This book, available in Image PDF form from the Internet Archive, is given below inclusive of the margin notes, where decipherable, from that file. These margin notes are shown [thus] and any further explanatory notes or additions are given [thus].
The book itself, written by W. Downing Bruce and published in 1868, is a genealogy of the Bruce families of the Clackmannanshire area, starting around 1330, up until the mid 1800's. although there is less detail from 1800 onwards.
Many of the lands mentioned here still recognizably exist, and The Barony of Shanbody is currently held by Victoria Bruce-Winkler, 9th Lady Balfour of Burleigh.
COLLECTIONS TOWARDS A HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF CLACKMANNAN.
W. Downing Bruce
1868
No. I. - Parish of Clackmannan.
Charter Session Records, etc, relating to the Descent of the Barony of Clackmannan, Lands of Kennet, etc, from the Year 1330.
(Compiled from original documents now for the first time printed.)
[Only twenty-five copies of this collection were printed. The in s was by the late Mr Justice William Downing Bruce of Jamaica, who was obliged to abandon on the undertaking on accepting the appointment which caused him to leave England for Jamaica, where he died.]
Previous to the year 1330, when the following records commence, the Barony of Clackmannan was one of the Royal residences of the Scottish Kings. In 1147, King David [I], by a charter of that date, granted the church, with its chapels, and forty acres of land, to the Abbey of Cambuskenneth. (These lands were afterwards granted by John, Earl of Mar, to Robert Bruce of Kennet, in 1630, see No. 91.) King Malcolm [IV] gave the Mill and the Mill lands to this monastery, excepting, at the same time, the multures of the King, which he might require when he visited this castle. Clackmannan was, in 1231*, the residence of King William the Lion **, for in that year, in a charter granting the lands of Culbrach, in Fife, to the Abbey of Balmerino, he dates from here. It is said to have been the favourite residence of Robert the Bruce ***, from which place many of his charters issued. In the immediate neighbourhood, the proprietor of the Barony of Shanbody at this period was Sir Thomas de Murray, Lord of Bothwell, whose father had married at Cambuskenneth, in 1326, the sister of the Bruce ; at a later date, namely, in 1369, Alloa, the adjoining estate, was granted to Sir Robert de Erskine, knight, a grand-nephew of the Kings ; Tulliallan was the residence of the renowned Earls of Douglas, and Rosyth Castle was held by a branch of the Royal house of Stuart ; nor should it be forgotten that that illustrious patriot to whom Scotland is indebted to her present position among nations, who stamped a character upon the free-born and martial spirit of her people, directed that his bones should be deposited within sight of Clackmannan's ancient Towers, and there for ever rest beneath the high altar of Dunfermline's venerable Abbey Church.
* [Alexander II, August 1198 - July 1249 - son of William I - was reigning monarch of Scotland in 1231, reigning from 1214 to 1249.]
* [William the Lion - William I, 1142 - Dec. 1214.]
** [Robert I of Scotland 1274-1329]
No.1. - The first record in the present series is an extract from old Public accounts of the kingdom, dated 20th June, 1330, "Compotum Reginaldi More Camerarii Scotie reddit. apud Clackmannane vicesimo die Junii anno Gratiae 1330 de receptis suis expensis in diem presentis compoti." In this half-yearly account the following payment is taken credit for "Domino Roberto de Bruys in partem quingentarum marcarum sibi concess. per Dominum Regem defunctum de anno bujus compoti £40." It does not appear from the account which Sir Robert de Bruce this was ; it however goes far to disprove the statement in the second volume of Chalmers' History of Dunfermline, p. 424, that a Sir Robert de Bruce was not the first of the Bruces of Clackmannan, but that a Thomas de Bruce, who left a widow "Marjorie Charleris," was, prior to 1358, Lord of Clackmannan. No Thomas is mentioned in these charters till Thomas obtains Kennet from his father, in 1389. In 1326, Sir Robert de Bruce, probably the Sir Robert above mentioned, was a witness to a charter of King Robert the Bruce of lands in Nith to the Abbey of Melrose, (Liber Cash : S. Crucis Munimenta Ecc : S. Crucis de Edin.) ; and, in 1327, Sir Robert de Bruce, Lord of Lydlysdale, and Reginald More, were witness to a charter of William de Lyndsey, (Glasgow Chartulary). This Reginald de More, the King's Great Chamberlain, had the lands of Skaithmuir, on the Carron, and was father to Sir William More of Bothkennar, whose daughter and heiress, Christian, married Sir William Lindsay of Byres.
These Public accounts also contain the following entry, which, when read with the statement that the account was rendered to the King (David Bruce)* "at Clackmannan," shows that it was still a Royal residence. "Item onerat se de 16 celdris siliginis superius per emptionem quas liberavit Simoni de Pebles granetareo de Clackmannan .... super compotum 13 c. de quibus respondebit."
* [King David II of Scotland March 1324 - February 1371, reigned 1329 - 1371]
The Royal larder at Clackmannan was well filled at this time as the Chamberlain, or Chancellor of the Exchequer, as he would now be called, also takes credit for 23 chaldrons of wheat, 43 chaldrons of barley, 103 chaldrons of oats, all delivered to Simon de Peebles, the keeper of the Clackmannan granaries, - 46 hogsheads of wine, 29 carcases of beeves, 160 muttons, 29 Baconum superius, 4 last, 5748 alecum, 4040 salmon, 9908 hard fish, 80 gross-arum anguillarum (eels), and a barrel containing 288 large eels, 1 porpoys, also barrels of olive oil and vinegar, a great deal of cloth, and a variety of clothing - 107 pounds of ginger, 101 pound "de Gingebrat," 118 pounds of zucar, 4 pounds of mace, etc. etc.
No.2. - is a further extract from the Public accounts, and dated 25th June 1330. "Compotum Reginaldi More reddit. apud Clackmannan 25th die Junii anno Gratiae 1330 de firmis quarundam terraram infra Vice. de Strivelyn.*
* [Strivelyn, now called Stirling]
This account only relates to some feu duties payable from lands in Stirlingshire, but its being rendered "at Clackmannan" indicates that the King still occupied the Castle as a Royal residence. **
** [The King was at this time, just over six years old.]
No.3. - dated 14th December 1331. - Compotum Reginaldi More Camerarii Scotie reddit. apud Sconam 14th die Decembris anno Gratiae 1331 de receptis suis et expensis a 14th die Martis 1330 usque in diem presentis compoti.
In this account credit is taken for the following Et Domino Roberto de Bruys de veteri arrer. ex remissione Custodis 4 Celdris. This appears to be the same Sir Robert de Bruys mentioned in No.1 as having received a grant from King Robert de Bruys of 500 marks. If he be the same Robert Bruce, or the father of the one who received the grant of Clackmannan, etc, he was a blood relation of the King, for in No.4, by which Clackmannan was conveyed to Robert de Bruys, he is styled "Consanguineo nostro," and a simple Knight or lesser Baron was never styled "consanguineus" or cousin in Royal grants unless a blood relation, or very closely connected with the King by marriage. Two of the rare instances in which the word "consanguineus" is thus applied to Knights occur in Charters dated 1350 and 1390, to Sir Alexdander Lindsay of Glenesk, and Sir David Lindsay his son, but they were nearly connected with royalty, the former having married the niece, and the latter the daughter of Robert III. In Sir David Lindsay's case the word Cousin was used before he was created Earl of Crawford.
No.4. - dated 9th December, 1359, - is the first charter yet known containing any grant of the Castle and Barony of Clackmannan. It was made by King David Bruce to and in favour of his beloved and faithful cousin, ("dilecto et fedeli consanguineo nostro,") Robert de Bruys of the Castle and Barony of Clackmannan, the lands of Grasmenston, Gartlove, Wester Kennet, Hillend, Carsehill, Greys, Park Meadow, Dryfield, Tullygarth, Pitfoulden, and others, within the Sheriffdom of Clackmannan. This charter is believed to be still in existence. It was quoted by Dr Nathaniel Johnston in 1691, when he wrote his MS. History of the Bruces, now among the Harliem MS., No.3079, in the British Museum, and the original is presumed to be with the Bruce charters in the repositories of the Hon. Bruce Oglivie, who, through his mother, is descended from the Bruces of Clackmannan.
As explained under No.3, the word "consanguineo nostri" are a recognition of this Robert Bruce as the King's blood relation. It is probable that he may have been the son of Sir Robert de Bruce mentioned in Nos.1. and 2, who was living between 1326 and 1330. Robert de Bruce, it will be observed, who obtains the lands of Clackmannan, is not called "Dominus," or Sir, in the first charter ; he therefore was probably very young at the time of his father's death, (which Chalmers, in his MS. notes to Douglas Peerage of Scotland, fixes in 1332), and this may account for a period of 27 years before we again find among the present existing charters any notice of Clackmannan or the Bruces. On the authority of Johnston's MS., before quoted, this second Robert is stated to have married Isabel, daughter of Sir Robert Stewart of Rosyth Castle, a second cousin of King Robert II. The year previous to this grant, Sir Thomas de Murray, Lord of Bothwell, granted to Sir Robert Stewart, his cousin, the Barony of Shanbody, to be held of Thomas de Moravia and his heirs, "for service at the King's Court of Clackmannan," which is corroborative of the belief that until the grant of 1359 (by No.4) Clackmannan had continued to be a Royal residence when the King, assisted by the principal Officers of State, exercised jurisdiction according to the custom of the period. Edward de Bruce, a son of this Robert of Clackmannan, is said to have married, about 1440 [1417] , the heiress of Sir William de Airth and acquired that estate. The Airth charters (now in the possession of Mrs Gallwey, the sister and heiress of Lieutenant-Colonel Richard L. B. Dundas of Blair, the representative of Bruce of Airth,) commence 1417, when, by a charter of that date, Robert, Duke of Albany, Regent of Scotland, grants the lands of Airth *, or a portion of them to Sir William de Crawford, knight of Manuel. ** In 1457, John, Lord Lindsay of Byres, appears to have been in possession of the Barony of Airth. In 1483, David, Lord Lyndsey, was seized of the Barony of Airth. In 1497, there is a precept from King James to Robert Bruce, Sheriff of Stirling, directing him to deliver seizin of the lands and Barony of Airth and others to Patrick Lindsey, brother of John, Lord Lindsey. In 1508, Sir Robert Bruce, knight of Airth, and John Montgomery, procurator for Euphemia, wife of the said Sir Robert, and Robert Bruce, his son, are mentioned in a precept of seizin of this date, granted by the Earl of Lennox, of an annulet of five marks out of the lands of Baldrave, in the Sheriffdom of Dumbarton.
* [Not Airth but Erthchaline = lane - Afterwards called Elphinstone]
** [Sir Reginald More acquired his large estate in Stirlingshire, including 'Erthbeg' by marriage with the daughter of Sir John Graham of Abercorn. Their son, Sir William More of Bothkennar, had a daughter Christiana, who married Sir William Lindsay of the Byres and carried Earthbeg into that family.]
No.5. - 1363 - From the Acts of Parliament of this date, vol.1, p.168, "Robert de Bruce" is then stated to be proprietor of the lands of Kennet.
No.6. - 20th October 1364. - A Crown Charter by King David Bruce to and in favour of "Robert de Bruys," who is again styled "consanguineo nostri" of the lands of Grassmynston, Gartlove, Carse, "La Park meadow," Crage Roy, Dryfield, and others, with the pertinents all lying within the Sheriffdom of Clackmannan. The lands thus granted or confirmed by Nos.4 and 6 extended for several miles, and comprehended probably more than half the county. The names of most of the parcels can still be recognised as they have been comparatively little altered to suit the modern style of spelling.
No.7. - dated 17th January 1367. - A Crown Charter by King David II., to and in favour of Robert de Bruys who is again designed "consanguineo nostro," granting the lands and barony of Rate [Rait] in the county of Perth to be holden of the King and his successors in fee and heritage, and in free barony for service of 3 suits at the King's Courts at Perth - granted at Restenneth on the above date.
No.8. - dated 26th June 1376. - Is a Charter by the King to Sir Hugh de Eglinton, Knight : of 40s annually, which it is stated "Robert de Bruce consanguineo nostri" had formerly resigned into the hands of the King. (Eglinton Charters, Vol. II, p.16.)
No.9. - 2nd May 1389. - Charter of Robert de Bruys of Clackmannan and Rate to and in favour of Thomas de Bruys, his son, whereby "for good services" he grants the said Thomas the lands of Wester Kennet and others for payment to his said father of a silver penny yearly. In the history of Noble British Families, part 3, p.15, it is stated that Robert de Bruce died about this period, and the next Charters of resignation were probably made by the possessor of the estate on succeeding thereto.
No.10. - 4th October, 1393 - Crown Charter of Resignation by King Robert III., proceeding on the Rocuratory of Resignation of Robert de Bruys, whereby the King new grants the lands and Barony of Clackmannan, and all the pertinents, to Robert de Bruys, whom failing, to David Bruys, his eldest son, and the heirs male, procreated or to be procreated, of his body, whom failing, to Thomas Bruys, also his son, and the heirs male of his body, to be held of the King and his successors in fee and heritage.
Witnesses : Walter, Bishop of St Andrews ; Mathew, Earl of Monteath and Fife, brother to the King ; James de Douglas, Lord of Dalkeith ; Thomas de Erskine, knight ; and Alexander de Cockburn of Langtown, Keeper of the Great Seal.
The description of the Barony in this Charter is as follows (when translated) : - The town of Clackmannan, together with the castle and meadow thereof, on the east side of the Water of Dovane (now called Devon), with tenandries, tofts, crofts, and annual rents, thereof, and of the said town of Clackmannan, lands of Grasmanstown, Tulligarth, Linmill, Gartelove, Kennet, Pitfoulden, the Cruikitlands, the Park meadows, the Gate-end, Dryfield, and others. This Charter is somewhat of the nature of an entail. At its date, according to the theory of the law, the King might resume the gifted lands at the death of the vassal to whom he had granted them, but by this Charter, Robert de Bruys had gone through the ceremony of resigning or giving them back to the King during his life, and the King then made a new grant of them to him, and his two sons, and their heirs male. It is possible that he might have done this on succeeding his father about this date.
No.11. - 10th June, 1393 - Charter by Robert de Bruys, Lord of Rate and Clackmannan, to his "beloved son, Thomas de Bruys," and his heirs, and assigns of an annual rent of ten merks, payable furth off his lands of Tullygarth, lying in the county of Clackmannan, and that in consideration of a certain sum of money paid to him, the said Robert de Bruys, in his urgent necessity. To be holden of the said Robert de Bruys and his heirs redeemable on payment of the sum of 25 merks.
Witnesses : John, the son of William de Angus ; John of Gharie, and John of Pettynow, - signed at Dunfermline.
No.12. - 18th February, 1399 - Crown Charter of Resignation and Confirmation by King Robert III., ratifying and confirming the Charter (No.9), granted by Robert de Bruys to his son, Thomas, of the lands of Wester Kennet, Pitfoulden, and the Cruikitland, all lying in the county of Clackmannan.
Witnesses : Walter, Bishop of St Andrews ; Gilbert, Bishop of Aberdeen, Chancellor of Scotland ; David, Earl of Carrick and Athol, and Stewart of Scotland, eldest son of the King ; Robert, Duke of Albany, Earl of Fife and Monteath, brother to the King ; Archibald, Earl of Douglas, Lord Galloway ; James of Douglas, Lord of Dalkeith : and Thomas de Erskine, knight, - signed at Edinburgh.
From this time the estate of Kennet continued separate from that of Clackmannan, and although the families continued on the most intimate terms, and the heiress of Kennet, in 1568, married one of the cadets of Clackmannan, the estates have never been united.
No.13. - 28th March, 1428 - Charter of Confirmation of John Bruce of Rate and Clackmannan, ratifying and confirming the Charter (No.9), granted by his grandfather, Robert de Bruys, to his son, Thomas de Bruys, of the lands of Wester Kennet, etc.
No.14. - 24th September, 1423 - Instrument of Sasine in favour of Peter or Patrick de Bruys, in the lands of Wester Kennet, in the Barony of Graysmenstone and county of Clackmannan, proceeding on the precept contained in No.13, to which Peter Bruys had acquired right as heir to his father, sasine given by John de Bruce, Lord of Clackmannan, in presence of Sir David Stuart of Durrisdeer, knight, Robert Mercer, Sir John de Louthrane, chaplain, Andrew Meffane, John de Meffanes, Thomas Black, John Small, and John More senior and junior, and Thomas Croyputary. The Sir David Stewart of Durrisdeer, who appears as a witness, appears to have been of the Rossyth family, and was closely related to the Bruces.
No.15. - 1442 - Precept by Archibald, Earl of Douglas, directed to John Bruce of Clackmannan, Robert Mercer, and William Wallwood, to give sasine to David Stewart of Durrisdeer, knight, in the Barony of Shanbody, lying in the county of Clackmannan.
Witnesses: - Sir William de Crichton of that ilk, knight, William, de Fowlis, Keeper of the Privy Seal, Michael Mercer, William Stewart, and John de Camera, Linlithgow.
The date is obliterated, but it appears from other documents to have been prior to 1442. The Barony of Shanbody now forming part of the estate of Kennet, as will be afterwards seen, came to the Bruces by purchase.
Note. - 1447 - At this date James Bruce, son of Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, was elected Bishop of Glasgow. Prior to that date, King James, in a Royal Charter (1444), calls him "consanguineo ;" he was first Rector of Kilmeine, in Fife, and died Lord High Chancellor of Scotland. (See Keith's Scottish Bishops.)
No.16. - 22nd December, 1447 - Discharged by John de Bruce of Clackmannan to his eldest cousin, David, the Bruce of the Kennet, of the sum of 50 merks money of Scotland, addebted to the said John the Bruce, by Peter the Bruce, grandfather of the above-mentioned David.
In the Chartulary in which this discharge is engrossed is the following : - "This is the veritable copy of this acquitance above written, gebit to by the said Laird of Clackmannan selet copis and collational be Messer Richard Striveling, Notar Publick, requirit be David Bruce of the Kennet, because the principle was in a paper and auld. This xxii. day of September, in the year of God, 1526."
From Nos.6 to 16, the history of the two families at Clackmannan and Kennet may be easily seen. In 1359, Robert Bruce, a cousin of King David II., obtains a gift of the castle and Barony of Clackmannan. In 1589, he gives Kennet, which is a part of that barony, to his son, Thomas ; and, in 1393, King Robert III. confirms this gift, and with the consent of Robert Bruce, the father, settles Clackmannan on David Bruce, the eldest son and Kennet on Thomas Bruce, the second son. David is succeeded by his son, John, sometime before 1423, while Thomas of Kennet is succeeded by his son, Peter, in or before 1423, and he again is succeeded by his grandson, David Bruce, in or before 1447.
No.17. - 8th July, 1449 - Charter by Allan de Kinnaird of that ilk to Patrick Bruce, son of the deceased David Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, of the lands of Hayle, in the Barony of Kinnaird and county of Perth, and that in consideration of a certain sum of money paid to him by the said Patrick Bruce. To be holden of the said Allan de Kinnaird in fee and heritage for payment of a silver penny at the feast of Pentecost, yearly, in name of Blench form, if asked only.
Witnesses : John, son of Donald, Vicar of Ochtergaven, Notary Public ; Sir John Hode, Vicar of Abernethy, and David Bruce, chaplain ; Thomas of Kinnaird, brother-german of the said Allan of Kinnaird, scritifer (shield bearer) ; and Donald Lister Burgess of Perth, - signed at Kinnaird, 8th July, 1449.
[Brother-german = brother sharing both parents.]
No.18. - 16th May, 1450 - Crown Charter of Resignation and Confirmation by King James II., verbatim, ratifying and confirming the foregoing Charter, No.17.
Witnesses, William Bishop of Glasgow ; William Lord Crichton and others.
This Patrick Bruce was probably a younger son of David Bruce of Clackmannan, and therefore a younger brother of John Bruce, who, as above mentioned, succeeded his father David in or before 1426, and who appears from the next writ (No.19) to have been still living.
No.19. - 26th March 1473 - Crown Charter of Resignation and Confirmation by King James III., to David Bruce, son, and apparent heir to John Bruce of Clackmannan, of the lands and Barony of Clackmannan and pertinents thereof, lying in the county of Clackmannan, and the lands and Barony of Rait lying in the county of Perth, proceeding on the Procuratory of Resignation, granted by the said John Bruce. To be holden by the above mentioned David Bruce, his heirs of the King, and his successors in fee and heritage for payment, and performance of services used and wont ; but reserving to the said John Bruce his liferent of the said Baronies, and the third thereof to Elizabeth Stewart, his wife.
No.20. - 20th March 1478 - Charter by David Bruce of Clackmannan to Andrew Meffane and Margaret his spouse, of a tenement Yard and Croft with pasturage of a cow in the common of the town of Clackmannan, on the south side thereof, between the lands of David Baxter, on the east and the land of John Clarke, on the west, and that for gratuitous services. To be holden of the said David Bruce in fee and heritage for payment of 13 4d Scots money at the feast of Penticost and St Martin yearly.
Witnesses, Thomas and Robert Bruce, Sir Patrick Lindsay, Chaplain, Andrew Bickerton, Henry Dawson, John Cram, Andrew William Smith, and William Burn, Clackmannan.
Nos.19 and 20 - bring down the history of the Clackmannan family another generation.
By No.19, John Bruce of Clackmannan, for the purpose of insuring the recognition of his son David as the next proprietor, resigns his right to the King, who bestows it on David under reservation of John Bruce's liferent. No.20 shews that John Bruce died between 1473 and 1478, for David now exercises the full rights of a proprietor.
No.21 - 23rd July, 1460 - Instrument bearing that David Bruce of Kennet, at the desire of David Bruce of Clackmannan, and James Schaw of Sauchie, cautioners for the said David Bruce of Kennet, to a discreet woman, Agnes Bonar, for the sum of 100 merks, money of Scotland, given and delivered to the said Agnes by Arthur Cramond, her attorney and procurator, the sum of 4 merks, upon part payment of said sum, where-upon the said Arthur answered that if so it was that the said David Bruce at the day and place agreed upon between them was willing to deliver to him a further sum of 44 merks, and find security for the balance between and the feast of St Michel, the archangel, then next he should be fully satisfied thereof.
Witnesses : John Bickerton, chaplain, Thomas Bruce, Andrew Livingstone, Andrew Murgret, and David Redheugh.
This David Bruce of Kennet is probably the one mentioned in No.16.
No.22 - 28th August, 1485 - Charter by David Bruce of Clackmannan to Robert Bruce, his son and apparent heir, and Elizabeth Lindsay, his wife, in liferent, and the heirs male, to be procreated between them, in fee of the six oxgates of land pertaining to the said David Bruce of his lands of Rate, on the east side of the burn, and lying in the Barony of Rate and county of Perth. To be holden by the said Robert Bruce and his heirs aforesaid, whom failing his heirs, whatsoever of the King and his successors, for payment of a penny on the ground of the said lands, in manner of bleuch, if asked.
Witnesses : Robert Bruce of Culmaluindie and Thomas Bruce, and others.
No.23 - 15th December, 1486 - Charter by King James IV., verbatim, ratifying and confirming this Charter (No. 22).
No.24 - 1490 - Instrument of Sasine in favour of David Bruce, as heir to David Bruce of Wester Kennet, his father, in the lands of Wester Kennet, lying in the county of Clackmannan, given propriis manibis by David Bruce of Clackmannan, superior of said lands, the symbol of infeftment being a black ox.
Witnesses : Robert Brady of Wester Kennet, Thomas Bruce of G -, Robert Bruce, Bennyn, Robert Colville of Ha - , Robert Colville, junior, James Stirling of Lo- , Andrew Brown, Sir James and Archibald Mackeown, and Patrick Lindsay, notaries.
This document is mutilated so as in many places to be illegible, but enough remains to show that the David Bruce of Kennet mentioned in Nos.16 and 21 died somewhere between 1480 and 1490, and was succeeded by his son David. A David Bruce of Kennet is mentioned in a Retour of William Stirling of Cadder, in 1481, - see also No.25.
No.25 - 17th May, 1495 - Inquest in virtue of precept from King James IV., holden at Kennet by Sir William Monteith, Sheriff of Clackmannan, at the complaint of Agnes Redheugh, spouse of the deceased David Bruce of Kennet, against Gilbert Brady, for troubling her in the peaceable possession of a head-rig of land, the grass of a ward, the grass of a forebank at the Cruiketland, and others. Whereupon the said Inquest found her entitled to possess the same, as she and her said deceased husband had done for fifty years past, 17th May, 1496.
This Inquest evidently was directed to try a question of a prescriptive right. The ground in dispute was probably situated near the march between the Estates of Mr Brady and Mr Bruce, and the Sheriff apparently, after hearing witnesses, decided that Mr Bruce of Kennet and his wife were entitled to it in respect of their having possessed it for 50 years. This part of the Kennet Estate was likely settled on Mrs Bruce in liferent as her jointure land or tierce - a Royal Grant of the office of Sheriff of the County was afterwards made to the Bruces of Clackmannan. (See No.158.)
No.26 - 14th September, 1497 - Crown Charter of Resignation by King James IV., to David Bruce, son of David Bruce of Clackmannan of the lands and Barony of Clackmannan, lying in the County thereof, and lands of Rate, lying in the county of Perth, proceeding on the resignation of the said David Bruce, elder. To be holden by the King and his successors, under the burden of the liferent of the said David Bruce, elder, and Margaret Harries, his wife.
By Nos.22 and 23, it appears that the eldest son of David of Clackmannan was, in 1485, "Robert Bruce," to whom apparently, on his marriage, old David Bruce granted part of the Barony of Rate ; but the proper explanation of this may be that given in "Douglas's History," which is referred to in the next Nos.27 and 28).
No.27. - 3rd February, 1506 - Crown Charter by King James IV., to David Bruce, grandson and heir of the said deceased David Bruce of Clackmannan, to be holden by the said David Bruce, younger, of the King and his successors, in fee and heritage, for rendering of services used and wont.
From this description it rather appears that Robert Bruce, the eldest son of old David Bruce of Clackmannan (see No.22), had died before his father, leaving this son David, who must have been at this time very young, and who, in 1506, was probably about twenty-one years of age. In 1497 (see No.26), this child's uncle, with the consent securingly of the child's grandfather, who was then in possession, got a Charter from King James IV., which was ratified in 1506. (See No.28.)
No.28 - 5th February, 1506 - Crown Charter by King James IV. to David Bruce, knight, son of the deceased David Bruce of Clackmannan, of the lands of Hallhill over and nether and Barony of Clackmannan, and others, now erected into a Barony, to be called in all time coming the Barony of Clackmannan. To be holden by the said David Bruce and the heirs male, procreated between him and Janet Blackadder, his wife, whom failing, his nearest and lawful heirs whatsoever, bearing the name and arms of Bruce, whom all failing, to revert to the King and his successors, according to the ancient Charters of Taillie of the said Barony in favour of the said ancestors of the said David Bruce for services used and wont.
No.29 - 3rd February, 1506 - Charter under the Great Seal, to David Bruce, nepoti, and heir of David Bruce of Clackmannan, of the lands of Rate, etc. (Register of the Great Seal)
Douglas, in his history of the Bruces, says that David Bruce, son of Robert, mentioned in Nos.22 and 23, and grandson and heir-male of old David Bruce of Clackmannan, who was alive in 1497, resigned all his right to Clackmannan in favour of his uncle David, brother of Robert Bruce, and younger son of old David Bruce. This statement is quite consistent with the Charters Nos.26, 27, and 28, because David Bruce, the uncle, would not have any right to the estate as heir, so long as male-heirs of Robert existed, and the fact that the Charter No.27 was granted to Robert's son David, as heir to his grandfather, on 3rd February, 1506, shows that he was living when the King consented to grant this Charter, No.28, to his uncle, and that he must have acquiesced in his uncle's obtaining the grant. Douglas's adds, that the male line is extinct, but he gives no authority for this, and it is clear that if any descendants of David Bruce, the son of Robert, exist (probably in Perthshire), as suggested in the "History of the Bruces," ("History of Noble British Families, Part III.,") they are the representatives of the original Bruces of Clackmannan. The Barony of Rate, in Perthshire, does not appear to have been conveyed along with the Barony of Clackmannan, and David, the younger, may have settled there. (See No.52.) But Rate soon afterwards was possessed by the Bruces of Clackmannan. (See No.48.) In No.48, this Barony is spoken of "as formerly united" to Clackmannan.
No.30. - 9th, January, 1514 - Instrument of Seisin propriis manibus in favour of David Bruce of Wester Kennet, by Gilbert Brady of Easter Kennet in, 10 riggs of Corlin, 12 riggs on the north side of Kennet Hill, and 7 riggs on the south side thereof.
Witnesses : David Bruce, of Clackmannan, knight, James Blyth, James Coston, and John Burn.
No.31 - 13th October 1523 - Instrument bearing that Thomas Brown in consideration of a certain sum of money grants liberty to David Bruce to graze a cow in the commonty of the town of Clackmannan for the space of 19 years from the feast of Pasche then next.
Witnesses : James Riddock, and James and Gilbert Blyth.
No.32 - 20th May, 1524 Instrument bearing that David Bruce of Kennet on the one part, and Gilbert Coston, Henry Younger, and Herbert Brown, inhabiters of Lord Erskines land in the Ferryton, on the other part, having gone forth to ascertain the limits of a dyke and ditch made by the said David Bruce, between the lands of Wester Kennet and the said lands of Ferryton, found the same to be entirely within and upon the said lands of Wester Kennet.
Witnesses ; Friar William Dyke, Andrew Drysdale, and John Porterfield.
No.33. - 11th August, 1534 - Instrument of Sasine in favour of John Brady of Easter Kennet, in 7 1/2 riggs of land in the carse of Kennet, and 10 riggs in the dryfield of Kennet, given propriis manibus by David Bruce of Wester Kennet, superior of said lands.
Witnesses : James Riddock, in Clackmannan, Alexander Douglas, Andrew Heggie, and John Kynmound.
No.34. - 11th August, 1534 - Instrument of Resignation by John Brady of Easter Kennet, into the hands of David Bruce of Wester Kennet, of the lands mentioned in Nos.33 and 41. (Blackadder Charters, W.D.B.)
No.35. - 6th November, 1536 - Precept of Sasine by David Bruce of Clackmannan, to John Brydie of Easter Kennet, Robert Aitken, John Blair, and James Gardener, bearing that William Meffan, indweller in Clackmannan, had disponed to John Bruce a tenement of land on the north side of the King's highway in the town of Clackmannan, and a yard and two riggs of land called Leishman's riggs, lying on the half ox gang with the pasturage of a cow in the commonity of Clackmannan, and had resigned the same in the hands of the said David Bruce - therefore ordaining the said John Brydie and others to give seisin to the said John Bruce.
Witnesses : David Bruce of Green, John Bruce, jun., Sir David Pont, Henry Waddle, and John Smith, alias White.
This David Bruce of Green, was a younger son of David Bruce of Clackmannan, and had succeeded to the property of Green on the death of his elder brother. He had issue, Patrick of Green, [: He had issue,] Archibald of Kennet, David of Green, (who died about 1598) and others.
No.36, - 7th November, 1536 - Instrument of Sasine in favour of John Bruce, of the subjects mentioned in the foregoing Precept of Sasine, and and preceding thereon.
No.37. - 23rd April, 1537 - Charter by Robert Bradie of Easter Kennet, to Mr Edward Bruce, and his heirs and assigns, of three ports as [parts of] his (the said John Brady's) lands of Easter Kennet, lying in the county of Clackmannan, also his croft lying in the territory and liberty of the town of Clackmannan, on the west side of the church thereof, and situate between the lands of David Bruce of Clackmannan on the east and west. Item two parts of a tenement of land called Baxter's land, croft of land called the crooked croft, bounded by the High road on the east, and the land of the aforesaid David Bruce on the west. Also two parts of the said crooked croft, and bounded as said is annual rent of 40 pence money of Scotland, payable from the lands of John Arkle, lying in the town of Clackmannan ; annual rent of 10s payable from the lands of Gilbert Coulson, lying on the north side of the town of Clackmannan ; and annual rent of 20s payable from the lands of John Smith, lying as said is, and, that in consideration of a certain sum of money paid to him by the aforesaid David Bruce in his urgent necessity. To be holden the aforesaid lands and annual rents with the right of pasturage in the county of Clackmannan, used and wont by the said Edward Bruce, his heirs and assigns of and under the King, and his successors, in fee and heritage for services used and wont, and services to the courts of Clackmannan.
No.38, - 24th April, 1539 - Charter of Resignation and Confirmation by James V., verbatim ratifying Confirming the forgoing charter, No.37.
No.39 - 1540 - Charter by the Abbot of Culross to Mr Edward Bruce of the lands of Bargandy and two parts of Shiremills. * This Edward Bruce is supposed to be second son of Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan, and afterwards Commendator of Kinloss. See No.69.
* [This heir - - Commendator of Kinloss, but his son - - See No.40]
No.40. - 14th February, 1542 - Charter of Confirmatory, to Patrick Bruce, son of Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, and Margaret Falconer, his spouse, of the lands of Valleyfield. (Register of the Great Seal.)
No.41. - 24th April, 1543 - Instrument of Sasine in favour of Robert, son of David Bruce of Kennet, in seven riggs of land on the south side of Kennet hill lying in country of Clackmannan, given propriis manibus of the said David Bruce, in terms of the Charter thereof. To be holden bleuch of the said David Bruce and his heirs, for payment of twopence, money of Scotland, at the feast of Pentecost, yearly.
Witnesses : John Dow alias Henderson, John Heyk, James Hogg, and Mr John Bruce, notary.
This Robort Bruce afterwards succeeded to the whole estate of Kennet. (See No.53.)
1545 - Summons and charge of Alexander, Abbot of Cambuskenneth, against John Bruce, son and apparent-heir of David Bruce of Clackmannan, for violent intromission with the teinds shares, etc., of the lands of Grasmerston. (Blackadder Chartulary W.D.B.)
No.42 - 2nd May, 1547 - Precept by Queen Mary, addressed to the Sheriff of Clackmannan, at the instance of Mr John Bruce of Wester Kennet, bearing that he was heritably infeft in the lands of Wester Kennet, lying in the Sheriffdom of Clackmannan ; nevertheless, Margaret Kinninmouth, relict of David Bruce of Wester Kennet, withholds from him his houses, fortalices, and manor place, of the said lands, and will not leave the same to him, void and redd ; as also, withholds his evidents, namely, Charters, Precepts of Sasine, and others, of the lands of Craighill, Hiltoun, cropt of 12 riggs, 10 riggs, and 7 riggs, lying in the Kennet hill, and Sheriffdom fore-said. Therefore, charging the said Margaret Kinninmouth to deliver up the said lands, evidents, and others, and that within six months after she shall be warned thereto.
No.43. - 25th May, 1547 - Precept by Queen Mary, addressed to David Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, for infefting Patrick Bruce, son and heir of the deceased David Bruce of Wester Kennet, in the lands of Wester Kennet, Pitfulden, and Cruiketland, lying in the Barony and county of Clackmannan.
No.44. - 19th May, 1548 - Instrument of Resignation by Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan, to Alexander Douglas and Grizzel Cololoune, his spouse, relating to a tenement and croft lying on the south of the town of Clackmannan, between the ground of Edward Bruce, on the west.
No.45. - 7th May, 1548 - Instrument of Sasine in favour of Patrick Bruce, in the lands of Wester Kennet, and others mentioned in the foregoing precept (No. 43), and proceeding thereon.
Witnesses : John Bruce of Hillend, David Bruce of Green, John Brady, James Malcolm, John Ranny, Thomas Biggon, Simon Mortise, office of the said land of Clackmannan, Thomas and Henry Bruce, brothers of the said Patrick, and Herbert White alias Smith.
This Patrick Bruce seems to have died without issue, and there is no other mention of him after this date. The Charters, etc., (No.24, 30, 32, 34, 39 [36], and 42,) show that David Bruce of Kennet, who succeeded in 1490, continued to be proprietor till his death, between 1543 and 1547. No. 43 shows that his eldest son was Patrick. The claim made by John Bruce (see No.42) cannot refer to the whole estate of Kennet, but merely to the portions specially mentioned, to which John Bruce acquired right by some arrangement with his father. The designation "Wester Kennet" shows him to have been one of the family of Bruce of Kennet, and it would rather appear from subsequent writs (see Nos.50, 53, and 54,) that he was the next eldest son to Patrick, and afterwards succeeded to the whole estate of Kennet, and dying without issue, was succeeded by the next son, Robert.
No.46. - 21st January, 1550 [1551] - A Charter by David Bruce of Clackmannan to Robert Bruce, his grandson, and apparent heir [nepos et heres?]and Janet Laringstone [Livingstone], his wife, of an annual rent of 40 merks money of Scotland, forth of the lands of Clackmannan, lying in the Barony of Clackmannan, to be holden by the said Robert Bruce and his wife and the heirs male, to be procreated between them, whom failing his heirs male contained in his Charter of Taillic, of the Queen and her successors in fee and heritage for payment of a penny yearly at the feast of Penticost, in name of bleuch duty, if asked on the ground of the said land.
Witness : Robert Bruce of Binning, and others.
This Robert Bruce was the son of John Bruce, who died before his father, Sir David.
No.47. - 11th February, 1550. [1551] - Charter by Queen Mary, verbatim ratifying and confirming the foregoing Charter, (No.46)
No.48. - 12th February, 1550. [1551] Charter by Queen Mary to Robert Bruce of Rate and ["nepoti et heres"] grandson ? and apparent heir of David Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, and the heirs male, to be procreated of his body, whom failing in his nearest and lawful heirs male, whatsoever, bearing the name and arms of Bruce, according to the ancient Charters granted them of the lands and Barony of Clackmannan, comprehending the Castle, fortalice and town of Clackmannan, and mill lands and multures thereof, annual rents payable there-from, together with the commonty of Clackmannan, called Pilmure and Aruys lands, Hallhill over and nether, lands of Hillend, Kariskill, Cartoguhy and others, lying in the Barony and town of Clackmannan, and lands and Barony of Rate, which were formerly united to the Barony of Clackmannan, and erecting the said lands and others into a Barony to be called the Barony of Clackmannan - proceeding on the resignation of the said David Bruce, knight. To be holden of the Queen and her successors for payment and services used and wont under burden of the liferent of the said David Bruce, knight.
As to the possibility of the elder branch left issue, see No.52.
No.49. - 10th September, 1551 - Instrument of seisin in favour of Robert Bruce, brother-german of John Bruce of Wester Kennet, in a croft of land in the lands of Wester Kennet, called Byrecroft, lying in the Barony and county of Clackmannan - given propriis manibus by the said John Bruce.
Witnesses: David Bruce, Edward Riddoch, John Finlayson.
No.50. - 7th March, 1552 - Confirmation by - John, Archbishop of St Andrews, of [Testament of] Margaret Kinninmont, the Lady of Wester Kennet, given up at Gartalie on the 3rd of April, 1551, before Thomas Stuart of Gartalie, John Stuart, Ewan Mackindow, John Macniven, and Sir John Taltour, curator of the church of Gartalie, by which she had in the hands of Thomas Bruce, her son, £20 : in the hands of Alexander Gaw of Maw, and the said Thomas, three years rents of the lands of Bothkennier, £904, etc. ; and in the hands of Robert Bruce, her son, £20 ; resting to Margaret Bruce, £40; Robert Fleming of Mores, 40 merks ; James Bruce, 20 merks ; Henry Bruce, 10 merks ; Elizabeth Bruce, 32s ; and by which she bequeathed her soul to the omnipotent God, and the blessed Virgin Mary, and all Saints, and her body to be buried in the Parish Church of Gartalie ; 20 merks to Fleming of Mores ; and 41s to each of his lawful children ; £40 to Margaret Bruce ; 10 merks to Henry Bruce ; and 10 merks to James Bruce ; and constitutes James Kinninmond, her brother, Robert Fleming of Mores, Sir David Christison, chaplain, and Alexander Gaw of Maw, her executors ; and Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan, knight ; and Henry Stuart of Rossyth ; to give up her testament.
Nos.[49] and 50. Show that Patrick Bruce had died, that John Bruce was now acting as laird of Wester Kennet, while his mother with whom he had a lawsuit referred to in No. 40, was now dead. It is not expressly stated that John was a brother of Patrick, but it is to be inferred, because Robert, who afterwards succeeded John as the next brother (No.53) was the son of David Bruce and Margaret Kinninmont, as Patrick also was.
No.51. - 10th May, 1555 - Charter by Queen Mary to William Bruce, grandson of James Bruce of Rate, of 16 oxgates of land on the east, side of Rate, lying in the county of Perth.*
Who this James was does not appear, but it is possible he may have been the son of the David Bruce mentioned in No.27.
* [Reserving her terce to Janet Lundy, spouse of the said James]
No.52. - 28th May, 1556 - Precept of Seizin by David Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, directed to Patrick Bruce of Green and John Brady, for infefting Robert Bruce, brother-german of the deceased Mr John Bruce of Wester Kennet, in the lands of Wester Kennet, with their pertinents, lying in the Barony and county of Clackmannan, in terms of Precept from Chancery Witnesses : William Templeton, John Brydone, Walter Bruce, David Bruce, and Thomas Gardener.
No.53. - 12th June, 1556 - Precept of Seisin, by David Bruce of Clackmannan, directed to Patrick Bruce * of Green and John Brady, infefting Robert Bruce, brother-german of the deceased Mr John Bruce, in the lands of Wester Kennet, Pitfoulden, and Cruikitlands, lying in the Barony and County of Clackmannan.
Witnesses: William Templeton, James Malcolm, Walter Bruce, Robert Harrower, Gilbert Blyth, Thomas Gardner in Clackmannan, Thomas Bruce, John Horne, and William Primrose.
*[Patrick Bruce of Green, Son of Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan, is said by Mr C. Bruce to have been succeeded by his younger brother David, 1554. How then could a precept have been directed to him in 1556.]
From the circumstances of two infeftments being necessary to complete Robert Bruce's title as heir to his brother John, it would seem that the estate had been divided, and that the claim made in No.42 was founded on a grant made by David Bruce of part of the estate of Wester Kennet to his second son John. Now that John had died without issue, Robert, as heir to him, and Patrick acquired right to both parts of the estate, and they were now again united.
No.54 - 13th June, 1556 - Instrument of Seisin in favour of said Robert Bruce, in the lands of Wester Kennet, and others above-mentioned, proceeding on the two foregoing Precepts of Seisin.
Witnesses : James Malcolm, Thomas Gardner, Thomas Bruce, David Duncan, John Home, and David Crail.
The Patrick Bruce of Green is said to be second son of Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan.
No.55. - 16th June, 1568 - Contract of marriage between Robert Bruce of Kennet as taking burden for Margaret Bruce of Kennet, his daughter and apparent heir on the one part, and Archibald Bruce, son of the deceased David Bruce of Green, on the other part in contemplation of which the said Archibald Bruce obliges himself to infeft the said Margaret Bruce, his future spouse in liferent in the lands of Wester Kennet, and in the event of her surviving him in four houses [Probably chambers] on the south part of the principal place - viz., a cellar - three chambers above the same, and the entry to be at the tower door in the close and the garden on the west side of the place alternately, and in like manner the said Robert Bruce obliges himself to convey to them his lands, tenements and acres within the county and freedom of Clackmannan, under burden of his own liferent, and Elizabeth, his spouse's, and shall sustain the said Archibald and Margaret, together with a servant and nurse, when such occurs, during his (the said Robert) lifetime, and shall pay to the said Archibald £20 money of Scotland, £1 13s 4d sterling yearly, to keep his purse and for the purpose of enabling the said Robert to redeem his said lands, the said Archibald to make payment to him of the sum of 2400 merks, money of Scotland at the terms therein mentioned. The contract is somewhat decayed and in some places illegible. David Bruce of Green, the father of Archibald, had succeeded to the property of Green on the death of his brother Patrick, mentioned in (Nos, 53 and 54). The first “such that occurred” was a son, Robert, who afterwards succeeded to the estate of Kennet.
No.56. - 20th July, 1569 - Letter of reversion by John Blackadder of Tulliallan, and Margaret Halkerstone, his spouse, to Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, for redemption of the half lands of Wester Kennet, except an acre called the field land thereof, lying in the Sheriffdom of Clackmannan, wadset to them by said Robert Bruce, for to sums of 800 merks each, the place of redemption within the Parish kirk on a Sunday forenoon during the time of prayers, or at their dwelling-houses.
Witnesses : John Couston, in Clackmannan ; William Blackadder, son of the said John Blackadder ; and James Gibson, his servant. Signed at Tulliallan the above date.
No.57. - 19th September, 1569 - Instrument of intimation by Archibald Bruce, son of the deceased David Bruce of the Green, and Margaret Bruce, his future spouse, daughter, and apparent heir of Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, who compeared with a notary and witnesses at the place of Tulliallan, and made search for John Blackadder of Tulliallan, and Margaret Halkerstone, his spouse, but not finding them, made intimation to them to compear within Parish Kirk of Stirling, upon the 10th day of November, 1569, being Martinmas term, and receive the sum of 1600 merks, for redemption of the half lands of Wester Kennet, wadset to the said John Blackadder and spouse by the said Robert Bruce, for the said sum thereafter passed, to the place of Balgonie, the dwelling place of Robert Erskine, and in presence of Christian Stirling, his mother, made intimation to them also as said is, and that in terms of assignation by the said Robert Bruce of letter of reversion, preceding to them.
Witnesses : William Leslie, of Rothes, James Spencer ; and David Bruce, brother of Robert Bruce, Clackmannan. Taken at Tulliallan and Balgonie the above date.
Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan had by this time died, and been succeeded by his grandson, Robert, who was knighted in 1593 by King James VI., on the baptism of Prince Henry.
No.58. - 1570 - Charter by Robert Bruce of Clackmannan to Archibald Bruce, fiar of Wester Kennet, of a piece of land lying in the Pilmuir, in the Barony and county of Clackmannan, and that in consideration of a certain sum of money.
No.59. - 21st May, 1575 - Instrument of Seisin in favour of Margaret Bruce, as heir to Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, her father, in 10 riggs in the Forlyn, 12 riggs on the north side of the Kennet hill, and 7 riggs on the south side of Kennet hill, in the lands of Kennet and county of Clackmannan, proceeding on Precept of Clare Constat *, and given propriis manibus by Robert Bruce of Easter Kennet.
Witnesses : William Thomson, servant to Archibald Bruce, husband of the said Margaret ; Walter Bruce, and Patrick Bruce, rector of Tulliallan.
* [Definition of precept of clare constat. Scots law. : a deed in which a superior recognizes the title of the heir of a deceased vassal or tenant to enter upon the superior's land]
Probably the Robert Bruce of Easter Kennet here mentioned was the son and heir of the Edward Bruce who acquired three-parts of Easter Kennet by the Charter No.37. From the terms of the Instrument it appears that Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, the father of Margaret, is now dead. The date of his death is fixed by No.66.
No.60. - 25th November, 1577 - Charter by Adam Blackadder, son of Culthbert Blackadder, of Blairhall, to Robert Bruce of Easter Kennet, of an annual rent of 40 merks, secured on the lands of Blairhall and Possells. (Blackadder Charters, W.D.B.)
See monument at Culross to this Robert Bruce of Easter Kennet.
No.62. - 6th February, 1580. - Retour of the general service of Robert Bruce as heir to Margaret Bruce, daughter of the deceased Robert Bruce of Kennet, his mother. The inqust being John Brown in Ferrytown, Gilbert Erskine of Glorat, David Rae in Tullibody, John Anderson there, David Bruce of Green, David Stein of Orchard, John Wilson, Archilles Drysdale and David Drysdale in Drymen, Alexander Edward in Forest, Gilbert Blyth in Clackmannan, John Scotland in Dollarbeg, Andrew Burn in Tillicoultrie, John Drysdale there, and Henry Wright in Forest, and held at Clackmannan the above date.
From the retour it appears that Margaret Bruce, the heiress of Robert Bruce of Kennet, was now dead *, her father, as has been seen (No.59) died before 1575, and she was now succeeded by her son, who could not be at this time more than 11 years of age.
* [See No.67]
No.63. - 13th May, 1581. - Instrument bearing that Archibald Bruce, as tutor and administrator in law for Robert Bruce, son of him and Margaret Bruce, daughter and heir of the deceased Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, having compeared within the Parish Kirk of Clackmannan and caused read an instrument of warning made to John Shaw, son and heir of the deceased Patrick Shaw in Tillicoultrie, to receive the sum of 280 merks for the redemption of certain lands mentioned in the said instrument of warning, and the said John Shaw not being personally present, the same sum was consigned by him in the lands of David Bruce of the Green. Witnesses : - Ronald Masterton of Bord ; David Bruce of Backeburn ; Gilbert Coustoun in Clackmannan : Alexander Coustoun in Aikess ; Andrew Stuart of Garthie ; and Gilbert Blyth.
No.64. - 20th May, 1583. - Charter by Sir Robert Pont of the lands of Blairhall, in favour of Robert Bruce of Easter Kennet. (Blackadder Charters, W.D.B.)
No.66. - 11th June, 1583 - Testament Dative and Inventory of Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, given up by Archibald Bruce, of Wester Kennet, his son-in-law, in name and on behalf of Robert Bruce, lawful oye (grandson), to the defunct and executor dative. Issued from the Commissariat of Edinburgh of the above date.
In this writ Robert Bruce is said to have deceased on the 20th March, 1574, and from the way in which the executors proceeded to make up a title it appears that he left no will. Had there been a will, the writ would have been called Testament Testamentar. Patrick Blackadder, Andrew Gow, and Andrew Bruce are all mentioned in this writ.
No.67. - 11th June, 1583 - Testament and Inventory of Margaret Bruce, sometime spouse to Archibald Bruce of Wester Kennet, within the Sheriffdom of Clackmannan, in the month of September, 1579, given up by Archibald Bruce, her spouse, as father and lawful administrator to Robert Bruce, their lawful son.
In this testament small bequests are made to Janet Bruce and Thomas Bruce in Clackmannan, but what connections they were to the family does not appear. George Bruce in Culross, James Bruce, and Patrick Blackadder of Tulliallan are also mentioned. They were all closely connected with the family of Clackmannan. This George, afterwards Sir George Bruce of Culross, was the third son of Mr Edward Bruce of Blairhill, Easter Kennet, etc, and grandson of Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan. His monument is in the burial place at Culross. This writ also was issued from the Commissariat at Edinburgh of the above date.
There is now no doubt that this Mr Edward Bruce was the son of Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan. The fact is proved by a Charter of Protection from King James V., dated 1533, of which the following is a copy : -
By the death of his grandfather in 1574, and of his mother in 1579, as instructed by these two testaments or letters of administration, the estate of Kennet was now vested in Robert Bruce, jun., a mere boy, subject to the rights of his father, Archibald Bruce, under the marriage contract of 1568 (No.55). Archibald Bruce appears to have afterwards married Grissel Preston *, and had issue by her Archibald and Norman, and two daughters - Agnes, wife of Jasper Smyth, and Marjory, married in 1602 to Patrick Blackadder of Melville [Millhill].
* [Grisell Foster or Forest, see Nos 74 and 80.]
No.68. - 6th June, 1684 - David Bruce of Clackmannan is mentioned in an Instrument of seisin in favour of David Stewart of the lands of Shanbody. He was probably the same person mentioned in No.58 [57] as brother of Robert Bruce, the laird of Clackmannan.
No.70. - 1st October, 1593. - Renunciation and Discharge by Patrick Blackadder, Parson of Tulliallan, as assigner to Norman Blackadder, his brother, to Archibald Bruce of Wester Kennet, of the wood-bank, and 10 riggs of land adjacent thereto, lying within the heritage and lands of Wester Kennet, upon the south hill, and the sum of 100 merks, for which the same was wadset, and declaring the said lands to the lawful outquit and redeemed.
No.70. - 24th June, 1596 [1594?] - James Blackadder of Tulliallan and Elizabeth Bruce baptizing John lawful son.
Witnesses : George Bruce in Culross, Archibald Bruce, younger of Poufoulis.
No.71. - 24th October, 1596 [1594?] - Charter from Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, to his loving cousin, Robert Bruce, millar of Lindmill [Linn Mill], and Agnes Wright, his spouse, of the houses and lands of Lindmill, which formerly belonged to the deceased Andrew Bruce, father of the said Robert, and were near the lands of David Bruce of Green, on the east side, and the said David Bruce's brew-house on the west. (W.D.B.)
Robert Bruce, a son of Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan had a grant of the lands of Lindmill ; he was probably father of the above Andrew. Thomas Bruce was "laird of Lindmill," 1599-1603 ; he married Janet Mackie, and had a son Adam, born 1597. In 1604, he was served heir to his brother James. The family continued to occupy the mills at Lindmill down to the beginning of the present century [1800]. Mr John Bruce, Sheriff of Clackmannan, who died 8th January, 1815, at the age of 85, was a son of a Mr Bruce, Lindmill.
No.72. - February, 1594 - Decree Dative and Inventory in favour of Robert Bruce, son of David Bruce of Green, in name and on behalf of self and sister Janet, sole executors dative in life of the said David Bruce (Commissariat of Edinburgh.) Among the "debts awin to the deid" is the following - "Item be Archibald Bruce therefor his farmers in and aforesaid."
This David Bruce was brother to the Archibald Bruce of Kennet, and the executors were therefore cousins-german of Robert Bruce now of Kennet. This David Bruce of Green, was the son of another David of Green, a son of Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan. He had issue Patrick of Green, Robert, etc., 1595 ; his widow, Margaret Bruce, had a son called Andrew, baptized at Clackmannan, in presence of George Bruce of Culross and David Reid of Aikenhead. Margaret afterwards married at Clackmannan in 1595 [1598 ?] Walter Wedderburne.
No.77 - 24th April, 1594 - Precept of Sasine by Robert Bruce of Clackmannan to John Mackie, to a tenement between the lands of Thomas Bruce on the east boundary, and the lands of David Bruce of Green on the south. (J.B.)
4th Sept., 1595 - Norman Bruce, brother to the laird of Clackmannan, and Janet Norval in Stirling proclaimed to be married. (Session Records)
No.74. - 2nd April, 1596 - Precept of Seisin by Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, directed to David Bruce of Beathieburn, for infefting Robert Brace, son and heir of Archibald Bruce of Wester Kennet, and of Margaret Bruce, his former spouse, in the lands Wester Kennet, Cruikitland, and Pitfoulden, lying in the Barony and county of Clackmannan, on the resignation of the said Archibald Bruce, who thereby reserves his own liferent of the said lands.
Witnesses : the said David Bruce ; James Hepburn and Henry Murray, servants to the said Sir Robert Bruce ; Robert White in Clackmannan, David Davidson, and Mr William Morrison, notary.
It is shewn by No.70 that Archibald Bruce was in 1593 acting as proprietor of Wester Kennet, but No.74 shows that in 1596 he formally installed his son Robert as the proprietor, reserving only a life interest, and this deed is a recognition of the arrangement by Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, the feudal superior. It will be noticed that this is the first deed in which Sir Robert is described as a knight. As already stated, he was knighted this year, 1596, on the occasion of Prince Henry's christening.
It also appears from the terms of No.74, in which Margaret Bruce is designed as "the former wife of Archibald Bruce," that he was married again before 1596. From other writs it is shewn that his second wife was named Grisell Foster. His will is proved and recorded in Edinburgh. On the 29th April, 1599, she had a son called Norman baptised at Clackmannan. See No.80.
No.75. - 2d April, 1596 - Instrument of Seisin in favour of Robert Bruce, son apparent heir of Archibald Bruce, in the land and others mentioned in the foregoing precept of Seisin, and proceeding thereon.
Witnesses : Robert White in Clackmannan ; Archibald Malcolm there ; Thomas Coustoun, workman there ; and Alexander Robertson, gardener in Easter Kennet.
No.75. - 23rd April, 1598 - "Walter Wedderburne, servant to Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight : Marione Bruce, relect of unqle David Bruce of Greene ; Archibald Bruce, in Jrismystone, cautioner for bayth the said parties, under paine of ten pounds."
his is the marriage of the widow of the 2nd David Bruce of Green, who died February 1594, and whose will is recorded 8th March, 1598.
No.76. - 3rd July, 1599 - Contract of marriage between Archibald Bruce, liferenter of Wester Kennet, and Robert Bruce, fiar thereof, his eldest son, on the one part, and Alexander Gaw of Maw, as taking burden on him for Elizabeth Gaw, his daughter, on the other part, whereby the said Robert Bruce obliges himself to infeft the said Elizabeth Gaw, his future spouse, in liferent in half of the Tower and lands of Wester Kennet, with the half of the manse place, orchards, etc, and the half of the coal thereof, lying in the Barony and County of Clackmannan, and the said lands to be equally parted and divided by four neutral men, equally chosen, and after such division, the said Archibald to have his choice, and reserving to himself the meikle barn with byre, and the two parts of the byre close ; and the said Alexander Gaw obliges himself to pay to the said Robert Bruce the sum of 3500 merks of money, Scotland, in name of tocher at the terms therein mentioned.
Witnesses : Sir Bobert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight ; John Commendator of Culross ; Mr Mathew Gaw, advocate ; and Walter Wedderburne, and Patrick Bruce, servants to the said Sir Robert Bruce. Signed at Tullibeltone the above date.
12th August, 1599 - Robert Bruce, son and apparent heir to Archibald Bruce of Wester Kennet, in the parish of Clackmannan, and Elizabeth Gaw, daughter of Alexander Gaw of Maw, in the parish of Culross, desired to have their bands of marriage to be proclaimed in the parish of Clackmannan.
The family of Gaw held considerable property in the parish of Culross, and were related to the Prestons and other families of distinction in the district.
No.77. - 28th August, 1599 - Charter by Robert Bruce, fiar of Wester Kennet, with consent of Archibald Bruce, liferenter of the said lands, his father, and Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, superior of the same, to Elizabeth Gaw, his future spouse, in liferent, in terms of the foregoing contract of marriage, the half of the lands of Wester Kennet, and half of the principal issuage orchards, and others thereof, lands of Pitfolden and Cruikitlands. To be holden of the said Robert Bruce of and under Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, for payment yearly of a penny upon the said lands, to the said Sir Robert Bruce, in name of Clauch farm if asked.
Witnesses : Mr Richard White, minister of Clackmannan; John Bruce, burgess of Stirling ; Mr Mathew Gaw in Culross ; David Davidson in Barnhill ; Robert Henry, son of William Henry, burgess of Culross; and Robert Brown in Wester Kennet.
No.78. - 28th August, 1599 - Charter by Robert Bruce, fiar of Wester Kennet, to Elizabeth Gaw, his future spouse, in terms of fore-going Charter. To be holden of himself for the payment yearly of the like sum.
Witnesses : The same parties as in the foregoing Charter (No.77.)
No.79. - 28th August, 1599 - Instrument of Seisin in favour of Elizabeth Gaw, future spouse of Robert Bruce, fiar of Wester Kennet, in the half of the lands of Wester Kennet, and others mentioned in the Charters (Nos.78 and 88), and proceeding on precepts of Seisin therein contained.
Witnesses : The same parties as in those Charters.
No.79 - 2nd Dec, 1599 - Harrie Lindsey of Careston and Margaret Schaw, in the Court of the Queen's Majesty, and sister to Sir James Schaw of Sawkie [Sauchie], were married. William Schaw, her brother, was the cautioner.
The Schaws of Sawkie and Schaw Park were connected with the Bruces by marriage, and were a family of considerable importance in the parish. This lady was one of the Ladies in Waiting to the Queen of James VI. of Scotland.
No.80 - 18th June, 1600 - Testament of Grisell Forest, spouse of Archibald Bruce of Wester Kennet. (Edinburgh Commissary Records.) See No.74
No.81 - 8th February, 1602 - Contract between Archibald Brace of Wester Kennet, and Robert Bruce, fiar thereof, his son, on the one part, and David Bruce of Beathieburn, Robert Bruce, saddler, burgess of Stirling, with consent of Margaret Coustown, and Elizabeth Beattown, their respective spouses, on the other part, bearing that the said David Bruce was infeft in one acre of land, lying in Pittensheuc, within the Barony and Sheriffdom of Clackmannan, and holden of the said Archibald Bruce and his heirs in free Cleuch, for payment of a penny yearly - yet, nevertheless, the said David Bruce, and the said Robert, his son, and apparent heir for the goodwill they have towards the house of Wester Kennet, and also in consideration of certain sums of money, they bind and oblige themselves to pay yearly the terms used and wont to Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, of six firlots of bear, furth of the said acre of land, and all other duties, and to relieve the said Archibald and Robert Bruce of the same, and they to pay to the said David and Robert Bruce the sum of 100 merks money of Scotland.
Witnesses : David Reid of Aikenhead ; Alexander Gaw of Maw ; John Gaw, his son, and apparent heir ; William Coustoun, Ferrytown ; and William Morrison, notary.
Mr Edward Bruce of Blairhall, etc, married Alison, daughter of John Reid of Aikenhead, and sister of Reid, Bishop of Orkney. Aikenhead is in the parish of Clackmannan.
No.41 [No.81].- 20th July, 1533 - Charter of Protection, by King James V., to Mr Edward Bruce, son of Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, dated at Edinburgh as above. This Charter is so important that we give a copy : -
Jacobus dei gra. Rex. Scotorum Omnibus probis homibus. suis adquos pritcs Ire perueniunt salutem.
Sciatas nos dilectu urm. magrm Edward Bruce filio David Bruce de Clakman militis, Terras suas
homines suos et univsas eorund possessiones ac omia bona suamobiliaet Immobilia sub firma pace
et protectione nra juste, suscipisse. Quare firmiter Inhibemus ne quiseiis nialu molestiam Injuria seu
grava men aliquod inferre presumat Iniuste supermam plenaria forisfactuia putibus post a nu mi
me valeturis. In cuins rei testimoniu has tras uras sibi fieri fecimus paten. Apud Edinburgh vudecimo die mess Julii Anno rejjni uri vicesimo.
Protectis Jno [Protectia pro]. Magris Edwardo Bruce.*
* [This charter is recorded in either the Great or Privy Seal Registers of Scotland. It is probable that this is recorded in the charter chest of the Marquis of Alesbury.]
This Charter should have come in between Nos.32 and 33. It proves that Mr Edward Bruce mentioned under Nos.37, 38, and 39, was a son of Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan. The year in which this Charter was granted the Bishop of Aberdeen, the Abbot of Kinloss, James Colville of Easter Wemyss, and Sir Andrew Otterburn, were despatched to the English Court to conclude a peace, which was to last during the lives of Henry and James V., and to continue a year after the death of him who was first deceased. Edward Bruce was probably also a member of this embassy. His son became Master of the Rolls in England, and Sir George of Culross, the second son, is ancestor of the Earl of Elgin.
From this Charter, granting Edward Bruce protection for all his lands and goods, it is clearly proven that he was a son of the house of Clackmannan. The year previous, King James had granted his cousin, John Blackadder, a protection to himself and his tenants during his pilgrimage beyond seas. By No.37, he had a Charter of the lands of Easter Kennet from John Bradie. This Charter was confirmed by No.38. By No.39, he obtains the lands of Shiresmill and Bargandy.
From a monument at Culross, it appears that "Mr Edward Bruce, formerly of Easter Kennet," died Dec. 1565, aged 60. From a Charter in Queen Mary's name, dated 6th September, 1564, recorded in the Blackadder Chartulary, some proceedings appear to have been raised the year previous to his death, "at the instance of Margaret Halkerston, spouse of Sir John Blackadder of Tulliallan, knight, and his heirs for his interest, against Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, and Patrick Bruce's father, brother to said Robert, to produce Robert Bruce, son and heir of Mr Edward Bruce of Easter Kennet, to the said Margaret Halkerston, as having the gift of the said Mr Robert Bruce of Easter Kennet, in marriage, that she might offer to him in marriage her lawful daughter Grissel Blackadder, as a match agreeable to him.
This charge is execute 6th September, 1564. "In 1572, in the same Record, is a charge by "John Blackadder of Tulliallan, etc, to Robert Bruce of Easter Kennet, etc, to observe and fulfil their decree arbitral." He was described of Easter Kennet in No.59-60, and by No.61 obtains a Charter of the lands of Blairhall from Sir Robert Pont. This Robert Bruce appears to have married Margaret Hamilton, daughter of John, Archbishop of St Andrews, and by her, who died at Culross 15th December, 1614, aged 60, had issue: The Right Hon. Sir Edward Bruce, knight (second son of the above Mr Edward Bruce of Easter Kennet, by his wife Alison, sister of Robert Reid Prior of Kinloss, and afterwards Bishop of Orkney), was first an advocate at the Scotch Bar Commissary of Edinburgh in 1584, 1587. Commendator of the Abbey of Kinloss 1584 to 1600. Commendator of Pluscardine, near Elgin. One of the Senators of the College of Justice 1597. Lord High Commissioner of the Church of Scotland 1594 and 1596.
In April, 1594, Mr Edward Bruce and Sir James Colville were sent as Ambassadors to England. In 1598, he was appointed one of the Convention of nobility to meet at Holyrood House. Ambassador to England again in 1598. In February, 1601, the Earl of Mar and Lord Kinloss (Edward Bruce) appointed to proceed to England on a special Embassy to assist the King's rights to the Crown of England. These two noblemen left England with a train of forty persons, and arrived in London in march, 1601. On February 2nd, 1601, created Baron Bruce of Kinloss *. At this time, Mr Edward Bruce succeeded, after much difficulty, in establishing the right of King James VI., and during his Embassy prevailed upon Sir Robert Cecil and other members of the English Government, to sign an engagement to assist James in obtaining the English Crown ; indeed, it was owing to Mr Edward Bruce's skill, diplomacy, and correspondence with Sir Robert Cecil, that His Majesty's quiet succession to the throne was brought about on the death of Elizabeth. A number of the King's letters, and also Mr E. Bruce's, proving that fact, have lately been printed by the Camden Society.
* [His was the Barony to which the Duke of Buckingham established his claim in 1868]
For their service, he was created by letter patent under the great seal of England, September 11th 1603, * Baron Bruce of Kinloss and Master of the Rolls in England, one of the highest positions in the English Court of Equity, and at that time ranking next to the Lord Chancellor. He was also made a Privy Chancellor of both kingdoms. He died in London 1611.
* [This Barony was inherited by the Earls of Elgin and Kincardine.]
In the library at Auchinleck is a "particular inventore of the movabilis household stuff, plait, and pleneising" of Lord Kinloss's house at the time he left Scotland for England. It is curious to think that the scyphi, the calices, and the phealae, the pride of many an old Abbot of Kinloss, may figure as the basins, lavers and flagons of the inventory of the lay Lord of Kinloss, while the "Tourkey carpets" and "Insche rougs" for the table and cupboards may once have adorned the altars of the monastery. The whole plate amounted to the enormous sum of 4671 1/2 ounces. Among the additional MSS. in the British Museum No. 14417 is a MS. relating to Funerals in the reign of James I. At p.40 is an account of the funeral of the Right Hon. Edward Lord Kinloss, master of the Rolls, which funeral it is stated took place in the Rolls chapel on the 17th Feb. 1611. The arms and crest of Lord Kinloss are given and also numerous drawings of his banner, - among the friends mentioned as being present in coaches are Capstagne Bruse and William Bruce, the former probably Captain Henry Bruce, afterwards Colonel Sir Henry Bruce, a brother of the laird of Clackmannan, who was in 1627 employed in the secret service.
Of this Sir Henry Bruce, King Charles writes to Lord Wentworth "I esteem him a better soldier than a statesman, yet, he has made me some propositions in the polite way, somewhat mixed with the martial, not to be despised" - The chief mourner was the young Lord Kinloss, and among his assistants were : Mr Thomas Bruce, his brother, who succeeded as third Lord Kinloss, and was afterwards created Earl of Elgin.
He died 1663, at 65 ; Sir William Cavendish who in 1608 had married Lord Kinloss's daughter, and who afterwards became second Earl of Devonshire ; James Bruce "one of the defunds servants" was also present.
Sir George Bruce of Culross, and afterwards of Carnock, was the third son of Mr Edward Bruce of Easter Kennet. In 1747, on the death of the last lineal descendant of Edward Lord Bruce, without male issue, the title of Earl of Elgin and Baron Bruce of Kinloss became vested in the descendant of this Sir George, the then Earl of Kincardine. This Sir George Bruce bought and probably finished Culross Abbey. His monument as before stated is in the burial place at Culross.
No.81. - 18th April, 1602 - Patrick Bruce of Green and Euphame Arnot, sister of Walter Arnot of that ilk, in the parish of Paolawouk [Portmoak] had their bands proclaimed, at the testimony of Mr John Wilkie.
This Patrick is probably the same Patrick as mentioned in the note under No.72. Patrick of Green occurs also as a witness in the Session Records in 1595 and 1610.
No.81. - 15th May, 1602 - Jasper Smyth, son of John Smyth, Clackmannan, and Agnes Bruce, daughter of Archibald Bruce of Wester Kennet, desired their bands of marriage to be proclaimed. The parties appear to have been of full age.
No.81. - 8th July, 1602 - Patrick Blackadder of Millhill and Marion Bruce, daughter to Archibald Bruce of Wester Kennet, with consent of her father, desired to be proclaimed. Robert Bruce of Kennet and Edward Bruce of Keir as cautioners.
No.81. - 6th Nov. 1602 - Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan and Daine Janet Wardlaw baptized Marion lawful.
Witnesses : William Bruce of Airth, Sir James Schaw of Sawkie, knight, and Robert Bruce of Blairhall.
No.82. - 28th May, 1604 - Charter of Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, life-renter, with consent of Robert Bruce, his son, to Alex. Douglas, of a tenement of land, bounded by the lands of Thomas Younger on the east. (J.B.)
No.83. - 27th September, 1606 - Testament of Robert Bruce, fiar of Wester Kennet, by which he desires his body to be buried in the Church of Clackmannan, and nominates Elizabeth Gaw, his spouse, his tutrix Testamentar, to Robert Bruce, their son and apparent heir, whom failing to Margaret and Marjory Bruce, their daughters, and she to enjoy his hail living during her widowity, and for upbringing of his said children, nominates James Bruce of Poufoulis ; David Brown of Finmoud ; John Gaw of Maw ; Archibald Bruce, his lawful brother ; John Bruce, saddler, his natural brother and David Bruce, Bailie of Clackmannan. Signed at Wester Kennet.
No.84. - 17th January, 1607 - Sasine by the Right Hon. Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, in which the Procurator is described as "Harrie Bruce, lawll sone to the Right Hon. Robert Bruce, younger, of Clackmannan, Procurator for the said Robert Bruce, his father." (J.B.)
No.85. - 6th February, 1607 - Charter by King James VI. to Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, and Robert Bruce, his eldest son, and apparent heir of the lands and Barony of Clackmannan (comprehending as formerly mentioned), and land and Barony of Rait, lying in the counties of Clackmannan and Perth, respectively.
This was another of the arrangements of which so many instances have already appeared in this abstract, by which the heir in possession got the right of his apparent heir recognised during his own lifetime, so as to prevent difficulties and expense after his death. The Robert here mentioned as eldest son and apparent heir afterwards succeeded to the Barony of Clackmannan at his father's death.
No.85. - 6th February, 1627 - Charter by Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, and Helen Durie, his wife, and John Bruce, now their eldest son, to Sir John Blackadder of Tulliallan, knight, and Dame Christiane, his wife.
No.86. - 29th September, 1627 - Charter by James Bruce, Gartstocks, in implement of a contract of same date, to Robert Anderson, servitor to Mr John Hay of Easter Kennet, and Margaret Brown, his spouse, of the land of Gartstocks, a croft called the Miln lands, and that part of the lands of Gartstocks occupied by David Douglas, lying in the Barony and county of Clackmannan. To be holden of the said James Bruce, of and under Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, for payment yearly of a penny, on the feast of Pentecost, in name of Bleuch farm, if asked.
Witnesses : David Bruce, Bailie of Clackmannan ; Thomas Coustoun, Robert Bruce, saddler, James Dawson, Alex. Hutson, and Robert Bruce, all in Clackmannan.
No.87 - 2nd March, 1627. - Charter by Mr Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet in implement of a contract of a marriage entered into between him and Margaret Colvill, relict of Patrick Murray of Perdew on behalf of Agnes Murray, their daughter, (with consent of James Colvill of Balbedie, Mr Robert Colvill, minister of Culross, and Mr Alexander Colvill of Blair, Justitiar Depute of Scotland, her trustees) to the said Agnes Murray, his future spouse, in liferent of the half of the lands of Wester Kennet lands called the Cruikit lands and Pitfoulden lying in the Barony and county of Clackmannan, to be holden of the said Robert Bruce of and under Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, and Robert Bruce, fiar thereof, his son, for payment of half a penny yearly at the proportion of a penny for the whole lands of Wester Kennet.
Witness : Norman, son of Patrick Blackadder of Millhills, and others.
No.88. - 3rd March, 1627. - Charter by Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, and Robert Bruce, fiar thereof, verbatum ratifying and confirming the foregoing charter by Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, to Agnes Murray, his future spouse, in liferent of the half of the land of Wester Kennet and others therein mentioned.
Witnesses : Robert White, junior, in Clackmannan ; Mr David Kinghorn, writer, in Dysart, and David Wightman, servant of the said Sir Robert Bruce, Clackmannan.
This Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet was the son of the Robert Bruce who married Elizabeth Gaw. He had been placed under the guardianship of James Bruce of Powfoulis and other, by the deed No.83. By No.91, and probably during his minority, a considerable accumulation of rents had been made, for he is found soon after this date making large purchases of lands adjacent to Kennet. Agnes Murray, the wife of Robert Brace, was the daughter of Patrick Murray of Perdew, alias Broomhall, near Dunfermline, advocate, by Margaret, his wife, daughter of Lord Colville of Culross. This Patrick was the grandson of James Murray, who obtained those lands 28th June, 1526. His brother, Sir Wm. Murray of Tullibardine, was father of John, Earl of Tullibardine, ancestor of the Duke of Athole. (See Douglas Peerage of Scotland, 1-145 ; Chalmers' History of Dunfermline, II., 151.)
No.89. - 10th April, 1626. - Baptized at Clackmannan to Mr Robert Bruce and Agnes Murray, a son lawful, Robert, in the presence of Alexander Shaw of Sauchie, and Robert Bruce, fiar of Clackmannan.
No.90. - 4th March, 1629. - Factory by Sir James Henderson, knight, to Robert Drummond of Medope, by which the said Sir James Henderson in consideration of his being about to leave the country - assigns to the said Robert Drummond, certain bonds and obligations containing sums of money therein mentioned, and among others a bond, dated 22nd April. 1629, by Colonel Harry Bruce and Margaret Haldane, his spouse, to the said Sir James Henderson, for the sum of 1680 merks money of Scotland, with full power to him to uplift and receive the said sum of money, and now to apply the same for behoof of the said Sir James.
Witnesses : John Paip, writer to the Signet ; Mr John Callender, servant to Mr James Primross, clerk to the Privy Council ; Alex. Nicoll, notary ; and Robert Elder, messenger.
It will be seen from No. - that Mr Bruce of Wester Kennet was a party to this bond by Colonel Bruce.
No.91. - 10th November, 1630 - Charter by John Earl of Mar, Lord Erskine and Gariock, to Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, of the teinds of the lands of Wester Kennet, presently occupied by the said Robert Bruce, lying in the parish and county of Clackmannan, and which teinds formerly formed part of the patrimony of the Abbey of Cambuskenneth, and Abbey of Dryburgh, and afterwards were annexed to the temperate Lordship Cardross, to be holden of the King and his successors for payment yearly of the sum of three shillings and fourpence money of Scotland, as the proportion of the said lands to the said Lordship ; and 20 merks like money to the minister serving cure of the Parish Church of Clackmannan, and furnishing the elements in the said church. Witnesses : John Erskine of Little Sauchie ; Alexander Stirling of Powhouse : and John Williamson, servant to the Earl. These appear to be part of the lands granted by King David in 1147 to the Abbey of Cambuskenneth.
Nos.91 and 92 are another instance of what has been already pointed out as a peculiarity in the conveyancing forms of that period, - viz., two Charters or conveyances to carry out the same transaction, one containing a grant, to be holden of the party signing the Charter, and the other to be holden of the King.
No.92 - 15th November, 1630 - Charter by John Earl of Mar to Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, of the teinds of the lands of Wester Kennet and others specified in the foregoing Charter, to be holden of the Earl for payment yearly of a penny money of Scotland, in name of blouch duty at the feast of Pentecost. Witnesses as in the foregoing Charter.
No.93. - 13th December, 1630 - Instrument Seisin in favour of Robert Bruce, Esq. of Wester Kennet, in the teinds of the lands of Wester Kennet and others mentioned in Charter No. 92, proceeding on precept of Seisin therein contained. Witnesses : Thomas Short in Clackmannan ; Patrick Kinnaird in Evergreen ; Bernard Forester, servant to Mr John Fenton ; and Thomas Duncan, servant to Mr David Williamson, notary.
No.94 - May, 1631 - Baptized at Clackmannan to Mr Robert Bruce and Agnes Murray of Kennet, a son, lawful named David, in the presence of Alexander Shaw of Sauchie, and Mr John Hay of Easter Kennet. (Session Records.)
No.95. - 16th June, 1638 [Probably 1633]. - Baptized at Clackmannan to Mr Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet and Agnes Murray a daughter, lawful name Margaret, in the presence of Henry Bruce. (Session Record.)
No.96.- 15th July, 1633. - Baptized at Clackmannan to Mr Robert Bruce (of Clackmannan) and Elizabeth Halyburton a son, lawful name George, in the presence of Mr Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet. (Session Record.)
No.97. - 29th April 1635 - Baptized at Clackmannan to Mr Robert Bruce and Agnes Murray a daughter, lawful name Helen, in the presence of Sir Alexander Shaw and Mr George Preston. (Session Record.) She married Dr Brisbane.
No.98. - 13th June, 1637 - Baptized at Clackmannan to Mr Robert Bruce and Agnes Murray of Wester Kennet a son, lawful name Alexander, in the presence of James Shaw and Henry Bruce. (Session Record.)
No.99. - 28th July, 1638 - Decree and adjudication at the instance of Mr David Hay, son of Mr John Hay of Easter Kennet, against Margaret, Anna, and Ellen Hay, daughters of Mr Alex. Hay, one of the Clerks of Session, for 3000 merks. Alexander Bruce, who afterwards obtains in 1668 the lands of Garlet, and died in Ireland, 1704, leaving issue.
No.100. - 6th September, 1638 - Disposition by Mr David Hay, son and heir of Mr John Hay of Easter Kennet, clerk of Session, to Robert Bruce fiar of Clackmannan and Mr Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, of the just and equal two parts of the lands of Craigtown to be equally divided between them with the corresponding parts of the tends of the said lands, they relieving him of the duties payable there-from to the minister and reader of the Kirk of Clackmannan, and the said disponers to pay therefor to the said Mr David Hay the sum of 16,000 merks equally between them as said is at the term of Martinmas then next, and containing certain other obligations on their parts as to furnishing several chalders of pow-wood yearly for the use of the pans of the said Mr David Hay, and also in regard to the coal in said lands. Witnesses : John Hunter and William Beveridge, servants of the said Mr Robert Bruce, and James Anderson, servant of the said Mr David Hay.
The "pans" mentioned in this deed were salt-pans, in which the salt water from the river was distilled and the salt extracted. They were situated at a small harbour on the banks of the river Forth, and the place is still known "Kennetpans." A very large distillery was soon after this date erected there and continued to be worked till within the last 30 years.
No.101 - 24th September, 1638 - Baptized at Clackmannan to Mr Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet and Annas Murray a son, lawful named Robert, in the presence of Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight. (Session Records.)
This Robert Bruce was afterwards a merchant in Edinburgh, and married Isobel, daughter of Andrew Paterson of Dunmore, and had issue Robert, born in Edinburgh, 1670; William, born 1681 ; James, born 1679 ; Isobel, Ann Christian and Mary, married to William Lumsden, Esq., and was mother of Andrew Lumsden, secretary to Prince Charles ; and Isobel, wife of Sir Robert Strange. Lady Strange was a constant visitor at Clackmannan. Mr. Lumsden, in one of his letters to Col. Mackintosh, 30th April, 1772 (life of Sir Robt. Strange, vol. 2, 146), in allusion to the marriage of his late master, Charles Edward, writes - "The Queen has got the noble blood of the Bruce's in her veins. Here the blood of the Stuart's and Bruce's is again united. Long since tired of courts, I have now bid adieu to them, otherwise I might have been tempted on this occasion to have undertaken a pilgrimage to have seen her Majesty, since, as a Bruce, the same blood runs in my veins as in hers, with this difference, that my mother was of the elder branch."
No.102. - 3rd November, 1638 - Obligation and minute of agreement by the above-mentioned Robert Bruce, fiar of Clackmannan, and Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, in reference to the foregoing disposition, and as to the terms of payment of the sums of money - the price of lands of Craigtown - and the division of the houses on the said lauds.
Witnesses : Thomas Petrie and John Bruce, servitors of the said Mr Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet. Signed at Wester Kennet of the above date.
No.103. - 1st and 19th April, 1639 - Disposition by Robert Bruce, fiar of Clackmannan, and Mr Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, to James Stuart of Rossyth, narrating the disposition and argument, No.100 and 102 foregoing, entered into between them and Mr Hay of Easter Kennet, by which, in consideration of the sum, 24,000 merks money of Scotland, they disposed to him, the said James Stuart and Margaret Napier, his spouse, the town and lands of Craigtown, lying in the Barony of Shanbody and county of Clackmannan, and containing sundry stipulations as to the coal thereon.
Witnesses : Sir Robert Crichton of Cluny, knight ; James Stuart, his servant ; Archibald Stuart, son of the laird of Rossyth ; Robert Anderson, writer; and David and Harie Bruce, sons of the said Robert Bruce ; and Thomas Lambie in Clackmannan. Signed at Tulligarth on the above dates.
No.104. - August 1639 - Discharge of David Hay of Woodcockdale, narrating also the disposition and agreement No.100 and 102, wherein he had disposed to Robert Bruce, fiar of Clackmannan, and Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, the two parts of the lands of Craigtown and others lying in the Barony of Shanbody and county of Clackmannan, for the sum of 16,000 merks, and seeing that James Stuart of Rossyth had purchased the whole lands of Craigtown for the sura of 24,000 merks to the said David Hay, he therefore discharged the said Robert Bruce, fiar of Clackmannan, and Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, of the same, and of all obligations in which they were liable.
Witnesses : James Winram, son of Mr Robert Winram, writer to the Signet, and Robert Anderson and William Hewryson, his servants.
No.105. - 5th September, 1639. - Compeared Kathrene Thompsone in Clackmannan, and . . . . confessing that she had committed fornication with John Bruce, sonne to the laird of Clackmannan and Elder, and was ordained to make his public repentance and to pay in penaltie 26s 8d. (Session Records.)
No.107. - 22d January, 1640 - Charter of Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, and Robert Bruce, his son, fiar, to Henry Bruce in Grassmeston, and Janet Gall, his spouse, of a tenement and croft at Clackmannan - described in No.49. (J.B.)
No.108. - 17th November, 1640 - Renunciation by Agnes Murray, spouse of Mr Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, bearing that by contract matrimonial, entered into between her and her said husband, she stood infeft in liferent in the half of the lands of Wester Kennet, but she having, in consideration of her said husband's estate, and the debts contracted upon the said lands in wining and drying of the coal therein, as also in consideration that Elizabeth Gaw, mother of the said Robert Bruce, was also infeft in the half of the said lands of Wester Kennet and others, - therefore, and for the love she has and bears to David Bruce, apparant of Wester Kennet, her son, and for the well-being of the house thereof, she renounced her said liferent on the said lands, and restricts herself to the rents thereof, and her right to the coal, compiteut to her by the said contract, except what she shall use in her own house. Witnesses : Mr Edward Wright, minister in Clackmannan ; Robt. Masterton of Parkmill, Sheriff-Depute of Clackmannan ; and Mr Patrick Morrison, notary.
No.111. - 11th December, 1641 - Disposition of John, Lord Kilpont,to Robert Bruce, fiar, of Clackmannan, of the lands of Easter Kennet, with the manor place, acre of land, called Grieve's acre, tenement called Baxter's land, with the waste land and croft belonging thereto, on the north of the town of Clackmannan, croft called the Cruikit croft, other croft called the Cruikit croft, Craighill and Hilltown croft, with the coal thereof; superiority of lands of the deceased Robert Coustoun, on the north side of Clackmannan, and of nine acres of the lands of Wester Kennet, sometime part of the lands of Easter Kennet, and teinds of the said nine acres, and all lying in the parish and county of Clackmannan, and assigns to the said Robert Bruce the Decreet of Adjudication obtained by him, the said John, Lord Kilpont, against the daughter of the deceased Alexander Hay of Easter Kennet, for certain sums of money, and that in consideration of the sum of 10,000 merks, payed to him by the said Robert Bruce, fiar, of Clackmannan.
Witnesses : Mr David Hay, writer in Edinburgh ; Hugh Ross, writer to the Signet ; Robert Pringle, writer of the Disposition ; and Mr William Henderson, his servant.
This deed shows that Lord Kilpont as one of the creditors of Mr Hay of Easter Kennet, adjudged that estate from Mr Hay's daughters, and that Robert or Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan purchased it from Lord Kilpont for 10,000 merks. From the subsequent writs it seems probable that this purchase was made by Sir Robert Bruce as a joint speculation along with Mr Bruce of Wester Kennet.
No.112. - 20th April, 1642 - Procuratory by John, Earl of Mar, to John Douglas, one of the ordinary macers before the Lords of Council and Exchequer, narrating that John, Earl of Mar, his father deceased, with consent of John Erskine of Little Sauchie, had disponed to the also now deceased Mr John Hay of Easter Kennet, and Marion Drummond, his spouse, and Mr Alexander Hay, one of the Clerks of Session, their son, the teinds, parsonage, and vicarage of the lands of Easter Kennet, and others : and that the Lords of Council and Session, by their decreet of adjudication, at the instance of John, Lord Kilpont, against the daughters of the said Mr Alex. Hay, dated 28th July, 1638, adjudged the said lands to pertain and belong to said John Lord Kilpont, who thereupon assigned the same to Robert Bruce, fiar of Clackmannan (see No.111). Therefore, and in implement of the said assignation, nominates the said John Douglas, his procurator, to resign the said teinds in the hands of our Sovereign Lord, as immediate lawful superior of the same, in favour and for new infeftment thereof, to be granted to the said Robert Bruce.
Witnesses : Simon Brisbane of Selbiland, and Peter Brown, servant of the Earl; Mr David Hay, son of the deceased Mr John Hay of Kennet ; and James Reid, his servitor. Signed by the Earl at the Canongate, Edinburgh, above date.
No.114. - 13th June 1642 - Precept from Chancery for infefting Robert Bruce, fiar of Clackmannan, in the lands of Easter Kennet, with the Manor Place and others mentioned in the foregoing Charter and following thereon.
No.115. - 24th June, 1642 - Baptized at Clackmannan to Robert Bruce and Agnes Murray a son, William, lawful, in the presence of Henry Bruce and Robert Coustoun. (Session Records.)
No.116. - July 1642 - Instrument of Seisin in favour of Robert Bruce, fiar of Clackmannan, in the lands of Easter Kennet and others mentioned in charter No.113, and preceding in precept No.114.
Witnesses : James Christie and James Smith in Easter Kennet ; Robert Scobie, John Bruce, and John Westwater, servants to the said Robert Bruce ; and William Beveridge in Clackmannan.
No.117. - 6th July, 1642 - Disposition by Robert Bruce, fiar of Clackmannan, to Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, of the lands of Easter Kennet with the Manor Place - acre of land called Grieve's acre with the coal in said lands and teinds thereof, and of one acre of the lands of Wester Kennet, reserving to himself the other parts of the lands of Easter Kennet. To be holden of the said Robert Bruce, fiar of Clackmannan, for payment of penny money of Scotland, in the name of Bleuch farm at the feast of Penticost yearly, and other duties for the teinds thereof.
Witnesses : Mr David Hay, writer, in Edinburgh ; James Reid and Walter Smith, his servitors ; and Thomas Edgar, servitor of Henry Osborne, writer to the Signet.
No.118. - 6th July. 1642 - Precept of Clare Constat by Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, to Mr Robert Bruce, now of Wester Kennet, as heir to Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, his father, in 10 riggs of Forlyuu, 10 riggs on the north side of Kennet Hill, and 7 riggs on the north side thereof, within the lands of Wester Kennet.
Witnesses as in the foregoing Disposition.
No.119. - 6th July, 1642 - Charter by Robert Bruce, fiar of Clackmannan, to Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, of parts of the lands of Easter Kennet, following on Disposition No.117.
Witnesses as in the said Disposition.
No.120. - 14th July, 1642 - Instrument of Seisin in favour of Robert Bruce of Kennet, in. the lands of Easter Kennet and others mentioned in Disposition No.117, and proceeding on the Precept of Seisin contained in Charter No.119.
Witnesses : Norman Blackadder in Tulliallan ; John Colt in Clackmannan ; James Anderson in Kennet, and others.
No.121. - 14th July, 1642 - Instrument of Seisin in favour of Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, as heir to his father, in 10 riggs of land in Forlyun and others, mentioned in precept of Clare Constat, No.110. and proceeding thereon.
Witnesses as in foregoing instrument.
No.122. - 12th March, 1644 - Charter of Apprising by Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, to Robert Bruce of Kennet, of a tenement of land and houses on the north side of the street of Clackmannan, croft of land adjacent thereto, two acres of land, one of which lies in the Parkfield, and the other in the Nether Hall hill, tenement of land on the west side of the Cross of Clackmannan, tenement of land on the north side of the street of Clackmannan, tenement of land and houses and yards lying as said lands of Parkfields, lying above St Mary's Brig, five acres of land in Nether Hall hill, four acres of land in the Neuch, and the lands of Dykdroods or Gartstocks, all lying in the Barony and county of Clackmannan, and which lands pertained heritably to John Miller, son and heir to John Miller, writer to the Signet, and were apprised by the said Robert Bruce of Kennet, in satisfaction for certain sums of money. To be holden of the said Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan for payment of the feu and bleuch duties, used and wont.
Witnesses : Robert Younger, servant to the said Robert Bruce, and others. Signed at Clackmannan.
No.123. - 29th November, 1644. - Baptized at Clackmannan, to Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet and Agnes Murray, a son, named William *, in the presence of Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, Sir Alex. Shaw of Sawkie, knight, Sir John Preston of Valleyfield, knight, and Captain William, Bruce, son of the said Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan. (Session Records.)
* [Probably John, see No.115]
No.124. - 9th January, 1645. - The which day Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet for the deale lie cares to Gode trew woorship gave ten darwes? for to be gavane to the Communion Table.
No.125. - 29th March, 1646 - Baptized to Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet and Agnes Murray, a son, named George.
Witnesses : Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, and Sir Alex. Shaw of Sawkie, knight. (Session Records.)
No.126. - 11th August, 1647 - Charter by James Stewart of Rossyth, to Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, of the lands and Barony of Shanbody, with the manor place thereof, as well as property, as superiority thereof, comprehending the town and lands of Shanbody, lands of Hartshaw, with the mill and mill lands, Craigend, Tarvetford, Slackbraes, and the two Muirsides, Scartoun, Gartfinnan, and Garlet, all lying in the county of Clackmannan. To be holden of the said James Stewart, of and under the King and his successors, for payment yearly of a penny Scots, at the feast of Pentecost, in name of bleuch duty.
No.127. - 5th August, 1647 - Baptized at Clackmannan, to Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet and Agnes Murray, a daughter, named Marie.
Witnesses : Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, Sir Alex. Shaw of Sawkie, Mr Andrew Bruce, son of the said Sir Robert. (Session Records.)
No.128. - 7th September, 1647 - Charter by James Stewart, Rossyth, to Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, in the lands and barony of Shanbody and others, proceeding on precept contained in foregoing Charter.
Witnesses : Alexander and Andrew Gibson, merchants, burgesses of Culross ; Thomas Peat, tenant in Garlet ; and James Potter, writer in Clackmannan.
No.129. - 8th February, 1648 - Instrument of resignation by James Stewart of Rossyth, in the hands of the barons of Exchequer, of the lands and barony of Shanbody, as specially described in No.126, in favour and for new infeftment of the same to Mr Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet. Witnesses : James Durham of Pitcurro ; Mr Patrick Brown ; and John Rolston, writer in Edinburgh.
No.130. - 8th February, 1648 - Instrument of resignation by Anna Stewart, daughter of the deceased James Stewart of Rossyth, and William Ged, her husband, for his interest in the hands of barons of Exchequer, of their part of the lands of Craigtown, with the teinds, coal, and fishings thereof, in favour and for new infeftment of the same to Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet.
No.131. - 8th February, 1648 - Instrument of resignation by Margaret Napier, Lady Rossyth, Archibald and Margaret Stewart, her children, and Patrick Winton of Stradighty-Martin [Strathmartine], husband of the said Margaret Stewart, in the hands of the barons of Exchequer, of the lands of Craigtown, with the fishings and teinds thereof, lying in the Barony of Shanbody and county of Clackmannan, in favour and for new infeftment of the same to be granted to Mr Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet.
No.132. - 7th April, 1651 - Charter by John Lord Erskine, with consent of John, Earl of Mar, his father, to Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet, of the teinds of the Barony of Shanbody, comprehending Gartfinnan, Scarton, Craigmead, Turbutford, Slackbrae, Hairshaw, Croft, and Muirside, lying in the county and parish of Clackmannan, to be holden of the said Lord John Erskine, of and under the King and his successors, for payment yearly of 3s 1d money of Scotland, at the feast of the Pentecost, in name of bleuch duty if asked, and to the ministers of the church of Clackmannan the stipend due therefrom.
Witnesses : Simon Brisbane of Selbiland, and Mr James Cunningham, servant of the Earl. Signed at Alloa the above date.
No.133. - 7th April, 1651 - Charter by John Lord Erskine, with consent of John, Earl of Mar, his father, to Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet, of the teinds of the Barony of Shanbody, comprehending as in the foregoing charter, to be holden of himself for payment of a penny yearly, in name of bleuch duty, at the feast of the Pentecost if asked, and to the minister of Clackmannan, as in the charter.
No.134. - 20th October, 1651 - Instrument of Seisin in favour of Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet, in the teinds of the barony of Shanbody, and others mentioned in foregoing charters, by John Lord Erskine, and proceeding upon the precept of Seisin therein contained.
Witnesses : John Thomson, servant of Mr Robert Bruce : John Tait in Shanbody ; John Wood, son of Mr John Wood, minister of Tulliallan ; and Robert Lamb there.
No.135. - 1653 - Mr Alex. Bruce, afterwards of Garlet, matriculated at the University of Edinburgh.
No.136. - 6th February, 1653 - The Session finding it were expedient that the stent-roll of the schoolmaster, his yearly stipend (as it was condescended unto by the heritors, feuars, and all others having interest before the visitors of the kirk of Clackmannan) be registered in the session book of the said kirk, do therefore appoint that the stent-roll be inserted in the said book as followeth :- Clackmannan, elder, £13 6s 8d ; Clackmannan, younger, £14; Sauchie, £19 6s 8d ; Ferrietown and Forest, £13 4a ; Tarbortfoord, 3s 4d ; Hallshaw, £1 13s 4d ; Starton, 6s 8d ; Gartfinnan, 6s 8d ; Moorside, 8s ; Shanbody, 13s 4d ; Garlet, £1 6s 8d ; Craigtown, £5 ; Wester and Easter Kennet, £1 16s; David Bruce in Alva, 7s; James Gale, West Hillend, 12s. (Session Records.)
No.137. - Retour of the special service of Alexander Bruce, son and heir of Henry Bruce, and grandson of Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, (George Bruce of Tullygarth is one of the jury-men) in lands and houses in Clackmannan.
No.138. - 7th April, 1654 - Compeared George Bruce, confessed his sin of fornication with Helen Wightman, and was ordained to make repentance three Lord's days, and pay in penalty ten marks. (Session Records.)
No.139. - 12th and 29th June, 1656 - Precept of seisin by Mr Robert Bruce of Shanbody, bearing that by contract matrimonial entered into between David Bruce, his eldest son, on one part, and Marjory Young, daughter of David Young of Kirkton, he oblige himself to infeft the said David Bruce and Marjory Young, his spouse, in the lands of Craigton, teinds of the same, lying in the parish and county of Clackmannan, and lauds of Easter and Wester Kennet, and teinds lying as said is now under the conditions and reservations therein mentioned - therein nominating John Bruce in Wester Kennet, to give seisin in terms of the said precept.
Witnesses : Thomas Henderson of Auchendining, Commissary of Perth, Major George Bruce, son of the deceased Sir Robert Bruce, Clackmannan, and Alexander Robertson.
This description of Major Bruce shews that Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan had died between 1652 and 1656, he was succeeded by Sir Henry Bruce. Sir Robert Bruce had granted a precept of clare constat in 1652 in favour of Robert Bruce in Clackmannan, son of Robert Bruce, sadler, there, an illegitimate son of Archibald Bruce of Wester Kennet. (W. D. B. Charter.)
No.140 - 21st October, 1656 - Precept of seisin by Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet, and David Bruce, fiar thereof, his eldest son and apparent heir, for infefting George Wilson of West Kirk, whom failing, Alexander and George Wilson, his sons, in the land and Barony of Shanbody and teinds thereof, in security of the sum of 2,000 merks, money of Scotland, confirm to Bond and Disposition granted by them thereupon.
Witnesses : Thomas Izett, one of the Bailies of Culross ; Robert Forrest, clerk of Culross : Robert Knox, notary there ; and John Masson, servitor to the said Robert Forrest, signit at Culross.
No.141. - 23d October, 1656 - Contract between Henry Bruce of Clackmannan, John, Earl of Mar, Robert Bruce of Kennet, Sir Alexander Schaw of Sauchie, and others, whereof the Earl allows Sauchie Coal to be shipped at the shore of Alloa, for which they oblige themselves to pay 5d per choldron. (Earl of Mansfield's Charters.)
No.142. - 21st April, 1657 - Discharge and obligation by Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet and David Bruce, his son and apparent heir, to Thomas Burn, second son of the deceased Andrew Burn in Easter Gellats, and to Robert Burn, elder, there, and Adam Turnbull, portioner, of Grange, of the sum of 1000 merks money of Scotland, and obliging themselves to repay and deliver the said sum between and the term of Martinmas then next. Witnesses : Robert Bruce, son of the said Robert Bruce ; John Cochrane, and John Bruce, their servant, and John Gaw, burgess of Dunfermline. Signed at Easter Kennet.
No.143. - 13th July, 1657 - Bond and obligation by Mr Robert Bruce of Shanbody and David Bruce, his eldest son, bearing their having received from Andrew Bruce of Woodside and Katharine Hay, his spouse, the sum of 400 merks money of Scotland, and in security of which sum they oblige themselves to infeft and seizin the said Andrew Bruce and Katharine Hay in lands and Barony of Shanbody, with the mill and mill lands thereof, Crairniend, Tarbetford, Scartoun, Gartfinnan, Muirsides, and Garlet, lying in the parish and county of Clackmannan. Witnesses : John Keirie, notary ; James Craig, writer ; Andrew Erskine Younger in Alloa ; and John Bruce and George Gibb, Alloa and Kennet.
No.144. - 23d November, 1656 - Disposition by Alex. Bruce, son of Henry Bruce, and grandson of Sir Robert Bruce, to Janet Gale, his mother, with sasine thereon by the Right Hon. Henry Bruce of Clackmannan. (J.B.)
No.145. - 16th July, 1657 - Alex. Bruce, afterwards of Garlet, took the degree of M.A. in the University of Edinburgh.
No.145. - 24th December, 1657 - Instrument of Seisin in favour of Andrew Bruce of Woodside and Katharine Hay, his spouse, following on the precept in No.143.
Witnesses : Matthew Forfar in Garlet ; Gilbert Couston in Wester Kennet ; and James Harrower, servator to John Keirie, notary.
No.146. - 26th November, 1658 Instrument of seisin in favour of George Wilson of West Kirk, in the parish and county of Clackmannan, proceeding on precept of seisin No.140.
Witnesses :- John Blackadder, son of Patrick Blackadder, in Gartaric, of Tulliallan ; Alexander Cowie in Culross; and John Masson, servitor to Robert Forest, notary.
No.147. - 30th September, 1661 - Precept of seisin by Robert Bruce of Kennet, for infefting John Brisbane in Garlet and the lands and Barony of Shanbody and tiends thereof, lying in the parish and county of Clackmannan, in security of the sum of 4000 merks, money of Scotland.
Witnesses : Alexander and Robert Bruce, sons of the said Robert Bruce of Kennet ; Robert Forrest, clerk of Culross, ; John Masson, his servitor ; and John Fleming, servant to the said Robert Bruce, signit at Easter Kennet. Dr John Brisbane, M.D., married Helen, daughter of Robert Bruce of Kennet.
No.148. - 14th September, 1661 - Instrument of seisin in favour of the said John Brisbane and Helen Bruce, his spouse, in the lands and Barony of Shanbody, proceeding on the foregoing precept of seisin.
Witnesses : Robert Bruce, son of Mr Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet ; John Masson, writer in Culross ; William Thomson in Craigton.
No.149. - 28th June, 1662 - Instrument of seisin in favour of David Bruce, eldest son of Mr Robert Bruce of Shanbody, and Marjory Young, his spouse, in the lands of Craigton and others, mentioned in precept of seisin No.139 proceeding thereon.
Witnesses : Patrick Dempsterton ; Gibbert Coustoun ; and Thomas Hall, indweller in the Wester Kennet ; and John Scotie Younger, in Clackmannan.
No.150. - 30th November, 1662 - Precept of seisin by Mr Robert Bruce of Shanbody and David Bruce, fiar thereof, his eldest son, for infefting John Bruce in Wester Kennet in the lands and Barony of Shanbody, with tiends thereof, lying in the parish and county of Clackmannan, in security of the sum of 1250 merks money of Scotland.
Witnesses : Robert Bruce, son of the said Mr Robert Bruce of Shanbody ; John Craich in Clackmannan ; William Morrison, notary ; Mr Alex. Brace, also son of the said Mr Robert Bruce ; David Kepper, his servant ; and Robert Milner, servitor to John Miller, smith in Kennet.
No.152. - 7th May, 1663 - Instrument of seisin in favour of John Bruce in Wester Kennet in the lands and Barony of Shanbody, and teinds mentioned in the foregoing precept of seisin, and proceeding thereon.
Witnesses : Robert Nicoll, Thomas Bruce, Andrew Henderson, and John Smith, all indwellers in Clackmannan.
No.153. - 30th November, 1664 - Testament dative of Agnes Murray, spouse of Mr Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, in the parish of Clackmannan, and diocese of St Andrews, who died in the month of March last, given up by the said Mr Robert Bruce, her executor, dative and confirmed by Alexander Monro, commissary of Stirling.
No.154. - 1665 - Decree and apprisment at the instance of Sir Henry Bruce against Mary Bruce, daughter of the deceased Lieutenant-Colonel William Bruce of the Barony of Sauchie. (Earl of Mansfield's Charters.) Colonel Bruce was the son of Sir Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, and married Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Bruce of Kennet, and died 1653, leaving issue.
No.155. - 8th February, 1665 - Discharge by John Watt, Commissary of Peebles, assignee of the deceased Adam Watt, writer to the signet, his father, to Robert Bruce of Wester Kennet, of the sum of £128, money of Scotland, being the just third part of the sum of £300 of like money, principale and penalty contained in a bond by Harry Bruce of Clackmannan, the said Mr Robert Bruce and Mr William Bruce of Newton, to the said Adam Watt, dated 28th July, 1662.
The bond discharged by this writ seems to have been one of those referred to in the factory No.121.
No.156. - 20th March, 1665 - Obligation by David Bruce, eldest son of Mr Robert Bruce, to John Forrest, narrating that by wadset right and disposition by the said Mr Robert and David Bruce to the said John Forrest, they granted to him the Multures corresponding to the land of Craigtown, lying in the Barony of Shanbody, and obliging himself in event of his withdrawing the said Multures, to pay yearly to the said John Forrest in lieu thereof the sum of £30 scots.
Witnesses : William Bruce of Newton ; John Bruce of Easter Chapeland ; Mr Alex. Bruce, writer of the said obligation ; and George Curran, portioner of Kincardine.
No.157 - 5th April, 1666 - Discharge by John Wemyss of Bogie, to Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet of the sum of £38 2s money of Scotland, being the allowance for quartering and maintenance.
No.158. - 3d August, 1668 - Charter by King Charles I., to Sir Henry Bruce of Clackmannan, Knight, of the office of Sheriffship and Forestry of the county of Clackmannan. The office of Sheriff had formerly been in the family of the Monteith's of West Kerse of Alva, from the reign of David II. They sold Kerse in 1631.
No.179. - 11th June, 1668 - Disposition by Robert Bruce of Kennet, to Alexander Bruce, his second lawful son, whom failing, to David Bruce of Shanbody, his eldest son and heir ; of the lands of Garlet with the teinds thereof, 3 acres of carse land adjacent thereto, with the pasturage of four sommes in Shanbody, under the reservation of his own liferent of said lands.
Witnesses. Mr James Kennoway, writer to the Signet ; John Kennoway, his son, and David Kippen, servant to the said Mr Robert Bruce, Easter Kennet. (Recorded in General Register House "Mackenzie," 20th October, 1731.)
(A "somme" is pasture for 4 cows or 20 sheep.)
No.180. - Precept of seisin by Robert Bruce of Kennet, for infefting Alexander Bruce, his second lawful son, in the lands of Garlet and others, contained in the foregoing disposition and granted thereon.
Witnesses also as in said disposition. Easter Kennet, 11th June, 1668.
Nos.179, 180, 181, 186 and 187, founded a new branch of the houses of Kennet and Clackmannan. Mr Alex. Bruce, first of Garlet, was for many years the acting representative of the Kennet family, his elder brother, David, having died, leaving, as will be seen a son in infancy, and a property much involved, but owing to the skilful management of Mr Alex. Bruce, the property was saved from alienation and still continues in the Kennet family - see note to No.189.
No.181 - 13th June, 1668 - Instrument of seisin in favour of the said Alexander Bruce, proceeding in the foregoing Precept.
Witnesses : James Horn, son of John Horn, indweller in Shanbody ; David McBeath and John Anderson, servants of the said Robert Bruce ; James Dempster, indweller in Garlet : and John Kennoway, son of James Kennoway, writer to the Signet.
The small property in which Mr Alex. Bruce was thus infeft is situated about half-a-mile from the Mansion House, Kennet, and adjoining Kilbagie. The village of Garlet and woods surrounding it still form a very pleasing feature in the landscape seen from the river Forth between Kincardine and Alloa.
No.182. - 17th January, 1669 - Register at Clackmannan of the birth of Margaret, daughter of David Bruce of Kennet and Marjory Young, his wife, in the presence of Charles, Earl of Mar, Sir Henry Bruce of Clackmannan, and Sir Charles Erskine.
No.183. - 26th March, 1669 - Charter by King Charles II. to Sir Henry Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, and the heirs male of his body, of the lands and Barony of Clackmannan, comprehending as therein mentioned.
No.184. - 5th August, 1669 - Discharge by David Jerman, Burgess of Dunfermline, to David Bruce, younger of Kennet, of the sum of £42 money of Scotland, as the assured rent of £700 like money, due at the term of Lammas, 1669, in bond by the said David Bruce and his said father, to the said David Jerman, Dunfermline.
No.185 - 17th December, 1669. - Act of Parliament in favour of Sir Henry Bruce of Clackmannan, of the lands and Barony of Clackmannan, confirming the charter under the Great Seal, dated 26th March, 1669, including the lands and Barony of Sauchie, the lands of Gairdinkeir, the old burgh of Barony of Clackmannan, with the Tower, two weekly markets to be kept in the foresaid burgh on Wednesday and Saturday, with the tolls for the same ; the mill of Clackmannan, the lands of Hallhill, Kairshill, Carloquhie, Grasmanstone, Garthalow, Burkhill, Lindmill and Millands, Tullygarth, Pillarskeine, Morlemersyde, Craigorie, Kemling, East Park, and Wester Kennet, and all castles, towers, manor-places, etc. ; right of patronage of Kirks, etc., with the free forest of the same courts ; also, all the lands of Easter Kennet, lands called Baxter's lands, Craighill and Hiltoun, lands of Greivsaiker, with the right to hold a fair yearly in the said burgh on the 15th June ; also, all and haill the office of Sheriff and Forester of the foresaid Sheriffdom, and all dues from the fair of St Bartholmew, to be holden at Clackmannan in August yearly. To be holden of the King and his successors.
No.186 - 2nd March, 1670. - Crown-Charter by Resignation and Confirmation by King Charles II., to Alexander Bruce, second son of Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet, whom failing, to David Bruce of Shanbody, his eldest son and apparent heir, of the lands of Gartlet, with the manor-place thereof and teinds, with three acres of carse land adjacent thereto, and four sommes in Shanbody, all lying in the Barony of Shanbody, and parish and county of Clackmannan, on the resignation of the said Mr Robert Bruce. To be holden of the King and his successors, for payment of a penny yearly in name of bleuch duty, on the feast of Pentecost. (Edinburgh, Reg. Mag. Sig. Lib. 62, 212.)
No.187 - 9th November, 1670. - Instrument of seisin in favour of the said Alexander Bruce, second lawful son of Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet, in the lands of Garlet and others mentioned in the foregoing charter, and proceeding on the precept of sasine therein contained.
Witnesses : John Lambert, John Anderson, John Scobie, and David Horn, servants of the said Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet.
No.188 - 24th June, 1671. - Register at Clackmannan of the birth of Charles, son of David Bruce of Kennet and Marjory Young, his wife.
Witnesses : Major George Bruce, Mr Alex. Bruce, and Mr Francis Masterton.
No.189 - 13th July, 1671. - Discharge by Alexander Blackadder, son of Norman Blackadder in Clackmannan, to David Bruce of Kennet, of the sum of £8 money of Scotland, as the annual rent of 200 merks like money, contained in a bond by Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet and the said David Bruce, his son, dated 25th June, 1670.
Witnesses : John Hogg and Patrick Oliphant, writers in Edinburgh.
From this discharge it appears that Robert Bruce of Kennet died at a great age between November 1670 and 1671. During his long life he added very greatly to the estate of Wester Kennet, having, as may be seen from the writ No.93. acquired Easter Kennet, Shanbody, Craigton, and Garlet, besides various houses and small pieces of ground in and around Clackmannan. It will be hereafter shewn that these purchases were only made by creating heavy burdens on the family property, but after much trouble, Mr Alexander Bruce of Garlet cleared off these burdens, and the estates thus added to Kennet were secured to the family, and the property at the present time known as "Kennet," is very much the same in extent as that left by Mr Robert Bruce in 1670.
No.190 - 8th December, 1671 - Charter by King Charles II. ratifying and confirming contract matrimonial and disposition therein contained, entered into between David Bruce, now of Kennet, with consent of the now deceased Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet, his father, and Agnes Murray, his mother, on the one part, and Marjory Young, with consent of David Young of Kirktown, her father, on the other part, in the whole heads and articles thereof. Edinburgh, 8th December, 1671.
No.191. - 22nd April, 1672 - Precept of clare constat by David Bruce of Shanbody, for infefting Mr Robert Bruce, now of Woodside, as heir to Mr Andrew Bruce of Woodside, and Catherine Hay, spouse of the said Mr Andrew Bruce, his mother and father, in the lands and Barony of Shanbody and others mentioned in No.164 [No.143] in security of the sums of money, therein mentioned. Witnesses : John Keirie of Gogar ; and Wiiliam Morrison, notary, Alloa.
No.192. - 22nd April, 1672 - Instrument of sasine in favour of Mr Robert Bruce of Woodside, in the lands and Barony of Shanbody and others mentioned in the foregoing Precept of clare constat and proceeding thereon.
Witnesses : - John Smith, blacksmith ; Nichol Moir, weaver ; John Moirand David Nasmyth, indwellers in Clackmannan.
No.193. - 22nd April, 1672 - Assignation by Mr Robert Bruce of Woodside, in favour of Christian Bruce, his youngest lawful sister, of the lands and Barony of Shanbody and others mentioned in No.164 [No.143] in security to her of the equal half of the sum of 4000 merks money, as her bairns, apart of gear due to her by the decease of Mr Andrew Bruce of Woodside, her father, and Catharine Hay, his spouse, her mother,
Witnesses :- Sir Henry Bruce of Clackmannan, Knight ; John Keirie of Gogar ; and William Morrison, Sheriff-Clerk of Clackmannan.
No.194 - July 16, 1672 - Register at Clackmannan of the birth of George, son of David Bruce of Kennet and Marjorie Young, his wife.
Witnesses : George Bruce of Comrie ; Mr George Areskine.
No.195. - 7th October [19th March], 1673 - Retour of the special service of David Bruce of Kennet, as Heir in special to the deceased David Bruce of Kennet, his father, before Sir Henry Bruce of Clackmannan, Knight, Heritable Sheriff Principale of the county of Clackmannan ; George Bruce of Harperland, lawful son of the deceased Sir Robert (Bruce of Clackmannan, Knight ; George Meldrum, brother German of the deceased Mr Robert Meldrum of Tullibody; George Bruce of Comrie ; George Abercrombie of Suach ; Thomas Bruce of Blackball ; John Haldane of Myreton ; John Paton, of Hillfoot (of Pitgober) ; Patrick Burn of Sheardale and others, in the lands and Barony of Shanbody. with the Manor Place comprehending the towns and lands of Shanbody, lands of Hartshaw, with the mill and mill lands thereof, lands of Craigmead, Tarbetfoord, Slackbrae, Cartoun, and Gartfunnan, pertaining to the said deceased David Bruce in property and the lands of the two Muirsides pertaining to him in superiority, the town and lands of Craigtown, and teinds thereof, and coal, shore duties and other duties, belonging thereto, excepting the rights of Mr Alexander Bruce to the lands of Garlet (vide No.186), Easter and Wester Kennet, and teinds with Manor Place thereto, tenements of lands with the yards and croft lying in the town of Clackmannan, service carried through Clackmannan. [and other parcels of land]
This retour shews that David Bruce, son of Robert Bruce of Kennet, survived his father for only a very short time - as his marriage with Miss Young of Kirktoun (see No.161) took place in 1656 ; this son David must have been young, probably 12 or 14, at his father's death, as the first occasion on which he is found acting without curators is in a discharge granted by him to his uncle, Mr Alexander Bruce of Garlet in 1684.
No.196. - 17th October, 1673 - Letter by Robert Bruce addressed to Mr Alexander Bruce, relating to certain annual rents due by the latter to the brother of the former.
No.197. - 1674 - Decree of the Lords of Council and Session bearing that the deceased Robert Bruce of Kennet had made to Mr John Forrest (vide No.171) the lands of Hartshaw, Craigtown, Gartlinnan, and others lying in the County of Clackmannan, for the sum of 8250 merks money of Scotland, and that the said John Forrest had assigned the same to Andrew Burnside, skipper in Borrowstownness, on the 13th February, 1667, who thereafter raised action before the said Lords to have it found and declared that the said lands should belong to him by reason of non-redemption ; the said Lords having considered the allegations of parties procurators decern in favour of the said David Bruce, now of Kennet, in respect of his being a minor, and repels the said action.
This Decree is so decayed that neither the date nor designation of John Forrest, the original disponee can be made out. He is, however, the same party as the John Forrest in No.174. This suit had probably been brought by one creditor to try the question on behalf of all the rest as to whether the lands of young David Bruce could be attached for debt transferred to his creditors, and the effect of the judgment in David Bruce's favour was to keep the numerous mortage creditors at bay till he came of age in 1684. (See No.231.)
No.198. - 3rd March, 1674 - Precept from Chancery for infefting David Bruce of Kennet, as Heir in special to David Bruce his father, in the whole lands mentioned in No.180 [No.195], excepting the tenements and others lying within and adjoining to the town of Clackmannan.
No.109. - 2 1st March, 1674 - Discharge by Henry Toward, saddler, to the Laird of Kennet for certain articles of saddlery and others amounting to £4 4s.
No.200. - 8th August, 1674 - Discharge by Thomas Eadie, tailor in Carnock, to Mr Alexander Bruce, brother of the deceased David Bruce of Kennet, of a years' annual rent of the sum of 350 merks money of Scotland in Bond by the said David Bruce to the said Thomas Eadie, dated 2d December, 1672, and, that in name and behalf of David Bruce of Kennet.
Witnesses ; Mr James Hutton, schoolmaster of Culross, writer of the discharge, and William Burn, merchant, burgess of Culross.
No.201. - 11th November, 1674 - Instrument of Protest by Andrew Burnside, elder, skipper in Borrowstownness, against David Bruce of Kennet, for non-redemption of the lands of Hartshaw and others, assigned to the said Andrew Burnside by Mr John Forrest, minister of Tulliallan and Borrowstownness, 11th November, 1674.
David Bruce died shortly after this date and was succeeded by his son David, who died without issue, and was succeeded by his brother. General James Bruce. Henry, Robert, and Charles, other sons of David, were officers in the army and killed in action during Queen Anne's Reign. *
* [This should come in after No. 194]
No.202. - Charter of David Bruce of Clackmannan, to Robert Scotland, litster in Clackmannan, and Margaret Reid his spouse, of the eastmost half of a tenement of houses and yard, together with a croft or two acres of land lying contiguous to the same on the north side of the High Street of the town of Clackmannan, with a proportional part of the muir of Pilmuir, all lying in the Barony and County of Clackmannan ; to be holden by the said Robert Bruce [Scotland] and his Heirs, for payment yearly of 6s 8d money of Scotland at the usual terms and service of Court.
Witnesses : Mr Alexander Bruce of Garlet ; Mr John Buchanan, Bailie of Clackmannan ; and William Morrison, Sheriff Clerk of Clackmannan.
No.203. - 7th December, 1674 - Instrument of seisin in favour of Robert Scotland, litster in Clackmannan, and Margaret Reid, his spouse, in the east half of the tenement of land and others mentioned in the foregoing Charter and proceeding upon Precept of seisin therein contained.
Witnesses : William Couston, portioner of Barhill ; Thomas Burn, sen., smith ; William Henderson, shoemaker ; and David Bruce, officer, indweller in Clackmannan.
No.204. - 4th March, 1775 [1675] - Discharge by Henry Tower, glover in Alloa, to David Kippen, of the sum of £6 5s scots, as the annual rent of £47 like money, in virtue of a Precept that Mr Alexander Bruce gave to me to give to you in name of my ladie Kennet, which continued from Martinmas 1673 to Martinmas 1675, which is two years complete, whereof I hold me content etc. Alloa 4th March, 1675.
No.205. - Register of the birth at Clackmannan of Elizabeth, daughter of . . Bruce of Clackmannan, and Margaret Mackenzie.
Witnesses : Bruce of Powfoulis, and David Bruce of Kennet.
No.206. - 15th September, 1676 - Disposition by Janet Gall, relict of Henry Bruce, son of the late Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, Knight, with consent of Janet Bruce, her daughter, to the Right Hon. David Bruce of Clackmannan. (J. B.)
No.207. - 9th March, 1677 - Extract registered contract of marriage between Mr Alexander Bruce of Garland, lawful son of the deceased Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet, on the one part, and Margaret Clelland, eldest lawful daughter to James Clelland, of Stonepath Chirurgion, burgess of Edinburgh, with the special advice and consent of her said father, Isabel Kennedy, her mother, and David Clelland, younger, burgess of the said burgh, her brother, as marriage trustees.
The principal provisions are -
(1) Mr A. Bruce obliges himself to infeft his said intended spouse in the liferent annuity of 500 merks if there were heirs male of the marriage, and 600 merks if there were no heirs male to succeed, or if they died before their mother ; the said annuity to be payable forth of the lands of Garland and others, described in No.177 ; as also, to infeft and seize her in liferent under the conditions of the settlement “in the manor place of Garland, offices, houses, yards, orchards, and the yards belonging thereto, with the privilege of one horse and two cows' grass next adjacent thereto, with liberty of . . . and pasturage for her other bestial and goods in all the places in which he himself is privileged," but it is afterwards "provided and declared that notwithstanding the said Margaret Clelland be provided in liferent as well to the said yards and orchards as to the said manor place and office houses themselves, yet if there be heirs male of the marriage, who shall survive twenty-one years complete, and happen to marry, that then and in that case she shall be and hereby is restricted to the half of the said yards and orchards, and the other half thereof is after marriage, as said, to belong to the said heirs,"
(2) " Whatever lands, etc, that shall happen to be conquest and acquired - (conquest means acquired by purchase or in any way except by succession) - by the said Mr Alexander Bruce during the marriage, he binds himself to settle on himself in liferent in case he survive her, and if she survive him the half to her in liferent, and if there be heirs of the marriage to succeed, and if not the two parts of her liferent, and to take the fee of the haill conquest to the heirs and bairns of the said marriage." That is if there are sons of the marriage they get it, and if not, then the daughters get it.
(3) "If there are daughters of this marriage but no heirs male, and if there be heirs male of the said Mr Alexander, his body, in any other marriage, so that by the substitution and destinations after (in the contract) specified, the daughters of the marriage, if any be, will be secluded from the succession to the present estate, then and in that case the said Mr Alexander binds and obliges him and his heirs to content and pay to the said daughters in this marriage the particular provisions after specified, viz., if there be one daughter the sum of 6000 merks, and if there be more the sum of 3000 merks among them, only the eldest to have 1000 merks more than the rest, with the annual rent after 12 years of age during the non-payment, and in the meantime to maintain and educate them honestly and decently as becomes."
(4) "It is hereby agreed and condescended that in case the said Margaret survives her said husband she shall have a right to a share of the domicile and plenishing of the house, according to the laws of the kingdom in that case provided, and likewise shall have as many coals out of the heugh yearly during her lifetime gratis as will sufficiently serve her house and family, providing the coal be going." James Clelland, the bride's father, undertook and bound himself -
(1) "To content and pay to the said Mr Alexander Bruce the sum of 4000 merks money of Scotland in 'the name of doll and tochergood,' with his said daughter.
* * * And farther it is hereby declared that notwithstanding of the said marriage, the said Margaret Clelland shall be a bairn of the house, after the other children are provided and their portions are paid, and which portions are not to exceed hers." * * *
In witness whereof both the said parties have subscribed these presents written by Mr John Dallas, writer to his Majesty's Signet, with their hands, day, month, year of God, and place, respectively foresaid before these witnesses - David Bruce of Kennet ; James Dick, Bailie of the Canongate ; Mr William Casthaw, burgess of Edinburgh ; Robert Bruce, merchant, there ; James Bayne, his Majesty's master-wright ; the said George Dallas ; Mr Andrew Balfour, his servitor, and said Mr John Dallas ; and William Clelland, lawful son to the said James Clelland. Signed at Edinburgh, 9th March, 1677 ; registered in the Books of Council and Session at Edinburgh, 26th October, 1704.
This contract was registered most likely to enable Mr Bruce's property to be divided among the widow and children. Alexander, the eldest son, was now settled as an apothecary burgess in Edinburgh, a title corresponding to that of physician at the present day ; he had been admitted and enrolled a burgess of Edinburgh on 25th December, 1700, and as this was not permitted till the intending burgess came of age, he must have been born not later than December 1679, and was probably the eldest of the family.
No.208 - 15th October, 1676 - Register at Clackmannan of the birth of Margaret, daughter of David Bruce of Clackmannan and Lady Margaret Mackenzie, in the presence of James Bruce of Powfoulis and David Bruce of Kennet.
No.209 - 15th September, 1676 - Disposition by Janet Gale, relict of Henry Bruce, son of the late Robert Bruce of Clackmannan, with consent of Janet Bruce, her daughter, to the Right Hon. David Bruce of Clackmannan. (J. B. Charters.) [Same as No. 206]
No.210. - 21st March, 1677 - Discharge by Isabella Beveridge, relict of William Vannan, cooper, Sauchie, to Alex. Bruce of Garland and Marjory Young, Lady Kennet, the curators chosen by her for David Bruce of Kennet, her son, of the sum of £6 money of Scotland, as a year's duty of £100 like money, contained in a bond granted by the deceased Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet, grandfather of the said David Bruce of Kennet, his father, to the said Isabella Beveridge and husband.
No.211. - 17th April, 1677, - Certificate of marriage of Alexander Bruce of Garland and Margaret Clelland, from the Register of marriage of this date for City of Edinburgh.
No.212. - 22nd June 1677 - Discharge by Jean Younger, spouse of Robert Allan, Parkmill of Alloa, to Mary Young, Lady Kennet, and Alexander Bruce of Garlet, curators to David Bruce, now of Kennet, of the sum of £8 money of Scotland, as a years duty of 100 merks like money, contained in bond by David Bruce of Kennet, deceased, his father, to the said Jane younger and husband. Alloa, 22nd June, 1677.
No.213. - 1st September, 1677 - Charter by David Bruce of Clackmannan, to William McGowan, cordiner in Sauchie and Jean Forman, his spouse, of a tenement of houses and yard with a rig of arable land adjoining thereto, called Knaves Land, on the north side of the High Street of his town of Clackmannan, lying in the Barony and county of Clackmannan, and formerly pertaining to Andrew Hutcheson, cordiner there, and resigned by him, in the hands of the said David Bruce, in favour and for new infeftment of the said William McGowan and spouse, as said is. To be holden of the said David Bruce and his heirs for payment of 6s 8d money of Scotland, at the usual terms by equal portions.
Witnesses : - John Bruce, brother-German of the said David Bruce ; Mr John Buchannan, Sheriff Depute of Clackmannan, his servitor, and William Morrison, Sheriff Clerk of Clackmannan.
No.214. - 1st September 1677 - Instrument of seisin in favour of William McGowan, cordiner in Sauchie, and Jean Forman, his spouse, in a tenement of houses and others mentioned in the foregoing Charter and proceeding upon Precept of seisin therein contained.
Witnesses: Henry Bruce, William Mitchell, John White, and John Smart, indwellers in Clackmannan.
No.215. - 21st September, 1677 - Letter by William Bruce to David Bruce, as follows :
"Sir Kinnaird and I will, God willing, be at Stirling upon Tuesday next attending to the Justiciary, where I should be glad to see you and your uncle Garland, and shall then impart what passed between my Lord Tarbet and us at our last meeting, when we will have occasion to meet there with several of the creditors with whom we must deal, to sign the articles of the last agreement. I need not use arguments to persuade you to meet us concerning your interest. Will you present my service to the lady your mother, and to the children. I wish you all well, and am, your affectionate cousin and servant, (signed) William Bruce, Newton. 21st September, 1677."
No.216 - 9th November, 1677 - Register at Clackmannan of the birth of George Bruce, son of David Bruce of Clackmannan, and Lady Margaret Mackenzie, in the presence of David Bruce of Kennet and others.
No.217. - 30th June, 1678 - Decreet of poinding the ground by the Sheriff of Clackmannan, at the instance of Christina Bruce, youngest daughter of the deceased Mr Andrew Bruce, of Woodside, against the tenants of the lands of Shanbody, Minrosides, Craigmaid, Tarbetfood, Garlet, Hartshaw, Gartfinnam", and Scartown, lying in the Barony of Shanbody, and against David Bruce of Shanbody and his curators, for their interest, bearing that she was infeft in said lands in terms of Assignation. (No.197, in security of the equal half of the sum of 4000 merks, and that the annual rent of said sum was resting unpaid, from the term of Martinmas 1676 to the like term 1677, therefore decerning etc. Decree dated and signed at Clackmannan on the above date.)
No.218. - 30th January. [Should be June] 1678 - Precept of Poinding the ground by the said Sheriff of Clackmannan at the instance of Christian Bruce against the tenants of the lands mentioned in the foregoing Decreet and following thereon.
From Nos.218 and 219 it appears that the affairs of this David Bruce of Kennet, was in a very embrassed state - not being able to pay the interest on the mortgages, the creditors were now entering into possession and drawing the rents under a judgment of the Sheriff of Clackmannan. David Bruce of Kennet was the son of David Bruce of Kennet and Marjory Young. He died without issue, and his brother James (afterwards General) afterwards succeeded to the estate.
No.219. - 1st February, 1678 - Charter by King Charles II. to William Bruce of Newton, in the lands of Clackmannan in security of the sum of 187,100 merks as cautioner for David Bruce, son and heir of the deceased Sir Henry Bruce of Clackmannan.
From this Charter it seems that the Bruces of Clackmannan were as involved as the Bruces of Kennet - Sir Henry Bruce was possibly the Colonel Henry Bruce, whose bond was mentioned before.
No.220. - 18th May, 1678 - Assignation by Thomas Burn, second son of the deceased Andrew Burn in Easter Gellat, bearing that the creditors of the deceased David Bruce of Kennet being resolved to pursue David Bruce of Kennet, his son, for repayment of the sums of money therein mentioned, and for the purpose of eschewing expense, had agreed to assign their claims to Mr Alexander Bruce of Gartland, therefore assigning to him a bond by the deceased Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet and the said deceased David Bruce to the said Andrew Burn, dated April 21st 1637, and to the sum of 1000 merks therein contained, Dunfermline, 18th May 1678.
This writ shows that there was at this time no expectation of saving the estate to Mr Bruce.
No.221. - 23d June, 1678 - Letter by John Gray addressed to David Bruce of Kennet or in his absence to Alexander Bruce of Garland, respecting ballast - dated, Linlithgow, 23rd Feb. 1678.
No.222. - 27th June, 1678 - Discharge by Isabella Beveridge," (see No.212) the persons therein mentioned of the sum of 25 merks money of Scotland, in part payment of the sum of £100 like money. Alloa, 27th June, 1678.
No.223. - 22nd November, 1678 - Discharge by Walter Moutrie of Brightie to Mr Alexander Bruce of Garland, of the sum of £56 money of Scotland, in part of a greater gum contained in the bond by the said Alexander Bruce to him. Leith, 22nd November, 1678.
No.224. - 29th Nov., 1678 - Charter by King Charles II. to George Halliday, youngest son of the deceased John Halliday, late Bailie of Culross of the lands of Easter and Wester Kennet and others lying in the Barony and county of Clackmannan.
In form this charter was a complete transfer of the lands of Kennet to George Halliday but in point of fact it was only intended as a security. The deeds by which the estates of Kennet, Shanbody, and Craigtown, were cleared of debt and restored to the Bruces' are in the custody of the agents for the present Mr Bruce of Kennet.
No.225. - 25th October, 1679 - Discharge by Walter McGowan, merchant, Burgess of Stirling, and late treasurer to the Guildry thereof and in their behalf; to Alexander Bruce of Garland [Garlet] for himself and in name and on behalf of David Bruce of Clackmannan and David Bruce of Kennet of the sum of 240 merks as two years duty of the sum of 3000 merks money of Scotland contained in bond by the deceased Harry Bruce of Clackmannan, knight, and the deceased David Bruce of Kennet, and the said Alexander Bruce to the said Guildry.
No.226. - The following is a curious extract from the old Session Books of Clackmannan, dated 28th October, 1679, relating to the division of pews : The which day the heritors and feuars with the minister and elders did meet together at the church of Clackmannan, wher were present for ye Earl of Mar John Kierie of Gogar; likewise David Bruce, laird of Clackmannan, David Bruce, laird of Kennet, John Kierie of Gogar, as a feuar in Clackmannan, and the rest of feuars personallie present for their interest, At which time and place they had in presentid their several rooutns and proportions designed by mett and measure marked upon the wall within the church as follows: -
The Earl of Mar his proportion from the east of the south door of the church to the east gable, allowing John Keirie his proportion of room as a feuar next to the gable of the church. The Laird of Clackmannan his proportion for the lands of Clackman his from the west side at the south doore in the church westward to the bounding mark upon the wall reserving therein Major Bruce due proportion of roome next unto which proportion in the roome of an single desk for ye minister and his family, And upon the north side of the church belonging to the Laird of Clackmannan the roome from the Pulpite daftward to the fore-breast of Kennet's seat, as it now stands marked upon the wale. As also for the lands of Sauchie upon the north side of the church his roome is from the daft-side of the pend next the pulpit eastward to the mark upon the wall be west ye porch door of the church, allowing an dutorie to ye pulpit and by the same to the body of the church. Like as the Laird of Alva his roome and proportion for his seat next immediately to the west side of foresaid pend upon the north side of the church. The Laird of Kennet, for the lands of Kennet and Shanbodie, his roome is from the forebreast of his proper seat, as it now stands upon the north side of the church, to the daft gavile allowing yt in Mr Alexander Bruce of Garland his due proportion for a seat. The feuars their rooms proportionately among themselves is from the mark upon the wall on the south side from the minister's seat westward to the gable to the mark upon the wall upon the north side of the church be west the porch door.
No.227. - 25th January, 1680 - Alexander Bruce of Garland admitted Burgess and Guild Brother of Edinburgh in right of his wife Margaret, daughter of James Cleland.
No.227. - 3rd March, 1680 - Charter of adjudication by King Charles II. to James Shaw, second son of Mr George Shaw, minister at Logie, of the lands and Barony of Clackmannan, namely, the mains and antient Barony of Clackmannan with the tower and fortalice, town and burgh of Barony of Clackmannan with the mill thereof and commonty called Pilmure, lands of Hallhill, over and nether Hillend, Carshill, Cartaquhie, Grassmistoun, Gartilove, Kirkhill and woods thereof, Linmill and Mill lands of the same, Tilligart, Pittenskene, Mor- timerside, Craigire, Keining, Easter Park and Wester Kennet, all as more fully therein described, with advocation, donation and right of patronage of churches and chaplainries within the said lands of Easter Kennet with the manor place and croft called Greives acre, temment called Baxters land, with the westland croft and yard, croft of land called Cruikit Croft - other croft called Cruiket croft, with the pasturage in the commonty of Clackmannan used and wont, lands of Craighill and Hilltown Croft. Superiority of the lands of the deceased Gilbert Couston and of 9 acres of land in Wester Kennet, formerly part of the land of Easter Kennet, and teinds, lands, and tenantry of Easter Kennet, 40 acres of Kirk lands with the mains of Craigire, lands of Carden Keir, lying in the regality of Dunfermline, lands of Balquhar, lying in the parish of Logie, and Bowes of Sauchie with the Howtown thereof, lands and Barony of Powfowlis, lying in the county of Stirling, lands of Comrie, lying in the county of Perth and parish of Culross, and lands of Garlet and teinds thereof, and which lands were adjudged for the sum of 6350 merks money of Scotland.
This enumeration of the lands, baronies, and patronage, annexed to Clackmannan shows the high position which the family of Bruce of Clackmannan must have occupied among what were called the lesser Barons of Scotland.
Many of the properties here mentioned, for instance Kennet, Comrie, Garlet, and Powfowlis, had by this time been settled on various cadets of the family, and all that remained to the main branch was the Barony of Clackmannan and a nominal claim of vassalage from these cadets, but the whole estates had all at one time been in the possession of the earlier representatives of the family and covered an area of 8 or 10 miles square. This adjudication shows the difficulties into which the family had now fallen, but they were afterwards extricated, the present abstract does not include the various writs by which that part of the family history could have been turned out. The sum for which the Shaws took possession by this Charter was very small compared to the value of the estates but the fact that so small a sum was not paid off to save the expense and exposure of such proceedings shows that other burdens of large amount existed, all indeed is directly proved by the Charter No.218, in which 187,100 merks is mentioned as the sum for which Mr Bruce of Newton had become security.
No.227 - 28th January, 1680. - Alexander Bruce of Garland admitted burgess and guild brother of Edinburgh in right of Margaret, his wife, daughter of James Cleland.
No.228 - 19th April, 1680. - Instrument of seisin in favour of James Shaw, son of Mr George Shaw, minister at Logie in the land and barony of Clackmannan, and others mentioned in the foregoing charter and proceeding upon the precept contained therein.
Witnesses: Robert Neil, indweller in Powhouse, Malcolm Tower in Logie, Robert Monteith in Oaverkay, and Oliver Monteith and William Eading in Balquhairn.
No.228 - 7th January, 1681. - Register of births at Edinburgh of Marion, daughter of Mr Alexander Bruce of Garland and Margaret Cleland.
No.229 - 14th January 1864. - Precept of seisin following upon disposition by John Bruce in Kennet for infefting Francis Bruce, writer in Edinburgh, his son, in a croft of land on the north side of town of Clackmannan, acre of land lying as said is in the Parkfields, and 1 acre of land in the Hallhill croft of land, on the north side of the lands called Lochies, other acre of land there, and 5 acres in Nether Hallhill, all lying in the barony and county of Clackmannan under reversion as therein mentioned.
Witnesses: William Morrison, sheriff-clerk of Clackmannan, Alexander Morrison his son, and David Dow, indweller in Kennet.
No.230 - 15th January 1684 - Instrument of seisin in favour of Francis Bruce, writer in Edinburgh, in the lands and others contained in the foregoing precept of seisin and following thereon.
Witnesses : Henry Bruce, merchant, Nicol and John Scottie, senior, indwellers in Clackmannan, and Alexander Morrison, therein mentioned.
No.231 - 29th January 1684. - Retour of the special service of George Shaw of Redburgh, as heir to James Shaw, writer in Edinburgh, his brother-German, in the lands and barony of Clackmannan and others contained in No.213.
No.231 - 4th March, 1684. - Discharge by David Bruce of Kennet to his uncle, Mr Alex. Bruce of Garland, attesting his diligent and faithful intromission with the estate of Kennet during his minority. This discharge is in the handwriting of Chas. Bruce, a brother of David Bruce of Kennet, who was an officer in the army and killed in the service of his country.
No.232. - 29th April, 1684 - Precept from Chancery for infefting the said George Shaw of Redheugh, as heir in special to James Shaw, writer in Edinburgh, his brother german, in the lands and Barony of Shanbody, and others, mentioned in the foregoing return.
No.233. - 2d May, 1684 - Instrument of seisin in favour of the said George Shaw of Redheugh, following upon the said precept from Chancery.
Witnesses : Henry Bruce, merchant, Andrew Henderson, and John Scobie, sergeants, indwellers in Clackmannan, and James Scobie, son of the said John Scobie.
No.234. - 4th May, 1684 - Instrument of seisin in favour of Mr John Shaw, minister at Kinnaird, in the lands of Riddoch,'lyirjg in the county of Stirling, lands and Barony of Clackmannan, lands and Barony of Powfowlis, lauds and Barony of Comrie-town, and lands of Hartland, lying in the counties of Clackmannan and Perth, proceeding upon a Precept of seisin granted by the said George Shaw, portioner of Riddoch, as heir foresaid, and retoured to Mr James Shaw, writer in Edinburgh, his brother.
Witnesses : Andrew Henderson, sen., and jun., John Scobie, and James Scobie, his son, indwellers in Clackmannan.
No.235. - 13th October, 1686 - Register of the birth of Margaret, daughter of Mr Alex. Bruce and Margaret Cleland, from the Registry of Clackmannan, in the presence of Bruce of Kennet and Bruce of Powfowlis.
No.236. - 1st March, 1687 - Precept of seisin by George Hallday, youngest son of the deceased George Halliday, late Bailie of Culross, for infefting John Brisbane of Free-land, in the lands of Kennet, Easter and Wester, and lands and Barony of Shanbody and sands [lands of] Hartshaw, all lying in the parish and county of Clackmannan or Stirling.
Witnesses: John Law, writer in Edinburgh, David Denhaman, writer there, and Robert Muirhead, also writer there.
No.237 - 24th April, 1687 - Instrument of seisin in favour of John Freeland, Brisbane, of Freeland, in the lands of Kennet, Easter and Wester, and others contained in the foregoing Precept of seisin and proceeding thereon.
Witnesses : David Tenant in Muirside and others.
No.238. - 4th January, 1687 - Assignation, Disposition, and Resignation by Alexander Bruce of Garland to Thomas Burn, second son of the deceased Andrew Burn in Easter Gellet of Assignation No.201 (see No.160) and that in terms of back bond by the said Alexander Bruce to him, dated 18th May, 1678, and reconveying to him the lands and Barony of Shanbody and others in the security thereof, as therein mentioned.
Witnesses : William Morrison, Sheriff-Clerk of Clackmannan, and Alex, and Henry Morrison, writer in Alloa, sigued at Alloa, 4th June, 1787.
This appears to be the last writ connected with Kennet which Alex. Bruce of Garland granted so far as appears from the papers of which this is an abstract. He was at this date an acting Justice of the Peace at Clackmannan and was a Commissioner for the Militia. (Sheriff Books, 11th April. 1687.)
No.239. - 24th July, 1690 - Mr Alexander Bruce of Garland was a licentiate of the Presbytery of Stirling and ordained minister of Kirkhead, Peebles. (See Chambers's "History of Peebles.")
No.240 - 7th April, 1690. - Disposition by John Brisbane of Freeland to Mr Matthew Brisbane, Doctor of Medicine, of the lands of Kennet, easter and wester, and lands and barony of Shanbody lying in the parish and county of Clackmannan, (see No.237.)
Witnesses : Duncan Ronald, writer in Edinburgh, and Alexander Campbell, and Robert Bell writer there.
No.241 - 7th June, 1690. - An Act raising a supply offered to their majestys. In this Act the following proprietors were appointed commissioners of supply for the county of Clackmannan : George Viscount Tarbet, the Laird of Alva, John Keire of Gogar, Robert Milne of Tulliallan, George Abercrombie of Tullibody, Bruce of Kennet, the Laird of Tillicoultry, Mr Francis Masterton of Parlemilne, George Shiling the bailie of Alloa for the time, the Earl of Mar's bailie for the time, the Earl of Argyle's Chamberlain for the time, Haddin of Myreloun, Mr Alexander Bruce of Garlet, Stirling of Herbertshyre, the Laird of Menstrie, bailie for the time.
No.243 - 26th November 1692 - Matriculation of Arms granted to William Cleland of the Island of Barbados, second son of James Cleland of Stoney Path, son of Gavin Cleland of Underbank, Lanarkshire, by the Lord Lyon of Scotland.
This William Cleland was the brother of Mrs Alexander Bruce of Garlet, and had settled in the island of Barbados and afterwards became a Colonel in the army. His will is given under No.291. Mr Bruce of Garland resigned the ministry of Kirkhurd. The same year he was appointed to Donaghadee of Castlereagh, near Belfast, and continued there till 1696, and settled at Venecash, near Portadown, prior to to June 1697, and died in that charge 16th April, 1704. (No.259.)
No.245. - 11th December, 1694 - Disposition by Andrew Burnside, Skipper in Borrowstouness to Andrew Burnside, his eldest lawful son, of the town and lands of Hartshaw, Slackbrae, Mircroft, Scartown, Gartfhinnan, and teinds of the said lands (Vide 197 and 202).
Witnesses : Mangus Morton, Clerk of Customs at Borrowstouness, William Wilson, Clerk of the Regality thereof, and Alexander Kincaid, his servitor, Borrowstouness.
No.246 - 11th December, 1694 - Precept of seisin by Andrew Burnside, Skipper in Borrowstouness, for infefting. Andrew Burnside, his eldest lawful son, in the town and lands of Hartshaw, Slackbrae, and others mentioned in the foregoing disposition.
Witnesses as in the foregoing disposition.
No.247. - 13th December, 1694 - Instrument of seisin in favour of Andrew Burnside, son of the said Andrew Burnside, Skipper in Borrowstouness, following on the said Precept, in the lands of Hartshaw and others mentioned in the disposition and proceeeding on the forogoing Precept of seisin.
Witnesses, John Grieve, Clerk of the Regality of Culross, John Brown, his servant, William and James Drysdale, sons of William Drysdale, tenant, Hartshaw, and Andrew Wilson, servant of William Wilson, notary. 13th December, 1694.
From the writs, Nos.220, 226 and 245 it appears that the proposed scheme of conveying all the bonds over Kennet to Mr Alexander Bruce of Garland and leaving him to realise the estate had failed (see No.220) and now each creditor was taking proceedings for his own behalf.
No.248 - 21st September, 1696 - Precept of clare constat by David Bruce of Clackmannan, for infefting William McGowan, cordiner, Clackmanrian, as heir to William McGowan, cordiner, Sauchie, his father (see No.213) in a tenant of houses and others lying in the Barony and county of Clackmannan as therein.
Witnesses : Henry Morrison, notary, and Mr Daniel Urquhart, minister of Clackmannan.
No.249. - June, 1697 - Mr Alexander Bruce of Garlet appointed minister Venecash, near Portwdown, Armagh.
No.250. - 2nd Sept. 1698 - Instrument of seisin in favour of William McGowan, cordiner in Clackmannan, in a tenement of houses and others mentioned in No.213, and proceeding on the foregoing Precept of clare constat.
Witnesses : John Bauchop, mason, Thomas Whyte, wright, James Cumming, his servant, and Thomas Cousin younger, weaver.
No.251. - 7th Sept., 1699 - Discharge Bruce to Bruce. The following names occur in a list of debts due by Bruce of Kennet - Alex. Bruce of Garland, Andrew Bruce of Woodside and his children, John Brisbane of Freeland, Sir Alex. Bruce of Broomhall, Mary Bruce, daughter of Col. William Bruce, Robert Bruce, merchant, burgess of Edinburgh. (Vol.92, Beg. House, Edinburgh.)
No.252. - 2nd April, 1700 - Certificate of marriage at Edinburgh of Mr Alexander Bruce, son of the Rev. Alexander Bruce of Garlet, and Grissell, daughter of James Laffrie, writer.
24th December, 1770 - Mr Alexander Bruce, surgeon, admitted Freeman and burgess of Edinburgh, in right of his father, Mr Alexander Bruce of Garland.
No.253 - 30th June, 1701 - Discharge of Mr Alex. Bruce of Garland or Garlet and Margaret Cleland, his spouse, to James Cleland and others, (Mackenzie, Reg. House, Edinburgh.)
No.254. - 11th July, 1701 - Assignation by Captain Henry Bruce, brother-german to David Bruce of Clackmannan, of a bond to relieve the said Captain Henry Bruce of his obligation as caution of Captain John Bruce, brother to Clackmannan, by the rents of the estate of Kennet.
No.255. - August, 1701 - Bond of Mr Alex. Bruce of Garland, minister of the Gospel at Venecash, and Margaret Cleland, his spouse, etc. (Mackenzie, Reg. House, Edinburgh.)
No.256. - 27th October, 1703 - David Bruce of Clackmannan excommunicated. (Session Records.)
No.257. - 1703 - Discharge by Colonel William Cleland of Barbados to his nephew, Mr Alexander Bruce, surgeon-apothecary in Edinburgh, for £15.
No.258. - 25th Jan , 1704 - Charges against the Laird of Kennet -
"His searching after a bride in the town of Clackmannan, 13th August 1702, in the night season, entering the houses where he could, and breaking in doors and windows, and using threats and taking oaths to see where she was. His feasting with Clackmannan an excommunicated person on Yule-day, 1702."
On the 21st February, 1705, the said James Bruce of Kennet appeared before the Kirk-Session of Clackmannan, and confessed. (Session Records of Clackmannan.) At this period Col. Bruce of Kennet was in the Earl of Mar's Regiment.
No.259. - 10th April, 1704 - Mr Alex. Bruce of Garlet died at Venecash, near Belfast. (Records of the General Synod of Ulster.) On his death his widow and family returned to Garlet. (Dr Jamieson's MS. notes, in the possession of Donald Mackenzie, Esq.)
No.260. - 28th June, 1704 - Sasine recorded in favour of Margaret, daughter of the deceased James Clelland, surgeon in Edinburgh, spouse to the [Deceased] Mr Alexander Bruce, minister of the Gospel at Venecash, in the county of Armagh, Ireland - Alexander Bruce, surgeon-apothecary, burgess of Edinburgh, eldest lawful son to said Margaret, David and James, second and third sods, and Rachael and Mary Bruce, lawful daughters, all procriated between her and the said deceased Mr Alexander Bruce, proceeding on a heritable bond granted by the deceased James Cleland to and in favour of the said Margaret Cleland and the said Alexander, David, James, Rachael, and Mary, their heirs, and assigns in fee.
The James Bruce here mentioned became Chief-Justice Bruce - see afterwards 1749.
No.261. - 30th August, 1704 - Bond by Margaret Cleland, relict of the deceased Mr Alexander Bruce of Garland, minister of Venecash, in the county of Armagh, Ireland, in favour of Colin Bell of Newton, in the county of Down for £7 sterling. Dated at Belfast.
No.262 - August, 26, 1704 - Protection in favour of David Bruce of Clackmannan, against his creditors till next session of Parliament, amongst the creditors were, John, Earl of Mar, Sir John Schaw of Greenock, Charles Keire of Gogar for himself and as representing Mr Robert Bruce of Woodside, and his sister, Beatrix Ged, relict of James Bruce, messenger in Burntisland, Sir Wm. Bruce of Stanhouse, James Bruce of Powfoulis, Captain John Bruce in Clackmannan, Lieutenant Harry Bruce in Sauchie, Katharine Bruce, daughter of John Bruce, merchant, Dundee, John Kennedy, apothecary in Edinburgh, as representing the heirs of Wm Ramsay, indweller there, Capt. John Bruce of Woodside, Mr Wm. Dalrymple of Glenmure, Mary Craigingelt, relict of Mr Robert Wright, minister, Clackmannan, Mary Wright, relict of James Bruce, merchant in Alloa, Mr Bruce of Newton, Alexander Bruce, his son, David Bruce, apothecary in Edinburgh, Lieutenant-Colonel James Bruce of Kennet, Francis Bruce, writer in Edinburgh, and several hundred others. The Act states that David Bruce became involved by having served himself heir to his father who was insolvent - not knowing this he had spent considerable sums of money in putting the coal works of Clackmannan and Sauchie in working order. He had disposed the whole estate for the benefit of his creditors.
No.263 - 18th September, 1705. - Elizabeth Bruce, pretended Lady to the Laird of Clackmannan, excommunicated. (Session Records CIackmannan)
No.264 - 3rd July, 1706. - Factory by John Cleland of Bridgeton, Barbados, son of David Cleland of Stoneypath, to his cousin, Mr Alexander Bruce, surgeon in Edinburgh. (Mackenzie, Register House, Edinburgh, 1706.)
No.265 - 15th January, 1707. - Certificate of baptism of William Bruce, son of Alexander Bruce, apothecary, Burgess of Edinburgh, and Grizzel Laffrie. (Extracted from the Register of Baptisms for the City of Edinburgh.) Grizzel Laffrie died about this time, but no register of death has been found.
No.266. - 23d June, 1707 - Bond by Alexander Bruce, apothecary, Burgess of Edinburgh, son of Alexander Bruce first of Garlet, to his mother, Margaret Cleland or Bruce. By this bond Alexander Bruce "grants me to have borrowed and received from Margaret Cleland, my mother, for herself and in name and on behalf of David, James, Rachel, and Mary Bruce her other children and my brothers and sisters, the sum of 1000 merks Scots money, whereunto I hold me well content and satisfied, and exonerates and discharges them of the same, renouncing all objections that may be proposed or alleged in the contract for ever, which sum of 1000 merks money foresaid I be thus present binds and obliges me, my heirs and successors, executors and intromitters, with my goods and gear whatsoever, thankfully to content, pay, and again deliver to the said Margaret Cleland, my mother, in liferent, and to the said David, James, Rachel, and Mary Bruce her other children equally and proportionately amongst them and their heirs and assignees in fee, and that betwixt the date thereof and the term of Lammas next to come in this instant year 1707, but that is without longer delay with the sum of £100 money foresaid of legal expenses in case of failure, together with the ordinary annual rents of the said principal sum conform to the Act of Parliament, yearly, timely, and proportionally, so long as the same should happen to remain unpaid after the term of payment foresaid, but [without] prejudice of hasting execution here-upon at the instance of the said Margaret Cleland at the said term of payment, or any other time thereafter, without requisition, providing always likes it is hereby expressly provided and declared that if any of the said David, James, Rachel, and Mary Bruces be dead or shall happen to decease without heirs lawful procreat of their own bodies then and in that case the part and portion of the sum after-mentioned belonging to the child or children so dead or deceasing shall fall, accress, pertain, and belong to the said Margaret Cleland, my mother, her heirs, executors, or assignees, to whom I hereby bind and oblige me and my foresaids to make payment of the same in that event, with power to the said Margaret Cleland, my mother, her heirs, executors or assignees, and her said children, for the respective interests above-mentioned to uplift the said sums at their own hands, and dispose thereupon at their pleasure, and grant discharges in their own names for their respective proportions as so sub-divided ; and in regard that some of the children of the said Margaret Cleland are abroad, and some of them minors, and that in the meantime it may be necessary to call for and uplift the foresaid principal sum with power therefore to the said Margaret Cleland, my mother, by herself alone, without any of her children to uplift their sums of money, principal annual rent, and legal expenses, above specified, at her own hand to grant discharge in her own name upon the receipt thereof in whole or in part, which shall be sufficient to use, she being always bound to employ the same for self and her said children in the terms above mentioned. At my sight and for the more security, I consent to the registration hereof in the Books of Council and Session, or other competent in this kingdom, to have the strength of any decree interposed hereto that letters of warning on six days and all other executions necessary in form as effeirs may pass hereon, and thereto constitutes Mr Mathew Mikill, advocate, my procurator. In witness thereof, I have subscribed these presents."
"Written by W. Somerwell, servitor to Andrew Kerr, Writer to the Signet at Edinburgh, 28th day of June, 1707, before these witnesses the said Andrew Kerr and William Somerwell, sic subscribitur, Alexander Bruce. Andrew Kerr, William Somerwell, witnesses, Registered in the Books of Council and Session, 7th March, 1714."
From the terms of this bond it appears that Margaret Bruce, the youngest of the daughters of Alex. Bruce and Margaret Cleland, was now dead without issue and that some of the family were abroad. This probably means James Bruce who was at this time in Barbados, and Mary or Marion who is afterwards shown to be with him there in 1715. Alexander Bruce, the physician or apothecary, burgess, was at this time a widower with one son, William, whose history is afterwards given. Alexander next married Anna Steuart, by whom he had two sons who died young. (See No.322.)
No.267. - 28th June, 1707 - Instrument of seisin in favour of Margaret Cleland and others - the material parts of the instrument are as follows : -
In the name of God, amen, upon 28th day of June, 1707, compeared personally upon the ground of the lands and others after mentioned - William Youll, servitor to Gustavus Brown, wright, in Dalkeith, bailie in that part specially constituted by the Precept of seisin after insert - and sicklyke compeared William Thomson, writer, in Edinburgh, attorney for and in name and behalf of Margaret Cleland, lawful daughter of the deceased James Cleland, surgeon, apothecary, burgess of Edinburgh, spouse to the deceased Mr Alexander Bruce, minister of gospel at Veincash, in county of Armagh, in the kingdom of Ireland, and in name and behalf of Mr Alexander Bruce, surgeon, apothecary, burgess of Edinburgh, eldest lawful son of the said Margaret Cleland, and of David and James Bruce, her second and third son, and of Rachael and Mary Bruce, her lawful daughters, all procriat between her and the deceased Mr Alexander Bruce, whose power of attorney was sufficiently known to me, notary public, under subscribed, having and holding in his hands an heritable bond of the date after specified, containing the precept of seisin hereafter inserted, made, granted and subscribed by the said deceased James Cleland to and in favour of the said Margaret Cleland in liferent and of the said Mr Alexander, David, James, Rachael, and Mary Bruce's, their heirs and assignees in fee, whereby the said deceased Mr James Clelland is obliged to pay to them in liferent and fee the sum of 2000 merks Scots money with annual rent and penalty, providing always as it is thereby specially provided that it should not be lawful to the said Mr Alex. Bruce, husband to the said Margaret Cleland, nor yet to his creditors nor to any other of his asignees, anyways to uplift, receive, assign, (fee. the sum of money contained in the said heritable bond (his jus marite is also excluded) in respect the said heritable bond was granted for the aliment and better subsistence of the said Margaret Cleland, his daughter and his grand-children after his decease and for the better education of the said children, and farther it was thereby provided and declared that the said bond should be always but [without] prejudice to George Mitchelson, portioner of Dalkeith, his liferent of £100 Scots money, whereby the said James Cleland bound and obliged him, his heirs and successors with and under the provisions, conditions, etc, duly and sufficiently infeft and seize the said Margaret Cleland in liferent, and the said Mr Alexander, David, James, Rachael, and Mary Bruce, his grandchildren, their heirs and assignees in fee conform to their respective proportions of the said 2000 merks after mentioned, namely, to the said Mr Alexander Bruce 500 merks, David, James, Rachael, and Mary Bruce each the sum of 375 merks. In all and whole the said James Cleland, his lands, tenements, and others underwritten with the pertinents, namely, all and whole that house and tenement of land at the east end of the burgh of Dalkeith, and on the north side of same with the yards and pertinents, etc. Then follows an attestation that infeftment was given to Margaret Cleland and her children in usual form.
No.268. - 30th June, 1707 - Certificate of Registration of the foregoing seisine in following terms :-
"At Edinburgh, 30th day of June 1707 the seisine under written was presented be James Bruce partie, and is registered in the 73 book of the new particular register of seisines, etc., appointed to be registered within the Sheriffdom of Edinburgh, Haddington, etc, conform to the Act of Parliament."
From the instrument it appears that in addition to the 4000 merks given to Margaret Cleland "in name of doll and tocher good," at her marriage her father had given a legacy of 2000 merks more for her own use and for the education of her children of the marriage. From the certificate of registration it would seem that James Bruce had personally given in the instrument to be registered and that he had therefore either not gone to Barbados at all by this time, in which case it is difficult to see who are meant by the statement in the bond (No.266) “that some of the children are abroad,” as there is no evidence that David, Rachael, or Mary ever were in Barbados or out of Scotland at this time.
No.269. - 16th September, 1708 - Certificate of marriage of Mr Alexander Bruce, apothecary, burgess of Edinburgh, to Anna Stewart, daughter of John Stewart of Shawood. Extracted from the register of marriages for the city of Edinburgh where the marriage was celebrated.
No.270. - 22nd December, 1708 - Disposition and assignment by Marion Cleland, second daughter of James Cleland, dated 15th Sept., 1708 to her nephew Alex. Bruce, son of the deceased Mr Alex. Bruce, minister of the gospel lately in Ireland, and Margaret Cleland, his wife, sister of the said Marion.
No.280. - 1709 - Certificate of baptism of Robert Bruce, son of Alex. Bruce, apothecary, burgess, and Anna Stewart, his spouse. (Extracted from the register of baptisms in the city of Edinburgh.) He died without issue before his mother. (See No.22.)
No.281. - February, 1710 - Sasine in favour of Alex. Bruce, apothecary in Edinburgh, and Anna Stewart, his spouse, in the lands of Dalkeith, - refers to his contract of marriage with Anna Stewart, dated 18th February, 1710.
No.282 - 1st March, 1711 - Certificate of baptism of Alex. Bruce, son of Mr Alex. Bruce, apothecary, burgess, and Anna Stewart. (Extracted from the register of baptisms in the city of Edinburgh.)
These two children of Alexander Bruce and Anna Stewart died without issue, probably in infancy. (See No.322.)
No.283. - 2nd December, 1712 - This day the minister reported that Mary Bruce, grandchild to the Lady Comrie, in town, went from this place about the beginning of May last to Edinburgh with child, and it was suspected to Alexander Bruce, son of Col. Bruce of Kennet, and that he had been seen with her in this town, who confessed the same to him, and having again returned to Edinburgh, the minister had wrote to the minister of Edinburgh anent her, but could get no notice of her. The session could do nothing in the affair till further accounts of her could be had - the said Alexander Bruce not being in the kingdom - therefore, they could proceed no further at the time.
23rd January, 1713. - The which day session met, and after prayer, the minister represented to the session that he had spoken to Alex. Bruce, eldest son of Brigadier Bruce of Kennet, anent his fornication with Mary Bruce, daughter of Harry Bruce of Comrie, and that he was here to compear before them, and that he had expressed in his letters, when in Ireland, to his father, his great grief for his fall ; as also with tears to his mother, Lady Kennet. Since he came home he was called, compeared, and confessed he was sorry for his fornication with Mary Bruce, and he was appointed to appear before the congregation on Sabbath next.
31st July, 1713. - Alexander Bruce, ensign, son of Brigadier Bruce of Kennet, was absolved on Sabbath last from the scandel of fornication with Mary Bruce aforesaid.
4th November, 1713. - The which day the session met, and after prayer, the minister reported that he had received eighteen pounds Scots from the Lady Kennet, upon the account of her son, Alexander Bruce's fornication with Mary Bruce, daughter of Harry Bruce of Comrie. As to this gentlewoman the session can't proceed against her, not knowing where to find her.
No.284. - 1714 - James Bruce had settled in Barbados prior to this date as appears by MS. notes by Mr Jamieson in the possession of Donald Mackenzie, Esq., advocate. From No.266 it would seem that he had done so prior to 1707, for in a bond by Alex. Bruce to his mother, Margaret Cleland, of that date, it is stated that some of her children are abroad - no doubt in meaning James and Mary, who were settled in Barbados.
No.285. - 30th July, 1714 - Extract from the Register of marriages for the parish of Clackmannan at this date - "This day Alex. Bruce, son of Brigadier Bruce of Kennet in this parish, and Mrs Mary Balfour, daughter of my Lord Burleigh, in the parish of Orawal, gave up their names to be proclaimed here in order to marriage, and accordingly, were married at Edinburgh, 6th August, 1714.
It is through this marriage that Mr Bruce of Kennet claims the Barony of Burleigh.
No.286. - 6th August, 1714 - Contract of marriage between Alexander Bruce of Kennet and Mary Balfour.
"Alexander Bruce, eldest lawful son to Brigadier General James Bruce of Kennet, with advice and consent of his said father and of Mrs Mary Swintoun, eldest lawful daughter to Sir Alexander Swintoun of Mersingtoun, one of the senators of the College of Justice, his mother . . . have accepted and by these presents accept each other for their lawful spouses and oblige themselves to solemnise and accomplish the holy bond of marriage with one another. ... In contemplation of the which marriage the said Brigadier General James Bruce having already purchased several debts and dilligenes affecting the lands and estate of Kennet, Hartshaw, and others after mentioned, and that there is a process of sale in order to a roup of the said lands presently depending at his instance before the Lords of Council and Session, and that he is about to purchase in the hail other outstanding debts affecting the said lands and estate which he is to acquire right to and provide in manner after mentioned, and he bind and oblige him and his said foresaid [spouse] with and under the provisions, reservations and burdens after mentioned, duly and validly and sufficiently to infeft him and the said Alexander Bruce and his heirs male of any subsequent [said] marriage, which failing, the said Alexander Bruce, his heirs male of any subsequent marriage, which failing his heirs male whatsoever, which failing his heirs female to be procurated [procreated] betwixt him and the said Mrs Mary Balfour (the eldest daughter or heir female having always the preference, and succeeding with out division, and being obliged to marry a gentleman of the name of Bruce, or at least that he and his heirs shall be obliged to assume the surname of Bruce and bear the arms of the family of Kennet,) which all failing, his nearest and lawful heir and asignees, whatsoever heritable and irredeemable in all and hail the lands of Easter Kennet, with the manor place, houses, etc, the land called Grieves Aiker, and coal heughs, etc, all and hail the lands of Wester Pitfoulden and Craike lands, the lands and barony of Shanbody and Manor place, etc, lands of Hartshaw, Miln lands, Craigmadd moors, Syde Startoun, Gartfinnan, lands of Craigtoun, coal shore duties, salmond fishing and other fishing upon the waters of Forth, as well with boats and netts as other ways, reserving to the said Brigadier General James Bruce his own liferent, and to Mrs Mary Swintoun her liferent, except 2500 merks Scots money to be provided for the aliment and entertainment of the said Alexander Bruce and his affidate [foresaid?] spouse during the life of Brigadier General James Bruce, with power to Brigadier General James Bruce to burden said lands with 10,000 merks for the possession [provision] of younger children. . . . And because the said lands and estate with the pertinents are provided to heirs male in manner mentioned, whereby albeit there should be no heirs male of the marriage the daughters of said marriage are excluded from succeeding thereto - provides that if only one daughter, 16,000 merks, if two, 25,000 merks, and if more, 30,000, to be divided amongst them on their marriage or at 18.
No.287. - 1715. - Lists of inhabitants (white) Barbados (State paper office, State papers Board of Trade, London, Vol.20.) In this list James Bruce and his sister Marion or Mary are mentioned and their ages given, from which it appears that James Bruce was born 1691 and his sister 1681. (See her birth, No.238.)
No.288. - 22nd February, 1716, 26th April, 1716 - Testament dative and inventory of the goods and gear pertaining and belonging to unq: Mr Alexander Bruce, apothecary, burgess of Edinburgh at the time of his decease, who deceased the 22nd day of September 1715 years, faithfully made and given up by Anna Stewart, relict of the said defunct, only executive, dative qua creditrix decerned to the said Mr Alexander Bruce, in so far as upon the 17th day of February last past 1716 years, the said Anna Stewart obtained decreet cocnitionis causa before the Commissioners of Edinburgh at her instance against William Bruce, lawful son to the said defunct, and his tutors and curators if he any had for their interest, by the which decreet the said Commissioners found and declared the sum of £168 7s Scots money, to be one just true and lawful debt addebted and resting owing by the said Mr Alexander Bruce to the said Anna Stewart, and that she was the said defunct, his just and lawful creditrix, and had interest in his heritable, moveable means and estate for payment thereof, and might be decerned and confirmed executrix dative qua creditrix to the said defunct, or conjoined in the office of exery: with others his lawful creditors with preference to her when and where the samen should legally occur, as the said decreet of the said date at length bears, and therefore the said Anna Stewart is only exex dative decerned as creditrix to the said unq: Mr Alexander Bruce, her husband, for payment and satisfaction to her of the foresaid sum of £168 7s Scots money specified and contained in the foresaid decreet of cognition after the form and tenor thereof in all points and sicklike for payment to her of the charges of and expenses of confirmation of this present testament in so far as the said defunct, his goods and gear under written will extend to and as may be recovered by the said executrix thereof allenarly said that by decreet of the Commissaries of Edinburgh as the samen of the date of the 22nd day of February 1716 in itself at more length purports : - (Here followeth inventory of the deceased's furniture, etc.)
This is extracted from the original Record in the Edinburgh Commissariet Record of Testaments, vol.86, Register House.
As the decree obtained by Mrs Anna Stewart or Bruce was directed against "William” Bruce alone as the lawful son of Alexander Bruce, it is to be inferred that the other lawful sons, Robert and Alexander were already dead, because if they had been alive they required intimation of the procedure as much as William, their interest in the personal estate of their father being equal to his. (See 280 and 282.) Her will is dated 1745.
It also appears from Dr Jamieson's MS. notes that Mr Alexander Bruce having become bankrupt in Edinburgh in 1713, his uncle, Colonel Cleland suggested that he ought to go out to Barbados as a surgeon, but his death occurred too soon after this proposal to permit of its being carried out. His only surviving child William inherited the estate of Garlet, but the burdens upon it were so great that he was obliged to sell it when he came of age. Ultimately it returned into the hands of the Bruce's of Kennet and now forms a part of Kennet estate, (See No.335, 338, and 339.)
No.289. - 1717 - Anna Stewart, put in her answer in Bruce and Stewart.
No.290. - 1717. - Charter of resignation by James Bruce of Kennet, in the lands and Barony of Shanbody.
No.291. - 24th August 1718, 22d October 1718. - Probate of the Will of Colonel William Cleland (brother of Margaret Cleland or Bruce)
I, William Cleland, of Island of Barbados, now residing in London, in the Kingdom of Great Britain, but at the present time being at Busbridge, the manor house of my good friend John Walter, Esq. ... In the next place I give to my beloved sister, Margaret Cleland, the widow of Mr Alexander Bruce, the sum of £20 current money of Great Britain, to be paid to her annually on the exchange of Edinburgh during her life. I give to her daughter £100 to be paid her two years after my decease at £50 per annum. £50 to be paid to her in six months after my decease. He appoints his wife Sarah executor. The Will is dated 24th day of August 1718, and probate granted in London, 22d October 1718.
From the legacy of £100 being left to Mrs Bruce's daughter without naming her, it appears that all her daughters were dead except one ; - that one was Rachael, who afterwards married John Cleland, and whose grandson was the celebrated Dr Jamieson, author of the Scottish Dictionary.
No.292. - 29th December, 1718. - Extract from the Register of Births for the city of Edinburgh, of this date "Alexander Bruce, younger of Kennet, and Mary Balfour, his spouse, had a son named Robert baptized. This child was born on the twenty-eighth instant."
Witnesses, Capt. Alexander Cumming of Coulter, Alex, Melvell of Balgravie, Mr James Bruce, advocate, and Thomas Fairholm, of Pittown.
The Robert Bruce here mentioned was afterwards Lord Kennet. He passed advocate 15th January 1743, was appointed professor of the law of nations in the University of Edinburgh, 22d June, 1759 ; in the following year he was constituted Sheriff of Clackmannan, and on the 4th July, 1764, promoted to the bench as Lord Kennet. On the 16th November, 1769, he became a Lord of Justiciary, and died at Kennet, 8th April, 1785.
No.293. - 23d February, 1720. - Bond and assignation by Margaret Cleland or Bruce, relict of the deceased Mr Alexander Bruce of Garlet, in favour of her daugher, Rachael Bruce. (Mackenzie, vol. 132, 12th Dec, 1722, Register House, Edinburgh.)
In this deed there is first a full narrative of the contract of marriage, and then a statement that after Mr Bruce's death she obtained a decree on the 14th February, 1705, ordering the tenants of Garlet to pay her the rents of their lands in satisfaction of her annuity of 500 merks provided by that contract, and then the deed proceeds : - "And seeing that foresaid liferent annuities, 500 merks money foresaid yearly, for the years 1704 to 1719, doth extend in haill for the said sixteen years to the sum of 8000 merks Scots money, and that I have only intromitted with the number of two chalders of victual whereof 20 bolls meal and 12 bolls bear, with 18 hens yearly furth of the said lands and others after specified, and that for the said sixteen years extending in haill the price of the said victual during the said space being 32 chalders conform to the fiars' prices of the sheriffdom of Clackmannan, as appears by ane extract thereof under the hands of Robert Sheriff, clerk of the said shire, with the prices the said hens at the price of 6s Scots the piece, in haill the sum of 3200 merks Scots money, salvo justo: calculo, after allowance of the cesses, ministers' stipends, and schoolmasters' fees, and other public burdens, of the first and of the price of the said victual, so that there is truly resting owing to me of intarcks of the said liferent annuities since the decease of my said husband, and at and preceding the term of March last by past the sum of 4800 merks money foresaid, and in regard I have intromit with and dispensed on several considerable sums of money belonging to Rachael Bruce, my only daughter in life, and my other children, whereunto she hath right as executrix to them and otherwise. And it being just and reasonable that I should grant these presents to the effect the said Rachael Bruce may obtain repetition of the said sums uplifted be and disposed on by me as said is. Therefore she assigns to Rachael Bruce not only the said debt of 4800 merks and all other arrears of the annuity past or to come, but also my haill insight and household plenishing, with all sums of money, bond bills, obligations, contracts, decrees, and other rights and securities, goods, gear, and others, whatsoever presently pertaining or that shall happen to belong to me, at the time of my decease, with all action, diligence, etc, competent to me upon the premises. The deed then reserves Mrs Bruce's liferent of all the property thus conveyed, and contains several usual formal clauses. The deed was registered in the books of Council and Session, 12th Dec, 1722, after Mrs Bruce's death, which took place in Garlet in 1722. It is probable that David Bruce was at this time dead, and that James and Rachael were now the sole surviving children of Mr Alexander Bruce, first of Garlet, and Margaret Cleland. It will be seen from No.228 that David left no family, and the only grand-child, at all events in Scotland, at this time, was William, the son of Alexander Bruce, surgeon, of Edinburgh. James Bruce was now a rising advocate, a member of the Colonial Parliament, and a considerable proprietor in Barbados ; so the appointment of Rachael Bruce as universal legatee was quite natural.
No.294. - June, 1720 - Mr John Edgar, advocate in Edinburgh, married clandestinely Mrs Jeanie Bruce, daughter of Brigadier Jas. Bruce of Kennet. (Clackmannan Session Records.)
No.295 - 2d June, 1720 - Process before the Lords of Council and Session, relative to the property in Dalkeith and lands of Garlet, as far as William Bruce was interested, as heir-apparent of his father and grandfather, at the instant of Anna Stewart, widow of William. Bruce's father, and her second husband, the Rev. Archibald Campbell, minister of Weems, against the said William Bruce.
This action was brought to recover compensation for the now implement of that provision in the marriage and contract of Margaret Cleland and Alexander Bruce, by which it was declared that if there be heirs male of the marriage who shall survive twenty-one years complete and happen to marry, that in that case Margaret Cleland was restricted to the half of the said yards and orchards of Garlet, and the other half thereof was to belong to the said heirs ; but it is only noticed here as shewing the course of the family history. William Bruce was now 13 years of age.
No.296. - 1722 - Extract from State Papers, London, showing that James Bruce, Esq., was returned a member of the Colonial Parliament for St Andrew's in Barbados in 1722.
No.297. - 1722 - Mrs Margaret Cleland, relict of the Rev, Alexander Bruce died at Garlet. (Dr Jamieson's MS. notes relating to the Bruces of Garlet, in the possession of Donald Mackenzie, advocate, Edinburgh.)
No.298. - 1723 - Extract from State Papers, London, showing that James Bruce was appointed Sheriff, St Andrew's, Barbados, in 1723.
It appears that James Bruce was married previous to 1722 to Keturah, daughter of Joseph French, Esq , of St Michael, in Barbados, for his son, Joseph Osborne Bruce was born in 1722. (Will of Joseph French, registered in London, 8th August, 1741.)
No.299 - 16th August, 1724 - Certificate of Marriage of Rachael Bruce, daughter of the deceased Mr Alexander Bruce of Garlet, minister of the Gospel at Venecash, and John Cleland, at Edinburgh, of this date.
No.300. - 1725- Process before the Lords of Council and Session for division of the house property in Dalkeith, over which the bond for 2000 merks was granted (see No. ) from which it appears that James Bruce joined with Rachael as against Anna Stewart in claiming under the bond, and this so far corroborates Dr Jamieson's statement, that James Bruce had given up to Rachael his share of the family property before going to Barbados, - his mother very possibly having expended a part of Rachael's share in fitting him out.
No.301. - 13th March, 1726 - Disposition of lands at Dalkeith by William Bruce to John Cleland and Rachael, his wife.
No.302 – 1726 - William Bruce, son and heir of Mr Alexander Bruce, surgeon, advised to bring a sale of his grandfather's property before the Court of Session. John Cleland was appointed his curator, and purchased Garlet at £9262. (Dr Jamieson's MSS.)
No.303. - 5th November, 1726 - Discharge by Archibald Campbell and Anna Stewart to James Bruce of Garlet and Barbados, John Cleland, and other relatives, to the lands of Garlet.
No.304. - 1727 - Extract from State Papers, London, showing that James Bruce was appointed one of the assistant Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in Barbados.
No.305. - 19th May, 1727 - Sasine of John Cleland, merchant in Edinburgh, and Rachael Bruce, his spouse, of the lands of Garlet, dated 19th April, and registered this date. Purchased from Anna Stewart, relict of the deceased Alexander Bruce, apothecary in Edinburgh, now spouse of Mr Archibald Campbell, minister of the Gospel at Weems. (General Register of Sasine, Vol.129.)
No.306. - 21st May, 1727 - Register of the birth of Margaret, daughter of John Cleland, merchant, and Rachael Bruce, his wife, in the presence of Alexander Bruce of Kennet and John Edgar, advocate.
No.307. - 23d December, 1727 - Extract retour of the service of James Bruce of the island of Barbados, as heir of conquest to his sister, Mary Bruce, daughter of the deceased Mr Alexander Bruce of Garlet.
Among the jurors before whom the inquisition or service took place is named John Cleland, merchant in Edinburgh, most likely Rachael Bruce's husband. From this retour it would appear that James Bruce, the son of Mr Bruce of Garlet, was at this time in Barbados. (Ret. Gen. Service of James Bruce, 9th January, 1720, Register House, Edinburgh.)
No.308. - November 1727. - Bond by John Cleland, merchant in Edinburgh, in favour of William Bruce, his nephew, in security of part of purchase money of Garlet (MS. of A. Cumming quoted by Dr Jamieson.)
No.309. - 23rd December 1727. - Extract Retour of services of William Bruce, son of the deceased Mr Alexander Bruce, surgeon and apothecary in Edinburgh, as nearest and lawful heir of conquest to David Bruce, second lawful son of the deceased Mr Alex. Bruce of Garland, uncle of the said William Bruce.
No.310. - December, 1727 “Shortly after this date Wm. Bruce went abroad, where he continued ever since without following further the ordinary ranking in his summons.” (Memorial of A. Cumming, quoted in Dr Jamieson's MS. notes, Donald Mackenzie.)
William Bruce went to Barbados and died unmarried before 1748, when his uncle James became the representation of the Garlet branch of the family. In Hughes' Natural History of Barbados mention is made of "a late Dr Bruce" who found gold in Barbados, then in the possession of the Hon. James Bruce - this was prior to 1749, the year James Bruce died and when Hughes published.
No.311. - 1727. - Various papers connected with the process No.217, from which it appears that after her marriage, Rachael Bruce, on the 12th July 1725, executed an assignation of her whole property, including that conveyed by her mother's disposition No - in favour of her husband John Cleland, and that William Bruce also conveyed his share of the Dalkeith property to John Cleland in March 1726, and that Anna Stewart's claims having been disallowed by the court she granted a discharge of them in favour of James and Rachael Bruce and John Cleland on 3d November, 1726, and and that on the 11th November, 1727, John Cleland obtained a decree of sale against William Bruce as heir apparent of his father and grand-father. William Bruce was nearly of age and it had been arranged that any rights or property he had should be released and any surplus which he might be entitled to applied in fitting him out to practice as physician in Barbados.
The various writs Nos. . . . seem to have been part of the proceedings necessary for carrying out this intention. Dr Jamieson says he went abroad shortly after this.
No.312. - 1727 Rachael Bruce and John Cleland had one daughter, Margaret, born 1727, and another, Joanna, afterwards Mrs Ellis.
No.313. - 3rd July 1728 - Heritable bond of provision by Brigadier General James Bruce in favour of William Henry Bruce, his son, 2000 merks Scots.
No.314. - 3rd August 1728. - Bond of provision by Brigadier General James Bruce of Kennet, to Mary Bruce, his daughter, reciting a disposition made by him 12th June 1727, in favour of James Bruce, advocate, his second son, by which he reserved a power of burdening and disposition appoints 100 merks Scots to be paid yearly to the said Mary during her life by the said James Bruce at the direction of his other two sons Alexander and John Bruce. General Bruce died in this month shortly after executing the Bond, and was succeeded in the estate of Kennet by his eldest son Alexander. William Henry was a Captain in the Royal Navy, James an advocate, and John was minister of Airth. In 1710, General Bruce was Major of the Queen's Troop of Guards. His commission of Brigadier General, the original of which is at Kennet, is dated 12th February 1711.
No.315. - 30th November 1728. - Disposition and assignment by Mary Swintoun, relict of Brigadier General James Bruce of Kennet, in favour of Mr James Bruce, advocate, his second son, of all his goods, corn, cattle, horses, sheep, coaches, furniture, jewels, gold and silver plate, bonds, etc., pertaining and belonging to him.
No.316, - 26th May, 1730. - Bond, disposition, and assignment by William Steadman, tenant in Garlet to John Cleland, merchant in Edinburgh for £30 15s 9 1/2d sterling, balance due for the rent of the lands of Garlet for crop and year 1729. (Clackmannan Sheriff Books.) The lands of Garlet would appear from this to have been of some extent, the value at the date per acre not exceeding 5s.
No.317. - May 25, 1734. - Extract from State papers, London, shewing that James Bruce was of this date appointed Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas.
No.318. - December 18, 1735 Lord Bruce, son of the Earl of Ailesbury, writes from Tottenham Park to Lord Bruce at Broomhall, in Scotland - "I am obliged to our friends in Scotland who will always find me although without the abilities of Robert de Bruce, as determined as he was whenever I can be of service to the honest part of that nation (Scotland) I shall be most ready. (Extract from letter at Broomhall.)
No.319. - November, 1736. - Extract from State papers, London, showing that James Bruce was appointed Chief Justice of the island Barbados.
No.320. - 1736 - The house property in Dalkeith sold by John Cleland. (Dr Jamieson's M.S. notes.)
No.321 - 14th July, 1740. - Disposition and assignment - Mr Archibald Campbell, minister of Weems, and Anna Stuart, his spouse, to Patrick Campbell of Mouzier, one of the Senators of the College of Justice, Archibald Campbell, merchant in Edinburgh, his nephew, and others. (Mackenzie Register House, Edinburgh.)
No.322. - 28th January. 1745. - The testament dative and inventory of the debts, etc, belonging to the deceased Anna Stewart, residenter in Edinburgh, relict of Mr Archibald Campbell, minister at Weems who died at Edinburgh, 20th April, 1745, given up by John Stewart of Binney, her brother-German and only executor dative decerned as nearest of kin to her, and that by decree of the Commissary of Edinburgh of the 26th June 1745, in itself at more length set forth. Com. rec. of Edinburgh Vol.110, 28th June 1745.) From this it would appear that her two sons by Alexander Bruce had [died] and that she had also died without issue, otherwise they would have been her next of kin. She was the widow of Mr Alexander Bruce, eldest son of the Rev. Alexander Bruce of Garlet, and had married at his death Mr Archibald Campbell.
No.323. - July 13th 1741 [1748]. - Special retour of service of Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet, advocate, as lawful son and nearest lawful heir in special to the deceased Alexander Bruce of Kennet, his father, Alex. Bruce, who served in Queen Anne's wars, appears to have died in August 1747 . The inquest was taken before Henry Bruce of Clackmannan ; Alexander Abercrombie of Tullibody, Advocate ; John Stein, merchant at Kennetpans, and others. His daughter Margaret, married Sir Laurence Dundas, father of the first Lord Dundas.
No.324 - 1th July, 1749. - Extract from the minutes of the House of Assembly of Barbados, deposited in the State Paper Office, London. Meeting' of Assembly 11th July 1740. "Then the Speaker acquainted the House that he had received a letter from James Bruce, Esq., who had gone off this island on the 8th inst. for the recovery of his health, praying the House would indulge him with their leave of absence for six months."
"Ordered that the said James Bruce be allowed to be absent from this island six months for the recovery of his health."
No.325. - 12th July, 1749. - Extract from Minutes of Council of Barbados in State Paper Office, London. At a meeting of His Excellency and Council at Pilgum, then His Excellency informed the Board that by the departure of the Hon. James Bruce from this island, the seat of Chief Judge of Common Pleas for St Michael's had become vacant. (Vol.84 State Papers, Board of Trade State Paper Office.)
No.326. - “Will of James Bruce, Esq. of Garlet,and of the island of Barbados, - to his wife, Keteurah Bruce, the sum of two hundred pounds, to be paid to her immediately after his decease ; and also all his plate, household stuff, furniture of every sort, and his chairot and two horses ; and also the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds current money per annum during her life. To his kinsman Mr John Cleland, the sum of ten pounds ; to the daughters of his brother-in-law John Cleland, merchant in Edinburgh, the sum of fifty pounds sterling money of Great Britain, to be paid to each of them two years after his decease. To each of his sons, Alexander and Robert Bruce, when they shall severally and respectively attain their ages of 18 years, the sum of £2000 sterling ; to each of his daughters Keteurah and Elizabeth Bruce, when they shall severally and respectfully attain their ages of 18 years, the sum of £2000 sterling. Rest and residue to his eldest son Joseph Osborne Bruce and his heirs and assigns for ever, but if from any unforeseen accident it should happen that such rest and residue of his estate intended for his said eldest son should not be of the value of at least £2000 sterling, then younger children's legacies to be curtailed proportionate. Appoints his wife during her widowhood, his brother-in-law John French, Esq., his friends Robert Osborne, George Walker, Gedney Clarke, Abraham Cumberbatch, Thos. Forbes, the Rev. John Pilgrim, Benjamin Bazwin, and William Duke, executors of his will, and his said wife during her widowhood, and his friends and son guardians of the bodies and estates of his children, until they shall severally and respectively attain their ages of 21 years, - dated 24th day of April, 1749.
The will was proved and recorded in Barbados, 21st February, 1750. It will be observed that in this settlement he mentions his kinsman John Cleland, and his brother-in-law Mr John Cleland, merchant in Edinburgh, but no mention is made of his nephew William Bruce, or of any descendent from him, which, with other evidence, goes to prove that he had before this date died without issue. Mr James Bruce appears during his residence of about forty years in the island of Barbados "to have acquired a handsome fortune." (Notice of his death in "Scott's Magazine" for 1749, vol. xi., p.463.) The same authority informs us that he was returning with his family to Scotland to settle for life, when he died in London, 19th September, 1749. A notice of him also occurs in the "Gentleman's Magazine," the "London Magazine," and the Morning Advertiser," in the latter of which it is stated that he died in Mark Lane. At this date, James Bruce of Kinnard, the celebrated Abyssinian traveller, had just come to Loudon, and was residing with Mr Allan, a wine merchant, in Mark Lane, whose daughter he afterward married. Mr William Bruce, another cadet of this house,* formerly a surgeon in the navy, (son of Captain James Bruce, RN.,) but at that time an extensive banker and navy agent, was the only householder in Mark Lane, (his daughter Margaret was the mother of the Right Hon. Sir James Lewis Knight Bruce, and John Bruce Pryce, Esq., father of the Right Hon. Henry Austin Bruce, M.P. His eldest son, Joseph Osborne Bruce, Esq., was appointed, on the 13th September, 1756, one of the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas in Barbados. He married Jane, only child of Gen. Samuel Barwick, and left issue James Conrad Barwick, and Samuel la Rogue. Of James Bruce's other two sons, Robert was an officer in the 65th Regiment, and died of wounds ; and Alexander was educated in Edinburgh, under the care of his uncle, Mr John Cleland and took out the degree of M.D. In 1755 - he left an only child Keteurah, wife, first of Capt. Devenish, R.N., and second of Win. Murray - by Mr Murray she had, with other issue, a daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Major-General Berkeley, Colonel 16th Regiment, and Commander-in-Chief at Jamaica. Of James Bruce's two daughters - the eldest, Keteurah, wed Rev. John Pilgrim, who is buried in St George's Chapel, Windsor, and Elizabeth, who married James Straker, barrister-at-law, whose only child was the wife of Colonel Hew Dalrymple, A.D.C. to the Duke of Rutland, when Viceroy of Ireland, cousin of James Dalrymple, Sheriff of Clackmannan, and afterwards Earl of Stair.
* [There is no proof that this ---- was a cadet of Kennet]
No.327 - May 21st 1754. - Extract from the parish Register of Clackmannan, "Robert Bruce of Kennet, Esq., advocate in the parish, and Miss Helen Abercrombie, eldest lawful daughter to George Abercromby of Tullibody, Esquire in the parish of Alloa, enlisted their names, and after usual proclamations were married June 6th, 1754, N.S."
No.328. - July 17th, 1755 - Extract from the parish Register of Clackmannan, "Robert Bruce, Esq., and Helen Abercromby baptised on the 18th [16th?] inst, Alexander, lawful, at Edinburgh, by the Rev. Mr Alexander Webster, one of the ministers, in the presence of George Abercrombie, Esq. of Tullibody, and John Ramsay Esq. of Aughtertyre.
No.329. - 28th June, 1758. - From a petition of Robert Bruce of Kennet, John Cleland of Garlet, and James Abercrombie of Bandeath, it appears that James Abercrombie had purchased the lands of Brucefield, being a portion of the Barony of Shanbody, from Robert Bruce of Kennet, advocate, and that John Cleland was proprietor of the lands of Garlet, part of the said Barony, the rental of which was £200. The total rental of Kennet at this date was £4889 15s Scots.
No.330. - July 13th, 1759. - Service of Henry Bruce, now of Clackmannan, only lawful son of the deceased Janet Bruce of Kinnard, procurated [procreated] between her and deceased Henry Bruce of Clackmannan, her husband.
No.331 - In 1759 it appears from the Sheriff Books of Clackmannan that the lands of Garland were valued at £83 13s 1d per annum and belonged to John Cleland.
No.332 - 6th August, 1703 - Crown Charter of Adjudication in favour of Alex. Cummin, formerly merchant in London, now of Garland or Garlet, and his heirs and assignees of "All and whole the lands of Garlet or Garland with the teinds thereof, manor place, houses," etc. This Charter specifies the following deeds as those in virtue of which Alexander Cummin had acquired his right, namely. (
1) Decree of Adjudication at the instance of Rachael Bruce, the only daughter in life of the said Alex. Bruce and Margaret Cleland, both deceased, now the spouse of John Cleland, merchant, in Edinburgh, against William Bruce, son of the deceased Mr Alexander Bruce, apothecary in Edinburgh, and grandson and heir apparent of the deceased Mr Alexander Bruce of Garland or Garlet, 21st February, 1723 ; recorded 6th day April thereafter.
(2) Disposition and assignation by Rachael Bruce to John Cleland her husband in implement of their contract of marriage.
(3) Decree of sale in favour of John Cleland, dated 11th November, 1727.
(4) Disposition and assignment by John Cleland to Mr Robert Bruce of Kennet, Hugh Penman, goldsmith in Edinburgh, William Sibbald, tailor, then, and and John Smith, shipowner in Leith, (of whom any three a quorum) as trustees for him and his creditor, dated 17th February, 1762.
(5) Disposition and assignment by a quorum of the said trustees to the said Alex. Cummin, dated 26th July, 1762 (after a public voluntary sale at which the highest offer was £706 sterling.)
The lands of Garlet soon afterwards came into the hands of Mr Bruce of Kennet. (See Nos.333 and 339.)
No.333. - 31st June, 1764 - A letter from the Countess of Kincardine to the Earl of Elgin of this date preserved at Broomhall, and in which she writes congratulating his Lordship on the birth of a son, "By his last at his first offset into the world he bespeaks a bold intrepid expeditious spirit, I beg you will add Robert to Willie and think Clackmannan will be a proper godfather to King Robert's namesake. P.S. Sorry to hear Lady Elgin has an objection to the child's name, I thought she had too much good sense to think it of bad consequence to a living child to bear the same name with a dead one," . . . . "the reason of my desiring Robert to be added to the names of all your sons is that as your representative will be the head and chief of King Robert's male line, his name should be first in the family."
No.334, - 4th January, 1765. - Register of the burial of Rachael Bruce or Cleland in the Greyfriars Churchyard, Edinburgh. See letter 13th February, 1765, from Captain Thomas Cleland, R.N., to his brother, Mr John Cleland, and his late wife Rachael." She had died a short time previously (Dr Jamieson's MS.) and also register of burial of this date.
No.335. - 4th November, 1766. - Disposition of lands of Garlet by Alexander Cummin to Robert Bruce, Esq. of Kennet. (This disposition was afterwards confirmed by the Crown on 6th August, 1772, and Garlet is still part of the present Estate of Kennet.)
No.336. - 6th June, 1768. - Will of this date of Harry Bruce, Esq. Of Clackmannan, recorded in Sheriff Book at Clackmannan, 15th July 1772. Leaves his property to Catherine Bruce, his widow, and failing to the children of his brother-in-law William Bruce of Cowden. The Hon. Bruce Oglivy represents through his mother the heiress of Bruce of Cowden the family of Clackmannan.
The worthy Jacobite gentleman was survived 19 years by his wife, also a Bruce by birth, who attaining a patriarchal age, formed the connecting link between old manners and modem usages, and who is still remembered as the type of ladies of that school in which her relatives and dear friend Lady Strange, wife of Sir Robert Strange, had been trained. In Billing's Baronial Antiquities of Scotland we find this characteristic notice of her : - “The venerable Lady of Clackmannan was one of those women not unfrequently met with among the Scottish gentry, who seemed to live into a new generation, to teach it a suitable respect for the physical and mental vigour of that which has departed. Though she lived to the age of 95, the universal tyrant rather surprised than subdued her, for her death was owing to an accident. She kept a hospitable board in the Old Tower, had troops of friends, and was ever ready, in good natured pride, to show the trophic of her house - the helmet and sword [of King Robert Bruce] - to the patriotic pilgrim of whatever degree. On the guest of gentle blood, she would sometimes confer the honour of knighthood with the two handed sword ; nor did she consider the ceremony entirely jocular, or barren of distinction, though conscious that it went for nothing in the Herald's College."
Accordingly, when Burns the poet visited Lady Clackmannan in 1757 the venerated Heirloom was called into requisition, and was applied to the bard's shoulder with a hint that this act was no infringement on the assumed rights of "some folk." In her Jacobite parlance the reigning family were of course thus indicated, and in like spirit her daily first toast were Hooee uncos, - the howl used by Scotch shepherds to repel an intruding flock, but her signifying "away with the strangers set over us!" Another of her knights was Henry Dundas, afterwards Lord Melville, who, when a winsome youth, bent his head before the sword of Bruce, and on rising begged in courtly phrase to kiss the hand that had conferred on him so great an honour. "What ails ye at my mou, man ?” replied the blunt holder of the royal blade ; a challenge which the future statesman was too gallant to evade. This anecdote I owe to Mr Keith Milnos, now probably sole survivor of the Clackmannan chevaliers, "Memoirs of Sir Robert Strange by Dennistoun 1865. The following obituary was drawn up by Andrew Qumisdon [Lumsden], private secretary to the Smart [Stuart] Princes, for one of the journals of the period : - "Mrs Katharine Bruce, daughter of Mr Bruce of Newton, and widow of Henry Bruce of Clackmannan, Esq. died at the castle of Clackmannan on Friday, the 4th November 1791, in the 95th year of her age. Long as this lady's life was, alas, it was too short for those who had the happiness to know her! Possessed of every virtue and every amiable quality that adorns her sex, she was a pattern worthy to be imitated by all. Her conduct through life, her hospitality and dignity of character, reflected a new lustre on the ancient and noble family of Bruce." Twelve years before her death this venerable dame was portrayed in a rare etching by David Allan, with the Bruce arms supporters.
No.337. - 8th March, 1771. - Will of Keturah Bruce of Hatton Garden, London, widow of the Hon. Jas. Bruce of Garlet. . . "I give to the two eldest sons of my son Joseph Osborne Bruce, Esq., namely, James Conrade Bruce and Barwick Bruce the sum of £500 each, and to his third son, Samuel Laroque Bruce, £200 sterling, to be paid to them at their respective ages of 21 years, and in case either of them die before the said age his share is to go to the survivors with interest arising therefrom." . . Also other bequests to the above named James Conrade Bruce, to her grand-daughter Keturah S. Bruce, daughter of her late son Alexander Bruce deceased, all her debt and demand with all interest due thereon from the Estate of Sarah Logan, To her daughter Keturah Pilgrim, the furniture of her house in Hatton Garden, and all her linen, china, plate, etc., - states that she would have given her a larger share of her affection had she not chosen to decline the same in favour of her sister. To her brother John French, Esq., her son-in-law, the Rev. J, Pilgrim ; the Rev. Mr W. Duke, Charles Branford, Esq., John Martin, attorney at law now residing in Barbados, and Mr John Barclay of London the sum of £4000 in trust for her daughter Elizabeth Straker wife of James Straker, she paying yearly an annuity to her son, Joseph Osborne Bruce, during his natural life ; to her niece Leonora French £50 ; to her niece, Elizabeth Sharpe, £100, and all the rest and residue of her Estate not otherwise disposed of, of what kind or nature soever, to her daughter, Elizabeth Straker, she paying all debts, legacies and personal expenses. Appoints her brother, John French, and. her sons-in-law, the Rev. John Pilgrim, and James Straker, the younger executor of her last will and testament bequeathing to both of them a ring of £20 value. Dated 8th March, 1771, and proved In London 3d February, 1775.
Mrs Keturah Bruce, the widow of the Hon. James Bruce of Garlet, Chief Justice of Barbados, whose Will is given at No.326, was buried beside her husband in the vault under the Parish Church of All Hallows, Staning, Mark Lane, London, January 23, 1775. His grandson, Barwick Bruce, mentioned in this Will, became on the death of his elder brother, James Conrade Bruce, Esq., the representative of the Garlet branch of the family. He married Miss Amabel Walrond, and by her was grandfather of William Downing Bruce, Barrister at Law, formerly of Kilbagie, and now residing in London, the present representative of the Bruces of Garlet.
No.338. - August 6th, 1772. - Charter of the lands of Garlet in favour of Robert Bruce of Kennet.
No.339. - September 24th, 1772. - Sasine in favour of Robert Bruce of Kennet of the lands of Garlet by Alexander Cumming.
No.340 - 16th September, 1772. - Charter by Robert Bruce of Kennet to James Dundas, of Dundas, of the lands of Kilbagie, commonly called Shanbody, Kerse Bank, and Wet Acres, as possessed by James Stein.
In October 1761, Robert Bruce of Kennet grants a lease of two roods of land in Craigton, formerly let to Alexander Izat, tenant in Craigton, to James Izat, tenant in Kilbagie. Among the Shanbody Charters is one dated 1587, in which the lands of "Culbagy" are named.
No.341.- October 31st, 1776. - Charter by Robert Bruce of Kennet to James Stein, farmer at Kilbagie, of the lands of Kilbagie, consisting of 25 acres and 1 rood of Kerse land, four acres and one on Shanbody Bank, and two acres and two roods called the Wet Acres. From a case in the House of Lords 1811, Keith v. Taylor, there appears to have been another Kilbagie on the Tulliallan Estate.
No.342. - 15th March, 1780. - “Certificate of the burial of Mr John Cleland in the Greyfriars Church yard, Edinburgh. Mr Cleland, who was 81 at his death, left issue by his wife Rachael, daughter of the Rev. Alexander Bruce, of Garlet, Margaret, who married first, Colin Brown, of Perth, and 2nd, the Rev. John Jamieson, of Glasgow, (father of Dr Jamieson, author of the Scottish Dictionary,) Janet married the Rev. Andrew Thompson, Rachael married John Smith, of Sheriff's Bray, Leith, whose daughter Jane married Andrew Paton, of London, and had a daughter Rachael wife of Thomas Gill, Esq., M.P., and Joanna married the Rev. James Ellis or Alice, of Paisley, and had issue Margaret, who married first, William Womersley, and 2nd, Andrew Jacque, of Glasgow, and Bruce Ellis, who married James Dunlop, of Glasgow, merchant, and by her who died at Wemyss Place, Edinburgh, on the 3rd of July, 1855, had with other issue Henry Dunlop, of Craigton, John, of Edinburgh, whose only child married her fourth cousin (Captain Robert Cathcart Dalrymple Bruce, James Dunlop, of Glasgow, who married ; Margaret, daughter of Charles Tennant, of St Rollox, and was father of Charles Tennant Dunlop, of St Rollox, who married Sarah, daughter of E. Fernie, Esq., and Margaret Ellis Dunlop married 1844 to E. W. Fernie, Esq.
No.343. - 30th May, 1796. - General Retour of Alexander Bruce, of Kennet, to Robert Bruce, his father. Lord Kennet, died 8th April, 1785, aged 66. He had married a sister of General Sir Ralph Abercrombie, and had issue, Alexander, Lawrence Dundas, James, Ralph, Burnet, and Thomas. Lord Kennet, while in business as an advocate in Edinburgh, but still a gentleman of good estate, lived in a fiat in Forester's Wynd, Lawn Market, which he rented at £15 a-year, and which contained the following apartments as described by a member of his lordship's family. The rooms were three and the kitchen. One room was "My Lady's", another was the gentleman's consulting room or study ; the third was their bed-room. The servant girl, who besides the nurse, was their only female attendant, slept under the dresser in the kitchen. Their single man servant slept out of the house ; and the nurse and children had beds in the study, which during the day were removed into the bedroom. In his latter days when raised to the bench, his Lordship by way of making a corresponding step in gentility, removed to a house of two flats in the Horse Wynd. (Chalmers Ed; J. March, 1833.)
August 5th, 1796. - Instrument of Sasine following upon the last named General Retour in favour of Alexander Bruce.
Alexander Bruce who married Miss Blackburn of Glasgow, died 12th July 1808, aged 53, leaving issue Robert Bruce, George Abercrombie died in the West Indies, 1817, Hugh, an advocate, Laurence Dundas, midshipman, R.N., died 1817, William, a wine merchant, also-deceased. Helen, wife of Lord Handyside, and Margaret.
15th May, 1809. - Special Retour of Robert Bruce of Kennet to Alexander Bruce, his father.
On this inquest was General James Bruce, formerly Governor of the island of Dominica, William Watson, Esq., and others.
Mr Bruce of Kennet who was at one time a Captain in the Grenadier Guards and M.P. for Clackmannan, married first, Anne, daughter of William Murray of Polmaise, which lady died without issue, and secondly, 26th April, 1848, Jane Hamilton Dalrymple, daughter of Sir James Ferguson, Bart., of Kilkerran, and by her has issue, Alexander Hugh Bruce, born 13th January, 1849, the seventeenth and present proprietor of Kennet from Sir Robert de Bruce, who obtained a grant of those lands and others from his cousin, King David Bruce by a Royal Charter in 1359.
The originals of the above documents are chiefly in the possession of Mr Bruce of Kennet, some are extracted from the Register House in Edinburgh, and a few are in the custody of W. Downing Bruce, Esq., of London.