Descendants of Fearchar Mac an t-Sagairt Earl of Ross came to use the surname Ross. Therefore, events pertaining to his life, and to the lives of his descendants, which can be proved from contemporary sources, are of interest to this project. Included in this page is a list of events involving or related to the Earls of Ross that are supported by documentation.
Ross in the 12th century.Ross and Cromarty after 1890 demonstrating the approximate areas of Easter and Wester Ross.
The Earldom of Ross was created in 1162 and Malcolm MacHeth, Earl of Ross, died in 1168.[1]Fearchar Mac an t-Sagairt was the next to be Earl of Ross, but it was over 50 years before we find him mentioned as such in extant documents.
The Earldom was held by Fearchar's male line for 4 more generations. Upon the death of his 2nd-great-grandson William, 5th Earl of Ross in 1372, it passed to his daughter Euphenia and could by claimed by her husband and then her son, Alexander Leslie. It eventually passed again through the female line to the Macdonalds. It was forfeited to the crown by John Macdonald, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles circa 1475.
Ancestry
There is no mention of Fearchar until 1215 when an entry in the Chronicle of Melrose records his defeat of a rebellion which won him the king's favor. There are several theories about who Fearchar's ancestors may have been, but there is not direct evidence to support any of them. One of the goals of this project is to identify the Y-DNA signature of the line of Fearchar and, through this to identify his ancestral line.
Because this project is concerned only with genetic descendants that would would carry the surname Ross or a derivation, the timeline below begins with Fearchar. It is assumed that his predecessor, Malcolm MacHeth, was not the source of his Y-DNA and, therefore, not a Ross ancestor.
Descendants
The title Earl of Ross was held by Fearchar and his descendants from the early 13th century until it was forfeited to the crown around 1475. During this time, the family developed a close relationship with the Stewart kings.
The title was created again in 1565 and 1600 for descendants of the Stewart Kings. The last to be called Earl of Ross was Charles I King of England, Ireland & Scotland who died in 1649.
dates indicate time period as Earl or Countess of Ross
Notes:
Suo jure is Latin for "in her own right". It is used following the title of a noblewoman to specify that she holds the title independently of her husband. De jure uxoris is Latin for "by right of his wife". It denotes a title of nobility that is used by a man because his wife holds the office or title suo jure.
Cawley, Charles, ed. (20 May 2021). "Scotland, Earls Created 1162-1398". Foundation for Medieval Genealogy. B. EARLS of ROSS (FERQUHARD MacTAGGART). Retrieved 22 Sep 2021.
Cawley, Charles, ed. (20 May 2021). "Scotland, Earls Created 1162-1398". Foundation for Medieval Genealogy. C. EARLS of ROSS (LESLIE). Retrieved 22 Sep 2021.
Cawley, Charles, ed. (20 May 2021). "Scotland, Earls Created 1162-1398". Foundation for Medieval Genealogy. D. EARLS of ROSS (MACDONALD). Retrieved 22 Sep 2021.
Cawley, Charles, ed. (20 May 2021). "Scotland, Kings". Foundation for Medieval Genealogy. B. KINGS of SCOTLAND 1371-1603. Retrieved 22 Sep 2021.
Cawley, Charles, ed. (20 May 2021). "Scotland, Earls Created 1162-1398". Foundation for Medieval Genealogy. B. EARLS of LENNOX 1488-1571 (STEWART). Retrieved 22 Sep 2021.
Cawley, Charles, ed. (22 Feb 2021). "England, Kings 1066-1837". Foundation for Medieval Genealogy. Chapter 5. KINGS of ENGLAND and SCOTLAND 1603-1714 (STUART). Retrieved 22 Sep 2021.
18th century Earls
There has come to exist on the internet a Hugh Ross of the early 1700s who is often labeled 3rd Earl of Ross, Earl of 3rd Ross, Lord of Ross, or Lord Hugh Ross. At this point, however, the title Earl of Ross hadn't existed for almost a century and hadn't been held by a person by the name of Ross for over 300 years.
Surname
In 1639, Sir Robert Gordon, in his Genealogical history of the Earldom of Sutherland, stated, "that the laird of Balnagown his surname should not be Rosse, seing ther wes never any Earle of Rosse of that surname; bot the Earles of Rosse wer first of the surname of Builton."[2] From this, the story has been told that Fearchar was a descendant of the Irish Ó Beólláin family of Applecross.
The Cronicle of the Earlis of Ross, written prior to the year 1615, so at least 20 years before Gordon published his genealogy, stated, "Of this Farqr discendit fyve erlis, being Ross of surname, viȝt Farqr the first, Williame the second, Williame the third, Hew the fourt, and William the fift." This contradicts what Gordon says about the family's surname.
In the list below, we see that the earls themselves, along with the countesses, were addresses only by their given name and their title. No surname was used. Others were identified as 'of Ross' instead of by a surname until Hugh Ross, son of the last Earl of Fearchar's direct male line, and 1st laird of Balnagown. Gordon speculates, "that the lairds of Balnagowne, perceaveing the Earles of Rosse decayed, and that earldom fallen into the Lord of the Yles his hands, they called themselves Rosses, therby to testifie ther descent from the Earles of Rosse."[2]
His theory is, then, that Fearchar's descendants adopted the surname Ross in order to maintain a connection with their former glory as Earls of Ross. There is no evidence here, however, of Gordon's claim that they originally went by the name 'Builton'. It's important to note that surnames had not yet become standard in this time. They had begun to be used more often by the 'titled' families such as the Earls.[3] As we can see here, though, if a person did carry a title, they were most often just referred to by that title. And anyone related to them, was identified by their relationship to the title.
Where, then, did Gordon get this idea that their surname was Builton? And how did the story arise that the name somehow connected them to Applecross? This is discussed further in the Timeline of Earl of Ross references.
Timeline
12th century
between 20 November 1160 and 13 September 1162 - King Malcolm to Malcolm, earl of Ross; command to protect and maintain monks of Dunfermline, and cause them to have their rights by land and water as they had in time of King David[4]
Chronicle of Melrose15 June 1215 - The lord king of Scotland's enemies entered Moray—namely Donald Ban, the son of Mac-William ; and Kenneth Macheth ; and the son of a certain king of Ireland—, with a numerous band of malignants. Maccintsacairt attacked them, and mightily overthrew the king's enemies ; and he cut off their heads, and presented them as new gifts to the new king. And because of this, the lord king appointed him a new knight.[6]
between 1217 and 1223 - At the same time Reginald caused his brother Olaf to marry the daughter of a certain noble of Kintyre, the sister of his own wife, named Lavon; and gave him the aforesaid island of Lewis in possession ; and Olaf bidding his brother farewell set out with his wife, and dwelt in Lewis. And after some days Reginald, bishop of the islands, who had succeeded Nicholas, came to the island regions, to visit the churches. Olaf met him with rejoicing ; and, glad of his arrival, as that of his sister's son, he ordered a great feast to be prepared. But [bishop] Reginald said to Olaf: "I will not communicate with thee, brother, until the catholic church frees thee canonically from the bond of illicit wedlock" ; and added : "Art thou unaware that thou hadst before the cousin of the woman whom thou now hast as wife?" Olaf did not deny what was true, but declared that he had for a long time had her cousin as concubine. So bishop Reginald assembled a synod, and canonically separated Olaf Godfrey's son and Lavon his wife. After this, Olaf took in marriage Christina, the daughter of Ferchar, earl of Ross. And king Reginald's wife, the queen of the islands, grieving at that time over the separation of her sister and Olaf, and moved by the gall of bitterness ; being also the originator of all the discord between Reginald and Olaf, sent a letter secretly in the name of king Reginald to her son Godfrey in the island of Skye, [bidding him] seize Olaf, and kill him. As soon as he had heard the letter, Godfrey collected an army ; and came to Lewis, intending to carry into effect the perverse wishes of his mother. But Olaf entered a small boat with a few men ; and escaping from Godfrey's face with difficulty, came to his father-in-law, the earl of Ross. Godfrey returned home, after destroying nearly the whole island, and slaying certain men. At that time, the sheriff of Skye, Paul Balki's son,' (a vigorous man, and powerful in the whole kingdom of the islands) fled from Godfrey's face, because he refused to consent to the slaughter of Olaf. And he dwelt with the earl of Ross, along with Olaf. After a few days had passed, Olaf and the aforesaid sheriff formed a treaty of friendship, by mediation of an oath of each. And together, with one ship, they came to Skye, and they hid themselves in remote places for several days. At last by sending spies they learned that Godfrey was inapprehensively abiding with few men in a certain island that was called the island of St Columba. Collecting to themselves all their friends and acquaintances, and such men as were willing to join them voluntarily, in the silence of the dead of night they brought five ships from the nearest shore of the sea (which was at a distance of two furlongs from the aforesaid island), and surrounded the island. Godfrey and those that were with him, rising in the earliest dawn and seeing that they were shut in on all sides by enemies, were dismayed. But they put on their armour of war, and endeavoured to make a valiant resistance : in vain, because about the ninth hour of the day Olaf and the aforesaid sheriff Paul entered the island with their whole army ; and they slew all whom they found outside the enclosures of the church ; and they seized Godfrey, and blinded and emasculated him. Nevertheless in this deed Olaf did not consent, but he could not oppose it because of Balki's son, the sheriff aforesaid.[7]
probably mid-1220s - Agreement between Robert, bishop of Ross, and Johannem Byfeth, over the right of patronage of the church of Kiltarlity, Inverness-shire. Witnessed by H· decano et canonicis de Roſmarkyn · R· archidiacono de Ros · Hugone perſona de Burdin · Willelmo Noreys vic’ de Inuernys · Willelmo filio Horim · Hugone Corbeth · F· comite de Ros · Petro Biſeth · Anſelmo Biſeth · Willelmo Biſeth perſona · Nicholao clerico · Petro burgenſi de Inuernys · Radulpho clochere · Jocelino · Bartholomeo · Willelmo Sureys · Rogero filio Euſtachii · Patricio janitore · Roberto capellano de Bracholy · Johanne capellano domini Epiſcopi, who wrote this chirograph.[8]
between 4 September 1230 and 17 December 1242 - Ferkar comes de Roſſ, has given, granted, and established by his charter, to Waltero de Moray, son of the late Hugonis de Moray, two davochs of land in Ross, namely ‘Clon’, by its right bounds and with all just pertinents, holding in feu and heritage, for an annual render of one pound of pepper on the feast of St Martin, for all service and demand, and making forinsec service of the lord king[10]
12 September 1232 - Agreement is formed between Andrew, bishop of Moray, on one side, with the counsel and consent of the dean and chapter of the church of Moray, and Gillebrigte, son of Gillebrigte late earl of Strathearn, on the other, whereby Gillebrigte will hold at feuferme from the bishop one half davoch of ‘Kyncarny’. Witnessed by domino ·S· decano Moraviensis ecclesie · magistro ·W· precentore · Ranulpho archidiacono · Willelmo cancellario · Gylberto de Bradhouche · ·N· monacho vallis crescentis · Petro et Johanne clericis nostris · Symone de Orreby · R· camerario · W· de Sutherlandia · W· filio ·F· comitis de Ros[11]
1234 - Agreement between Andrew, bishop of Moray, and Walter Comyn, earl of Menteith, with the consent of the chapter of Moray, over certain portions of land that the bishop said pertained to a half davoch of the church of Kincardine. Witnessed by domini Abbatis de Hy · fratris Alani monachi · nobilium virorum doinini ·P· comitis de Ros · domini Willelmi Prath' · domini ·M· de Alto monte vicecomitis de Inuernys · domini Alexandri de Strinelyn · domini Merleſſani filii Comitis · domini Alexandri Ruffy · Fercardi filii Seth[12]
1234 - Agreement between the chapter of Moray, and Sir Alexander of Stirling. Alexander and his heirs by his wife, the daughter of Sir Freskin of Kerdal, will hold at feuferme of the chapter a half davoch of land that they have at Daviot, Inverness-shire. Witnessed by domini ·F· comitis de Roſſ · et domini ·M· de Alto monte vicecomitis de Inuernys · Willelmi Prath’ · domini Alexandri Ruffi · domini Merlefueyni · Fercardi ſeneſcalli de Badenach · Edwardi ſeneſcalli de Lochabyr · Johannis et Johannis clericorum Epiſcopi · et aliorum[13]
15 July 1235 - On the first Sunday before the festival of the blessed Mary Magdalene, after collecting his army, the lord king entered Galloway. And he came to a place sufficiently fair to the eye; where, since the day was now spent, he proposed to fix his tents. But the Galwegians, knowing better the site of the place, after lurking the whole day in the mountains, now on the contrary gave battle to the king. The aforesaid place had given them great confidence; because it was full of marshes, covered over everywhere with grass and flowers; and in these the king's army for the greater part had sunk. But in the beginning of the contest, the earl of Ross, named Maccintsacairt, arrived, and attacked the enemy in the rear; and after the enemy was aware of this, he turned his back, and made for the mountains and woods. But the aforesaid earl, and many others besides, pursued them, making a great slaughter, and harassing them until dark. On the following day, the king, with his accustomed piety, granted peace to all who came to him. Therefore the Galwegians who had survived came to the king's peace, with ropes put round their necks.[14]
7 August 1235 - Agreement between Walter of Moray, son of the late William of Moray, and Andrew, bishop of Moray, with the will and consent of the dean and chapter, over the churchland of ‘Ewen’ (Kirkton of Barevan, in Cawdor, Nairnshire). Witnessed by the lord Fearchar, earl of Ross, Sir Walter of Duffus, Sir Walter of Innes, Andrew Wiseman, William, chamberlain, Simon of Orby, Thomas, dispenser of the bishop of Moray.[15]
1237 - King Alexander and barons, the earl of Strathearn, earl of Lennox, earl of Angus, earl of Mar, earl of Atholl, earl of Ross, earl of Caithness, earl of Buchan, earl of Winchester, earl of Oxford, earl of Fife, and earl of Menteith, to Pope Gregory (IX); inform him that they have sworn in presence of Cardinal Otto, papal legate in England, Scotland and Ireland, and have prepared their charter, which remains in chirograph between themselves and lord king of England. They subject themselves to papal jurisdiction, to be enforced by any suffragan of archbishop of Canterbury.[16]
25 September 1237 - An agreement is made at York in the presence of Otto, cardinal deacon of San Nicola and papal legate, between Henry, king of England, and Alexander, king of Scots, over the complaints which the king of Scots raised, namely the counties of Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmorland, which the king of Scotland sought as his inheritance; also, over 15,000 marks which King John, the father of King Henry, had received from William, late king of Scotland, in return for certain agreements between the kings which Alexander asserted that King John has not kept; also, over agreements made between King Henry and King Alexander about a marriage to be contracted between Alexander’s sister, Margaret, which, according to the king of Scots, had not been kept. Alexander has remitted and quitclaimed to Henry, king of England, the counties of Northumberland, Cumberland and Westmorland, and all of the money and agreements mentioned above. In return for this quitclaim, King Henry gave and granted to King Alexander, 200 pounds’ worth of land in the counties of Northumberland and Cumberland, to be held in demesne by the king of Scots. The king of Scots has done homage and sworn fealty to the king of England for these lands. Witnessed by W., archbishop of York, R., bishop of Chichester, chancellor of the lord king of England, W., bishop of Carlisle, W., bishop of Worcester, W., bishop of Glasgow, chancellor of the king of Scots, W, bishop-elect of Valence, R., count of Poitou and earl of Cornwall, W., earl Warenne, J., earl of Lincoln, constable of Chester, W., count of Aumale, R., earl of Winchester, S. de Montfort, G. Marshal, earl of Pembroke, Earl Patrick, the earl of Strathearn, the earl of Lennox, the earl of Angus, the earl of Mar, the earl of Atholl, the earl of Ross, William Longespée, Ralph de Tany, W. de Ros, R. de Ros, William de Ferrers, R. Bertram, H. Painel, G. de Umfraville, Amaury de Saint-Amand, P. de Maulay, Master Peter de Bordeaux, Master Atho, clerk of the lord legate, John, son of Geoffrey, Hugh de Vivonne, Stephen Segrave, W. of Lancaster, W. de Say, Richard de Gray, Thomas Furnivall, John of Lexington, Johanne de Plesseto, Bartholomew Peche, William Gernun, Richard son of Hugh.[17]
1249 to 1271 - Charter by William de Monte Alto to David de Donouen of a davach of land in Feruenes, Cromarty, among the other davachs of Feruenes in tenement of Crumbauthin, lying next but one davach to castle of Crumbauthin (in excambion for land of Kyppen which said William's father gave to said David for his homage and service, and for 2 marks of land in land of Donouen which said David held of his brother), to be held in fee and heritage, for reddendo of 2 marks of silver annually and performing king's forinsec service pertaining to that davach, with provision that if said William fails to warrant said davach to grantee or his heirs said William shall provide land of same value at sight of lawful men (per visum proborum hominum). Witnesses - Sir Robert, bishop of Ross, Sir William, earl of Ross, Sir William French (Francisco), Sir William son of Augustine, Sir John, vicar of Innernes, Geoffrey Sures, burgess of Innernes, Malcolm, clerk.[18]
between January 1251 and 28 December 1272 - William, earl of Ross, in compensation for the damages, injuries and losses to the churches of Petty, Inverness-shire, and Brackle, Inverness-shire, imposed on him by Archibald, bishop of Moray, has given, granted, and by this his charter has established, to Elgin Cathedral and Bishop Archibald and the chapter of the same place, in pure and perpetual alms, two davochs of land in Ross called Cadboll, and one quarter-land called Pitkerrie, for the nourishment and support of the Friars Minor who might be dwelling at the time in their house at Elgin, Moray, near the cathedral church[19]
18 March 1258 - Walter Cumin earl of Menteith, Alexander Cumyn earl of Buchan, Justiciar of Scotland, William earl of Mar, William earl of Ros, John Cornyn, Justiciar of Galloway, Aimer de Makeswel (Maxwell), Chamberlain of Scotland, Fresekin de Moravia, Hugh de Abirnithun, William de Moliaut, William Cumyn, and Richard Cumyn, brothers of Sir John Cumyn, Hugh and Walter de Berkeley, brothers, Bernard de Mohaue, Reginald Cheyn, David Lochor, John Dundemor, William de Erth, Ector de Karrik, and their friends and allies, make known that on they made a bond of mutual alliance and friendship with Sir Lewelin son of Griffin, Prince of Wales, and David son of Gruffud, his brother uterine, Grufud son of Maduc, lord of Bromfeld, Maredud son of Ris, Maredud son of Oweng, Res the younger, Oweyn son of Maredud, Madaut son of Wenwywim, Maredud Seis [the Saxon ?], Lewellin Yechan, Owein Mared’ son of Leweliner, lord of Mechem, Owen son of Gruffud, Madaue the little (parvo), Owen son of Bledyn, Howel son of Maredud, Elisse and Gruffud, sons of Jorwerth, Gorone son of Eduenet, Joruerth Grugman, Eumay Yechan, Tudir son of Mad’, Enniaun son of Karaduc, Jorverth son of Maredud, David son of Enviayn, Jeneu Chch’, Roys son of Ednevet, and their friends and allies, as follows. That without the consent of the Welsh prince and magnates, they will make neither peace nor truce henceforth with the King of England, or any magnates of his realm, or of the realm of Scotland, who at the date of the instrument, are adverse and rebels to the Welshmen and the granters, unless they are all similarly bound with themselves.[21]
1262 - In summer there came letters from the Kings of the Hebrides in the Western seas. They complain'd much of the hostilities which the Earl of Ross, Kiarnach, the son of Mac-Camal, and other Scots committed in the Hebrides when they went out to Sky. They burned villages, and churches, and they killed great numbers both of men and women. They affirmed, that the Scotch had even taken the small children, and, raising them on the points of their spears, shook them till they fell down to their hands, when they threw them away lifeless on the ground. They said also, that the Scottish King purposed to subdue all the Hebrides, if life was granted him.[23]
2 July 1266 - Agreement between Sir Magnus IV, king of Norway, by his messengers, Sirs Asketin, his chancellor, and Andrew, son of Nicholas, his baron, and Sir Alexander III, king of Scots, and whereby Sir Magnus, king of Norway, has resigned all right and claim to Man, with the other islands of the Hebrides, and all the other islands of the western and southern side of the great sea; to be held without reservation by King Alexander and his heirs, together with the right of patronage of the bishopric of Man, saving the right, jurisdiction, and liberty of the church of Nidaros, in all respects; which right or jurisdiction the church of Nidaros has, regarding the bishop and church of Man; and excepting the islands of Orkney and Shetland, which the king of Norway has specially reserved for his own demesne[24]
17 February 1268 - Charter of confirmation by William earl of Ross to the church of Moray and to Archibald, bishop of Moray, of the gift by the late Freskinus of Moray, Lord of Duffus, of the two davachs of the lands of Clone in Ross for the upkeep of two chaplains in the church of Moray; renouncing a burden due him from the lands of Dowey and Duffus, with which Freskinus had endowed the chapel of St Laurence of Duffus in Strathspey. Dated at Innirnarryn. Witnessed by are William of Dun dean of Moray, William of Bather prior of Urchard, Archibald Herock archdeacon of Moray, William earl of Sutherland, Sir William of Montealto, Sir Alexander of Moray, Sir John Prath, William Wysman, Galfredo Surays.[25]
15 February 1269 - William, earl of Ross, has granted, and by this his present charter has established, to the church of Moray and Bishop Archibald, the donation made to them by the late Freskin of Moray, lord of Duffus, of two davochs of the land at Clyne in Ross, to support two chaplains in the aforesaid church to celebrate mass for the dead, in pure and perpetual alms[26]
5 February 1284 - Alexander Comyn, earl of Buchan, Justiciar of Scotia, Patrick, earl of Dunbar, Malise, earl of Strathearn, Malcolm, earl of Lennox, Robert de Brus, earl of Carrick, Donald, earl of Mar, Gilbert d’Umfraville, earl of Angus, Walter Stewart, earl of Menteith, William, earl of Ross, William, earl of Sutherland, Magnus, earl of Orkney, Duncan, earl of Fife, John, earl of Atholl, Robert de Brus père, James, Steward of Scotland, John de Balliol, John Comyn, William de Soules, then justiciar of Lothian, Ingram de Guines, William of Moray, the son, Walter of Moray, knights, Alexander de Balliol, Reginald le Chen père, William de St Clare, Richard Siward, William of Brechin, Nicholas de la Haye, Henry of Graham, Ingram de Balliol, Alan son of the earl (fitz Count), Reginald le Chen fils, John of Lindsey, Patrick of Graham, Herbert of Maxwell, Simon Fraser, Alexander of Argyll, Angus son of Donald (MacDonald) and Alan son of Ruardi, barons of the kingdom of Scotland, acknowledge Margaret daughter of the daughter of their lord the king, Margaret, of good memory, late Queen Norway by marriage to Eric, king of Norway, as the legitimate heir to the kingdom of Scotland and the Isle of Man and of all the other islands pertaining to the kingdom, in the event of King Alexander III’s death[29]
between circa 1290 and circa 1307 - William, earl of Ross, states that he delivered the king's letters to Reginald le Chyen who has said that he has the keeping of the shrievalties of Invernairn, Forres and Elgin and the issues of the forest which were assigned to him for his sustenance, which the earl does not think was the king's will, and he believes the issues could be spent more wisely on the repair of castles and fortresses.
The earl requests that whereas a woman of inheritance has died and her son who is not yet 16 has been taken into the king's hand, that he be granted the wardship and marriage for a lady who has served the countess his wife.
The earl is at the king's service but has been given no command and requests that he can be employed where the king thinks best.
The earl requests letters of safe-conduct to two merchants, Roger Boner and Andrew Slethy of Elgin, to come and go into England to buy and sell.[30]
17 March 1290 - William, bishop of St Andrews, and Robert, bishop of Glasgow, John Comyn and James Stewart of Scotland, Guardians of the realm of Scotland, Matthew, bishop of Dunkeld, Archibald, bishop of Moray, Henry, bishop of Aberdeen, William, bishop of Dunblane, Mark, bishop of Man, Henry, bishop of Galloway, William, bishop of Brechin, Alan, bishop of Caithness, Robert, bishop of Ross, and Laurence, bishop of Argyll, Malise, earl of Strathearn, Patrick, earl of Dunbar, John Comyn, earl of Buchan, Donald, earl of Mar, Gilbert de Umfraville, earl of Angus, John, earl of Atholl, Walter, earl of Menteith, Robert de Bruce, earl of Carrick, William, earl of Ross, Malcolm, earl of Lennox, William, earl of Sutherland, John, earl of Caithness, the abbots of Kelso, Melrose, Dunfermline, Arbroath, Holyrood, Cambuskenneth, Coupar Angus, Dryburgh, Newbattle, Paisley, Jedburgh, Lindores, Balmerino, Glenluce, Kilwinning, Inchaffray, Culross, Dundrennan, Dercongal (Holywood), Kinloss, Deer, Iona and Tongland, the priors of St Andrews, Coldingham, Lesmahagow, Pluscarden, Beauly, Urquhart, Whithorn, Restenneth, May, Canonbie, and Blantyre, and Robert Bruce, lord of Annandale, William Murray, William Soulis, Alexander of Argyll, Alexander de Balliol of Cavers, Geoffrey de Moubray, Nicholas Graham, Nicholas Biggar, Ingram de Balliol, Richard Siward, Herbert Maxwell, David Marischal, Ingram de Guines, Thomas Randolph, William Comyn lord of Kirkintilloch, Simon Fraser, Reginald Cheyne, the father, Reginald Cheyne, the son, Andrew Murray, John Soulis, Nicholas de Haya, William de Haya, Robert Cameron, William Sinclair, Patrick Graham, John of Stirling, John of Callander, John Melville, John Stewart, John of Glenesk, Alexander of Bunkle, Bertram of Cardoness, Donald le fiz Can, Magnus of Fothrif, Robert the Fleming, William Murray of Drumsargard, David of Betun, William Douglas, Alexander Lindsay, Alexander of Menteith, Alexander Menzies, William Mowat, Thomas de Somerville, John of Inchmartin, John de Vaux, John Murray, Malcolm of Frendraught, and John of Garioch, barons of the realm of Scotland, write to Edward, king of England, lord of Ireland and duke of Aquitaine, sending greetings and all the honours for his good fame and the rights that he does to everyone and for the good neighbourhood and profit that the kingdom of Scotland has received from him, his father and his ancestors; they note that they are happy that the pope has made a dispensation that the marriage may take place between their lord Edward, his son, and Lady Margaret, queen of Scotland, their most dear lady, notwithstanding their nearness of blood[31]
20 November 1292 - At Norham, in the castle of the same villa, John de Balliol, king of Scotland came and, in the presence of John, archbishop of Dublin, Anthony, bishop of Durham, William, bishop of St Andrews, Robert, bishop of Glasgow, William, bishop of Ely, John, bishop of Carlisle, and also Henry de Lacy, earl of Lincoln, John, earl of Buchan, William, earl of Ross, Patrick, earl of March, Walter, earl of Menteith, James, steward of Scotland; Alexander of Argyll, Alexander de Balliol, lord of Cavers, Patrick Graham, and William Sinclair, and many others of the realms of England and Scotland, made and swore fealty to the lord king of England in his presence, speaking in French: “I, John de Balliol, king of Scots, shall become faithful and loyal to you, lord Edward, king of England and overlord of the realm of Scotland, and I give fealty to you for the same realm of Scotland, which I hold and claim to hold of you, and I bring to you faith and fealty of life, limb and earthly honour, against all men, faithfully recognising and giving service to you, owed from the said realm of Scotland as God may favour me and these Holy Gospels.”[34]
20 November 1292 - John, king of Scots, makes known that he has made and sworn to his liege-lord, lord Edward, king of England and overlord of the realm of Scotland, at Norham, in the presence of William, bishop of St Andrews, Robert, bishop of Glasgow, John, earl of Buchan, William, earl of Ross, Patrick, earl of March, Walter, earl of Menteith, James, steward of Scotland; Alexander of Argyll, Alexander de Balliol, lord of Cavers, Patrick Graham, and William Sinclair[35]
9 February 1293 - The Earl of Ross. The lord king, for keeping the peace and stability of the kingdom established and ordained that there shall be [sheriffs] of the underwritten lands, namely of the lands of the earldom of Ross in north Argyll, the land of Glenc’, the king’s land of Skye and [?]Lewis, eight davachs of the land of [...], Eigg and Rum, Uist and Barra with the very small isles. And he should be called the sheriff of Skye.[36]
26 March 1296 - Lord John Comyn de Boughan, Earl of ‘Meneteth,’ Earl of ‘Strathern,’ Earl of ‘Leuenax,’ Earl of Rosse, Earl of Asthell, count of Mar, and son of John Comyn of Badenacgh, with a large army of Scots, numbering five hundred armed horse and 40 thousands of foot, they came out of the Valley of Anandia, crossing the water of Sulewath in three places, burning from Artheret and through the middle of the forest of Nicholay to Carliolum all the surrounding villages, destroying with the sword or at least slaughtering as many as they could find, not sparing sex, rank, or age. On Tuesday, however, they were preparing to besiege the city of Carliol from opposite the Bridge of Eden, but some archers came out and defended the bridge for a little while, carrying away what tables they could. Seeing this, armed, they led a part of the army around and crossed the water to the ford below the town of Ricardina, surrounding the city on all sides and burning the houses in the suburbs. Now there was in the city at that time a certain spy, Patrick by name, who, on account of a clear suspicion, had been arrested a little before and kept in chains under the custody of the prison of the city. When he heard that the Scots had arrived, he immediately broke his chains and set fire to the house in which he had stayed for a little while, and at once ascending the wall of the city, he cried out to the Scots to act bravely and to be strengthened. When he was recognized by the citizens in his outcry, he was again apprehended and imprisoned in the camp; The house, therefore, having been set on fire by him, set fire to others, and, blown by the wind, became a voracious flame to an immense extent, and a great part of the city was burnt, and the hearts of many were broken, saying, “The city is captured, let us flee!” Many therefore ran to the fire, and a few to the gates of the city. However, the women, acting manfully, brought stones and threw them at the enemy, and also poured hot water on them. The fire having at last been extinguished, they all then with one accord surrendered themselves to the enemy, and clung to the walls and gates. And it happened at one of the gates of the city, while the enemy were bringing wood, straw, and all kinds of inflammable things, that by setting fire to the gates, he entered, one of the enemy, trusting in his arms, clung to the gates, while some of our men, sitting on the boards above the gate, had an iron hook attached to them. they seized him by the shoulder, and cried out to the companions within to stab him, who immediately put their lances to him and pierced him, and he died. His companions seized him, when they saw him dead, and wept over him with a very loud cry. For he was, as it was said, one of the noblest ‘of all Galwalia.’ But on Wednesday, when the Scots saw that they were not making progress, but rather failing, they abandoned the siege they had begun, and returned to the valley of Anandia, whence they had departed.[37]
26 Mar 1296 - William 3rd Earl took part in the Scottish raids on England, laying siege to Carlisle and burning Hexham priory[38]
27 April 1296 - The battle of Dunbar was fought where Patrick of Graham and many nobles fell wounded ; while a great many other knights and barons, in the hope of saving their lives, fled to Dunbar Castle, and were there readily welcomed. But they were all — to the number of seventy knights, besides famous squires, together with William, Earl of Ross — made over, like sheep offered to the slaughter, by Richard Seward, warden of the said castle, to the king of England[39]
27 April 1296 - King Edward writes to the sheriffs of Bedford and Buckingham, noting that as he had commanded them that all the lands, tenements, goods and chattels of John de Balliol, lately king of Scotland, and others of the realm of Scotland who have lands, etc., in their bailiwicks, and who have remained in Scotland, etc. he commands that any Scotsman who is residing on the lands of Scotsmen in England should be removed. Robert of Roos of Wark among those who hold lands in England.[40]
between 1 May 1296 and 31 May 1296 - Scottish prisoners in London, England: the Earl of Ross, the Earl of Atholl, the Earl of Menteith, Sir J. son of Sir J. Comyn of Badenoch, Sir William Sinclair, Sir Richard Siward, Sir John son of Sir Geoffrey, Sir Andrew Murray, Sir John of Inchmartin, Sir David Graham, son of Patrick, Sir Alexander Menzies, Sir Nicholas Randolph, son of Sir Thomas Randolph[41]
16 May 1296 - List of Scottish prisoners taken at the battle of Dunbar and committed to Tower of London. The earls of Ross, Atholl, Menteith, John son of John Comyn of Badenoch, Richard Siward, John fitz Geoffrey, Andrew of Moray, John of Inchmartine, David son of Patrick of Graham, Alexander de Menzies, Nicholas Randolph son of Thomas Randolph, knights[42]
14th century
Northern Britain circa late 13th century, Skene's Celtic Scotland.
24 June 1304 - Compotus of James de Dalileye and John de Westone, Feb. 28. clerks, making an extent of all the king’s lands in Scotland, both beyond the Scottish Sea towards Orkeneye and on this side in Galloway and elsewhere, in the 32nd year. Bishopric of Caithness :—From Sir William earl of Ros, of the issues of the bishopric of Caithness and Sutherland, 40l.[43]
27 August 1304 - Compotus of James de Dalileye and John de Westone, Feb. 28. clerks, making an extent of all the king’s lands in Scotland, both beyond the Scottish Sea towards Orkeneye and on this side in Galloway and elsewhere, in the 32nd year. Rosse :—From Sir William earl of Ros, of the issues of his bailliary by the hands of Gervase the clerk, constable of Invernarn, 40l[44]
29 October 1312 - An agreement is made between Haakon V, king of Norway, through his messengers, Berner de Berkerey, the baron, and Ivar son of Olaf, canon of Bergen and Orkney, and Robert, king of Scotland, to renew, and by the present document, establish, the treaty of 1266 between Scotland and Norway, which is copied in full. Berner de Berkerey and Ivar son of Olaf, along with Fercard, bishop of Caithness, and Master Roger of Inverness, chancellor of of the church of Moray, swear that the treaty will be upheld. Sealers: Lord Henry, bishop of Aberdeen, Lord David, bishop of Moray, Lord Thomas, bishop of Ross, Lord Fercard, bishop of Caithness, Sir William, earl of Ross, Sir David, earl of Athol, Sir Thomas Randolph, earl of Moray, and the lord, the bishop of Orkney, Sir Magnus, earl of Orkney.[45]
5 August 1321 - Charter by Robert I. to William Earl of Ross of the land of Dinguall, with castle and burgh, with an annual ferm of 2 merks from the land of Mora in Strathonan, and the land of Frencroskerie in the earldom of Sutherland[46]
27 March 1323 - Hew, goodsone to the King, was made erll of Ross upon St. Patrike his day, efter the deceis of his father, and leived erll ten yeiris[47]
10 May 1333 - Charter by Hugh, earl of Ross, to Hugh Ross, his son, of 4 davachs of land of Rarechys in earldom of Ross. Witnesses: Mr Andrew, dean of Moray, William Lindors, chancellor of Ross, William Ross, granter's son and heir, Thomas Lythcou, William (torn) [Clerk]. At Balkomy.[48]
11 May 1336 - Williame was made erll efter returning from his exyle in Norroway, upon Friday, before Whitsonday[49]
13 July 1354 - Agreement between the English and Scottish commissioners for the ransom of Sir David de Bruis for 90,000 marks sterling, payable in 9 years, during which time there is to be a truce, including Sir Edward de Balliol and all the other allies and adherents of the K. of England. Twenty hostages to be given for payment, viz., the sons and heirs of the Earls of Sutherland and March, the heir of the Earl of Wigton, the heir or brother of Sir William de Conyngham, the sons and heirs of Sir William More and Sir David de Graham, William son of Sir William de Levyngston, the softs and heirs of Sir Robert de Erskyn, of Sir Thomas Somervylle, of Sir John de Danieliston, of Sir Thomas Bysett, of Sir Andrew de Valence, of Sir Adam de Foulertone, of Sir John Steward of Derneley, and of Sir Roger de Kyrkpatrik ; one of the sons of John de Berkelay,the sons and heirs of John Kenedy, John Gray, of Sir David de Wemys, and of Sir William del Hay lord of Loehorwart. Among the hostages proposed was the son and heir of the Earl of Ross, when he was of an age to travel, or the brother of the said Earl. Newcastle-on-Tyne.[51]
6 May 1355 - Pope Innocent VI to the bishop of Glasgow. Mandate to dispense Robert Stiuard, steward of Scotland, and Euphemia, relict of John, earl of Moray, to intermarry, in order to put an end to the strife between Robert and William, earl of Ross, Euphemia's brother, the said Robert and John having been related in the third degree of kindred, and Robert and Euphemia being therefore related in the fourth degree of kindred and the third of affinity[52]
1357 - Receipt, indented, by William de Wheteley, clerk, to John Mareschal, Clerk of the King's stores at Linlithgow, for wine and beans for the Earl of Rosse at Cambuskynel.[54]
9 July 1357 - Charter by William, earl of Ross, son and heir of Sir Hugh, sometime earl of Ross, to Hugh Ross, his brother, of lands of Munlochy. Witnesses: Alexander, bishop of Ross, Adam, abbot of New Fearn, sir Robert, prior of Beauly, John Ross, granter's brother, John Hay, laird of Tolybothvill, Adam Urcharde, sheriff of Crombathy, Robert Munro. At the monastery of New Fearne.[55]
16 Aug 1357 - Safe conduct for David de Bruys after his liberation. Safe conduct for the 20 hostages to be given for David de Bruys. The king promises that the hostages shall not be detained after stipulated time, unless guilty of some crime against the laws of England. Names of the hostages; John son and heir of the seneschal of Scotland, Umfred son and heir of Roger de Kirkpatrick, and 18 others. William, son & heir of the count of Rosse is ill, & King David & the bishops of Seint Andreu & Brechyn, & the count of the March are obliged that he will be delivered if he is alive in the gardein of Berwik before Kwismas, and if he is dead, that the person close to the said Count go in his place.[56]
3 Oct 1357 - Indenture attesting the treaty concluded at Berwick between the English and Scottish Ambassadors for the ransom of K. David for 100,000 marks, payable in 10 years, during which time there is to be a truce, including Sir Edward de Balliol, John of the Isles, and all other adherents of England.
Johan Seneschal, son & heir Mister 'Robert Seneschal of Scotland.
5 October 1357 - Ratification by David K. of Scots of the treaty for his ransom at Berwick-on-Tweed. Attested by three apostolic notaries, before Sirs Roger de Percy, Pochard Tempest, and Prichard de Totesham, knights of England, and William de Kamesey, William de Vaux, and John Herys knights of Scotland.[58]
5 October 1357 - Instrument attesting the ratification of the treaty for the release of David II. by Patrick earl of March and the other deputies of the magnates of Scotland.[59]
between 1358 and 1364 - Charter by William Earl of Rosse, Lord of Sky, son and heir of Hugh late Earl of Rosse, granting and confirming to Robert de Munro, for good and laudable service, the whole davach of land of Estirfowlys with 'le fortyr' of Strathskehech and other pertinents, in equal exchange made to him for the davach land of Petmadwy and of le 'morwrach', which davach was formerly given to him in defect of warrandice of the land of Fyndwne, within the barony of Auach, in which the father of said Robert was infeft by said Hugh late Earl of Rosse; to be held by said Robert and his heirs of said earl and his heirs for ever in fee and heritage, in woods and plains, etc, meadows and grazings, etc, mills and malt kilns, fishings, hunting and hawking preserves, and peat-bogs, and also with neyfs ('hominibus nativis') thereof, and with all and sundry other liberties, etc, now belonging or at any time in future by any right or custom known to belong to said davach of land of Estirfowlys with 'le fortyr', as freely as any other land within the Kingdom of Scotland granted by any other Earl or Baron for good deeds; conferring also upon said Robert and his heirs freedom and use of said Earl's woods of Fowrys as often as necessary for buildings and himself and his husbandmen upon said land of Estirfowlys: said Robert and his heirs rendering to said Earl and his heirs a pair of white gloves or a penny silver at the said earl's castle of Dyngevale at Whitsunday, if asked, in name of blench-farm, for suits of court, ward, relief, marriage, and for all other service, burden, exaction, etc, required from said land; and doing forensic service to the King as known to pertain to said land; with warrandice to the extent of an equivalent 10 merk land within the lands of Ross agreeable to said Robert and his heirs if on any pretext he lose said land. Witnesses, Alexander, bishop of Rosse, Donald, abbot of New Ferin, Mr Thomas de Wrchard, archdeacon of Rosse, Hugh de Rosse, Laird of Fyloich, John de Rosse, his brother, sheriff of Invernyss, Adam de Wrchard, sheriff of Crombachy, and Thomas de Dyngevale.[61]
12 November 1358 - Inspection by King David II of charter by Thomas, Earl of Mar, lord of Garviauch, to his ally Sir Robert de Erskyne, Kt, and his kinswoman Lady Christian de Keth, Robert's spouse, of lands in lordship of Garviauch. Witnesses - William, Bishop of St Andrews, Patrick, Bishop of Brechin, Chancellor, Robert, Steward of Scotland, Earl of Stratheryn [Strathearn], King's nephew, William, Earl of Ross, his kinsman, William de Cunyngham [Cunningham], William de Levyngstoun [Livingstone], Hugh de Eglyntoun [Eglinton], Kts. At Scone, in full Parliament.[62]
18 November 1358 - David, king of Scots, has given his beloved and faithful Adam of Urquhart for his faithful service the whole sheriffdom of Cromarty, Ross-shire, with court and office of sheriff, which his beloved relative William, earl of Ross, and Richard Mowat chaplain, son and heir of William Mowat knight preserved through diverse infeftments by gift of his progenitors; which the persona (i.e., Richard Mowat) resigned by staff and baton as his letter of resignation attests; holding with inhabitants, neyfs and freeholders, as freely as his relative William Mowat held it, for suit at his justiciar court of Inverness and making Scottish service for all custom, service, or aid.[63]
16 November 1362 - David, king of Scots, has approved, etc., that donation which Thomas, earl of Mar, made to John of Ross, of the land of Gilcolmston, Aberdeenshire, in the sheriffdom of Aberdeen, holding by John and his spouse Joan in feu and heritage, as the earl's charter attests, saving the king's service.[66]
10 March 1364 - David, king of Scots, has approved, ratified, and confirmed that donation which his most beloved relative, William, earl of Ross, lord of Skye, made to his beloved and faithful man Alexander of Urquhart, sheriff of Cromarty, of a certain annual rent of 20 marks from the burgh of Cromarty, Ross-shire; in feu and heritage, as contained in the earl's charter or letter, saving the king's service.[68]
28 June 1364 - William, earl of Ross, lord of Skye, son and heir of the late Hugh, earl of Ross, gives his beloved relative John of Tarrell all his land of Inverbrekie, Ross-shire. David, king of Scots, has inspected and truly understood a charter of his beloved relative William, earl of Ross, to his beloved and faithful John of Tarrell, as copied in full. The king confirms this to John, saving his service.[69]
5 April 1366 - Charter to Paul Mctyre all our land of Gerloche with its appurtenances, below the parts of Ergadie, in perpetual fee and inheritance To be held and held by us and our heirs to the aforesaid Paul Mctyr and his heirs, who begotten or begotten heirs between him and our beloved Maria de Grahame, failing whom, which is absent, we will continue the aforesaid land of Gerloche to the lawful heirs of the aforesaid Paul; , hunting, trapping, fishing, mills, and breweries, and all other easements, liberties, and easements pertaining to the said land from now on or in any other way that are capable of being looked upon by any other legal title in the future, so freely, quietly, fully, peacefully, honorably, well and in peace as any land under our fuller dominion. to be held or possessed · By rendering thence to us and our heirs the aforesaid Paul Mctyr and his heirs as is aforesaid one penny of silver in the name of the white firm yearly, for all other service due to secular exaction or demand, at the feast of the feast of Pentecost if requested except the forensic service of our lord the king as to he looks upon the said land when the royal will shall come. Which indeed we will warrant our grant in all its points and articles as preferred against all men and women, we will pacify and defend in perpetuity. Written under our seal at Delgheny. By these witnesses, the venerable father in Christ and the Lord Alexander, by the grace of God, bishop of Rossen, our brother Hugh de Rosse, Henry Senescalli, Johanne de Tarale, Eumondo de Wytona, with many others.[71]
13 September 1366 - David, king of Scots, has given his beloved and faithful Walter of Leslie knight, and Euphemia of Ross, his wife, the king's relative, for his homage and service, all of New Forest in the sheriffdom of Dumfries, and their legitimate male heirs, in one integral and free barony, in feu and heritage, with bondsmen and bondages, neyfs and their offspring, with pit and gallows, sake and soke, toll and team and infangenthef, as freely as any barony, for homage and forinsec service owed to the king.[72]
9 August 1369 - Charter by William Earl of Ross Lord of Sky to his beloved cousin ('dilecto consanguineo') Hugh de Munro, for his faithful service rendered and to be rendered during his time and also for the laudable service of his father lately killed in defence of said earl, of the davach of land of Catuell with le 'fortyre' which is called Badgarwy, under exception of mills and multures; to be held by said Hugh and his heirs of said earl and his heirs in fee and heritage, in woods and plains, etc, meadows and grazings, etc, fishings, hunting and hawking, and also with inhabitants and neyfs thereof, and with all and sundry liberties, etc, belonging to said land, as freely as any other land within the Kingdom of Scotland granted by any earl or baron for good deeds; said Hugh and his heirs rendering to said earl and his heirs a pair of white gloves or one silver penny at the said earl's castle of Dyngwale at Whitsunday, if asked, in name of blench-farm for suits of court, ward and relief, and marriage and for all other service, aid, burden, exaction, etc, required from said land; and doing forensic service to the King relative to said land; with clause of warrandice. Witnesses, Alexander, bishop of Ross, Donald, abbot of Feryn, Adam de Wrqwerd, Mr William de Lychtona, Henry Stewart, John de Tarrell. At Dyngwale (Dingwall).[74]
8 December 1369 - Charter of Hugh Ross, lord of Philorth, son of Lord Hugh earl of Ross to his beloved relative Adam of Urquhart, sheriff of Cromarty, of his land of Fishrie in Buchan in the bailliary of King Edward and the 'fortyr' called Clochforbie, Aberdeenshire. David, king of Scots, has inspected a charter of Hugh Ross of Philorth. The king confirms this, saving his service.[75]
26 February 1370 - David, king of Scots, has given his beloved and faithful Hugh of Ross an annual rent of 10 pounds, and four chalders of wheat from the lands of Doune, Banffshire; holding by Hugh and his spouse Margaret Barclay, whichever lives longer, for the time of their lives.[77]
27 February 1370 - David, king of Scots, has given his beloved relative Walter Leslie, for his faithful service, all the lands of his thanage of Aberchirder and the land of Blairshinnoch, Banffshire; holding by Walter and his spouse Euphemia, the king's relative, and their lawfully procreated heirs; in feu and heritage, in one integral and free barony, for the service of one knight, and three suits of court at his sheriff court of Banff[78]
6 May 1370 - David, king of Scots, noting that his beloved relative William, earl of Ross, resigned by staff and baton all right he had in the forest of Plater, Angus, in the lands of Finavon (Oathlaw, Angus) and in the advowson of church of the same; all right and claim to the said forest, lands and advowson, which the king's relative resigned as noted above, the king now grants his said relative the same, holding in feu and heritage, as he had them before his resignation.[79]
17 Sep 1370 - David, etc., to all, etc. Be it known that we have given, etc., to our dearest nephew, Robert, the Earl of Strathern, the elder of Scotland, the whole barony of Methfen with its appurtenances, below the sheriffdom of Perth, which was our said nephew's, and which our said nephew has returned and resigned to us above, to be held and held by the said to our nephew and Euphamie, Moravia, his spouse, our beloved kinsman, and to the heirs of the said nephews, to whomsoever, of us and our heirs in fee and inheritance, in one whole and free barony with the services of the same freehold and the advowsons of the same churches. usual, in whose case, etc.[80]
16 October 1370 - Resignation by Elyzabeth de Bercley, daughter and heir of Robert Lytyll, with consent of John de Bercley, her spouse, in favour of her beloved cousin Hugh de Monrooch, for good deeds ofttimes rendered to her by him and his parents, of all right and claim in the lands of Dachynmore, Carbystoll, Kylmacholmowch and Innerlawyn, with their pertinents, which she holds of her lord the Earl of Ross; to be held by said Hugh and his heirs of said earl, as freely, quietly, etc, as is more fully contained in the charter made by said earl to her father; and if it happen that her spouse, John de Bercley aforesaid, whould predecease her, she binds herself to ratify and confirm this grant in her widowhood. As she has not a seal of her own, the seal of said John de Bercley, her spouse, together with the seals of Alexander, bishop of Rosse, and John called Merser, burgess of Perth, are appended. Dated at Perth.[81]
23 October 1370 - David, king of Scots, has given his beloved relative William, earl of Ross, the earldom of Ross and lordship of Skye, with all the lordships and lands belonging to the earl throughout the kingdom, except those in the sheriffdoms of Aberdeen, Dumfries and Wigtown, which lordships, lands and earldom the earl resigned at Perth in his full parliament, in the presence of Robert, steward of Scotland, earl of Strathearn, the king's nephew, William, earl of Douglas, George, earl of March, John Stewart, earl of Carrick, Archibald Douglas, Robert Erskine, Alexander Lindsay, and William of Dissington, knights, and many other barons and nobles of the realm, by his letters patent, and with staff and baton, by the hands of his procurator; holding by the earl and his male heirs, failing which, by Walter Leslie knight, and Euphemia his spouse, and their heirs; and if there is no male heir, by the eldest daughter, without division of the lands, and if the line of Walter and Euphemia defaults, then by Joan, the younger daughter of Earl William, and her heirs, in the same way; holding in feu and heritage, with tenancies and services of freeholders, and advowsons of churches, as Earl William held it, for service owed and wont.[82]
1 November 1370 - David, king of Scots, has approved, ratified, and confirmed that donation which Hugh Ross of Philorth made to Alexander Sinclair, son of the late Thomas Sinclair of the land of Easter Tyrie, Aberdeenshire; as contained in Hugh's charter; saving the king's service.[83]
1 November 1370 - David, king of Scots, has approved, ratified, and confirmed that donation which William, earl of Ross, made to Alexander Sinclair, son of Thomas Sinclair, of the whole davoch of Brae, Ross-shire, in the marsh of 'Fornewyr' in the sheriffdom of Inverness; as contained in Earl William's charter, saving the king's service.[84]
4 February 1371 - Charter by William Earl of Ross, son and heir of Hugh late Earl of Ross, granting and confirming to Hugh de Munroo, son and heir of Robert de Munroo, and his heirs, for faithfull services rendered, the half davach of land of Dachynmore, the davach of land of Innerlawyr in Lochbrene, the land of Kylmocholmok, and Carpstole in Strathcaroun and Strathokele, under reservation to said earl and his heirs of the freshwater with fishings belonging to said lands; to be held by said Hugh and his heirs of said earl and his heirs in fee and heritage, in woods and plains, etc, malt-kilns, mills and multures, meadows, grazings, hunting and hawking, and smithies, and all and sundry liberties, etc, and specially with liege-men and neyfs ('nativis') and inhabitants ('incolis') of said lands, as freely as any other land within the Kingdom of Scotland granted by any other earl or baron for good deeds; said Hugh and his heirs doing therefor forensic service to the King, and rendering to said earl and his heirs yearly at Whitsunday at the said earl's castle of Dyngvale a pair of white gloves, if asked, in name of blench-farm, for suits of court, ward and relief, and marriage, and for all other service, burden, exaction, etc, required from said lands; with clause of warrandice. Witnesses, Alexander, bishop of Ross, Donald, abbot New Ferine, granter's nephew ('nepote nostro'), William de Ross, granter's cousin, John del Hay, granter's cousin, Adam de Vrchand, Thomas de Dyngvale, John de Tarrel, granter's chamberlain and William de Clyne. At Dyngvale.[85]
8 May 1373 - By the grace of God, Robert, king of the Scots, hastened to all good men the greetings of his land to the clergy and laity. Let it be known that we have read the charter in good memory of William Count de Rosse, lord of Sky, at our command, and have carefully observed it, not canceled it, nor in any part suspected of it, understood it in full, in these words. You know that we have granted and confirmed by this present charter to our beloved and faithful Paul Mctyre, for his faithful service to us many times spent, all our land of Gerloche with its appurtenances, below the parts of Ergadie. in all things and through all things alike in form and effect we ratify, approve, and confirm for us and our heirs in perpetuity. In witness whereof we have ordered our seal to be affixed to the present charter of our confirmation. In witness of the venerable fathers William and Patrick of St. Andrew and the bishops of the churches of Brechin, by the grace of God, our firstborn John, earl of Carrick, seneschal of Scotland, Robert, earl of Fyf, and Menetethe, our beloved son, William, earl of Douglas, George, earl of Dunbar Marquis, John de Carric, canon of Glasgow, our chancellor, Hugh de Eglynton, and Robert de Erskyn, soldiers.[71]
10 January 1464 - Charter by John de Ile, Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, with consent of his whole council, giving granting and confirming to his natural brother Celestine de Isles the lands of Fernacostrech, eg, Auchnes, Spanegydill, Devachcarry, Plodd and Pulrossy, with pertinents, in the Earldom of Sutherland, within the sheriffdom of Innernys; to be held of the granter and his heirs by said Celestine and the heirs lawfully procreated or to be procreated betwixt him and Fynvola, daughter of Lachlan McGillean of Doward, whom failing the lawful heirs of said Celestine and any other wife in fee and heritage forever, by all their right marches, in woods, plains, meadows, moors, marshes, grazings and pastures, etc, with 'wrak' and 'waith', mills, etc, courts and their issues, herezelds, bloodwites, etc; rendering therefor to said earl and his successors 6 pennies Scots in name of blench-farm yearly if asked; with clause of warrandice. Sealed at the castle of Dingvale.[90]
6 February 1474 - A Precept by the said John of Yle Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles commanding the said Donald Corbat to compear in his Court at Kinnardy and answer to a charge made against him by Angus McCullocht of Terrell of withholding from him an annualrent due to him out of the Lands of Esterarde. The Precept is given under the Signet of the said John of Yle and is dated at Dingwell.[91]
2 April 1475 - Precept by John Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles for infefting his native esquire John Davidson in the lands of Greenan in consequence of the above Charter[92]
2 April 1475 - Charter by John Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles, to his native esquire John Davidson, son and heir of Gilbert Davidson, of the lands of Greenan, lying in the Earldom of Carrick; To be holden of the Earl and his successors for payment of £20 money of Scotland at the Feasts of Pentecost and St. Martin yearly equal portions[93]
8 October 1475 - Obligation by Donald de Ilay of Glins and Dunivaig, principal councillor of John Earl of Ross and Lord of the Isles to warrant and defend the Charter (GD25/1/116) by the Earl to John Davidson, of the lands of Greenan[94]
20 August 1476 - Charter by John de Ilay Lord of the Isles to his native esquire John Davidson son and heir of the deceased Gilbert Davidson of the lands of Greenan; To be holden of the said John de Ilay Lord of the Isles and his successors, for payment yearly of £20 money of Scotland at the Feast of Pentecost. Witnesses: Donald Balloch [Ballache] of Donovan [Dunnowan], Roland Maclean [Makclane] of Dowart, Hector Maclean [Makclane] of Caulochboy, Nigel Macbryde [Makkilbride] Archdean of Soder and Sir James Werk Clericus et scribe. Dated at Ilay.[97]
10 November 1495 - James, King of the Scots, confirms the bank charter, “John de Yle, Earl of Ross, and the Lords of the Isles. and that, by early deliberation, our Council has agreed to give and confirm by this present charter to our dearest brother Hugh Alexander of the Isles, Lord of Slete, all and each of our underwritten lands, viz. thirty lands purchased from Skerehowg twelve lands purchased from Beanbeacla denarii de Gergremynis sixty denarii lands purchased from the Eastern part of Wist two denarii from Scolpic four denarii from Gremynis two denarii two denarii from Talawmartin six denarii from Orvinsaig half a denarii from Waynlis and half a denarii from the Isle of Gillegerre together with twenty lands eight mercantiles of Slete with their appurtenances lying in our possession of the Isles: To hold and have the whole and entire aforesaid lands with their appurtenances to the aforesaid Hugh and his heirs male between himself and Fynvol Alexander John of Ardnamurchan legitimately or illegitimately begotten or procreated and their legitimate heirs to whom all failing which is absent from his male heirs after the death of Finvole between Hugh himself and any other woman of our counsel as well as the counsel of our relatives viz. Donald de Insuli Lord de Dunnowaig and Glynnis Celestini de Insuli de Lochalche Lachlani M'Gilleoin de Doward and Alexander John de Ardnamurchan”[99]
16th century
Pont's map of Wester Ross ca. 1583-1614, NLSPont's map of Tarbet Ness, Easter Ross 1590, NLS
28 May 1502 - Charter by James Archbishop of St Andrews Duke of Ross Marquis of Ormond Earl of Ardmannoch and others to the said John Corbat son and heir of the deceased Donald Corbat of Ester Ard of the Lands of Ester Ard near the Lands of Ester Terbat in the Dukedom of Ross and Shire of Inverness, which Lands belonged to the said deceased Donald Corbat and were recognosced to the Granters in consequence of having been disponed by him without their permission to be held by the said John Corbat and his heirs of the Granters and their heirs for rendering yearly the Services of Ward and Relief. Sealed with the Granters round Seal at Edinburgh.[100]
5 December 1519 - Charter by the said John Corbat Laird of Ester Ard to John Caldor Precentor of Ross of the said Lands of Estirarde. To be held by the said John Caldor and his heirs whom failing by the other persons therein mentioned from the Granter and his heirs of the King and his Successors as Earls or Dukes of Ross in feu and heritage for ever for rendering yearly to the Crown the rights and Services due and want to be rendered for the said Lands. Sealed with the Granters Seal at Culbyn[101]
24 June 1529 - Papal bull of Clement VII addressed to Donald, abbot of New Fearne, of the Premonstratensian order, confirming to the said abbey liberties and immunities formerly granted by Urban IV, viz: the site on which the monastery is built, vicarage of church of St. Colman in Terbert, chapel of BVM in Cathabul, teinds sheaves of Alen in Terbert, pertaining to said vicar, 4 acres of land next the said church, with free passage in harbours of Ardnacolternach, Hardnanen and Ardnadoler, land called Dav(ach)naclerach near the towns of Cathabul and Gathern, land in place called Innerladour, coal and wood from the woods pertaining to the Earl of Ross, which deceased Ferchard, earl of Ross, gave to said monastery, 1 acre of land in Terbert, annualrent of 21b wax over lands there, another of 81b wax in town called Conten, 2 'mensuras' commonly called davachs, in Innercharron, pasture in H[----]hmaguli and Braghlugudi and Salki, fishing on the water of Okeal in the place called Banaff and the fishings called Choro in town of Kyncardin, 1 davach in town called Greater Fern, and half a davach in Lesser Fern, land in place called Archanagart, fishing and passage and 1½ davachs in Dwne, 3 davachs in towns called Rathne and Pitkeri, loch called Lochlin, 1 davach in Gathne, 1 davach there, 2 davachs in towns of Rochani and Balmochi, 1 davach in Cathbulnacrene and half a davach in Lochclawak. Rome.[102]
16 August 1533 - Charter by the said William McCulloch to the said Walter Innes of Twquhis and his heirs of the two part of the Lands of Pytnely and of the half part of the Lands of Balmachoche to be held from the Granter his heirs and assignees of the King as Earl of Ross in feu and heritage for ever for rendering the rights and Services of the foresaid Lands due and wont and Reserving to the Crown the Escheato of the Courts of bludewilis and theft. Dated at Innerbreke.[103]
3 January 1536 - Charter by Hugh, lord Fressar of Lowet, to Hugh Symsoun, his servitor, of lands of Belladrum and Culmolly Beg and Archilie with mill of Broyach[104]
3 February 1541 - Notarial Instrument on the appointment by the said Angus McCulloch of Alexander Sinclar of Pitcarnis John Tenent and others as his Procurators for resigning in the Lands of King James V as Earl of Ross the said Lands of Meikle Tarrell in the Earldom of Ross and Shire of Inverness and also an annualrent of 40/- out of the Lands of Estirard for new Infeftment thereof to be given to John McCulloch his grandson and his heirs male whom failing to Hugh McCulloch son of the said Angus and his heirs male under reservation to the said Angus of his liferent of the said Lands and annualrent and a reasonable terce thereof to his wife[105]
2 May 1542 - Retour of Inquest held in the tolbooth of Innernes before John Cuthbart, sheriff-depute of Innernes, by John Mckenze of Kyntaill, Thomas Mcculloch of Pladdis, Allexander Doles of Cantra, Thomas Dingwall of Kildoune, George Munro of Dawachcarty, Kenneth Mckenze, son and apparent heir of said John Mckenze, John Innes of Innachbreky, Mr George Gordoune, captain of Rowan, Duncane Bane of Terodoll, John Polsoune of Crethmoir, Thomas Ross of Ballatrait, Hugh Mcculloch, in Terrelmekil, Allexander Mckenze of Forbryne, John Dunbar of Bennengfeld, Dowgall Blane, in Coniche, William Paterson, Andrew Achlek, burgesses of Innernes, Allexander Spine and Allexander Gibsoune, inhabitants of Tane, who sworn say that deceased Hector Munro of Fowlis, father of Robert Munro, died last vest and seased in the lands of Ester Fowlis, Wester Fowlis, Cattoll, Logy, Contolich, Dachane, Corbistill, Kilmilcalmok and Innerlawill, lying in the earldom of Ross and sheriffdom of Innernes, and in the lands of Fyndoune, lying in the lordship of Ardmanach, as also in the lands of Ferrynenkosky in Braquhat, namely, the half of Innerane, with fishing and mill thereof, half of Lynset croy, half of Lynset moir, half of Altesbeg and Altesmoir, half of Achinnes, with fishings thereof, and also in the lands of Crethmoir, with the fishings fresh and salt of the water of Kelisokkel, lying in the sheriffdom of Innernes; and that said Robert Munro is lawful and nearest heir of said deceased Hector, his father, therein, and that he is of lawful age; that said lands are valued in time of peace at £80 Scots and now at £148 13s 8d Scots; that said lands of Wester Fowlis, Fyndoune and others, are held of the King in chief, and said lands of Ester Fowlis, Cattoll and others, are held of the King as Earl of Ross, by service of ward and relief; 3 suits at the 3 head pleas of the sheriffdom of Innernes to be rendered yearly; and that said lands have been in non-entry and relief by the death of said Hector, father of said Robert Munro, who died in Mar last.[106]
1566 - The xix day of June 1566 the quyneg ves lychter of ane prince [‘calidJames Stewart the vj kyng of thatt souenye’ overwritten in later hand].[108]
6 May 1567 - Gift by Mary, Queen of Scots to David Chalmer and his heirs of the ward and nonentry duties of the said Lands of Meikle Tarrell and of the said annualrent of 50 shillings out of the Lands of Eister Ard and others which belonged heritably to the deceased John McCulloch of Terrell and were in Her Majestys Lands by reason of Ward and nonentry and by reason of the death of Henry Duke of Albany Earl of Ross Her Majestys Spouse Superior of the said Lands and also of the Marriage of Angus McCulloch son and apparent heir of the said John whom failing the Marriage of any other heir succeeding the said John in the said Lands and others[109]
5 February 1582 - Charter by King James VI following on resignation, dated 4 February 1582, in favour of Colin McKenzie of Kintail and his heirs and assignees, of the lands of Culteleude and Glenskauych in the earldom of Ross and shire of Inverness. To be held of the King as Earl of Ross and his successors in feu and heritage for ever for rendering the rights and services used and wont. Dated at Holyroodhouse.[111]
7 December 1745 - Correspondence from the Earl of Home to the Earl of Ross, Glasgow, concerning the defence of Scotland against the Jacobite 'rebels': “the Arms are here [Glasgow] & if two hundred men will come here they shall have Arms compleat with ammunition deliverd to them. As to the necisarys I dont see anything wanting but a good pair of shoes.”[116]
