Harold the Black King of Iceland?
Chronica regum Manniæ et insularum. The Chronicle of Man and the Sudreys, ed ... - Page 51
edited by Peder Andreas Munch - 1860
"Harold, the father of Godred Crowan, is called Haraldus niger de Ysland, in the Chronicle. This name, Ysland, has been construed by some interpreters as being a blunder for Ireland, which however is not very probable, Ireland, being throughout the whole book always styled Ybernia. We will not utterly deny the possibility of perhaps Iceland being meant, as it would in itself be not at all unlikely, that Harold the black, after his father's death, might have retired to Iceland, as so many other Norwegian warriors from those parts did, and that his son Godred, watching every opportunity for regaining the lands of his ancestors, stepped forth to follow King Harold on his expedition. However, seeing that the epitheton, de Ysland, stands here evidently a territorial designation, but not as a mere indication of the country from whence Harold or Godred came, we are rather inclined to think, that it means neither Ireland nor Iceland, but the island of isla, which other places of the book is called Yle, but might for once, through a blunder or inconsequence of the writer, have been called, Ysland. It is not to be overlooked that Godred died in the island of Isla, which may seem to involve, that he generally resideded there, and that it was his paternal domain."
In another place it says, "There can, however, be very little doubt, that in aspiring subsequently to the crown of Man, and really making himself king of the Island with its appendages, he vindicated only what he regarded as his hereditary right. If he had not belonged to a royal line, or if his ancestors had not enjoyed the title of King, it would have been almost impossible, according to the feelings or opinions of those days, that he should have ventured to assume it. The title of King, amont the northern, nay, generally among the German tribes, was in itself strictly hereditary; "
"Taking it, consequently, for granted, that Godred descended from a royal family, and that his ancestors were kings, we think it very probably, nay, almost certain, that hsi grandfather was no other than the above mentioned Godred son of Harold, who was killed in 989." It then states that it was the custom to name a son after his grandfather.
Speaking of this Godred, son of Harold, it says he had two sons, Donald, who was killed in 989, and was probably a bastard, because of his Gaelic name; and Harold the father of Godred Crowan, the heir to the estates and his title.
Annals of Ireland by the Four Masters as translated into Englis by Owen.... by Michael O'Clery 2003, says that Harold the Black of Iceland, was a descendant of the kings of Norway.
Thus we have a Harold, followed by his son Godred, another Harold who in turn was the father of Godred Crovan.
Sources:
Critical Dissertations on the Origin, Antiquities, Language, Government ... - Page 230
by John Macpherson - Celts - 1768 -
Showing posts with label Scotland. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scotland. Show all posts
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Godred Crovan
Godred Crovan, Gofraid mac meic Arailt, Gofraid Merenech, was a Norwegian king of Dublin and King of Mann and the Isles. Crovan means white hand. In folk lore he is called King Orry. He was the son of King Harold the Black of Iceland.
An Historical and Statistical Account of the Isle of Mann, from the Earliest Times to the Present Date, by Joseph Train 1845, calling him Goddard Crovan or Chrouban, says that Chrouban in Icelandic means White Handed. The surnames of Scandinavia were not inheritable, but were distinctive to each man. Iceland was divied into shires or prefectures, called Goddard, and the prefect or magistrate of each shire was called Godi. The term Goddard denoted both the dignity and also the district over which the authority extended, in other words, the Godi-ship and the Godi-ric. From this it may be inferred that Crowman had either been a Godi in his own country or assumed that title on his arrival in Mann, in addition to that of king, being perhaps more honourable. Crowman, signifying the Slaughter, was perhaps conferred on him, being a Viking.
He is referred to as Gofraid mac meic in the Annals of Tigernach. He was the son of Harold The Black. The Chronicle of Mann say he was one of the survivors of Harold Hardrada's defeat at the Battle of Stamford Bride in 1066. He then took refuge with Godred Sigtryggson, King of Mann.
The Irish Annals say that he was a vassal of Murchad, King of Dublin. When Godred Sigtryggson died in 1070, his son Fingal succeeded as King of Mann.
In 1079 Godred Crovan gathered ships and sailed to Mann and tried to take control of the island but was defeated and forced to leave. He returned a second time and was again defeated. The third time he returned at night. He concealed 300 men behind what he knew would be the position of Fingal's men. During the battle these men revealed themselves from their hidden position behind the Manxmen and this caused them to lose their formation and they ran.
After taking the Isle of Mann, Godred Crovan took Dublin. He was driven out of Dublin in 1094 by Murdach Ua Briain. He died the next year according to the Annals of the Four Masters. on Islay.
He had sons Lagmann, Olaf and Harold. Lagmann blinded his brother Harold. Olaf and Lagmann's descendants ruled Mann. When Magnus died in 1095, Lagmann regained possession of his father's kingdom. He only ruled for seven years and was expelled by his subjects for his tyranny and cruelty. He went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and died there. Olave the youngest son, was appointed a regent to rule for him, because he was under age. But in 1114, Olaf or Olave was placed on the throne.
An Ecclesiastical History of Ireland, from the First Introduction ... - Google Books Result
by John Lanigan - 1829 - Ireland
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godred_Crovan
Publications - Page 87
by Manx Society - 1864
An Historical and Statistical Account of the Isle of Mann, from the Earliest Times to the Present Date, by Joseph Train 1845, calling him Goddard Crovan or Chrouban, says that Chrouban in Icelandic means White Handed. The surnames of Scandinavia were not inheritable, but were distinctive to each man. Iceland was divied into shires or prefectures, called Goddard, and the prefect or magistrate of each shire was called Godi. The term Goddard denoted both the dignity and also the district over which the authority extended, in other words, the Godi-ship and the Godi-ric. From this it may be inferred that Crowman had either been a Godi in his own country or assumed that title on his arrival in Mann, in addition to that of king, being perhaps more honourable. Crowman, signifying the Slaughter, was perhaps conferred on him, being a Viking.
He is referred to as Gofraid mac meic in the Annals of Tigernach. He was the son of Harold The Black. The Chronicle of Mann say he was one of the survivors of Harold Hardrada's defeat at the Battle of Stamford Bride in 1066. He then took refuge with Godred Sigtryggson, King of Mann.
The Irish Annals say that he was a vassal of Murchad, King of Dublin. When Godred Sigtryggson died in 1070, his son Fingal succeeded as King of Mann.
In 1079 Godred Crovan gathered ships and sailed to Mann and tried to take control of the island but was defeated and forced to leave. He returned a second time and was again defeated. The third time he returned at night. He concealed 300 men behind what he knew would be the position of Fingal's men. During the battle these men revealed themselves from their hidden position behind the Manxmen and this caused them to lose their formation and they ran.
After taking the Isle of Mann, Godred Crovan took Dublin. He was driven out of Dublin in 1094 by Murdach Ua Briain. He died the next year according to the Annals of the Four Masters. on Islay.
He had sons Lagmann, Olaf and Harold. Lagmann blinded his brother Harold. Olaf and Lagmann's descendants ruled Mann. When Magnus died in 1095, Lagmann regained possession of his father's kingdom. He only ruled for seven years and was expelled by his subjects for his tyranny and cruelty. He went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and died there. Olave the youngest son, was appointed a regent to rule for him, because he was under age. But in 1114, Olaf or Olave was placed on the throne.
An Ecclesiastical History of Ireland, from the First Introduction ... - Google Books Result
by John Lanigan - 1829 - Ireland
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godred_Crovan
Publications - Page 87
by Manx Society - 1864
Dunvegan Castle
Ordnance gazetteer of Scotland: a survey of Scottish topography, staistical ... - Page 450
edited by Francis Hindes Groome - History - 1882
Dunvegan Castle
Dunvegan, a village, a castle, a sea-loch, and a headland in Duirinish parish, Isle of Skye, Inverness-shire. The village lies near the head of the sea-loch, 23 1/2 miles W by N of Portee, and 11NNW of Struan;is a place of call for steamers from Glasgow to Skye and the Outer Hebrides ; and has a post office, with money order, savings' bank, and telegraph departments, under Portree, a good hotel, Duirinish Free church, and a new public school, erected in 1875-76 at a cost of £915.
Dunvegan Castle stands, near the village, on a rocky headland, washed on three sides by the sea, and on the fourth approached by a bridge over a narrow ravine. Forming three sides of a quadrangle, it presents ' an amorphous mass of masonry of every conceivable style of architecture, in which the nineteenth jostles the ninth century ;' and has, from time immemorial, been the seat of the chiefs of the Macleods, proprietors once of Lewis, Uist, and the greater part of Skye. And still, as says Alexander Smith, ' Macleod retains his old eyrie at Dunvegan, with its drawbridge and dungeons. At night he can hear the sea beating on the base of his rock. His "Maidens"are wet with the sea-foam; his mountain " Tables" are shrouded with the mists of the Atlantic. The rocks and mountains around him wear his name, ever as of old did his clansmen. "Macleod's country," the people yet call all the northern portion of the island. ' The present chief, Norman Macleod of Macleod (b. 1812 ; sue. 1835), holds 141,679 acres in Inverness-shire, valued at £8464 per annum. The oldest portion of Dunvegan, on the seaward side, is described by the Lexicographer as ' the skeleton of a castle of unknown antiquity, supposed to have been a Norwegian fortress, when the Danes were masters of the island. It is so nearly entire, that it might easily have been made habitable, were there not an ominous tradition in the family that the owner shall not outlive the reparation. The grandfather of the present laird, in defiance of prediction, began the work, but desisted in & little time, and applied his money to worse uses.' A lofty tower was added by Alastair Crotach ('Crookback Alexander'), who, dying at a great age in Queen Mary's reign, was buried at Rowardill in Harris. A third part, a long low edifice, was built by Rory More, who was knighted by James VI. ; the rest consists of modern reconstructions and additions ; and the whole forms one of the most interesting castles in the Highlands. Its history is marked, more even than that of most old Highland places, with legends of weird superstition ; and furnished Sir Walter Scott with the subject of the last of his Letters on Demanology. Sir Walter spent a night in its Fairy Room in the summer of 1814, and wrote a description of it more picturesque than true. And forty years earlier, in the autumn of 1773, Dr Samuel Johnson 'tasted lotus here, and was in danger of forgetting that he was ever to depart, till Mr Boswell sagely reproached him with sluggishness and softness.'
Two singular relics are preserved at Dunvegan Castle. One is the 'fairy flag, ' alleged to have been captured at the Crusades by one of the Macleods from a Saracen chief, and consisting of a square piece of very rich silk, enwrought with crosses of gold thread and with elf-spots. The father of Dr Norman Macleod records how strangely a Gaelic prophecy fulfilled itself in 1799, when, as a boy, he was present at the opening of the iron chest in which this flag was stored. The other relic is a curiously-decorated drinking-horn, holding perhaps two quarts, which the heir of Macleod was expected to drain at one draught, as a test of manhood, before he was suffered to bear arms, or could claim a seat among grown-up men. This—' Rory More's horn '—is mentioned in a bacchanalian song of Burns, and was placed in the South Kensington Museum during the International Exhibition of 1862. Dunvegan Loch, known also as Loch Follart, separates the peninsula of Vaternish on the NE from that of Duirinish on the SW ; measures 7 1/2 miles in length, and 2 1/2 miles in mean width ; and affords safe anchorage, in any wind, for vessels of the heaviest burden. Dunvegan Head flanks the SW side of the sea-loch's entrance, or terminates the peninsula of Duirinish. It presents a singularly bold and precipitous appearance, rising to a height of more than 800 feet ; and commands a fine view of the loch, the Minch, and the glens and mountains of Harris. See Samuel Johnson's Tour to the Western Islands (1775); chap. x. of Alexander Smith's Summer in Skye (1865) ; and vol. i., pp. 333-335, of the Memoir of Norman Macieod, D.D. (1876).
Dunvegan Castle is a castle at Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye, situated off the west coast of Scotland. It is the seat of the Macleod of MacLeod, chief of the Clan MacLeod. Dunvegan Castle is the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland and has been the stronghold of the Chiefs of MacLeod for nearly 800 years. Originally designed to keep people out, it was first opened to visitors in 1933. Since then, Dunvegan has consistently ranked as one of Scotland's premier visitor attractions and underpins the local economy of North West Skye.
The castle houses a number of important clan relics; chief among them is the Fairie Flag of Dunvegan and the Dunvegan Cup. Legends, however fantastic or far-fetched they may appear to be, are rarely without some trace of historical fact. When a relic survives to tell its own story, that at least is one fact it is impossible to ignore. The precious Fairy Flag of Dunvegan, the most treasured possession of the Clan, is just such a relic. The traditional tales about its origin, some of them very old indeed, have two themes - Fairies and Crusaders. Fairy stories are difficult to relate to fact; they often occur as a substitute for forgotten truth. The connection with the Crusades can, however, be linked to the only definite information available as to the origin of the Fairy Flag - the fabric, thought once to have been dyed yellow, is silk from the Middle East (Syria or Rhodes); experts have dated it between the 4th and 7th centuries A.D., in other words, at least 400 years before the First Crusade. So was it the robe of an early christian saint? Or the war banner of Harold Hardrada, King of Norway, killed in 1066, or did it emerge mysteriously from some grassy knoll in Skye?
Currently visitors can enjoy tours of the castle and highland estate, take boat trips on Loch Dunvegan to see the seal colony or fish, stay in one of its estate cottages and browse in one of its four shops. Activities in the area range from walking, fishing and sightseeing to fine local cuisine, retail therapy and camping at the foot of the estate’s Cuillin mountain range.
Over the years, Dunvegan Castle has been visited by Sir Walter Scott, Dr Johnson, Queen Elizabeth II and the Japanese Emperor Akihito.
http://www.dunvegancastle.com/content/default.asphttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunvegan_Castle
St. Clements Church, Isle of Harris
St.Clement's Church, Rodel, Isle of Harris, Scotland
St Clement's is considered to be one of the most outstanding church buildings in the Hebrides, the earliest section dating from the 13th century. The church is remarkable for possessing one of the most ambitious and richly-carved tombs of the period in Scotland, that of Alexander Macleod (known in Gaelic as Alasdair Crotach) said to have been the church's founder.
(Photo below of carvings on Alasdair Crotach MacLeod's tomb)
By choosing to be buried in Harris, Alexander Macleod was breaking with tradition, as the previous chiefs of his clan had until then been buried in Iona. The tomb is dated 1528 and its high-quality carved mural panels depict biblical stories, a stylised castle, a hunting scene and a Highland galley.
St. Clement's, 1520s The finest pre-Reformation church in the Western Isles, best known for its astonishingly well preserved funerary monuments. This magnificent group of canopied wall tombs represents the flowering of late medieval carving in the Hebrides.
The church was built, probably in several phases, by Alasdair Crotach (humpbacked) Macleod, 8th Chief of the Macleods of Harris and Dunvegan, who broke with tradition in choosing to spend his final years in Harris and to be buried here. Abandoned after the Reformation, it was ruinous by 1705, repaired twice (owing to an intervening fire) by Capt. Alexander Macleod in the 1780s - the enlarged, square-headed windows and crenellated tower parapet are of this period - but by 1841 was again dilapidated. Alexander Ross restored it for the Dowager Countess of Dunmore in 1873 (the timber arch-braced roof and oak door are his), and further repairs were made in 1913 by W. T. Oldrieve, who stripped off the harling. The church is cruciform in plan, with a continuous nave and aisle, unaligned transepts, and a four-storey tower rising from higher rocky ground at the west end. The pinned rubble is of local gneiss, combined with dressings of greenish Carsaig sandstone and ornamental details in black schist, for polychrome effect. The east end is lit by a traceried late gothic window with three cusped lights and a wheel window, above; other windows are trefoiled lancets. A cabled string course works its way round the tower¿s midrift and round a sculpted panel on each face: on the north, a black bull's head (the Macleod crest); above the door on the west a bishop, probably St. Clement, in a canopied niche supported by another bull's head; on the south wall a shiela na gig fertility symbol, and on the east a panel depicting fishermen in boat. Other carved panels inset in the Irish manner (and possibly earlier than the church) include a kilted figure, formerly mounted on the medieval parapet. Alasdair Crotach's magnificent table tomb, made in 1528, two decades before his death, lies in an arched recess in the south wall of the chancel. Its richly carved mural panels fuse gothic and celtic motifs. Nine voussoirs frame the tomb, with the Trinity at the centre, flanked by figures of the apostles and angels. Inside the recess, three rows of panels carved with religious and secular subjects surround the central figures of the Virgin and Child. The other notable tomb, with a triangular pediment in the nave's south wall, is probably that of Alasdair Crotach's son, William, 9th Chief, who died in 1551 (although the fire damaged inscription probably reads 1539). Other memorials include a cruder effigy at the nave's north end, probably commemorating John Macleod of Minginish (d. c.1557), a series of 15th and early 16th century carved slabs formerly over tombs in the sanctuary, and one dated 1725. Born at Rodel, the poetess Mary Macleod (Mairi Nighean Alasdair Ruaidh, c.1615-1707) is buried in the south transept. In the graveyard, burial place of several Macleod chiefs and poets, some 18th century Caibeals (small burial enclosures/chapels).
St. Clement's is considered to be the most outstanding church building in the Hebrides (A A MacGregor 1949). Muir tentatively suggests a 13th century date (T S Muir 1885) for the original, oblong, single apartment building, which was enlarged in the late 15th or early 16th century (A A MacGregor 1949) The dedication is possibly to Clement, Bishop of Dunblane (E. 13th century). Restorations apparently took place in the years 1784, 1787 and 1873 (A A MacGregor 1946). Easson sees no reason to regard this as other than a parish church, despite allegations that it was once a monastic foundation (D E Easson 1957). The interior of the church is remarkable for possessing one of the finest tombs in Scotland (16th century), in addition to carved slabs and a disc-headed cross (RCAHMS 1928). A brass chalice-shaped cup was found in the churchyard.
Alexander Alisdair Crotach MacLeod
Alexander Alisdair Crotach MacLeod
MacLeod Clan
MacLeod Clan Crest: A bull's head between two flags.
MacLeod Clan Motto: Hold Fast.
History of Clan MacLeod:
Olaf the Black was the Norse King of Man and the Isles who lived in the early 13th century. Leod was his younger son who, around 1220, married the daughter and heiress of MacRaild on Skye. She brought him Dunvegan Castle, and, when his father died, he inherited the islands of Lewis and Harris. Following the defeat of King Haakon of Norway at the Battle of Largs in 1263, Leod found himself virtually in control of the Hebrides.
Leod had four sons. Tormod, the eldest, inherited Dunvegan and Harris, becoming Chief of these lands and adopting the name MacLeod of Dunvegan (“Siol Tormod”). Torquil, Leod's second son, (“Siol Torquil”) inherited Lewis and Raasay, and in due course came into possession of Assynt, Cogeach and Gareloch on the mainland.
The MacLeods of Dunvegan supported Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence and followed the Lords of the Isles at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. Fortunately, MacLeod managed to remain in favour throughout the Crown's attempts to subdue the Highland Chiefs, largely through the efforts of Alasdair Crotach who, in 1542, after a long dispute with the MacDonalds of Sleat, secured the title to Trotternish in the north of Skye.
The MacLeods of Dunvegan fought for the Royalist Cause at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 and over 500 MacLeod Clansmen were killed making it impossible for them to participate effectively in either the 1715 or 1745 Jacobite Uprisings. When Prince Charles Edward Stuart arrived in Scotland, the Dunvegan MacLeods, convinced that he was lacking the necessary resources and men to succeed, refused to join him.
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland - Page 130
by Society of Antiquaries of Scotland - Scotland - 1885
Alexander Maeleod of Dunvegan, better known as Alaster Crotach, or Humpbacked, had in 1498 a charter from King James IV. of the lands commonly called Ardmanach, in Herag of the Lewis, which had belonged hereditarily to his father William Macleod, and had been held by him in capite of John, the late Lord of the Isles, by reason of whose forfeiture they were then in the king's hands. The reddendo of the charter is the ordinary service of ward and relief, together with the attendance of a galley of twenty-six oars and two galleys of sixteen oars when required, the king reserving the eyries or falcons' nests within the said lands. The inscription assigns the erection of the elaborately ornamented tomb to the year 1528, and hence it would appear that it must either have been erected in honour of William Macleod by his son Alexander, or alternatively by Alexander (son of William) in his own lifetime for himself. Alaster Crotach was alive in 1539, for in that year he had a charter of the lands and barony of Glenelg, which Hugh Fraser of Lovat had then resigned. He is mentioned as dead in a document, dated 10th January 1546-7, which conveys to the Earl of Argylo a gift of the ward of the lands which belonged to umquhile Alexander Macleod of Dunvegan. Alaster Crotach was succeeded by his eldest son William, who died without male issue in 1553, leaving an infant daughter Mary, sole heir to the old hereditary possessions of the Seill Tormod or Macleods of Harris. These possessions included the lands of Harris, Dunvegan, Minganish, Bracadale, Duirinish, Lyne- dale, and Glenelg, but he was also the vassal of the Crown in the lands of Trouterness, Sleat, and North Uist, which made these extensive estates a male fief.(Alaster Crotach had obtained a charter of the bailiary of these lands 15th June 1498 ; but a fortnight after, on 28th June, another charter made the same grant to Torquil M'Lcod of Lewis. In 1528 Alexander, the laird of Harris, brought an action before the Lords of Council against John MacTorchill M'Leod and others, for dispossessing them of the bailiary of Trouterness and lands annexed to that office.) The contention which arose over the succession in consequence, and the subsequent fortunes of the heiress Mary Macleod, as one of the four Maries, famous in the Court of Mary Queen of Scots, are matters of history, and need not be further referred to, as we are at present more specially concerned with the history of the fabric itself. Buchanan states that the church of Rowdill was built by Alexander Macleod of Harris—the Alaster Crotach already mentioned, who first appears in possession of Harris in 1498, and was dead in 1546. The " personage of Roidill in Hereis" appears among " the teinds and personages pertaining to the Bishop," in the rental of the Bishopric of the Isles and Abbacy of Icolmkill drawn up in 1561. The writer of the notice in the Old Statistical Account states that the church had fallen into a ruinous condition, and was repaired in 1784 by an Alexander Macleod, then of Harris
I found a book that says the galley ship on Alexander's tomb was a seventeen room galley. (The Safeguard of the Sea: A Naval History of Britain, 660-1649 - Page 167
by N. A. M. Rodger - History - 1999)
An article in The Celtic monthly, says that Alaisdair built one of the towers of Dunvegan castle.
Transactions - Page 62
by Gaelic Society of Inverness - Scottish Gaelic philology - 1900
Alexander Macleod, who was well known as " Alastair Crotach," or " Hump-backed," on the death of his father, was acknowledged by the clan as their Chief. He had already distinguished himself by his valour, and is said to have been learned for the age. During the time of the seventh Chief, a large party of Macdonalds landed at Ardiveg, in Skye, with the view of laying waste the country of the Macleods, and were commanded by Eachainn MacDhomhnuill, son of the Chief of Clan Ranald. William Macleod was absent from home, but his son, Alexander, hastily collected all
the men he could, and went to meet the Macdonalds, who had encamped close to their galleys. A fierce battle ensued, in which Alexander Macleod was wounded in the back by the stroke of the battle-axe wielded by Eachainn MacDomhnuill, who had singled out the young Chief for combat. Alexander fell, but drew his antagonist along with him, and slew him with his dirk, and carried off his head as a trophy of his prowess. The stroke, however, which he had himself received had severed the dorsal muscles, and as his wound was not properly attended to, it caused his back to bend, and hence he obtained the name " Crotach." In this engagement the Macdonalds were completely routed, and lost the greater part ol their men and ten of their lymphads, or galleys. Heaps of their bones and skulls were until lately, and are perhaps still, to be seen on the field where the action took place. At another time, after Alastair Crotach had become Chief, the Macleods, both of Lewis and Harris, collected their forces with a view of invading the lands of the Macdonalds, but the latter, under the command of Donald Gruamach, landed in Skye with a force superior in numbers to any that the Macleods could collect, and laid waste Minginish, Bracadale, and Durinish to the very gates of Dunvegan. Alastair Crotach hastened from Harris, and landed at Glendale, where the Macdonalds met him. The Macleods drew up on the brow of a hill, with a river in front, which made it difficult for the Macdonalds to attack them. There they remained for two days, until the arrival of a great body of the clan, under the command of Donald Mor of Meidle, who was a bastard brother of Alastair Crotach. A fierce engagement ensued, in which the Macleods were sorely pressed. Donald Mor was slain, with several hundreds of the clan ; the rest were dispirited and wavering, when, it is said, the Wizard Flag was displayed in the midst of the Macleods by order of Alastair Crotach's mother, who was present. The combat was renewed with redoubled fury and immense slaughter on both sides. A party of the Macdonalds, under the command of Allan of Moidart, rushed into the midst of the Macleods, and cut off from the rest of the clan the Chief and the select band who guarded the banner. At this moment Muracha or Murdo Mackaskill cut down Donald Gruamach, and, carrying his head on a spear, ordered the pipers of the Macleods to play the Macdonald's Lament. The sound of the ill-omened music struck a panic into the Macdonalds, who gave way on all sides. Allan of Moidart did all he could to rally them, but in vain, and such was the slaughter, says the " Seanachies," .that the ravens which stood on " Creggan na Fitheach" (as a rock on the field of battle was afterwards called) drank the blood and ate the flesh of the Macdonalds, who lay in heaps around, without descending from their elevation. Allan of Moidart engaged Mackaskill single- handed, and killed him, as well as his three brothers, and then retreated with the remnant of his followers to Loch Eynort, where their galleys awaited them.
The most fierce and savage warfare was carried on by the clans against each other, and none more so than those between the Macleods and Macdonalds, especially of Moidart (the Clan Ranald). Every species of revolting cruelty was practised by both parties against the followers and friends of the other, nor was it possible for any of the vassals to meet without coming to blows.
On one occasion a large boat or galley was driven into Loch Stockinish, in Harris, and the crew of twenty-four men were received with apparent hospitality by one Alastair Dubh Macleod, who lived there. Whilst at supper, one of the men happened to reveal their names to be Macdonald, and, as they were of the Clan Ranald, Alastair Dubh left the house unobserved, and set fire to their boat and let it drift out to sea. He then roused out of their beds six other men who lived near him, and returning with them to his house, he told the Macdonalds to depart, for, as a vassal of Macleod, he could not harbour them. They rose to depart, but the door was so low and narrow that only one could pass out at a time, and Alastair Dubh's men, who were stationed on each side of the door outside, despatched with their battle-axes each Macdonald as he left the house. Their heads were cut off, the whole strung on to one rope, and thus carried to Donald Breac Macleod, who was Steward of Harris for Alastair Crotach, and their bodies were thrown under a rock, where their bones long remained exposed to view. Alastair Dubh got the name of " Alastair Dubh nan Ceann" from this barbarous act. Several of his descendants were to be found in Lewis and Harris.
This act was shortly afterwards retaliated by the Macdonalds, who seized a birlinn belonging to Alastair Crotach, in which were a cousin of the Chief, called Donald Glas, together with 36 of his men, and they were taken to Ardvullin, in South Uist, where Donald Glas was put in irons, with a heavy weight attached to a chain round his neck, and was so detained for six years, whereby he was disabled for ever after; the whole of his crew were starved to death in a dungeon, where, it is said, they actually ate one another, casting lots so long as more than one remained alive.
When King James approached Skye, in 1540, Alastair Crotach retired to the Castle of Pabbay, Harris, where he remained until the King's departure.
It is said that Alastair Crotach, several years before his death, resigned nearly all his authority to
his son, William, who was anxious to secure, if possible, the succession to his daughter, Mary, as
and her children, to the prejudice of his two brothers, Donald Glas and Tormod, to both of whom he behaved unkindly. Donald went as an adventurer to Ireland, and Tormoid entered the service of the King of France, where he obtained a distinguished command, and continued to reside with his family for many years, until circumstances, to be related hereafter, induced him to return home.
On the birth of Mary's son, Dugald, a fleet of galleys was despatched by William Macleod to Argyleshire to convey her and her child, as well as her husband, to Dunvegan, where they were all received by the whole clan in great state.
He gave the estate of Harris to his daughter and her husband for their maintenance 'during his own life, and made his daughter give up her rights in favour of her son, retaining only Harris as her dower or portion during her own life.
Mary and her husband, Duncan Campbell, went to live in Harris for the remainder of the life of the latter, who, however, died many years before William Macleod.
Alastair Crotach, who was still living, could not tolerate the idea of the succession going to young Campbell, and endeavoured to prevail upon his sons, who were at enmity, to become friends, but without success; so, before his death, he named William his heir, and, failing his heirs, his second son, Donald, and, failing Donald's male heirs, his third son, Tormod, and his heirs. This destination was only verbal, but in those days it was considered of equal validity to a written and formal instrument. Alastair Crotach, in the midst of their dissension, retired to Rodel, where he remained during the rest of his life, and died. This monastery had been founded at a very early period by the monks of lona, but had fallen into decay, and Alastair Crotach largely endowed it with land, in Harris, which it enjoyed until the Reformation, which did not extend to these parts until a century after the time of John Knox. He also repaired and completed the church, which is still extant, and has a tower covered with many ornaments of stone, similar to those found in other parts of Scotland, built in the reigns of James III., IV., and V., and is no bad specimen of the architectural skill of that age. He also built two other beautiful small churches, which are dependent on this monastery, one at Wia and the other at Scarpa, but both are now in ruins. He prepared a code of regulations for the college of pipers in Skye, to which he gave liberal grants of hind, retained by them until the time of the seventeenth Chief.
Alastair Crotach's household was on a scale of great magnificence for the age and country, and he had several harpers, bard, and seanachie, and a bodyguard, whose duty it was to teach each man of the clan how to use the sword or the axe and targe. He was learned enough to translate into Gaelic some of the Psalms of David, which were afterwards published by the Rev. John Morrison, of Ness. On account of his prudence and sagacity, he was often made the arbitrator between the most powerful Chiefs of the Highlands and Isles in their feuds and quarrels. He was a brave soldier, and skilled in all the arms then in vogue. His broadsword or claymore, with which he performed many valiant deeds, few could now wield. He was accounted one of the best swordsmen of his time, and in his leisure hours he used to teach his young kinsmen the most approved modes of fencing, rewarding the best pupils with suits of armour and other prizes. He took great delight in the education of his grandson, who was afterwards the famous Rory Mor, who always resided with him, and into whose mind he instilled his own good sense and many admirable qualities, which were then as rare as they were useful. Indeed, the latter years of Alastair Crotach's life were as useful and exemplary as his early days were turbulent and reckless.
His memory is still revered in the Isles as the friend of the poor, the rewarder of merit, and the best sample of a really great and good Chief.
Alastair Crotach did not marry until he was over 50 year^ of age, because during his mother's life he would not make any other woman mistress of his house. After her death he wanted to marry, but thought himself too old and ugly for any young woman to accept, for although he was tall and strong, he had hard features and a forbidding aspect, and, as already stated, was bent in his back. Cameron of Lochiel, however, told him that he had ten daughters, of whom he might take his choice, but Alastair would not have any woman against her will. When the ladies were questioned, they all, from the first to the ninth, refused him, but the tenth, the handsomest of them all, said she preferred bravery, wisdom, and power to a smooth face without any other recommendation; so she accepted Alastair, and lived happily with him for a long time, and died an old woman long before he did, as he lived to be over 100 years old. Alastair Crotach died at Rodel, when, according to his own wish, he was buried by the side of his wife, whose virtues and good qualities were set out on her tombstone, in Latin, in the church there.
The first act of his successor, William Macleod, after his father's death, was to propose to the clan, who assembled at Rodel at the old Chief's funeral, to acknowledge Dugald Campbell as his heir and successor. Some of the clan agreed, but most of them refused to admit any right of succession through a female, a thing hitherto unknown amongst them. The meeting broke up, after a turbulent discussion, without coming to any definite decision, but William resolved to disinherit his brothers and to secure the succession to his grandson. He- therefore gave the wardenship of Pabbay to Kenneth Campbell, and that of Dunvegan to Torquil Macsween, another of Campbell's adherents. He also put many Campbells into his " luchd- taighe," or bodyguard, and put trust only in those who declared in favour of his grandson. He also entered into an alliance with Donald Gorm Macdonald of Sleat, to whom he made over all his old rights to Sleat and Troterness for a sum of money, and appointed him the Taoitear of his grandson, in case of his own death before young Campbell came of age. He further accumulated a large sum of money, which he remitted before his death to his grandson, in Argyleshire, to enable him the better to secure the succession. These acts so completely alienated the affections of the clan from William that he shut himself up in the Castle of Dunvegan for the short remainder of his life, which he passed in gloom and solitude. He died in 1552-53, a few days after receiving the news of his daughter's death, which occurred at Barra on the very day that she was to embark for Dunvegan, whither her father had invited her on the death of her second husband, Macneil. William Macleod's body was removed by the clan from Dunvegan to Rodel, where it was buried, and a monument was afterwards erected over his remains by his nephew, Sir Roderick (Rory Mor) Macleod.
MacLeod Clan
MacLeod Clan Crest: A bull's head between two flags.
MacLeod Clan Motto: Hold Fast.
History of Clan MacLeod:
Olaf the Black was the Norse King of Man and the Isles who lived in the early 13th century. Leod was his younger son who, around 1220, married the daughter and heiress of MacRaild on Skye. She brought him Dunvegan Castle, and, when his father died, he inherited the islands of Lewis and Harris. Following the defeat of King Haakon of Norway at the Battle of Largs in 1263, Leod found himself virtually in control of the Hebrides.
Leod had four sons. Tormod, the eldest, inherited Dunvegan and Harris, becoming Chief of these lands and adopting the name MacLeod of Dunvegan (“Siol Tormod”). Torquil, Leod's second son, (“Siol Torquil”) inherited Lewis and Raasay, and in due course came into possession of Assynt, Cogeach and Gareloch on the mainland.
The MacLeods of Dunvegan supported Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Independence and followed the Lords of the Isles at the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. Fortunately, MacLeod managed to remain in favour throughout the Crown's attempts to subdue the Highland Chiefs, largely through the efforts of Alasdair Crotach who, in 1542, after a long dispute with the MacDonalds of Sleat, secured the title to Trotternish in the north of Skye.
The MacLeods of Dunvegan fought for the Royalist Cause at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 and over 500 MacLeod Clansmen were killed making it impossible for them to participate effectively in either the 1715 or 1745 Jacobite Uprisings. When Prince Charles Edward Stuart arrived in Scotland, the Dunvegan MacLeods, convinced that he was lacking the necessary resources and men to succeed, refused to join him.
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland - Page 130
by Society of Antiquaries of Scotland - Scotland - 1885
Alexander Maeleod of Dunvegan, better known as Alaster Crotach, or Humpbacked, had in 1498 a charter from King James IV. of the lands commonly called Ardmanach, in Herag of the Lewis, which had belonged hereditarily to his father William Macleod, and had been held by him in capite of John, the late Lord of the Isles, by reason of whose forfeiture they were then in the king's hands. The reddendo of the charter is the ordinary service of ward and relief, together with the attendance of a galley of twenty-six oars and two galleys of sixteen oars when required, the king reserving the eyries or falcons' nests within the said lands. The inscription assigns the erection of the elaborately ornamented tomb to the year 1528, and hence it would appear that it must either have been erected in honour of William Macleod by his son Alexander, or alternatively by Alexander (son of William) in his own lifetime for himself. Alaster Crotach was alive in 1539, for in that year he had a charter of the lands and barony of Glenelg, which Hugh Fraser of Lovat had then resigned. He is mentioned as dead in a document, dated 10th January 1546-7, which conveys to the Earl of Argylo a gift of the ward of the lands which belonged to umquhile Alexander Macleod of Dunvegan. Alaster Crotach was succeeded by his eldest son William, who died without male issue in 1553, leaving an infant daughter Mary, sole heir to the old hereditary possessions of the Seill Tormod or Macleods of Harris. These possessions included the lands of Harris, Dunvegan, Minganish, Bracadale, Duirinish, Lyne- dale, and Glenelg, but he was also the vassal of the Crown in the lands of Trouterness, Sleat, and North Uist, which made these extensive estates a male fief.(Alaster Crotach had obtained a charter of the bailiary of these lands 15th June 1498 ; but a fortnight after, on 28th June, another charter made the same grant to Torquil M'Lcod of Lewis. In 1528 Alexander, the laird of Harris, brought an action before the Lords of Council against John MacTorchill M'Leod and others, for dispossessing them of the bailiary of Trouterness and lands annexed to that office.) The contention which arose over the succession in consequence, and the subsequent fortunes of the heiress Mary Macleod, as one of the four Maries, famous in the Court of Mary Queen of Scots, are matters of history, and need not be further referred to, as we are at present more specially concerned with the history of the fabric itself. Buchanan states that the church of Rowdill was built by Alexander Macleod of Harris—the Alaster Crotach already mentioned, who first appears in possession of Harris in 1498, and was dead in 1546. The " personage of Roidill in Hereis" appears among " the teinds and personages pertaining to the Bishop," in the rental of the Bishopric of the Isles and Abbacy of Icolmkill drawn up in 1561. The writer of the notice in the Old Statistical Account states that the church had fallen into a ruinous condition, and was repaired in 1784 by an Alexander Macleod, then of Harris
I found a book that says the galley ship on Alexander's tomb was a seventeen room galley. (The Safeguard of the Sea: A Naval History of Britain, 660-1649 - Page 167
by N. A. M. Rodger - History - 1999)
An article in The Celtic monthly, says that Alaisdair built one of the towers of Dunvegan castle.
Transactions - Page 62
by Gaelic Society of Inverness - Scottish Gaelic philology - 1900
Alexander Macleod, who was well known as " Alastair Crotach," or " Hump-backed," on the death of his father, was acknowledged by the clan as their Chief. He had already distinguished himself by his valour, and is said to have been learned for the age. During the time of the seventh Chief, a large party of Macdonalds landed at Ardiveg, in Skye, with the view of laying waste the country of the Macleods, and were commanded by Eachainn MacDhomhnuill, son of the Chief of Clan Ranald. William Macleod was absent from home, but his son, Alexander, hastily collected all
the men he could, and went to meet the Macdonalds, who had encamped close to their galleys. A fierce battle ensued, in which Alexander Macleod was wounded in the back by the stroke of the battle-axe wielded by Eachainn MacDomhnuill, who had singled out the young Chief for combat. Alexander fell, but drew his antagonist along with him, and slew him with his dirk, and carried off his head as a trophy of his prowess. The stroke, however, which he had himself received had severed the dorsal muscles, and as his wound was not properly attended to, it caused his back to bend, and hence he obtained the name " Crotach." In this engagement the Macdonalds were completely routed, and lost the greater part ol their men and ten of their lymphads, or galleys. Heaps of their bones and skulls were until lately, and are perhaps still, to be seen on the field where the action took place. At another time, after Alastair Crotach had become Chief, the Macleods, both of Lewis and Harris, collected their forces with a view of invading the lands of the Macdonalds, but the latter, under the command of Donald Gruamach, landed in Skye with a force superior in numbers to any that the Macleods could collect, and laid waste Minginish, Bracadale, and Durinish to the very gates of Dunvegan. Alastair Crotach hastened from Harris, and landed at Glendale, where the Macdonalds met him. The Macleods drew up on the brow of a hill, with a river in front, which made it difficult for the Macdonalds to attack them. There they remained for two days, until the arrival of a great body of the clan, under the command of Donald Mor of Meidle, who was a bastard brother of Alastair Crotach. A fierce engagement ensued, in which the Macleods were sorely pressed. Donald Mor was slain, with several hundreds of the clan ; the rest were dispirited and wavering, when, it is said, the Wizard Flag was displayed in the midst of the Macleods by order of Alastair Crotach's mother, who was present. The combat was renewed with redoubled fury and immense slaughter on both sides. A party of the Macdonalds, under the command of Allan of Moidart, rushed into the midst of the Macleods, and cut off from the rest of the clan the Chief and the select band who guarded the banner. At this moment Muracha or Murdo Mackaskill cut down Donald Gruamach, and, carrying his head on a spear, ordered the pipers of the Macleods to play the Macdonald's Lament. The sound of the ill-omened music struck a panic into the Macdonalds, who gave way on all sides. Allan of Moidart did all he could to rally them, but in vain, and such was the slaughter, says the " Seanachies," .that the ravens which stood on " Creggan na Fitheach" (as a rock on the field of battle was afterwards called) drank the blood and ate the flesh of the Macdonalds, who lay in heaps around, without descending from their elevation. Allan of Moidart engaged Mackaskill single- handed, and killed him, as well as his three brothers, and then retreated with the remnant of his followers to Loch Eynort, where their galleys awaited them.
The most fierce and savage warfare was carried on by the clans against each other, and none more so than those between the Macleods and Macdonalds, especially of Moidart (the Clan Ranald). Every species of revolting cruelty was practised by both parties against the followers and friends of the other, nor was it possible for any of the vassals to meet without coming to blows.
On one occasion a large boat or galley was driven into Loch Stockinish, in Harris, and the crew of twenty-four men were received with apparent hospitality by one Alastair Dubh Macleod, who lived there. Whilst at supper, one of the men happened to reveal their names to be Macdonald, and, as they were of the Clan Ranald, Alastair Dubh left the house unobserved, and set fire to their boat and let it drift out to sea. He then roused out of their beds six other men who lived near him, and returning with them to his house, he told the Macdonalds to depart, for, as a vassal of Macleod, he could not harbour them. They rose to depart, but the door was so low and narrow that only one could pass out at a time, and Alastair Dubh's men, who were stationed on each side of the door outside, despatched with their battle-axes each Macdonald as he left the house. Their heads were cut off, the whole strung on to one rope, and thus carried to Donald Breac Macleod, who was Steward of Harris for Alastair Crotach, and their bodies were thrown under a rock, where their bones long remained exposed to view. Alastair Dubh got the name of " Alastair Dubh nan Ceann" from this barbarous act. Several of his descendants were to be found in Lewis and Harris.
This act was shortly afterwards retaliated by the Macdonalds, who seized a birlinn belonging to Alastair Crotach, in which were a cousin of the Chief, called Donald Glas, together with 36 of his men, and they were taken to Ardvullin, in South Uist, where Donald Glas was put in irons, with a heavy weight attached to a chain round his neck, and was so detained for six years, whereby he was disabled for ever after; the whole of his crew were starved to death in a dungeon, where, it is said, they actually ate one another, casting lots so long as more than one remained alive.
When King James approached Skye, in 1540, Alastair Crotach retired to the Castle of Pabbay, Harris, where he remained until the King's departure.
It is said that Alastair Crotach, several years before his death, resigned nearly all his authority to
his son, William, who was anxious to secure, if possible, the succession to his daughter, Mary, as
and her children, to the prejudice of his two brothers, Donald Glas and Tormod, to both of whom he behaved unkindly. Donald went as an adventurer to Ireland, and Tormoid entered the service of the King of France, where he obtained a distinguished command, and continued to reside with his family for many years, until circumstances, to be related hereafter, induced him to return home.
On the birth of Mary's son, Dugald, a fleet of galleys was despatched by William Macleod to Argyleshire to convey her and her child, as well as her husband, to Dunvegan, where they were all received by the whole clan in great state.
He gave the estate of Harris to his daughter and her husband for their maintenance 'during his own life, and made his daughter give up her rights in favour of her son, retaining only Harris as her dower or portion during her own life.
Mary and her husband, Duncan Campbell, went to live in Harris for the remainder of the life of the latter, who, however, died many years before William Macleod.
Alastair Crotach, who was still living, could not tolerate the idea of the succession going to young Campbell, and endeavoured to prevail upon his sons, who were at enmity, to become friends, but without success; so, before his death, he named William his heir, and, failing his heirs, his second son, Donald, and, failing Donald's male heirs, his third son, Tormod, and his heirs. This destination was only verbal, but in those days it was considered of equal validity to a written and formal instrument. Alastair Crotach, in the midst of their dissension, retired to Rodel, where he remained during the rest of his life, and died. This monastery had been founded at a very early period by the monks of lona, but had fallen into decay, and Alastair Crotach largely endowed it with land, in Harris, which it enjoyed until the Reformation, which did not extend to these parts until a century after the time of John Knox. He also repaired and completed the church, which is still extant, and has a tower covered with many ornaments of stone, similar to those found in other parts of Scotland, built in the reigns of James III., IV., and V., and is no bad specimen of the architectural skill of that age. He also built two other beautiful small churches, which are dependent on this monastery, one at Wia and the other at Scarpa, but both are now in ruins. He prepared a code of regulations for the college of pipers in Skye, to which he gave liberal grants of hind, retained by them until the time of the seventeenth Chief.
Alastair Crotach's household was on a scale of great magnificence for the age and country, and he had several harpers, bard, and seanachie, and a bodyguard, whose duty it was to teach each man of the clan how to use the sword or the axe and targe. He was learned enough to translate into Gaelic some of the Psalms of David, which were afterwards published by the Rev. John Morrison, of Ness. On account of his prudence and sagacity, he was often made the arbitrator between the most powerful Chiefs of the Highlands and Isles in their feuds and quarrels. He was a brave soldier, and skilled in all the arms then in vogue. His broadsword or claymore, with which he performed many valiant deeds, few could now wield. He was accounted one of the best swordsmen of his time, and in his leisure hours he used to teach his young kinsmen the most approved modes of fencing, rewarding the best pupils with suits of armour and other prizes. He took great delight in the education of his grandson, who was afterwards the famous Rory Mor, who always resided with him, and into whose mind he instilled his own good sense and many admirable qualities, which were then as rare as they were useful. Indeed, the latter years of Alastair Crotach's life were as useful and exemplary as his early days were turbulent and reckless.
His memory is still revered in the Isles as the friend of the poor, the rewarder of merit, and the best sample of a really great and good Chief.
Alastair Crotach did not marry until he was over 50 year^ of age, because during his mother's life he would not make any other woman mistress of his house. After her death he wanted to marry, but thought himself too old and ugly for any young woman to accept, for although he was tall and strong, he had hard features and a forbidding aspect, and, as already stated, was bent in his back. Cameron of Lochiel, however, told him that he had ten daughters, of whom he might take his choice, but Alastair would not have any woman against her will. When the ladies were questioned, they all, from the first to the ninth, refused him, but the tenth, the handsomest of them all, said she preferred bravery, wisdom, and power to a smooth face without any other recommendation; so she accepted Alastair, and lived happily with him for a long time, and died an old woman long before he did, as he lived to be over 100 years old. Alastair Crotach died at Rodel, when, according to his own wish, he was buried by the side of his wife, whose virtues and good qualities were set out on her tombstone, in Latin, in the church there.
The first act of his successor, William Macleod, after his father's death, was to propose to the clan, who assembled at Rodel at the old Chief's funeral, to acknowledge Dugald Campbell as his heir and successor. Some of the clan agreed, but most of them refused to admit any right of succession through a female, a thing hitherto unknown amongst them. The meeting broke up, after a turbulent discussion, without coming to any definite decision, but William resolved to disinherit his brothers and to secure the succession to his grandson. He- therefore gave the wardenship of Pabbay to Kenneth Campbell, and that of Dunvegan to Torquil Macsween, another of Campbell's adherents. He also put many Campbells into his " luchd- taighe," or bodyguard, and put trust only in those who declared in favour of his grandson. He also entered into an alliance with Donald Gorm Macdonald of Sleat, to whom he made over all his old rights to Sleat and Troterness for a sum of money, and appointed him the Taoitear of his grandson, in case of his own death before young Campbell came of age. He further accumulated a large sum of money, which he remitted before his death to his grandson, in Argyleshire, to enable him the better to secure the succession. These acts so completely alienated the affections of the clan from William that he shut himself up in the Castle of Dunvegan for the short remainder of his life, which he passed in gloom and solitude. He died in 1552-53, a few days after receiving the news of his daughter's death, which occurred at Barra on the very day that she was to embark for Dunvegan, whither her father had invited her on the death of her second husband, Macneil. William Macleod's body was removed by the clan from Dunvegan to Rodel, where it was buried, and a monument was afterwards erected over his remains by his nephew, Sir Roderick (Rory Mor) Macleod.
Malcolm MacLeod
In 1511, Lewis and the other estates of the family were given, to the exclusion of the direct male heir, by charter under the great seal, to
IX.—MALCOLM Macleod, brother of the forfeited Torquil, who is described as Malcolmo Makloid filio et hairedi quondam Roderico M'Cloid. He is granted "the lands and castle of Lewis, and Waternish in the Lordship of the Isles, with other lands, erected in his favour into the barony and lordship of Lewis, the place and castle of Stornochway to be the chief messuage."f In 1515, when the Regent Duke of Albany commissioned John Macian of Ardnamurchan to reduce to obedience the inhabitants of parts of the Isles who had taken part with Sir Donald of Lochalsh in his attempt to gain the Lordship of the Isles, and to promise the less violent of them the favour of the Crown and remission for their past crimes, provided they made their submission, promised obedience in future, and made restitution to those who had suffered by their conduct, Malcolm Macleod of the Lewis was one of those specially exempted from the Royal clemency. He is again on record in 1517.
In 1518-19 Sir Donald of Lochalsh, accompanied by the Macleods of Lewis and Raasay, invaded Ardnamurchan, where, by pre-concerted arrangement, they met Alexander Macdonald of Islay, united their forces, and attacked Macian, whom they overtook at Craig-an-Airgid, in Morvern, where he was defeated and slain with two of his sons, John Suaineartach and Angus, and many of his followers. Sir Donald died very soon after this raid, and we can find nothing further regarding Malcolm Macleod, who appears to have died about 15 28.
From the date of the raid to Ardnamurchan till about 1532 the lands and barony of Lewis were taken possession of and held by John, son and direct male representative of Torquil Macleod forfeited in 1506, and nephew of Malcolm. On the death of his uncle, whose son Roderick was a minor, John Mac Torquil, aided by Donald Gruamach of Sleat and his followers, seized the whole Island. The vassals of the barony followed his banner, and, though excluded from the succession by his father's forfeiture, they acknowledged him as their natural leader by right of birth, and he was able to keep possession of the lands and the command of the Siol Torquil during the remainder of his life. In 1538 his name appears among nine of the Highland chiefs who made offers of submission to the King through Hector Maclean of Duart.
John left no male issue, but after his death the claims of his daughter, who afterwards married Donald Gorm Macdonald, fifth of Sleat, were supported by his kindred, and the Clan Donald of Sleat.
Writing of this John Mac-Torquil, under date of 1532-39, Gregory says, " that chief, the representative of an elder, though forfeited branch of the family of Lewis, had obtained possession of the estates and leading of his tribe; and although he did not hold these by any legal title, the claims of his daughter, after his death, were far from contemptible, especially when supported by the influence of the Clandonald. A compromise seems to have been entered into between Donald Gorme and Ruari Macleod, the legal heir of the Lewis, as formerly held by Malcolm Macleod, his father, and the last lawful possessor."*
Malcolm Macleod married Christian, daughter of Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty, with issue—
1. Roderick, his heir.
2. Malcolm Garve, progenitor of the Macleods of Raasay.
3. Norman, from whom the Macleods of Eddrachilles.
In 1532, on the death of his nephew John MacTorquil, who had been in undisturbed possession since Malcolm's death,*
Malcolm was buried in the Churchyard of Ui, in the immediate vicinity of Stornoway, where many of the Lewis chiefs are interred, " and particularly Malcolm, son of Roderick Macleod, Lord of Lewis, who died in the reign of James V. His tomb is still visible, and the inscription is entire, with the exception of the date."— Collectanea de Rebus Albanicis, p. .).
X.—Roderick Macleod succeeded to the lands and command of the Macleods of Lewis, in terms of an arrangement arrived at between him and Donald Gorm Macdonald of Sleat, who had married Margaret, daughter of John Mac Torquil. In terms of this arrangement, Roderick undertook to assist Donald Gorm in driving the Macleods of Dunvegan, who again managed to gain possession of Troternish, from that contested district . It is also alleged that Roderick became bound to support Donald Gorm in his attempts to establish himself in the Lordship of the Isles and Earldom of Ross.
In May, 1539, Macdonald, accompanied by Macleod and his followers, invaded the lands of Troternish and laid them waste, after which, taking advantage of Mackenzie of Kintail's absence from home, they, with a large body of followers, made a raid upon Kinlochewe and Kintail, and attempted to take the Castle of Eilean Donain, on which occasion Donald Gorm was killed by an arrow shot from the walls of the stronghold.
On the 2nd of April, 1538, James V. granted to Roderick Macleod, the son and heir of the deceased Malcolm Macleod of the Lewis, the nonentry and other dues of the lands and barony of the Lewis, from the 3iDth of June, 1511, till a year after the date of the grant.f When the King, on his famous visit to the Isles in 1540, visited the Lewis, Roderick Macleod and his principal kinsmen met him, and they weie commanded to accompany him in his progress southward. In 1541 King James V. granted Roderick and Barbara Stewart, his affianced spouse, the lands, island and barony of Lewis, with the castle and other lands, resigned by Roderick, when the whole was erected anew into the free barony of Lewis.
We find Roderick's name, on the 28th of July, 1545, among the seventeen of the Barons and Council of the Isles appointed as plenipotentiaries for treating, under the directions of the Earl of Lennox, with the English King, to whom, at this time, they had been arranging to transfer their allegiance, and in consequence of which they had shortly before been charged by the Regent Arran with rebellious and treasonable proceedings, and threatened with utter ruin and destruction, from an invasion by " the whole body of the realm of Scotland, with the succours lately come from France," for their attempts to bring the whole Isles and a great part of the mainland under the obedience of the King of England, in contempt of the authority of the Crown of Scotland. On the 5th of August following these Barons were at Knockfergus, in Ireland, with a force of four thousand men and one hundred and eighty galleys, where, in presence of the Commissioners sent by the Earl of Lennox, and of the leading officials of the town, they took the oath of allegiance to the King of England, at the command of the Earl of Lennox, who was acknowledged by them all as the true Regent and second person of the Realm of Scotland. It was in this capacity and for this reason that they agreed to act under his directions in their treasonable and unpatriotic conduct on this and other occasions. On the 17th of August in the same year he had, with Alexander Macleod of Dunvegan and forty others, a remission from that date to the ist of November following, that they might go to the Regent and Lords of the Privy Council for the purpose of arranging as to their affairs.
On the death of Donald Dubh, without lawful male issue, many of the Island chiefs adopted as their leader James Macdonald of Islay, though his pretentions to the Lordship of the Isles were far inferior to those of Donald Gorm Og of Sleat, who was then a minor. Among those who opposed Islay and who soon afterwards succeeded in effecting a reconciliation with the Scottish Regent, we find Roderick Macleod of Lewis, Macleod of Harris, Macneill of Barra, Mackinnon of Strath, and Macquarrie of Ulva. Roderick is, however, in 1547, absent from the battle of Pinkie, though several of the other Island lords responded to the call of the Regent Arran on that disastrous occasion, but Macleod appears to have been forgiven in 1548 on easy terms with several others outlawed along with him for not joining- the Regent's forces in the previous year when commanded to do so. He is, however, again in trouble within a very short interval. In 1551 Archibald Earl of Argyll was commissioned to pursue with his men Roderick Macleod of the Lewis for " obteening " certain persons out of his lands, and in 1552 Arran determined, on the advice of Mary of Guise, the Queen Dowager, to establish order among the Highlanders. With this object he summoned all the chiefs to meet him at Aberdeen on the I7th of June. Most of them submitted to the conditions imposed, either there or in the following July at Inverness, but in consequence of the disputes which occurred at his time between Arran and the Queen Dowager, regarding the Regency, the Highlanders again broke out. The Queen Dowager assumed the Government in June, 1554, when she at once ordered the Earls of Huntly and Argyll to proceed by land and sea to the utter extermination of the Macdonalds of Clanranald and of Sleat, the Macleods of Lewis, and their associates, who had failed to present the hostages demanded of them for good conduct and loyalty in future. The expedition seems, from various causes, to have turned out a complete failure. The Queen Dowager was determined, however, to secure order among the Highlanders, and in April, 1555, a process of treason was commenced against Roderick Macleod of the Lewis. In the following June a commission was granted to the Earls of Argyll and Athole against the islanders, but soon after, in the same year, Macleod submitted and made certain offers to the Privy Council through Argyll, in consequence of which the Queen Regent granted him a remission "for his treasonable intercommuning with various rebels, and for other crimes."
After this he appears to have led a more peaceful life for several years, for we do not again find any trace of him in the public records until he is summoned with several others, by proclamation, on the 2oth of September, 1565, to join the Earl of Athole in Lorn to put down the Earl of Murray's rebellion, arising out of
his opposition to the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots, to Lord Darnley. This rebellion, however, collapsed, and there was no necessity to send the royal forces to Lorn after all. In 1572, during Roderick's life, James VI. granted to Torquil Conanach Macleod, described in the charter as " the son and apparent heir of Roderick Macleod-of Lewis," and to the heirs male of his body, with remainder to Gillecallum Garbh Macleod of Raasay, and his male heirs, and to Torquil's male heirs whomsoever bearing the Macleod surname and arms, the lands and barony of Lewis, which Roderick had resigned, reserving the life-rent to himself on condition that he.and Torquil should not again commit any crime against the King.*
Sources:
A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Commoners of Great Britain and ... - Page 590
by John Burke - Heraldry - 1838
IX.—MALCOLM Macleod, brother of the forfeited Torquil, who is described as Malcolmo Makloid filio et hairedi quondam Roderico M'Cloid. He is granted "the lands and castle of Lewis, and Waternish in the Lordship of the Isles, with other lands, erected in his favour into the barony and lordship of Lewis, the place and castle of Stornochway to be the chief messuage."f In 1515, when the Regent Duke of Albany commissioned John Macian of Ardnamurchan to reduce to obedience the inhabitants of parts of the Isles who had taken part with Sir Donald of Lochalsh in his attempt to gain the Lordship of the Isles, and to promise the less violent of them the favour of the Crown and remission for their past crimes, provided they made their submission, promised obedience in future, and made restitution to those who had suffered by their conduct, Malcolm Macleod of the Lewis was one of those specially exempted from the Royal clemency. He is again on record in 1517.
In 1518-19 Sir Donald of Lochalsh, accompanied by the Macleods of Lewis and Raasay, invaded Ardnamurchan, where, by pre-concerted arrangement, they met Alexander Macdonald of Islay, united their forces, and attacked Macian, whom they overtook at Craig-an-Airgid, in Morvern, where he was defeated and slain with two of his sons, John Suaineartach and Angus, and many of his followers. Sir Donald died very soon after this raid, and we can find nothing further regarding Malcolm Macleod, who appears to have died about 15 28.
From the date of the raid to Ardnamurchan till about 1532 the lands and barony of Lewis were taken possession of and held by John, son and direct male representative of Torquil Macleod forfeited in 1506, and nephew of Malcolm. On the death of his uncle, whose son Roderick was a minor, John Mac Torquil, aided by Donald Gruamach of Sleat and his followers, seized the whole Island. The vassals of the barony followed his banner, and, though excluded from the succession by his father's forfeiture, they acknowledged him as their natural leader by right of birth, and he was able to keep possession of the lands and the command of the Siol Torquil during the remainder of his life. In 1538 his name appears among nine of the Highland chiefs who made offers of submission to the King through Hector Maclean of Duart.
John left no male issue, but after his death the claims of his daughter, who afterwards married Donald Gorm Macdonald, fifth of Sleat, were supported by his kindred, and the Clan Donald of Sleat.
Writing of this John Mac-Torquil, under date of 1532-39, Gregory says, " that chief, the representative of an elder, though forfeited branch of the family of Lewis, had obtained possession of the estates and leading of his tribe; and although he did not hold these by any legal title, the claims of his daughter, after his death, were far from contemptible, especially when supported by the influence of the Clandonald. A compromise seems to have been entered into between Donald Gorme and Ruari Macleod, the legal heir of the Lewis, as formerly held by Malcolm Macleod, his father, and the last lawful possessor."*
Malcolm Macleod married Christian, daughter of Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty, with issue—
1. Roderick, his heir.
2. Malcolm Garve, progenitor of the Macleods of Raasay.
3. Norman, from whom the Macleods of Eddrachilles.
In 1532, on the death of his nephew John MacTorquil, who had been in undisturbed possession since Malcolm's death,*
Malcolm was buried in the Churchyard of Ui, in the immediate vicinity of Stornoway, where many of the Lewis chiefs are interred, " and particularly Malcolm, son of Roderick Macleod, Lord of Lewis, who died in the reign of James V. His tomb is still visible, and the inscription is entire, with the exception of the date."— Collectanea de Rebus Albanicis, p. .).
X.—Roderick Macleod succeeded to the lands and command of the Macleods of Lewis, in terms of an arrangement arrived at between him and Donald Gorm Macdonald of Sleat, who had married Margaret, daughter of John Mac Torquil. In terms of this arrangement, Roderick undertook to assist Donald Gorm in driving the Macleods of Dunvegan, who again managed to gain possession of Troternish, from that contested district . It is also alleged that Roderick became bound to support Donald Gorm in his attempts to establish himself in the Lordship of the Isles and Earldom of Ross.
In May, 1539, Macdonald, accompanied by Macleod and his followers, invaded the lands of Troternish and laid them waste, after which, taking advantage of Mackenzie of Kintail's absence from home, they, with a large body of followers, made a raid upon Kinlochewe and Kintail, and attempted to take the Castle of Eilean Donain, on which occasion Donald Gorm was killed by an arrow shot from the walls of the stronghold.
On the 2nd of April, 1538, James V. granted to Roderick Macleod, the son and heir of the deceased Malcolm Macleod of the Lewis, the nonentry and other dues of the lands and barony of the Lewis, from the 3iDth of June, 1511, till a year after the date of the grant.f When the King, on his famous visit to the Isles in 1540, visited the Lewis, Roderick Macleod and his principal kinsmen met him, and they weie commanded to accompany him in his progress southward. In 1541 King James V. granted Roderick and Barbara Stewart, his affianced spouse, the lands, island and barony of Lewis, with the castle and other lands, resigned by Roderick, when the whole was erected anew into the free barony of Lewis.
We find Roderick's name, on the 28th of July, 1545, among the seventeen of the Barons and Council of the Isles appointed as plenipotentiaries for treating, under the directions of the Earl of Lennox, with the English King, to whom, at this time, they had been arranging to transfer their allegiance, and in consequence of which they had shortly before been charged by the Regent Arran with rebellious and treasonable proceedings, and threatened with utter ruin and destruction, from an invasion by " the whole body of the realm of Scotland, with the succours lately come from France," for their attempts to bring the whole Isles and a great part of the mainland under the obedience of the King of England, in contempt of the authority of the Crown of Scotland. On the 5th of August following these Barons were at Knockfergus, in Ireland, with a force of four thousand men and one hundred and eighty galleys, where, in presence of the Commissioners sent by the Earl of Lennox, and of the leading officials of the town, they took the oath of allegiance to the King of England, at the command of the Earl of Lennox, who was acknowledged by them all as the true Regent and second person of the Realm of Scotland. It was in this capacity and for this reason that they agreed to act under his directions in their treasonable and unpatriotic conduct on this and other occasions. On the 17th of August in the same year he had, with Alexander Macleod of Dunvegan and forty others, a remission from that date to the ist of November following, that they might go to the Regent and Lords of the Privy Council for the purpose of arranging as to their affairs.
On the death of Donald Dubh, without lawful male issue, many of the Island chiefs adopted as their leader James Macdonald of Islay, though his pretentions to the Lordship of the Isles were far inferior to those of Donald Gorm Og of Sleat, who was then a minor. Among those who opposed Islay and who soon afterwards succeeded in effecting a reconciliation with the Scottish Regent, we find Roderick Macleod of Lewis, Macleod of Harris, Macneill of Barra, Mackinnon of Strath, and Macquarrie of Ulva. Roderick is, however, in 1547, absent from the battle of Pinkie, though several of the other Island lords responded to the call of the Regent Arran on that disastrous occasion, but Macleod appears to have been forgiven in 1548 on easy terms with several others outlawed along with him for not joining- the Regent's forces in the previous year when commanded to do so. He is, however, again in trouble within a very short interval. In 1551 Archibald Earl of Argyll was commissioned to pursue with his men Roderick Macleod of the Lewis for " obteening " certain persons out of his lands, and in 1552 Arran determined, on the advice of Mary of Guise, the Queen Dowager, to establish order among the Highlanders. With this object he summoned all the chiefs to meet him at Aberdeen on the I7th of June. Most of them submitted to the conditions imposed, either there or in the following July at Inverness, but in consequence of the disputes which occurred at his time between Arran and the Queen Dowager, regarding the Regency, the Highlanders again broke out. The Queen Dowager assumed the Government in June, 1554, when she at once ordered the Earls of Huntly and Argyll to proceed by land and sea to the utter extermination of the Macdonalds of Clanranald and of Sleat, the Macleods of Lewis, and their associates, who had failed to present the hostages demanded of them for good conduct and loyalty in future. The expedition seems, from various causes, to have turned out a complete failure. The Queen Dowager was determined, however, to secure order among the Highlanders, and in April, 1555, a process of treason was commenced against Roderick Macleod of the Lewis. In the following June a commission was granted to the Earls of Argyll and Athole against the islanders, but soon after, in the same year, Macleod submitted and made certain offers to the Privy Council through Argyll, in consequence of which the Queen Regent granted him a remission "for his treasonable intercommuning with various rebels, and for other crimes."
After this he appears to have led a more peaceful life for several years, for we do not again find any trace of him in the public records until he is summoned with several others, by proclamation, on the 2oth of September, 1565, to join the Earl of Athole in Lorn to put down the Earl of Murray's rebellion, arising out of
his opposition to the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots, to Lord Darnley. This rebellion, however, collapsed, and there was no necessity to send the royal forces to Lorn after all. In 1572, during Roderick's life, James VI. granted to Torquil Conanach Macleod, described in the charter as " the son and apparent heir of Roderick Macleod-of Lewis," and to the heirs male of his body, with remainder to Gillecallum Garbh Macleod of Raasay, and his male heirs, and to Torquil's male heirs whomsoever bearing the Macleod surname and arms, the lands and barony of Lewis, which Roderick had resigned, reserving the life-rent to himself on condition that he.and Torquil should not again commit any crime against the King.*
Sources:
A Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Commoners of Great Britain and ... - Page 590
by John Burke - Heraldry - 1838
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Tormod MacLeod and his son Roderick Rory MacLeod
A genealogical and heraldic history of the commoners of Great Britain and ...
By John Burke
Tormod Macleod, of Macleod, who in July, 1580, was infeft in the whole estate. He was the son of Alexander Alisdair Crotach MacLeod.
This laird m. first, Giles, daughter of Hector Maclean, of Duart, by whom he had issue,
I. William
II. Roderick
III. Alexander, of Minginish, from whom Alexander Macleod, of Fer- rinnilea, William Macleod, of Ose, and Lieut. Norman Macleod.
I. Margaret, m. to Donald Macdonald, of Slate. The feuds which subsisted between the Macleods and Macdonalds arose from the bad treatment of the lady by her husband.
II. ______ , m. first, to Macleod, of Lewis ; and, secondly, to Macdonald, of Ben- beaila.
Tormod wedded, secondly, a daughter of the Earl of Argyll, and had by her a daughter, Jannet, who became the wife of Maclean, of Coll. Macleod was a man of courage and conduct, and an adherent of the unhappy Mary, of Scotland. He died in March, 1584, and was s. by his eldest son,
William Macleod, of Macleod, who was served heir 31st July, 1585. He m. Janet, daughter of Lachlan McIntosh, of Dunachten, and dying in October, 1590, without issue, was s. by his brother, Roderick
Sir Roderick Macleod, of Macleod, commonly Rory more, or great Roderick, who received the honour of knighthood from King James VI. and was infeft in the whole estate as heir to his brother in September, 1596. This laird appears to have been involved in much difficulty, but his address and courage bore him eventually through. An act of parliament having passed, l0th December, 1507, obliging, under pain of forfeiture, all the chieftains and other landholders in the Highlands and Isles, to produce the title- deeds of their estates before the lords of the exchequer, to be considered by them previously to the 25th day of May following, and Sir Roderick refusing compliance, King James conferred his whole estate, with the exception of Trotterness, Slate, and Uist, upon James Lord Balmerinock, Sir James Spence, of Wolmerston, and Sir George Hay, of Nether Cliff, afterwards Viscount Duplin, equally between them, on which these gentlemen, taking out a charter under the great seal, were infeft, and Sir George Hay acquired right to Balmerinock's and Wolmerston 's shares. At the same time, to augment his embarrassment, Sir Roderick was on bad terms with Sir Roderick McKenzie, of Coigach, tutor of Kintail, ancestor of the earls of Croroartie, then a privy councillor and a man of considerable power and influence, who, aware of the fiery disposition of Macleod, affronted him in presence of the council, that he might commit some act which should render him amenable to the law ; — the desired effect was produced;—
Macleod knocked M'Kenzie immediately down, and thus subjected himself to capital punishment: at this period too his country was invaded by the Macdonalds of Slate, while himself and a large number of his clan were in the island of Mull; and although the invaders were gallantly opposed by Alexander Macleod, of Minginish, with so many of the clan as he could collect together, the Macdonalds, after a bloody skirmish in Guillen, carried away a spreath; in retaliation, when Sir Roderick returned, |he made an inroad into Trotterness, and burned and destroyed the whole country. He had also at this time deadly feuds with the family of Clankanald. He was however long and greatly befriended by the Earl of Argyll, and, on the 7th July, 1606, engaged himself by contract to resign bis barony of Glenelg into the king's hands in favour of that nobleman, on his lordship's becoming bound to grant to him (Sir Roderick) and his heirs male a charter of that barony, to be held of Argyll and his heirs by service of ward, marriage, and relief; he subsequently accommodated matters with Sir Roderick M'Kenzie, and entered into bonds of friendship with Macdonald, of Slate, Macdonald, of Clankanald, and Mackinnon; and at length, on the 4th May, 1610, obtained from James a remission. On the 18th July, in the same year, he purchased from Kenneth, Lord Mackenzie, of Kintail, the barony of Vaterness, disposing to Kintail of the Twopenny land of Trotterness, and the office of bailliary of the whole lands of Trotterness. On the 19th of the same month he obtained from George Hay, Viscount Duplin, a disposition of the whole estate, and on these titles, with his own resignation, he acquired from the crown a new charter, dated 4th April, 1611, of Vaterness and his other estates, containing a novoda- mus taxing the ward, and erecting the whole into a barony, to be called the barony of Dunvegan, in favour of himself and the heirs male of his body, remainder to his brother german, Alexander Macleod, of Minginess, remainder to William Macleod, alins Macwilliam Macleod, of Meidle, the heir male of Tormod, second son of John, sixth laird of Macleod, remainder to his own nearest and lawful heirs male whatsoever ; and upon this charter he was infeft 22nd October, 1611. On the 16th September, 1613, he was served heir in special to William Macleod, his uncle, in the lands of Trotterness, Slate, and North Uist, and was infeft in them llth February, 1614. Those lands he desposed of, in February, 1618, to Sir Donald Macdonald, of Slate. Sir Roderick became a great favourite with King James VI. who, on the 18th May, 1610, wrote to him a letter requiring his assistance in an affair to be communicated to him by the Earl of Dunbar, which his majesty says, " he shall not fail to remember, when any occasion fit for your good shall be offered." In 1613 the king conferred the honour of knighthood on him, and in the June of that year he wrote three several letters from Greenwich, recommending Macleod and his affairs, in the strongest terms, to the privy council of Scotland. On the 16th June, 1616, his majesty granted to Sir Roderick a license, under his hand and seal, to come out of Scotland to court whenever he should think convenient, without being liable to any challenge or pursuit for so doing. Sir Roderick died in the beginning of 1626, leaving issue by his wife, Isabella, daughter of Macdonald, of Glengary, five sons and five daughters, viz.
i. John, his successor.
ii. Roderick, of Talliskir.*
ill. Normand, of Berneray.
iv. William, of Stammer,
v. Donald, of Grishernish.
i. Margaret, m. to M'Lean, of Duart.
n. Mary, m. to — M'Lean, brother of Duart, and her son succeeded to the estate.
in. Moire, commonly called Moire Voire, m. to John Musdortich, captain of Clankanald, which marriage terminated the feuds between the two families.
iv. Janet, m. to John Macleod, of Ra- say.
v. Florence, m. to Donald M'Sween.
It is remarkable that this chieftain was a proficient in Latin, had travelled on the Continent, and spoke French with fluency, yet could neither utter nor understand the Scotch or English dialect. His eldest son and heir,
John Macleod, of Macleod, surnamed John More, from his great size, was confirmed in the whole family estate, 9th November, 1626, on a precept from the Chancery, and was subsequently under a decree of the Privy Council of Scotland, compelled to resign his barony of Glenelg in the king's hands, in favour of the Earl of Argyll, (son of the nobleman with whom his father had entered into the contract,) and to take a charter of it, holding of his lordship, paying twenty thousand merks for taxing the ward, marriage and relief, by which tenure it is yet held of die house of Argyll. This laird was a staunch Royalist, and opposed the measures of the Covenanters from the commencement, for which conduct he received a letter of thanks from King Charles I. dated at Durham 2nd May, 1639. He continued firm in his allegiance, to the hour of his death, which happened in September, 1649. He was remarkable for his goodness and piety, and took so much pains to civilize the country, that he acquired the appellation of Lot in Sodon. He m. Sibella, daughter of Kenneth, Lord M'Kinzie, of Kintail, and haa issue,
Roderick,
John,
successive lairds.
Mary, m. first, to Sir James Macdonald, of Slate, and secondly, to Muir, of Rowallan.
Marion, m. to Donald Macdonald, captain of Clankaland, and was mother of Allan, captain of Clankaland, who fell at Sheriff Mnir.
Giles, m. first, to Sir Allan M'Lean, of Duart, and secondly, to Campbell, of Glendaruel.
Sibella, i». to Thomas Fraser, of Beaufort, and was mother of Simon Fraser, the last Lord Lovat, (see p. 207).
Margaret, m. to Sir James Campbell, of
Laarg.
The eldest son,
Roderick Macleod, fifteenth laird of Macleod, was served heir in special to his father 22nd November, 1665,
* This gentleman, Roderick Macleod, of Tal- liskir, on the death of his elder brother, John, who succeeded his father, and became fourteenth laird of Macleod, was appointed tutor to his nephew, Roderick Macleod, the fifteenth laird, John's son and heir, then in minority. On the arrival of Charles II. in Scotland, in 1650, and the issue of his Majesty's proclamation, commanding all his subjects to repair to the Royal Standard with as many men as they could levy, Roderick immediately raised a regiment, seven hundred strong, of his clan and followers, and appointed hi» brother Nonnand, of Bernere, lien- tenant-colonel, who cheerfully obeyed the royal summons, and after remaining some time with the king's army, received orders to complete his corps by a levy of three hundred men more. This he accomplished ; but being in want of arms, he obtained an order on John Bunkle, then commissary, to supply him. The commissary, however, refused to comply, unless Tulliskir would pass his bond for the value, which, rather than prejudice the service, was passed. This bond was afterwards assigned to William M'Cullocb, who used utmost diligence upon it against Talliskir, during the Usurpation. These proceedings were at last suspended; and Colonel Macleod relieved from the claim by act of parliament, in 1661. At the head of this regiment, himself and his brother attended the King to the fatal field of Worcester, where almost every man of the corps was either killed, or taken prisoner, and transported to the plantations. The colonel had a narrow escape, and after concealing himself a short time in England, got in disguise to Scotland, where he became active in encouraging a spirit of loynlty among the Highland clans; the best affected of whom met at Glenelg on the 21st April, 1653, and agreed on raising a body of two thousand men for the King's service, and to apprise his Majesty of Great Britain, the King of Denmark, the Princes* Royal, and the States of Holland, with their resolution. This mission was entrusted to Lieutenant- Col. Normand Macleod, to be carried to Xing Charles, who conveyed in return a most flattering letter from the exiled monarch to his brother Talliskir. When, subsequently, the royal cause entirely failed, Colonel Macleod lived privately at dome until the Restoration, when the King, in consideration of his faithful services, conferred upon him the honour of knighthood. Sir Roderick m. first, a daughter of Donald, first Lord Kie ; and secondly, Mary, daughter of M'Kin- non, of that ilk : by the latter he had John, Magnus, who died a youth, and a daughter Isabel!, m. to Donald M'Lean, of Coll. She .;. about the year 1675. His son John was m. to Janet, only daughter of Alexander Macleod, of Grishemish, and had a son and heir, Donald, who m. Christian, daughter of John Macleod, nnd left issue. John, of Talliskir, lieut.-colonel in the service of the States of Holland; Magnus, on officer in Col. Campbell's regiment of Highlanders ; Roderick, professor of philosophy in the king's college of Aberdeen . Normand, captain-lieut. in the regiment of light-armed infantry in America, and one of the superintendants of the Indians. Janet, m. to Hugh M'Lean, of Coll; and Isabel), the wife of Hector M'Lean, of Islecomonk.
*Normand Macleod, of Berneray, third son of Sir Roderick, concurred most heartily during his nephew's minority in all the measures adopted by bis eldest brother, Sir Roderick, the tutor of Macleod. He was at the battle of Worcester, in the rank of lieut.-colonel of his brother's regiment, and being taken prisoner there, was detained in custody for eighteen months, during which period he was tried for his life on the supposition of being a Welchman, from the affinity, the surnames of Ap Lloyd and Macleod; but being well known to the Scots army, bis identity was easily established, when there was an end to the case, and the prisoner remanded. It was then proposed to him to subscribe the oath called the tender, and his liberty was offered to him ; but peremptorily refusing, his incarceration was prolonged, and his treatment rendered more severe; but being a man of abilities, address, and enterprise, he at length effected his escape, and joined his friends in the Highlands, attended the council of war already mentioned, and was deputed to convey the result of the proceedings to King Charles. He was afterwards active in the many attempts made to re-establish the King's affairs in Scotland, and when General Middleton was no longer able to keep the field, but obliged to retire to the Western Isles, Lieut.-colonel Macleod conducted him to his own house at Berneray, where he remained in security, until provided with means, by his gallant host, to make his escape beyond sea. After the Restoration, be received, with his brother, the honour of knighthood, but got no other reward, except through the Earl of Middleton be obtained the forfeited estate of a certain Highland family, which took place in consequence of a correspondence discovered between its chief and the usurpers. Sir Normand m first, Margaret, only child of John M'Kenzie, of Lochslin, second son of Kenneth, Lord Kintail, by whom he had an only son, John Macleod, of Contulich, who wedded Isabella, eldest daughter of Kenneth M'Kenzie, of Scatwell, and had a numerous issue, of whom the eldest son, John Macleod, of Muirnvonside, was father of Alexander Macleod, advocate, and Klizabeth, the wife of John Macdonald, of Largie, and the second son, Donald Macleod, of Bernera, had, by his first marriage, Norman Macleod, of Unish, and Captain Alexander Macleod, of the Lord Mansfield Indiaman, with several daughter*; and by his second marriage, John Macleod. Sir Normand espoused, secondly, Catherine, eldest daughter of Sir James Macdonald, of Slate, by whom he had
William, of Laskindir, father of Alexander, of Laskindir, of Roderick, clerk to the signet; of Margaret, m. to Ronald Macdonald, of Clankaland, and Alice, the wife of Roderick M'Neill.
Marion, m. to Donald M'Lean, of Colt. m. to Alexander Macleod, of R»-
say, and afterwards to Angus M'Donell,
of Scotherin.
MacLeod Wikipeida
By John Burke
Tormod Macleod, of Macleod, who in July, 1580, was infeft in the whole estate. He was the son of Alexander Alisdair Crotach MacLeod.
This laird m. first, Giles, daughter of Hector Maclean, of Duart, by whom he had issue,
I. William
II. Roderick
III. Alexander, of Minginish, from whom Alexander Macleod, of Fer- rinnilea, William Macleod, of Ose, and Lieut. Norman Macleod.
I. Margaret, m. to Donald Macdonald, of Slate. The feuds which subsisted between the Macleods and Macdonalds arose from the bad treatment of the lady by her husband.
II. ______ , m. first, to Macleod, of Lewis ; and, secondly, to Macdonald, of Ben- beaila.
Tormod wedded, secondly, a daughter of the Earl of Argyll, and had by her a daughter, Jannet, who became the wife of Maclean, of Coll. Macleod was a man of courage and conduct, and an adherent of the unhappy Mary, of Scotland. He died in March, 1584, and was s. by his eldest son,
William Macleod, of Macleod, who was served heir 31st July, 1585. He m. Janet, daughter of Lachlan McIntosh, of Dunachten, and dying in October, 1590, without issue, was s. by his brother, Roderick
Sir Roderick Macleod, of Macleod, commonly Rory more, or great Roderick, who received the honour of knighthood from King James VI. and was infeft in the whole estate as heir to his brother in September, 1596. This laird appears to have been involved in much difficulty, but his address and courage bore him eventually through. An act of parliament having passed, l0th December, 1507, obliging, under pain of forfeiture, all the chieftains and other landholders in the Highlands and Isles, to produce the title- deeds of their estates before the lords of the exchequer, to be considered by them previously to the 25th day of May following, and Sir Roderick refusing compliance, King James conferred his whole estate, with the exception of Trotterness, Slate, and Uist, upon James Lord Balmerinock, Sir James Spence, of Wolmerston, and Sir George Hay, of Nether Cliff, afterwards Viscount Duplin, equally between them, on which these gentlemen, taking out a charter under the great seal, were infeft, and Sir George Hay acquired right to Balmerinock's and Wolmerston 's shares. At the same time, to augment his embarrassment, Sir Roderick was on bad terms with Sir Roderick McKenzie, of Coigach, tutor of Kintail, ancestor of the earls of Croroartie, then a privy councillor and a man of considerable power and influence, who, aware of the fiery disposition of Macleod, affronted him in presence of the council, that he might commit some act which should render him amenable to the law ; — the desired effect was produced;—
Macleod knocked M'Kenzie immediately down, and thus subjected himself to capital punishment: at this period too his country was invaded by the Macdonalds of Slate, while himself and a large number of his clan were in the island of Mull; and although the invaders were gallantly opposed by Alexander Macleod, of Minginish, with so many of the clan as he could collect together, the Macdonalds, after a bloody skirmish in Guillen, carried away a spreath; in retaliation, when Sir Roderick returned, |he made an inroad into Trotterness, and burned and destroyed the whole country. He had also at this time deadly feuds with the family of Clankanald. He was however long and greatly befriended by the Earl of Argyll, and, on the 7th July, 1606, engaged himself by contract to resign bis barony of Glenelg into the king's hands in favour of that nobleman, on his lordship's becoming bound to grant to him (Sir Roderick) and his heirs male a charter of that barony, to be held of Argyll and his heirs by service of ward, marriage, and relief; he subsequently accommodated matters with Sir Roderick M'Kenzie, and entered into bonds of friendship with Macdonald, of Slate, Macdonald, of Clankanald, and Mackinnon; and at length, on the 4th May, 1610, obtained from James a remission. On the 18th July, in the same year, he purchased from Kenneth, Lord Mackenzie, of Kintail, the barony of Vaterness, disposing to Kintail of the Twopenny land of Trotterness, and the office of bailliary of the whole lands of Trotterness. On the 19th of the same month he obtained from George Hay, Viscount Duplin, a disposition of the whole estate, and on these titles, with his own resignation, he acquired from the crown a new charter, dated 4th April, 1611, of Vaterness and his other estates, containing a novoda- mus taxing the ward, and erecting the whole into a barony, to be called the barony of Dunvegan, in favour of himself and the heirs male of his body, remainder to his brother german, Alexander Macleod, of Minginess, remainder to William Macleod, alins Macwilliam Macleod, of Meidle, the heir male of Tormod, second son of John, sixth laird of Macleod, remainder to his own nearest and lawful heirs male whatsoever ; and upon this charter he was infeft 22nd October, 1611. On the 16th September, 1613, he was served heir in special to William Macleod, his uncle, in the lands of Trotterness, Slate, and North Uist, and was infeft in them llth February, 1614. Those lands he desposed of, in February, 1618, to Sir Donald Macdonald, of Slate. Sir Roderick became a great favourite with King James VI. who, on the 18th May, 1610, wrote to him a letter requiring his assistance in an affair to be communicated to him by the Earl of Dunbar, which his majesty says, " he shall not fail to remember, when any occasion fit for your good shall be offered." In 1613 the king conferred the honour of knighthood on him, and in the June of that year he wrote three several letters from Greenwich, recommending Macleod and his affairs, in the strongest terms, to the privy council of Scotland. On the 16th June, 1616, his majesty granted to Sir Roderick a license, under his hand and seal, to come out of Scotland to court whenever he should think convenient, without being liable to any challenge or pursuit for so doing. Sir Roderick died in the beginning of 1626, leaving issue by his wife, Isabella, daughter of Macdonald, of Glengary, five sons and five daughters, viz.
i. John, his successor.
ii. Roderick, of Talliskir.*
ill. Normand, of Berneray.
iv. William, of Stammer,
v. Donald, of Grishernish.
i. Margaret, m. to M'Lean, of Duart.
n. Mary, m. to — M'Lean, brother of Duart, and her son succeeded to the estate.
in. Moire, commonly called Moire Voire, m. to John Musdortich, captain of Clankanald, which marriage terminated the feuds between the two families.
iv. Janet, m. to John Macleod, of Ra- say.
v. Florence, m. to Donald M'Sween.
It is remarkable that this chieftain was a proficient in Latin, had travelled on the Continent, and spoke French with fluency, yet could neither utter nor understand the Scotch or English dialect. His eldest son and heir,
John Macleod, of Macleod, surnamed John More, from his great size, was confirmed in the whole family estate, 9th November, 1626, on a precept from the Chancery, and was subsequently under a decree of the Privy Council of Scotland, compelled to resign his barony of Glenelg in the king's hands, in favour of the Earl of Argyll, (son of the nobleman with whom his father had entered into the contract,) and to take a charter of it, holding of his lordship, paying twenty thousand merks for taxing the ward, marriage and relief, by which tenure it is yet held of die house of Argyll. This laird was a staunch Royalist, and opposed the measures of the Covenanters from the commencement, for which conduct he received a letter of thanks from King Charles I. dated at Durham 2nd May, 1639. He continued firm in his allegiance, to the hour of his death, which happened in September, 1649. He was remarkable for his goodness and piety, and took so much pains to civilize the country, that he acquired the appellation of Lot in Sodon. He m. Sibella, daughter of Kenneth, Lord M'Kinzie, of Kintail, and haa issue,
Roderick,
John,
successive lairds.
Mary, m. first, to Sir James Macdonald, of Slate, and secondly, to Muir, of Rowallan.
Marion, m. to Donald Macdonald, captain of Clankaland, and was mother of Allan, captain of Clankaland, who fell at Sheriff Mnir.
Giles, m. first, to Sir Allan M'Lean, of Duart, and secondly, to Campbell, of Glendaruel.
Sibella, i». to Thomas Fraser, of Beaufort, and was mother of Simon Fraser, the last Lord Lovat, (see p. 207).
Margaret, m. to Sir James Campbell, of
Laarg.
The eldest son,
Roderick Macleod, fifteenth laird of Macleod, was served heir in special to his father 22nd November, 1665,
* This gentleman, Roderick Macleod, of Tal- liskir, on the death of his elder brother, John, who succeeded his father, and became fourteenth laird of Macleod, was appointed tutor to his nephew, Roderick Macleod, the fifteenth laird, John's son and heir, then in minority. On the arrival of Charles II. in Scotland, in 1650, and the issue of his Majesty's proclamation, commanding all his subjects to repair to the Royal Standard with as many men as they could levy, Roderick immediately raised a regiment, seven hundred strong, of his clan and followers, and appointed hi» brother Nonnand, of Bernere, lien- tenant-colonel, who cheerfully obeyed the royal summons, and after remaining some time with the king's army, received orders to complete his corps by a levy of three hundred men more. This he accomplished ; but being in want of arms, he obtained an order on John Bunkle, then commissary, to supply him. The commissary, however, refused to comply, unless Tulliskir would pass his bond for the value, which, rather than prejudice the service, was passed. This bond was afterwards assigned to William M'Cullocb, who used utmost diligence upon it against Talliskir, during the Usurpation. These proceedings were at last suspended; and Colonel Macleod relieved from the claim by act of parliament, in 1661. At the head of this regiment, himself and his brother attended the King to the fatal field of Worcester, where almost every man of the corps was either killed, or taken prisoner, and transported to the plantations. The colonel had a narrow escape, and after concealing himself a short time in England, got in disguise to Scotland, where he became active in encouraging a spirit of loynlty among the Highland clans; the best affected of whom met at Glenelg on the 21st April, 1653, and agreed on raising a body of two thousand men for the King's service, and to apprise his Majesty of Great Britain, the King of Denmark, the Princes* Royal, and the States of Holland, with their resolution. This mission was entrusted to Lieutenant- Col. Normand Macleod, to be carried to Xing Charles, who conveyed in return a most flattering letter from the exiled monarch to his brother Talliskir. When, subsequently, the royal cause entirely failed, Colonel Macleod lived privately at dome until the Restoration, when the King, in consideration of his faithful services, conferred upon him the honour of knighthood. Sir Roderick m. first, a daughter of Donald, first Lord Kie ; and secondly, Mary, daughter of M'Kin- non, of that ilk : by the latter he had John, Magnus, who died a youth, and a daughter Isabel!, m. to Donald M'Lean, of Coll. She .;. about the year 1675. His son John was m. to Janet, only daughter of Alexander Macleod, of Grishemish, and had a son and heir, Donald, who m. Christian, daughter of John Macleod, nnd left issue. John, of Talliskir, lieut.-colonel in the service of the States of Holland; Magnus, on officer in Col. Campbell's regiment of Highlanders ; Roderick, professor of philosophy in the king's college of Aberdeen . Normand, captain-lieut. in the regiment of light-armed infantry in America, and one of the superintendants of the Indians. Janet, m. to Hugh M'Lean, of Coll; and Isabel), the wife of Hector M'Lean, of Islecomonk.
*Normand Macleod, of Berneray, third son of Sir Roderick, concurred most heartily during his nephew's minority in all the measures adopted by bis eldest brother, Sir Roderick, the tutor of Macleod. He was at the battle of Worcester, in the rank of lieut.-colonel of his brother's regiment, and being taken prisoner there, was detained in custody for eighteen months, during which period he was tried for his life on the supposition of being a Welchman, from the affinity, the surnames of Ap Lloyd and Macleod; but being well known to the Scots army, bis identity was easily established, when there was an end to the case, and the prisoner remanded. It was then proposed to him to subscribe the oath called the tender, and his liberty was offered to him ; but peremptorily refusing, his incarceration was prolonged, and his treatment rendered more severe; but being a man of abilities, address, and enterprise, he at length effected his escape, and joined his friends in the Highlands, attended the council of war already mentioned, and was deputed to convey the result of the proceedings to King Charles. He was afterwards active in the many attempts made to re-establish the King's affairs in Scotland, and when General Middleton was no longer able to keep the field, but obliged to retire to the Western Isles, Lieut.-colonel Macleod conducted him to his own house at Berneray, where he remained in security, until provided with means, by his gallant host, to make his escape beyond sea. After the Restoration, be received, with his brother, the honour of knighthood, but got no other reward, except through the Earl of Middleton be obtained the forfeited estate of a certain Highland family, which took place in consequence of a correspondence discovered between its chief and the usurpers. Sir Normand m first, Margaret, only child of John M'Kenzie, of Lochslin, second son of Kenneth, Lord Kintail, by whom he had an only son, John Macleod, of Contulich, who wedded Isabella, eldest daughter of Kenneth M'Kenzie, of Scatwell, and had a numerous issue, of whom the eldest son, John Macleod, of Muirnvonside, was father of Alexander Macleod, advocate, and Klizabeth, the wife of John Macdonald, of Largie, and the second son, Donald Macleod, of Bernera, had, by his first marriage, Norman Macleod, of Unish, and Captain Alexander Macleod, of the Lord Mansfield Indiaman, with several daughter*; and by his second marriage, John Macleod. Sir Normand espoused, secondly, Catherine, eldest daughter of Sir James Macdonald, of Slate, by whom he had
William, of Laskindir, father of Alexander, of Laskindir, of Roderick, clerk to the signet; of Margaret, m. to Ronald Macdonald, of Clankaland, and Alice, the wife of Roderick M'Neill.
Marion, m. to Donald M'Lean, of Colt. m. to Alexander Macleod, of R»-
say, and afterwards to Angus M'Donell,
of Scotherin.
MacLeod Wikipeida
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Gregor MacGregor
History of the Clan Gregor
By Amelia Georgiana Murray MacGregor, Clan Gregor Society
Gregor, eldest son of Duncan Ladosach, according to the Baronage married Isabel,daughter of Cameron of Stronhead and had son
1. Duncan, who succeeded him, and who was sent to Aberach or Lochaber which is where his name Duncan Aberach comes from
2. Patrick, who was brought up in Athole and became known as Parig Adholach or Aulich, he was executed in Edinburgh with Glenstray, February 1604. He left five sons.
3. There was a 3rd son, sent to Stratherarn.
also a daughter named More, Mary, Mairie who married to a MacGregor
See my other post on Duncan MacGregor to see how Gregor was killed by Colin Campbell.
By Amelia Georgiana Murray MacGregor, Clan Gregor Society
Gregor, eldest son of Duncan Ladosach, according to the Baronage married Isabel,daughter of Cameron of Stronhead and had son
1. Duncan, who succeeded him, and who was sent to Aberach or Lochaber which is where his name Duncan Aberach comes from
2. Patrick, who was brought up in Athole and became known as Parig Adholach or Aulich, he was executed in Edinburgh with Glenstray, February 1604. He left five sons.
3. There was a 3rd son, sent to Stratherarn.
also a daughter named More, Mary, Mairie who married to a MacGregor
See my other post on Duncan MacGregor to see how Gregor was killed by Colin Campbell.
Duncan Aberach McGregor
Duncan MacGregor, was the son of Gregor,and grandson of Duncan Ladosach, called Donach Abberach, from having been immediately after his father's murder carried into Lochaber by his mother's friends, as were his two brothers, to Athol and Stratherarn, by other relations, in order to save them from also being killed.
He was a stout man of very fine appearance, and soon acquired a reputaion all over the Highlands. Duncan Dubh, dreaded that this young hero would make him answer for the murder of his father and grandfather and take back the lands he had gained by these murders. He endeavored to reconcile with Duncan Abberach. Locheil influenced Duncan to accept the offer Duncan Dubh made of his father's lands and those of Corriecharmaig and Tomachrochair in Glenorchy. These two Duncans were sworn to inviolable friendship in the presence of Locheil and several other chiefs at a meetingg of the friends of both held for that purpose in the Braes of Glenurchy.
Duncan Abberach's first wife was named Christian, and was a daughter from the family of MacDonald of Keppoch. They had a son who died young.
He married 2nd, a daughter to MacFarlane descended from the Lennox and had three sons by her.
1. Patrick his successor
2. Robert (whom the History of the Clan Gregor,says was a man of rare martial genius)
3. Alpin who married and had issue
The above named History, says that the first mention of Duncan Abberach is in the record of forfeitures September 8, 1569. He found favor with the Earl of Argyle as seen in this Bond of Maintenance:
"1573, August 24...Be it kend till all men and sundrie to quhom it efferis we Archibald Erle ofArgyle Lord Campbell and Lord justice and chancellor of Scotland &a. to half resavit our louittis (lovites) Duncan Abbroche McGregor, Patrick McGregor, Allaster Skorinche ( )McGregor, Molcollum McGregor, Patrick Awilochi (Aulach) McGregor and Dougal McGregor the saidis Duncanis bredrene, thair airis and offspring in our manitenanc. And also in our airis protection and defence in all thair just and lesum materis aganis all maner of mane. the authorite of Scotland beand exceptit. The saidis Duncane McGregor and the rest, bredern, thair airis and offspring beand leill and trew to us and our airis and to serf us at all tymes we pleis, to chairge thayme to thair powar and alss the foirsaidis, to be of rewl in all tymes cumin, and trew and civil subdittis of our souerane theKingis Majestie. And giff ony hes to say to thayme for any thing that sall chance fra this farther to call thame or ony to the use of this realme witht certificatioune gif ony with intend againis thame or ony of thayme aplyable to the lawis. And willis thir presentis to be maid manifest in all placis neidfull Be this subscryvit with our hand at the Carrick the 14. day of Aug. 1573. (signed) Ar: Erall Ergyll And for the mair verificatioune causit affixe our signet herto, &a The names of thair airis and offspring conteinit in this band and off thamselffis that is presentlie in lyff, Duncan Abbrach McGregour, Robert McGregour his sone, Duncan and .... also his sonis; Allaster Skerrich McGregour, Duncan....Also his sones Johne McGregour in Morinche, sone to Patrik Dow and Patrik McGregour brother to the said Johne." Luss Collection.
This Paper, quoted in the "Chartulary," after Mr. MacGregor Stirling's careful investigations among the Luss Papers, corroborates the names Patrick Aulach, and of Duncan's son Robert, as given in the "Baronage" many years before the existence of the Band was known.
History of the Clan Gregor
By Amelia Georgiana Murray MacGregor, Clan Gregor Society
He was a stout man of very fine appearance, and soon acquired a reputaion all over the Highlands. Duncan Dubh, dreaded that this young hero would make him answer for the murder of his father and grandfather and take back the lands he had gained by these murders. He endeavored to reconcile with Duncan Abberach. Locheil influenced Duncan to accept the offer Duncan Dubh made of his father's lands and those of Corriecharmaig and Tomachrochair in Glenorchy. These two Duncans were sworn to inviolable friendship in the presence of Locheil and several other chiefs at a meetingg of the friends of both held for that purpose in the Braes of Glenurchy.
Duncan Abberach's first wife was named Christian, and was a daughter from the family of MacDonald of Keppoch. They had a son who died young.
He married 2nd, a daughter to MacFarlane descended from the Lennox and had three sons by her.
1. Patrick his successor
2. Robert (whom the History of the Clan Gregor,says was a man of rare martial genius)
3. Alpin who married and had issue
The above named History, says that the first mention of Duncan Abberach is in the record of forfeitures September 8, 1569. He found favor with the Earl of Argyle as seen in this Bond of Maintenance:
"1573, August 24...Be it kend till all men and sundrie to quhom it efferis we Archibald Erle ofArgyle Lord Campbell and Lord justice and chancellor of Scotland &a. to half resavit our louittis (lovites) Duncan Abbroche McGregor, Patrick McGregor, Allaster Skorinche ( )McGregor, Molcollum McGregor, Patrick Awilochi (Aulach) McGregor and Dougal McGregor the saidis Duncanis bredrene, thair airis and offspring in our manitenanc. And also in our airis protection and defence in all thair just and lesum materis aganis all maner of mane. the authorite of Scotland beand exceptit. The saidis Duncane McGregor and the rest, bredern, thair airis and offspring beand leill and trew to us and our airis and to serf us at all tymes we pleis, to chairge thayme to thair powar and alss the foirsaidis, to be of rewl in all tymes cumin, and trew and civil subdittis of our souerane theKingis Majestie. And giff ony hes to say to thayme for any thing that sall chance fra this farther to call thame or ony to the use of this realme witht certificatioune gif ony with intend againis thame or ony of thayme aplyable to the lawis. And willis thir presentis to be maid manifest in all placis neidfull Be this subscryvit with our hand at the Carrick the 14. day of Aug. 1573. (signed) Ar: Erall Ergyll And for the mair verificatioune causit affixe our signet herto, &a The names of thair airis and offspring conteinit in this band and off thamselffis that is presentlie in lyff, Duncan Abbrach McGregour, Robert McGregour his sone, Duncan and .... also his sonis; Allaster Skerrich McGregour, Duncan....Also his sones Johne McGregour in Morinche, sone to Patrik Dow and Patrik McGregour brother to the said Johne." Luss Collection.
This Paper, quoted in the "Chartulary," after Mr. MacGregor Stirling's careful investigations among the Luss Papers, corroborates the names Patrick Aulach, and of Duncan's son Robert, as given in the "Baronage" many years before the existence of the Band was known.
History of the Clan Gregor
By Amelia Georgiana Murray MacGregor, Clan Gregor Society
Duncan "Ladosach "MacGregor
Duncan Ladasach, whom the "Baronage" says had acquired the lands of Arddhoill, was the object of terror and aversion to Sir Colin Campbell of Glenurquhay, the 6th Lord Campbell. The "Black Book of Taymouth" give a satirical ballad called "Duncan Laideus alis Makgregouris Testament". The writers abuse of the warrior and gall show his distaste for the man, who was feuding with his clan.
The following is from the Black Book of Taymouth:
"Colene sext Laird of Glenurquay" that he "was Laird induring the space of threttie three zeiris, in the quhilk tyme he conquesit the few of the kingis landis and Charter-hous landis in Braydalbane, the takis quhairoff his predecessouris obtenit,"
"
"In addition to this he had acquired the 'superioritie of McNab his haill landis.' He was actually possessor of the greater part, and with the exception of Struan's small Barony of Fernay, or Fernan, and a few other small bits of land, was Lord Superior and Bailie of the different Baronies and Lordships of Breadalbane. With the most ample feudal privileges, and though his predecessors had land and manrent in the district for nearly a century, he was still but a stranger in a strange land, in which his footing was but precarious, and the authority granted by the King far from being satisfactorily acknowledged and obeyed. At that time the feudal charter, until the title of the holder was recognized and confirmed by the so-called vassals, according to the old Celtic custom, that is by acknowledging him as chief, and granting him the calp of chieftainship, was little else than a piece of useless parchment. A landlord in order to have the use and mastery of his possessions, must either conciliate or extirpate the inhabitants. The Laird of Glenorquhay was not in a position to adopt the latter alternative, and he therefore eagerly and skillfully seized upon the former. Breadalbane was at that time inhabited mostly by several old colonies or sections of distant clans, who had come under the auspices of different lord-superiors, to occupy the places of those ancient inhabitants upon whom confiscation and death had fallen on account of their accession to the long sustained, and to Bruce almost fatal, opposition of McDougal of Lorn. The inhabitants of Breadalbane were thus made up from five or more separate sources,and except the McNabs, a supposed branch of the ClanGregor, none of the sections had a chieftain. This gave the Laird of Glenurguhay the precious opportunity of establishing his judicial authority, and the band of manrent and calp of Ceann-Cine naturally followed, from men alive to feelings of gratitude, for having been by the aid of the Bailie rescued from oppressors, and confirmed in their rights. Every act of judicial authority added what was both absolutely necessary for the safe excercize of authority and the gradual vindication of feudal possessions, a willing recruit to the standard of the 'justiciar'. It may sound strange to present landlords that, three hundred years ago, a proprietor could excercise no privilege of property till mutual kindness produced a bond of brotherhood between him and his vassals, till a democratic election confirmed the royal charter and the calp of clanship superseded the feudal enfeoffment. No suspicion appears to have crossed the Celtic mind that despicable parchment right to the soil was sufficient to confer the personal pre-eminence which, in the absence of hereditary chiefs, they, even they, with their wild notions of unrestrained freedom, had for the sake of internal union, and for giving edge to defensive or offensive policy, found it at all times requisite to support, but which as uniformly they had insisted upon creating for themselves, through means of a rude election."
The sum up the meaning of this passage, regardless of whether or not the King gave land to a man or not, if the clans living on it did not agree to him being the overlord, he would not be recognized as such. This was even true when a man inherited clan lands from his father. He was not necessarily guaranteed to be recognised as clan leader by virtue of birth. He still had to be chosen by the men of the clan as their leader.
The History of the Clan Gregor goes on to show a charter draw up June 2, 1547, that says that the MacGregors and the other clans chose of their own free will, for John Campbell of Glenorchy to be their chief and their protector. This means that not only were they obligated to them, he was also obligated to them as their protector.
The book shows another charter from 1550 which shows a man named Alexander McPatrick stating he will be a faithful servant to Colin Campbell of Glenorchy, and that if there is a disagreement between his chief McGregor and Colin Campbell, that this Alexander McPatrick VcCondoquay will side with Colin Campbell.
The Black Book of Taymouth also has another cocument that says:
"On the 26th of November 1551, 'The Queen's advocate set forth that Duncan Laudes and Gregour hsi sone recently namely opoun Sounday the 22nd day of November instant at sex houris at even under silence of nycht, be way of hamesukin, cam to the hous of Alaster ower, alias McGregoure, servand to Coline Campbell of Glenurquhay of the landis or Moreis and be force tuke him furth of his said hous, and be way of murthure straik him with whingearis and crewellie slew him and spulxeit and tuke fra him his purs, and in it the soume of fourty poundis incontinent thireftir past to the landis of Killing to the hous of ane pure man callit Johne McBayne Pipare, and thair assegit the said hous and brak the durris thairof and be force tuke the said Johhne furth of the samyn, and straik his heid fro his body and crewellie slew him and gaif him divers uther straikis with whingearis in his body."
Duncan Ladosach and his son were afterward outlawed and put to the horn. Sir Colin Campbell engaged certain persons to pursue the said Duncan; in this case, as in many others, the Laird of Glenurchy having recourse to strangers, and not to his own clan.
James Stewart issued a document that said, that in order to help Colin Campbell and his heirs, Duncan Campbell and his son and Archibald Campbell and his heirs, that he would use all his powers,kin and friends to invade and pursue to the death, Duncan Ladosach McGregor, Gregor his son, their servants, part takers and accomplices in all bounderies and countries and that they are his deadly enemies and rebels. Also that he will pay the expenses of Colin and Duncan Campbell. This is dated 11th day of March, 1551.
The following year Colin Campbell made peace with McGregor.
"Be it kend to all men--Me Colyne Campbell of Glenurquhay grants me to have ressavit Duncane McGregour and Gregour his sone into my mainteinance in all thir just actions in so far as I may of law, and gude conscience, and atour to have forgevine the saidis Duncan and Gregour thair sarvandis complices and part takers the zeil of luf and gude conxcience moving me to the samyn,....providing the saidis Duncane and Gregour fulfill thair band and manrent maid to me and my airis in all pointis. 2nd day of May 1552"
The timing of this agreement seems strange until you take the following into account:
In the History of the Clan Gregor is a quote from another book called Lairds of Glenlyon, which I will paraphrase.
Duncan MacGregor had committed great hardships on the Campbell lands and in particular those of Cambell of Glenurchay. Colin Campbell did all he could to take him dead or alive. But Duncan MacGregor eluded him and continued to commit even greater depredations. Glenurchay offered terms of amity and peace and proposed a conference at the recently built castle of Balloch (Taymouth), with a number of friends from both sides, in order to settle their disputes. Glenurchy (Colin Campbell) did this deceitfully, in order to capture MacGregor and his followers, while they had their guard down. MacGregor left for Balloch at the appointed time, in the company of the number of men agreed upon. At the top of Drummond, the hill that overlooks the castle and meadows of Taymouth, they met an old man, who on bended knees, in front of a hugh grey stone appeared to be repeating his orisons in a state of great distress. When MacGregor saw this strange thing and approached the old man, he found that the old man was reciting prayers for the dead, in between the words of the prayers, he mixed these words, 'To thee, grey stone, I tell it, but when the black bull's head appears, McGregors sword can hardly save the owner's fated head. Deep in the dungeon, sharp the axe--and short the shrift.' MacGregor saw that a trap was being set for him and that the old man had taken a round about means of alerting him to the danger, because he feared Colin Campbell.
MacGregor went ahead to the meeting anyway. Colin Campbell met his cordially and with the appearance of kindness. Dinner was served for them in a great hall of the castle, and each Campbell sat with a MacGregor on his right hand, which put the MacGregors at a disadvantage when the fighting broke out. When the 'Black Bull's Head' was brought out, armed men also came in from an adjoining chamber, and the MacGregors took an attitude of defense. Duncan MacGregor grabbed a dagger that he had been using to cut his meat from the table and held it to the heart of Colin Campbell while he had the other hand around his throat.
His men followed his lead and they left, taking with them Colin Campbell and some of his principal retainers. His other armed men let them pass for fear of Colin's life. Duncan took a boat at Kenmore, and dragged his captive to the top of Drummond and forced him to sign a pardon and remission for all past injuries and a promise of future friendship.
The Baronage has a different account saying that Gregor MacGregor and not his father was the one who went to the meeting and took some of his attackers with him and that he tried to swim across the water of the Lochy received several stab wounds from them in the process. When they made it to the other side, they finished him off. And in order to further the insult, sent his horse to his father who went to find out what terrible thing had happened and was also killed. Colin Campbell proceeded to seize the entire estate of the MacGregors. This happened in June 1552.
The "Chartulary" shows the following:
"1552. Interfectio et decapito Duncani McGregor et filiorum eius vidilicet Gregorii et Malmi Roy per Colinum Campbell de Glenwrquhay et per Duncaniium Roy Campbell de Glenlyon et Allexandrum Menzheis de Rannoch cum suis complicibus, quo die Joannes Gour McDuncan VcAllexandrum Kayr fuit interfectus per Alexandrum Menzies de apud in mense Junii xvi anno Domni ave M.V. Lij.
The Black Book says that Colin Campbell personally beheaded the Laird of McGregor at Kenmore in the presence of the Earl of Atholl, the justice clerk and other noblemen.
The Black Book of Taymouth villifies Duncan MacGregor for having killed so many people but in historical context, he was no worse than many of his peers. Colin Campbell killed many more.
Sources:
History of the Clan Gregor
By Amelia Georgiana Murray MacGregor, Clan Gregor Society
The following is from the Black Book of Taymouth:
"Colene sext Laird of Glenurquay" that he "was Laird induring the space of threttie three zeiris, in the quhilk tyme he conquesit the few of the kingis landis and Charter-hous landis in Braydalbane, the takis quhairoff his predecessouris obtenit,"
"
"In addition to this he had acquired the 'superioritie of McNab his haill landis.' He was actually possessor of the greater part, and with the exception of Struan's small Barony of Fernay, or Fernan, and a few other small bits of land, was Lord Superior and Bailie of the different Baronies and Lordships of Breadalbane. With the most ample feudal privileges, and though his predecessors had land and manrent in the district for nearly a century, he was still but a stranger in a strange land, in which his footing was but precarious, and the authority granted by the King far from being satisfactorily acknowledged and obeyed. At that time the feudal charter, until the title of the holder was recognized and confirmed by the so-called vassals, according to the old Celtic custom, that is by acknowledging him as chief, and granting him the calp of chieftainship, was little else than a piece of useless parchment. A landlord in order to have the use and mastery of his possessions, must either conciliate or extirpate the inhabitants. The Laird of Glenorquhay was not in a position to adopt the latter alternative, and he therefore eagerly and skillfully seized upon the former. Breadalbane was at that time inhabited mostly by several old colonies or sections of distant clans, who had come under the auspices of different lord-superiors, to occupy the places of those ancient inhabitants upon whom confiscation and death had fallen on account of their accession to the long sustained, and to Bruce almost fatal, opposition of McDougal of Lorn. The inhabitants of Breadalbane were thus made up from five or more separate sources,and except the McNabs, a supposed branch of the ClanGregor, none of the sections had a chieftain. This gave the Laird of Glenurguhay the precious opportunity of establishing his judicial authority, and the band of manrent and calp of Ceann-Cine naturally followed, from men alive to feelings of gratitude, for having been by the aid of the Bailie rescued from oppressors, and confirmed in their rights. Every act of judicial authority added what was both absolutely necessary for the safe excercize of authority and the gradual vindication of feudal possessions, a willing recruit to the standard of the 'justiciar'. It may sound strange to present landlords that, three hundred years ago, a proprietor could excercise no privilege of property till mutual kindness produced a bond of brotherhood between him and his vassals, till a democratic election confirmed the royal charter and the calp of clanship superseded the feudal enfeoffment. No suspicion appears to have crossed the Celtic mind that despicable parchment right to the soil was sufficient to confer the personal pre-eminence which, in the absence of hereditary chiefs, they, even they, with their wild notions of unrestrained freedom, had for the sake of internal union, and for giving edge to defensive or offensive policy, found it at all times requisite to support, but which as uniformly they had insisted upon creating for themselves, through means of a rude election."
The sum up the meaning of this passage, regardless of whether or not the King gave land to a man or not, if the clans living on it did not agree to him being the overlord, he would not be recognized as such. This was even true when a man inherited clan lands from his father. He was not necessarily guaranteed to be recognised as clan leader by virtue of birth. He still had to be chosen by the men of the clan as their leader.
The History of the Clan Gregor goes on to show a charter draw up June 2, 1547, that says that the MacGregors and the other clans chose of their own free will, for John Campbell of Glenorchy to be their chief and their protector. This means that not only were they obligated to them, he was also obligated to them as their protector.
The book shows another charter from 1550 which shows a man named Alexander McPatrick stating he will be a faithful servant to Colin Campbell of Glenorchy, and that if there is a disagreement between his chief McGregor and Colin Campbell, that this Alexander McPatrick VcCondoquay will side with Colin Campbell.
The Black Book of Taymouth also has another cocument that says:
"On the 26th of November 1551, 'The Queen's advocate set forth that Duncan Laudes and Gregour hsi sone recently namely opoun Sounday the 22nd day of November instant at sex houris at even under silence of nycht, be way of hamesukin, cam to the hous of Alaster ower, alias McGregoure, servand to Coline Campbell of Glenurquhay of the landis or Moreis and be force tuke him furth of his said hous, and be way of murthure straik him with whingearis and crewellie slew him and spulxeit and tuke fra him his purs, and in it the soume of fourty poundis incontinent thireftir past to the landis of Killing to the hous of ane pure man callit Johne McBayne Pipare, and thair assegit the said hous and brak the durris thairof and be force tuke the said Johhne furth of the samyn, and straik his heid fro his body and crewellie slew him and gaif him divers uther straikis with whingearis in his body."
Duncan Ladosach and his son were afterward outlawed and put to the horn. Sir Colin Campbell engaged certain persons to pursue the said Duncan; in this case, as in many others, the Laird of Glenurchy having recourse to strangers, and not to his own clan.
James Stewart issued a document that said, that in order to help Colin Campbell and his heirs, Duncan Campbell and his son and Archibald Campbell and his heirs, that he would use all his powers,kin and friends to invade and pursue to the death, Duncan Ladosach McGregor, Gregor his son, their servants, part takers and accomplices in all bounderies and countries and that they are his deadly enemies and rebels. Also that he will pay the expenses of Colin and Duncan Campbell. This is dated 11th day of March, 1551.
The following year Colin Campbell made peace with McGregor.
"Be it kend to all men--Me Colyne Campbell of Glenurquhay grants me to have ressavit Duncane McGregour and Gregour his sone into my mainteinance in all thir just actions in so far as I may of law, and gude conscience, and atour to have forgevine the saidis Duncan and Gregour thair sarvandis complices and part takers the zeil of luf and gude conxcience moving me to the samyn,....providing the saidis Duncane and Gregour fulfill thair band and manrent maid to me and my airis in all pointis. 2nd day of May 1552"
The timing of this agreement seems strange until you take the following into account:
In the History of the Clan Gregor is a quote from another book called Lairds of Glenlyon, which I will paraphrase.
Duncan MacGregor had committed great hardships on the Campbell lands and in particular those of Cambell of Glenurchay. Colin Campbell did all he could to take him dead or alive. But Duncan MacGregor eluded him and continued to commit even greater depredations. Glenurchay offered terms of amity and peace and proposed a conference at the recently built castle of Balloch (Taymouth), with a number of friends from both sides, in order to settle their disputes. Glenurchy (Colin Campbell) did this deceitfully, in order to capture MacGregor and his followers, while they had their guard down. MacGregor left for Balloch at the appointed time, in the company of the number of men agreed upon. At the top of Drummond, the hill that overlooks the castle and meadows of Taymouth, they met an old man, who on bended knees, in front of a hugh grey stone appeared to be repeating his orisons in a state of great distress. When MacGregor saw this strange thing and approached the old man, he found that the old man was reciting prayers for the dead, in between the words of the prayers, he mixed these words, 'To thee, grey stone, I tell it, but when the black bull's head appears, McGregors sword can hardly save the owner's fated head. Deep in the dungeon, sharp the axe--and short the shrift.' MacGregor saw that a trap was being set for him and that the old man had taken a round about means of alerting him to the danger, because he feared Colin Campbell.
MacGregor went ahead to the meeting anyway. Colin Campbell met his cordially and with the appearance of kindness. Dinner was served for them in a great hall of the castle, and each Campbell sat with a MacGregor on his right hand, which put the MacGregors at a disadvantage when the fighting broke out. When the 'Black Bull's Head' was brought out, armed men also came in from an adjoining chamber, and the MacGregors took an attitude of defense. Duncan MacGregor grabbed a dagger that he had been using to cut his meat from the table and held it to the heart of Colin Campbell while he had the other hand around his throat.
His men followed his lead and they left, taking with them Colin Campbell and some of his principal retainers. His other armed men let them pass for fear of Colin's life. Duncan took a boat at Kenmore, and dragged his captive to the top of Drummond and forced him to sign a pardon and remission for all past injuries and a promise of future friendship.
The Baronage has a different account saying that Gregor MacGregor and not his father was the one who went to the meeting and took some of his attackers with him and that he tried to swim across the water of the Lochy received several stab wounds from them in the process. When they made it to the other side, they finished him off. And in order to further the insult, sent his horse to his father who went to find out what terrible thing had happened and was also killed. Colin Campbell proceeded to seize the entire estate of the MacGregors. This happened in June 1552.
The "Chartulary" shows the following:
"1552. Interfectio et decapito Duncani McGregor et filiorum eius vidilicet Gregorii et Malmi Roy per Colinum Campbell de Glenwrquhay et per Duncaniium Roy Campbell de Glenlyon et Allexandrum Menzheis de Rannoch cum suis complicibus, quo die Joannes Gour McDuncan VcAllexandrum Kayr fuit interfectus per Alexandrum Menzies de apud in mense Junii xvi anno Domni ave M.V. Lij.
The Black Book says that Colin Campbell personally beheaded the Laird of McGregor at Kenmore in the presence of the Earl of Atholl, the justice clerk and other noblemen.
The Black Book of Taymouth villifies Duncan MacGregor for having killed so many people but in historical context, he was no worse than many of his peers. Colin Campbell killed many more.
Sources:
History of the Clan Gregor
By Amelia Georgiana Murray MacGregor, Clan Gregor Society
Sir Roderick MacKenzie of Coigeach
Sir Roderick MacKenzie of Coigeach was the founder of the house of Cromartie, He was the first Baron. Born about 1574, he was the second son of Colin Mackenzie of Kintail. His father endowed him with his portion, which was the lands of Culteleod, also called Castle Leod. He acquired the barony of Coigeach through his marriage in 1605 with Margaret MacLeod, who was the daughter of Torguil or Torquill MacLeod, of Lewes. He acquired the lands of Tarbat not long before his death in 1626. He built Castle Leod in Strathpeffer, and it bears the initials of Roderick and Margaret on its massive walls. When his family achieved the earldom, they adopted Margaret's surname of MacLeod as one of their minor titles. He was known as a great man of influence from his own abilities and not because of his property or the guardianship he had for his nephew, Lord MacKenzie of Kintail's property.
Alexander Mackenzie relayed an old story about Roderick MacKenzie.
On an occasion, Roderick was passing through Atholl on his way to Edinburgh, in the interest of his nephew who was his ward. The men of the lord whose property he was passing through, stopped him and questioned him about passing through their country without permission. The Tutor , as Roderick was called, dismounted from his horse and went to a rock and began sharpening his claymore on it. The men asked him what he was doing. He replied, "I am going to make a road." "You shall make no road here," they said. "Oh, I don't seek to do so, but I shall make it between your lord's head and his shoulders if I am hindered from pursuing my lawful business."
When they heart this, they left and went to their master and told him what had happened. His Lordship replied, "It was either the devil or the Tutor of Kintail, let him have a free path for ever."
There is a proverb used in Ross-shire, "There are but two things worse than the Tutor of Kintail--frost in spring and mist in the dog days."
When Roderick MacKenzie married Margaret, daughter of Torquil Cononach of Lewis, he obtained her father's mainland possessions. They had been however, granted in 1605 to Kenneth MacKenzie, his elder brother. He bought Tarbat Ness(see photo of lighthouse on Tarbat Ness above) and Milton in Easter Ross from the Munroes.
Sir Roderick died at Castle Leod(see photo above) in 1626 at the age of 48,and was buried at Dingwall. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Sir John Mackenzie, of Tarbat, who was created a Knight Baronet in 1628 by King Charles I.
His widow Margaret MacLeod married as her second husband Thomas Fraser.
Sources:
The Edinburgh Review: Or Critical Journal - Page 5
by Sydney Smith, Francis Jeffrey Jeffrey, William Empson, Macvey Napier, George Cornewall Lewis, Henry Reeve, Arthur Ralph Douglas Elliot, Harold Cox - 1878
History of the Frasers of Lovat. To which is added those of Dunballoch and ... - Page 536
by Alexander Mackenzie - 1896
History of the Mackenzies: With Genealogies of the Principal Families of the ... - Page 600
by Alexander Mackenzie - Mackenzie clan - 1894
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Finlaggan, the administrative capital of the medieval MacDonald Lord of the Isles. At the north end of the loch are 2 small islands and it's here , on Eilen Mor (big island ) one will find the upstanding remains of a chapel and a hall, and the turf covered remains of over 30 other structures of various periods. To the south of Eilean Mor is Eilen na Comhairle (the Council Isle) where the Lords of the Isles and their Council of 14 members deliberated at a stone table issuing edicts & rulings affecting their territories which at the height of their powers , in the first half of the 15th century, ruled all the islands off the west coast of Scotland.
High Cross of Kildalton
Inside the grounds of the roofless Kildalton Church you will find Islay's most famous treasure, the 9th century High Cross of Kildalton, hewn from a single slab of local stone and a masterpiece of stone carving.
The style of the Cross is closely related to those found on Iona and must have been carved on Islay by a stonemason from Iona. This style of cross with a ring around the top cross is sometimes known as a Celtic Cross or High Cross and strengthens the stone arms of the cross.
Cultoon Stones Circle
In researching the Clan Macdonald, I have found a few intersting things about the lands that they held. There is a place called the Cultoon Stones Circle which seems to have served a similar purpose to that of Stonehenge.
The Cultoon Stones Circle is situated at the Rhinns of Islay on the west side of the road between Portnahaven and Kilchiaran and is easily accessible. There are three upright stones and twelve stones lying prone around the perimeter of an elipse measuring 40.7 by 35.1m. A remarkable feature of the site is that all the prone stones are lying on the old Bronze Age ground surface, now covered over by a growth of peat several feet deep. Two of the stones (one standing and the other a now empty socket) align to show the position of sunset at the Winter Solstice - the longest night of the year.
Donald or Domhnall MacDonald of Islay, Lord of the Isles
John of Isla MacDonald was succeeded by his eldest son by his second marriage to Margaret Stewart. His father had previously made provision for his sons by his first marriage. His eldest son John, whose mother was Amy McRuarie was given the lands of Garmoran and the North Isles which had been the lands of his mother's clan and were near to half of his father's holdings. In addition to this he received the lands of Swynort, Letter-Lochletter, Ardgowar, Hawleste, and 60 marklands in Lochaber. In this charter from the crown of Scotland, he is to hold these lands of his father John and his heirs. In effect he was to be a vassal of his younger half-brother. So, although he was the eldest of the living sons of John of Isla, Reginald was not his heir. Reginald was Donald's vassal and Reginald's descendants were the vassals of Donald's descendants.
Archibald MacDonald says in his book that the Book of Clanranald says that Reginald was High Steward of the Isles and that he gave over all the rights and privileges of the lordship of the Isles to Donald at Kildonan, in Eigg, and that Donald was nominated MacDonald and Donald of Isla, in presence of the principal men of the Isles. Donald was now feudal superior to his brothers and also chief of Clan Donald. The principal men of the clan could elect whomever they chose to be their chief. The Book of Clanranald states that Reginald died in 1386, and it appears from a charter in July of 1389, that his younger full brother Godfrey inherited his possessions. He kept these possessions even though they were conferred on Reginald's heirs by Robert III. I have not found any sources which say whether or not Reginald's heirs contested Godfrey taking their father's lands. But if they did, they must not have been successful in regaining them.
Donald besides being the superior lord of the Clan MacDonald and all its territories also received the lands of Colonsay and others not given to the younger sons in the grants. John Mor Tainistear, was the second son by the second marriage of John of Isla and Donald's younger brother. He received a grant of 120 marklands in Kintyre and 60 marklands in Isla. He was the founder of the MacDonald's of Dunnyveg and the Glens, which he gained by his marriage to Margery Bisset. John lived in the Castle of Dun-Naomhaig on Isla, but Donald lived in Finlaggan Castle on Isla. John and Donald's younger brother Angus died young without issue. Their next younger brother was named Alasdair, known as Alasdair Carrach, who was the founder of the family of MacDonalds of Keppoch. He was given lands in Mull and also the lands of Lochaber,
Archibald MacDonald says that there was still another younger brother called Hugh. He was granted a charter of the whole thanage of Glentilt, and referred to as the brother of Reginald of the Isles. Since these lands were granted by the Steward, Archibald assumes that he was Steward's grandson.
To return to Donald, Lord of the Isles, as previously mentioned in the story of his father, John of Isla. Doanld was given as a hostage in the year 1369 in order to ensure his father's good behavior. Donald was probably about ten years of age at that time, assuming that John's second marriage took place in 1358.
In 1378 a safe conduct was granted to him by Richard II whom he had been visiting in England. The document refers to him as the brother of John of Isla, clerk, John having been educated for the church. In 1382, Hugh of the Isles visited England, probably as an ambassador from his father, and was given a safe conduct and an escort of six men. In 1388 Donald visited the English,with his brother John Mor and his elder half-brother Godfrey, at which time, they were received as independent princes. While they were in England, they entered an allegiance with Richard II and John, now Bishop of the Isles is a party to this agreement.
In 1400 Donald and his brother John are given safe conduct and an escort of 80 horsemen. Just by the fact that their escorts seem to be growing in size, it can be surmised that Donald and his brother were being treated with increasing distinction by the English.
Donald and his two brothers visited England again in 1400, and returned in 1405 and 1408 to renew their allegiance to the King of England. Donald and his brothers remained on friendly terms with Richard II and when he was removed from the throne and sent to Pontefract Castle and Henry of Lancaster was placed on the throne in his place, he escaped from his captors and traveled disguised as a beggar to Finlaggan Castle in Isla where he was recognized by John Mor's wife. He was shown kindness and hospitality as well as asylum until a safer asylum could be secured for him with the king of Scotland.
Donald and his brothers being so friendly to the English over their own Scottish royal relatives caused them to be accuse of not having enough filial affection for their mother, who was the king's sister. It is most probably that this insinuation against their honor was really aimed at requiring them to be less independent of the Scottish throne and to add insult to injury, the king ordered the Earl of Fife to protect his sister. The interference into their business and the inference that their mother needed to be protected from them caused them to immediately rebel against the king. This enmity towards the crown may have been responsible for Donald and his brother joining in the conflict over the Earldom of Ross. The Earl of Ross died in 1394. Donald's brother Alasdair Carrach, with the aid of Donald joined in the fighting and took possession of the Castle of Uruquart, which was part of this earldom. Alasdair was imprisoned as a result of this. Donald was required to be his jailer and when he released his brother a year later, Donald was summoned to appear before Parliament to answer for his prisoner in order that the king might make a show of royal anger.
When Robert III of Scotland died, and the Duke of Albany was made Regent of the Kingdom, Donald does not appear to have either supported or opposed it, because it was not having any effect on his family's interests or on his own independence.
When it was rumored that Euphemia Lesley, daughter of Alexander Lesley, Earl of Ross might give up her rights, he again took an interest in Scottish politics. The earldom of Ross was partly made up of lands that had at one time belonged to his family in Argyle. But his claim to the Earldom of Ross came from his marriage to Lady Margaret Lesley, who was the nearest living relative in line of succession after Euphemia Lesley. The Duke of Albany who was Regent of the throne was the other chief contender for the Earldom of Ross. Aside from gaining a valuable property, it would have been in his interests to keep Donald of Isla or his brothers from gaining the earldom, in order to curb any increase in their power, which he would have perceived as a threat.
Donald's wife Margaret would have been the heir to the earldom if Euphemia died without naming an heir. The Duke of Albany by some means influenced her to enter a convent and dedicate her life to heavenly pursuits. As long was not of a legal age to resign her rights to the earldom and remained in the convent, the Duke had only to bide his time. Donald's position however became that if Euphemia had given herself as the bride of heaven that she should be considered legally dead, in which case he and his wife had the right to the earldom, since she had not named an heir before entering the convent. Donald was prepared to fight for what he believed rightfully his. The whole clan MacDonald from the Isles and from his holdings on the mainland gathered in preparation to fight with him. Donald MacDonald and his fleet arrived on the West Coast of Rossshire and landed at Strome. They marched through the glens of Ross and soon reached the vicinity of Dingwall. But they were met by the largest clan living in this vicinity, the clan of Mackay. Angus Dubh Mackay intended to stop them from going any further. Donald MacDonald and his forces routed Mackay's clan. Angus Dubh Mackay was taken prisoner and his brother Rory was killed. Donald took possession of the Castle of Dingwall and garrisoned it and then continued on his march toward Inverness. On the way, at Beauly, he stopped and diverted his troops to the Catle Downie and then went from there on to Inverness. He planted his standard in the Highland Capital and summoned all the fighting men of Ross to his banner. And they readily took up his cause and joined him. Instead of staying and defending what he had gained, Donald marched on toward the east in the hopes of raising even more troops on his way. He knew that eventually the Duke of Albany would meet him with his own forces, and he had threatened to burn down Abardeen and this may have been another reason for marching in that direction. When the people of Aberdeen learned that he and his 10,000 troops were marching in their direction with the intent to burn it down, they would have been thrown into a panic.
Eventually, Donald MacDonald arrived at Harlow and was met by his cousin the Earl of Mar. The men of Abardeen assembled under the leadership of the Earl of Mar. The Earl of Mar marched by Inverury and sighted the enemy near the village of Harlow, about ten miles from Abardeen.
The two forces met in bloody and fierce battle and fought all day and did not cease fighting until darkness fell, The force commanded by Mar had been annihilated. The Scottish version of what happened was that Donald retreated from his fear of this army he had just defeated, which makes no sense. Some writers believe that he had expected to have reinforcement from the English. But if he had, he now knew that it was not coming. With all of the Lowlanders now against him, he would have been aware of how difficult it would be to keep the forces which he had gathered from scattering and dispersing for a very long time, and he most likely felt it prudent to return to his own Island stronghold, instead of waiting for or pursuing further conflict with the Duke of Albany.
When the Duke of Albany heard of the defeat at Harlow he hastened to Ross and went to Dingwall and took possession of the castle and established his own authority through Ross, displacing any authority that Donald may have gained. Donald's domain on the Island was impenetrable because his fleets were superior to the Scottish fleet. The Duke of Albany knew that there was only one place where Donald was vulnerable, at his mainland holding of Argyll. He took an army there in order to attack it. Donald, however was able to repel him and the Duke did not succeed in humbling him.
Archibald MacDonald says that John of Fordun recorded that Donald made a treaty with the Duke of Albany and submitted himself to be a vassal and gave hostages to ensure it. He also says that no record of this is in the national records and no other chronicler of the time mentions it. There are records that show that Albany made a campaign against Donald but none that show this treaty. There is record of the Duke complaining because he had not been reimbursed for his expenses. Although Donald did not succeed in his attempt for the earldom of Ross, he remained unaffected in his own island principality.
Donald MacDonald is said to have joined a religious order and spent his last years in religious duty, dying about 1423. He was buried at Iona.
Sources:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macdonald/other_isles.htm
The clan Donald
By Archibald Macdonald - 1896
History of the Macdonalds and Lords of the Isles: with genealogies ... -
by Alexander Mackenzie - 1881
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domhnall_of_Islay,_Lord_of_the_Isles
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/ghi/donaldofislay.html
Archibald MacDonald says in his book that the Book of Clanranald says that Reginald was High Steward of the Isles and that he gave over all the rights and privileges of the lordship of the Isles to Donald at Kildonan, in Eigg, and that Donald was nominated MacDonald and Donald of Isla, in presence of the principal men of the Isles. Donald was now feudal superior to his brothers and also chief of Clan Donald. The principal men of the clan could elect whomever they chose to be their chief. The Book of Clanranald states that Reginald died in 1386, and it appears from a charter in July of 1389, that his younger full brother Godfrey inherited his possessions. He kept these possessions even though they were conferred on Reginald's heirs by Robert III. I have not found any sources which say whether or not Reginald's heirs contested Godfrey taking their father's lands. But if they did, they must not have been successful in regaining them.
Donald besides being the superior lord of the Clan MacDonald and all its territories also received the lands of Colonsay and others not given to the younger sons in the grants. John Mor Tainistear, was the second son by the second marriage of John of Isla and Donald's younger brother. He received a grant of 120 marklands in Kintyre and 60 marklands in Isla. He was the founder of the MacDonald's of Dunnyveg and the Glens, which he gained by his marriage to Margery Bisset. John lived in the Castle of Dun-Naomhaig on Isla, but Donald lived in Finlaggan Castle on Isla. John and Donald's younger brother Angus died young without issue. Their next younger brother was named Alasdair, known as Alasdair Carrach, who was the founder of the family of MacDonalds of Keppoch. He was given lands in Mull and also the lands of Lochaber,
Archibald MacDonald says that there was still another younger brother called Hugh. He was granted a charter of the whole thanage of Glentilt, and referred to as the brother of Reginald of the Isles. Since these lands were granted by the Steward, Archibald assumes that he was Steward's grandson.
To return to Donald, Lord of the Isles, as previously mentioned in the story of his father, John of Isla. Doanld was given as a hostage in the year 1369 in order to ensure his father's good behavior. Donald was probably about ten years of age at that time, assuming that John's second marriage took place in 1358.
In 1378 a safe conduct was granted to him by Richard II whom he had been visiting in England. The document refers to him as the brother of John of Isla, clerk, John having been educated for the church. In 1382, Hugh of the Isles visited England, probably as an ambassador from his father, and was given a safe conduct and an escort of six men. In 1388 Donald visited the English,with his brother John Mor and his elder half-brother Godfrey, at which time, they were received as independent princes. While they were in England, they entered an allegiance with Richard II and John, now Bishop of the Isles is a party to this agreement.
In 1400 Donald and his brother John are given safe conduct and an escort of 80 horsemen. Just by the fact that their escorts seem to be growing in size, it can be surmised that Donald and his brother were being treated with increasing distinction by the English.
Donald and his two brothers visited England again in 1400, and returned in 1405 and 1408 to renew their allegiance to the King of England. Donald and his brothers remained on friendly terms with Richard II and when he was removed from the throne and sent to Pontefract Castle and Henry of Lancaster was placed on the throne in his place, he escaped from his captors and traveled disguised as a beggar to Finlaggan Castle in Isla where he was recognized by John Mor's wife. He was shown kindness and hospitality as well as asylum until a safer asylum could be secured for him with the king of Scotland.
Donald and his brothers being so friendly to the English over their own Scottish royal relatives caused them to be accuse of not having enough filial affection for their mother, who was the king's sister. It is most probably that this insinuation against their honor was really aimed at requiring them to be less independent of the Scottish throne and to add insult to injury, the king ordered the Earl of Fife to protect his sister. The interference into their business and the inference that their mother needed to be protected from them caused them to immediately rebel against the king. This enmity towards the crown may have been responsible for Donald and his brother joining in the conflict over the Earldom of Ross. The Earl of Ross died in 1394. Donald's brother Alasdair Carrach, with the aid of Donald joined in the fighting and took possession of the Castle of Uruquart, which was part of this earldom. Alasdair was imprisoned as a result of this. Donald was required to be his jailer and when he released his brother a year later, Donald was summoned to appear before Parliament to answer for his prisoner in order that the king might make a show of royal anger.
When Robert III of Scotland died, and the Duke of Albany was made Regent of the Kingdom, Donald does not appear to have either supported or opposed it, because it was not having any effect on his family's interests or on his own independence.
When it was rumored that Euphemia Lesley, daughter of Alexander Lesley, Earl of Ross might give up her rights, he again took an interest in Scottish politics. The earldom of Ross was partly made up of lands that had at one time belonged to his family in Argyle. But his claim to the Earldom of Ross came from his marriage to Lady Margaret Lesley, who was the nearest living relative in line of succession after Euphemia Lesley. The Duke of Albany who was Regent of the throne was the other chief contender for the Earldom of Ross. Aside from gaining a valuable property, it would have been in his interests to keep Donald of Isla or his brothers from gaining the earldom, in order to curb any increase in their power, which he would have perceived as a threat.
Donald's wife Margaret would have been the heir to the earldom if Euphemia died without naming an heir. The Duke of Albany by some means influenced her to enter a convent and dedicate her life to heavenly pursuits. As long was not of a legal age to resign her rights to the earldom and remained in the convent, the Duke had only to bide his time. Donald's position however became that if Euphemia had given herself as the bride of heaven that she should be considered legally dead, in which case he and his wife had the right to the earldom, since she had not named an heir before entering the convent. Donald was prepared to fight for what he believed rightfully his. The whole clan MacDonald from the Isles and from his holdings on the mainland gathered in preparation to fight with him. Donald MacDonald and his fleet arrived on the West Coast of Rossshire and landed at Strome. They marched through the glens of Ross and soon reached the vicinity of Dingwall. But they were met by the largest clan living in this vicinity, the clan of Mackay. Angus Dubh Mackay intended to stop them from going any further. Donald MacDonald and his forces routed Mackay's clan. Angus Dubh Mackay was taken prisoner and his brother Rory was killed. Donald took possession of the Castle of Dingwall and garrisoned it and then continued on his march toward Inverness. On the way, at Beauly, he stopped and diverted his troops to the Catle Downie and then went from there on to Inverness. He planted his standard in the Highland Capital and summoned all the fighting men of Ross to his banner. And they readily took up his cause and joined him. Instead of staying and defending what he had gained, Donald marched on toward the east in the hopes of raising even more troops on his way. He knew that eventually the Duke of Albany would meet him with his own forces, and he had threatened to burn down Abardeen and this may have been another reason for marching in that direction. When the people of Aberdeen learned that he and his 10,000 troops were marching in their direction with the intent to burn it down, they would have been thrown into a panic.
Eventually, Donald MacDonald arrived at Harlow and was met by his cousin the Earl of Mar. The men of Abardeen assembled under the leadership of the Earl of Mar. The Earl of Mar marched by Inverury and sighted the enemy near the village of Harlow, about ten miles from Abardeen.
The two forces met in bloody and fierce battle and fought all day and did not cease fighting until darkness fell, The force commanded by Mar had been annihilated. The Scottish version of what happened was that Donald retreated from his fear of this army he had just defeated, which makes no sense. Some writers believe that he had expected to have reinforcement from the English. But if he had, he now knew that it was not coming. With all of the Lowlanders now against him, he would have been aware of how difficult it would be to keep the forces which he had gathered from scattering and dispersing for a very long time, and he most likely felt it prudent to return to his own Island stronghold, instead of waiting for or pursuing further conflict with the Duke of Albany.
When the Duke of Albany heard of the defeat at Harlow he hastened to Ross and went to Dingwall and took possession of the castle and established his own authority through Ross, displacing any authority that Donald may have gained. Donald's domain on the Island was impenetrable because his fleets were superior to the Scottish fleet. The Duke of Albany knew that there was only one place where Donald was vulnerable, at his mainland holding of Argyll. He took an army there in order to attack it. Donald, however was able to repel him and the Duke did not succeed in humbling him.
Archibald MacDonald says that John of Fordun recorded that Donald made a treaty with the Duke of Albany and submitted himself to be a vassal and gave hostages to ensure it. He also says that no record of this is in the national records and no other chronicler of the time mentions it. There are records that show that Albany made a campaign against Donald but none that show this treaty. There is record of the Duke complaining because he had not been reimbursed for his expenses. Although Donald did not succeed in his attempt for the earldom of Ross, he remained unaffected in his own island principality.
Donald MacDonald is said to have joined a religious order and spent his last years in religious duty, dying about 1423. He was buried at Iona.
Sources:
http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/m/macdonald/other_isles.htm
The clan Donald
By Archibald Macdonald - 1896
History of the Macdonalds and Lords of the Isles: with genealogies ... -
by Alexander Mackenzie - 1881
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domhnall_of_Islay,_Lord_of_the_Isles
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/usbiography/ghi/donaldofislay.html
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