The peerage of Scotland: containing an historical and genealogical account of the nobility of that kingdom, ... collected from the public records, and ancient chartularies of this nation, ... Illustrated with copper-plates. By Robert Douglas, Esq;.

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Title
The peerage of Scotland: containing an historical and genealogical account of the nobility of that kingdom, ... collected from the public records, and ancient chartularies of this nation, ... Illustrated with copper-plates. By Robert Douglas, Esq;.
Author
Douglas, Robert, Sir, 1694-1770.
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Edinburgh :: printed by R. Fleming, and sold by him, and the other booksellers in Edinburgh; and at London by A. Miller, R. Baldwin, D. Wilson, and T. Durham,
1764.
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"The peerage of Scotland: containing an historical and genealogical account of the nobility of that kingdom, ... collected from the public records, and ancient chartularies of this nation, ... Illustrated with copper-plates. By Robert Douglas, Esq;." In the digital collection Eighteenth Century Collections Online. https://name.umdl.umich.edu/004896980.0001.000. University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed May 6, 2025.

Pages

BOYD Lord BOYD and Earl of KILMARNOCK.

THIS great and ancient family, is descend∣ed of a younger son of the illustrious lord high stewards of Scotland.

ALAN, second lord high steward of Scot∣land,* 1.1 was son of Walter, son of Fleance, son of Banquo, thane of Lochaber, who was mur∣thered by Macbeth the usurper, anno 1043.

By Margaret his wife, daughter of Fergus lord of Galloway, he left issue three sons.

1. Walter,* 1.2 third lord high steward of Scotland, who succeeded him, and carried on the line of that family.

2. Adam,* 1.3 who is mentioned in a charter of confirmation of king David I. anno 1139.

3. Simon, who was progenitor of this noble family.

Alan the lord high steward died in 1153.

I. SIMON,* 1.4 third son of Alan, second lord high steward of Scotland, in the foundation-charter of the monastery of Paisley, is design∣ed frater Walteri filii Alani dapiferi regis Sco∣tiae, &c. anno 1161.

He lived after the 1200, and was father of

II. ROBERT, who being of a fair complexi∣on was called Boyt or Boyd, from the Galic or Celtic word Boidh, which signifies fair or yellow, from which he assumed his sirname, and from him all the Boyds in Scotland are descended.

This Robert Boyd is designed nephew to Walter son of Alan,* 1.5 lord high steward of Scotland, in the charters to the monastery of Paisley.

The same Robert, designed dominus Robertus Boyd,* 1.6 is witness to a contract betwixt Bryce de Eglington, and the village of Irvine, anno 1205.

It may here be observed, that the Boyds have always carried the same armorial bear∣ings of the lord high stewards,* 1.7 which denotes their descent from that illustrious house.

Robert died before the year 1240, and left issue a son and successor,* 1.8

III. Sir ROBERT BOYD, who in a char∣ter of sir John Erskine, of the lands of Hal∣sheil is designed Robertus de Boyd, miles, 1262.

He was a man of great courage and resolu∣tion,* 1.9 and remarkably distinguished himself at the battle of Largis, where king Alexander III. obtained a glorious victory over Haco king of Norway, anno 1263, for which good service, king Alexander rewarded him with a grant of several lands in Cunninghame, &c.

He died about the year 1270, leaving is∣sue a son,

IV. Sir ROBERT BOYD who succeeded him,* 1.10 and tho' he was one of the Scotch barons that swore fealty to king Edward I. when he over-run Scotland, anno 1296, and is then designed Robertus de Boyt miles, yet he soon made it appear it was force and not inclinati∣on made him do so;* 1.11 for he joined the great sir William Wallace, anno 1297, and did e∣very thing that a brave man could do, to free his country from foreign servitude.

He died about the year 1300, and was succeeded by his son,

V. Sir ROBERT BOYD, a great and wor∣thy patriot who, according to doctor Abercrom∣bie, was one of the first of the Scotch nobles that joined king Robert Bruce,* 1.12 as soon as he be∣gan to assert his title to the crown. The same author says afterwards, he was one of the firmest and fastest friends that great monarch had.

That king Robert had a high esteem and value for him, appears by the many lands and baronies he conferred upon him.

He got no less than three charters under the great seal from him,* 1.13 of the lands and ba∣ronies of Kilmarnock, Bondington, Hertshaw, Kilbrid, Ardneil, Dalry, and many others, then in the crown, by the forfeiture of John Baliol, the first dated anno 1308, and the last in 1316.

He was one of the guarantees of a treaty with the English,* 1.14 anno 1323.

This great man died in the beginning of the reign of king David Bruce, and left issue three sons.

1. Sir Thomas, his heir.

2. Sir Alan Boyd, a brave soldier, and steady friend to king David Bruce; Fordun

Page 374

designs him valens armiger,* 1.15 &c. He was kil∣led at the siege of Perth, anno 1339.

3. James de Boyd,* 1.16 who is witness in a charter, anno 1342.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

VI. Sir THOMAS BOYD of Kilmarnock,* 1.17 who flourished in the reign of king David Bruce.

He married—daughter of—, by whom he had issue three sons.

1. Sir Thomas, his heir.

2. William,* 1.18 ancestor of the Boyds of Ba∣denheath, who got a charter from king Da∣vid, anno 1368, and two from king Robert II. in 1375 and 1376, of different lands, in all which he is designed son of sir Thomas Boyd of Kilmarnock, &c.

3. Robert de Boyd,* 1.19 ancestor of the house of Portencross in Air-shire.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

VII. Sir THOMAS BOYD, designed domi∣nus de Kilmarnock,* 1.20 who, it seems, had been accessary to the slaughter of—Neilson of Dalrymple, &c. for which he got a remission from Robert duke of Albany, governor of Scotland, anno 1409.

He married one of the daughters and co∣heiresses of sir John Gifford lord of Yester,* 1.21 by whom he got a considerable accession to his e∣state, and by her he had issue, a son and suc∣cessor,

VIII. Sir THOMAS BOYD, lord of Kilmar∣nock, who being a man of parts,* 1.22 made a great figure in the reign of king James I. and was one of the sureties for him when he came to Scotland, to concert measures with his sub∣jects about his liberty, anno 1421.

And was appointed one of the hostages for his ransom,* 1.23 anno 1424.

He married Janet,* 1.24 daughter of— Montgomery of Ardrossan, by whom he had two sons.

1. Sir Thomas, his heir.

2. Mr. William Boyd, who betook him∣self to the service of the church, and was ab∣bot of Kilwinning. He obtained a charter from king James III.* 1.25 confirming the former grants of the crown to that abbey, and the erection of their state into a regality, &c.

Sir Thomas died anno 1432, and was suc∣ceeded by his eldest son,

IX. Sir THOMAS BOYD, lord of Kilmar∣nock, who married—daughter of—, by whom he had two sons and two daugh∣ters.

1. Robert, his heir, afterwards lord Boyd.

2. Sir Alexander Boyd of Duncow, who was preceptor to the young king James III. &c. &c. &c.

1st daughter,* 1.26 Janet, married to John Max∣well of Calderwood.

2. Margaret,* 1.27 married to Alexander lord Montgomery.

He was killed at Craignaughthill in Ren∣frew-shire, on the 9th of July 1439, by sir Alexander Stewart,* 1.28 in revenge of lord Darn∣ly's death, whom sir Thomas had killed some∣time before.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

X. Sir ROBERT BOYD lord of Kilmarnock, who was a man of great parts,* 1.29 and an emi∣nent statesman. He was in high favour with king James II. who created him a lord of par∣liament, by the title of lord Boyd,* 1.30 anno 1459, and that same year he was one of the com∣missioners appointed to treat of a peace with the English, when a truce was concluded.

After the death of king James II. the lord Boyd was appointed justiciar of Scotland, and one of the lords of the regency, together with the archbishops of St. Andrews and Glasgow,* 1.31 the bishop of Dunkeld, the earl of Orkney, the lords Graham, Kennedy and E∣vandale, who was chancellor; and it is ac∣knowledged by all our historians, that the af∣fairs of the nation were for several years ma∣naged with great prudence, equity and justice.

The lord Boyd was twice sent one of the ambassadors extraordinary to the court of Eng∣land,* 1.32 in the years 1464 and 1465, and con∣ducted his negociations with great dexterity, honour and fidelity.

After the death of archbishop Kennedy, the chief management of all public affairs de∣volved upon the lord Boyd, who was a man of fine address, and great authority and power. His brother sir Alexander was employed to teach the king the manly and military exercises, and consequently much about his person: in short, there was scarce any body could have access to his Majesty, without the Boyds permission. The king was still in the palace of Linlith∣gow, where the lord Kennedy one of the re∣gents, (and no friend of the Boyds,) kept a ve∣ry watchful eye over him; the lord Boyd therefore thought it necessary for his own in∣terest, to have his majesty out of lord Ken∣nedy's hands, which, by the blind of a hunt∣ing-match, (no doubt with his majesty's ap∣probation) he accomplished, and got him safe∣ly conducted to Edinburgh, much against the lord Kennedy's inclination, but where he was afterwards entirely under the direction of the Boyds.

Page 375

However, lord Boyd, like a wife statesman, prevailed with the king to call a parliament, wherein it was declared, that the lord Boyd had done the king and country good service,* 1.33 in bringing his majesty from Linlithgow to E∣dinburgh, and he was entirely acquitted there∣of; this act of exoneration past 25th October 1466. And further, the lord Boyd was declar∣ed governor to the young king and his brother,* 1.34 ex consensu dominorum concilii nostri, &c. which was also ratified in parliament.

Upon the death of lord Livingston, he was appointed great chamberlain of Scotland,* 1.35 by a charter from the king, anno 1467.

He got charters under the great seal, of a vast number of lands and baronies,* 1.36 Roberto domino Boyd, gubernatori regni et regis, &c. inter 1466 et 1469.

And tho' this lord was certainly at the head of all public affairs,* 1.37 yet it appears he never acted in any great matters of state, without the advice and concurrence of those joined in commission with him by parliament, such as the king's marriage, his brother's, the duke of Albany, earl of Mar, &c.

About this time the lord Boyd's eldest son, who was certainly one of the most accom∣plished young men in the kingdom, married lady Mary Stewart, the king's eldest si∣ster, with the consent and approbation of his majesty. He got by her a great accession to his estate, and was by king James III. cre∣ated earl of Arran; this indeed greatly ag∣grandized his family, and at the same time, was one of the causes of its being so soon pulled down and brought to ruin.

They became greatly envied by some, and for their exorbitant power, and their having engrossed the whole authority of the nation to themselves, were as much hated by others. And tho' there are no particular misdemean∣ors or acts of oppression laid to their charge, yet their enemies became innumerable.

The old lord was obliged to be much from court, in the execution of his office of great chamberlain; his son the earl of Arran was at Denmark upon an embassy, and his lady with him, who always accompanied him wherever he went. The enemies of the family took that opportunity of working their ruin. They first got the king's favour and affection alie∣nated from them; they then prevailed with his majesty to call a parliament in 1469, to which lord Boyd, his son the earl of Ar∣ran, and his brother sir Alexander Boyd of Duncow, were summoned to appear, and an∣swer for such crimes as should be exhibited a∣gainst them. The old lord being sensible of the great authority and power of the faction that was formed against him, and being also shocked at the king's so suddenly withdraw∣ing his countenance from him,* 1.38 did not think fit to appear and stand his trial, but retired to England, and died at Alnwick the year thereafter, anno 1470.

His son the earl of Arran was out of the kingdom, so could not attend; but his bro∣ther sir Alexander, trusting to his own inno∣cence, appeared and stood his trial. The chief crime of which they were all accused, was their carrying off the king from Linlith∣gow to Edinburgh, which was declared trea∣son; and tho' they were all acquitted for that crime,* 1.39 by act of parliament anno 1466, as be∣fore observed, yet the torrent against them was now become so violent, that the old lord and his son were found guilty of treason, con∣demned in absence, and all their estates and honours were forfeited to the crown. Sir A∣lexander who stood his trial, was found guil∣ty art and part of carrying the king from Linlithgow, condemned, and executed on the Castle-hill, anno 1469. A remarkable in∣stance of the instability of human grandeur.

Robert lord Boyd married Mariota, daugh∣ter of sir Robert Maxwell of Calderwood, by whom he had three sons and one daughter.

1. Thoms, earl of Arran.

2. Alexander, who carried on the line of this family, of whom afterwards.

3. Archibald, first of the Boyds of Bon∣shaw.

His daughter Elizabeth, married Archi∣bald fifth earl of Angus, lord high chancellor of Scotland, and had issue.

XI. THOMAS, eldest son of Robert lord Boyd,* 1.40 created earl of Arran, as before ob∣served, got charters under the great seal, Thomae Boyd comiti Arramae et Mariae Stewart ejus conjgi, of many lands and baronies, in the years 1468 and 1469.

He was a man of fine parts and great ho∣nour, was often employed in negociations of state, which he always managed with great fidelity. There is not the least stain upon his character, transmitted to us by any histo∣rian, except that of his being along with his father, when the king was brought from Linlithgow to Edinburgh.

The earl, upon the ruin of his family, re∣tired with his lady to Denmark,* 1.41 and afterwards went into the service of the duke of Burgun∣dy; where, for his brave and gallant behavi∣our, he was highly esteemed, caressed, and well supported by that prince, but he died soon thereafter at Antwerp, anno 1471.

His lady then returned to Scotland, was graciously received by her brother, and anno 1474, was married to James lord Hamilton.

Page 376

By the said lady Mary Stewart, he left is∣sue a son,

James, his heir,—and a daughter,

Lady Margaret Boyd, married, 1st, to A∣lexander fourth lord Forbes; 2dly, to David earl of Cassilis, but died without issue.

XII. JAMES, only son of Thomas earl of Arran, a youth of a fine spirit, and of great hopes, was restored to the lordship of Boyd, and put in see of the estate, by a charter from king James III. as administrator to the prince his son, to and in savours of dame Ma∣ry Stewart lady Hamilton, the king's ister, in liferent, and James Boyd her son in fee, of the lands and barony of Kilmarnock, Dalry, Kilbride, Nodisdale, Montford, Rivisdailmure, Raillston, Flat, and many others, in the shire of Air, which had fallen to the prince and steward of Scotland, through the forfeiture of Robert lord Boyd,* 1.42 &c. &c. The charter is dated 14th October 1482, and he was the second lord Boyd, but dying without is∣sue, anno 1484, the estate and honours again returned to the crown, but were afterwards conferred upon his cousin and heir-male Ro∣bert, son of his uncle Alexander, to whom we now return,

XI. ALEXANDER, second son of Robert lord Boyd, great chamberlain of Scotland, a man of great worth and honour, got much in∣to favour with king James IV.* 1.43 who constitut∣ed him bailie and chamberlain of Kilmarnock, anno 1505; and he was then designed silius quondam Roberti domini Boyd.

He married a daughter of sir Robert Col∣vile of Ochiltree, by whom he had three sons.

1. Robert, afterwards lord Boyd.

2. Thomas, ancestor of the Boyds of Pit∣con.

3. Adam, of whom the Boyds of Pinkhill and Trochrig, &c. are descended.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

XII. ROBERT, who having served king James V. faithfully and honestly, both at home and abroad,* 1.44 was in great savour with that prince, who restored him to the honours and estates of the lord Boyd, anno 1536.

He was afterwards served and retoured heir to James lord Boyd, his father's brother's son, in the lands and barony of Kilmarnock,* 1.45 Dal∣ry, Kilbride, &c. &c. 11th March 1544, and was third lord Boyd.

He married Helen, daughter of sir John Somervile of Camnethan, by whom he had a son,

Robert, his heir,—and a daughter,

Margaret, married to sir Neil Montgomery of Lenshaw.

He again got confirmed to him by queen Mary, all the estates, honours and dignities that belonged to the deceast Robert lord Boyd,* 1.46 his grandfather, with a novodamus, &c. dated anno 1549; and he dying soon there∣after, was succeeded by his son,

XIII. ROBERT, fourth lord Boyd, a man of great honour and integrity, a firm and stea∣dy friend of queen Mary. He never desert∣ed her interest till it was totally suppressed in Scotland; but he afterwards came to be in great favour with the king,* 1.47 and was one of the commissioners appointed to negotiate a treaty with the court of England, anno 1578.

He married Margaret,* 1.48 daughter and heiress of John Colquhoun of Glins, by whom he had three sons and four daughters.

1. Robert, master of Boyd,* 1.49 who, upon his father's resignation, got a charter of several lands, anno 1555, but died before him with∣out issue.

2. Thomas, his father's heir.

3. William,* 1.50 who married the heiress of Badenheath, with whom he got that barony.

1st daughter, Giles, married to Hugh earl of Eglington, without issue.

2. Agnes, married to sir John Colquhoun of Luss, and had issue.

3. Christian, married to sir James Hamil∣ton of Evandale, and had issue.

4. Elizabeth, married to John Cunning∣hame of Drumquhassel.

He died in the 72d year of his age, anno 1589, and was succeeded by his son,

XIV. THOMAS, fifth lord Boyd, who got charters under the great seal,* 1.51 Thomae domino Boyd, of many lands and baronies, inter 1595 et 1599.

He married Margaret, daughter of sir Mat∣thew Campbell of Loudoun,* 1.52 by whom he had four sons and three daughters.

1. Robert, master of Boyd.

2. Sir Thomas Boyd of Bedlay.

3. Adam, who married Margaret,* 1.53 sister of Robert Galbraith of Kilcroich.

4. John Boyd, Esq;.

1st daughter, Maiana, married to James earl of Abercorn.

2. Isabel, married to John Blair of that ilk.

3. Agnes,* 1.54 married to sir Gilbert Elphing∣ston of Blythswood.

He died anno 1619.

XV. ROBERT, master of Boyd, eldest son and apparent heir of Thomas the fifth lord,

Page 377

who got a charter from his father, Roberto magistro de Boyd,* 1.55 of several lands, anno 1590.

He married lady Jean Ker, daughter of Mark earl of Lothian, by whom he had two sons.

1. Robert, afterwards lord Boyd.

2. James, ancestor of the present earl of Errol, of whom more hereafter.

He died before his father, and was succeed∣ed by his eldest son,

XVI. ROBERT, who was served heir to his father Robert master of Boyd,* 1.56 anno 1612.

He succeeded to his grandfather anno 1619, and was sixth lord Boyd.

He got charters, under the great seal, of many lands and baronies,* 1.57 inter 1620 et 1625, and married, Ist, Margaret Montgomery, on∣ly daughter and heiress of Robert master of Eglington,* 1.58 by whom he had no issue.

He married, 2dly, lady Christian Hamilton, daughter of Thomas earl of Haddington, by whom he had a son,

Robert, his heir,—and four daughters.

1. Jean, married to Alexander Morrison of Prestongrange.

2. Isabel, married to John Sinclair of Stevenson.

3. Christian, married to sir William Scot of Harden.

4. Marian, married to sir James Dundass of Arniston.

He died anno 1628, and was succeeded by his son,

XVII. ROBERT, seventh lord Boyd, who got charters, under the great seal,* 1.59 of the lands and barony of Kilmarnock, and many others, inter 1632 et 1635.

He married lady Anne Fleming, daughter of John earl of Wigton,* 1.60 but dying without issue, anno 1640, his estate and honours de∣volved upon his uncle and heir-male,

XVI. JAMES, second son of Robert the master before mentioned,* 1.61 was retoured heir to Robert lord Boyd, his brother's son, 8th March 1641, and was the eighth lord Boyd.

He was a man of great worth and honour, a firm and steady friend of the royal family,* 1.62 on which account he suffered many hardships.

He was excepted from pardon,* 1.63 and sined in 1500 l. sterling by Oliver Cromwell, anno 1654.

He married Catharine, daughter of John Craik, Esq; of the city of York, by whom he had a son,

William, his heir—and a daughter,

Eva, married to sir David Cunninghame of Robertland.

He died in the end of the year 1654, and was succeeded by his son,

XVII. WILLIAM, ninth lord Boyd,* 1.64 who was served and retoured heir to his father in the lands and barony of Kilmarnock, &c. &c. anno 1655.

He was also a great loyalist, and king Charles II.* 1.65 in regard of the many faithful ser∣vices performed to the crown, by himself, his father, &c. was pleased to create him earl of Kilmarnock, by patent to him and his heirs∣male for ever, dated 7th August 1661.

He afterwards, upon his own resignation, got a charter under the great seal, containing a novodamus, and a new erection of all his lands in the lordship and barony of Kilmar∣nock, &c.* 1.66 to and in favours of William earl of Kilmarnock, his heirs, &c. dated 30th July 1672.

He married lady Jean Cunninghame, daugh∣ter of William ninth earl of Glencairn, by whom he had four sons and two daughters.

1. William, his heir.

2. Captain James Boyd.

3. Charles.

4. Robert.

Ist daughter, lady Mary, married to sir A∣lexander MacLean.

2. Lady Catharine, married to Alexander Porterfield of that ilk.

He died anno 1692, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XVIII. WILLIAM, fecond earl of Kilmar∣nock, who married Lettice, daughter and heiress of Thomas Boyd, Esq; an eminent merchant in the city of Dublin, by whom he had two sons.

1. William, his heir.

2. Mr. Thomas Boyd, advocate.

He survived his father only a few months, and dying in the end of the year 1692, was succeeded by his eldest son,

XIX. WILLIAM,* 1.67 third earl of Kilmar∣nock, who was served and retoured heir to his father in all the lands, baronies, and lordship of Kilmarnock, &c. &c. 20th July 1699.

He died anno 1717, having married Eu∣pheme, daughter of William lord Ross, by whom he had a son and successor,

XX. WILLIAM, sourth earl of Kilmar∣nock, who married lady Anne Livingston, daughter and sole heiress of James earl of Lin∣lithgow, by whom he had three sons.

1. James, lord Boyd.

2. Charles Boyd, Esq;.

3. William.

Page 378

William, fourth earl of Kilmarnock, having engaged in the rebellion 1745, was taken pri∣soner at the battle of Culloden, carried to London, tried for treason by his peers, found guilty, condemned, and beheaded on Tower∣hill 18th August 1746; his estate, and the honours of Kilmarnock, were forfeited to the crown.

XXI. JAMES, lord Boyd, eldest son of William fourth earl of Kilmarnock, upon the death of Mary countess of Errol, succeeded to the estate and honours thereof, his mother being undoubted heir of line of that noble fa∣mily, and he is now earl of Errol.

Vide Title Hay earl of Errol.

ARMS of Boyd, earl of Kilmarnock.

Azure, a fess cheque argent and gules.

CREST; on a wreath, a dexter hand couped at the wrist, and erect, pointing with the thumb and the two next fingers, the other turning down.

SUPPORTERS; two squirrels proper.

MOTTO; Confido.

CHIEF SEAT.

At Kilmarnock, in the county of Air.

Notes

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