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;.

WEMYSS Earl of WEMYSS.

AS the descent of the noble and illustri∣ous family of Wemyss, from the anci∣ent earls of Fife, is instructed by charters in our public records, and other authentic do∣cuments, still preserved in the family, and mentioned by several historians, to these we refer our readers,* 1.1 and shall here only give a brief account of the origin of their sirname, which, like many others in this country, is certainly local, and was first assumed by the proprietors of the lands (of old) called Wemyss-shire, which contained all that tract of ground lying betwixt the lower part of the water of Ore and the sea.

These lands got their name from the great number of caves that are on them, all along the sea coast. A cave in the old Galic or Celtic language was called Vumhs; from that these lands got the name of Vams-shire. In process of time they came to be called Wemyss-shire; which name they still retain, as will appear from several charters under the great seal, hereafter narrated; and from hence the sirname of the family.

The lands of Wemyss-shire, the parishes of Kennoway, Markinch, Lochoreshire, &c. which lye contiguous to one another, were the undoubted property of the ancient earls of Fife; a great part whereof were given by Gillimichael the fourth earl, and Duncan, his eldest son, to his second son Hugo, the proge∣nitor of this noble family. And as the ma∣ny ample privileges conferred upon the great MacDuss by king Malcolm Canmore, and en∣joyed by his posterity, are fully narrated by our historians, and briefly under the title earl of Fife, page 27 4th of this work, we pro∣ceed to deduce the descent of the family of Wemyss from their immediate ancestor.

IV. GILLIMICHAEL, fourth earl of Fife, great grandson of MacDuff the first earl, was witness to the foundation charter of the ab∣bay of Holyroodhouse,* 1.2 anno 1128, and is mentioned in several other charters of king David I.

He died anno 1139, leaving issue two sons.

1. Duncan, his heir.

2. Hugo, of whom the family of Wemyss is lineally descended.

Duncan, fifth earl of Fife, succeeded his fa∣ther Gillimichael,* 1.3 and made a donation, Deo et ecclesiae Sti. Andreae, &c. ecclesiam de Markinch, cum omnibus pertinen. &c. pro salute animae suae, et Helae comitissae sponsae suae, &c. before the year 1154; in which year earl Duncan died. His male line ended in Duncan the thirteenth earl, who died anno 1353, leaving issue only one daughter, who died without children.

V. HUGO, second son of Gillimichael, the fourth earl,* 1.4 got from his father the lands of Wemyss-shire, some lands in Lochore-shire, and in the parish of Kennoway, all holding of himself and his successors, earls of Fife.

He obtained also from his brother Duncan, the fifth earl, some lands in the parish of Markinch, with the superiority of the pa∣tronage of the church thereof, which is in∣structed by a donation hereafter mentioned.

There is, in the chartulary of Dunferm∣line, in the reign of king Malcolm IV.* 1.5 a pre∣cept directed to Duncan earl of Fife, and Hugo son of Gillimichael, &c. before the year 1165; in which year king Malcolm died.

Hugo died in the year 1167 or 1168, and was succeeded by his son,

VI. HUGO or EGO, who, being proprie∣tor of the lands of Markinch, confirmed his uncle's donation, in these words: Omnibus, &c. Hugo, filius Hugonis filii Gillimichael,

comitis de Fife, sciatis me confirmasse et cor∣roborasse Deo et ecclesiae beati Andreae apostoli, et canonicis ibidem deo servientibus, &c. ec∣clesiam de Markinch, una cum tosta ex orientali parte ecclesiae, cum decimis et omnibus rectitu∣dinibus eidem ecclesiae juste pertinentibus, &c. pro anima mea, &c. to which Nicolaus the chancellor, who died in 1171, and Richard bishop of St. Andrews,* 1.6 who died anno 1173, are witnesses.

This Hugo lived after the year 1200, and left issue a son,

VII. Sir JOHN, who succeeded him in all his lands. He appears to have been a man of distinguished rank and figure, and in his younger days took the app••llation of John of Methkil, from a sea-port town of that name, which is situate near the east end of Wemyss-shire.

This is instructed by a convention betwixt the prior and convent of St. Andrews, and the archdean thereof, wherein Johannes de Methkill,* 1.7 Andreas de Moravia, Robertus de Haya, Galfridus vicecomes de Fife, are wit∣nesses, anno 1212.

He afterwards made a donation of the pa∣tronage of the church of Wemyss to the mo∣nastery of Soltray, in these words:

"Domi∣nus Johannes de Methkill, miles, &c.— dedisse, &c.—deo et ecclesiae Sanctae Trini∣tatis de Soltray, magistro et fratribus ibidem deo servientibus, &c. totum jus quod babeo vel habere potui, vel antecessores mei habue∣runt, vel successores mei habere poterunt in ecclesia Sanctae Mariae de Wemyss,* 1.8 pro ani∣ma mea, et anima comitis Duncani, et pro animabus patris et matris, &c. &c."

This donation has no date, but appears to have been made in the end of the reign of king William, who died anno 1214.

As sirnames began about this time to be frequently used in Scotland, sir John, in the beginning of the reign of king Alexander II. from his lands of Wemyss-shire, assumed that of Wemyss for his sirname, which his whole posterity hath enjoyed ever since.

He had issue three sons.

1. Michael de Wemyss, his heir.

2. Hug•• de Wemyss, who is mentioned in the chartulary of Arbroath, anno 1242; but we can trace him no further.

3. David de Wemyss, to whom his father gave the lands of Cambrun in Kennoway pa∣rish, and he is designed David de Wemyss dominus de Cambrun,* 1.9 in a charter of John Whyt prior of St. Andrews, who died anno 1258. He married and had issue.

Sir John died between the years 1232 and 1236, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

VIII. MICHAEL de WEMYSS, who con∣firmed his father's donation to the monastery of Soltray,* 1.10 of the patronage of the church of Wemyss, &c.

He died before the year 1260, leaving issue a son and successor,

IX. Sir JOHN, the first we have found de∣signed dominus de Wemyss. He renewed the donations of his predecessors to the monaste∣ry of Soltray, which is confirmed by Game∣line bishop of St. Andrews, in these words:

"Confirmasse, &c. magistro et fratribus de Soltray, deo ibidem servientibus, &c. eccle∣siam de Wemyss, quam quidem dominus Jo∣hannes de Wemyss, filius Michaelis de Wemyss, tanquam verus patronus ejusdem ecclesiae eis confirmavit, &c. &c. &c."

The confirmation is dated on the Monday after the feast of Epiphany,* 1.11 anno 1261.

This sir John was a man of parts and ho∣nour, a brave soldier, and in great favour with king Alexander III. He is particular∣ly mentioned by a good author, who designs him Johannes de Wemyss, miles strennus, &c. immediately before the battle of Largis in Cunningham,* 1.12 where king Alexander III. ob∣tained a glorious victory over Haco king of Norway, who had invaded Scotland with a powerful slect and army, anno 1263.

He had issue two sons.

1. Sir Michael, his heir.

2. David de Wemyss, who, with many of his countrymen,* 1.13 was compelled to swear feal∣ty to king Edward I. of England, in 1296.

Sir John died about the year 1286, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

X. Sir MICHAEL de WEMYSS, dominus de eodem, a man of singular worth and merit, of eminent parts and spirit, great prudence and sagacity.

After the death of king Alexander III. king Edward I. of England was extremely desirous to have princess Margaret, daughter to the king of Norway (undoubted heir of the crown of Scotland) married to his eldest son prince Edward. In 1290, the estate•• of the kingdom sent two noble knights, sir Mi∣chael Wemyss, and sir Michael Scot, ambas∣sadors to Norway to bring home the princess, now queen Margaret, nobiles Scotiae duos mi∣lites, scientia et motibus praeclaros, Michaelem Wemyss,* 1.14 et Michaelem Scot, ad regem Norve∣giae pro matrimonio perficiendo, et pro puella ad regnum deducenda, solenniter dire••••erunt, &c.

Buchanan calls them equites Fisani illustres, &c.

They went their embassy to Norway; but, unhappily for them and their country,

queen Margaret died at Orkney in her way to Scotland,* 1.15 anno 1290, or, according to For∣dun, anno 1291.

A monument of this honourable embassy is still preserved in the family of Wemyss, viz. a silver bason of an antique figure, which was given by the king of Norway in a pre∣sent to this sir Michael de Wemyss.

He was one of the commissioners chosen on the part of John Baliol,* 1.16 in the competiti∣on for the crown with Robert Bruce, anno 1292.

In the same year the commissioners met at Berwick upon Tweed, and sir Michael took the oath to king Edward, as sole arbiter in the case,* 1.17 and it is well known how king Ed∣ward determined that important affair in fa∣vours of Baliol.

There is still extant an indenture betwixt dominus Michael de Wemyss,* 1.18 dominus de eodem, et dominus Michael Scot, de Balweary, mili∣tes, in presence of king John Baliol, dated at the monastery of Lindores, anno 1294.

We also find this dominus Michael de Wemyss swearing fealty to king Enward I.* 1.19 of England, anno 1296.

He was one of the magnates Scotiae that sat in the parliament of Air, when king Robert Bruce settled the succession to the crown,* 1.20 in 1315.

In a charter, granted by Duncan earl of Fife to John Clephan of Carslogie, this sir Michael, David his son and apparent heir, and Michael de Wemyss,* 1.21 junior, his grand∣son, are witnesses. The charter has no date, but appears to have been about 1316.

In a perambulation of the marches of some lands belonging to the monastery of Dun∣fermline, and others, dominus Michael de Wemyss, senior, et dominus David de Wemyss, filius ejus,* 1.22 are amongst the arbiters, anno 1319, in which year sir Michael died in an advan∣ced age, and was succeeded by his son,

XI. Sir DAVID de WEMYSS, dominus de eodem. He was one of the great barons who signed that famous letter to the pope, assert∣ing the independency of Scotland,* 1.23 in the year 1320.

He, with consent of his son Michael, con∣firmed to the monastery of Soltray all the do∣nations made by his predecessors, and added several other parcels of land to them,* 1.24 as men∣tioned and bounded in the donation charter,

He married, 1st, Anabella, daughter of sir William Sinclair, which is instructed by an o∣riginal charter of several lands in Lochoreshire, granted by David de Wemyss, son and heir of Michael de Wemyss, dominae Anabellae, filiae domini Willielmi de Sto. Claro, militis, spon∣sae suae,* 1.25 et haeredibus inter ipsos legitime procre∣at. &c.

He married, 2dly, Marjory, daughter of Walter de Ramsay, which appears by a charter of king Robert Bruce, confirming the lands of Glassmont, &c. in tenemento de Kinghorn. to David de Wemyss and Marjory Ramsay his spouse,* 1.26 dated anno regni 23tio, anno dom. 1329.

It may here be observed, that by the pre∣ceeding account it is fully proven by authen∣tick documents, before 1330, that the family of Wemyss had in their possession all the lands premised to have been given by Gilli∣michael fourth earl of Fife, and his eldest son Duncan, to Hugo his second son, their un∣doubted ancestor, viz. the lands of Wemyss-shire, some lands in Lochore-shire, lands in the parishes of Kennoway, Markinch, &c. all which they continued to hold of the earls of Fife, their superiors, till Isabel countess of Fife, only daughter and heiress of Duncan the last earl, having no heirs of her own body, resigned all her lands and superiorities in fa∣vours of Robert duke of Albany, which were afterwards annexed to the crown by the for∣feiture of duke Murdoch, (Vide title earl of Fife.) Then, and ever after, they got their lands holding of the crown.

Sir David de Wemyss died in the end of the reign of king Robert Bruce, leaving issue a son and successor,

XII. Sir MICHAEL de WEMYSS,* 1.27 dominus de eodem, who, in his grandfather's lifetime, was designed dominus Michael de Wemyss, junior, about the year 1316, as before ob∣served.

He confirmed all the donations made by his father and his predecessors, to the religi∣ous of St. Andrews and Soltray, pro salute ani∣mae suae, &c. to which James bishop of St. Andrews, Thomas Randolph earl of Murray, David de Wemyss his cousin, David de Loch∣ore, &c. are witnesses. The confirmation has no date;* 1.28 but, by the witnesses, must have been made betwixt the years 1328 and 1332.

He obtained a charter from Duncan earl of Fife, of the lands of Easter-Munichie, Wester-Dron, &c.* 1.29 in which he is designed Michael de Wemyss, filius et haeres quondam domini Da∣vid de Wemyss, militis, anno 1333.

This sir Michael, with David his son, are particularly mentioned by a good historian, in his account of the siege of Lochleven,* 1.30 in 1335.

In 1336, there were three Scotch knights sent to the parliament of England, viz. sir Michael de Wemyss, sir William de Mun∣lant,

and sir Henry de Ramsay: sir Michael had forty pounds Sterl. allowed him for his expences,* 1.31 sir William Matulant twenty pounds, and sir Henry Ramsay ten pounds.

He left issue three sons.

1. Sir David, his heir.

2. Sir John Wemyss of Rires and Kincal∣drum, who carried on the line of this family, as will be shown hereafter.

3. Michael de Wemyss.

Sir Michael died anno 1342, and was suc∣ceeded by his eldest son,

XIII. Sir DAVID de WEMYSS, dominus de eodem, who being a man of good parts and great interest, made a considerable figure in the reign of king David II. who appointed him high sheriff of the county of Fife.

In a donation to the monastery of Inchcolm, confirmed by Duncan bishop of Dunkeld,* 1.32 David de Wemyss, vicecomes de Fife, is a witness, anno 1351.

He is witness also in a charter of Duncan earl of Fife, to—Green of Ferny, wherein he is designed David de Wemyss, mi∣les, vicecom. de Fife; and in a charter of dame Helen de Maxwell,* 1.33 domina de Kelly, to John Strang of Easter-Pitcorthie, confirmed by king David II. anno regni 29no, 1358.

He died soon thereafter, leaving issue a son and successor,

XIV. Sir DAVID de WEMYSS, dominus de eodem, who, in his father's lifetime, was one of the noble Scotch heirs proposed as sureties for king David's liberty, anno 1354, and was afterwards one of the hostages sent to England for his ransom,* 1.34 in 1357, and was then designed David, son and heir of senior David de Wemyss, knight, &c. anno 1358.

This sir David having no male issue, and but one daughter, made a resignation of his whole lauds and estate in the hands of his su∣perior, in favours of sir John Wemyss of Ri∣res and Kincaldrum, his undoubted heir-male. The resignation is in these words: in manibus nobilis domini, Roberti Stewart co∣mitis de Fife et de Menteith, omnes terras quas idem dominus David de Wemyss tenet de praedicto comite,* 1.35 &c. This deed was solemn∣ly execute in the parish church of Wemyss, anno 1373.

He died in 1375, leaving issue a daughter,

XV. MARGARET WEMYSS, his only child,* 1.36 married to sir John de Inchmartine, knight, to whom she had but one child,

Isabel de Inchmartine, their sole heiress, married to sir Alan Erskine, knight, who, in her right, became possessed of the barony of Inchmartine.* 1.37 They had issue two daughters, their co-heiresses. 1. Isabel. 2. Margaret, married to sir John Glen, knight, but died without male issue.

Isabel, who was great grand-child and heir of line of the last sir David de Wemyss, mar∣ried her cousin, sir John Wemyss of Rires, the undoubted heir-male of the family, being grandson of sir John of Rires and Kincaldrum, before mentioned, to whom we now return.

XIII. Sir JOHN WEMYSS of Rires, se∣cond son of sir Michael, who died in the year 1342, and brother-german of sir David, who was sheriff of Fife in the reign of king David II.* 1.38 got from his father the lands and ba∣rony of Rires; also some lands in Lochore-shire, and made a grant of the mill thereof to Andrew de Valoniis,* 1.39 which were afterwards confirmed to him by a charter under the great seal from king Robert II. dated 5th November 1373.

He obtained likeways from sir Alexander Abernethy, a grant of the lands and barony of Kincaldrum,* 1.40 which became one of his chief titles, and were confirmed to his grandson by a charter under the great seal, after narated.

He died in the end of the year 1357, or beginning of the year 1358, leaving issue a son,

XIV. Sir DAVID WEMYSS of Rires and Kincaldrum,* 1.41 who succeeded him, and was one of the hostages sent to England for king Da∣vid's ransom, in the year 1358.

He died before the year 1373, leaving is∣sue a son and successor,

XV. Sir JOHN WEMYSS of Rires and Kincaldrum, who (when but a young man) married Isabel, daughter and co-heiress of sir Alan Erskine, as before observed, whereby the male and female lines of this noble family were united;* 1.42 and this sir John was ever af∣ter designed sir John of that ilk.

This is fully instructed by an authentick writ,* 1.43 still preserved, wherein sir Alan Er∣skine, dominus de Inchmartine, gave and set to his lovit son, John of Wemyss of that ilk, knight, the lands of Pitlessie, &c. 5th De∣cember 1380.

In consequence of this marriage, and sir David's resignation in 1373, before mention∣ed, sir John became possessed of almost all the estates given by Gillimichael, fourth earl, and his son Duncan, fifth earl of Fife, to the predecessors of the Wemyss family, upon which he got charters from Robert duke of Albany and earl of Fife, superior thereof; all which were afterwards confirmed to him by a charter under the great seal from king Ro∣bert

III. in these words:

"Robertus, &c. Sciatis nos approbasse confirmasse, &c. con∣cessiones illas quas Robertus comes de Fife, frater noster carissimus, fecit et concessit di∣lecto nostro Johanni de Wemyss, militi, de terris de Rires, et de aliis terris quibuscun∣que, qua idem miles tenuit de ipso comite de Fife, et de terris de Myrecairny, de New∣ton, de Markinch, de Nether-Cambrun, de Methkill, de Wester-Tarvit et Tullibreck, cum pertinen. Confirmavimus etiam concessi∣ones illas quas quondam Alexander de Aber∣nethy, miles, fecit et concessit quondam Jo∣hanni de Wemyss, militi, avo dicti Johannis, haereditarie, de terris de Kincaldrum, cum pertinen. Confirmavimus etiam concessiones il∣las quas Alanus de Erskine, Robertus de Li∣vingston, et Johannes de Boswell, milites, fecerunt et concesserunt haereditarie dicto Jo∣hanni de Wemyss, de terris de Reath, Glen∣niston, Powguilde, cum pertinen. jacen. in vicecomitatu de Fife, &c. &c. &c."

The confirmation is dated at Dunfermline,* 1.44 16th October 1393.

He got also, of the same date, another charter under the great seal, with a licence to build a castle upon the lands of Rires, cum turribus, &c. ad formam et fortitudinem prout fibi videbitur expediens,* 1.45 &c. &c. anno regni tertio.

He afterwards built the chapel of St. Ma∣ry at Rires,* 1.46 and mortified lands sufficient for maintaining a chaplain to it, anno 1404.

He was appointed one of the ambassadors extraordinary, to treat with the English a∣bout king James's liberty,* 1.47 anno 1413, and was afterwards one of the hostages for his ransom, anno 1423.

By the said Isabel his wife, he lest issue three sons and two daughters.

1. Sir David, his heir.

2. Duncan de Wemyss, who got from his father the lands and barony of Rires, &c. He was a man of parts, and made a consider∣able figure in his time. He went to England an hostage for king James's ransom,* 1.48 in the place of Alexander de Ogilvi, anno 1432, and was often employed afterwards in negotiati∣ons with the English. He married, and had a son, Michael of Rires; but his male line is long since extinct.

3. Alexander Wemyss. He was father of John of Kilmenie, who got a charter under the great seal,* 1.49 Johanni Wemyss de Kilmanie, et Janetae Wardlaw sponsae suae, de ossicio con∣stabulariae castri et civitatis Sti. Andreae,* 1.50 dat∣ed 12th August 1440. Of this John, Wal∣ter Wemyss of Lathocker, Esq; is the lineal male representative.

1st daughter, Elizabeth, married sir An∣drew Gray,* 1.51 lord of Foulis, ancestor of lord Gray.

2. Eupheme,* 1.52 married to sir William Li∣vingston of Drumray.

Sir John died in an advanced age, in 1428. and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XVI. Sir DAVID de WEMYSS, deminus de eodem, who, in his father's lifetime, en∣tered into an obligation with sir Andrew Gray, lord of Foulis. As the stile of it is a little singular, we have taken the liberty to insert it here in its own words, viz.

"Be it knowen, &c. me Davy of the Wemyss, son and apparent heir of sir John of the Wemyss, lord of Rires, and dame Isabel of the Wemyss, my modyr, to be obleist for me and mine airs, till an honourable man, An∣drew Gray, the son and air of Andrew Gray lord of Foulis, &c. to resign freely twenty pounds worth of land in demayne be year, lyand within Strathardel, in the sheriffdome of Perth, the which lands were the lords of Inchmartine, my fore-bears; to the whilks dame Isabel, my modyr, suc∣ceedit throw line of heretage, to the said Andrew the son, and till Elizabeth my sis∣ter, and all the airs comand betwixt them in the fee, as soon as the said sir John of the Wemyss, my fadyr, is decessit and dead,* 1.53 &c. &c. &c."

dated 24th day of August 1418.

This sir David married Christian, daughter of sir William Douglas of Lochleven, by la∣dy Elizabeth Lindsay his wife,* 1.54 daughter of David earl of Crawfurd, by lady Catharine Stewart his wife, daughter of king Robert II.

By her he had two sons and one daughter.

1. Sir John, his heir.

2. David de Wemyss.

His daughter, Eupheme, married—.

Sir David died anno 1461, and was suc∣ceeded by his eldest son,

XVII. Sir JOHN WEMYSS lord of that ilk, who got a charter, under the great seal, of the lands of Wardropstoun, Balhavel, Strath∣ardil,* 1.55 Inchmartine, Pittmiddle, Kinnaird, Eli∣och, &c. &c. dated 25th July 1468.

He was a man of parts and honour, and was one of the commissioners appointed to negotiate with the English in August 1484. They concluded a treaty, and sir John Wemyss of that ilk was one of the hostages on the part of king James III. in September thereafter.* 1.56

He married Margaret,* 1.57 daughter of sir Ro∣bert Livingston of Drumray, by whom he got the lands of Easter-Wemyss, some lands in Lochore-shire, &c. and by her had a son,

Sir John, his heir,—and a daughter,

Grizel,* 1.58 married to David Boswel of Bal∣muto, Esq;.

He died in the 86th year of his age, anno 1502, and was succeeded by his son,

XVIII. Sir JOHN WEMYSS, lord of that ilk, who, in his father's lifetime, was design∣ed John of Strathardel, which appears by a charter under the great seal, Johanni Wemyss de Strathardel, et Christian•• de Abernethy spon∣sae, suae, of two parts of the lands of Strathardel in Perth-shire,* 1.59 dated 25th July 1468.

By the said Christian, his first wife, a daughter of Laurence, first lord Abernethy of Rothemay and Salton,* 1.60 he had issue five sons and one daughter.

1. Sir David, his heir.

2. Gavin Wemyss.

3. Charles.

4. Thomas, ancestor of the Wemysses of Winthank.

5. John, who married a daughter of sir John Arnot of that ilk, and was father of Henry Wemyss bishop of Galloway.

His daughter, Agnes, married to Patrick Kinnynmonth of that ilk.

He married, 2dly, Helen Dunbar, who is designed relict of sir John Wemyss of that ilk,* 1.61 anno 1507, but by her he had no issue.

He did not long survive his father, but dy∣ing in the year 1506, was succeeded by his eldest son,

XIX. Sir DAVID WEMYSS, lord of that ilk, who was served and retoured heir to his father, in September 1508.

He was a man of great fortitude, singular worth and merit, and highly esteemed by his majesty king James IV. from whom he got charters under the great seal, Davidi Wemyss de eodem, militi, erecting all his lands into one free barony, viz. the lands of Wemyss-shire, Little-Lun, Tulliebreck, Cameron-mill, Du∣niface, Pitconochie, West-Tarvet, &c. in Fife; West-Dron, Elcho, Balhabron, Strath∣ardel, Ardargie, and Kinnaird, in Perth-shire; and Balhavel,* 1.62 &c. in Forfar shire, all compre∣hended in the barony of Wemyss, dated 28th August 1511.

He married, 1st, Elizabeth, daughter of —Lundin of that ilk, by whom he had three sons and one daughter.

1. Sir David, his heir.

2. James.

3. Robert, whose son David got a charter under the great seal, Davidi de Wemyss, filio quondam Roberti de Wemyss, fratris germani Davidis Wemyss de eodem, of the lands of La∣thrisk and Montorpie,* 1.63 dated 24th October 1542.

His daughter, Elizabeth, died unmarried.

He married,* 1.64 2dly, Janet, daughter of An∣drew third lord Gray, by whom he had a son,

John, who obtained from his father the lands of Balhavel in Forfar-shire, and Kin∣naird in Perth-shire.

Sir David accompanied king James IV. to the field of Flowdon, where he was slain in the service of his country, with his royal ma∣ster, on 9th September 1513, and was suc∣ceeded by his eldest son,

XX.* 1.65 Sir DAVID WEMYSS, lord of that ilk, who was served and retoured heir to his father, anno 1514.

In his father's lifetime he got a charter under the great seal, Davidi de Wemyss, filio et haeredi apparenti Davidis Wemyss de eodem, militis, et Catharinae Sinclair sponsae suae, of the lands of Dron,* 1.66 and others, in Perthshire dat∣ed 28th August 1513.

He afterwards got other four charters from king James V. Davidi Wemyss de eodem, mi∣liti, of the lands of Wemyss-shire, and many other lands and baronies, too numerous to be here inserted,* 1.67 in the years 1530, 1537, 1540, and 1541.

He married, 1st, Catharine, daughter of Henry lord Sinclair, by whom he had two sons, and one daughter.

1. Sir John, his heir.

2. James, who married Janet Wardlaw, heiress of Caskieberry, of whom James lord Burntisland, who married the countess of Wemyss, is lineally descended, as will be shown hereafter.

His daughter, Margaret, married to James Wemyss, brother to the laird of Pittencrief.

He married,* 1.68 2dly, Mariota, daughter of sir John Towers of Innerleith, by whom he had a son,

Captain David Wemyss, who got from his father the lands of Strathardel in Perth-shire, &c. upon which he got a charter under the great seal, wherein he is designed frater ger∣manus Johannis Wemyss de eodem, militis,* 1.69 18th June 1553. Of him the Wemysses of Pit∣kenie are descended.

He had also a daughter, Grizel, married, 1st, to Patrick Kinnynmonth of that ilk; 2dly, to David Ramsay of Brackmont.

Sir David died anno 1544, and was suc∣ceeded by his eldest son,

XXI. Sir JOHN, who got from queen Mary four charters under the great seal, Jo∣hanni Wemyss domino de eodem, militi, of the lands of Cameron,* 1.70 Easter-Wemyss, Elcho, and many others, in the years 1548, 1552, 1560, and 1564.

He was a man of great honour, courage, and magnanimity, a firm and steady friend to queen Mary.

In 1547, he, upon the head of the gentle∣men of Fife, gave the English, who landed in that county, a considerable defeat, and kil∣led above seven hundred of them.* 1.71

In 1556, when it was said that queen Ma∣ry intended to impose a tax for levying an army of mercenaries, in cafe of a war, about three hundred gentlemen met at Edinburgh, and commissioned sir John Wemyss and the laird of Calder, to wait on her majesty, and endeavour to dissuade her from such an unpo∣pular measure,* 1.72 and they easily prevailed.

In 1559, sir John got a commission from Francis and Mary, king and queen, to be lord lieutenant of Fife, Kinross, and Clack∣mannan-shires, for suppressing her rebellious subjects,* 1.73 in which he acquitted himself with great fidelity and reputation.

He was one of the Scotch nobles who en∣tered into a solemn bond or association,* 1.74 to stand by, and defend her majesty with their lives and fortunes, against all her enemies.

He was a great protector and benefactor to the religious,* 1.75 particularly to the nuns at El∣cho, who constituted him their heretable bailie.

He got the patronage of the parsonage and vicarage of Methil, disponed to him by arch∣bishop Hamilton,* 1.76 and was made bailie of the water of Leven.

He married, 1st, Margaret, daughter of sir Adam Otterburn of Redhall, lord advocate in the reign of king James V. by whom he had two sons, and four daughters.

1. Sir David, his heir.

2. John de Wemyss, who signalized him∣self in the wars abroad,* 1.77 married a lady of great rank and fortune in Brescia, where he set∣tled; and of him are descended count Wemyss, and several other considerable families of that sirname, which are subsisting in Italy to this day.

1st daughter,—, married to sir Da∣vid Barclay of Cullairny.

2. Elizabeth, married to David Balsour of Montquhany.

3. Agnes, married to sir John Ayton of Dunmore.

4. Eupheme, married to sir David Carne∣gie of Coluthie, ancestor of the earl of South∣esk. —They all had issue.

He married, 2dly, Janet, daughter of A∣lexander Traill of Blebo, by whom he had a son,* 1.78

Gavin Wemyss of Powguild, who married Catharine Wemyss, heiress of Winthank, of whom James Wemyss, now of Winthank, Esq; captain John Wemyss lieutenant-gover∣nor of the castle of Edinburgh, &c. are line∣ally descended.

By said Janet he had also a daughter,

Isabel, married to Andrew Fernie of that ilk.

He died anno 1571, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XXII. Sir DAVID, who get a charter un∣der the great seal,* 1.79 domino Davidi Wemyss de eodem, militi, of the lands of Newton, Mark∣inch, and others, dated 28th January 1574.

He married Cecilia,* 1.80 daughter of William second lord Ruthven, ancestor of the earls of Gowrie, by whom he had five sons, and five daughters.

1. Sir John, his heir.

2. Sir James Wemyss of Bogie,* 1.81 of whom the present sir James Wemyss of Bogie is line∣ally descended; also some considerable families of the name of Wemyss in Ireland.

3. David, ancestor of the Wemysses of Fingask.

4. Henry, progenitor of the Wemysses of Foodie.

5. Patrick, of whom the Wemysses of Rumgay, Craighall, &c. are descended.

1st daughter, Margaret, married to James Bethune of Creich.

2. Cecilia, married to—Kinnyn∣month of that ilk, anno 1585.

3. Jean, married to James Macgill of Ran∣keillor, in 1578.

4. Elizabeth, married to Alexander Wood of Lamyletham, in 1597.

5. Isabel, married to John Auchmoutie of that ilk.

He died anno 1591, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XXIII. Sir JOHN WEMYSS, lord of that ilk, who, in his father's lifetime, got a char∣ter under the great seal, Johanni Wemyss ap∣parenti de eodem,* 1.82 of the lands of Wemyss∣shire, with the castle and mains thereof, Ca∣meron mill, &c. &c. &c. 10th May 1589.

He married, 1st, lady Margaret Douglas, daughter of William,* 1.83 first earl of Morton of the house of Lochleven, by whom he had no surviving issue.

He married, 2dly, Anne Stewart, daugh∣ter of James lord Down, by lady Margaret Campbell,* 1.84 daughter of Archibald fourth earl of Argyle, by whom he had two sons, and four daughters.

1. David, his heir.

2. Sir John, afterwards earl of Wemyss.

1st daughter, Cecilia, married to William second earl of Tullibardin, without issue.

2. Jean, married to Robert lord Colvil of Cliesh.

3. Isabel, married to Hugh eighth lord Lo∣vat, and had issue.

4. Catharine, married to John Haldane of Gleneagles.

He obtained from the duke of Lennox a disposition to the admiralty betwixt Dysart and the water of Leven,* 1.85 anno 1610.

He died in the 85th year of his age, anno 1616, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XXIV. DAVID, who, in his father's life∣time, got a charter under the great seal, Da∣vid, filio et haeredi apparenti Johannis Wemyss de codem, militi,* 1.86 of the lands and barony of Wemyss-shire, with several others, de novo unit. dated 27th June 1605.

He married lady Elizabeth Lesly, daughter of Andrew earl of Rothes, but dying soon after his father, without issue, was succeeded in the whole estate by his brother,

XXIV. Sir JOHN WEMYSS, lord of that ilk, a man of good parts, great honour, and highly esteemed by king Charles I. who created him a baronet,* 1.87 by patent, domino Johanni Wemyss, baronetto de eodem, militi, of the lands, barony, and regality of New Wemyss in Nova Scotia in America, to his heirs-male, dated 29th May 1625.

He then raised him to the dignity of the peerage,* 1.88 by the title of lord Wemyss of Elcho, by patent, dated 1st April 1628.

He got a charter under the great seal, Jo∣hanni domino Wemyss, of the lands and barony of Wester Wemyss,* 1.89 &c. dated 9th August 1630.

His majesty was afterwards pleased further to dignify him with the titles of earl of Wemyss, lord Elcho, Methill, &c. by pa∣tent to him,* 1.90 ejusque haeredibus masculis, in perpetuum, cognomen et insigniade Wemyss ge∣rentibus, dated 25th June 1633.

Though he was a man of mild and mode∣rate principles, he appears to have been on the parliament's side, in the troublesome reign of king Charles I. and was made a pri∣vy councillor for life,* 1.91 and one of the com∣mittee of parliament, anno 1641; and the same in 1644.

Yet his majesty being fully satisfied of his integrity,* 1.92 appointed him his high commissi∣oner to the general assembly, anno 1641.

He married Jean, daughter of Patrick se∣venth lord Gray, by whom he had a son,

David, afterwards earl of Wemyss,— and five daughters.

1. Lady Mary, married to James sixth lord Sinclair.

2. Lady Anne, married, 1st, to Alexander Lindsay of Edzell; 2dly, to Mungo second viscount Stormont.

3. Lady Jean, married, 1st, to sir John Towers of Innerleith; 2dly, to Henry Maule of Balmakelly, Esq; second son of Patrick first earl of Panmure.

4. Lady Elizabeth, married to sir John Ayton of that ilk.

5. Lady Catharine, married to sir David Carnegie of Craig.

He died 22d November 1649, and was succeeded by his son,

XXV. DAVID, second earl of Wemyss, who, in his father's lifetime, got a charter under the great seal,* 1.93 Davidi magistro de Wemyss, of the lands and barony of Wemyss, Little-Lun, Tullibreck, Cameron-mill, and ma∣ny others, in the shires of Fife and Perth, all united to the barony of Wemyss, 14th Janu∣ary 1632.

He afterwards got a charter, Davidi comiti de Wemyss,* 1.94 annui redditus mille et viginti li∣brarum monetae Scotiae, levand. de baronia de Craig, &c. dated 10th June 1661.

He married, 1st, Jean, daughter of Robert lord Burleigh, by whom he had one daughter,

Lady Jean Wemyss, married, 1st, to Ar∣chibald earl of Angus; 2dly, to George earl of Sutherland. She had issue to both.

He married, 2dly, lady Eleanora Fleming, daughter of John earl of Wigton, by whom he had no issue.

He married, 3dly, lady Margaret Lesly, daughter of John earl of Rothes, dowager of James lord Balgony, and Francis earl of Buck∣cleugh, by whom he had another daughter,

Lady Margaret, afterwards countess of Wemyss.

The earl having no male-issue, resigned his honours in the king's hands, and got a new pa∣tent, with the former precedency, to and in favours of his daughter lady Margaret, and the heirs-male of her body;* 1.95 which failing, to the heirs of entail, as contained in her con∣tract of marriage, &c. dated at Whitehall the 3d day of August 1672.

This earl was a man of a great and public spirit. He built a fine and commodious har∣bour at Methil, upon his own charges, made considerable additions to his house, the castle of Wemyss, and greatly beautified that fine seat with terrases, gardens, &c.

He died anno 1680, and was succeeded in his estate and honours by his daughter,

XXVI. MARGARET, countess of Wemyss, who married sir James Wemyss of Caskieber∣ry, lineally descended of James, second son of

sir David de Wemyss, lord of that ilk, before mentioned, the 20th generation of this ac∣count.

He got a charter under the great seal, do∣mino Jacobo Wemyss,* 1.96 &c. castri de Burntisland, &c. dated 3d March 1669.

King Charles II. was pleased afterwards to create him lord Burntisland for life, with all the privileges of a lord of parliament,* 1.97 by pa∣tent, dated at Whitehall the 18th day of A∣pril 1672.

He died anno 1685, leaving issue by the said countess, a son,

David, afterwards earl of Wemyss,— and two daughters,

1. Lady Anne, married to David earl of Leven and Melvil.

2. Lady Margaret, married to David earl of Northesk.

Countess Margaret died anno 1705, and the estate and honours devolved upon her son,

XXVII. DAVID, third earl of Wemyss, a man of great honour and integrity, and was one of the lords of the privy council to her majesty queen Anne.

In 1706, he was constituted lord high ad∣miral of Scotland, and was named one of the commissioners for the treaty of union with England; upon the conclusion whereof, he was declared vice-admiral of Scotland; which office he enjoyed till the queen's death.

He was elected one of the sixteen Scotch peers, to the first and second British parlia∣ments.

He married, 1st, lady Anne Douglas, daugh∣ter of William duke of Queensberry, by whom he had two sons.

1. David, lord Elcho, a youth of great hopes and spirit, who died unmarried in the 17th year of his age, much lamented.

2. James, afterwards earl of Wemyss.

He married, 2dly, Mary, daughter of sir John Robertson of Farningwood in North∣amptonshire, baronet, by Mary his wife, daughter of sir William Dudly of Clopton, baronet, by whom he had no issue.

He married, 3dly, Elizabeth, daughter of Henry lord Sinclair, by whom he had two daughters.

1. Lady Elizabeth, married to William earl of Sutherland, and was mother of the present earl.

2. Lady Margaret, married to James earl of Murray, and hath issue.

He died anno 1720, and was succeeded by his son.

XXVIII. JAMES, fourth earl of Wemyss, a man of great merit, universal benevolence and hospitality.

He married Janet, daughter and sole heir∣ess of colonel Francis Charteris of Amisfield, by whom he had three sons and four daugh∣ters.

1. David, lord Elcho, who having engag∣ed in the rebellion 1745, was attainted of treason, but made his escape to France, where he now resides.

2. Francis Charteris Wemyss, Esq; who succeeded to his grandfather's estate; and mar∣ried lady Catharine, daughter of Alexander duke of Gordon, and hath issue one son and four daughters.

3. James, who now represents the family.

1st daughter, lady Frances, married to sir James Stewart of Goodtrees, baronet.

2. Lady Walpole, married to—, and died without issue.

3. Lady Anne, married to John Hamilton of Bargeny, Esq;.

4. Lady Helen, married to Hugh Dalrymple of Fordel, Esq;.

As David lord Elcho was incapable of suc∣ceeding, on account of the preceeding attain∣der, earl James made a conveyance of his e∣state in favours of his son James, and dying anno 1756, was accordingly succeeded in the estate of Wemyss by the said,

XXIX. JAMES WEMYSS of Wemyss, Esq; third son of James fourth earl of Wemyss, who is now member of parliament for the county of Fife, &c. He married lady Eliza∣beth, daughter of William earl of Sutherland, by whom he hath issue three sons.

1. James.

2. William.

3. David.

ARMS.

Or, a lion rampant gules, armed and lan∣gued azure.

CREST; on a wreath, a swan proper.

SUPPORTERS; two lions guardant, gules,

MOTTO; Je pense.

CHIEF SEATS,

At the castle of Wemyss, in the county of Fife; a noble situation, with fine gardens, parks, &c. The family had also Elcho castle, in Perthshire, &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Sir Rob Sib∣bald's hist of Fife, sir James Dalrymple's hist. collect appendix to Nisbet, 2dvol. Malcolm's history of the family, who had perused all their writs, &c.
• * 1.2

  Chartulary of St Andrews, and Dun∣fermline.
• * 1.3

  Chartulary of St. Andrews, penes Mac∣Farlane, page 301.
• * 1.4

  Ibid. & Char∣tul. of Dun∣fermline.
• * 1.5

  Ibid. p. 187.
• * 1.6

  Chartulary of St. Andrews, p. 302.
• * 1.7

  Ibid. p. 382.
• * 1.8

  Chartulary of Soltray, in the lawiers li∣brary, Edin.
• * 1.9

  Chartulary of St. Andrews, p. 471.
• * 1.10

  Ibidem.
• * 1.11

  Chartulary of Soltray, p. 1.
• * 1.12

  Fordun, vol. II. p. 97.
• * 1.13

  Prynne's col∣lect. vol. III. p. 361.
• * 1.14

  Fordun, vol. II. p. 136.
• * 1.15

  Fordun, vol. II. p. 136.
• * 1.16

  Rymer's foed. Angliae, tom. II. p. 553.
• * 1.17

  Ibid. p. 594.
• * 1.18

  In archivis familiae de Wemyss.
• * 1.19

  Prynne, vol. III. p. 662.
• * 1.20

  Fordun, vol. II. p. 256.
• * 1.21

  Charta penes Geo. Clephan de Carslogie.
• * 1.22

  Chartulary of Dunfermline, p. 499.
• * 1.23

  Fordun, vol. II. p. 275.
• * 1.24

  Chartulary of Soltray.
• * 1.25

  Chart in ar∣chiv fam. de Wemyss.
• * 1.26

  Ibidem.
• * 1.27

  Charta penes Carslogie, & book of char∣ters in the lawiers libra∣ry Edinburgh, fol. 36.
• * 1.28

  Chartulary of Soltray, No 23.
• * 1.29

  Chart. in ar∣chiv. familiae de Wemyss.
• * 1.30

  Fordun. vol. II. p. 31••.
• * 1.31

  Rymer's foed. Angliae, tom. IV. p. 694.
• * 1.32

  Chartulary of Inchcolm, p. 5.
• * 1.33

  Chart. in pub. archiv. Ni∣bet's append. &c.
• * 1.34

  Rymer's foed. Angliae, tom. V. p. 791. tom. VI. p. 35. and 109.
• * 1.35

  Chart. in ar∣chiv. familiae de Wemyss.
• * 1.36

  Chart. in ro∣tul Rob. II.
• * 1.37

  Lives of the offic. of state, p. 246.
• * 1.38

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.39

  Ibidem.
• * 1.40

  Ibidem.
• * 1.41

  Rymer, tom. VI. p. 109.
• * 1.42

  Lives of the offic. of state.
• * 1.43

  Books of ori∣ginal writs, penes Mac∣Farlane, et ex autographo a∣pud Wemyss.
• * 1.44

  Chart. in ro∣tul. Rob. III.
• * 1.45

  Ibidem.
• * 1.46

  Malcolm's collections.
• * 1.47

  Rymer, tom. IX. p. 5. and tom. X. p. 309.
• * 1.48

  Chart. in pub. archiv. Rymer, tom. X. &c. p. 509. 712. &c.
• * 1.49

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.50

  Charta penes Walterum Wemyss, de Lathocker.
• * 1.51

  Contr. penes dom. Gray, ad ann. 1418.
• * 1.52

  Ibid. ad ann. 1428.
• * 1.53

  In arch. dom. Gray.
• * 1.54

  Chart. in ar∣chiv. familiae de Wemyss, et penes com. de Morton.
• * 1.55

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.56

  Rymer, tom. XII. p. 243.
• * 1.57

  Chart. in ar∣chiv. familiae de Wemyss, et penes dom. Gray.
• * 1.58

  Writs of the family of Wemyss.
• * 1.59

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.60

  Writs of the family of Wemyss.
• * 1.61

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.62

  Ibid. et chart. in archiv. fa∣miliae de Wemyss.
• * 1.63

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.64

  Contr. penes dom. Gra••.
• * 1.65

  Retour in ar∣chiv. familiae de Wemyss.
• * 1.66

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.67

  Ibidem.
• * 1.68

  Writs of the family of Wemyss.
• * 1.69

  Chart. in pub archiv.
• * 1.70

  Ibidem.
• * 1.71

  Bishop Les∣ly's hist.
• * 1.72

  Ibidem.
• * 1.73

  Commission among the family writs.
• * 1.74

  Bond in the lawiers libra∣ry, Edinr. M. S.
• * 1.75

  Writs of the family.
• * 1.76

  Ibidem.
• * 1.77

  Ibid. M. S. in French, trans∣mitted from Italy by count Wemyss to the late earl, in 1734.
• * 1.78

  Ibid. ad ann. 1558.
• * 1.79

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.80

  Writs of the family of Wemyss.
• * 1.81

  Lodge's pe••r∣age of Ireland v. III. p. 307
• * 1.82

  Chart. in pub. archivis.
• * 1.83

  Charta penes com. de Mor∣ton.
• * 1.84

  Writs of the family of Wemys••.
• * 1.85

  Writs of the family of Wemyss.
• * 1.86

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.87

  Ibidem.
• * 1.88

  Ibidem.
• * 1.89

  Ibidem.
• * 1.90

  Diploma ibi∣dem.
• * 1.91

  Minutes of parliament, and rescind∣ed acts.
• * 1.92

  Guthry's me∣moirs, p. 22.
• * 1.93

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.94

  Ibidem.
• * 1.95

  Diploma in cancellaria.
• * 1.96

  Chart. in pub. archiv.
• * 1.97

  Diploma in cancellaria.