
burgh Castle Hill.

In the summer of 1 540, the king made a naval expedition
round Scotland in order to overawe the western clans, and
on his return visited Bute.

In 1538, Sheriff Ninian and his sons James and Archibald
Stewart had a lease for five years from the king of the lands,
lordship, and forest of Bute, on annual payment of 6s. 8d. for
every boll of bear — price of the chalder ;f 5, 6s. Sd., — 40 pence
for each boll of oats — price of the chalder 53s. 4d., — and for
each mart 5 shillings.

Argyle leased these dues for nine years from 1543, and was
justiciary in 1546.

Argyle, being restored to the lieutenancy of Bute in j^oj
considered himself superior in jurisdiction to the keeper of
Rothesay Castle, and consequently, when in dread of the
English invasion under Lennox, the inhabitants of Bute
applied to him for the safe passage of their goods into his
territory, Argyle granted a writ of security, "and keipand
ane leil, trew, and assawld pairt till us and to our serwands«
that we send to the keeping of the Castil of Rosay and Isle
of Buit, and till all uthers that dependis on us in all perten-
ing." ^ It was signed at Toward on 3d January 1 544.

Argyle seems to have been deprived of his lease, for in 1549
Sheriff James Stewart, on payment of a composition of 300
marks to the Queen's Comptroller, received a nineteen years'
appointment to the office of chamberlain of the lands, he pay-
ing a certain valued sum for the tenants' rents, and being

* * Blain,* p. 201.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 323

permitted to deduct the salaries of the officials in the castle,
But Argyle obtained other grants of the Crown rents in 1554,
I55S> 1562, and 1566.

By the death of King James in 1542, Scotland was once
again placed under the miserable rigime of a Regency, and
King Henry of England set into motion the plots which were
designed to ally Scotland to England by the marriage of the
young queen to his son. In 1544, the Earls of Lennox and
Glencairn made a compact with King Henry VHI. to promote
the marriage of Queen Mary and Prince Edward, and to put
Henry in possession of the strongest castles in Scotland, on
condition that Lennox was made Governor of Scotland,
married a niece of Henry, and obtained a substantial hono-
rarium. In terms of this indenture, instructions were given
to the English squadron to co-operate with Lennox in taking
"Rosse Castle and the Isle of Bute."^ In August 1544,
Lennox, and Thomas Bishop of Ochiltree, with an English
force, invaded Bute and put it to fire and sword, and sacked
Dunoon, for which treasonable acts Lennox and Bishop were
forfeited.* It is a remarkable instance of the unexpected
happening when Darnley, the son of Lennox, afterwards
married Mary Queen of Scots.

James Stewart, the Sheriff, espoused from the beginning
the cause of his royal mistress, for which he suffered at the
instigation of the Earl of Arran and the Earl of Argyle. To
supplant the faithful Sheriff, in order to reward or confirm the
allegiance of James Macdonald of Islay, was the design of
these two nobles. Ninian Bannatyne of Kames, who had
once been the man of Lennox, assisted Macdonald in harass-

* ' CaL Stat. Papers,' vol. i. pp. 46, 47. " 'Act. Pari.,' vol. ii. pp. 456-459.

324 Bute in the Olden Time.

ing the Sheriff in Rothesay, and took violent possession of the
farm of Barone for three years. This feud reached its acutest
local crisis in 155 5, when, after seven years' litigation, Ninian
divorced, on grounds of consanguinity, his wife Janet, who
was a sister of the Sheriff.

To accomplish their machinations, the Sheriff was arraigned
in 1549 as a traitor who had assisted the English squadron
in spoih'ng Bute, but the charge failed. Under fear, or, as
himself alleged, by coercion, the Sheriff, to gain the influence
of the Regent Arran, who was thirsting for the Sheriff's lands
in the Isle of Arran so as to strengthen his title, the Sheriff
consented to the disposition of his lands to the Regent. The
Sheriff resiled, confessing to be coerced, and accusing the
second party of fraud ; yet, notwithstanding, the Regent and
his heirs kept the Arran lands, Corriegills excepted.

Through the fall of the Hamiltons in 1579, the Sheriff was
once more invested in his lands in Arran, the chamberlainship,
the keepership of Brodick Castle, and other rights ; but these
honours he only held till 1586, when he was dispossessed to
make room for John, Lord Hamilton.

In 1590, John, Sheriff of Bute, for the reduction of the
strange transaction of 1549, raised an action, out of which
nothing eventuated, so that the lands are still held by the
Duke of Hamilton.^

Sheriff James, who died in 1570, was a sturdy adherent of
the queen's party, and, according to Blain, fought in her ranks
at the battle of Langside. Sheriff James and his son John
seem to have been in favour with Queen Mary, who in

* For a full account of this affair see Blain's * Hist.,* p. 205, and Reid's * Hist.,
P-74.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute, 325

1 561 granted to them for life the sum of 25 marks out of
the Crown rents.

During the troubles consequent on the dethronement,
imprisonment, and unjust death of Queen Mary, when the
air was full of the threatened invasion by the Spanish Ar-
mada, a proclamation by James VI. was read at the Cross
in High Street, in September 1588, declaring that sundry
armed bands, horsemen and foot, paid with foreign gold,
had risen to change "the trew religion to the thraldome
and slaverie of that proude natioun of Spayne," and calling
upon the " substancious fewaris and landed gentilmen" to
take arms against these " pernicious instruments," and come
speedily too, with thirty days* provision in their wallet, and
" Weill bodin with jakkis " (/>., furnished with a short coat of
mail), spears, and long guns, to meet his majesty James at
Edinburgh on the last day of September. It was a patriotic
call, and all were bidden who had Reformed principles at
stake. Who went, we know not.^

Every prominent hill glared out its bale-fire, for that was
then the statutory summons to loyal subjects.

One can imagine the stir at the old port of Rothesay in
the Water-gate those days when, after a benediction from
the parish minister, Patrick M*Queine, and a God-speed from
the burghers' wives, the motley Brandanes sailed away. But
the expedition was a muster and nothing more. All that the
Butemen saw of this terrible fleet was the unfortunate vessel
that sank at Portincross, and whose crew became progenitors
of a family of Hogarths, according to tradition.

However, it was a bloodless march, the Armada having

^ * Act. Pari.,* vol. iv. p. 95a.

326 Bute in the Olden Time.

been dispersed, harmlessly to Scotland, by storm and
wrecking.

In 1594, there was another muster in Edinburgh.

Four years later a similar proclamation was more definite,
and called a muster of men between sixteen and sixty years
of age, holding lands worth 300 merks a-year, to meet the
king at Dumbarton, as he intended chastising the "red-
shanks" of Kintyre and the Isles, who had been guilty of
"vyle and beestlie murthours" (murders) and other unspeak-
able crimes, which then meant papistical practices. The
Butemen and other maritime lieges were to appear there
of course " weill bodin," but also with " ships, crearis [lighters],
boats," and other transports, on the 20th August 1598, on
pain of forfeiting lands, goods, and gear.^

Bute, like the rest of Scotland, was embroiled in the san-
guinary troubles which ultimately ended in the execution of
King Charles I. in 1649, ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^f i^^i^ \i^x^ partisans
with the Covenanters against the king, with few exceptions.
Among those who signed the National Covenant of 1638,
now preserved in the Advocates* Library, was "H[ector]
Bannatyne of Kames," representing the landowners in Bute,
and " Matthew Spence," representing the burgesses of Rothe-
say. Sir James Lamont of Toward and Ascog Castles was
a Royalist In March 1643, he received a commission from
King Charles to levy troops and prosecute a campaign against
the Marquess of Argyle, which had a melancholy conclusion.
The contending parties flew to arms. On the 26th August
1643, the Estates taking into serious consideration the danger
imminent to the Protestant religion, the king's person, and the

* 'Act. Pari,' vol. iv. p. 1723.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 327

peace of the country by the multitude of Papists in arms in
England and Ireland, resolved to put the kingdom into a
** posture of defence," and appointed colonels of horse and
foot — who were called " Committees of War" — in the various
sheriffdoms. The Bute colonels in 1643 were : —

" [Niniane] Stuart of Killcattan, elder.

Stuart of Killcattan, younger.

Stueart of Ascog [Niniane Stewart of Askoge]. y^

Alexander Campbell of Pennimoore.

Bellenden of Cames [Hector Bannatyne of Kaymes].
Robert Bannatyne of lupus [Lubas].
Johne Hamiltoun, baillie of Arran.
Robert Campbell of Auchenwilling.
Donald M'Neill of Kilmorrey.
Donald Campbell of Kirkmichel.

Sir Robert Montgomerie [yr. of Skelmorly], who is also to be
conveiner." ^

Sir Robert was appointed colonel for the shire.
To these were added in 1644 —

" Robert Jamesonne, crowner.
Niniane Spence of Wester Karnes.
James Stewart of Killquhindicke [Kilwhinleck].
Johne Stewart of Ardrismore [Ambrismore].
Johne Campbell.
Johne Jamiesone, proveist of Rothesay." *

The Sheriff, James Stewart, threw in his fortunes with his
king, and garrisoned Rothesay Castle with his own vassals in
the royal interest The leading men of Bute were Coven-
anters, and were among those who opposed the royal army
under the Marquis of Montrose. On the 2d February 1645,

^ 'Act. Pari./ vol. vL p. 540. ' Ibid., p. 204.

328 Bute in the Olden Time.

Montrose defeated the Campbells and the allies of Argyle at
Inverlochy, where among those prisoners who escaped the
slaughter was "Captain Steuart in Bute,"^ who was prob-
ably one of these Covenanting colonels mentioned above.
The Sheriff had been appointed by the king lieutenant in
the west in room of Argyle, and placed in command of two
armed frigates, so that he might capture the Castle of Dum-
barton. But the enterprise failed, and he had to seek refuge
in Ireland.

Among the forces co-operating with Montrose in the High-
lands was a contingent of Irish troops embodied by the Earl
of Antrim under Alexander Macdonald, son of CoUa Ciotagh.
Argyle had attacked the Clanranald Macdonalds, who in turn
sent round the fiery cross, and, gathering up a ruthless band,
made for Argyle's country to plunder and destroy. The ruin
they left was unmistakable in every place that had the least
relationship with MacAilinmor. The lives of men and beasts
were not spared. Bute, too, came under their bloody claws,
according to Blain, in February 1646 (5 ?), and they left it
desolate.

Meantime General Leslie, at Philiphaugh, had turned the
wheel of fortune in favour of the Covenanters, and the royal
cause in Scotland was rendered desperate by that blow.

Not long afterwards the injured Butemen had the satis-
faction of learning that the remnant of the band of robbers
who, under a Macdonaid, held out against Leslie in Kintyre
were mercilessly cast into the sea from the wild precipices of
Dunaverty Castle.

A commission in 1647 reported upon the losses the isle

^ ' Hist, of the Troubles,* vol. ii. p. 296. Bann. Club.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute, 329

sustained by this descent, but the despoiled appear to have
received no indemnity.

. In 1647, an impost of ;^459 was laid on Bute, but it was
suspended on account of the devasted condition of the shire.
General Leslie was authorised to raise the Butemen against
the Highland rebels, who with " the Irishes " were so trouble-
some that the county petitioned Parliament to send a regi-
ment to suppress them. The Argyle regiment was sent.

A petition of Hector Bannatyne of Kames to the General
Assembly displays either the crafty mind or the needy
condition of that grim Covenanter in 1647 : —

" The Commission of Assembly, having considered the petition
of Hector Bannatyne of Kames [the Parliament had made over to
him * the debts and uthers guids, gear, and means ' of James Boyd,
son of the late Bishop of Argyll, who * hes bene and still is, in the
rebellion,' to enable him to meet the expense of maintaining a loyal
garrison in his castle of Kames,^ and authorised their Commissioner
of the Isles and his deputies within the Isle of Bute to see pa3anent
made to him — Acts of the Pari, of Scot., vol. vi. pt. i. p. 676]

^ The following are the dimensions of Kames Castle (see p. 176), taken by Mr
Macrae, Kames Castle : —

Walls, externally, 36 feet 10 inches and 26 feet respectively in breadth ; to the
gargoyles, 42 feet 8 inches ; to the parapet, 59 feet 4 inches ; to the tower, 66
feet in height.

1st ground-floor : Arched doorway on north-west face, 6 feet 4>^ inches long,
3 feet broad ; cellar, vaulted, 26 feet 3>^ inches long, 17 feet 5 inches broad ;
stair in wall spiral; no windows.

2d floor : Room, 25 feet 4 inches long, 16 feet 7>^ inches broad ; stone-vaulted,
13 feet high ; walls, 5 feet 9 inches thick, above-ground 9 feet ; four windows.

3d floor : 23 feet 5^ inches long, 16 feet broad ; walls, 5 feet 5>^ inches
thick ; ceiling, 8 feet 5 inches high ; north-west wall, 6 feet 10 inches thick ; two
rooms ; three windows.

4th floor: 22 feet wyi inches long, 15 feet 9>^ inches broad; walls, 5 feet 5
inches thick ; two rooms ; two windows.

5th floor : Attic, 22 feet 9 inches long, 15 feet 8 inches broad ; ceiling, pent,
9 feet 10 inches.

330 Bute in the Olden Time.

for himself, and in name and behalf of the poor inhabitants within
the Isle of Bute, do judge the desire therof verie reasonable, and
therfor recomend to the Presbyterie of Dunnoon to allow to him
and his tennents the vaking fruits of the Kirk of Kingarth toward
the education of their children at schools, in regard of their neces-
sitous condition, and conforme to the destination of the Act of
Parliament, recomending also to. the patron, titulars, heretors, and
others adebtit, in payment of the stipend, to mak due payment
therof to them for the pious use aforesaid." ^

The Sheriff himself was proscribed by the dominant party,
and his family, dispossessed of their residence, were reduced
to straits. He had ultimately to pay a fine of SCXX) marks to
obtain his office and property.*

But the Campbells of Argyle were also bent upon revenge,
as the following episodes show.

One of the saddest tragedies that ever horrified Bute and
the west was completed near the Castle Hill of Dunoon, when i

the Provost of Rothesay, several other townsmen, and adher- ,

ents of Sir James Lamont of Inveryne and Ascog, were cruelly
murdered by the Clan Campbell. The episode was the ground
for one of the indictments which brought Archibald, Marquess
of Argyle, to the block for high treason, fifteen years after its
occurrence." According to the charge preferred to Parlia-
ment on January 13, 1661, by the Lord Advocate, Sir James ,
Lamont, Knight, on behalf of himself, vassals, and kindred ;

I
I
Robert Campbell, laird of Escog ; Colin Macklawchlane, I

minister of Lochgoilhead ; and others, — it appears that Sir ,

James Lamont had received a commission from King Charles

^ 'Proceedings of Commission of Gen. Ass., 1647; the Records of the Com.,'
pp. 206, 207. Scot Text Soc, Edin., 1892.
» Blain, • Hist.,' p. 216.
' llargreave's ' State Trials,' vol. vi. p. 423 ; vol. vii. pp. 379-421.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute, 331

in 1643 ^o prosecute a war against Argyle and other Scots
rebels, which he executed till 1646, when King Charles gave
himself up at Newark ; and in consequence, Lamont sheathed
his sword, and retired to his houses at Toward and Ascog,
where his vassals had found shelter during the times their
lands were wasted. The Campbells, under the lairds of Ard-
kinglas and Inveran, in 1646 laid siege to these two strong-
holds, and ultimately compelled Sir James and his garrison
at Toward to capitulate, on condition that life, fortune, and
goods, with their personal liberty, should be honoured. The
treaty was instantly dishonoured, and their captives, to the
number of 200, were bound with their hands behind their
backs, and detained in the courtyard of the castle.

"Nevertheless, they plundered the said houses of the whole
furniture and goods therein ; and did rob and take away the whole
money and cloathes of the persons within the same, and did drive
away the whole cattle. These and former wastation to the said Sir
James, his friends, vassals, and tenants, did exceed the sum of fifty
thousand pounds sterling, and in a most cruel and most barbarous
way, while some of his poor friends were rescuing their own goods,
they barbarously murdered and massacred a number of innocent
women, as namely — Mary Gilaspie, Marione Mackleish, a young
maid; Caleech Breedmachfoyne, Margaret Crawfurde, and certain
others, and inhumanly left their bodies as a prey to ravenous beasts
and fowls," &c.

Sir James was ferried over to Ascog to cajole that place
of defence into surrender. Then the same treachery and
cruelty ensued.

"In pursuance of their further villany, after plundering and
robbing all that was within and about the said house, they most
barbarously, cruelly, and inhumanly murdered several young and
old, yea, suckling children, some of them not one month old."

332 Bute in the Olden Time. ^

After devastating and burning the house of Ascog^ and
wasting the orchard and demesne, the ruthless Campbells
conveyed their prisoners over to Toward — Sir James, and a
few of kin, being taken direct to Inveraray. There he was
brutally used, and was hurried off to imprisonment, which
lasted six years : the meantime the Campbells enjoyed the
lands of the Laments — Robert of Auchinwilling holding
Toward, and Ardkinglas Ascog, till 1661.

A bitterer fate awaited the captives penned up in Toward.
They were marched off to the Castle of Dunoon. It was the
leafy month of June, and all the fresh ash-trees around the
church were in full foliage. Thither the melancholy proces-
sion wended, and soon the Campbells decorated an ash-tree
with the dangling forms of their captives, whose names
follow : —

Neil Macpatrick, alias Lamond.

Archibald Lamond, son of Baron Macpatrick of Cowstowne.
Robert Lamond, his brother.
Duncan Lamond, brother to the said Robert.
Hugh Lamond, the other brother.
Duncan Ger Lamond, in Kilmarnock (near Toward).
Gocie Lamond, son of above.
John Lamond, do. do.
Ewen Lamond, in Mid Towart.
Gilbert Lamond.
Duncan Lamond.
John Macqueen, alids Lamond.
Archibald Mackqueen, alias Lamond, his brother.
Donald Mackqueen, alias Lamond.

Duncan and John Lamond, sons to Walter Lamond, brother german
to the Laird of Escog.

^ I incline to think that the Ascog referred to is the old peel of Eascaig in
Kilfinan parish, not Ascog in Bute.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 333

Hugh Lamond, in Gorro of the Carrie (Kilfinan).

Robert Lamond, „ „ „

Duncan Lamond, there

Angus Lamond, do.

Donald Lamond, do.

Walter Lamond, do.

Duncan Lamond, called MacWalter, there.

Alexander Lamond of Ardyne, in Nether Cowall.

William Lamond.

John Mackqueen, younger, alias Lamond.

Patrick Boigle, son to the deceased Mr John Boigle, minister at

Rothesay.
Dougall Harper, alias Mackallister, servant to the said Sir James.
John Lamond, son of Gilbert Lamond of Knockdow.
Gilbert Mackloy, in Glendaruel.
James Lamont, in Ardyne.
Donald Lamont.

James Mackqueen, alias Lamond, in Nether Cowall.
James Lamont, his son.
John Macpatrick, alias Lamond, in Ardyne.

What the Provost of Rothesay and other of his townsmen
were doing there we cannot tell, — probably, being a colonel
of the Bute Militia, he went with^ his company tdf protect or
release the prisoners from Bute, — but the wild caterans of the
Campbells fell on them as well, and butchered with dirks,
pistols, and swords the following number : —

John Lamond, in Auchenschel-
lich (Kilfinan), " 4 score years
with a flux on him and pining
with hunger and thirst as he
stood at the ladderfoot." (The
ladder referred to was the one
in use at the tree.)

Thomas Brown.

Neil Macneil.

Meldonich Macmow.
John Macmow, his brother.
Archibald Hamilton.
Meldonich Mackilimichael.
Robert Michael.
John Mackinlay.
John Hendry.
Alexander Hendry.
Patrick Hendry.

334

Bute in the Olden Time.

John Lamond.
Angus Mackilmune.
John Macinnes.
John Macdougall.
John Henry.

William MacWilliam, alias Wil-
son.
Hew Mackcrow.
John Mackcrow, his brother.
John Macpherson.

Donald Macpherson.
Duncan Macpherson.
Donald Mackilbreid Lamond.
Duncan Lamond.
Duncan Mackalaster.
Thomas Mackbryde.
John Michaelson.
John Moodie.

John Jamieson, then Provost of
Rothesay.

They noticed the Provost sweltering in his blood.

"John Jamieson, then Provost of Rothesay, who being thrice
shot through the body, finding some life in him, did thrust several
dirks and skanes in him, and at last did cut his throat with a long
durk ; the said John Jamieson not only representing his Majesty's
authority as a prime magistrate of his Burgh Royal, was so cruelly
murdered in contempt thereof, and of the statutes made in that
behalf."

The matter-of-fact indictment then proceeds to state : —

"The Lord from heaven did declare his wrath and displeasure
against the aforesaid inhumane cruelty by striking the tree whereon
they were hanged in the said month of June, being a lively fresh
growing ash-tree at the Kirkyard of Denoone amongst many other
fresh trees with leaves. The Lord struck the said tree immediately
thereafter ; so that the whole leaves fell from it, and the tree withered,
never bearing leaf thereafter, remaining so for the space of two years,
which being cut down there sprung out of the very heart of the root
thereof a spring like unto blood, popling up, running in several
streams all over the root."

The defence of Argyle, that he also had a royal commission
in 1644 to punish Lamont, and that he acted on the author-
ity of Parliament, was of no avail, and being condemned, he
was beheaded for this and other acts of treason, 27th May
1661.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 335

So the tragedies of Ascog, Toward, and Dunoon were
legally avenged.

King Charles was now in the custody of the Parliamentary
party of England, and the headsman's block loomed in the
distance. To regain the North he had entered into an en-
gagement to promote Presbyterianism, which, while it suited
the party led by the Duke of Hamilton, was obnoxious to
the sterner Protestants like Argyle and Leslie. The "En-
gagers," under Hamilton, now raised an army to invade
England and restore Charles to freedom. In 1648, the Sheriff
and John Hamilton were at the head of the Bute Militia,
of whom fifty were enlisted. But the Scottish forces were
defeated at Preston, and their commander taken. In January
of the next year the king was executed, and two months
afterwards Hamilton's head was rolled off the doomster's
block.

Captain Neil Campbell was appointed to the Bute Fen- \
cibles in 1649, and in the same year Robert Montgomerie and
Hector. Bannatyne were on "the Committee of War," when
thirteen horsemen were levied in Bute.

The Kingarth session -book contains a reference to the
time when, on 4th February 1649, Ninian Stewart of Kil-
chattan was arraigned before the session for having " taken
on with Duke Hamilton in the late unlawfuU ingcuigmentr
Being armed with a document from the Presbytery absolving
him from responsibility, he was discharged.

The pugnacious Scots now fell foul of the Cromwellian
party, and in their boldness to try their fiery mettle with the
southern Ironsides, met disasters which placed Scotland
at the feet of Cromwell in 165 1. A standing army under
General Monk kept the country in order and peace. An

336 Bute in the Olden Time.

English garrison under Ralph Frewin held the Castle of
Rothesay until they were withdrawn in 1659. Blain declares
that these troops razed the stronger parts of the castle ; but it
is not improbable that the work of demolition was begun in
accordance with the advice of Lauderdale to King Charles
II. in 1660 to destroy such citadels.

The restoration of the monarchy led to reprisals of the
severest character, — Argyle's head falling under the same
knife that sheared off that of the gallant Montrose, and the
less important rebels being fined. The fines imposed by
Middleton in Parliament in 1662 fell in Buteshire upon —

Donald Macneil of Kilmorie . . . ;£36o

Neil Macneil of Kilmorie . . . 360

Ninian Spence of Wester Kemby [Karnes] . 1200

James Stuart of Kilquhandy [? Kilwhinleck] . 360 ^

A petition of Sir James Stewart to have Rothesay Castle
repaired at the direction of Parliament does not appear to
have been granted. He died in 1662.

The king and his satellites began their nefarious attempts
to expunge Presbyterianism by restoring Prelacy in Scotland,
to which an obsequious Parliament gave ratification. Many
ministers seceded, and threw themselves on the sympathy of
the common people, who clung to them and to the Presby-
terian form of worship. The Covenanters again took to arms,
and accordingly had to suffer the cruellest persecution for their
rebellion and for non-conformity to the established form of
religion. But the enthusiasm for the movement did not
spread to Bute. At least no names of inhabitants of the

^ Wodrow, 'Hist, of the Sufferings,' vol, i. p. 275, note.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 337

isle are recorded in the lists of the proscribed fugitives, and
the test may have been taken with the grace of an Argyle.

A minute of the Town Council, in 1683, evinces as strong
an anti-Covenanting spirit as may be found at this time.

"At Rothesay [Tolbuith] the second day of October 1683, the
Council, after agreeing to distribute arms to the militia — gun,
bandelere, and pike — proceeded to draw up the following cove-
nant : —

" * We underscribours solemnly swear in presence of the Eternal
God we invocate as Judger and witnesse of this our oath, that we
owne and profess the true protestant Religion contained in the
Confession of faith Recorded in the first parliament of King James
the sixth, and that we believe the same to be founded in and agrei-
able to the wish and word [?] of God : And wee promisse and sware
that we shall adhere hereto dureing all the dayes of our lyfetyme,
and shall endeavour to educate our children therein, and shall never
consent to any change or alteration contrary thereto : And that we
Disowne and Rennounce all sins, principally doctrines and practises,
whether popish or phanatical, which are contrary unto and incon-
sistant with the trew protestant religion and Confession of faith : And
for certification of our obedience to our most gracious soveraigne
Charles the second we doo affirme and sweare that the King's
majestic is the only supreme Governor of this Realme over all
persons and in all causes als weill eclesiastical as civill, and that no
forayne prinse, person, pope, prelate, or potentant hes or ought to
have any Jurisdiction, power, superiority, preheminency, or authority
ecclesiasticall or civil within the Realme, and therefore we doo uterly
Renunce the forhale all foraigne jurisdictionis, powers, superiorities,
and authorities, and doo promesse that from henceforth that we
shall bear faithful and trew alledgeance to the King's Majestic his
house and lawfull successores : And we further affirme and swear by
this our solemn oath that we judge it unlawfull for subjects, upon
pretence of Reformation or any other pretence whatsomever, to
enter into covenants or leagues, or to convocat, convene, or as-
semble, in any Councils, conventions, or assemblys, or treat, consult,
or determine in any maner of state, civill or ecclesiastick, without

VOL. II. Y

338 Bute in the Olden Time,

his Majestie's special comand or expresse licence had therto, or to
take up armes against the King or those commissionated by him :
And that I [we ?] shall never soe rise in armes or enter into such
covenants or assemblyes : And that there lyes noe obligation upon
us from the National Covenant and the Solemn League and Cove-
nant (soe commonly called) or any uther maner of way whatsomever,
or endeavour any changes or alteration in the Government either in
Church or State as it is now established by the Lawes of this
Kingdome : And wee doo promise and swear that wee shall use our
utmost power defend, ^sist, and mantane his majestie's juris-
diction foresaid against all deadly [?] and we shall never declyne his
majestie's power and jurisdiction — ^as wee shall answer to God : And
finally, we affirme and sweare that this our solemn oath is given in
the plaine genuine sense and meanning of the words, and that we
shall not recant or equivocate, mentall Reservation or any maner of
evasion whatsoever, and that wee shall not attest or use any dispen-
sation from any creetur whatsoever. So help us God.'

Signed by ' G. Stewart. J. Glas.

A. Glas. John Kerss.

Donald Campbell. Archd. Gray.

Robert Stewart. P. J. Kelburne.

W. Stewart. Thomas Byward.

Jac. Ramsay. William Anoor of
Patrick Martin. Kirktoun.*"

At length James VII. ascended the throne in 1685, and
the exiled Scottish patriots, thirsting to avenge the national
wrongs, planned, in Holland, an expedition which, under
Monmouth and Argyle, was to free the land. The Gov-
ernment, on the alert, had garrisons watching in the west-
lands, and cruisers in the Firth of Clyde. The Bute Militia,
under the sheriff. Sir James Stewart, to the number of 120,
armed and provisioned, were transported to Ayrshire, to
join the land-forces under Lieutenant-General Drummond.
Argyle landed among his own clan, but few responded to

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute, 339

his fiery cross, and to the manifesto he promulgated. Dis-
sension weakened the insurgents, who had seized Bute, and
placed their stores in the fortified island of Eilean Gheirrig
in Loch Ridden, Kyles of Bute, under command of Elphin-
stone. Argyle led away his rabble of warriors, who, intended
for conquest in the Lowlands, disappeared from fright and
heartlessness in the cause, until this tail of patriots thinned
off to one follower, with whom Argyle was captured at
Inchinnan. The block was his fate, slavery that of his
Presbyterian compatriots.

From the * Journal ' of the Hon. John Erskine of Carnock,
1683-87, we get an eyewitness's account of the depredations
done by the Highland soldiery in Bute in 1685.^ Erskine,
then a student of law and theology, had in Amsterdam
joined the refugee Earl of Argyle, at that juncture passing
under the name of Mr Carr, and other Protestants, who
were "fully determined to join in that design of endea-
vouring, with a dependance upon and under God, the de-
livery of our native land from being again drowned in popish
idolatry and slavery, which is now as it were tyed up with
a very small thread ready to be broken. . . . Yea, I may
say the standing or falling of the Protestant interest in
Europe depended in a great measure upon the event of
this undertaking in Britain, so that I could no ways make
my being now at my studies, yea, tlie beginning of them,
ballance so great an interest."

These "buffcoats" sailed for Kintyre, round by Orkney,
and on their way lay to "at Tippermore, where the rich
Spanish ship was sunk, for which my Lord Argyle did

^ Pp. 1 13-130, Edin. 1893. (Scot. Hist. Soc.)

340 Bute in tlie Olden Time.

cause dive, having got some cannon." After beating up
some men in the Isles and Kintyre, the expedition set sail
from Campbelton for Cowall and Bute on the 29th May
1685. "We had 25 boats with us, some of them holding
100 men, beside one bark."

" loth. — ^This morning about 60 men were sent off to the Isle
of Meikle Comray, with Sir John and Sir Patrick, Sir John having
the command, I being with them. We were to try for intelligence,
and get as many men and boats as we could I went to the
curate's house, with several! others, to try for arms and provisions.
We carried away one Httle gun, but neither meal or beef, tho'
there was of both there. None of the boats could be got ready
this night, so we left the Isle. I did see Mr Alexander Symer,
minister, in whose house I had been the last year. We were all
night in the boats."

Upon the 30th May, the town of Rothesay was occu-
pied and the castle partly fired by the Highlanders, during
Erskine's absence.

"31J/. — I went ashore to Rosay in Bute, a Borough Royal, and
chief town of the shire of Bute. I heard Mr Thomas Forrester
[evicted minister of Alba]. We understood that my Lord had
caused burn the Castle of Rosay; there was only two chambers
burned, which was all that remained. There was about two
hundred cows driven to the town by the Highlanders at Mr
Charles* [Campbell, son of the Earl] command, but they were
all given back to the people again. The Highlanders, in going
through the Isle of Bute, committed many abuses, by plundering
people's houses, killing and hoching of kine, sheep, and lambs,
only at Mr Charles' command, who did himself go through Rosay
and caused people depone upon oath what money they had, and
then give it him, which many did much regret, reflecting upon
the Highlanders as being the occasion of all, and bringing on us
the calumny of oppression and robbery which we were now fighting
against. Mr Forrester from the pulpit did severely reprove and
warn them of their guilt.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 341

" I went through the Castle of Rosay, which has been of con-
siderable strength."

The little squadron began filibustering along the Clyde,
the chiefs at one time dallying with shifty allies, at another
trying to hold together their caterans, who " run away with
their arms, selling their guns for a shilling. Eilean . . .
was their fastness. We went up Loch [Riddon] towards
the Castle of Allan Gregg, where the arms, ammunition,
and ships were to be secured." The rebels thought of
making Rothesay their base of action.

" S^'^ [y^^^]' — ^ "^j^riX. ashore upon Bute, and shot a mark
[mart?]. There was about 14 of the Sheriff of Bute's cows killed
for the use of the ships. The castle, it was thought, with some
pains might be made a considerable defence."

But the campaign was soon ended, and both of these
incendiaries of Rothesay Castle found themselves in the
Tolbooth of Edinburgh.

" These irrehgious and cowardly Highlanders, who, after they had
refused to fight, turned about and left the main body of the arnjy

(at ) which occasioned the taking of my Lord Argyle, their

master, some hundreds of them having turned back together."

The sons of Innisgail had much belied their ancient char-
acter for loyalty and daring, when these ignominious practices
were committed in the face of danger.

According to Blain, the Government, who ordered an ac-
count of the loss caused by this eruption of the rebels,
found it amounted in Rothesay to ;^48S2, 3s. 6d. Scots.^

The arsenal in Loch Ridden was taken by the English

Blain, * Hist.,' p. 225.

342 Bute in the Olden Time.

frigates, and found to contain 5000 stand of arms, 500 barrels
of gunpowder, guns, and other instruments of war.

On June 16, 1685, " Master Androw Fraser," then minister
of Rothesay, " acquaints the session that on the last month
when Argyle and the Rebells were here in the countrey,"
that Argyle's ministers and some "others of the Rebells
lodging themselves violently at his house, among many other
injuries done by them to him, they sacrilegiously broke up
the Poor's Box and took away all the charities, and this
being a known truth, it appointed that at taking account
of the poor money nothing be exacted before Sunday last,
June 14. May 30, we were forced to leave the island when
the Rebell entered, and did not return till June 12th."

The times were ripening for the Revolution, which was
effected by the invasion of William, Prince of Orange, who
with Mary his wife were proclaimed King and Queen of
England on the 13th February 1689, and of Scotland soon
afterwards. The Jacobite party now began intrigues to
reseat James on the throne, so that the Estates of Scotland,
afraid of the " Irishes and other papists," called out the Bute
Militia, from sixteen to sixty years of age, on the 30th
March 1689, and this well-armed muster, under "Bannatyne
of Kaims, Elder, and Mr John Stewart of Escog," set sail
for Dumbarton! The summons at the cross also ordained
the Sheriff and his deputes to prepare beacons on Bute, which
were to be kindled if there was any appearance of Irish in-
vaders, and, while all horses and cattle were to be removed
ten miles inland to prevent them falling into the enemy's
hands, the fencible men were to muster at the beacons.^

* * Act. Pari./ vol. ix. pp. 26«, 2%b^ 3CV1.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 343

But the danger passed away, and the levies soon returned
to their homes, no doubt yearning for peace. The dispersion
of the Highland Jacobites brought it. The concord grew,
and the people settled down to their industries, and to the
enjoyment of civil government and Presbyterian worship.
Members of Parliament, magistrates, and ministers were
settled, the churches were rebuilt or repaired, and the in-
habitants were left undisturbed by foreign invaders.

The next theme which awakened local interest was the
question of the Union of the Parliaments of Scotland and
England, to treat of which the Sheriff, then a privy coun-
cillor, was appointed a commissioner in 1702. In 1703, he
was raised to the peerage as Earl of Bute. He was not
present at the last meeting of the Scottish Parliament in
1706, when, by the removal of the parliamentary insignia,
there was "an end to an auld sang."

For some unknown reason those eligible in Buteshire to
take part in the proceedings of the Scottish Parliament do
not seem to have availed themselves of their rights, with
any frequency, down to the beginning of the seventeenth
century. Even the burgh had no citizen enterprising enough
to watch the popular interests until, in the troublous reign
of James I. of England, meddling hands essayed to tamper
with the settled forms of Presbyterian worship, when the
smaller lairds in Bute began to attend the meetings of
Parliament.

The following is a list of the Parliaments attended by
representatives from Bute: —

1484-85. March 21. A Parliament held in Edinburgh was attended

by a representative from Rothesay, who is not named.
1488. October 6. A Parliament immediately after the accession

344

Bute in the Olden Time.

1617.

1621.

of James IV. was attended by a representative from Bute-
shire.

May 27 to June 28. James VI.
The Laird of Camyis, Bannatyne
Paul Hamilton

June I to August 4.

William Stewart of Kilchattan

Mathow Spens

1628-33. Charles I.

Hector Bannatyne, younger of Keames ) „

.l^y^i. V h Buteshire.

Johne Stewart of Ethok (Ascog)

Mathew Spens

Buteshire.

Buteshire.
Rothesay burgh.

Rothesay burgh.

1639-41.

Hector Bannatyne.
Mathew Spens, provost.

1643-44. Convention of Estates.

Sir Robert Montgomerie of Skelmorlie
Johne Jamesone, session i.

1648-51. Charles I. — Charles II.
The Laird of Kilchattane
The Laird of Kames
The Laird of Ascog
Donald Gilchryst, sess. ii., iii. .

1665. Convention.

Sir Dougall Stewart of Kirktown,
Knt., Sheriff ....

1667. Convention,

Ninian Bannatyne of Kaims .

1669-74. Parliament.

Sir Dougall Stewart, Sheriff \
Ninian Bannatyne of Kames . J
Mr Johne Stewart of Askoge, Advo-
cate, sess. i.-iii

1678. Convention.

John Boyle of Kelbume . )

Ninian Bannatyne of Kames . J
Robert Stuart ....

Buteshire.
Rothesay burgh.

Buteshire.
Buteshire.

Buteshire.

Rothesay burgh.

Buteshire.
Rothesay burgh.

Three Centuries of Civil Life in Bute. 345

1 68 1. Parliament.

John Boyle of Kelburne . ) ^ , •

^T. . ,. r^r \ Buteshire.

Ninian Bannatyne of Karnes . )

Cuthbert Stewart, late provost . Rothesay burgh.

1685-86. Parliament. James II.

Sir James Stewart, Sheriff . ) ^ , .

V , ^ 1 r ,^ ,t r Buteshire.

John Boyle of Kelburne . ;

Cuthbert Stewart, provost . . Rothesay burgh.
1689. March 14, Convention at Edinburgh,

Sir James Stewart, Sheriff . ) Ti v,-

David Boyle of Kelburne . J

Mr Robert Stewart, Advocate, uncle to the Sheriff.
1689-93. William and Mary.
*Sir James Stewart.

David Boyle of Kelburne.

Mr William Stewart of Ambrismore, vice Sheriff.
*Mr Robert Stewart, Advocate.

Robert Stewart of Lochlie, vice Robert Stewart.

Those marked with an asterisk did not sit. On loth May 1689,
the Committee of Estates ordered Sir James Stewart to be kept
a close prisoner in the Tolbooth. On 25th April 1693, the seats
of the Sheriff and Robert Stewart were declared vacant, because
they had not taken the oath of allegiance and signed the assurance.

1703-7. Anne.

Sir James Stewart of Bute, sess. i.-vi. Buteshire.
1703. May 6 to September 16.

Mr Robert Stewart of Tillicoultrie . Buteshire.

John Stewart of Kilwhinlick, vice Sir James.

Mr Dougald Stewart of Blairhall . Rothesay burgh.

The history of life and work in the Isle of Bute during the
past two centuries would form an interesting but melancholy
addition to this work. During that time came into vogue
many improvements conducing to the advancement of the
people, and rose into importance many industries which
have sicklied and died entirely. The various branches of

346 Bute in the Olden Time.

the fishing trade,— once an extensive business, — with the
attendant industries of coopering, ship- and boat-building,
sail-making, rope-spinning, are now attenuated into a pre-
carious calling for a handful of fishers and a few ancient
mariners.

Formerly, Rothesay had every prospect of becoming the
seat of the cotton industry, on account of the availability of
water-power and the appositeness of its water-highway, where-
as to-day the numerous mills which once gave bread to
hundreds stand silent as the grave.

The lack of local employment has driven thousands of
Butemen into foreign lands, where they have succeeded
in every rank of life, in many instances amassing wealth
whose enjoyment they have shared with their less fortunate
brethren at home.

The only source of labour, apart from the common
mechanical trades, which has not ceased to exist, but has
improved in its methods and activities, although not in the
power of being adequately remunerated, is agriculture. And
this, with its cognate industry of floriculture, may. be
reckoned the staple industry in Bute.

The labours of the greater portion of the population, how-
ever, are devoted, for a few months during the summer
season, to the service of those who frequent the island as a
health-resort, for the pleasures of idleness, or the profit of
rest from the work and restraint of city commercial life.

The delineation of this phase of modern existence may
be fitly left to another pen. And here I say Farewell to
Bute in the Olden Time.

APPENDIX.

I.— GENEALOGY OF MAORMOR OF LEVEN.

Geinealach M(5rmhair
Leamhna annso sids.

Donnchadh.
Mc Bhailtair.
Mc Amlaoibh.
Mc Donnchaid.
Mc Amlaoibh Oig.
Mc Amlaoibh Mhoir.
Mc Ailin Oig.
Mc Ailin Mhoir.
Mc Muireadhaigh.
Mc Maine.
Mc Cuirc. *
Mc Maoildomhnoigh.
Mc Maine Leamhna.
Mc Cuirc.

Genealogy of Maormor of
Leven down here.

Duncan.
Son of Walter.
Son of Aulay.
Son of Duncan.
Son of Aulay the younger.
Son of Aulay the great.
Son of Ailin the younger.
Son of Ailin the great.
Son of Murdoch.
Son of Maine.
Son of Core.
Son of Maoldomhnach.
Son of Maine Leven.
Son of Core, &c.

The above genealogy of the Maormor of Leven has been taken
from ^- Royal Irish Acad. Collection of Irish MS.

II.

GENEALOGICAL TABLE

THE STEWARDS OF SCOTLAND

VOL. IL

C ;

II.— GENEALOGICAL TABLE Ol

Compiled from various Sou
King Kesn

Donald, 860-864.

Kenneth III., 997-1005.

BOEDME.

Const ANTiNE II., 863-877.
Donald, 889-900.
Malcolm I., 942-954.

DUBH, 962-967. Kenneth, 971-995.

Dunclina :

Macduff,
Thane of Fife

MACDUFF

Gruoch=i. married Gilcolmgain of Moray.

=2. married MACBETH, Thane of Ross and Moray.

LULACH, 1058.

Constantine, 900^

INDULPH, 954-96
CUILEAN. 967-97J

Constantin, 995H
= manied >

married

Malcolm II., 1005-1034.
BBATRiCE=Crinan, Abbot of Dui
DUNCAN I.. 1034-1040.

Alan, 1073-1153, William. Elg
the Second Steward.

Walter, 1x08-1177,
the Third Steward.

Adaj

Alan, i 140-1204,
the Fourth Steward.

Walti

Walter, ii73-x24i=Beatrix of Angus,
the Fifth Steward.

Alexander, 1214-1283,
the Sixth Steward, 1214.

James. 1243- 1309,
the Seventh Steward.

Walter, 1293-1327,
the Eighth Steward.

Robert, 1316-1390,
the Ninth Steward, and First Stewart King.

51 ]

HE STEWARDS OF SCOTLAND.

illustrate the Old Traditions.

kCALPINB. 860.

Aedh or Ethus, {From Symson*s Gttualogy,)

DoiR, 870-936. TluuM of Loohaber.

Murdoch, 900-959,
Thane of Lochaber.

Pherqumard, 929-980, Donald of Moray.
Thane of Lochaber.

I I I

Bp. Alexander. ALViLLA=Constantine, Gunora,

ancestor of a Nun.

= Kenneth, 960-1030, Grahams. .

rhane of Lochaber.

Garbob, Thane of Athol.

Lauchlanb, Thane of Athol.

Phaelus, Thane of Athol.

BANQUO. =

990-1043.
Thane of Lochaber.

=^^ Beatrix.

: married -

: MuLDivANA or Maud.

Fleance, 1020-1045.

Walter, 1045-1093, Fleancha,
the FInt Steward. a Nun.

Malcx>lm.

Fleance. Walter.

Margaret Emma

= Simon Eraser. = Griffin

of S. Wales.

Helen
= Alexander,
ancestor of
Abemethys.

Simon,
ancestor of Boyds,

Margaret.

Prceceptum de E celesta B. Maria de Combornio, 353

III.— PRiECEPTUM DE ECCLESIA B. MARI^
DE COMBORNIO.i

. . . Unde ego Rivallonius,'^ homo militaris de Britannia de
Castello Combornio^ ipsi largitori bonorum, omnium, aliquid ex
his quae ab eo accepi per manus pauperum offerre decrevi. Sciant
igitur praesentes omnes et futuri, ad quorum notitiam hujus nostri
script! Series poterit pervenire, donasse me Sancto Martino Majoris
Monasterii et fratribus qui ibidem deo sub Abbate Alberto * famu-
lantur, pro mea parentumque meorum Hamonis et Raentlinae, sed
et conjugis mea Aremburgis ac liberorum nostrorum Guillelmi.
Johannis, Galduini, Gaufiredi, atque advisae anima, medietatem
cujusdam ecclesiae Beatae semper Virginis Mariae nomini dicatae,
quae in Britanniam episcopatu S. Machuti apud jam dictum
Castellum meum consistit . . . Et quidem liberalitatis nostras
donum, ut irrefragabile in saeculum perseveret, dominus meus Con-
anus,^ comes Britanniae, de cujus beneficio haec obtinebam, inter-
pellatus postea a quodam monacho S. Martini,^ Urvodio nomine,
pro sua patrisque Alani comitis anima, auctoritate vitata sua affigiato
in hoc scripto crucis caractere confirmavit. . . .

. , . De dono meo hi qui suis signis et vocabulis permissu meo
uxorisque meae ac liberorum subnotantur: s. Rivallonii, s. Arembur-
gis, uxoris ejus ; s. Guillelmi, filii ejus ; s. Advisae, filiae ejus ; s.
Alui, vicecomitis; s. Glac, filii Eudonis; s. Gurguar, s. Fredaldi,
senescalci ; s. Urvodii, praepositi ; s. Hervei, filii Tchoni ; s. Main-
onis, fratris ejus; s. Glac, praepositi; s. Rorgni, filii Sufficiae; s.
Gualterii, filii Heligonis; s. Gualterii, filii Riculfi; s. Henonis,

^ ' Histoire de TAbbaye de Marmoutier en Tourraine,' par Dom. Martene. Part
II., Titres, p. 241 ; Bib. Nat., Paris, MS. Latin, 12,878, fol. 239, 240.

' Rivallonias (Capra Canuta), son of Hamo, and brother of Archbishop Jun-
keneus of Dol, fl. ante 1066. William, son of Rivallon, monk of St Florent-
pr^-Saumur, founded St Florent-sous-Dol. John, iL 1156-1161.

* Combourg, castle built by Archbishop Junkeneus, and given to Rivallon in
the eleventh century.

4 Abbot Albert ruled over Marmoutier from 1032 to 1064.

* Conan, Earl of Brittany, died in 1066.
' St Martin's, Marmoutier.

VOL. II. 2 A

354 Appendix.

filii Bemerii ; s. Karadoci, filii ejus ; s. Bonalli, s. Rainerii Guahart,
s. Ebrardi de Guahart, s. Gualterii, filii Gavaini ; s. Gualterii mona-
chi, s. Tatbari, s. Johannis, s. Ingomari, monachi; s. Johannis
monachi, s. Urvodii monachi. . . . &c.

IV.— INQUISITION MADE IN NORFOLK IN 1275.

Inquisitiones facte ... in comitatu Norfolcie . . . anno regni
Regis Edwardi tercio . . . Hundreda de Laundiz. . . . Dicunt et
quod manerium de Melam cum suis pertinenciis fuit in manu Regis
Willelmi le Bastard in Conquestu, et dictus Rex dedit dictum man-
erium cuidam militi qui vocabatur Flancus [Flautus?] qui venit
cum dicto Rege in Angliam cum suis membris et omnibus aliis
suis pertinenciis et preterea dictum manerium de herede in heredem
usque Johannem filium Alani qui nunc in Custodia Domini Regis,

&C.1

v.— DONATIO DE SPARLAIO.

Hoc sciant omnes fideles futuri atque presentes quatinus Deo
annuente, Alanus Flaaldi filius concessit Sancto Florentio ejusque
monachis, scilicet istis presentibus Guihenoco, Guigone, et Guil-
lelmo, ecclesiam Sparlaici cum omnibus decimis pro salute sue
anime perpetue et crostum cujusdam viri duarumque terram car-
rucaturum, unam in Sparlaico^ et alteram in Melahan, et de uno
nemore ad domos edificandos et ad monachorum focum et eorum
peccoribus pascua cum suis ubique peccoribus, et predictam
ecclesiam Sancti Florentii monachis omnino solutam et quietam

^ ' Rot. Hundredonim/ vol. i. p. 434 ; Eyton, ' Houses of Fit/^lan and Stewart/
p. 3 ; *Cal. Gen. Hen. IH. and Edw. I.,* ed. C. Roberts, vol. ii. p. 687.

^ Sporle, a Benedictine priory in Norfolk, cell to St Florent-pr^-Saumur,
ascribed to Henry, Earl of Anjou, — Henry II,

Auctoramentum yohannis Dolensis, etc. 355

maxime a querela monachorum sancti Trinitatis fecit, attributis illis
in unoquoque anno xx^ solidis de sua ferma de Sparlaico.

Hujus rei testes sunt hi, Artotellus presbiter, Ivo diaconus, — de
laicis Odo [do] Norguico, Hamo Got, Gurhant Rivallonus extraneus,
Garius de Marisco, Urfoen filius Fulcherii, Alanus Urvoni filius,
Bondo, Torkil filius ejus, Rivallonus monachorum famulus, Osbertus
et Arketellus frater ejus.^

VI.— AUCTORAMENTUM JOHANNIS DOLENSIS
DE ECCLESIIS DE GUGUEN, VOEL, ET DE
TRONCHETO ET DE MIRACULIS ABBATIS
BARTHOLOMEI.

Johannes dictus Dolensis Comburnii Dominus omnibus fidelibus
salutem in Domino Ego futurorum notitie declarare decrevi, quod
plurium relatione audivi et didici, scilicet quod Maino filius Theoni-
gete dedit Deo et B. Martino Majoris-monasterii, et abbatis Bar-
tholomeo et monachis ejusdem coenobii apud Combumium com-
morantibus ecclesiam S. Martini de Guguen et ecclesiam S. Martini
de Voel [Noel] cum omnibus appenditis suis perpetuo possidendam.
Descenderat enim aliquando idem venerabilis abbas in Britanniam
causa visitandi domos quas habebat in Britannise partibus et hos-
pitandi gratia venit Comburnium. Tunc venit ad eum supradictus
Maino rogans eum ut descenderet apud Guguen visitare filios suos,
Haimonem et Gauterium qui gravi tenebantur infirmitate, descendit
et signum crucis frontibus eorum imposuit, et statim obdormierunt,
et post somniam integrse sanitati restituti sunt Quo viso et audito,
quod leprosum osculo sanaverat supradictus abbas, et aquam in
vinum converterat, supradictus Maino et Theonus pater ejus senior
supradictas ecclesias si dederunt, concedentibus filiis suis Haimone
et Gauterio et Alanus filius Floaudi \Flaudi (* Preuves *)] quicquid
juris in ecclesia de Guguen habebat, eidem abbati concessit et

^ ' Livre Blanc de St Florent,' fol. 130. (Preserved in Archives of Prefecture
of Maine et Loire.)

356 Appendix.

monachis Combumii. Monachi vero Gauterium presbyterum ibi
constituerunt et Baudrico archiepiscopo prsesentaverunt, et in
tempore ipsius Gauterii tertiam partem decimo de Guguen ha-
buerunt Hoc ego Johannes a pluribus audivi: quae sequuntur
vidi, scilicet quod Haimo presbyter de Guguen in praesentia Hugonis
archiepiscopi se deposuit, et ad jurisdictionem monachorum supra-
dictam ecclesiam pertinere recognovit, et de manu Guillelmi prions
ipse Haimo ecclesiam recepit, et Hugoni archiepiscopo eum prior
Willelmus praesentavit, et Hugo hoc concessit et concessionem
sigillo suo confirmavit. Necnon sciant omnes quod Alanus filius
Jordani et Eudo Spina donationes antecessonim suorum concesserunt
de ecclesia de Guguen, et innovaverunt in praesentia Hugonis
Archiepiscopi, videntibus istis Guillelmo priore, Turpino et Durando
monachis, magistro Willelmo Susionensi, Evanocato, Normanno de
Listreio et filio ejus Gaufredo, Philippo de Boteniguel, magistro
Herves, Gauterio Brasard et aliis multis. Dedit insuper coram illis
pnedictus Alanus per manus Hugonis archiepiscopi ecclesiam de
Tronchet cum omnibus appenditis suis, concedente Gauterio
ejusdem loci magistro et omnibus fratribus ejus.^

[Sigillum Joannis Domini Dolensis — une main tenant une dp&
en pal.]

VII.— FONDATION DU PRIEURE DE S. FLORENT-

SOUS-DOL.

Scripture hujus veraci assertione natum fieri volumus has dona-
tiones quas Abbas Guillelmus ad Monachatum veniens Contulit loco
Sancti Florentii. . . . Deinceps (Johannes et Gilduinus ejus fratres)
dederunt villam Mezuoit prope Castellum Dolis cum omnibus con-
suetudinibus quas in ea habebant et ex altera parte villas vineas
proprias.

In supradicta villa, scilicet Mezuoit, coepit Johannes construere
monasterium in honorem S. Martini et S. Florentii per auctoritatem

^ MS. Latin, 12,878, fol. 244 rtcto, Tronchet Abbey (Benedictine), one league
S.S.W.of Dol, 9>( from Rennes. Hugo, abbot, 1156-1 161. Abbot Bartholomew
was dead in 1084. ' Preuves,' p. 492.

Charter of Confirmation by Alan Fitz Jordan. 357

P. Gregorii VII. et per testimonium Milonis Archiepiscopi, qui prius
Decanus Parisiensis Ecclesiae ab Apostolico ordinatus est Episcopus
Beneventanae, quem de hac re intercessorum apud Papam habuit
Joannes Eventius ^ etiam Archiepiscopus Dolensis, ut construeretur
annuit et cymiterium ipse benedixit, et omnes suas consuetudines
illi monasteris donavit, et ut etiam feria in festivitate S. Florentii ib
adunaretur permisit ita tamen ut monachi burgenses ejus in burgum
suum hospitandos non reciperent nisi ejus grantavanti absolutione.
. • . Alanus similiter Siniscallus dedit furnaticum ejusdem villas, id
est Mezuoit, et renditionem panis suam partem. Et hoc concessit
Fledaldus frater ejus et monachi ob hoc fratrem ejus Rivallonem
ad monachatum receperunt . . . (Testes . . . inter alios, Alanus
Siniscallus, Herveus Butellarius, &c)^

VIII.— CHARTER OF CONFIRMATION BY ALAN
FITZ JORDAN, TO MARMOUTIERS.

Omnibus notum sit presentibus et futuris quod Alanus Flaaudi
filius . . . dedit Monachis Lehonensibus . . . decimam de suo
dominio de Burtona. . . . Ego siquidem Alanus Jordani filius ^
primogenitus progenie supradictorum descendens^ . . . ipsam
decimam quam avus meus eisdem contulerat . . . annuentibus
filiis concessi. . . . Et ne quis in futuro, &c, proprii sigilli im-
pressione presentem cartam confirmare decrevi, favente uxore mea
Johanna et filio meo Jordano et ceteris qui omnes hujus beneficii
participes sunt et testes.*

^ Eventius, Archbishop of Dol, 1076- 1081.

a *Preuves,'pp. 433.434-

' The words ^* primogenitus ^^^ &c., induced the Earl of Crawford and Balcarres
to think at first that Alan, the son of Flaud, was identical with Alan, the son of
Fredaldus Senescallus ; same applicable if Alan Fitz Flaald was twice married,
that Jordan, the father of Jordan, was the son of the first marriage and heir of
Burton, while Walter and William were of the second or Hesding marriage.

^ Titres de Marmoutier; Bib. Nat., Paris, MS. Latin, 22,322, p. 176, No.
143.

358 Appendix.

IX.— CARTA DE MOLENDINO DE BORTONE.

Charier of Confirmation by Jordan Fitz Jordan Fitz Alan Fitz
Flaaldy of a Grant by his Father of the Mill at Burton to the
Priory of Sele in Sussex}

Jordanus filius Jordani filius Alani hominibus suis de Burton
salutem. Sciatis me reddidisse Monachis S. Florentii de Salmur
molendinum de Burton in elemosinam sicut pater meus disposuit in
infirmitate qua mortuus fuit coram archiepiscopo G. de Dol.^ Et
volo et firmiter precipio ut ipsi habeant illud sicut umquam melius
et quietius illud habuerunt tempore Alani filii Flealdi et tempore
Jordani patris mei. T[estibus] Rollando Monac[ho] et Herberto
cler[ico] et Willelmo clerico de Tusfort * et Ansgero presbitero et
Rotberto filio Godeboldi et Joelo Delmares et Denchisinat et
Ewvardo de Lachater et Radulfo filio Berhaldi apud Tusfort.*

X.— CARTA HENRICI REGIS ANGLORUM DE
CELLA S. TRINITATIS EBORACENSIS.

" Henricus rex Anglorum G. archiepiscopo Osbertoque vicecomiti et
omnibus suis baronibus salutem. Notum fieri volo me concessisse
monachis S. Martini Majoris-monasterii elemosynam Radulfi Pagan-
elli, id est quidquid eis dedit in terra et ecclesiis et decimis." Then
are enumerated the donations of Paganellus, including the Church
of the Holy Trinity in York, "Bertona in Rivala," and many others.
"Actum est hoc Eboraci videntibus istis et audientibus Radulfo
eodem PaganeUi, Eudone Dapifero, Willelmo de Albiniaco, et ejus
frater Negello, Radulfo de Roiliaco, Alano Floaldi [Fevaldi] filioy
Rannulfo thesaurario."^

^ Sele was a dependency of St Florent-pr^s-Saumur.

' Godfrey, Archbishop of Dol, translated to Capua in 1 144.

* Tusford = Tuxford in Notts.

* MS. Magdalen College, Oxford ; Cartwright and Dalla way's * Hist, of Sussex/
vol. ii. p. 225.

^ * Hist, de I'Abbaye de Marmoutiers en Tourraine/ 2d partie ; Bib. Nat., Lat.,
12,878, fol. 228 recto.

Donation faite a Marmoutiers, etc. 359

XI.— CHARTER DISPONING LAND TO ST
FLORENT, ATTESTED BY ALAN, DAPIFER.

Guillelmus Decanus, Salomonis Decani filius vendidit monachis
Sancti Florentii terram quam pater suus Solomon habuerat in
Mezuoit Hoc annuerant fratres ejus Maino, GofTredus et Evenus
et Blidehildis mater. . . . Acta sunt haec coram his testibus Comite
Goffredo Hamone filio Rodaldi, Alano dapifero, . . . Hamone filio
Galleri, Galtero filio Guillelmi, &c.^

XII.— DONATION FAITE A MARMOUTIERS PAR
JOURDAIN FILS D'ALAIN.

Ego Gaufridus Dolensis Ecclesiae totius capituli nostri assensu in
Archiepiscopum electus Jordanum filium Alani, strenuum virum et
illustrem, conveni quatenus Cimiterium Ecclesise S. Crucis et St
Mevenni de Fraxinaria,^ quod quasi proprio et hereditario jure pos-
siderat, ecclesiae Majoris Monasterii annueret. Quod mox ut animad-
vertit se injuste tenuisse concessit, &c., &c. x Jordanus fil. Alani
subscripsit : X Maria uxor Jordani subscripsit : X Jordanus sub-
scripsit : X Alanus subscripsit. (Hi duo filii Jordani.) Actum
Anno ab. Incarn. Dom. mcxxx., &c.'

^ *Girt. Blanc St Klor. Saum./fol. 8i, recto et verso; 'Recueil dc Dom. Hous-
seau Anjou et Touraine,' torn, ii., No. 299.
' Fraxinaria=La Fresnage, a few miles N. W. of Dol.
' Morice, * Prcuves/ tom. i. p. 564.

XIII.
GENEALOGICAL TABLE

THE ANCESTRY OF THE FITZ ALANS
AND STEWARTS

VOL. II. 2 B

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XIV.
A GENEALOGICAL TABLE

SHOWING

THE DESCENT OF

THE STEWARDS OF SCOTLAND FROM.

BANQUO.AND ALAN

VOL. II. 2 C

[ 36

XIV.— A GENEALOGICAL TABLE SHOWING THE DESCENT O]

= Banquo, Thane c

Fleance -

Alan Fitz Flaj
died 1XX4.

1st wife— Christina, = William Fitz Alan, = 2d wife— Isabel,

niece of Robert, Earl
of Gloucester, died
II53-

iio5-ii6o.

daughter, and heiress
of Helias de Say,
Lord of Clun.

I. WALT
"Dapifd

Alan, died infant.

William Fitz Alan, = Daughter of Hugh de
1 154-121 1. I^acy of Ewyas.

William (?).

ViLLiAM FiTZ Alan,
died Z2i6.

John Fitz Alan I.,= Isabel de Albini,
died 1240. I in her issue co«

heir of the Earls
of Arundel.

III. WALTER FITZ ALAN,= Beatrij
Stewmrd of 8ootlaii4
(or 1241 ?) died 1246.

John Fitz Alan II.,:
died 1267.

:Maud, daughter
of Rohese de
Verdon, died
1283.

IV. ALEXANDER STEWART. = Jean, daughter o

Steward of Scotland,

died 1283.

Lord of But

John Fitz Alan III., ;
died 127Z.

Isabel, daughter of
Roger de Mortimer
of Wigmore.

lES, =C

V. JAMES, =Cecilia, daughter of Patrick, Ear
Steward of Sootland, Dunbar and March,

died 1309.

RICHARD FITZ ALAN,

Earl of Arundel,

bom Feb. 3, 1267 ;

Claimant of Stewardehip of

Scotland in 1336.

I
Andrew.

Houses <

VI. WALTER,
Steward of Scotland, -

died 9th April 1326.

(1) Alice, daughtet
{3J Isabel, daughu

(2) Maxjory, daugh

VII. ROBERT,
bom 2d March 1316 ;
Steward of Scotland, 1326 ;
King of Scotland,

Robert II.,

26th March 1371 ;

died 1390.

= (i) Elizabeth Mure.
(2) Euphemia Ross.

Gwendolen Mary Anne Howard,

John Patrick Crichton-Stuart,
Marquess of Bute.

John,

Earl of Carrick,

changed his name to

Robert III.,

King of Scotland.

James I.,
filing of Scotland.

James II.

James III.

James IV.

I
James V.

Mary.

James VI.

7 ]

HE STEWARDS OF SCOTLAND FROM BANQUO AND ALAN.

iber. Griffith ap Llewellyn, Prince of N. Wales ;=rAlditha, daughter of Algar,
succeeded 1037 ; died 1063. I Earl ofMercia.

; GUENTA OF NESTA.

arried :

Avelina, Adelina, or Adeliza,
de Hesding (Hastings).

rz ALAN, = Eschina, daughter of

brdc

1 Scotiae,"
77-

Thomas de Lundin.

Sybil= Roger de Freville.

Jordan.

I
Simon.

IRET.

IL ALAN FITZ WALTER, = (i) Eva, daughter of Suan, son of Thor, Lord of Tippermuir and Tranent.
Stewaxd, (2) Alesta, daughter of Morgund, Earl of Mar.

died 1204.

Iter of Gilchrist, Earl of Angus.

David.

John,

killed at Damietta

in 1249.

Walter,

Earl of Menteith,

Senescallus.

William.

Beatrix

= Earl of

Lennox.

Christian.

Margaret

= Niel, Earl

of Carrick.

EUFEMIA V

= Patrick,
Earl of March.

Alexander.

John.

Sir John,

killed at Falkirk

in 1298.

Margaret, heiress of Bonkyl.

Elizabeth := William Douglas, the Hardy. Andrew.

lox, Galloway, Blantyre, and Traquair, Damley, Daubigny.

•d Erskine.

r John Grahame. —

hCing Robert Bruce.

Sir John,
killed at Dundalk,
1318.

Sir James
of Durrisdeer.

Egidia = Sir Alexander Me3mis.

Sir John Stewart of Ralston.

Jean.

Egidia.

ISt w.
liece Oi
>f Glou
"S3'

LLIAM F

died

Report on Rothesay Castle. 369

XV.— REPORT ON ROTHESAY CASTLE.

Bute Estate Office,
Rothesay, 18/A October 187 1.

My dear Sir, — Having now completed the excavations in the
courtyard at Rothesay Castle which you requested me to have
examined by desire of Lord Bute, I have to report to you the
result. To make the search a thorough one, I caused every inch
of the area to be dug over to the depth of from 2 to 3 feet, and
then with an iron rod 4 feet long pierced the ground under that
level at short distances apart to find whether there was anything
underneath. When stones were touched upon, the loose earth was
first cleared away, and it was seen whether they formed part of
a wall or were loose stones which had fallen down from off the
walls : if they were found to form part of a wall, it was followed out
as far as it went ; or if the stones were loose, they were taken up
and put aside, any carved or hewn stones being specially taken care
of. All the walls laid bare have been left exposed to view, but the
drains shown on plan ^ hsi^e been covered over again. You may
remember that all that was visible in the courtyard when you visited
it were the walls of the chapel and stair at the end of it, part of the
great staircase, the well, and the walls (which for convenience of
reference I have marked i and 2 on the accompanying plan) ; but
now a good many more fragments of buildings are to be seen, and
I shall describe to you as briefly and clearly as I can the appear-
ance presented by them, and notice any point in connection with
the chapel and other walls above referred to brought to light.
Digging was commenced near the well, and the walls first laid bare
were No. 3, which were found a foot under the surface. The
building varies from i to 2 feet in height, and consists wholly of
rubble-stones, various sizes, with the exception of three large red
sandstones, supposed to be doorsteps, which are splayed both inside
and out. 4 is a pavement of grey fiagstones, each from 5 to 6
inches thick, and with 2 to 3 square feet in each. 5 is a causeway
of large unshaped stones lying in front of the building, 6 to 9 inches
under the level of the doorsteps. 6 consists of a course of dressed

^ The plan referred to in this letter is marked drawing No. 5.
VOL. II. 2 D

370 Appendix.

and squared freestone on three sides, with three single stones apart
from the square ; but in the same line as one of the faces there is
no freestone in one side of the square : it appears to have been
removed. A few of the freestones are dressed, but not all alike,
and must have been in use somewhere else before being laid here.
There is nothing to indicate where a door or window may have
been. 7 is a mass of masonry irregular in shape, and near it a rough
causeway of large pebbly stones from 4 to 6 inches through was
touched upon. 8 is a wall standing i to 2 feet high, and what is
most noticeable here is a splayed base-course, shown on plan by
a double line, and the projection near the centre of the wall, round
which it is continued, resembling the foundation for a buttress.
9 is a division wall, 1 2 inches thick, with a single course of boulder-
shaped stones, some set on edge. 10, walls standing about 18
inches high, and at the corner, near door leading to crypt under
chapel, the wall is seen to be bevelled to improve the passage. The
door into that building is supposed to have been at A. The free-
stone step, being of value probably, has been removed from this
point, and beyond this a passage could not be got betwixt and the
outer wall. 11 is supposed to have been a hearth; it is partly
surrounded by stones on edge and causewayed. The floor of that
part nearest the wall 10 consists of a layer of sandy grey-coloured
ashes on the top, covering a layer of sand and clay mixed, burned
and leaving a red appearance on top, gradually changing into a
yellow colour below. The step and jambs of doorway at the angle
of the crypt have been exposed fully to view ; the door still remains
built up. 1 2 is the remains of the stair leading to chapel ; the
lowest step only is to be seen, which is in two stones. 13 is a large
door entering to the crypt through the west gable, which has been
uncovered ; the jambs and scuntions of the door are pretty entire
for 2 feet in height or so from the floor. There is a rough cause-
way outside the doorstep of very hard stones. 14 is a door, of
which a rybat remains on each side above the step ; both rybats
and step are displayed on the outside. 15 is an opening through
the wall, 6 inches squared on the one side and 13 inches on the
other, at the level of the floor, with rough sides and cover, and a
sandstone in the bottom of it, hollowed out as shown on margin to
carry off water. 1 6 is a regularly built rubble wall 2 7 inches thick
coming up to the floor-level, and is not connected with the front or

Report on Rothesay Castle. 371

back wall. 1 7 are two of the original stair-steps ; the upper one
seems to have been displaced a little ; both are of red sandstone,
and at bpttom of stair there appeared to have been a rough cause-
way. 18, as at No. 7, with a stone margin of large grey flagstones.
19 are five roughly squared stones, laid in a line with each other
and bedded in mortar, and probably formed part of a wall. 20 is
a rubble wall of about a foot in height, with no dressed stones about
it whatever. 21 are three steps, each 13 inches broad, from 18 to
2 1 inches long, and having risers the ordinary height. The wall
above them (22) is faced with a red sandstone squared, and exactly
like the facing of the original building round the courtyard; it
stands exposed to the height of from i to 3 feet. Betwixt said
facing of that and the outer wall there appears the packing or
hearting of the wall, on which the stair-steps rested. By this stair
direct communication could be held between the tower and court-
yard, through the archway which you observe built up near B. In
digging under the archway at C there was exposed to view the
jambs of a door or gateway 4 feet 7 inches wide, checked on the
outside 3 inches deep each way ; this is without doubt of a later date
than the first-built portion of the wall. There was further brought
to light here the jambs of an old doorway standing 4 feet high on
each side, which door would be the next barrier after the portcullis
gave way ; the jambs are of red sandstone splayed on the comers,
and have a base standing 8 inches high, projecting 2)^ inches.
The portcullis groove goes down to a depth of 7 feet 8 inches
below the underbed of string-course, appearing in the section sent
to you. I had the steps lifted up and the bottom of the entrance-
door carefully examined where you supposed there might be a rebate
or check for the drawbridge to go in, but could see nothing of any
kind to indicate how the drawbridge was closed or opened. The
wall under the door appears to have been broken down and roughly
built up again.

Having noticed these points about the buildings, you will next
observe that attention to drainage has not been wanting. The
main line from D to E is formed of stones ; in some parts of it the
sides are formed of square sandstones, and in others unshaped
stones, but nearly all the same depth, i foot. The width is also
pretty uniform throughout, but it contracts very much opposite
the chapel, whether the result of accident or not it is difficult to

372 Appendix,

say. About one-half of the length of the drain was found covered
with large grey flagstones, and in one or two places the bottoms
were also paved with the same materials. The other lines of
drains are formed for the most part of thin stones set on edge,
as shown in margin. The open courtyard when excavated appeared
to show nothing beyond what is shown in plan ; the soil is for the
most part underlaid with a coarse yellowish gravel mixed with
sand. At F there were traces of a floor laid with iron-mine dust,
which when broken lifted in a cake condition i to i ^ inch thick.
At G the floor is covered with dry sand and shivers, exactly like
what is to be seen on the floor of a builder's hewing-shed, and
probably at this spot stones had been dressed for some part of
the buildings. The figures in red ink on the plan give relative
levels at different points, the datum level (lowest point) being
marked O, and at the under side of the rebate or check or jamb of
door under archway at C.

I think I have alluded to every point of interest \ but if I should
have failed to convey to you distinct impression on any point, you
have only to call my attention to it and I will be happy to give
further explanations. — I remain, my dear sir, yours very truly,

Jno. R. Thomson.

XVI.— LIST OF CHARTERS, Etc., RELATING
TO THE STEWARTS.

The following is a list of the most important charters in connec-
tion with the Stewarts : —

*An Index of many Records of Charters,' edited by
W. Robertson (ed. 1798).

In King Robert Firsfs Reign (i 306-1 329).

Charter to James Stewart, brother to Walter Stewart of Scot-
land, the lands of Dorisdeir in the valley of Neith, which
Alexander Meinzies resigned . . . . 13 82

Charter to the said James Stewart and his spouse of the

barony of Enache (Session 6, 32) . . . • 13 83

Alexander, Senescal, obtains Archibetoun, forfeited by David

Betoun in 1309 . . . . . .18

No.

LiH of Charters, etc.^ relating to the Stewarts. 373

Alexander obtains charter of lands of Achykillichan and
Scottisbiryn .......

John, Senescal, obtains Frendraught ....

James, Senescal, obtains Peristoun and Wanvickhill .
Robert, heir of Walter, Senescal of Scotland, obtains lands \
of Cunningham (

Alexander, S^-, obtains Garmiltoun, Dunnyng, Elvingstoun, 1
Fischerstatis /

Charter to Walter, of barony of Kilbryde in Lanark

ti to Robert, son of Walter I., Cessford, Nisbitt, Caver-
toun (Roxburghshire) .....

ti to Robert, barony of Methven (Perth), Kellie (Forfar)

ff to Walter, barony of Dalswintoun (Dumfries) .

II to Walter, Eckford, Nisbet, Langnewton, Maxtoun,

Cavertoun (reign 14, 16, 29) .
It to Walter, Methven .....

fi to Walter, Bathcat, Kilbryde, &c. . . .

fi to Robert, son of Senescal of Scotland, lands of
Kintyre ......

P. No.

63,64,
66

21.

31,32

Reign of David IL (1329-1371).

Charter to Alexander, Senescal, of an annual in Cambusnethan

barony . . . . . . . 33 24

to Robert, Senescal, of all his lands (14th of David's

reign) . . . . . . . 40 21

by Robert, to Murray of Tullibardine, of lands in

Tullibardine . . . . . • 43 23

by Robert of lands in Dalziell, Motherwell, &c. . 43 27

by Ranulph to Walter of Garleyis, Glenmannache,

Corsock, Kirkormock . . . . • 45 33

of Dunmore in Fyfe . . . . • 45 35

of Earldom of Athole to Robert, Senescal, i6th Feb.

1341 48 29

granting customs of Edinburgh to John, son of Walter,

Senescal . . . . . . 49 5

to David Stewart, son of Robert, lands of Kinloch,

Perth . . . . . . . 53 27

to Robert, Senescal of Scot., lands of Kintyre, and to

John, son of Elizabeth More . . . . 60 30

to Robert, Senescal, barony of Stanboithe (Clack-
mannan) . . . . . . 61 II

to Robert, Senescal, barony of Reidcastle . . 68 [?]

to Robert and Eufamie, his spouse, of barony of

Methven (17th Sept., a. r. 41) . .90 255

374 Appendix.

Reign of Robert II. (1371-1390).

p. No.
Charter to Dilecto filio nostro David Senescallo (19th June,

I r.) of castle and lands of Urchard . . .94 293

ff to David Sen., Militi, comiti de Stratheme, filio nostro

karissimo, . . . Comitatus Stratheme . . 94 294

It to Alexander, his son, of 60 davates in Badenoch,

castle of Lochindorb and forest of Inverness . 94 286

II to John, Lord of the Isles (married Margaret), his son,

of the Isles held by Alan . . . . 97 316

II to John, Earl of Carrick, Steward of Scotland, of

Prestisfield, Grange of St Giles, &c. . . 119 27

II to Walter, his son, of Arroch . . . 122 97

ti to John Stewart, son to the king, gotten by him upon
Marion Cardny, lands of Kinclevin, &c. (Perth) ; to
James, another of her sons, of Kinfauns ; to Alex-
ander, another of her sons, Lounan and Petfour 124 13, 14

II to Alexander Stewart of Buchan, of Kynnedward,! ("21,25,
Dingwall, Sky, Lewes, and other baronries J \ 26

II to John Stewart, gotten betwixt the King and "dilec-
tam nostram Moram," lands in the thanedom of
Kynclevyn ..... 125 29

II to Mariote de Cardne, lands beside Milnathort \ ^ ^°

( 99 3^7

II to " Willielmo filio Alani Senescalli justiciario Scotie"

( 1 2th Nov., 33d of Alexander) . . . 76 92

Confirmed 20th Sept., 36th of David II.
M to Cunninghame of Reidhall by Robert, Duke of
Albany, is attested by John Stewart "fratre
naturali" ..... i6r i

II to John Campbell of Loudon by Robert III. is attested
by " Johanne, Senescallo, fratre suo naturali, Vice-
comite de Bute," at Rothesay, 24th Aug. 1408 (?) 164 36
Donald de Bute, Dean of Dunblane, attests charters of Robert,
Duke of Albany, during first four years of his regency
(1406-1410).
Charter to Kilwinning Abbey of Advocation of the Kirk of
Rosay by James Stewart, grandson to King
Robert III. ; Bute .... 140 42

II confirming to John Stewart of Bute, ane annual of 20

merks from barony of Abemethy ; Perth . 146 35

List of Charters^ etc.y relating to the Stewarts. 375

*Registrum Monasterii de Passelet* (Maitland Club).

Page

Carta Walteri filii Alani, domini Regis Scotorum Senescallus de

ordinatione primi Abbates {c, 1220) . . . . i

Charter of Foundation of Paisley Monastery by " Walterus filius
Alani dapifer Regis Scotie." Witness, " Simone fratre Walteri
filii Alani. Apud Fodrigeiam." ..... i

Various confirmatory charters . . . . . 2, 3, 4

Charter of Walter granting to Paisley lands and churches in Inner-
wick, Ligertwood, Hassendean, Cathcart, Strathgryfe, Paisley,
Prestwick, 1163-1173 ...... 4

These grants again witnessed to by "Alano filio meo" . . 7

Charter of Alan, son of Walter, " dapifer Regis Scotie," confirming

all the previous grants, 1 1 77- 1 1 99 . . . .11

Alan grants Mill of Paisley, 1 201 -1204 . . . 13, 86, 87

II grants Muniabroc and liberties, 1202 (confirmed p. 253) . 13

If grants tithes of Maphelin (Mauchline), 1 202- 1203 . . 14

ti gtants church and chapels of Bute, and confirms Fulton . 15

Walter the Second gprants lands between Haldpatric and Espedare

and Caldor, 1208-1218 . . . . .17

11 the Second, son of Alan, grants freedom of multure of Ren-
frew burgh mill, 1204- 1246 . . . . .20

M grants Hillington . . . . . .20

II founds House of Canons of Simpringham at Dalmulin (Dal-
mellington), and grants this and fishings between Ayr and
Irvine, 1204-1214 . . . . . .21

It grants churches of Dundonald and Sanquhar, 1208- 12 14
(confirmed by Alexander Fitz Walter in 12 50- 1280, p.
225, 226) . . . . . . .22

II grants Drumgrane, Drumley, and Petihaucingowin (con-
firmed, p. 47) . . . . . -23

II grants all the goods resigned by the Monks of Simpringham

(the resignation bears the date Sept. 1246) . . 24

Robert, Seneschal of Scotland, Earl of Stratheam, and John, his
first-born and heir, confirm previous grants in Kyle and Cowal
to Paisley . . . . . . . 29, 32

Charter of Walter the First to Henry of St Martin's, attested by

Alan ....... 48

II of Henry attested by Alan . . . .49

Alexander, the Senescal, confirms grant of Ingliston, 1260 . . 59

Robert, Senescal of Scotland, grants precept regarding lands of

Aldhus in 1361 . . . . . .66

II confirms all previous grants (Bute not mentioned), "John
Senescal, Lord of Kyle, our first-bom, and Walter Senes-
cal, our dear son. Lord of Fyff," being witnesses . . 67

376 Appendix.

Page
King Robert III. confirms in 1396 . . . . .68

Charter of Lady Eschine, wife of Walter, Dapifer of the King of

Scotland, granting Carnicate in Molla, to Paisley, about 11 77.

Attested by Walter and their son Alan (confirmed p. 76) . 74

Alexander, Senescal of Scotland, grants deeds concerning certain

privileges in 1246 . . . . . . 87, 88

Alexander, Senescal of Scotland, confirms all the lands in 1252 . 90
Donation of Robert III., in 1396, of Regality of Kyll and the

Stewartlands, in a barony (general confirmation, p. 97) . . 9^

James, Senescal of Scotland, confirms right of stone and lime

quarrying ........ 92

King William confirms churches of Cathcart, Cormannoc, and

Rutherglen, " Alan my dapifer " attesting . . .106

Charter of Alexander the Steward of lands of Innerwick, excambed

in 1246 . . . . . . . -113

Ferchard de Buit, son of Nigel de Buyt, and his brother Duncan,

attest charter by Angus, son of Dovenald, of grant to Paisley

t27, 128
Donation of church of Largs and chapel of Cumbraye by Walter in

1316-1318 ... .... 237

Charter of James, Senescal, granting free transit in Lochwinnoch,

1283-1303 ........ 254

Deed granting three silver merks to Paisley by Walter the Second,

1207-1214 . . . . . . . .401

* Liber de Melros' (Bannatyne Club).

No.

Charter of King David granting the three granges of Eldune,
Demewic, and Gattuneside, with consent of Prince Henry, is
attested by Henry and by " Waltero filio Alani " at Ercheldon
in Junio (1142?) ....... i

Prince Henry^s charter (i 124- 11 53) confirming the gift to Melrose
Abbey of lands in Melrose, Eldune, and Demewic by King
David is attested by " Waltero filio Alani " . . .2

"Walterus filius Alani dapifer regis Scocie," in reign of King
Malcolm, grants [in (n 53-1 165)] to St Mary's of Melrose 4
camicates of the lands of Edmundiston .... 4

The charter of William (1165-1214) confirming the rights and
liberties of Melrose is attested by " Waltero filio Alani Dapi-
fero" and "Alano filio ejus," at Rokesburch (Roxburgh) . 13

" Walterus filius Alani dapifer regis Scocie " gives to Saint Mary's
of Melrose a toft beside the Tweed in Berwick and twenty
acres in the plain of Berwick which Malcolm the King gave
him. ........ 19

This is confirmed by King William . ... 20

List of Charters, etc., relating to the Stewarts. 377

No.

In a charter by William of houses in the Briggate of Berwick, the

lands of " Walteri filii Alani Senescalli mei " are mentioned . 23

A charter of Dunekan, Earl of Carrick, attested by " Alano Dapifero " 32

A charter of Robert Avenel of Eskedale granting lands to Melrose
is attested by "Walterus filius Alani" and "Alanus Senes-
callus regis Scotiae " . . . . . -39

A confirmatory charter by James, Archbishop of Glasgow, of lands
in Glasgow given by Rannulph of Hadington is attested by
"Alano dapifero regis" . . - . . . -43

" Walterus filius Alani " confirms gift of his grandfather, Walter, of

Edmundiston . . . . . . . 46

William confirms this charter and Walter attests it . . '47

A charter of King William confirming the grant of Hertished to

Melrose is attested at Lanark by ** Waltero filio Alani " -53

In a confirmatory charter of King William of various grants to
Melrose is mentioned "a meadow which the monks hold off
the soldiers of Alan, son of Walter, in feu from Innerwick " . 57

In a charter by Robert of Kent of portions of the wheat-lands of
Innerwick, Alan, son of Walter, is mentioned as his over-lord.
It is witnessed by "Alano de Thirlestain" . . '59

Walter, son of Alan, attests a charter by Roger, son of Clay, his
vassal, granting pasturage in the village of Innerwick to
Melrose ........ 60

A similar charter by another vassal is attested by " Waltero " . 61

A confirmatory charter by Walter is granted . . . .62

Another vassal who, in granting Steintun to Melrose, wishes the
safety of " Walteri filii Alani et Alani filii ei dominorum nostro-
rum . . . et Walteri junioris," is Willelmus le Waleis, with
his wife Isabel ....... 64

The grant to Melrose of Machelin (Mauchline) by Walter, son of

Alan, is attested by " Alano filio meo " . . . .66

The charter confirming the latter grant by Alan, is attested among
others by " Reginaldo de Asting " and " Willelmo filio Walteri
nepote dapiferi " . . . . . . .67

King William confirms the grant . . . . .68

"Walterus filius Alani filii Walteri dapifer regis Scotie" confirms

the preceding benefaction of Mauchline . . .72, *72, Ti

The grant of Richard Wallace of Bamior and Godenech in Gallo-
way to Melrose is attested by Walter son of Alan, by Alan,
and confirmed by Alan of Baremor . . . 69, 70, 7 1

Walter Fitz Alan, junior, granted part of the Forest of Ayr to

Melrose . . . . . . ... 74

Walter, senior, gave to Melrose and its hospital for lepers at
Auldenestun, lands in that vicinity and at Ednam, with free
pasturage at Birchenside and Ligertwood, and the right of his
mills without multures . . . . . 80, 81

378 Appendix.

No.
A charter of King William^s, granted at Selkirk, is attested by

Alan, son of the Steward . . . . . .89

Alan grants a charter " de quieta clamatione de Bleneslei " . -97

King William confirmed this deed, and Alan attested the charter . 98
Another confirmatory charter by William witnessed by Alan . 1 1 1

Walter the Seneschal executes a charter of excambion of land in
Molle held off William de Vesci for land at Freretun

142, 143. Also 296

By another charter Walter gives the lands of Molle to the monks

of Melrose, his witnesses being Thomas Croc, Symon son of

Bertulf, Ada le Waleys, William of Haukerest, Robert of

Kiphan, soldiers, and others . . . 144. Also 297, 298

Walter appears as a signatory to a charter regarding Ringwood,

signed by King William at Lanark . . . • i5'

At the same place a royal charter regarding Wittun is attested by

Alan ........ 170

In 1243, Alexander, Senescal of Scotland, is witness to a charter of
Walter Champenais of Carrick . . . . .191

King Alexander II. (1214-1249) confirmed all the lands of Melrose,

at Edinburgh (3d April [?]), and the donations of the Steward

are thus mentioned : —

"Donationem quam Waltenis filius Alani fecit eidem

Ecclesise et monachis de terra de Mauhelin, et de pas-

tura in foresto eius. Et de una Carrucata terre versus

terram de Duneglas. Et de piscatura in hostio fiumenis

Ar. Et de terra de Aldemundestune. Et de viginti

acris terre cum Tofto de Berewick. Item totam terram

illam de Eskedale per divisas que nominantur et conti-

nentur in cartis Roberti Avenel et Gervasii heredis

ipsius" ....... 174

Walter, son of Alan, attests charters . . -189, 193, 198, 202

Walter, son of Walter, Senescal, attests charters . 235, 236, 237

Alexander the Seneschal grants the lands and pasturage of Mauch-
line and Caimtable to Melrose, which donations are confirmed
by the King at Traquair on 12th December 1264-5. Other
concessions are confirmed at Scon the next year 322, 323, 325, 326
On Christmas-day 1296, "Lord John, Senescal," by a deed gave a
wax taper and two pounds of wax to be bought at the markets
of Roxburgh, to the principal light of the Abbot Saint Waldeve
in Melrose, and " Lord James, Senescal of Scotland," attested
the deed at Blackball . . . . . • [?]

In 1325 (6th March) Walter, Senescal of Scotland, a witness at

Scone to King Robert's charter founding new church of Melrose 361
On loth Jan., at Aberbrothock, Walter witness to deed of King

Robert giving £\oq from rents of Berwick to Melrose . . 362

1 6th Aug. 1326, at same place, Walter witness . . . 368

List of Charters, etc., relating to the Stewarts. 379

No.
26th Nov. 1326, at Berwick-on-Tweed, Walter witness to deed by

King 375

I oth April 1 32 1, Walter witness to deed . . . • 385

1st Oct. 132 1, at Aberbrothock, Walter a witness . . .391

Walter witness to deed granting toft in Kinross to Melrose . . 394

1 8th July 1 3 16, at Dryburgh, Walter the Senescal and Alexander,

Senescal, witness confirmatory charter granting Ochiltrie . 402
24th July 1 317, at Melros, witness to charter granting Lessidewyn

to Melrose ........ 420

No date. James, Senescal of Scotland, witness to charter confirm-
ing grant of Eskdale ...... 376

No date. Charter of James to Melrose conceding ancient rights in

connection with lands in Kyle ..... 396

In King David II.'s reign, Robert, Senescal, witnesses charters : —

In Edinburgh, 31st Aug. 1357 .... 435, 436

1 6th Sept. 1368, at Edinburgh . . . . -441

Irvine, 6th Mar. 1335 . . . .448

Glasgow, "die lune proxima post festum Sancti Johannis," 1338 450
Witness to charters relating to Tarbolton . . . 452, 454

At Paisley Monastery, nth Nov. 1342 . . -455

At Paisley, i6th June 1369 ...... 459

Charter concerning Demyhunche ..... 460

At Edinburgh, royal charter of Cavers, 12th Jan. 1358 . . 465

The charter of Regality of Melrose, by Robert II., is signed by
"Johanne primogenito nostro Carryk Senescalli Scocie," at
Edinburgh, loth Oct 1380 . ... . . 476

Various charters attested under same designation

477. 478, 479. 481, 482, 484, 485, 489, 492
John, Earl of Carrik, confirms Melrose in its lands . . . 483

* Liber S. Marie de Calchou* (1113-1567, Tyron.)

"Alanus de bodha" witness to grant of church of Dumfries to

Kelso . . . . . . . .11

[11 89- II 99.] "Alan, son of Walter," attests charter of grant, by

William, of Langton . . . . . •144

1 185. In "Eschina de Londoniis*'* charter giving church of Molle
to Kelso, she refers to " domini mei Gauterii filii Alani et pro
anima filie (Eschine) mee quae apud Kelcho sepulta est" . 146

" Walter, son of Alan," mentioned in subsequent similar charter . 147

A charter disponing a bovate of land in Molle is attested by

Walter witnesses similar charter regarding Molle . . .162

" Gilberti Aven^l militis mei (Will de Vesci) et heredis Cecilie filie

Eschine quondam Domine de Molle . . . • i39

38o

Appendix.

No.
"Gauterus filius Alani dapifer Regis Scocie " grants land in Rox-
burgh, in Molle, and Renfrew to Kelso . . . .170

1 236- 1 246. Walter grants charter regarding I nnerwick . . 247

1 190. Alan, son of Walter, confirms a convention made between

his (milites) men of I nnerwick and the monks of Kelso 248, 253, 260
1 147- 1 152. Walter, son of Alan, witness to charter granting church

of Selkirk by King David . . . . • • 373

1160-64. Walter attests grant of church of Keith . . . 379

II I? attests grant of shealings of Bothwell . . 380

1 1 53-1 165. Grant in Selkirk . . . . .381

1189-1199. Grant of bovate in Sprouston . . . .385

1 1 65- 1 174. Regarding Traverlen ..... 389

1160-64. Donation in Perth ...... 400

1 171-78. Donation of Morton in Nithsdale .... 400

*Registrum de Neubotle' (Cistercian).

(In 1312 Gervase, William in 1378, Abbot.)

Alan, son of Walter, grants to the church of St Marie at Newbattle
a toft in Renfrew, beside his own garden, and net fishing in the
Clyde, for soul of Eva his spouse, &c. . . . .178

This mentioned in Innocent III. 's Bull .... 223

"Walter, son of Alan," attests charter of Malcolm as to Gocelin . i r
Walter attests charter of Alexander II. (or III.) as to morthmart
and Gladwys at Edinburgh, 3d June 12 18. Anno Reg. Dom.
Reg. vie. quinto . . . . . . .22

Same day, same subject, in charter he is styled " Waltero filio Alani

Senescallo, Justiciario Scocie" . . . .24

Walter attests charter of Radulph de Sules . . . -37

Walter referred to as granting to Nicholas Sulis "salinam meam in

Karso de Calentyr" (my salt-pit in the carse of Callander . 170
Charter confirmed by him . . . . . . xii

Walter the Senescal granted a charter at Bathgate on St Michael's
feast 1 323, giving monks of Kelso right of way with carriages,
&c., to Munkland, through Bathgate, on account of his especial
affection for them ....... 204

Walter attests King Malcolm's charter of church of Bathgate . 267

Colin Campbell gives as sureties "James, Sen. Scocie," and

" Johannem fratrem suum," at Renfrew, 1293, for lands in Kyle [?]

* Liber EccLESiiE S. Trinitatis de Scon.*

Foundation confirmatory charter of King Malcolm at Stirling,
attested by Walter and "Galfrido de Coningesbiwg," 1163,
"anno regni regis Malcolmi undecimo" . . .6

List of Charters^ etc., relating to the Stewarts. 381

No.

Walter attests another charter there ..... 7
and other charters at Perth, Stirling, Edinburgh.

Alexander II. confirmed concession made to Scone by "Walter,
son of Alan," of the land in Tibermur given to the canons
there by his grandfather, "Suanus filius thori" . 78, 125

*LiB. Cartarum Prioratus Sancti Andree in Scotia.*

Page

II 46- II 5 3. "Walter, son of Alan," attests charter of David, con-
cerning toft of Balwine . . . . . .188

Walter, son of Alan, attests the famous charter granting Lochleven
to the priory, and protecting the Keldei " si regulariter vivere
uolerint," at Berwick . . . . . .189

Walter, son of Alan, attests charter by Malcolm at Berwick . 196

II M attests charter by Malcolm at Dunfennlin . 197

II II attests charter by Malcolm at Edinburgh . 198

Walter, son of Alan, Dapifer, attests charter by Malcolm at Kinross 202

(In William's reign Alan is mostly designed Alan simply, some-
times " Dapifer.")

" William, son of Alan, Dapifer," at Eorfar, attests charter of King

William . . . . . . . .219

Alan, son of Walter, gave lands in township of Unthank to St

Andrews ........ 257

Grant confirmed by Walter ....... 258

Before 1187, Alan grants a toft in Rutherglen, and a half carrucate

in Dundonald, to the priory . . . . .64

*Registrum Glasguense.'

1 1 50. " Walter, son of Alan, attests at Traquair, along with Bishop
Herbert (i 147-1 164), charter granting church of St John of Rox-
burgh Castle to the church of Glasgow.

1 165. Walter gives to St Kentigem's church two shillings annually
from the rents of Renfrew. Signs various charters for Glasgow.

*Munimenta Ecclesie Sancte Crucis de Edwinesburg.*

No.

Walter, son of Alan, attests charter by King Malcolm at Edinburgh
Walter, designated "dapifer," attests charter by Malcohn at Stirling 18, 20
Walter also attests charters by Malcolm at Clackmannan, No. 26 ;

and at Tranent ....... 35

James, Senescal of Scotland, confirms charter of his grandfather
Walter, and father, Alexander of Brumholm, in reign of Alex-
ander III 78

382 Appendix.

No.

* Liber S. Marie de Dryburgh* (Premon.)

1160. "Waltenis filius Alani" gives lands of Herdesley to the

Canons of Dryburgh . . . . . 112,242

*Registrum de Dunfermelyn.'

Page

In five charters in reigns of Kings David and Malcolm, Walter is

simply designated " Son of Alan " . . 8, 9, 23, 24, 27

In William's reign, Walter is styled " my steward," " meus dapifer,"

and"dapifer" Z^.Zl'V

Walter filius Alani Senescallus Justiciarius Scocie, attests a charter

of King Alexander at Stirling, 27th Dec. 1236-37 . . [?]

*Registrum de Cartarum Domus de Soltre.'

Walter Dapifer attests at Edinburgh charter of King Malcolm,
granting the lands of Brotherstanys . . .

* MONASTICON.'

Walter attests King David's charter to May Priory at Kyn-

gor between Aug. 1 147 and May II 53 . . . iv. 62 i

Walter attests Prince Henry's charter to Holm Cultram

between Jan. 11 50 and June 1152 . . .v. 594 iii.

Bain, 'Calendar of Documents,' &c.

Vol. No.

[1221 ?] June 18. Alexander, King of Scots— grant to Johanna,
his spouse, of lands in dower. Witnesses : (amongst others)
—Walter fitz Alan, Steward [3], &c. York . . . i. 808

[1228-29]. Alexander, King of Scots — grant to his younger sister
Margaret, for her marriage. Witnesses : (amongst others)
— Walter fitz Alan, Steward [3] of Scotland, &c. Edinburgh,
an. reg. 15, March 10. Recited in a charter of inspeximus,
by Henry III., Westm., an. reg. 15, 1230, Dec. 25 . . i. 1113

[1237, Sept. 25]. Agreement in presence of 0[do], the Legate,

between Henry, King of England, and Alexander, King of

Scots. Walter fitz Alan [Steward (3)] is mentioned as one

of the barons of the King of Scots who swore to keep the

peace. York . . . . , . . i. 1358

This includes a provision (p. 247), that the Steward of the

King of Scots should sit as a justice in the northern

counties of England in certain cases.

Bannatyne of Karnes and Bannatyne, 383

Vol. No.

1244. Walter fitz Alan [Steward (3)] was one of those who trans-
mitted to the Pope for confirmation a charter, whereby Alex-
ander, King of Scots, bound himself and his heirs to keep
the peace with Henry, King of England, and his heirs . i. 1655

[1255, 39 Hen. III.] Aug. 10. King Henry [III.] accredits
certain Earls and others, to Patric, Earl of Dunbar, and
others, including Alexander the Steward [4] of Scotland,
and Walter le Senescall. Cawood . . . . i. 1987

Crawfurd's * Baronage.'

Page

" John Blair of that ilk . . . (2) dr. Elizabeth married to Ninian
Stewart, which appears by a charter under the Great Seal,
Elizabethae Blair sponsae Niniani Stewart et Roberto Stewart
eorum filio, terrarum de Ambriore, &.C., in Bute ; 15th August
1529" 195

XVIL— ACCOUNT OF BANNATYNE OF KAMES
AND BANNATYNE.

(Abridged from 'A Gen. Account of the Principal Families in Ayrshire,' by
George Robertson, vol. i. pp. 50-69, Irvine, 1823, and apparently compiled
by Lord Bannatyne, with Notes by J. K. H.)

This ancient family formerly held lands in Ayrshire, as they do
still (1823). Their Gaelic patronymic is M*Omelyne, M*Amelyne
(Mac-0-Maol Ian = the son of the grandson of the tonsured John) ;
Bannatyne of Kames, the chief, being styled M*Amelyne Moir.
They descend from Gilbert {c. 1263), whose son Gilbert and grand-
son John obtained charters from Walter the Steward, one being
dated before 13 18 (Kames Charters), of lands in Bute. John the
son of Gilbert is the John Gibbonson of Fordun (and of Wyntoun,
see ante^ p. loi ; also of the *Excheq. Rolls,' in 1329, "John, son
of Gilbert, Baillie de Boyet "). His lands of Corsbie in Ayr, and
of Bute, descended to Thomas Bannat)me, the fifth or sixth heir
from the first Gilbert, then to Ninian son of Thomas, and to his
son Robert Ninian and Robert lived in 149 1.

Thomas Bannatyne married secondly Agnetta M'Connyle or
McDonald of Kintyre and Islay.

384 Appendix.

NiNiAN, his son (married Janet Stewart, see ante^ p. 153), in
1498 was tacksman of the forest of Bute.

Robert, his son, acquired the fifty-shilling land of Ardmoleish
from Ninian Stewart, Sheriff of Bute, in wadset. He married —
i. Christian Campbell,
ii. Douglas.

Robert, his son, by the second marriage, succeeded. In 1506
the Bannatynes, kindly tenants, of Loubas, Kerry-Lamont, Brochag,
Coygach, Dunallunt, Dremochloy, Scarel, Clachnabae, Shallunt, and
Stuck, obtained charters and became vassals of the Crown (see
antCy pp. 137, 138). Their feus fell into the hands of the family
of Kames. One family held Inchmarnock in feu off Saddell Abbey ;
another held the three-merk land of Grenach. Robert Bannatyne
died in 1522.

Ninian, son of Robert II., acquired the five-merk lands of Barone
in wadset from Sheriff Ninian Stewart.

A quarrel between Ninian Bannatyne and Sheriff James Stuart
was arbitrated upon by John Boyle of Kelbume, 12th April 1548.
Ninian Bannatyne took part in the insurrection of the Earl of Len-
nox, and was routed on Glasgow Moor, receiving a remission, 8th
March 1554.

i. He married and divorced Janet Stuart. Their daughter

Janet married John Stuart of Ambrismore.
ii. He married Margaret M*Cowel or M*Dougald of Raray;
and had four sons. Hector, Angus, Ronald, Charles (of
Creslagloan), and three daughters : married to Dun-
can Campbell of Dremnamuckloch ; Isabel, married to
Archibald Carsewell of Carnasery ; and Annabella, married
to Ronald M*Connyle.

Hector married —

i. Margaret M*I^uchlan, daughter of M*Lauchlan of M*Lauch-

lan, and had a son, Ninian.
ii. Marion, daughter of M'Naughton of M*Naughton, and
had three sons, William (of Scarrel), Archibald, and Alex-
ander, and two daughters, Agnetta, married to Ninian
Spence of Wester Kames, and Elizabeth, married to Dun-
can Campbell of Evanehan.

Bannatyne of Karnes and Bannatyne. 385

NiNiAN married Mary, daughter of Duncan Campbell of Auchin-
breck.

Hector, their son, succeeded his grandfather Hector, and mar-
ried Elizabeth, daughter of Patrick Stuart of Roslin and Balshagry.
His estate suffered from the McDonalds after Inverlochy. Hector
was a member of the Scots Parliaments, 161 7-1639. He had a son,
Ninian, and daughter. The latter married William Campbell of
Wester Kames.

Ninian, in 1678 Captain of Bute Militia, member for Bute in
1667, 1669, 1671, 1672. Married Isabella, daughter of Sheriff
Sir James Stuart, and had two sons. Hector, James, and three
daughters. Elizabeth, married to John Campbell, Captain of Dun-
oon ; Anne, second wife to the same ; Annabella, married to John
Campbell of Knockamelie.

Hector married —

i. Margaret, daughter of Sir George Maxwell of Newark, with

issue,
ii. Marion, daughter of Fairholm of Babberton, with issue —
James and Isabella.
Hector raised a contingent of fencibles in Bute for Argyle. In
1 7 1 5, as Captain of Militia, accompanied the first Earl of Bute to
Inverary to join Argyle in opposing the Pretender. The civil wars
impoverished his estate, and compelled him to sell much of it to
the Earl of Bute.

James died unmarried, aged eighty-nine, and the succession went
to the son of his sister Isabella —

William Macleod, the son of Roderick Macleod, W.S. He was
an advocate, Sheriff of Bute in 1774, and a Lord of Session in
1799. Lord Bannatyne died unmarrried. His sister Isabella
married the Rev. Dr MacLea; another married Alex. McDonald;
a third died unmarried. Margaret married (i) John Macleod, (2)
Hon. John Grant of Kilgraston ; Anne married Sir John McGregor
Murray of Lenrick Castle.

Armorial bearing of Bannatyne of Kames and Bannatyne : Quar-
terly, first and fourth, Guks^ a chevron, Argent^ between three
VOL. II. 2 E

386 Appendix,

mullets, Ory for Bannatyne. Second and third. Azure, a castle
triple, towered and embattled Argent, masoned Sabie, the windows
and portcullis shut, Gules, on the dexter chief point a star, Or^ for
M*Leod. Above the shields is placed a helmet befitting his degree,
with a mantling Guies, the doubling Argent; in a wreath of his
liveries is set for crest a demi -griffin, in his dexter paw a sword
erected, proper ; in an escroU above the crest this motto — Nee cito,
nee tarde ; and on a compartment below the shield are these words
— Murus aheneus. Supporters, two angels, proper, habited Azure,
and winged Or,

INDEX OF SUBJECTS, NAMES,
AND PLACES.

Aberbrothock, manifesto of, 98.

Agriculture, ancient, 314.

Aird, Rev. Robert, 291.

Alan, Count of^ or i«, Brittany, 9— con-
nection with Walter, 9, note.

Alan FitzFlaald, 31 — benefactor to
church, 32, 36--crusader, 33 — courtier
at Henry First's court, 34 — lands
granted, 35 — married Adeliza de Hes-
din, 35.

Alan FitzWalter, Steward, Crusader,
Scots general, 47 — married Eva, 47 —
gave Kilblaan Church to Paisley, 48 —
death of, 48 — builder of Kilblaan and
Rothesay Castle, 49.

Alan's men at Innerwick, 88.

Alanus Senescallus, of Dol, benefactor of
church, 28.

Albany, Duke of, 309, 310.

Alditha, wife of Griffyth, 8 — of King
Harold, 8, note.

Alexander, becomes Steward, 52 — ^victor
at Largs, 53 — subdues Man, 53 —
marries Jean of Bute, 54.

Armada, the, 325.

Ascog, house of, 166, 167, 184, 185—
lands of, 184 — result of siege of, 270 —
tragedy of, 330, 334.

Baliol, Edward, 126.

Bannatyne, Ninian, 323 — Hector, 329 —
Thomas, 383— Ninian I., 384— Robert,
384— Ninian II., 384— Hector, 384—
Ninian III., 385 — Hector, 385— Ninian,
385— Hector, 385— James, 385.

Bannatynes of Karnes Castle, 175, 383-
386 — arms of, 385.

Bannockbum, battle of, 70.

Banquo, Shakespeare's, i, 4 — Boece's, 3,
4, 16— Bishop Leslie's, 8 — Thane of
Lochaber, 5 — genealogy of, 10-14 —
descendant of Irish and Scots kings,
through Lennox family, 11- 15 — rela-
tion to king, office, history, 19, 20 —
fulfilment of prophecy concerning heirs
of, 80 — meaning of name Ban-cu, 15,
17 — not killed by Macbeth, descen-
dant of Kenneth I., Chalmers's opinion
of, 16.

Barbour, biography of Stewarts, 2 — pane-
gyric on Walter the Steward, 74.

Barone Hill, battle of, loa

Barons of Bute, 133-187.

Bellenden's Account of Banquo, 3.

Berwick, siege of, 97.

Bishop's House, 209, 210.

Blaans Church, St, building of, 215 — in
ruins, 292.

Blearie's Cross, Queen, 75.

Boece, story of Banquo by, 3, 4, 16 — His-
tory of Scots by, 4.

Bogill, Rev. John, 298.

Bower mentions Brandanes, 87.

Brandanes, the, 85 — first mentioned by
Fordun, 86 — referred to by Wyntoun
and Bower, 87 — at Neville's Cross, 78
— at Northallerton, 90 — native men of
Steward, 87 — position, tenants of
Crown, 88--origin of name, 89 — de-
scription, 90 — musters of, as soldiers, at
Torwood, 91— Perth, 91— Falkirk, 92
— Bannockbum, 70, 94 — Borders, 95 —
Tarbert, 96— -Berwick, York, 97— to be
annihilated by English fleet, 63 — monu-

388

Index of Subjects^ N antes y and Places.

ment to, by Marquess of Bute, 94 — at
Berwick, 97 — at Byland Braes, 97 —
musters of, 325, 326, 342.

Bread-baking monopoly in Dol, 28.

Bride's Chapel, St, Rothesay, 232, 235.

Brittany, Walter son of Fleance in, 9 —
Banquo in, 16.

Brown, Rev. Alexander, 302 — Rev.
Richard, 296.

Bruce, King Robert the, covenant with
James the Steward and, 55 — vassal of
English king, 58 — returns to Scotland,
65 — wanderings in West, 66 — cam-
paigns of, 69-71 — settlement of crown
on, 72^under ban of Pope, 98 — Mar-
jory, 71, 72, 75, 247, 249.

Buchanan, Rev. John, 297.

Bulges, W., report on Rothesay Castle by,
107-132.

Burgh lands, 139, 134, 203, 185— sale of,
208.

Burials, 288.

Bute. See Stewartlands.

Bute, granted to Walter Fitz Alan, 45 —
a rendezvous of Scottish patriots, 60, 62,
94 — militaiy centre, 94 — harried, 311,
319, 328— forest of, 320.

Bute, Countess of, quarrel with Lady
Ascog, 280.

Bute, Earl, Marquess of. See Stewart.

Bute, Earls of, 156-158, 343.

Bute, John, Marquess of, monument to
Brandanes by, 94 — on Duke of Rothe-
say, 306. See John, Marquess of Bute.

Campbell, Rev. Hugh, 301 — Rev. John,
291 — Bishop Neil, 290.

Carswell, John, Bishop, 231, 237.

Cellach, Celestinus, Abbot, 216.

Chalmers's ' Caledonia ' considers Banquo
and Fleance fictitious, 16.

Chapels in Bute, 232-250.

Charles I., 326, 335.

Charles II., 336.

Charter by James IV. to vassals in Bute,
140— of Rothesay Bui^h, 190-195 —
relative to Fitz Alans, 353-359 — re-
lative to the Stewarts, 372-383.

Clergy in Rothesay, 231-236— in Kin-
garth, 236, 237.

Colonels in Bute, 327.

Columba's Chapel, St, Rothesay, 236.

Combourg Castle, 21.

Covenanters, 327, 336, 337.

Craig, Rev. Robert, 302.

Crawford and Balcarres, E^rl of, on the
origin of the Stewarts, 24.

Cromwell, 131.

Crown lands in Bute, 81, 135, 204.

Crowner of Bute, 160-165.
Cu, a dog-totem, 17.
Cummin, William, effigy of, 239.
Cummings in Bute, 100, 135.
Customs, strange, in Bute (social, baptis-
mal, bridal, bacchanalian, funeral), 261.

Dapifer. See Stewards.

David, Duke of Rothesay, 306-309 —

Marquess of Bute on, 306.
David, King of Scots, and Fitz Alans in

England, 39— patron of Walter Fitz

Alan, 41.
David II., King, imprisoned in England,

78 — ^umbrage at the Steward, 79.
Denoon, Rev. James, 296, 302.
Dewar, Rev. Peter, 303.
Dog-totem among Celts, 17.
Dol, history of town, Archbishopric, 22

— Steward of, 14, 27, 28.
Duncan, King of Scots, 5.

Education, 282.

Education, martial, 313.

Edward I, at Norham, 56 — destroys

Berwick, 57— death of, 68.
Effigy of lady in St Mary's Chapel, 242.
Eilean Gheirrig, camp of insurgents, 339,

341.
Erskine, Alice, 249.

Fitz Alan, Jordan, 33, 36— Seneschal of
Dol, 37 — Richard, Earl of Arundel,
claims Stewardship of Scotland, 43.

Flaald, Seneschal of Dol, 15— father of
Alan of Oswestry, 25, 27, 29— identified
with Fleance, 29 — later history, 31 —
Fredald, in Brittany, 21 — unique name
in Brittany, 23 — Steward of Dol, 14,
27, 28.

Flanchu, meaning of name, 15, 17.

Flancus, Norman warrior and proprietor
in England in 1066, same as Flaald or
Fleance, 29-31.

Fleadan, meaning of word, corresponds
with Flaald, 15.

Fleance (Fleanchus, Flann, Flean,
Fleadan) of Shakespeare, Boece, and
Holinshed, i, 4, 6--son of Banquo,
flees to Wales, 6 — beguiles Nesta, 8 —
father of W^alter, 9 — identified with
Flaald, 29.

Fordun mentions Brandanes, 86.

Eraser, Rev. Andrew, 299.

Froissart, description of Scots by, 91.

Garrachty, lands of, 170, 171.
Genealogical table of the Stewards of
Scotland, 350, 351 — of the ancestry of

Index of Subjects, Names, and Places.

389

the Fitz Alans and Stewarts, 362, 363 —
showing the descent of the Stewards of
Scotland from Banquo and Alan, 3661

367.
Genealogy of Maormor of Leven, 347.
Glass, family of, 102, 135, 184, 165, 166.
Glen, Rev. Robert, 294.
Gordon, Bishop Alexander, 229.
Graham, Bishop Archibald, 290, 294,

298.
Griflfyth, Prince of North Wales, 8.

Haco, King, 124.

IlaUdon Hill, 98.

Hamilton, Sir James, 129 — executed, 322.

Hay, Father, criticism of Barbour's Lives

of Stewarts by, 2.
Haye, Pere de la, answers Matthew

Kennedy, 14, note 2,
Hepburn, George, Bishop, 229.
Hesdin, Adeliza de, wife of Alan Fitz

Flaald, 35.
Holdings, various, in Bute, 134.
Holinshed's account of Banquo, 3.
Husbandry in Bute, 315.

Inchmamock, 182.

James I., King, 309, 313.

James H., 310— in Rothesay, 312.

James III., 314.

James IV., 314— in Bute, 317, 318 —
death at Flodden, 319.

James V. in Rothesay, 129.

James VI., King, grants charter to Rothe-
say, 191.

James, Steward of Scotland, one of the
Regents, 54 — Sheriff of Ayr and Bute,
signs Turnbury Bond, 55 — vassal of
Edward I., 56, 57, 60, 64, 66— favours
Bruce, 56 — ^joins Wallace, 59 — at Stir-
ling and Falkirk, 61 — lands forfeited,
62 — in France, 63 — keeps aloof from
Bruce, 65^oins Bruce, 68— death, 68
— marriages, 59, 69.

Jamieson, Niel, Chamberlain of Bute,

Jamiesons, Crowners of Bute, 161-165.

See MacNeills.
Jean of Bute marries Alexander the

Steward, 54.
John, Marquess of Bute, 94, 160 — quoted,

218, 306.
Juhell, Archbishop of Dol, 25.

Kames, laird of, in 1679, 201.

Kames, lands of, 175— Castle of, 176 —
dimensions of, 329, footnote — pro-
prietors of, 176, 177.

VOL. IL

Kennedy, Matthew, genealogy of Banquo

by, 13, 14.
Kerrycroy, village of, 151.
Kingarth, ministers of, 236, 237, 291-297

— new church of, built, 293 — patronage

of, 294.
Kirk-sessions, powers of, 260 — quotations

from records of, 290.
Knox, Bishop Andrew, 289 — Bishop

Thomas, 289.

Lamont, Sir James, 331.

'Lecan, Book of,' by Mac Firbis, on the

Royal Line and Lennoxes, 13, 14.
Lech, tradition regarding family of, 145

— lands of, 169.
Lennox family, origin of Banquo and

Stewarts in, 10.
Lennox -men Irish colonists, 20.
Leslie, Bishop, reference to the Stewarts

in Bute by, 7— Bishop John, 289.
Lindsay, Sir Patrick, 129.
Lochaber, thane of, 5, 16— thanedomof, 20.

Macbeth, King, i, 5, 6, 9, 16.

M* Bride, Rev. Peter, 302.

Mac Firbis, Duald, genealogy of Banquo,
Stewarts, and Lennoxes by, 11, 12, 14,
note I.

Mac Firbis, Gilla Isa Mor, 'Book of
Lecan,' on the royal line and Len-
noxes, 13, 14.

M*Gibbon's Cross, 197.

M'Kilmorie, Rev. Donald, 297,

M*Kinlay, John, quoted, 240.

M'Laine, Rev. Archibald, 291 — Rev.
Alexander, 291.

MacLea, Rev. Dr, 300, 301.

MacNeiUs, Crowners of Bute, 161 -1 65,
208.

Macpherson, Rev. J. F., 303.

M'Queine, Rev. Patrick, 297.

Maison des Plaids, 26.

Major, John, description of Scots by, 85,

95.

Malcolm III., King of Scots, 7.

Mark, Bishop of Sodor, 56.

Marshall, Rev. Mark, 296.

Mary*s Chapel, St, Rothesay, 239, 237-
250.

Maxwell, Rev. James, 291.

Michael's Chapel, St, Rothesay, 113, 114,
115,232, 236.

Ministers of Kingarth, 291-297 — of Rothe-
say, 297-303.

More, Elizabeth, 142.

Mountstuart, burgh of, 151 — House of,
built, 157 — new church at, also called
Scoulag, 295.

2 F

390

Index of Subjects, Names, and Places.

Munro, Rev. John, 299.

Murdoch, Murechach, Maormor of Leven,

II — identified with Banquo, 13 — fate

of, 16.

Native men, Brandanes, 87.

Nesta (Guenta, or Marjoretta), daughter

of Prince Griffyth and mother of Walter

the Steward, 8.
Nicholas, Abbot, Bishop, 217.
North Bute, ministers of, 303.

Olave the Black, 122.

Omey, Rev. Donald, 291, 298.

Ottcrbum, battle of, 80.

Paisley Priory founded by Walter Fitz

Alan, 45.
Parliament, members of, from Bute, 343,

Presbytenan polity, 252 — worship, 253-

26d—liturgy, 253 — psalmody, 254-259

— communion, 259.
Presbytery Records, 294.
Principality, lease of, 316, 317 — ^feuars of,

318 (also chapter v.) — fermes of, 318,

320, 321, 322.
Punishment, instruments of, 277.

Reformation, causes of, 224-227^ffecls
of, 251.253.

Reformed Church, the, 251-303.

Robert I., King. See Bruce.

Robert, Steward of Scotland, King Rob-
ert II., birth, 75 — boyhood in Durris-
deer, 76 — at Halidon Hill, 77 — recap-
tures Rothesay, 77 — Stewartlands for-
feited, 77 — at Neville's Cross, 78—
Regent of Scotland, 78 — in prison, 79
— ascends throne of Scotland, 80 —
regent, 103 — father of John Stewart,
141 — visits Bute, 80, 98-103 — mar-
riages, 81 — death, 81, 305 — family,

143-

Robert (John) the Steward (Robert III.),
103— grants charter to Rothesay, 190,

Robert III., 141, 142, 143, 144, 247— in
Bute, 305 — death, 127, 309, footnote.

Roger, James C, quoted, 240, 245.

Roman Church, 212-250 — extensiveness
of, 219— abuses in, 223.

Rothesay. See Stewartlands.

Rothesay, burgh of, 188— origin of, 189
— charters of, 190-195 — seals of, 196,
197 — records of, 198 — extracts from
records, 200-204— Cross, 197, 198, 203
—burgh lands, 204, 207, 208— proprie-
tors in burgh, 205-207— mill of, 210 —
manses, 208 — glebe, 209 — bishop's

house, 209 — parish church of, 287-
300, 302— ministers of, 236, 237, 299,
303— chapel of ease, 204, 302, 303.

Rothesay, meaning of name, 10$. (See
Index, vol. i.)

Rothesay Castle, built by Alan, besieged
by Uspak, 49— retaken by Robert the
Steward, 77— levelled by Robert the
Bruce, 94 — ^keys of, hand^ to Baliol, 99
— repair of, 100— capture by Robert I.,
103 — home of the Stewarts, 105 — re-
port on, by W. Burges, 107-132— re-
port of J. R. Thomson on, 123, 369-
372— history of, 121 — tower built, 320
— sieges of, 312, 321 — visited by James
v., 325— repair by Hamilton, 321 —
taken by Lennox, 323 — taken by High-
landers, 340.

Rothesay, David, Duke of, 306-309.

Rothesay, Provost of, murdered at Dun-
oon, 334.

Rothesay's, Duke of, free tenants, 140.

Royal Arms, 121, 127, 248-250.

Sabbath keeping and breaking, 273-277.
Saunders, Rev. John, 291, footnote, 297.
Schools and schoolmasters, 282-287.
Scott, Sir Walter, * Quentin Durward,' by,

quoted, 3.
Scottish kings, early blood of, in the

Stewarts, 19, 24.
Scoular, Rev. J. G., 297.
Seneschal. See Stewards.
Seneschal, meaning of word, and nature

of office, 26— Breton equivalents, 27.
Shakespeare's Banquo, i, 4, 6 — Macbeth,

4, 6— Fleance, I, 4.
Sheriffdom of Bute added to Kintjrre, 57

—James, Sheriff, 55.
Sinclair, Rev. Archibald, 291.
Slogans, 89.
Sodor, bishops of, 217, 228— Cathedral

of, 232, 237 — Episcopal bishops of (see

Index, vol. i.), 289-291.
Somerled defeated by Walter Fitz Alan,

45-

Spens, family of, 177.

Steward, Walter the, at siege of Berwick,
97 (see Walter)— death, 98— tomb of,
241, 247— effigy of, 244-250.

Stewards, the, traced bv Irish and Gaelic
genealogists to Irish kings through
Lennox family, 11 — Stewards of Scot-
land, 38-84 — Richard Fitz Alan*s claim,
43 — first Steward so called, 49.

Stewart, Sir Dugal, 156.

Stewart, Rev. Dugald, 30 — Sheriff James
(I.), 152— Sheriff James (IL), 154— Sir
James (III.), 148, 155— Sir James (IV.),

Index of Subjects y Names, and Places,

391

first Earl of Bute, 147, 151, 156, 163,
202 — ^James, 2d Earl, 157 — Rev. James,
296— Sheriff James, 323, 324, 327—
Sir John, at Falkirk, 92 — monuments
to, 93— John, of Bute, 55— John (I.),
appointed Sheriff of Bute, 136, 141,
142, 144 — his history, 142-146, 147,
152,305— John (II.), Sheriff(i579), 146,
154* 324--John (III.), Sheriff, 155—
John, 3d Earl of Bute, 157— John, ist
Marquess of Bute, isS—John, 2d Mar-
quess of Bute, 159— -John, 3d Marquess
of Bute, 94, 160, 215, 306— Rev. John,
278, 291, 294, 298 — Ninian, lands of,
146— Sheriff of Bute, 146, 147, 153 —
Ninian, Keeper of Rothesay Castle,
3^8, 322.

Stewart, Rev. Patrick, 272, 298— Rev.
Robert, 297, 298.

Stewnrtlands, 81-84.

Stewarts of Ascog, John, 163, 167, 174,
180, 181, 184— Robert, 163, 167, 168,
174, 181— Ninian, 166, 168, 183, 184.

Stewarts, Royal House of, origin of, i-
37 — biography by Barbour, 2 — the first
in Scotland, 7, 8-— traced to Banquo, i,
13, 15, 17 — traced to Fleance, 12 et seq,
— history of, by Boece, 4, 7 — Bellcnden,
Stewart, Buchanan, Leslie, 7 — Matthew
Kennedy, 13, note 2 — traced to Core
and Irish kings, 10-19 — traced to
early Scottish kings, 19 — E^rl of
Crawford and Balcarres on origrin of,
24— traced to Flaald, 25-31— traced to
Fitz Alan, 25-37 — first mention of term
for Seneschal, 50 — in the crusade of
1249, 51 — origin of Bute family of
Stuart, I4i-i46--arms of, 248-250.

Stuart, Rev. Joseph, 297.

Tenantry of Crown in Bute, 137, 140.

Thomson, J. R., report on Rothesay

Castle by, 123, 369-372.
Thomson, Rev. Robert, 302.
Thorbum, Rev. James, 296.
Tolbooth of Rothesay, 203.

Wales, Fleance and Walter in, 8.

Wallace, Bishop Robert, 290, 210, 292.

Wallace, William, retainer of the Steward,
59 — rising, 6a--Stirling Bridge, 61 —
Falkirk, 62 — betrayal by a Stewart, 63.

Walter, the Steward, son of Fleance, flees
to Scotland, 6, 9 — to England, 9 —
appointed Steward, 7 — family according
to Boece, 7 — in Brittany, 9 — partici-
pates in conquest, 9 — connection with
Alan of Brittany, 9---descent from Irish
kings according to Kennedy, 13 — same
as Walter son of Allan son of Mure-
chach, 15 — (Fitz Alan I.) witness to
charter, 37 — with Empress Maud, 39
— settled in Scotland, and made Stew-
ard, 40 — charter of Seneschalship, 41
— benefactor to the Church, 44 —
founded Paisley, vanquishes Somerled,
obtains Bute, 45 — death of, 46 — family
of, 47 — joins Bruce, 69 — at Bannock-
bum, 70 — marries Marjory Bruce, 72 —
relation to the Crown, 72, 73 — dies, 73 —
monument in Rothesay, 73 — signs man-
ifesto to Pope, 98 — at Bannockbum, 95
— at Berwick, 97 — at York, 97.

Walter (Fitz Alan II.), called Walter of
Dundonald, Steward of William the
Lion, 48 — Chief Justice of Scotland,
first styled Steward of Scotland, 49—
ambassador in France, 51 — death of, 52.

Wester Kames, Castle of, 177, 178.

Witchcraft (witches, fairies, incantations,
divination by sieve, evil-eye, freits) in
Bute, 261-270.

THE END.

PRINTED BY WILLIAU BLACKWOOD AND SONS.

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If* n*

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