'
'
•
■'■■
'
^
■
-
ICO 100
Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh
Scottish Record Society
cs
460
S4
v.45
I
[ Sco1~t\sVi Record <SocL»eTVY
Qa/eu. ct
SOME
FAMILY PAPERS
OF
THtf HUNTERS OF HUNTERSTON
*n
Edited for Lt.-General Sir AYLMER HUNTER-WESTON
OF HUNTERSTON, K.C.B., U.S.O., R.E., D.L., M.P.
By M. S. SHAW, W.S.
EDINBURGH : PRINTED BY J. SKINNER & COMPANY, LIMITED.
1925-
Q-GO
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
I. RECOR'D of PRINCIPAL FAMILY PAPERS REMAINING,
Names of Lairds of Hunterston regarding whom Papers are printed (Dates being those of first and last Documents printed) : —
Aylmer le Hunter (1296), .
William Hunter (1374),
William Huntar (1452),
Archibalde Huntar (1462),
John Huntar (1505-15 1 1),
Robert Hwntar (15 14-1542),
Kentigern or Mungo Hwntar (1537-1547)
Robert Hwntar (1 548-1581),
Robert Huntar (1594-16 16),
Patrick Hunter (161 6- 1662),
Robert Hunter (1635-1674),
Patrick Huntar (1662-1699),
Writs of Langmuir (15 14-1659),
Patrick Hunter (1 702-1 737) and Patrick Hunter, Junior
(died i732)> Robert Hunter (1 733-1774), Mrs. Eleonora or Helen Hunter (1796-1810), Robert Hunter (1 829-1880),
Mrs. Jane Hunter or Hunter-Weston (1863-1911), Lt. -General Sir Aylmer Hunter-Weston (1905- )
II. MISCELLANEOUS WRITS, LETTERS, Etc. :—
1508-1767, .......
Receipt for Price of the Holy Island, Lamlash, Arran, sold by Robert Hunter to The Earl of Arran, 1527,
page 1
1
2
3
4
5
9 21
25 33
47
57
63 67
69
72
74 76
77 79
80 89
Some FAMILY PAPERS
01 THE
HUNTERS OF HUNTERSTON
(in some old Writs called HUNTERS OF THAT ILK),
The earliest papers referring to the HUNTERS are in public records, extracts from some of which are here given. The name is spelt HUNTER. HWNTAR, HUNTARE, or more usually HUN TAR.
HUNTERSTON is usually spelt HUNTARSTOUN, but also HWNTERISTOUN, HWNTARISTOUNE, and other variants.
ARNELE and CAMPBELLTON have been in the possession of the family since early days. ARNELE is spelt ARDNEIL, ARNELL, ' ARNELE- HUNTER, ARNELE - HUNTARS- TOUN. CAMPBELLTON is usually spelt CAMPBELTOUN, and in some cases CAMPBELTONE, and other variants.
J.-AYLMER LE HUNTER.
Excerpt from Ragman Roll 1296. August 28, 1296, Berwick-on-Tweed :
Roger de Crauford.
Huwe of the Blare.
Renaud de Crauford (Trauford).
Robert de Boyville.
William fiz Lorence.
Aleyn le Flemynge.
William Bule.
AYLMER LE HUNTER.
Thomas Galfagy.
Adam de Horn.
Rauf de Eglyntone.
Roger de Rathe.
Alisaundre de la Butelerie.
Thomas de Cregeyn.
A
2 Family Papers of the Hunters of Hunterston.
Neel fitz Robert de Dunlop (Dullope).
Robert de Pictone.
Adam de la More.
Aleyn le Barbur.
Gilmor fitz Edward.
Rauf Faireye.
William de Crauford (Craunford).
Wautier de Lynne.
Thomas de Wyntone.
James de Ros.
John vicaire del eglise de Garvan.
Murchauche de Montgomery.
del counte de Are.
II.— The earliest Deed (1374) now remaining in the Hunterston Charter Chest concerns WILLIAM HUNTER and is in excellent preservation, viz. :—
1. (1374.) Acquisition of Arnell.
Charter by King Robert the Second to WILLIAM HUNTER, for faithful services rendered to him, of the lands of ARNELL, to be held by the said William Hunter and the heirs-male of his body of the Crown for payment of one penny of silver at Arnell at Whitsunday. The Charter is dated at Stirling the second day of May in the fourth year of the King's reign (1374).
The Charter No. 1 is in the following terms : —
Robertus dei gracia Rex Scottorum omnibus probis hominibus tocius terre sue clericis et laicis Salutem : Sciatis nos dedisse concessisse et hac presenti carta nostra confirmasse dilecto et fideli nostro WILLIELMO HUNTER pro fideli servicio suo nobis impenso et impendendo totam illam terrain de ARNELL cum pertinenciis que fuit Andre Catnbell militis et quam idem Andreas non vi aut metu ductus nee errore lapsus set mera et spontanea voluntate sua nobis per f us turn et baculum sursum reddidit pureque et simpliciter resignavit ac totum ius et clameum quod in dicta terra cum pertinenciis habuit seu habere potuit pro se et heredibus suis omnino quietum clamavit in perpetuum. Tenendam et habendam dicto Willielmo et heredibus suis masculis de corpore suo legitime procreatis seu procreandis de nobis et heredibus nostris in feodo et hereditate per omnes rectas metas et divisas suas cum omnibus et singulis libertatibus commoditatibus aysiamentis et iustis pertinenciis quibuscunque ad dictam terram spectantibus seu quoquomodo iuste spectare valentibus in futurum libere quiete plenarie integre bene et in pace. Reddendo inde annua- tim nobis et heredibus nostris dictus Willielmus et heredes sui predicti unum denarium argenti apud dictam terram de Arnell ad festum Pentecostes nomine albe firme tantum pro wardis releviis maritagiis oneribus et aliis serviciis quibus- cunque. In cuius rei testimonium presenti carte nostre nostrum precepimus apponi sigillum. Testibus venerabili in Christo patre Willielmo Episcopo Sancti Andre- Johanne primogenito nostro Comite de Carryk Senescallo Scocie- Roberto Comite de ftyff et de Meneteth filio nostro dilecto. Willielmo Comite de Douglas. Johanne de Carryk Cancellario nostro. Jacobo de Lyndesay nepote nostro -et Roberto de Erskyne- militibus. Apud Strivelyne secundo die Maij anno regni nostri quarto.
The following is a translation of the Charter No. 1 : —
Robert, by the grace of God, King of Scots, to all good men of his whole land, clerics and laymen, Greeting : Know ye that we have given, granted and by this our present charter have confirmed to our loved and faithful WILLIAM HUNTER, for his faithful service rendered and to be rendered to us, that whole
Family Papers of the Hunters of Huuterston. 3
land of ARNELL with pertinents which belonged to Andrew Cambell, Knight, and which the said Andrew, not led by force or fear nor falling into error but of his own free and pure will, gave up and purely and simply resigned to us by staff and baton and wholly renounced in all time coming for himself and his heirs, with all right and title that he had or might have in the said land with the pertinents : To hold and have to the said William and his heirs male lawfully procreate or to be procreated of his body of us and our heirs in fee and heritage by all their right marches and bounds, with all and singular liberties, commodities, easements and just pertinents whatsoever belonging or in what manner soever shall be justly known to belong in future to the said land, freely, quietly, wholly well and in peace. The said William and his heirs foresaid rendering therefor yearly to us and our heirs one penny of silver only at the said land of Arnell at the feast of Pentecost in name of " blench ferme " for wards, reliefs, marriages, burdens and other services whatsoever. In testimony of which thing we have commanded our seal to be appended to our present charter. WMtnesses, the venerable father in Christ, William Bishop of St. Andrews ; John our firstborn Earl of Carryk, Steward of Scotland ; Robert Earl of ffyff and of Meneteth, our beloved son ; William Earl of Douglas ; John of Carryk our Chancellor ; James of Lyndesay our nephew ; and Robert of Erskyne ; Knights. At Strivelyne (Stirling) the second day of May the fourth year of our reign {i.e. 1374).
III. — The next existing Deeds (1452) concern WILLIAM HUNTAR of Arnele (Hunterston) and Heleiss (Highlees), probably the grandson of William Hunter of the 1374 Charter.
2. (1452.) Acq it is 1 '//on of Heleiss.
Charter by Andrew Lyn of that ilk confirming to WILLIAM HUNTAR OF ARNELE, for his services rendered and to be rendered to him, the lands of HELEISS within the bailliary of Conyngham and the barony of Dairy ; dated at Irvine the last day of February 1452.
The Charter No. 2 (which is torn as indicated by dots below) is in the following terms : —
Omnibus banc cartam visuris vel audituiis Andreas Lyn Dominus ejusdem salutem in domino sempiternam : Noveritis me dedisse concessisse et hac presenti carta mea confiimasse WILLIELMO HUNTAR DE ARNELE pro suo concilio mini impenso et impendendo Totas et integras terras meas de HELEISS cum pertinen. jacentes in ballia de Conyngham infra baroniam de Dairy : Quequidem terre cum pertinentiis fuerunt hereditarie Johannis Ross Domini de Haukhed, et quas terras cum pertinentiis idem Johannes non vi aut metu ductus nee errore lapsus sed sua mera et spontanea voluntate sursum reddidit per fustem et baculum apud Kilbarchan pureque et simpliciter resignavit, ac totum jus et clameum q . . . . in . . . . terris cum pertinen. habuit seu habere potuit pro se et heredibus suis omnino quietum clamavit imper- petuum: Tenend. et habend. dicto Willelmo et heredibus suis de me et heredibus meis in feodo et hereditate imperpetuum in boscis et planis, viis, semitis, in pratis et pasturis, in aquis stagnis piscariis, aucupationibus et venacionibus molendinis et multuris, cum curiis et eschaetis et eorum sequelis, tain subtus terra quam supra terrain, tarn procul quam prope cum libero introitu et exitu, ac cum omnibus aliis libertatibus commoditatibus aysiamentis ac justis pertinentiis quibuscunque in omnibus et per omnia sicut clictus Johannes Ros dictas terras cum pertinentiis liberius tenuit seu . . . . : Faciendo mihi et heredibus meis dictus
W sui wardam et relevium dictarum terrarum cum contigerit. Et Ego
dictus Andreas et heredes mei dictas terras de Heleiss cum pertinentiis predicto Willielmo et heredibus suis contra o . . . acquietabimus et in perpetuum defendemus. In cujus rei testimonium huic presenti carte mee sigillum meum est appensum apud Irwyn ultimo die mensis Feb. . . . quinquagesimo secundo.
4 Family Papers of the Hunters of Hunterston.
Testibus Roberto W. . . . domino dejonston, Archbaldo Craufurde de Priwyk, Alano Cochran, Willielmo Rose publico notario, Thorn .... do, Alexro Huntar, cum multis aliis.
The following is a translation of the Charter No. 2 : —
To all who shall see or hear this charter Andrew Lyn, lord of that Ilk, greeting in the Lord everlasting: Wit ye me to have given, granted and by this my present charter to have confirmed to WILLIAM HUNTAR OF ARNELE for his counsel rendered and to be rendered to me All and Whole my lands of HELEISS with the pertinents, lying in the bailiary of Conyngham within the barony of Dairy, which lands with the pertinents pertained heritably to John Ross, lord of Haukhed ; and which lands with the pertinents the said John, not led by force or fear nor falling into error, but of his own pure and free will, gave up by staff and baton at Kilbarchan and purely and simply resigned and wholly quitclaimed [renounced] for ever for himself and his heirs with all right and claim which he had or might have in the said lands with the pertinents ; to hold and have to the said William and his heirs of me and my heirs in fee and heritage for ever in woods and plains, roads, paths, in meadows and pastures, in waters, pools, fishings, fowlings, huntings, milns and multures, with courts and escheats and their sequels, as well under the earth as above the earth, as well far as near, with free ish and entry and with all other liberties, commodities, easements and just pertinents whatsomever in all and by all like as the said John Ross freely held the said lands with the pertinents ....
rendering to me and my heirs .... the said W & his
ward and relief of the said lands when it shall happen. And I the said Andrew and my heirs shall acquit and for ever defend the said lands of Heleiss with the pertinents to the said William and his heirs against [all mortals]. In testimony of which thing to this my present charter my seal is appended at
Irwyn the last day of P^ebruary .... fifty-two. Witnesses, Robert W
lord of Jonston, Archibald Craufurde of Priwyk, Alan Cochran, William Rose Notary public, Thorn . . . . , Alexander Huntar, with many others.
3. (1452.) Sasine Heleiss.
Instrument witnessing that Androw of Lyn of that ilk gave heritable sasine or possession to WILLIAM HUNTAR OF ARNELE of the lands of HELEISS, with the pertinents, 1452.
The Instrument No 3 is in the following terms : —
Sen it is merytabill to ber wytness till the suthfastness therfor I Androw off Lyn of yat ilk beirs wytness be yis my leter vat I in propir person gaff heritabill state and sesing till WILZAM HUNTAR OF ARNELE of ye landis off the HELEISS with ye pertinentis Hand wythin ye barony off Dairy efter ye tenour of his charter mad til hym yrapon ; bfor yar wytness Jhon of Blar of Blakat le Jhon Gowan Robert his broyer Jhon Huntar and Thorn of Watschaw wt oyar sindri And yis I ber wytness wndr my Sele at Irwyn ye fift clay of Merch ye zer of our Lord jmccccfifti. and twa zear.
IV. -DEED (1462) concerning ARCHIBALDE HUNTAR, Larde of Ardneill (in the Charter Chest of the Earl of Eglinton), married Mergarete Ker, daughter of Vilzame Ker of Kerislande.
(1462.) Discharge with reference to the marriage of Archibalds Huntar.
Discharge by Robert Crawfurde of Achinhamis and Archibald Crawfurde of Pryveke, to William Ker of Kerisland, 14th June 1462.
The Discharge is given as follows in " Memorials of the Montgomeries Earls of Eglinton." Be it maidekennyt till all men be thir present letteris, ws Robert Crawfurde off Achinhamis ande Archibalde Crawfurde off Pryveke, conjunctly and seueraly,
Family Papers of the Hunters of Hunterston. 5
till hafe resawyte and fullely till haffe hade, be the handis off ane vorschipfull man, Vilzame Ker, Larde of Kerislande, in dawry, ane hundreth mark off vsuale mone off the kynric off Scotland, for all and hall the.sovme acht till us be the said Vilzam for the manage off oure cusynge ARCHIBALDE HUNTAR, LARDE OFF AKUNE1LL, pertenande till ws, the quhilk foisuth mariage we sellyt and gaffe to the saide Yilzame Ker, to bis dochtir Mergarete Ker, for the sayde sovme of ane hundreth mark as sayde is : Off the quhilk forsayde sovme of ane hundreth mark, we halde ws weyll content ande payit, and in all tbinge acht for the saide mariage fullely assythit for euermar ; and the forsayde Vilzame, his ayeris, and all vtheris quham it afferis, or may affer, for ws, our ayeris, and all vtheris quhilkis has or may haffe thar off be law or resoun ony interes, quhitclamys be thir oure presente letteris : In witnes off the quhilk tbinge we the sayde Robert Craufurde and Archibalde Craufurde to thir oure presente letteris of quhitclame and discharge we haff bungyng oure propir seillis, at Achinhamys, the forten day off the moneth off June, the yher off oure Lorde a thoussande four hundreth sexty ande twa yheris.
The following Extract from The Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, Vol. X, p. 5 shewing that the Hunters of Hunterston had the Offices of Forester of Arran and of Forester of Cumbrae is supposed to refer to John Huntar, uncle of Archibalde Huntar, who on the death of his brother William had succeeded to these offices in the minority of his nephew Archibalde.
148S. Compotum Roberti Steuart camerarii de Bute.
Et (idem onerat se) de xxxs. de firmis unius mercate terrarum de Almolach et officio forestarie de Arane. Et de xxxs. iii caldris avenarum de firmis officii forestarie de Cumra. Et de ii caldris avenarum ii d argenti per duplicionem albefirme dictorum officiorum regi debitam per Sasinam datam Johanni Huntar de eisdem.
i.e.
1488.
Account of Robert Steuart chamberlain of Bute.
And (he charges himself with) 30s. being the rent of one mark of the lands of Almolach and for the office of Forester of Arran. And with 30s. and 3 chalders oats being the rent for the office of Forester of Cumbrae. And with 2 chalders of oats 2 pence silver for duplication of the blench ferm of said offices due to the King by Sasine of them given to John Huntar.
Note. — This excerpt shows that the Hunters of Hunterston were in the 15th Century the King's Foresters in Arran and Cumbrae. Earlier entries shew the dues paid by the Exchequer to the Hunters as keepers of the deer in the Island of Little" Cumbrae, e.g., to William Huntar in 1454.
"Almolach" is the Holy Island of Lamlash. The Island was so called because Saint Molaise of the 6th Century lived in a cave on it. It was " Eilean Molaise" or the Island of St. Molaise, or "Almolach." This name became further corrupted to "Almeslache" and was applied to the Bay and the adjoining lands hence " Lamlash."
V.— WRITS (1505-1511) concerning JOHN HUNTAR of Arnele (Hunterston), son and heir of Archibald Hunter and grandson of the William Hunter of 1452, married Margaret, daughter of John Lord Cathcart.
4. (1505.) Confirmation that Arnele held in alba firma.
Instrument, dated 13th June 150=;, certifying that on that date JOHN HUNTAR OF ARNELE, with Constantine Dunlop of that ilk, his
6 Family Papers of the Hunters of Hunter ston.
Counsel, appeared at Ayr in the Court of the Justice Aire before Andrew Lord Gray, Justiciary of our supreme Lord the King on the south side of the Water of Forth, and produced a Charter by King Robert the Second to prove that his lands of ARNELE are held of the Crown for payment of one penny silver money in full of all duties and services, which holding was recognised and he was exonered from all other claims.
The Instrument No. 4 is in the following terms : —
In Dei nomine Amen : Per hoc presens publicum instrumentum cunctis pateat evidenter Quod anno incarnationis dominice millesimo quingentesimo quinto mensis vero Junij die decimo tertio Indictione Octava Pontificatus Sanctissimi in Christo patris et Domini nostri Domini Julij divina providentia pape Secundi Anno Secundo. In mei notarij publici et testium subscriptorum presentia Sedente pro tribunali in pretorio burgi de Aire, In curia Itineris Justiciarie tenta et inchoata apud burgum predictum die veneris decimo tertio die mensis Junij anno Domini Millesimo quingentesimo quinto Coram nobili et potent! Domino Andrea Domino Gray Justiciario Supremi Domini nostri Regis ex parte australi aque de Forth generaliter constituto : Quiquidem Dominus Justiciarius vocare fecit DOMINUM DE ARNELE ad presentandum in hujus modi curia Sectatorem pro terris suis de ARNELE ; Comparebat in Judicio JOHANNES HUNTAR DE ARNELE una cum Constantino Dunlope de Eodem suo prelocutore, quiquidem Constantinus nomine quo supra dixit quod ipse Johannes non tenetur presentare Sectatorem in dicta curia pro eisdem terris, ex eo quod tenuit easdem de supremo domino nostro rege in alba firma ; et desuper judicialiter ostendebat unara cartam confectam per quondam bone memorie Robertum regem Scottorum continen. in eadam clausulam sequentem : Reddendo inde annuatim Domino nostro regi et suis successoribus pro eisdem terris de Arnele unum denarium argenti apud dictam terram de Arnele ad festum Penthecostes tantum pro vardis, releviis, maritagiis, oneribus et aliis servitiis quibuscunque. Quam quidem cartam idem Dominus Justiciarius judicialiter perlegi fecit, qua sic perlecta visa et considerata, easdem terras de Arnele de Supremo Domino nostro rege in alba firma tentas invenit : Qua propter eundem Johannem Huntar de Arnele ab omni presentatione Sectatoris in hujusmodi curia Justiciarie penitus et omnino liberavit et quietum clamavit ac exoneravit imperpetuum per presentes, quibus Sigillum officii Justiciarie antedicte apponi precepit et mandavit. Super quibus omnibus et Singulis prefatus Constantinus nomine quo supra sibi fieri petiit hoc presens publicum instrumentum seu publica instrumenta : Acta erant hec in pretorio antedicto hora undecima ante meridiem sub anno mense die Indictione et pontificatu- quibus supra, Presentibus ibidem Reverendo in Christo patre Willelmo Episcopo Abirdonensi, Matheo Comite de Levinax Jacobo Abbate de Dunfermlin Johanne Domino Cathcart Magistris Ricardo Lausone de Hieriggis clerico Justiciarie Domini nostri Regis, Jacobo Henrisone David Androsone et Johanne Lausone cum multis aliis Testibus ad premissa vocatis pariter et
rogatis.
Et Ego Jasperus Mayne clericus Sancti Andree dioceseos publicus autoritatibus apostolica, imperiali et regali notarius Quia premissis omni- bus et singulis dum sic ut premittitur dicerentur agerentur et fierent una cum prenominatis testibus presens personaliter interfui Eaque omnia et singula sic fieri dici vidi scivi et audivi ac in notam recepi Ideo hoc presens publicum instrumentum manu mea propria scriptum exinde confeci signoque nomine et subscriptione meis solitis et consuetis signavi Rogatus et requisitus una cum appensione sigilli officii Justiciarie antedicti in fidem et testimonium omnium et singulorum premissorum.
Jasperus Mayne.
The following is a translation of the Instrument No. 4 : — In the name of God, Amen. Be it clearly made known to all by this present public instrument that upon the thirteenth day of June in the year of the Lord
Family Papers of the Hunters of Hunterston. J
one thousand five hundred and five, in the eighth indiction of the Pontificate of the most holy father in Christ and our Lord Lord Julius the Second by divine providence Pope the second year. • In presence of me notary public and witnesses subscribing sitting for judgment in the Tolbooth of the burgh of Ayr in the Court of the Justice Aire held and begun at the burgh foresaid on Friday the thirteenth day of June the year of the Lord one thousand five hundred and five before a noble and potent Lord Andrew Lord Gray Justiciar of our Sovereign Lord the King on the south side of the Water of Forth generally constituted, which Lord Justiciar caused the LAIRD OF ARNELE to be called to present suit in this Court for his lands of ARNELE. Compeared in judgment JOHN HUNTAR OF ARNELE together with Constantine Dunlop of that ilk, his prolocutor, which Constantine in name as above said that the said John is not bound to present suit in the said Court for the said lands because he held the same in blench farm of our Supreme Lord the King, and thereupon judicially showed a charter granted by the late Robert King of Scotland of blessed memory containing therein the following clause : paying thence yearly to our Lord the King and his successors for the said lands of Arnele one penny silver at the said land of Arnele at the feast of Pentecost for the wards, reliefs, marriages, burdens and other services whatso- ever : which charter the said Lord of Justiciary caused to be read judicially ; which being so read over, seen and considered he found the said lands of Arnele to be held of our Sovereign Lord the King in blench farm by reason whereof he wholly and entirely freed and relieved and exonored the said John Huntar of Arnele for ever from all presentation of suits in this Court of Justiciary by these presents to which the seal of office of Justiciar foresaid is ordered and commanded to be appended ; upon which all and whole the said Constantine in name as above asked this present public instrument or public instruments to be made to him. These things were done in the said Tolbooth the hour of eleven forenoon in the year, month and dav indiction and pontificate as above. Before these witnesses, the Reverend Father in Christ William Bishop of Aberdeen, Mathew Earl of Lennox, James Abbot of Dunfermline, John Lord Cathcart, Mr. Richard Lausone of Hieriggis, clerk of Justiciary to our Lord the King, Mr. James Henrisone, Mr. David Androsone and Mr. John Lausone, with many other witnesses to the premises equally called and required.
And I Jasper Mayne, clerk, of the diocese of Saint Andrews by apostolic, imperial and royal authorities, notary public, Because I with the fore- named witnesses was personally present while all and sundry the premises as aforesaid were spoken, acted and done and all and sundry so done I saw, knew and heard and took a note thereof from which I have made this present public instrument written with my own hand and have signed it with my sign name and subscription used and wont being called and required, together with the appending of the seal of the office of Justiciary foresaid in faith and testimony of all and singular the premises.
Jasper Mayne.
5. (15 1 1.) Sasine Heleiss.
Instrument of Sasine, dated 9th April 1511, whereby it is witnessed that John Lyne of that ilk, superior of the lands of HELEISS, gave possession of the said lands to JOHN HWNTAR OF HUNTERIS- TOUN, son and heir of the deceased Archibald Huntar.
The Instrument No. 5 is in the following terms : —
In Dei nomine Amen. Per hoc presens publicum instrumentum cunctis pateat evidenter quod anno incarnationis dominice millesimo quingintesimo undecimo die vero mensis Aprilis nono Indictione decima quarta pontificatus sanctissimi
8 Family Papers of the Hunters of Hunterston.
in Christo patris et domini nostri domini Julij divina providencia pape secundi anno octavo : In mei notani publici et testium subscriptorum presencia con- stitutus honorabilis vir Johannes Lyne de eodem et superior terrarum de HELEISS personaliter existens apud principale messuagium et super fundum dictarum terrarum de Heleis Et ibidem de eiisdem cum pertinenciis jacentium infra balliam de Cunyghame et vicecomitatum de Air nianu sua propria tradidit JOHANNI HWNTAR DE HUNTERISTOUN filio et heredi quondam Arch- baldi Huntar statum et sasinam hereditariam per terre et lapidis tradicionem ut moris est secundum formam et tenorem sue primarie et antique infeodacionis earumdem : Super quibus omnibus et singulis sic premissis dictus Johannes Huntar per me notarium publicum subscriptum sibi fieri peciit publicum instrumentum : Acta erant hec apud principale messuagium dictarum terrarum sub anno die mense Indictione et pontificatu quibus supra : presentibus ibidem honorabilibus et probis viris Johanne Ker filio et apparent! herede Domini de Kerrisland Vi° Ker germanis Villo Dunlop de Crag Hugone Flemyn Johanne Russel Matheo Thome Roberto Ross et Johanne Dunlop cum diversis aliis testibus ad premissa vocatis pariterque rogatis.
Et ego vero Villelmus Mwre clericus Glasguensis diocesis Sacrae auctoritate apostolica notarius publicus Quia premissis omnibus et singulis dum sic ut premittitur agerentur dicerentur et fierent unacum prenominatis testibus presens personaliter interfui eaque omnia et singula sic fieri vidi scivi et audivi ac in notani cepi Ex qua hoc presens publicum instrumentum manu mea propria scriptum confeci hie me subscribendo signoque et nomine meis solitis et consuetis signavi In fidem et testimonium veritatis omnium et singulorum premissorum rogatus et requisitus.
The following is a translation of the Instrument No. 5 : —
In the name of God, Amen, Be it clearly made known to all by this present public instrument that in the year of the incarnation of the Lord one thousand five hundred and eleven, the ninth day of the month of April, in the fourteenth indiction of the Pontificate of the most holy father in Christ and our Lord Lord Julius the second by divine providence Pope, the eighth year. In presence of me notary public and witnesses underwritten compeared an honourable man, John Lyne of that ilk and superior of the lands of HELEISS personally at the principal messuage and upon the ground of the said lands of Heleis, and there with his own hand delivered to JOHN HWNTAR OF HUNTERIS- TOUN, son and heir of the late Archibald Huntar, heritable state and sasine of the same with the pertinents lying in the bailhary of Cunynghame and sheriffdom of Air, by delivery of earth and stone as use is according to the form and tenor of his prior and ancient infeftments thereof. Upon which all and singular the premises the said John Huntar asked a public instrument to be made to him by me notary public subscribing: These things were done at the principal messuage of the said lands in the year, day, month, indiction and pontificate as above in presence of honorable and prudent men, John Ker, son and apparent heir of the laird of Kerrisland, William Ker, (his brother) german, William Dunlop of Crag, Hugh Flemyn, John Russel, Mathew Thorn, Robert Ross and John Dunlop, with divers other witnesses called and equally required to the premises.
And I truly William Mwre, clerk of the diocese of Glasgow by sacred apostolic authority, notary public, because while all and sundry these things were so acted, spoken and done as is above written I with the forenamed witnesses was personally present, and all and sundry so done I did see, know and hear and took note thereof, from which I have made this present public instrument written with my own hand, and have signed it, sub- scribing with my sign and name used and wont, in faith and testimony of the truth of all and singular the premises called and required.
Family Papers of the Hunters of Hunter st on. g
VI. — WRITS (1514-1542) concerning ROBERT HWNTAR of
Huntarstoun (son of said John Huntar) and Jonet Montgomery, his wife, daughter of John Montgomery of Giffen.
6. ( 1 5 1 4 . ) Sasi/ie He less.
Instrument of Sasine, dated 6th May 1514, whereby it is certified that John Lyn of that ilk, as superior of the lands of HELESS, with his own hands gave possession to an honorable man, ROBERT HUNTER OF HUNTERSTOUNE, son and heir of the deceased John Hunter, of the said lands of Heless with the pertinents. John Blayr, Robert Caldu . . . , Jon . . . Dunlop, and Malcolm Makclellen, witnesses. John Wylson, N.P., Glasgow Diocese.
( 1 5 1 5 . ) Forest ar of the He of Litill Comeray.
Grant by King James V. to Hugh, Earl of Eglintoun, of the office of Fiar of the Isle of Litill Comeray, 28th October 1515. In the Charter Chest of the Earl of Eglinton and given as follows in ''Memorials of the Montgomeries, Earls of Eglinton" : —
James be the grace of God King of Scottis, To all and sindry oure liegis and subditis quham it efferis, quhais knawlegethir ourletteris salcum, Greting : Wit ze that forsamekle as we and our derrest cousing and tutour, Johne Duke of Albany, etc., protectour and governour of oure realme, ar sikerlie aduertist that THE ILE OF LITILL COMERAY, Hand within oure baillery of Cunynghameand schirefdome of Are, is waistit and distroyit be diuers personis, that slais the dere and cunyngis thairof, and pasturis bestis thairintill maisterfullye be wav of dede, without licence, tollerance, or consent of ROBERT HUNTARE OF'HUNTARESTOUN, FORESTAR OF HERETAGE OF THE SAID ILE ; the quhilk personis the said Robert may nocht resist, becaus he is nocht of substance nor power, without supple and help : Tharefor we, with avise and consent of our said tutour and governour, for reformacioun, gud reule, and saufte of the said ile in tyme cummyng, hes maid, constitut, and ordanit, and be thir our letteris, makis, constitutis, and ordanis our louit cousing and counsalour, Hew Erie of Eglingtoun, and his assignais, ane or maa, oure fearis, correkaris, and supplearis of oure said ile of Litill Comeray, ay and quhill owre lauchfull aige of fiftene zeris : Gevand and grantand to the said Hew and his assignais forsaidis, full and fre powar, all the personis occupyand, waistand, and distroyand the said ile, the wild bestis and grund of the samin, to correk, pvnis, and resist, and thare gudis being thairintill, be way of masterschip to eschete ; and als we will and ordanis, gif the said Robert Huntare of Huntarestoun haldis or imputtis nolt, cattail, and vtheris gudis, for the waisting and distroying of the said ile, dere and cunyngis being thaiiin, mair than his charter proportis, it salbe leiffull to our said cousing till eschete the samin to his avne vse ; and inlikwis, all vtheris gudis that he or his saidis assignais findis thairintill for the distructioun and hurting of the samin during the tyme forsaid : And als ane or ma persoun or personis to be our feare, kepare, suppleare, and correkare of the said ile, dere and cunyngis thairof, to deput and substitut for all the said tyme ; for the quhilkis thai salbe haldin to ansuer . . . Gevin vnder our priue sele at Edinburgh, the XXVIII day of October, the zere of God Im Vc xv zere, and of our regnne the third zere.
Per signaturam manu dicti domini gubernatoris subscriptam.
7. (1522.) Possession H/e/eis.
Instrument of Resignation narrating the giving possession to the said ROBERT HUNTAR and Jonet Montgomery, his wife, jointly of said
io Family Papers of the Hunters of Hunterston.
lands of HIELEIS which had been resigned into the hands of John Lyn of Bourtrehill, the superior, dated 7th November 1522. Henry Scott, burgess of Irvin, Robert Roiss, John Ross, Malcolm McCleilane, Robert Russele and Mathew Browun, etc. Humphrey Blair, Notary Public, Glasgow Diocese.
(1527.) Reacqirisition of Little Cutnray. * Charter by King James V. to Robert Huntar of Hunterstoune, and spouse, of the island of Little Cumray, 31st May 1527. In the Charter Chest of the Earl of Eglinton and given as follows in " Memorials of the Mont- gomeries, Earls of Eglinton" : —
Jacobus Dei gracia Rex Scotorum, Omnibus probis hominibus tocius terre sue, clericis et laicis, Salutem : Sciatis nos, cum auisamento compotorum nostrorum rotulatoris, post dissolucionem per quondam nobilissimum patrem nostrum, Jacobum Quartum Dei gracia Scotorum Regem bone memorie, cuius anime propicietur Deus, cum auisamento trium regni nostri statuum in parlia- mento suo factam, de annexacionibus terraium ad coronam suam, pro asse- dacione earundem in feodifirma, in augmentacionem rentalis sui, et proficuum patrimonii corone sue, dedimus, concessimus et ad feodifirmam dimisimus, ac tenore presentis carte nostre damus, concedimus et ad feodifirmam dimittimus hereditarie dilectis nostris, ROBERTO HUNTAR DE HUNTERSTOUNE, et Jonete Montgumry, sponse sue, et ipsorum alteri diucius viuenti in coni- unctam feodacionem, et heredibus suis subscripts, totam et integram IN- SULAM NOSTRAM ET TERRAS NOSTRAS DE LITTLE CUMRAY cum pertinenciis, jacentes infra riuum de Cluda : QUASQUIDAM INSULAM ET TERRAS CUM PERTINENCIIS DICTUS ROBERTUS ET PRE- DECESSORES SUI, DE NOBIS ET PREDECESSORIBUS NOSTRIS, IN CUSTOD1A HEREDITARIE PRIUS HABUERUNT ; ET PRO CUSTODIA IPSARUM duas celdras auenarum annuatim habuerunt, per vicecomiten nostrum de Bute, nomine nostro, de firm is nostris terraium et insule nostre de Bute, annuatim persolutas : Tenendas et habendas totas et integras predictas insulam et terras de Little Cumray cum pertinenciis dictis Roberto et Jonete, sponse sue, et ipsorum alteri diucius viuenti in coniunctam feodacionem, et heredibus masculis inter ipsos legitime procreatis seu pro- creandis ; quibus deficientibus, legitimis et propinquioribus heredibus masculis dicti Roberti ; quibus omnibus deficientibus, seniori heredum suarum femine- arum, absque diuisione predictarum terraium, de nobis et successoribus nostris, in feodifirma et hereditate imperpetuum . . . Reddendo inde annuatim . . . pro insula et terris antedictis cum pertinenciis, que in rentali nostro per prius non fuerunt, summam trium librarum sex solidorum et octo denariorum, vsualis monete regni nostri, ad duos anni terminos consuetos, festa videlicet Penthe- costes et Sancti Martini in hyeme, per equales porciones, nomine feodifirme tantum, in augmentacionem rentalis nostri ad summam predictam annuatim ; cum exoneracione dictarum duarum celdrarum auenarum que dicto Roberto et predecessoribus suis, pro custodia dicte insule, annuatim per prius solute erant : aceciam heredes supradicti reddendo nobis et successoribus nostris duplum dicte feodifirme de vno anno ad primum introitum eorum ad prefatas terras, vt vsus est feodfirme : necnon dictus Robertus, et Joneta, sponsa sua, et ipsorum alter diucius viuens, et heredes sui predicti, edificando et sustentando super dictis terris mansionem sufficientem, cum aula, camera, bostari, aliisque edificiis et polecia necessariis, et sicut solum dictarum terraium ad hoc corrispondens fuerit ; In cuius rei testimonium huic presenti carte nostre magnum sigillum nostrum apponi precepimus: Testibus, reuerendissimis reuerendisque in Christo patribus, Jacobo Sanctiandree et Gawino Glasguensi, Archiepiscopis, Gawino Episcopo Abirdonensi, nostrorum rotulorum, registri et consilii clerico, Henrico Episcopo Candidecase nostreque capelle regie Striuilingensis ; dilectis con- sanguineis nostris, Archibaldo Comite Augusie, Domino Douglas, Jacobo Comite Arranie, Domino Hammyltoun, Hugone Comite de Eglingtoun,
Family Papers of the Hunters of Hunter st on. i [
Domino Montgumry ; venerabilibus in Christo patribus, Patricio Priore ecclesie metropolitane Sanctiandree, Willelmo Abbate monasterii nostri Sancte Crucis, prope Edinburgh ; dilectis familiaribus nostris, Archibakio Douglas, Preposito de Edinburgh, Thesaurario nostro, Magistro Thoma Erskin, secretario nostro, et Jacobo Coluile de \rchiltre, nostrorum compotorum rotulatore et nostre Cancellarie Directore, apud Edinburgh, vltimo die mensis Maii, anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo vicesimo septimo, et regni nostri decimo quarto.
The following is a translation of the Crown Charter of Little Cumray of 1527 : —
James, by the Grace of God King of Scots, to all good men of his whole land, cleric and laic, Greeting. Know ye that we, with the advice of our Comp- troller after the dissolution made by our late most noble father, James IV. by the Grace of God King of Scots of good memory, on whose soul may God have mercy, with the advice of the three estates of our realm in his parliament regarding the annexation of lands to his crown, for setting the same in feu farm in augmentation of his rental, and to the profit of the patrimony of his crown, have given granted and in feu farm disponed, and by the tenor of our present Charter give grant and in feu farm heritably dispone to our lovites ROBERT HUNTAR OF HUNTERSTOUNE, and Jonet Montgumry his spouse, and to the longer liver of them in conjunct fee and to their heirs underwritten All and Whole OUR ISLAND AND LANDS OF LITTLE CUMRAY with the pertinents, lying within the river Clyde; -WHICH ISLAND AND LANDS WITH PERTINENTS THE SAID ROBERT AND HIS PREDECESSORS HAVE FORMERLY HELD OF US AND OUR PREDECESSORS IN HEREDITARY CUSTODY; AND FOR THE KEEPERSHIP THEREOF they have two chalders of oats annually, payable yearly by our Sheriff of Bute, in our name, from our ferms of our lands and island of Bute ; To be held and had All and Whole the foresaid Island and lands of Little Cumray with the pertinents by the said Robert and Jonet his spouse, and the longer liver of them in conjunct fee, and the heirs male lawfully procreated or to be procreated between them whom failing by the lawful and nearest heirs male of the said Robert, whom all failing, by the eldest of his heirs female without division of the foresaid lands, of us and our suc- cessors in feu-farm and heritage forever : paying yearly for the Island and the lands foresaid with pertinents, which were not formerly in our rentals, the sum of three pounds, six shillings, and eight pence, usual money of our realm, at the two usual annual terms of Pentecost and St. Martin in Winter, by equal portions in name of feu-farm only in augmentation of our rental to the foresaid sum yearly ; with a discharge of the said two chalders of oats which were formerly paid annually to the said Robert and his predecessors, for the keepership of the said Island ; and also the foresaid heirs rendering to us and our successors a double of the said annual feu farm at their first entry to the said lands, as is the custom in feu-farm : Also the said Robert and Jonet his wife and the longer liver of them, and their foresaid heirs building and maintaining on the said lands a sufficient mansion with hall, chamber, byre, and other necessary- buildings and policy and as the ground of the said lands may answer for this purpose. In testimony whereof we have ordered our great seal to be appended to this present charter ; witnesses, the most reverend and the reverend fathers in Christ, James, Archbishop of St. Andrews, and Gawin, Archbishop of Glasgow, Gawin, Bishop of Aberdeen, clerk of our Rolls, Register and Council, Henry, Bishop of Whithorn and of our Chapel of Stirling, our beloved cousins Archibald, Earl of Angus, Lord Douglas, James, Earl of Arran, Lord Hammyl- toun, Hugh, Earl of Eglintoun, Lord Montgumry; the venerable fathers in Christ, Patrick, Prior of the Metropolitan Church of St. Andrews, William, Abbot of our monastery of Holyrood, near Edinburgh; Our beloved familiars Archibald Douglas, Provost of Edinburgh, our Treasurer, Master Thomas Erskin, our Secretary, and James Coluile of Uchiltre, our Comptroller and Director of Chancery ; at Edinburgh, on the last day of the month of May, in the year 1527, and in the fourteenth year of our reign.
12 Family Papers of the Hunters of Hunter ston.
(1527.) Disposal of the Holy Island of Lamias//, Arran.
Note. — In an old Inventory of the Writs of the Duke of Hamilton there is this entry under " Holy Isle in Arran '' : — "A Resignation of the merk land in Arran (old extent) called Holy Isle in Avinmillash made by Robert, Lord Huntarston, to his superior this James, Earl of Arran, ad perpetual)} remanentiam. July 6, 1527." On the margin is written in pencil, " Wanting or not returned by J. H." The Receipt for the price dated 14th August 1527 is printed on p. 89.
8« ( f 535-) Acquisition Annan/iill.
Charter by Hugh, Earl of Eglingtoun, Lord Montgomery, in favour of the said ROBERT HWNTAR and Jonete Montgomery, his wife, and the longer liver, and their heirs and assignees, of the lands of ANNAN- HILL, within the lordship of Robertoun and bailliary of Cunynghame and shire of Ayr, for services, etc. and a sum of money fully paid to the said Earl, to be held of the King for services used and wont, dated at Irvine 25th February 1535.
The Charter No. 8 is in the following terms : —
Omnibus hanc cartam visuris vel audituris Hugo Comes Eglingtoun et dominus de Montgomery salutem in domino sempiternam. Noveritis me utilitatecme mea primitus preuisa et pensata concessisse vendidisse tituloque venditionis alienasse et hac presenti carta mea confirmasse necnon concedere vendere tituloque venditionis alienare et hac presenti carta mea confirmare dilectis meis ROBERTO HWNTAR DE HUNTARSTOUN et Jonete Montgomery uxori sue eorumque diutius viventi in coniuncta infeodatione heredibus suis et assignatis totas et integras illas quadraginta sex solidatas et octo denariatas terrarum mearum de ANNANHILL antiqui extentus quas nunc inhabitant occupant et ad firmam habent Jacobus Aitkyne Willelmus Aitkyn Johannes Wilsoun et Johannes Biggart cum pertinentiis jacentes in dominio meo de Robertoun infra balliam de Cunynghame et vicecomitatum de Air pro suis benemeritis gratuitis seruiciis auxiliis et consiliis mihi multipliciter impensis et pro certa summa pecunie mihi per dictum Robertum premanibus gratanter et integre persoluta ; de quaquidem summam pecuniam numerata teneor me bene contentum pacatum et plenarie persolutum prefatosque Robertum et Jonetam suam sponsam heredes suos executores et assignatos pro me heredibus meis executoribus et assignatis exinde quietos clamo de eadem et exonero imperpetuum tenore presentis carte mee. Tenendas et habendas totas et integras predictas quadraginta sex solidatas et octo denariatas terrarum mearum de Annanhill antiqui extentus cum pertinentiis a me et heredibus meis de supremo domino nostro rege et suis succes- soribus prefatis Roberto Huntar et Jonete Montegomery uxori sue eorumque diutius viventi in coniuncta infeodatione heredibus suis et assignatis in feodo et hereditate imperpetuum per omnes rectas metas