very fair House of the Kings a goodly Church and a fishful Lake of which Lake it may seem to have assumed that Name For Lin in the British Tongue soundeth as much as a Lake A Sheriff it had in times past by inheritance out of the Family of the Hamiltons of Peyle and now in our days it hath for the first Earl Sir Alexander Livingston whom King James the sixth raised from the Dignity of a Baron wherein his Ancestors had flourished a long time to the Honour of an Earl In the same Shire is situat Livingstoun the Peyle of Livingstoun which was burnt by Oliver Cromwell and did antiently belong to the Family of Livingston who from the seat and sirname were first designed Lairds of Livingstoun And afterward Callender of that Ilk being Forfaulted for adhering to the Baliol. A Daughter of that Family was married to Livingstoun who by Right of Blood and Grant from King Robert the Bruce obtained the Lands and Barony of Callender whose Successor Sir Alexander Livingston of Callender was great Counsellor to King James the first and by him appointed Governour to King James the second himself or his Heir was created Lord Livingstoun Alexander Lord Livingstoun about the year 1603 was by King James the sixth created Earl of Linlithgow and was one of the Commissioners for the Union 1604. George Earl of Linlithgow great Grand child to the first Earl doth presently enjoy the Dignity and is one of the Commissioners of the Thesaury Near to Livingstoun is the Castle of Calder which antiently belonged to the Family of Sandilands in the Reign of Queen Mary 1563 Sir James Sandilands being Preceptor of Torphichen and Lord of St. John was created Lord Torphichen whose Successor Walter Lord Torphichen doth enjoy the Title The Sheriffdom of Linlithgow being annexed to the Barony of Abercorn it doth belong to Charles Hope of Hoptoun who doth inherit the Barony and Sheriffship CHAP. VIII SELGOVAE BEneath the Gadeni toward the South and West where now are the small Territories of Liddesdale Eusdale Eskdale Annandale and Nidesdale so called of little Rivers running through them which all lose themselves in Solway Firth dwelt in antient times the Selgovae the Reliques of whose name seemed to the Author to remain in that name Solway In Lidesdale there riseth aloft Armitage so called because it was in times past dedicated to a solitary life of old a very strong Castle which belonged to the Hepburns who draw their Original from a certain Englishman a prisoner whom the Earl of Merch for delivering him out of a danger greatly enriched These were Earls of Bothwell in Clydsdale and a long time by the right of inheritance Admirals of Scotland But by a Sister of James Earl of Bothwell the last of the Hepburns married unto John Prior of Coldinghame base Son to King James the fifth who begat many Bastards the Title Inheritance both came unto his Son now extinct Hard by is Branksholm the Habitation of the warlike Family of Buckcleugh surnamed Scot of whom already in Teviotdale or the Shire of Roxburgh where Branksholm is situat beside many little Piles or Forts of military Men every where In Eusdale one would deem by the affinity of the Name that old Vzellum mentioned by Ptolomy stood by the River Euse. In Eskdale some are of Opinion that the Horesti dwelt into whose Borders Julius Agricola when he had subdued the Britains inhabiting this Tract brought the Roman Army especially if we read Horesci insteed of Horesti For Ar-Esc in the British Tongue betokeneth a Place by the River Eske The Author hath disjoyned this Chapter too far from the Description of Teviotdale but gives an Entry to treat of Annandale CHAP. IX ANNANDALE UNto this on the West side adjoyneth Annandale that is The Vale by the River Annan into which the Access by Land is very difficult The Places of greater note herein are these a Castle and Town by Lough-Maban three parts whereof are environed with Water and strongly walled and the Town Annan at the very mouth almost of the River Annan which lost all the Glory and Beauty it had by the English War in the Reign of Edward the sixth In this Territory the Johnstons are Men of greatest Name a Kindred even bred to War between whom and the Maxwels there hath been professed an open Enmity over long even to deadly Feud and Blood-shed which Maxwels by Right from their Ancestors had the Rule of this Seneschalsie or Stewartrie for so it is accounted This Vale Edgar King of Scots after he was restored to his Kingdom by auxiliary Forces out of England gave in Consideration and Reward of good Service unto Robert Bruse or Brus Lord of Cliveland in York-shire who with the good favour of the King bestowed it upon Robert his younger Son when himself would not serve the King of Scots in his Wars From him flowered the Bruses Lords of Annandale of whom Robert Brus married Isobel the Daughter of William King of Scots by the Daughter of Robert Avenal His Son likewise Robert the third of that Name wedded the Daughter of David Earl of Huntington and of Garioch whose Son Robert surnamed The Noble when the Issue of Alexander the third King of Scots failed challenged in his Mothers Right the Kingdom of Scotland before Edward the first King of England as the direct and superiour Lord of the Kingdom of Scotland so the English give it out or an honourable Arbitrator for so say the Scots as being nearer in proximity in Degree and Bloud to King Alexander the third and Margaret Daughter to the King of Norway although he was the Son by a second Sister who soon after resigning up his own Right granted and gave over to his Son Robert Brus Earl of Carrick to his Heirs the Author alledges this out of the very Original all the Right and Claim which he had or might have to the Kingdom of Scotland But the Action and Suit went with John Balliol who sued for his Right as descended of the eldest Sister although in a degree farther off and Sentence was given in these words For that the Person more remote in the second Degree descending in the first Line is to be preferred before a nearer in a second Line in the succession of an Inheritance that cannot be parted Howbeit the said Robert Son to the Earl of Carrick by his own vertue at length recovered the Kingdom unto himself and established it to his Posterity A Prince who as he flourished notably in regard of the glorious Ornaments of his Noble Acts so he triumphed as happily with invincible Fortitude Courage over Fortune that so often crossed him Sir Richard Murray of Cock-pool Baronet was first created Viscount of Annan is so designed in the year 1623 and thereafter in the 1624 was by King James the sixth created Earl of Annandale The Laird of Johnstoun was created Lord
was slain be the Lord of Mongumry and ane Douchter Gregane quhylk was maryit efter on the Erl of Casselis and efter the deith of the Lord Boyd this Douchter of James the Secound was maryit on the Lord Hammylton and be that way the House of Hammylton is decorit in the Kyngs Blude And thereafter in Parliament 1542 James Earl of Arran the Grand-child of this marriage was declared Governour of the Kingdom during the Nonage of Queen Mary And in the year 1548 was by Henry the Second King of France created Duke of Castle-herald in France and thereafter his Son Iohn was by King James the Sixth created Marquess of Hamilton anno 1599 and was the first that enjoyed that Dignity in Scotland his Son James Marquess of Hamilton was Commissioner for the King to the Parliament 1621 whose eldest Son James Marquess of Hamilton was created thereafter Duke of Hamilton his second Son Lord William Hamilton was Secretary to King Charles the first and created Earl of Lanerk in the year 1640 from the Head-Burgh of the Shire who after the death of his Brother Duke James was also Duke of Hamilton the Lives and Actions of James and William Dukes of Hamilton and Castle-Herald are set forth in the Memoirs written by Dr. Gilbert Burnet now Bishop of Salisburry William Duke of Hamilton as well as James Duke of Hamilton having deceased without Heirs-Male of their own Body the Dignity of Hamilton and Castle-Herald did descend upon Dutchess Anna eldest Daughter to Duke James who married that Noble and Stately Person William Earl of Selkirk thereafter Duke of Hamilton formerly mentioned who have that advantage above others of many excellent Children who already have appeared much in the World viz. Their eldest Son James Earl of Arran who after he had finished his Travells Abroad Resided at the Court of England and from King Charles the second and King James the seventh enjoyed many Honourable Employments The second Lord William of great Hopes dyed in France Upon his third Son Lord Charles descended his Dignity of Earl of Selkirk as is said who is one of the Gentlemen of Their Majesties Bed-Chamber The fourth Son Lord John is General of Their Majesties Mint and married to Lady Anna Kennedy Daughter to John Earl of Cassils by his most excellent and vertuous Lady Susanna second Daughter to James Duke of Hamilton Their fifth Son Lord George Collonel of that Valiant and Renowned Regiment ordinarly Commanded by one of the Family of Dowglass of which this Lord is a Grand-child The sixth Son Lord Basile married to Mrs. Mary Dumbar Heiress to Sir David Dumbar of Baldone Baronet in the Shire of Wigtoun her Grand-father by his Son of the same Name married o Lady Helen Montgomery Daughter to Hugh Earl of Eglington The seventh Lord Archibald is Commander of the Woolage one of Their Majesties Ships of War Their eldest Daughter Lady Katharine is married to John Lord Murray eldest Son to the Marquess of Atholl The second is Susanna Countess Dowager and Mother of William Earl of Dundonald and Lady Margaret is married to James Earl of Panmure The River Glotta or Clyde runneth from Hamiltoun by Bothwel which glorieth in the Earls thereof namely John Ramsey whose greatness with King James the Third was excessive but pernicious both to himself and the King and the Hepburns of whom already Near to this place is Blantyre from which Walter Prior of Blantyre Lord Privy-Seal and afterward Thesaurer and one of the Octavians to King James the Sixth and an extraordinar Lord of Session was created Lord Blantyre July 10. 1606 his Descendant is Alexander Lord Blantyre This River runneth straight forward with a ready stream through Glasgow in ancient times past a Bishops Seat but discontinued a great while until that King William restored it up again but now it is an Arch-bishops See and an University which Bishop Turnbul after he had in a pious and religious intent built a Colledge in the year 1454 first founded This Glasgow is the most famous Town of Merchandise in this Tract for pleasant Situation Apple-trees and other like Fruit-trees much commended having also a very fair Bridge supported with eight Arches Near to it is Rutherglen a Burgh Royal and head Burgh of the nether-ward of Clydsdale as Lanerk is of the whole Shire and specially of the upper-ward Lower on the Bank of Clyde lyeth the Barony of Renfrew anciently in the Shire of Lanerk but by King Robert the 3d. erected in a Shire so called of the principle Town which may seem to be Randvara in Ptolomy upon the River Cart which had the Baron of Cathcart dwelling upon it carrying the same sirname of ancient Nobility The present Lord Cathcart is called Allan his Residence is now at Sundrom in Kings-kyle on the River of Kylne near where it falls into the River Air. Near unto Cathcart for this little Province can shew a goodly Breed of Nobility there Bordereth Cruikston the Seat in times past of the Lords of Darnley from whom by right of marriage it came to the Earls of Lennox whence Henry the Father of King James the Sixth was called Lord Darnley Halkead the Habitation of the Barons of Ross descended orginally from English Blood as who fetch their Pedegree from that Robert Ross of Wark who long since left England and came under the Alledgeance of the King of Scots of whom is descended William Lord Ross. Pasley sometimes a famous Monastery founded by Alexander the Second of that name High-steward of Scotland which for a gorgeous Church and rich Furniture was inferior to few but by the beneficial Favour of King James the Sixth it yielded both Dwelling-place and Title of Baron to Lord Claud Hamilton a younger Son of the Duke of Chasteu Herald the eldest Son of the Earl of Abercorn is designed Lord Pasley of whom already And Semple the Lord whereof Baron Semple by ancient Right was Sheriff of this Barony The Lady Heiress of Semple being married to Francis Abercrombie of Fiternier he was by King Charles the 2d created Lord Glasford and is Father to the present Lord Semple In this Country of Renfrew is Areskine the Seat of the ancient Lords of Areskine now Earls of Marr. But the Title of Baron of Renfrew by a peculiar priviledge since the Reign of King Robert the 3d. doth appertain unto the Prince of Scotland The heretable Sheriffs of this Shire are the Earls of Eglington The Author Camden is not to be blamed for asserting that Alexander the Second Great Stewart of Scotland Founded the Monastry of Pasley since it was generally related by the Scottish Historians but because the Errors in this Matter are so many and gross to the disadvantage of the Great Stewarts of Scotland Progenitors to our Kings and that a wrong Genealogy of them is printed with our Acts of Parliament I must be allowed to prevent the further
Son to Alexander the first Earl of Linlithgow who by King Charles the First was created Lord Almond and then Earl of Callender in the year 1641 he was Lieutenant General to the Parliaments Army his Successor by entail is James Brother Son to George now Earl of Linlithgow mention hath been made of the Earl of Linlithgow in Lithgow Shire The Family of the Barons Fâ—â—â—ing dwelling hard by at Cumbernald which they received at the hands of King Robert Bruce for their Service valiantly and faithfully performed in defence of their Country whereby also they attained unto the hereditary Honour to be Chamberlanes of Scotland and the favour of King James the Sixth honoured this House with the Title of Earl of Wigtoun About the year 1606 his Predecessor had that Title with the Lordship of Galloway in the Reign of King David Bruce which they resigned to the Earl of Dowglass who and his Successors amongst other Titles were designed Earls of Wigtoun till the Forefaulture in the Reign of King James the Second and the Dignity was vacant till conferred by King James the Sixth as said is the Heir of this Family is Iohn Earl of Wigtoun In a place near adjoyning standeth Elphingstoun which likewise hath his Barons advanced to that Dignity by King James the 4th of whom is descended Iohn now Lord Elphingstoun And where Forth full of his windings crooked Cranks runneth down with a rolling pace and hath a Bridge over him standeth Stirling commonly called Striviling and Stirling Burgh where on the very brow of a steep Rock there is mounted on high a passing strong Castle of the Kings which King James the Sixth beautified with new Buildings and where of a long time the Lords of Areskine Earls of Marr have been Captains unto whom the Charge and Tuition of the Princes of Scotland during their Minority have been at other times committed Whereas some there be that would have the good and lawful money of England which is called Sterling money to take the name from hence they are much deceived for that Denomination came from the Germans of their easterly Dwelling termed by English men Easterlings whom King John of England first sent for to reduce the silver to the due fineness and purity and such Monies in ancient writing are ever more found by the name of Easterling About two Miles hence the Banock-burn runneth between exceeding high Banks on both sides and with a very swift Stream in Winter toward the Forth a Burn most famous for as glorious a Victory as ever the Scots had what time as Edward the Second King of England was put to flight who was fain to make hard shift and in great haste and fear to take a Boat and save his life yea and the most puissant Army which England had before sent out was discomfited through the valiant prowess of King Robert Bruce insomuch as for two years after the English came not into the Field against the Scots About Stirling Ptolomy seemeth to place Alauna which is either near the little River Alon that here entreth into the Forth or else by Alloway an house and ordinar Residence of the Areskins who by Inheritance are the Sheriffs of all this Territory without the Burgh but have been of a long time Earls of Marr from a country in Aberdeen Shire to be described after The Sheriffship of this Shire belongs to the Earls of Callender Sir William Alexander was the Kings Lieutenant in Nova Scotia and had Precedency of all those Baronets he succeeded Sir Archibald Aitchison as Secretary of State to King Charles the First and is so designed in the Kings Letter anent the Baronets November 17. 1629. Amongst the Commissioners for continuing the Parliament August 4. 1631 is William Viscount of Stirling principal Secretary he was created Earl of Stirling anno 1633 his Heir doth reside in England To conclude this Chapter take here a Description of the principal Seal of the Burgh of Stirling which carries on the one side a Bridge of seven Arches with a Cross mounted on the the middle and armed men on each side of the Cross with this Inscription Hic armis Bruti Scoti stant hic Cruce tuti And on the other side a large strong Castle in a Wood with this Motto Continet hoc in se Nemus Castrum Strivlingnense Which two Inscriptions they give us in English thus The Brittains stand by force of Arms The Scots are by this Cross preserv'd from Harms The Castle and the Wood of Stirling town Are in the compass of this Seal set down Which agreeth well with what Buchanan said that the River Carron was the Boundary of the Roman Conquests and Stirling the Limits of the Brittains and Scots However it be the Seal and Inscription must be very old when special notice is taken of a Wood at Stirling whereof there is but small Remains and at this place doth the River Forth admit of a Bridge which is the secure Passage betwixt the South and North of Scotland CHAP. XIX CALEDONIA WHatsoever part of Brittain lyeth northward beyond Grahams Dyke or the Wall of Antoninus Pius before named and beareth out on both Seas is called by Tacitus Caledonia likeas the people thereof Brittains inhabiting Caledonia Ptolemy divideth them into many Nations as Caledonii Epidii Vacomagi c. who were all of them afterward for continuing their ancient manner and custom of painting their Bodies named by the Romans and provincial people Picts divided by Ammianus Marcellinus into two Nations the Dicalidones and Vecturiones howbeit in the approved and best Writers they go all under the name of Caledonians whom I would think to have been so called of Kaled a Brittish word that signifieth Hard and in the plural Number maketh Kaledion whence the word Caledonii may be derived that is to say hard rough uncivil and a wilder kind of people such as the northern Nations for the most part are who by reason of the rigorous cold of the Air are more rough and fierce and for their abundance of Blood more bold and adventurous Moreover beside the position of the Climat this is furthered by the nature and condition of the Soil which riseth up all throughout with rough and rugged Mountains and Mountainers verily all men know and confess to be hardy stout and strong But whereas Varro alledgeth out of Pacuvius that Caledonia breedeth and nourisheth men of exceeding big Bodies I would understand the place rather of Caledonia the Region of Epirus than this of our although ours may also justly challenge unto it self this commendation Among this was the Wood Caledonia termed by Lucius Florus Saltus Caledonius that is the Forrest of Caledonia spreading out a mighty way and impassible by reason of tall Trees standing so thick divided also by Gramp Hill now called Granizbain that is the crooked bending Mountain That Vlysses arrived in Caledonia saith Solinus appeareth plainly by a votive Altar with
to use the words of the Record is Directus totius Dominus that is The direct Lord of the whole Domain or Dominion and hath Royal Authority and Jurisdiction over all the States and Degrees as well Ecclesiastical as Lay or Temporal Next unto the King is his eldest Son who is called Prince of Scotland and by a peculiar Right Duke of Rothsay and Seneschal or Steward of Scotland But all the rest of the Kings Children are named simply Princes Among the Nobles the greatest and most honourable were in old time The Thanes that is those who were enobled only by the Office which they administred For the word in the ancient English Saxon Tongue signifieth The Kings Minister Of these they of the superior place were called Abthanes the inferior Vnder Thanes But these Names by little and little grew out of use ever since that King Malcolm the third conferred the Titles of Earls and Barons after the manner received from the English upon Noblemen of good good deâ—â—â—â—â— In process of time new Titles of Honours were much taken up and Scotland as well as England hath had Dukes Marquesses Earls Viscounts and Barons As for the Title of Duke the first that brought it into Scotland was King Robert the third about the year of Salvation 1400. Likeas the honourable Titles of Marquess and Viscount were first brought in by King JAMES the sixth These are counted Nobles of the higher degree and have both place and voice in the Parliament and by a special Name are called Lords likeas also the Bishops Among the Nobles of a lower degree in the first place are ranked Knights who verily are dubbed with greater solemnity than in any other place throughout all Europe by taking of an Oath and are proclaimed by the publick voice of an Herauld In the year 1621 was instituted the Hereditary Order of Knight Baronet for advancing the Plantation of Nova-Scotia in America with Precedency of all ordinary Knights Lesser Barons or Lairds Of which Order there is a great Number but the ancient Great Lairds Chiefs of Clans or Families have not generally yielded Precedency to them Of a second sort are they who are termed Lairds and Barons among whom none were reckoned in old time but such as held immediatly from the King Lands in Chief and had jus furcarum that is power to Hang c. In the third place are all such as being descended from worshipful Houses and not honoured with any special Dignity be termed Gentlemen All the rest as Citizens Merchants Artisans c. are reputed among the Commons CHAP. III. The Judicatories or Courts of Justice THe supreme Court as well for Dignity as Authority is accounted the Assembly of the States of the Kingdom which is called by the very same Name as it is in England A Parliament and hath the same very power as absolute It consisteth of three States of Lords Spiritual namely Bishops Abbots and Priors and of Lords Temporal to wit Dukes Marquesses Earls Viscounts and Barons and Commissioners for Cities and Burghs Unto whom were adjoyned not long since for every County or Shire also two Commissioners And by the 11th Act of the second Session of this current Parliament certain Shires and the Stewartrie of Kirkcudbright therein enumerat according to the largeness and extent of the Lands are allowed an additional Representation of Commissioners in Parliament whereby the greater Shires are allowed four some Shires three and in the Stewartrie of Kirkcudbright two Commissioners As will appear clearly by the List of Parliament subjoyned It is appointed and solemnly called by the King at his pleasure at a certain set time before it be holden When these States abovesaid are assembled and the causes of their assembly delivered by the King his Commissioner or Chancellor the Lords Spiritual chuse out apart by themselves eight of the Lords Temporal as also the Lords Temporal make choise of as many out of the Lords Spiritual then the same all joyntly together nominat eight of the Commissioners for the Counties and as many of the Commissioners for the free Burghs regal which make up in all the number of thirty two And then these Lords of the Articles so they are termed together with the Chancellor Treasurer Keeper of the Privy Seal Kings Secretary c. do admit or reject every Bill proposed unto the States after they have been first imparted unto the King or his Commissioner Being allowed by the whole Assembly of the States they are throughly weighed examined such of them as pass by the greater number of Voices are exhibited unto the King or his Commissioner who by touching them with the Scepter pronounceth that he either ratifieth approveth them or disableth and maketh the same void· But if any thing dislike the King it is razed out before This Method of the Lords of Articles is altered by the 3d. Act of the first Session of this current Parliament whereby the Committee of Parliament is abrogated and the Parliament to appoint Committees of what Number they please being alike of Noblemen Barons and Burgâ—sses to be chosen out of each Estate by it self for preparing all Motions and overtures first made in the House and that the Parliament may alter the said Committees at their pleasure or conclude upon matters proponed before them in plain Parliament without Committees and that in the Committes some of the Officers of State may be present by their Majesties or their Commissioners appointment who is freely to propose and debate allennerly but not to Vote By Act of Parliament 1617 the Officers of State are restricted to the number of Eight including the Master of Requests beside the Chancellor who by his Office is President of the Parliament Since the Restauration of King Ch. 2d there hath been no Master of Requests but frequently two Secretaries and there hath been also Debate amongst the lesser Officers of State and especially between the Thesaurer-Depute and the others concerning their Precedency but at present by Order the Thesaurer-Deput is ranked after the Advocat and before the Justice-Clerk The second Court or next unto the Parliament is the Colledge of Justice or Session which King James the fifth Parl. 5. Art 36. 40. and 41. anno 1532. instituted after the form of the parliament of Paris consisting of a President fourteen Senatours seven of the Clergy and as many of the Laitie unto whom is adjoyned the Lord Chancellor who being present is to have Vote and be Principal of the said Council And sickâ—ike other Lords as shall please the Kings Grace to injoyn to them of his great Council to have vote sicklike to the number of three or four By vertue whereof the King uses to adjoyn besides the Chancellor four of the Nobility or Lords of Parliament who are called Extraordinar Lords and are not counted of the Quorum of the Nine which must be of the Ordinar Lords The Distinction of half Spiritual half
Peace of the Nation wherein the Chancellor by his Office doth preside and after him the President of the Council who hath the same precedency as in England The Persons are chiefly named out of the Nobility with the addition of some Barons In the Thesaury and Exchequer the Lord high Thesaurer doth preceed but this Office is frequently in Commission as it is at present and then the Lord Chancellor is and uses to be one and Chief of the Commission as also the Lord Thesaurer Deput and they together with the Lords of Exchequer nominat by Their Majesties do Order Determine and dispose of the Kings Rents Revenues Gifts and Casualities I have omitted particular Lists of them in regard the Commissions to the Council Thesaury and Exchequer are some times changed as the King doth think fit and that the persons employed in them are eminent of whom occasion will be to make mention in some part of this Treatise either as Noblemen Sheriffs of or Commissioners from Shires or otherwise CHAP. IV. GADENI or LADENI UPon the Ottadini or Northumberland bordered as next Neighbours the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is GADENI who also by the inversion or turning of one Letter upside down are called in some Copies of Ptolomy LADENI seated in that Countrey which lieth between the mouth of the River Tweed and Edinburgh Forth And is at this day divided into many petty Countries The chief whereof are Teviotdale Tweddale Merss and Lothian in Latine Lodenium under which one general Name alone the Writers of the middle time comprised all the rest CHAP. V. TEVIOTDALE TEviotdale that is to say the Vale by the River Tiviot or Teveat lying next unto England among the edges of high craigie Hills is inhabited by a war-like Nation which by reason of so many Encounters in foregoing Ages between Scots and English are always most ready for Service and sudden Invasions The first place among these that we meet with is Jedburgh a Burgh well inhabited and frequented standing near unto the confluence of Teviot and Jed whereof it took the Name Also Melros a very ancient Monastry wherein at the beginning of our Church were cloistered Monks of that ancient Order and Institution that gave themselves to Prayer and with their Hand-labour earning their Living which holy King David restored and replenished with Cistertian Monks And more Eastward where Tweed and Teviot joyn in one Stream Rosburgh sheweth it self called also Roxburgh and in old time MARCHIDUN because it was a Town in the Marches where stands a Castle that for natural Situation and towred Fortificatons was in time past exceeding strong Which being surprised and held by the English whiles James the second King of Scots encircled it with a Siege he was by a piece of a great Ordnance that broke slain untimely in the flower of his youth A Prince much missed and lamented of his Subjects As for the Castle it was yielded and being then for the most part of it lay'd even with the ground is now in a manner quite vanished and not to be seen The Territory adjoyning called of it the Sheriffdom of Roxburgh hath one hereditary Sheriff out of the Family of the Dowglas who is usually called the Sheriff of Teviotdale The Heir of this Family is Sir William Dowglas of Cavers who is present Sheriff and one of the Commissioners of the Shire to this present Parliament And now hath Roxburgh also a Baron Roxbert Ker through the favour of King James the sixth out of the Family of Kers a famous House and spred into a number of Branches as any one in that Tract Out of which the Fernhersts and others inured in martial Feats have been of great Name Sir Robert Ker of Cessfuird was amongst other great Men chosen by K. James the sixth to attend him in his Journey to England in the year 1603. to take possession of that Crown at which time he was created Lord Roxburgh and is mentioned amongst the Commissioners for the Union Parl. 1604. first of all the Lords created about that time and in like manner in the Decreet of Ranking and the several Rolls of Parliament he is placed before Loudown Lindores c. till the year 1617 when he is designed by the Rolls of that Parliament Earl of Roxburgh he was Lord Privy Seal to King Ch. the first whose Grand-childs Grandchild is Robert Earl of Roxburgh The Laird of Berneherst the other principal Family of that Name was by King James the sixth created Lord Jedburgh which Peerage doth belong to the Lord Newbottle eldest Son to the Earl of Lothian and in the Quality of Lord Jedburgh William Lord Newbottle is a Member of this present Parliament which is special to the Earl of Lothians Family that both the Father and the Son are Peers Sir Robert Ker the youngest Brother of the first Lord Jedburgh a great Favorite of King Ja. the sixth was by him made Thesaurer of Scotland and Earl of Somerset in England Also of the Family of Ferneherst Sir Robert Ker of Ancrum was created Earl of Ancrum by King Cho. he first in the year 1633 of whom is descended Robert Earl of Lothian by his Father William Earl of Lothian who married the Heiress and the younger Brother succeeded to his Father in the Dignity of the Earl of Ancrum residing in England who sat in the Parliament 1681. Collonel Rutherfoord of the Family of Hunthill was created Earl of Teviot by King Cha. the second who left his Fortune and the Dignity of Lord Rutherfoord to the family of Hunthill which hath been possessed by three Brothers the youngest is Robert Lord Rutherfoord The Dignity of Viscount Teviot was conferred by King Ia. the seventh anno 1686 on the Lord Spencer eldest Son to the Earl of Sunderland in England In the same Shire lived Sir Walter Scot of Branâ—holme who by King Ja. the sixth 17 May 1606 was created Lord Scot of Buckcleugh he was the next after the Lord Scoon and these mentioned in the Decreet of Ranking and was immediatly created before the Lord Blantyre his Son Walter was created Earl by the same King in the year 1619 in the Rolls of Parliament 1621 is ranked after the Earls of Roxburgh and Kellie and before the Earl of Melrosâ— his Son Earl Francis was Father to Countess Margaret married to Walter Scot of Heychester who shortly deceased her Husband was by King Cha. the second created Earl of Tarras during life by whose decease the Dignity is extinct the younger Daughter Countess Anna was married to James Scot Duke of Monmouth Son to K. Ch. the second and was by him created Dutchess of Buckcleugh about the year 1661. who liveth and her Son is James Earl of Dalkeitb Tweed aforesaid runneth through the midst of a Dale taking Name of it replenished with Sheep that bear Wool of great request A very goodly River this is which springing more inwardly Eastward
With the great head King of Scotland entertained enriched him with the Castle of Dunbar and honoured with the Earldom of Merch Whose Posterity besides other goodly and fair Lands in Scotland held as appeareth plainly in an old Inquisition the Barony of Bengelly in Northumberland that they should be Inborow and Utborow between England and Scotland What the meaning should be of these Terms let others guess In the Reign of King James the first George de Dunbar Earl of Merch by Authority of Parliament for his Fathers Rebellion lost the Property and Possession of the Earldom of Merch and the Seignorie of Dunbar And when as he proved by good Evidences and Writings brought forth that his Father had been pardoned for that Fault by the Regents of the Kingdom he was answered again that it was not in the Regents power to pardon on Offence against the State and that it was expresly provided by the Laws that Children should undergo Punishment for their fathers Transgressions to the end that being thus Heirs to their fathers Rashness as they are to their Goods and Lands they should not at any time in the haughty Pride of their own Power plot any Treason against Prince or Countrey This Title of Earl of Merch among other honourable Titles was given afterward to Alexander Duke of Albany and by him forfeited And this Title of Honour was revived again in Robert the third Brother of Matthew Earl of Lennox who being of a Bishop of Cathanes made Earl of Lennox resigned up that Title soon after unto his Nephew then created Duke of Lennox and he himself in lieu thereof received of the King the Name and Stile of the Earl of Merch Which Title was also brooked by Charles Uncle to King James and younger Brother to Henry Lord Darnley afterward King Collonel John Churchhil was created by King Charles the second Lord Churchhil of Eymouth near Berwick who is now Earl of Marleburrow in England And Sir Patrick Hume of Polwarth Baronet was by Their Majesties created Lord Polwarth in the year 1691. CHAP. VII LAUDEN or LOTHIEN LOTHIEN which is also called Lauden named in times past of the Picts Pictland shooteth out along from Merch unto the Scottish Sea or the Forth having many Hills in it and little Wood but for fruitful Corn-fields for Courtesie also and Civility of Manners commended above all other Countries of Scotland which is divided in three Shires Haddingtoun called East Lothian Edinburgh called Mid-Lothian and Linlithgow called West-Lothian About the year of our Salvation 873 Edgar King of England between whom and Keneth the third King of Scotland there was a great Knot of Alliance against the Danes common Enemies to them both resigned up his Right unto him in this Lothian as Matthew the Flour-gatherer witnesseth And to win his Heart the more unto him He gave unto him many Mansions in the way wherein both he and his Successors in their coming unto the Kings of England and in return homeward might be lodged Which unto the time of King Henry the second continued in the hands of the Kings of Scotland In this Lothian the first place that offereth it self to the view to these coming from the Mers is Dunbar a passing strong Castle in old time and the Seat of the Earls of Merch aforesaid who thereupon were called Earls of Dunbar A Piece many a time won by the English and as often recovered by the Scots But in the year 1567 by Authority of the States in Parliament it was demolished because it should not be a Hold and place of Refuge for Rebels But James King of Great-Britain conferred the Title and Honour of Earl of Dunbar upon Sir George Hume Thesaurer who is marked last Earl and after Dumfermling in the Decreet of Ranking March 5. 1606 for his approved Fidelity whom he had created before Baron Hume of Berwick to him his Heirs and Assigneys Afterward the same King did confer the Dignity of Viscount of Dunbar upon an English Gentleman of the Name of Constable whose Heirs in England doth presently enjoy that Dignity this Viscount is marked in the Rolls of Parliament 1621. Hard by Tine a little River after it hath run a short Course falleth into the Sea near unto the Spring-head whereof standeth Yester which hath his Baron out of the Family of the Hays Earls of Erroll John Lord Yester was by King Charles the first created Earl of Tweddale about the year 1646 John now Earl of Tweddale his Son after he had enjoyed several honourable publick Employments was by Their Majesties constitute Lord High Chancellor of Scotland The Lord Hay of Yester is descended of the antient Family of the Hays of Locherward near Borthwick which raise to greatness by the Marriage of three Heiresses viz. of Frazer of Oliver-Castle in Tweddale and the Heiress of Gifford of Yester the Heiress of Cunninghame of Belton both in East Lothian his chief Residence is Yester which he hath extraordinarly improven beautifyed by Planting Inclosing By the same Riveret some few miles higher is seated Hadingtoun or Hadina in a wide and broad Plain which Town the English fortifyed with a deep and large Ditch with a Mure or Rampire also without four-square and with four Bullworks at the Corners and with as many other at the Inner-wall and Sir James Wilford an Englishman valiantly defended it against Dessie the Frenchman who with Ten thousand French and Dutch together fiercely assaulted it until that by reason of the Plague which grew hot among the Garrison Soldiers Henry Earl of Rutland coming with a royal Army raised the Siege removed the French having laid the Munitions level conducted the English home And King James the sixth about the year 1606 ranged Sir John Ramsey among the Nobles of Scotland with Title and Honour of Viscount Haddingtoun for his faithful Valour as whose Right hand was the Defender of Prince and Countrey in that most wicked Conspiracy of the Gowries against the Kings Person I shall choise this place to speak of Sir Thomas Hamilton whose last Designation was Earl of Haddingtoun and the more particularly in respect he did pass through very many Degrees in the Session and enjoyed many publick Offices and attained to great Honour and Riches the first of November 1587 in the Books of Sederunt of the Lords of Session Mr. Thomas Hamilton appear and Heir of Priestfield was admitted an ordinar Advocat he was Son to Thomas Hamilton of Priestfield afterward a Lord of the Session descended of the Hamiltons of Inner weick one of the most antient and great Cadets of the Family of Hamilton he was admitted Lord of the Session 1592 under the Designation of Lord Drumcairn he is appointed one of the Commissioners for the Thesaurey and Exchequer commonly called Octavians in the year 1595 and is admitted in February thereafter Kings Advocat the fifteen of May 1612 under the Designation
raised a stately Statue of King Charles the second on Horse-Back in Brass And to the South-west on a rising Ground is a curious and large Hospital built with the Money left by George Heriot Gold-smith which doth entertain above an hundred young Boys Children of decayed Burgesses This City is well watered with five large Fountains on the high and broad Street thereof In this City also by King James the sixth an University was founded over which within a large Park riseth an Hill with two Heads called of Arthur the Britaine Arthurs Chair On the West side a most steep Rock mounteth up aloft to a stately hight every way save only where it looketh toward the City On which is placed a Castle with many a Tower in it so strong that is counted impregnable which the Britains called Castle Myned Agned the Scots The Maidens Castle and the Virgins Castle of certain young Maidens of the Picts royal Blood who were kept there in old time and which may seem in truth to have been that Castrum Alatum or Castle with a Wing abovesaid John Bothwel Commendator of Holy-rud-house who being one of these Honourable persons who attended King James the sixth to England in the year 1603 was by him created a temporal Lord of Holy-rud-house in the year 1607 which Honour is now extinct he was a Lord of the Session as also was his father Adam Bishop of Orkney who excambed that Bishoprick with Robert Stuart for the Abbacie of Holy-rud-house and the Heir of the one became Earl of Orkney and the Heir of the other Lord Holy-rud-house In the Institution of the Colledge of Justice Mr. Richard and Francis Bothwels were nominated two of the Lords of Session Near to Edinburgh is Brughtoun which belonged to the Family of the Ballendens and Sir William Ballenden being Thesaurer Deput to King Charles the second was by him made Lord Ballenden of Brughtoun about the year 1661 whose Honour was conveyed to John Ker now Lord Ballenden Uncle to the present Earl of Roxburgh who carries the Name and Arms of Ballenden Of this Family were Sir John Ballenden of Auchinnoul Justice Clerk and one of the ordinar Lords of Session in the Reign of Queen Mary and King James the sixth and Sir Lewis Ballenden also of Auchinnoul Justice Clerk and an ordinar Lord of the Session in the Reign of King James the sixth by Cnarter under the Great Seal Sir John Ballenden foresaid had the Heretable Office of Usher to the Exchequer which is transmitted to the Lord Ballenden and is exerced by a Deput named by him Fairfax an English Gentlemen was created Lord Cameron who is in the Rolls of Parliament 1633 his Successor Thomas Lord Fairfax is a Member of the House of Commons for the County of York in this current Parliament Richardson an English Gentleman was created Lord Cramond About the same time Lord Forrester of Corstorphine was created by King Charles the first anno 1633. George Lord Forrester of Corstorphine is one of the Commissioners for the holding of the Parliament 1633 and yet in the Rolls of the same Parliament he is marked Sir George Forrester for the Shire of Edinburgh so that he hath been Nobilitat after he was chosen for the Shire and before the sitting of the Parliment his Grand-child is William Lord Forrester How Edinburgh in the alternative Fortune of Wars was subject one while to the Scots and another while to the English who inhabited this East part of Scotland until it became wholly under the Scots Dominion about the year of our Salvation 960 what time the English Empire sore shaken with the Danish Wars lay as it were gasping and dying How also as an old Book of the Division of Scotland in the Library of the right honourable Lord Burghly sometime high Thesaurer of England sheweth Whiles Indulph reigned the Town of Eden was voided and abandoned to the Scots unto this present day as what variable Changes of reciprocal Fortune it hath felt from time to time the Historiographers do relate and out of them ye are to be informed A Mile from hence lyeth Leith a most commodious Haven hard upon the River Leith which when Dessey the Frenchman for the security of Edinburgh had fortified by reason of many men repairing thither within a short time from a mean Village it grew to be a big Town Again when Francis the second King of France had taken to Wife Mary the Queen of Scots the Frenchmen who in Hope and Conceit had already devoured Scotland and began now to gape for England in the year 1560 sttengthned it with more Fortifications But Elizabeth Queen of England solicited by the Nobles of Scotland that embraced the reformed Religion to side with them by her Puissance and Wisdom effected that both they returned into France and these their Fortifications were laid level with the Ground and Scotland ever since hath been freed from the French As also near this place is New-Haven from which an English Gentleman of the Name of Cheney being by K. Charles the second anno 1681 created Viscount got the Designation of Viscount of New-Haven Where this Forth groweth more and more narrow it had in the midst of it the City Caer Guidi as Bede noteth which now may seem to be the Island named Inchkeith Whether this were that Victoria which Ptolomy mentioneth I will not stand to prove although a man may believe that the Romans turned this Guidh into Victoria as well as the Isle Guith or Wight into Victesies or Vecta truely seing both these Islands be dissevered from the shore the same Reason of the Name will hold in both Languages For Ninius hath taught us that Guith in the British Tongue betokeneth a separation In West-Lothian the first remarkable place in the same Forth is the Burgh of Queens-Ferry supposed to be called from Saint Margaret Queen to King Malcom Canmore as the shortest and easiest Passage over the River of Forth to Dumfermling where she did much reside and began to found that Monastry Upon the same Forth is situat Abercorn in Bedes time a famous Monastry which by the gracious favour of King James the sixth gave unto James Hamilton eldest Son to Claud Hamilton first Commendator and then Lord of Pasley youngest Son to the Duke of Chattelrault the Title of Lord of Pasley in Renfrew he is ranked after the Lord Torphichen â—nd before the Lord Newbottle James his said Son was created Lord Abercorn about the year 1603 and is ranked after the Lord Kinloss and before Balmerinoch and in the year 1606 was created Earl of Abercorn which Title is enjoyed by Hamilton Lord Straband an Irish Peer descended of the first Earls of Abercorn And fast beside it standeth Blackness Castle and beneath it Southward the anctient City Lindum whereof Ptolomy maketh mention which the better learned as yet call Linlithgow commonly Lithgow beautified and set out with a
course of that mistake to digress a little beyond my ordinary in privat Families to give a true and brief account of that ancient great and noble Family of the Stuarts from undoubted Records Charters and History Their Barony was the Shires of Renfrew and Bute and the Stewartry of Kyle The first of that Family I find mentioned in Charters and Records is Walter the Son of Allan Dapifer Regis Founder of the Monastry of Pasley who in the Register Book of Charters of the Abbacy of Pasley now in the custody of the Earl of Dundonald Proprietar of these Lands and where he hath his chief Residence is mentioned as the Founder and Son of Allan and particularly in a Discharge granted by himself to the Monks of two Chalders of Meal payable out of the Miln he is designed Walter the Son of Allan and in a Confirmation by Pope Alexander of the Abbacy of Pasley to Alexander Stuart of Scotland he is designed Heir by Progress to Walter the Founder There are also Charters extant granted by this Walter designing himself the Son of Allan and Dapifer Regis The Chronicles of Melross and Fordon do design him Walter the Son of Allan Dapifer Regis Scotiae qui fundavit Pasletum and that he died in the year 1177 by the former and 1178. by the latter which was in the 12th or 13th year of the Reign of King William And frequently in King William's Charters in the said Register of Pasley Allan Dapifer is mentioned and also in the foresaid Confirmation by the Pope he is designed Allan the Son of Walter the Founder he died in the year 1204. To him succeeded Walter his Son designed Senescallus Scotiae Fordon relates that King Alexander the 2d at the Feast on his Birth day in the year 1231 made Walter the Son of Allan Stewart of Scotland Justiciar of Scotland A Manuscript of Andreas Wintonius Prior of the Inch in Lochlevin who wrote in the time of the Government of Robert first Duke of Albany and Uncle to King James the First Dedicate to Sir John Weyms Predecessor to the Earl of Weyms agrees with Fordon that at St. Andrews King Alexander made Allan's Son Stewart of Scotland the Kings Justiciar The Manuscript contains many things useful to the History and is in the hands of the Reverend Mr. James Kirktoun one of the Ministers of Edinburgh a person well known in Scottish Antiquities This Walter is an ordinary witness in King Alexander the Second's Charters under the Designation of Senescallus Justitiarius Scotia And as the same Winton mentions Walter Stewart and Justiciar of Scotland was in the year 1238 sent over to France to bring Mary Daughter to Ingeram de Coucy to be Queen to King Alexander Anno 1241. Obiit Walterus filius Allani junioris To Walter succeeded his Son Alexander Stewart of Scotland frequently so designed in his own and other Charters Recorded in the Register of Pasley Fordon mentions him to be killed in the Battle of the Largis in Cunninghame which he places in the year 1263 Chron. de Melross 1262 where the Norwegians were defeated and ever since banished from any possession of the Isles he is designed Alexander Stuart of Dundonald great Grand-child to the first Walter Stuart and Grandfather of the noble Walter who married King Bruce's Daughter Beside the Records of Pasley many of his Charters are extant and I have seen one by this Alexander confirming the Donation which Walter the Father gave to the Church of St. Andrews of Bromholm of 20 shilling yearly to be taken out of the Burgh of Renfrew with the Seal entire himself on Horse-back on the one side and the Checker on the other for his Arms which the sirname of Stuart do still bear To him succeeded James Great Stewart of Scotland his Son who was one of the Wardens of Scotland after the death of Alexander the third and one of these who Treated with Edward the First of England in relation to the marriage betwixt the Maid of Norway and King Edward's Son and in the Competition concerning the Crown betwixt Bruce Baliol and others As also after Baliol was defeated resigned the Crown he is amongst these whom Prinns History bears to have given Allegiance to Edward Longshanks and designed James Seneschall de scoce saluz c. A little after 15 die Maij apud Rokesburgh venit Dominus Ioannes quondam Seneschallus praedicti Domini Jacobi ` Germanus miles And I have a Charter of James Stuart of Scotland designing himself Son to Alexander Stuart of Scotland and confirming the Charter formerly mentioned granted by Alexander Stuart of Scotland his Father and Walter his Grand-father his Seal appended is also entire he died in the year 1309. At the Battle of Falkirk 1298 Sir John Stuart designed of Bute who contended with John Cummine for leading the Van-guard of the Army was killed it seems he was the same person who in the 1296 in Prinns History is called frater Germanus domini Jacobi and in the absence or restraint of his elder Brother the Stewart of Scotland acted as Stewart for him this probably hath been the mistake why our Historians omitted Iames Stuart of Scotland Predecessor and God-father to all the King Iames's and insert John Stuart to be Father to Walter Stuart of Scotland who is well known to have been Husband to Marjory Bruce the Kings Daughter and by her Father to Robert Stuart who in the absence of King David Bruce his Uncle and in Defence of his Title against Edward Baliol did many brave Actions from the year 1335 to the year 1338 when he was chosen Governour of the Kingdom which he freed from the English and Baliol's claim and restored it to King David Bruce at his Return from France this King being afterward taken Prisoner at the Battle of Durham commonly placed in the year 1348 was again Governour till the King returned from England in the 1359 by the help of his two eldest Sons John then Lord Kyle designed Senescallus de Kyle afterward King and Robert designed Senescallus de Monteith afterward Duke of Albanie Maurice Murray Lord of Bothwel and Clydsdale and Earl of Strathern being killed in the Battle of Durham Robert Stuart of Scotland was created Earl of Strathern at the same Battle John Ranulph Earl of Murray being killed the Stewart of Scotland married his Relict Eupham Ross Daughter to Hugh Earl of Ross as appears by a Charter granted by Robert Stewart of Scotland Earl of Strathern and Eupham his Spouse Countess of Murray to John Maxwel Predecessor to Sir John Maxwel of Netherpollock of certain Lands within the Earldom of Strathern which have of a long time belonged to the Lairds of Glenagies John Hadden now of Glenagies hath the Charter and Lands an ancient Baron nobly descended There is a Charter to the same person of the same Lands but then designed Sir John Maxwel by David Earl
and Inheritance As touching the Earls of Lennox themselves to omit those of more ancient and obscure times there was one Duncan Earl of Lennox in the Reign of Robert the Third who died and left none but Daughters behind him of whom one was married to Allan Stuart descended from Robert a younger Son of Walter the Second of that Name High Stewart of Scotland and Brother likewise to Alexander Stuart the Second from whom the noblest and Royal Race of Scotland hath been propagated This sirname Stuart was given unto that most noble Family in regard of the honourable Office of the Stewart-ship of the Kingdom as who had the Charge of the Kings Revenues The said Allan had Issue John Earl of Lennox and Robert Captain of that Company of Scottish men at Arms which Charles the Sixth King of France first instituted in lieu of some Recompence unto the Scottish Nation which by their Valour had deserved passing well of the Kingdom of France who also by the same Prince for his vertues sake was endowed with the Seigniory of Aubigny in Auvergne Iohn had a Son named Matthew Earl of Lennox who wedded the Daughter of James Hamilton by Marion Daughter to King James the Second on whom he begat John Earl of Lennox he taking Arms to deliver King James the Fifth out of the hands of the Dowglasses and the Hamiltons was slain by the Earl of Arran his Uncle on the Mothers side This John was Father to Matthew Earl of Lennox who having sustained sundry Troubles in France and Scotland found Fortune more friendly to him in England through the favour of King Henry the Eight considering that he bestowed upon him in marriage his Neice with fair Lands By the means of this happy Marriage were brought into the world Henry and Charles Henry by Mary Queen of Scots had Issue James the Sixth King of Brittain by the propitious Grace of the Eternal God born in a most auspicate and lucky Hour to knit and unite in one Body of an Empire the whole Island of Brittain divided as well in it self as it was heretofore from the rest of the World and to lay a most sure Foundation of an everlasting Security for our Heirs and the Posterity As for Charles he had Issue one only Daughter Arbella married to the Earl of Hertford in England who above her Sex so embraced the Studies of the best Literature that therein she profited and proceeded with singular Commendation and comparable with the excellent Ladies of old time When Charles was dead after that the Earldom of Lenox whereof he stood Enfeoffed was revoked by Parliamentary Authority in the year of our Lord 1579. and his Uncle by the Fathers side Robert Bishop of Caithness had some while enjoyed this Title in lieu whereof he received at the Kings hands the honour of the Earl of March. King James the Sixth conferred the honourable Title of Duke of Lennox upon Esme Stuart Son to Iohn Lord D' Aubigny younger Brother to Matthew aforesaid Earl of Lennox which Lodowick Esme his Son after him did enjoy For since the time of Charles the Sixth there were of this Line Lords of Aubigny in France the said Robert before named and Bernard or Eberdard under Charles the Eighth and Lewis the Twelfth who is commended with great praise unto Posterity by P. Jovius for his noble Acts most valourously exploited in the War of Naples a most firm and trusty Companion of King Henry the Seventh when he entered into England who used for his Emprese or Devise a Lyon between Buckles with this Motto Distantia Jungit for that by his Means the Kingdoms of France and of Scotland severed and dis-joined so far in distance were by a straighter League of friendship conjoyned likeas Robert Stuart Lord D' Aubigny of the same Race who was Marshal of France under King Lewis the Eleventh for the same cause used the royal Arms of France with Buckles Or in a border Gules which the Earls and Dukes of Lennox have ever since born quarterly with the Arms of Stuart The Dukes of Lennox were also heretably great Chamberlains of Scotland and High-Admirals and had several Regalities and the Baillerie of Glasgow The Race of the Earls and Dukes of Lennox aforesaid being extinct by the death of Charles Duke of Lennox and Richmond Ambassador for King Charles the Second in Denmark about the year 1672 his Estate in Scotland did fall to the King by Succession who bestowed it on his Son Charles by the Name of Charles Lennos Duke of Lennox about the year 1675 who enjoyeth that honour Lord George Dowglass one of the younger Sons of William Marquess of Dowglass Collonel of the Scottish Regiment and Mareschal of the Camp in France thereafter Lieuetenant General in Brittain was by King Charles the Second before the year 1677 created Earl of Dunbarton whose Son doth enjoy that Title CHAP. XVIII STIRLING UPon Lennox North-eastward bordereth the Territory of Stirling so named of the principle Town therein for fruitful Soll and numbers of Gentlemen in it second to no Province of Scotland Here is that narrow Land or Streight by which Dunbritton Firth and Edinburgh Firth piercing far into the Land out of the West and East Seas are divided asunder that they meet not one with the other Which thing Julius Agricola who marched hitherto and beyond first observed and fortified this Space between with Garisons so as all the part of Brittain on the east and south side was then in possession of the Romans and the Enemies removed and driven as it were into another Island in so much as Tacitus judged right truly There was no other bound or limit of Brittain to be sought for Neither verily in the time ensuing did either the Valour of Armies or the Glory of the Roman name which scarcely could be stayed set out the Marches of the Empire in this part of the World farther although with Inrodes they other whiles molested and endamnaged them But after this glorious Expedition of Agricola when himself was called back Brittain as saith Tacitus become for-let neither was the Possession kept still thus far for the Caledonian Brittains drave the Romans back as far as to the River Tine in so much as Hadrian who came into Brittain in person about the fortieth year after and reformed many things in it went no further forward but gave commandment that the God Terminus which was wont to give ground unto none should retire backward out of this place like as in the East on this side Euphrates Hence it is that S. Augustine wrot in this wise God Terminus who gave not place to Jupiter yielded unto the will of Hadrianus yielded to the rashness of Iulian yielded to the necessity of Jovian in so much as Hadrian had enough to do for to make a Wall of Turff between the Rivers Tine and Esk well near an hundred Miles southward on this side Edinburgh Firth
small River coming out of Athol This Athol that I may digress a little out of my way is infamous for Witches and wicked Women the Countrey otherwise fertile enough hath Valleys bespread with Forrests namely where that Wood Caledonia dreadful to see for the sundry turnings and windings in and out therein for the hideous horrour of dark Shades for the Burrows and Dens of Wild Bulls with thick Manes whereof I made mention heretofore extended it self in old time far and wide every way in these parts As for the Places herein they are of no great account but the Earls thereof are very memorable Thomas a younger Son of Rolland of Galloway was in his Wives Right Earl of Athol whose Son Patrick was by the Bissets his Concurrents Murdered in Feud at Had dingtoun in his Bed-chamber and forthwith the whole House wherein he Lodged burnt that it might be supposed he perished by casualty of Fire To the Earldom there succeeded David Hastings who had Married the Aunt by the Mothers side of Patrick whose Son that David surnamed of Strathbogie may seem to be who a little after in the Reign of Henry the third King of England being Earl of Athol married one of the Daughters and Heirs of Richard base Son to John King of England and had with her a very goodly inheritance in England She bare unto him two Sons John Earl of Athol who being of a variable disposition and untrusty was hanged up aloft on a Gallows fifty Foot high and David Earl of Athol unto whom by Marriage with one of the Daughters and Heirs of John Cummin of Badzenoth by one of the Heirs of Aumer de Valence Earl of Pembroch there fell great Lands and Possessions His Son David who under King Edward the second was other whiles amongst English summoned to the Parliaments in England and under King Edward Baliol made Lord Lieutenant General of Scotland was vanquished by the valerous Prowess of Andrew de Murray and slain in Battel within the Forrest of Kelblen in the year of our Lord 1335 And his Son David left two young Daughters only Elisabeth Wedded unto Sir Thomas Piercy from whom the Barons of Burrough are descended and Philip Married to Sir Thomas Halsham an English Knight Then fell the Title of Athol unto that Walter Stuart Son to King Robert the second who cruelly Murdered James the first King of Scotland who for this execrable cruelty suffered most condign punishment accordingly in so much as Aeneas Sylvius Ambassadour at that time in Scotland from Pope Eugenius the fourth gave out this Speech That he could not tell whether he should give them greater commendations that revenged the Kings Death or brand them with sharper Censure of Condemnation that distained themselves with so hainous a Paricide After some few years passed between this honour was granted unto John Stuart of the Family of Lorn the Son of James surnamed The Black Knight by Joan the Widow of King James the first Daughter to John Earl of Somerset and Niece to John of Gaunt Duke of Lancaster whose posterity at this day enjoy the same The eldest son of Tullibardine being descended of the Stuarts of Athol whose successor is John Marquess of Athol as hath been said Lord Charles Murray second Son to the Marquess of Athol was by King James the seventh Created Earl of Dunmore and Sir Robert Nairn of Straâ—hurd one of the Lords of Session was by King Charles the second about the year 1681. Created Lord Nairn his only Daughter to be Married to a younger Son of the Marquess of Athols by vertue whereof William Lord Murray is now Lord Nairn The Marquess of Athol is Heretable Sheriff of Perth This River is increased by receiving the River of Braâ—n which having given name to a Strath through which it passeth loseth its name by augmenting of Tau at Dunkeld which was adorned by King David the first with an Episcopal See Sir James Galloway Master of Requests to King James the sixth and King Charles the first was by the latter Created Lord Dunkell about the year 1646. whose Grand Child is Forfeited for opposing their Majesties in the Highlands by force of Arms. In these bounds lyes Gillichrankie a place remarkâ—ble for the Defeat of the Kings Forces under the Command of General Major Mckay by the late Viscount of Dundee and his Associats but himself was killed in the Action which fell out the 27th of July 1689. Most Writers grounding upon the signification of that Word suppose Dunkeld to be a Town of the Caledonians and interpret it The Mount or Hill of Hazeles as who would have that name given unto it of the Hazel-trees in the Wood Caledonia from hence the Tau passeth forward to the old Castle of Kincleiven where it is much augmented by the River Ila a very pleasant and large River and thence goeth downward by the Carcass of Bertha a little desolat City remembring well enough what a great loss and calamity he brought upon it in times past when with an extraordinary swelling Floud he surrounded all the Fields laid the goodly standing Corn along on the Ground and carried headlong away with him this poor City with the Kings Child and Infant in his Cradle and the Inhabitants therein In steed whereof in a more commodious place King William builded Perth which straightways became so wealthy that Necham who lived in that age versified of it in this manner Transis ample Tai per rura per oppida per Perth Regnum sustentant istius urbis opes By Villages by Towns by Perth thou runn'st great Tay amain The Riches of this City Perth doth all the Realm sustain But the posterity ensuing call it of a Church founded in honour of Saint John Saint Johns Town and the English whiles the Wars were hot between the Bruces and the Balliols Fortified it with great Bulwarks which the Scots afterwards for the most part overthrew and disman led it themselves Howbeit it is a proper pretty City pleasantly seated between two Greens and for all that some of the Churches be destroyed yet a goodly shew it maketh ranged and set out in such an uniform manner that in every several Street almost there dwell several Artificers by themselves and the River Tau bringeth up with the Tide Sea Commodities by Lighters King James the sixth having erected it to the Title of an Earldom Created James Baron Drummond Earl of Perth of whom in Strathern Unto Perth these places are near Neighbours Methven near to which runneth the river of Almond which passing downward falleth in Tau near to the place where the antient Town of Bertha stood Margaret an English Lady Widow unto King James the fourth purchased Methven with ready Money for her third Husband Henry Stuart descended of the Royal Blood and for his Heirs and withal obtained of her Son King James the fifth for him the dignity of a Baron since extinct and was one of the
Stuart Heiress and Countess of Angus of which marriage was George Douglas Earl of Angus who married King Robert the Thirds Daughter have been Earls of Angus and reputed the chief and principal Earls of Scotland and to whom this Office belongeth to carry the Regal Crown before the Kings at the solemn Assembly of the Kingdom The sixth Earl of Angus out of this stock was Archibald who espoused Margaret Daughter to Henry the seventh King of England and Mother to James the fifth King of Scots by whom he had Issue Margaret Wife to Matthew Stuart Earl of Lennox who after her Brothers decease that died Childless willingly resigned up her Right and Interest in this Earldom unto Sir David Douglass of Pittindreich her Uncles Son by the Fathers side and that with consent of her Husband and Sons to the end that she might bind the surer unto her self by the link also of a beneficial demerit that Family which otherwise in Blood was most near what time Henry her Son went about to Wed Mary the Queen by which Marriage King James the sixth the mighty Monarch of Great-Britain was happily born to the good of all Britain and from these Earls of Angus Douglass the Marquess of Douglass is lineally descended From an Abbacy in this Shire James Elphingstoun second Son to Secretary Elphingstoun Lord Balmerinoch was created by King James the sixth Lord Couper but dying without Issue the Title and Dignity is confounded in the person of the now Lord Balmerinoch The Sheriffship of this Shire being at the Kings disposal Patrick Earl of Strathmore is Sheriff CHAP. XXVIII MERNIS OR Shire of KINCARDIN THese Regions were in Ptolomy's time inhabited by the Vernicones the same perhaps that the Vecturiones mentioned by Marcellinus But this their name is now quite gone unless we would imagine some little piece thereof to remain in Mernis For many times in common speech of the British Tongue V. turneth into M. This small Province Mernis lying on the North-side of the North-Water of Esk abutting upon the German Ocean and of a Rich and fertile Soil lieth very well as a plain and level Champion But the most memorable place therein is Dunnotyr a Castle advanced upon an high and unaccessible Rock whence it looketh down to the underflowing Sea well fensed with strong Walls and Turrets which hath been a long time the habitation of the Keiths of an antient and very noble Stock who by the guidance of their Vertue became Hereditary Earls Mareschals of the Kingdom of Scotland in the Reign of King Robert Bruce and Sheriffs of this Province of whom is descended William now Earl Mareschal In a Porch or Gallery here is to be seen that antient Inscription formerly mentioned of a Company belonging to the twentieth Legion the Letters whereof the right Noble and Honourable Earl George Commissioner to the Parliament 1609 a great lover of Antiquity caused to be Guilded Somewhat further from the Sea standeth Fordon graced in some sort and commendable in regard of John de Fordon who being born here diligently and with great pains Compiled Scoti Chronicon that is The Scottish Chronicle unto whose laborious studies the Scottish Historiographers are very much indebted but more glorious and renowned in old time for the Reliques of St. Palladius bestowed and shrined sometime as is verily thought in this place who in the year 431 was by Pope Coelestinas appointed the Apostle of the Scottish Nation In this Shire the Laird of Arbuthnet of that lik of an antient Family was created Viscount Arbuthnet by King Charles the first about the year 1641 whose Great Grand-Child is Robert Viscount of Arbuthnet As also Sir Alexander Falconer one of the Lords of Session was by King Charles the first anno 1648 Created Lord Halcartoun whose Grand-Child is now Lord Halcartoun Also Lieutenant-General Middletoun of an antient Family designed by that Surname was by K. Charles the second appointed Commissioner for holding the Parliament 1661 and Created at that time Earl of Middletoun his Son is Charles Earl of Middletoun who was first Secretary of Scotland and then of England to King Charles the second and King James the seventh In this Shire is Inverbervie a Burgh-Royal In the antient times the Countrey Horestia did comprehend both Angus and Mernis in this matter I must be allowed to differ from the Learned Author who places the Horesti in the Countrey of Eskdale a small and inconsiderable Countrey surrounded with others and not bordering on the Sea whereas Tacitus in the Life of Agricola Describing his War in our part of Britain saith The third year of the War Agricola discovered new Nations which he conquered even to the River Tau And after this he adds Agricola having beat Galgacus near to the Grampian Hills brought back the Roman Army to the boders of the Horesti and having received Hostages from them he ordered the Commanders of the Roman Fleet to sail about the Isle The chief part of this quotation is on the Margin in the words of the Author which is only applicable to the Mouth and Firth of Tay and the Countrey of Angus and Mernis situat thereupon where the Roman Navy hath Landed their Men and in the which station remained to receive them at the end of the expedition and from this Port to the Grampian Hills through the large Countrey of Strathmore they have marched their Army and Carriages and by the same Way returned them to their Ships of which great ways there are certain Vestiges remaining but there is no direct continued way betwixt the Grampian Hills and Eskdale nor could any army with such great Carriages march betwixt these places nor thereafter be Embarked at Eskdale See more of this in Sir George Mckenzies Answer to St. Asaph CHAP. XXIX MARRIA OR MAR. FRom the Sea in the Mediterranean or In-landparts above Mernis Mar enlargeth it self and runneth forward threescore Miles or thereabout where it lieth broadest VVest-wards it swelleth up with Mountains unless it be where the Rivers Dee which Ptolomy calleth Diva and Don make way for themselves and infertile the Fields Upon the Bank of Don Kildrummy standeth as a fair Ornament to the Countrey being the antient Seat of the Earls of Mar and not far distant from it the Habitation of the Barons Forbois who being issued from a Noble and Antient Stock assumed this Surname whereas before time they were called Bois after that the Heir of that Family had manfully killed a Savage and Cruel Bare of whom is Descended William now Lord Forbes But at the very Mouth of this River there be two Towns that give greater Ornament which of the said Mouth that in the British Tongue they call Aber borrowing one Name are divided asunder by one little Field lying between the hithermost of them which standeth nearer to Dee Mouth is much ennobled by an Episcopal Dignity which King David
day Arran of a Castle bearing the same name Inwardly it mounteth up altogether with high rising hills at the bottom and foot whereof along the Shore it is well inhabited The first Earl hereof that I can read of was Thomas eldest Son to Robert Boyd whose Wife and Earldom together when Boyd was banished the Realm James Lord Hamilton as I said before obtained and his Posterity enjoyed the same Earldom saving that Sir James Stuart appointed Guardian to James Hamilton Earl of Arran when he was so defective in understanding that he could not manage his Estate took this Title in the right of being Guardian Near unto this standeth Bute so called of a little Religious Cell which Brendanus founded for so is a little religious Cell tearmed in the Scottish Tongue In this Island is Rothsay Town and Castle which giveth the Title of Dukedom unto the King of Scots eldest Son who is born Prince of Scotland Duke of Rothsay and Seneschal of Scotland since the time that King Robert the third invested Robert his eldest Son Duke of Rothsay the first in Scotland that ever was created Duke With which Title also Queen Mary honoured Henry Lord Darnly before she took him to be her Husband Then shew themselves Hellan sometimes called Hellan Leneow that is as Iohn Fordon interpreteth it The Saints Islands and Helen Tinoc that is The Swines Island with a great number of other Islands of less Note and Reckoning in the same Forth These Islands are erected in a Sheriffdom and Sir James Stuart of Bute descended of a Son of King Robert the second is Heretable Sheriff thereof CHAP. XVI DAMNII CLYDSDALE c. BEyond the Novantes more inward by the River Glotta or Clyd and farther still even to the very East-Sea dwelt in times past the Damnii in those Countries if I have any Judgment for in things so far remote from our Remembrance and in so thick a Mist of Obscurity who can speak of Certainty which are now called Clydsdale the Barony of Renfrew Lennox Stirlingshire Monteith and Fife Near unto the head of Clyde in Crawford Moor among the wild Wastes certain Husband men of the countrey after great store of violent Rain happened to find certain small Pieces like scrapings of Gold which gave great hope of much Riches since that Sir Beamis Bulmer undertook with great endeavour to find out here a Mine of gold near to which place are the Lead-mines belonging to the Laird of Hoptoun The Castle of Crawford together with the Title of the Earl of Crawford was by Robert the Second King of Scots given unto Sir James Lindsey who by a single Combate performed with Baron Welles an English man won high Commendation for his Valour These Lindseys have deserved passing well of their Country and are of ancient Nobility ever since that Sir William Lindsey married one of the Heirs of William of Lancaster Lord of Kandale in England whose Neice in the third Degree of lineal Descent was married unto the most honourable Family of Coucy in France The Dignity of the Earl of Crawford was conveyed to the Lord Lindsey of whom hereafter Clyde after he hath from his Spring-head with much strugling got out northward by Baron Somervels house called Carnwath which being purchased by the Family of Dalziel also residing in Clyds-dale was by King Charles the First created Lord Dalziel who is ranked the last Lord in the Rolls of Parliament 1633 and thereafter Earl of Carnwath whose Grand-child is John Earl of Carnwath No person at present claims the Dignity of Lord Somervel The last Lords marked in the Rolls of Parliament 1633 are Cranstoun Deskford Melvil Carnegy Ramsey Naper Cameron Newburgh Weyms Ashtoun of Forfar Rae Dalziel And thereafter out of the West falleth in the River Duglasse or Douglasse so called of a blackish or greenish water that it hath which River communicateth his name both to the Vale through which he runneth called Douglasdale and also to Douglasse Castle therein which name that Castle likewise hath imparted unto the Family of the Dowglasses which I assure you is very ancient but most famous ever since that Sir Iames Dowglas stuck very close at all times as a most fast friend unto King Robert Bruce and was ready always with singular Courage Resolution and Wisdom to assist him claiming the Kingdom in most troublesome and dangerous times and whom the said King Robert charged at his death to carry his Heart to Jerusalem that he might be discharged of his Vow made to go to the Holy-land in memorial whereof the Dowglasses have inserted in their Coat of Arms a mans Heart from which time this Family grew up to that power and greatness and namely after that King David the Second had created William Earl of Dowglass that they after a sort awed the Kings themselves For at one time well near there were six Earls of them namely of this Dowglass of Angus of Ormund of Wigton of Murray and of Morton among whom the Earl of Wigton through his martial Prowesse and desert obtained at the hands of Charles the Seventh King of France the Title of Duke of Tourain and left the same to six Earls of Dowglasse his Heirs after him The Earl of Dowglass being forefeited by King James the Second the Earl of Angus got the Castle and Countrey of Dowglasse whose Heir William Earl of Angus was created Marquess of Dowglasse by King Charles the First in the year 1633 whose Grand-child is James Marquess of Dowglass Concerning the Lives and Actions of this Family see the History written by Godscroft In this place of Clyds-dale is the Seat of the Lairds of Carmichael Sir James Carmichael Baronet was a Lord of the Session and Thesaurer Depute to King Charles the First and by King Charles the Second when in Scotland created Lord Carmichael whose Grand-child is John Lord Carmichael he hath been twice employed by Their Majesties as Commissioner to the General Assembly and is of the Privy Council Below the falling of Dowglasse into Clyde is the Town of Lanerk head Burgh of the Sheriffdom thereof whereof the Lords of Hamilton are heretable Sheriffs and eight Miles below that standeth the Town and Castle of Hamilton in a fruitful and pleasant Soil the Lords whereof derive there Original from England They have enjoyed great Lands in Scotland since the time of King Robert Bruce and their Estate was much augmented by the Bounty of King Iames the Third who bestowed upon the Lord Hamilton his Sister in marriage after the death of the Lord Boyd her first Husband as is asserted by Mr. John Ballenden Arch-Dean of Murray Translator in Scots of the Chronicle of Hector Boetius who lived in the Reign of King James the Fifth Book 12. Chap. 5. anent the Genealogy of the Stuarts in these words The first Douchter of James the Secound was marryit to the Lord Boyd of whom was gottin ane Son quhylk
Sheriffs who being descended from the Grays of Chillingham in the Country of Northumberland came into Scotland with King James the First at his return out of England of whom is descended Patrick now Lord Gray upon the first of whom named Andrew the King of his bounteous liberality bestowed the Segniory of Foulis together with Helen Mortimer in Marriage for his Advancement Ashtoun an English Gentleman was created Lord Forfar about the year 1633 by King Charles the First and Archibald second Son to the Earl of Angus and Brother to James Marquess of Dowglass was by King Charles the Second created Earl of Forfar about the year 1651. Hard by the mouth of Tay is situat Dundee sometimes called Alectum others term it in Latine Taodunum a Town verily of great resort and Trade and the Constable whereof by a special priviledge was Standard bearer to the King of Scots Hector Boetius who was here born expounded this name Dundee by way of allusion to Donum Dei that is Gods gift This Hector in the reflourishing time of Learning wrote the Scottish History elegantly and that out of such hidden and far fetched Monuments of Antiquity that Paulus Jovius wondered in his Writings there should be Records extant for above a thousand years of these remote parts of the World Scotland the Hebrids and the Orcads considering that Italy the Nurse of fine Wits for so many Ages after the Goths were cast out was defective of Writers and Records The ancient Family of the Scrymsours of Dudup Constables of Dundee was first created by King Charles the first Viscount of Dudup and by King Charles the Second Earl of Dundee and by gift of last Heir and Recognition being carried to Charles Maitland of Haltoun came afterwards to be at the Kings disposal who gifted the same to Collonel John Graham of Claverhouse who by King James the Seventh was created Viscount of Dundee and opposing their Majesties in Arms was killed at Gillichrankie in Athol in July 1689 and both he and his Brother David also present at that Action were forefaulted in Parliament 1690. From hence standeth within sight Brochty-Craig which being a good Fortress was with the English Garison Souldiers manfully defended made good for many Months together what time as in their affectionat love to a perpetual peace they desired and wished for a Marriage between Mary Heir apparent of Scotland and Edw. the 6th K. of England and upon promise thereof demanded it by force of Arms and in the end of their own accord abandoned the said place Then there lyeth full against the open Ocean Aberbroth short Arbroth a place endowed with ample Revenues and by King William dedicated in old time to Religion in honour of Thomas of Canterbury beside which the Red-head shooteth into the deep Sea and is to be seen a far of Hard by Southesk voideth it self into the Ocean which River flowing amain out of a Lake passeth by Finnevin Castle well known by reason of the Lindseys Earls of Crawford keeping Residence there of whom is already written And downward on the same River standeth Kinnaird the Inheritance of the Carnagies who amongst other Families by being Members of the Colledge of Justice have raised their Fortunes and advanced into great Honours Robert Carnagy of Kinnaird in the year 1553 is marked in the Sederunt of the Lords of Session And about the year 1561 under the designation of Sir Robert Carnagy of Kinnaird admitted Ordinary Lord of Session Mr. David Carnagy of Coluthy I suppose his second Son was a Lord of the Session and one of the Octavians he dyed in the year 1598 his Son Sir David Carnagy of Kinnaird succeeded of whom frequent mention is made in the Acts of Parliament of King James the Sixth he was by that King created Lord Carnagy after the Lord Binnie and is so ranked in the Rolls of Parliament 1617. In the Books of Sederunt July 5th 1616 David Lord Carnagy is admitted an Ordinary Lord of Session in the year 1633 by King Charles the First he was created Earl of Southesk his great Grand-child is Charles Earl of Southesk Sir John Carnegie of Ethie younger Son to the before named Mr. David Carnagie of Colluthy and Brother to David Earl of Southesk was by King Charles the First created Lord Lour and thereafter by that same King Earl of Ethie his eldest Son David exchanged the said Titles with these of Earl of Northesk and Lord Rosehill as being more agreeable to the Title of Earl of Southesk the Chief of the Family David Earl of Northesk is great Grand-child to the first Earl Then upon the said River standeth Brechin which King David the First adorned with a Bishops See Patrick Maul of Panmure of the Bed-chamber of an ancient Family was created by King Charles the First about the year 1646 Earl of Panmure Lord Maul and Brechin immediatly before the Earls of Selkirk Tweeddale and Northesk whose Grand-child is James Earl of Panmure And at the very mouth thereof standeth Montross as one would say the Mount of Roses a Town in times past called Celurca risen by the fall of another Town bearing the same name which is seated between the two Esks and imparteth the Title of Marquess to the Family of the Grahams Not far from hence is Boschain belonging to the Barons of Ogilvy of very antient Nobility lineally descended from Alexander Sheriff of Angus who was slain in the Bloody Battle at Harlaw against the Mac-Donald of the out Isles In this Shire is also Airlie which was the first Designation of the Lord Ogilvie of Airlie Andrew Lord Ogilvie was created by King Charles the first anno 1633 Earl of Airlie whose Son is James Earl of Airlie As touching the Earls of Angus Gilchrist of Angus renowned for his brave exploits under King Malcolm the fourth was the first Earl of Angus that we read of About the year 1241 John Cummin was Earl of Angus who died in France and his Widow haply inheritrix to the Earldom was married to Sir Gilbert Vmfranvill an Englishman For both he and his Heirs successively after him were summoned to the Parliament in England until the third year of King Richard the second by the Title of Earls of Angus Howbeit the Lawyers of England refused in their Brieves and Instruments to acknowledge him Earl for that Angus was not within the Kingdom of England until he had brought forth openly in the face of the Court the Kings Writ and Warrant wherein he was summoned to the Parliament by the name of Earl of Angus In the reign of David Bruce Thomas Stuart was Earl of Angus who by a sudden surprise won Berwick and straightways lost it yea and within a while after died miserably in Prison at Dunbritton But the Douglasses Men of invincible Hearts from the time of King Robert the second when VVilliam first E. of Douglas married