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Amelia Volume 1 Chapter 8


1513-1548

[page 84}
KING JAMES IV. having lost his life at the fatal Field of Flodden, 9th September 1513, the long minority of a child-king again began. Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenurquhay fell with most of the Scottish nobility, and was succeeded in his lands by his son Sir Colin. There does not appear to be any authentic record of the ClanGregor at Flodden. During the reign of James V., when both Highlands and Lowlands were convulsed with incessant troubles, the Clan was not more conspicuous for feuds than its neighbours.

The following Band of Manrent from the “Black Book of Taymouth,” is curious as showing the customs as to receiving foster children :-

“1510. April 29. Obligation by Johne McNeill Vreik (breac, freckled) in Stronferna and Gregoure his brother to receive Coleyne Campbell lawful 3d son to Coleyne Campbell the eldest son and heir of Sir Duncane Campbell of Glenurquhay Knight in fostering and to give him a bairns part of gear; and giving to the said Sir Duncane and his heirs their bands of manrent and calps that is the best aucht in thair housis the tymes of thair deceiss; the said Sir Duncane and Coleyne his son being bound to defend the saids John and Gregour in the lands of Stronferna and the rest of the rowmis they possess as law will : Johne Campbell of Laweris brother to Sir Duncane, Sir Robert McNair Vicer of Killin Alexander Maknachtan Tul donycht Talzeour Macfale and Gillechreist Clerk witnesses. Signed at the Isle of Loch Tay. Schir Maureis McNauchtane Vicar of Inchedin notar.”

From the “Chartulary” :-
“1514. 31st May. In lykewiss the Lord Dromond hes takin upoun him the inbringing of ye Kingis and Quenis propirte w’in the boundis of Buchquhidder and Stratherne sua that he have authorite of in and furth putting of the Chalmerlane. - Acta Dominorum Concili xxvi.

“1522-23. February 16. Anent our Soverane Lordis Letters purchest at the instance [page 85} of Robert Menzies Knicht against Jonet Countess of Athole [1]   makend mentioun That quhair Sche and hir tenentis of Athole hes laitlie be sinister and wrang information purcheist uther letters direct be deliuerance of the lordis of Counsale chargeing the said Robert to put and hald McGregor his Clan and Complices, out of the said Robertis landis of Rannach haldin be him of our Soverane Lord in feuferm, and feubying thairof, the said Robert to answer for the haill skaith done be the said McGregor and his Clan to our Soueran Lordis Lieges of Athole and utheris nixt adjacent yairto quhilk is unpossible to the said Robert to doo, considering the said McGregor on force enterit on the said Robertis landis and withhaldis the samyn fra him maisterfully, and is of fer greater power than the said Robert and will not be put out be him of the saidis landis.’

‘The Lords of Counsale suspendis the letters purchest be the said Jonet Countess of Athole charging the said Robert to put and hauld McGregor his Clan and Complices out of the said Robertis landis of Rannoch and ordainis the effect of theme to ceiss, ay and quhill thai be producit befoir the Lordis of Counsell and the party warnit to the production yairof and letters to be direct yairupoun as effeirs. - Acta Dominorum Concili xxxiii.

“1524-5. Early in the morning of 25th March Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin and by the then reckoning New Year’s day 1524, (1525 by the modern computation) Makintosh of that Ilk went to a fatal hunting seat, for John McCallum Milmor, and his brother William, with three others, their associates in wickedness surround him and so soon as they deseried Makintosh alone in the hunting seat, they attack him from their lurking places and treacherously run him through the body, in his 34th year. In revenge for this murder, Donald Makintosh (otherwise ‘glas,’ or wan complexioned) son of Makintosh’s brother William and Donald Makintosh (otherwise son of William, son of Allan) his kinsman, by the help of Dominus [2]   MakGregor who had married the deceased’s sister apprehend John McCallum near Anakelt &a. A M.S. History of the Makintoshes in the archives of Moy Hall states of the lady that she married first ‘Lord MacGregor’ and afterwards ‘the Baron Kincarne,’ De origine et incremento Macintoshiorum M.S. in MacFarlane’s Papers.

“1527. Item Johnne McGregour of Glenstray, ten pundis to be pait at Lammas in anno &a xxvij for x ky, a mere, a foil, vi lib aittis [3]   sawin of the guidis of Duncan Gromache, not provin, and the rest of the said Duncan Gromache’s guids gif there be ony to be reseruit to my lord’s will bot gif my lord be pleisit yrfor: Erle of Argyll’s ‘Book of Casualties,’ preserved in Register House, Edinburgh.

[page 86}
“1527. August 14th at Edinburgh. Quo die Johannes, Comes Atholie plegins devenit ad intrandum Donaldem Campbell nominatum ad Abbacium de Cowper & Archibald Campbell son of Duncan Campbell Knight, James Campbell of Lawers, John Campbell his brother, Neill Stewart, John Stewart, son of John Stewart Kt. Gregour Dougalsoune, John and William Dougalsoune, [4]   John Makewin Makalester Captain of the Clangregour, Duncan Bayne his cousin, Duncan Brek his Cousin, Donald Patricksone, Duncan Donaldson, Gregor Patricksone, Patrik Duncansoun in Dundwrne, [5]   James his brother, Duncan Campbell, son and heir of Duncan Campbell Kt. ad subcundum leges pro arte et parte convocationes ligeorum Domini Regis ad magnum numerum vemendi super, Patricium Charteris Prepositum de Perth die festi Corporis Christi ultimo elapso, ipsum invadeudo et pergarte et parte mutilationis. Duncan Cameron et Patricii Rutherford Servitorum dicte Patricus. - Record of Justiciary.

“1527. Sept. 2. Decreet of Removal, obtained at the instance of Andro Lord Avondale, who has the gift of the Ward, Relief and Non entry of the lands and Earldom of Lennox against the tenants of the said ward lands charging them to cease occupying the same, among whom are mentioned Patrick McGregour Malcolm McGregour, and others. - Acta Dominum Concilii.

“1528. 12 April. John McEwen McAllaster Captain of the Tribe of Glenstray died at Achallader in Glenurquhay and was succeeded by his son Allaster.

“Glenurquhay. Item Gregor McPatrick McGregour sall pay to myLord for the ward of Johnne McGregouris landis of Glenstray ix merkis at yir termes efter written viz xx merkis at the Natuiite of our Lady (8th September) in anno &a xxviij, xx merkis at Andromas (30th November) eodem anno, and xx merkis at the Natuiite of our lady in anno &a xxix. Plages for the said soume Johnne Campbell, McAne vic Ewin, and John McDonachie McGregour conjunctim et divisim.

“Kinlochgoyle. - Duncan Campbell Robertsoun Captain of Carrik sall pay to my lord for the marriage of McGregour soun and ayr sewyn scoir of merkis at yir termis efter wrytin the third part of the said soume at the fair of Lukemas in anno &a xxviij the third part of the said soume at the fair of Lukemas in anno &a xxix and the tother third part at the nixt Patrikmass yairefter eodem anno Regij for the said soume: Earl of Argyll’s ‘Book of Casualties.’

[page 87}
“1530. May. Slaughter of Alexr. McPhatrick Roy and Duncan his son by Duncan Brek at West Culdar.”

In the course of 1528 Allaster MacGregor, son and heir of John McEwin McAllaster, was formally infeoffed in Glenstray (General Register House of Sasines, as quoted by MacGregor Stirling), but at that time he can only have been three years old, because in 1532 the Curate of Fortingall states that “Alexander McGregor of Glenstra our Scheiff was bot ane barne of 7 yer that tyme.” Thus the provision appointed for the “marriage of McGreger son and heir” was evidently a sum to be set aside for the future event.

“1530. December 2d. James Campbell of the Lawers askit instrumentis that he denyit yat he is Bailie of Ardowny or has any doo yairwth and y’foir renunceit all bailzeri gif he ony has in pins of the Kingis Grace, and Lordis foirsaidis of Ardownie. The Laird of Enoch askit instrumentis yat w’out sum gud reyle be finden for ye ClanGregor yat he may not ansuer for his landis nor be bund for gud reule in the samyn as he allegeit. - Acta Dom. Con.

“1531. March. Respite by James V. for Rebellioun, slaughter to McGregor, McClane, Cayme, Buquhannane, fynne Colquhoun Layn. - Privy Seal, ix. 44

“1531. October 10th. Before certain authorities and ‘Domini Campbell et Lorne Justiciarij Generalis.’ ‘Quo die Gillespy Makmakky Finlaiius McClintokech Johannes Dow Makgregor, Duncansoune, Duncanus McGregor [6]   ejus frater in Moreynche, Duncanus Dow McFarlane, Gillespie Dow McKinlay, pro arte et parte fuote, trium bovium et duarum vaccarum a David Drummond et suis pauperibus tenentibus extra terras sue assedationis terrarum de Myllenab.’ Outlawed for non-appearance. Record of Justiciary.

“1532. June 25th. Johannes Campbell, frater Duncani Campbell de Glenurquhy et Gillechristus Makchernay Tarloch [7]   wt ye ax. Duncanus Dow McTarloch, Johannes Dow McNab, Finlaius McWay, Donaldus McVane Duncanus the Maris sone in Auchrior, Finlaius ejus filius, Parlane Aquanite (of the cudgell i.e. player at the quarter staff) in Killearne, summoned before the Justice for convocating the lieges. cum Gregorio owr, Duncano McPhatrik vore, Donaldo McCallich voy (roy), Tarloch Beg in Ardewnan, Donaldo McKessak, Donald [8]   vardno (mischancy) McGillip, [page 88} rebellibus. All including John Campbell (afterwards Sir John Campbell 5th Laird of Glenurquhay of his family, and father of Sir Colin 6th Laird) fugitated. - Record of Justiciary.

“1532. 18th July. Johannes MacGregor alias Williamson in Auchindothy et Finlaius Rede in Monze, for stealing xxx milch cows from William Drummond of Ballakin in Strathern, fugitated. - Record of Justiciary.

“1533. Nov. 15th. Quo die Malcolmus McCoule Kere McGregour, Duncanus McGregour et Petricius McGregour fratres [9]   for theft ‘Cum diver sis rebellibus Domini Regis de la ClanGregor in October last from Alexander Earl of Menteith and fugitate - (1st distinct notice of this tribe).

“1534-5. Item sauld to Gregor McDonche VcGregour of my Lordis former meal of Lochaw ewer of the crop of anno 1534 for xxvj sl : viij pence to be pait to my lord at Sanctandrosmess day anno 1535. ij bols of meal. plege Johnne McArthour officer of Lochaw ewer. - Earl of Argyl’'s ‘Book of Casualties.’

To Duncan McGregour of my lordis fermes meal of Lochaw ewer of the said crop for xxvj shillings viij pence to be pait to my lord the said day ij bols.-Ibid.

“1535. July 20. List of persons fined in £10 for not compearing on the assize of Sir John Colquhoun of Luss for intercommuning with Humphre Galbraith and his Complices, Campbells, Buchanans and Patricius McGregour. - Record of High Court of Justiciary.

“1537-8. March 8th. John Menzies of Comrie plege for entering Andrew McWiccar, pro arte et parte incendis and combustionis certarum domorum infa tenes de Weme in compatina de ClanGregor &a. - Justiciary Record.

“1541. April 11th. Dischere et Toyer. Half of Dalgardy to John McGillireoch Corricarmyk assedatur Patricio McGregour for five years paying yearly 3 pund 6 and 8 pence grassum 3 pund 6 and 8 pence absque pastura et Intromissione cum foresta de Balmakane. parts of the lordship to Duncan McCarbery part of Clochrane to Gregour, Dougalstoun, Skeag to him. - Rentale Supremi Domini nostri Regis in Register House.

“1541. August 26. A Charter Granted by Archibald Campbell de Glenlyoun dated at Elgin May I538. is witnessed by, among others, Duncane Makgregour.

“1541. September 13. Gevin to William Straitherne for his expensis passing with twa closs writings to Walter McFarlane, and McGregour with diligence, xliijs.

“1541. Nov. Item gevin to Alexander Hutoun for passing to McGregour and Allane Stewart of Baquhiddere [10]   with twa closs writingis. iij li.” - Lord High Treasurer’s Books.

[page 89}
After the disastrous defeat of the Scottish Army at Solway Moss, Nov. 25 1542, King James V. expired on the 13th Dec. same year, leaving a daughter only six days old, to begin her life of trial as our Queen Mary.

“1543. Dec. 11. Anent the summondis raisit at the instance of Duncane MacGregour present tenant to Johnne Campbell of Calder Kt for spoliation of his corns, Delayed till 24. Jan. Register Decreet of Court Session.

“1546. August 24. Letter to Archibald Erle of Ergyle Escheit of McFarlanes, Buchanans, John Bane McCallane, in Conoclaid, Dougal McGregour sone thair, Duncan McCoulekeny McGregour George (Gregor) McRobb alias McGregour there &a. &c. killing 50 persons servants of the Governor at the Townend of Dumbartone in July last. - Record of the Privy Seal.

“1549-50. Jan. 29. Joannes McGregour Clavigeris (q. d. Chamberlain or Secretary.) along with Alexander Menzies of Rannoch witnesses a discharge by Elizabeth Colquhoun relict of Duncan Campbell of Glenurchay. - General Register of Decreets of Council and Session in Register House.

“1546. August 14. Gift of Escheat to Archibald Earl of Argyle, of all goods &a which pertained to Walter MacFarlane of Ardlesc Andro McFarlane his son and heir &a John Bain McAllane in Carronclaid, Dougall McGregour son there, Duncan McCowleken (Dougalkeir) McGregor Robert Roy McGregour his man George McJok alias McGregour in Cragcrostan and many others at the horn for being ‘art and part in the tressonable cuming to the townend of Dumbertane in the month of July bypast and crewall slauchter of fifty personis, servantis to mylord Governour and Lordis, being with him in cumpany and for the reiffing steling and thiftuous awaytaking of four scoir 80 of hors at the samyn tyme apertening to my Lord Governour and Lordis foresaidis. and for sorning, reiff and oppressioun done be thame upoun the inhabitants of the Levenax and utheris pairtis thairabout and for thair tressonable being in company with the auld inymies of Ingland (?) in burning of divers pairties of Hir Graces realm and specialie of the town of Dunune, or be quhatsumevir manner of way sall happin or may pertene to hiv Hienes, with power &a.

“1547. March 6. Gregor Patrikson MacGregor - died in Glenurquhay at Aychinchechallen.

“1548. Gift of Escheat to Margaret Nykferlane relict of Donald MacGregor in Glenlochye, John Dowsoun, her heirs &a of all goods which pertained to the said deceased Donald MacGregour her spouse and now through his decease in her Majesteis hands be reason that the said Donald was born bastard. Edin. Sep. 28.

[page 90}
“1548. Nov. 15. Gift to Hugh Morye commendator of the priory of Strathfillan his heirs &a which pertained to the deceased. . . Johnstoun MacGregour son natural to John Dow Duncanson McGregour in Mureloganemore in Glenlochy in the shire of Perth, escheat through the said John being born bastard.

John Dow Duncansoun was himself a natural son of Duncan MacGregor in Moreloganemore, but in 1528 a royal letter was given to enable him to inherit property the same as if he were legitimate. [11]   The country of Rannoch had been inhabited by MacGregors from early days, and confident in what they conceived to be their right of possession and their position as king’s tenants, they became undoubtedly thorns in the side of those who had been given charters over their heads. The Clan Menzies [12]   do not appear to have been very exacting, but the Campbells lost no opportunity of endeavouring to sow strife between the ClanGregor and their neighbours. The following passages are taken by permission, from the “Red and White Book of Menzies,” by D. P. Menzies, F.S.Scot. [13]  

After stating that the left wing of the English was cut to pieces at Flodden by the Clans, including Menzies, MacGregors, &a, it continues :-
“On Campbell of Glenurchy receiving all he could from Sir Robert in connection with his liferent of the lands of Crannoch, which gave him a footing on Loch Tayside, he then, for the purpose of forcing the Menzies to sell these lands, secretly, by misrepresentations and other influences, stirred up the MacGregors and other unsophisticated kindly tenants of the Menzieses to violate the laws of the land, and thereby embroiling Sir Robert into difficulties with the Crown for the acts of his tenants. These lawless men were not all MacGregors, but they were saddled with these crimes by their would be friend Campbell.

“. . . . Sir Robert ‘therefore on giving his son a grant of Rannoch bound him not to let these lands in life rents or long leases. It had been made clear to Sir Robert that the Campbells had in secret made use of the MacGregors to ravish his lands so that he would get disgusted with such a state of affairs, and would therefore let or sell the lands on easy terms to the Campbells. This is quite obvious, as there never was any difference between the Menzies and the MacGregors who were their kindly tenants [page 91} and kinsmen (?). until the crafty Campbells came as evil spirits among those peaceful Celts.’ Sir Robert therefore procured a second obligation from his son William Menzies not to let his lands of Roro [14]   in Glenlyon, to the Campbells or the Chief MacGregor.

“Obligation not to set Rorow to Campbells nor the Chief of MacGregor: [15]   - Perth, 22. Feb. 1518. We William Menzies and Jonat Campbell my spouse binds and oblissis vs, and the langer levand of vs tua to ane honourable man Schir Robert Menzies of that ilk, knyght, that we sal gif na takkis nor set in assedatioun the tuelf merkislands of Rorowis, with the pertinentis liand in the barony of Menzeis and Schirefdom of Perth, quhilkis we haif of the said Sir Robert to nane berand the surname of Campbell, nor to the Chief of the ClanGregor, vnder pain of ane hundreth pundis to be payt to the said Robert for costis, scathis, and expenses. Indorsed The oblygatioun that Rorow sall nocht be set to the Campbells na Scheyff of the ClanGregour. - Charter Room of Castle Menzies.”

It is stated in the “Lairds of Glenlyon,” by Mr. Duncan Campbell, that the second daughter of this Sir Robert Menzies (who died in 1523) married MacGregor of Roro.
“For every theft or violation of the law done by the MacGregors (or by caterans or outlaws) the government held Sir Robert responsible as Lord of Rannoch. He petitioned the government to be relieved of this burden. This he urged in 1530. by ‘asking instruments that without some good rule be found for the ClanGregor he may not be to answer for them on his lands, nor be burden for good rule in the same.’ - Book of Menzies.

“The MacGregors of Glenstray seem to have been on the best of terms with Sir Alexander Menzies (son and successor to Sir Robert) and for years they held the lands of Archty east and others in Rannoch where they had power from Sir Alexander to sublet these lands to any of the ClanGregor with the exception of Duncan Ladosach.

“Lease by Alexander Menzies of Rannoch to John MacGregor of Glenstray of the twenty merkland of Rannoch ‘fra the watter of Aracty est’ which had been held by the father of the said John for seven years for the payment of £20 yearly and for the other customary service. The right is given to sublet the lands to any person except ‘Duncan McGregor McPhadrick, [16]   and his barnis.’ Perth, 4. Oct. 1548. - Menzies.”

[1] See Chapter III., volume 1 chapter 3

[2] How called Lord is not known, it may have been a mistake for Laird, and so translated into Latin.

[3] Pounds of oats sown.

[4] Probably sons of Dougall Maol, father of Dean of Lismore, as they do not appear to have been of the Dougal Ciar family.

[5] Family of Dundurn

[6] MacGregors in Morinch - at the North-West end of Loch Tay. Their ancestor was Gregor, son of Duncanbeg of Roro. There was another brother, Patrick.

[7] “Tearlach” Charles.

[8] May not this word rather be “fortanach” fortunate, on the contrary.

[9] Dougal Ciar family.

[10] MacGregour thus appears to have lived in or near Balquhidder.

[11] A copy of the letter which was written in Latin is given in the “Chartulary,” but is omitted here as unimportant.

[12] Charter of the lands of Rannoch, to Robert Menzies of Menzies, 1st Sept. 1502, on lease. See Chapter IV.

[13] Published October 1894.

[14] Mention is made of the “Roros and Glenlyoun” in a charter to Sir Robert Menzies, 1510.

[15] Duncan Ladosach. – Amelia is wrong here – the Chief was John of Glenstrae

[16] This was not Duncan Ladosach, as his patronymics were Duncan MacGregor VcGregor VcIan.