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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;.

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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.
Publication
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 April 26, 2025.

Pages

Page 693

FLEMING Earl of WIGTON.

ALL our historians and antiquaries agree, that the progenitors of this noble fa∣mily are originally from Flanders; that a man of rank came from that country in the beginning of the reign of king David I. set∣tled in Scotland, and was called Le Flammang, from the country from whence he came; which afterwards was pronounced Fleming, and from hence the sirname of the family.

It appears from our histories; that for some time they were promiscuously designed Flan∣drenses, Flamang, Le Flamang, and De Fla∣maticus, &c.* 1.1 and after they had assumed Fle∣ming for their sirname, that in Latin was cal∣led Flandrensis.

The first of them we find mentioned in any record is,

I. BALDOWINUS le FLAMANG, who is witness in a grant of Robert bishop of St. Andrews,* 1.2 to Herbert bishop of Glasgow, of the church of Locherworna, &c. in the reign of king David I. who succeeded to the crown of Scotland, anno 1128, and died in 1153.

He had issue one son,

II. JORDANUS le FLAMANG, who, in the reign of king Malcolm IV. is witness in a do∣nation-charter of Ada comitissa,* 1.3 to the mo∣nastery of Dunfermline, pro salute animae suae, &c. Ada comitissa was wife of Henry earl of Northumberland, and died in 1178.

This Jordanus appears to have been much about the court of king William, is witness to many of his charters,* 1.4 and was taken prisoner with him at the battle of Alnwick, anno 1174.

The next upon record is,

III. WILLIELMUS FLANDRENSIS, or le Flamang, who flourished in the reigns of king William and king Alexander II. and was the first of this family that settled in the Western parts of Scotland.

In a deed of king William to the mona∣stery of Kelso,* 1.5 Willielmus Flandrensis, Huge cancellarius, Patricius comes, &c. are wit∣nesses, before the year 1199, in which year the chancellor died.

He is witness to another charter of the same prince,* 1.6 confirming the teinds of Linlithgow to the nuns of Manuel, before the year 1214, in which king William died.

In a donation of Richard le Bard, to the monastery of Kelso,* 1.7 confirmed by king Alexan∣der II. Willielmus Flamang is a witness, anno 1228.

In the end of the reign of king Alexander II. and beginning of king Alexander III. we find in Scotland several of the sirname of Fle∣ming, or de Flandrensis, whom we cannot pre∣tend to connect with one another, besides sir Malcolm, progenitor of this family, of whom afterwards, viz.

Dominus Duncanus Flandrensis,* 1.8 who is wit∣ness to the donation of the lands of Halding∣ston to the monastery of Paisley, confirmed by king Alexander II. who died anno 1249.

Also Simon Flandrensis, who is mentioned in the resignation which Johannes filius Rogeri made to the monks of Paisley,* 1.9 of the lands of Auldhouse, &c. afterwards confirmed by king Alexander III. &c. &c. &c.

We now return to,

IV. Sir MALCOLM, first designed Flan∣drensis, but afterwards Fleming, which hath ever since continued to be the sirname of the family.

In a donation of Walter lord high steward of Scotland, of the church of Largyss, to the monastery of Paisley,* 1.10 Malcolmus Flandrensis is a witness, in or before 1246, in which year Walter the high steward died.

This sir Malcolm was a man of great di∣stinction in the west of Scotland, had the ho∣nour of knighthood conferred upon him, and was appointed sheriff of Dunbarton by king Alexander III.

In a confirmation-charter of Malcolm (first of that name) earl of Lennox, of the lands of Luss,* 1.11 to Malcolm son of John de Luss, Mal∣colmus vicecomes de Dunbarton, et Hugo Fle∣ming milites, are witnesses. The charter has no date, but appears to have been granted before the year 1280. Whether this sir Hugh was brother of sir Malcolm, we cannot pre∣tend to determine; but the Flemings were become numerous in Scotland before the reign of king Robert Bruce, there being no less than eight of that sirname to be found swear∣ing allegiance to king Edward I. of England,* 1.12 anno 1296; and that besides sir William Fle∣ming of Barochan, who is witness in a char∣ter of Malcolm earl of Lennox,* 1.13 of the lands of Dalquharne, to Walter Spruel, in the end of the reign of king Alexander III. The same sir William of Barochan is witness also to a donation of Colin,* 1.14 son of sir Gillespic Camp∣bell, ancestor of the duke of Argyle, anno 1293. And William Fleming is to be found swearing fealty to king Edward of England,* 1.15 anno 1304.

Page 694

Sir Malcolm was succeeded by his son,

V. Sir ROBERT FLEMING, a great hero and patriot.* 1.16 He was one of the Scotch nobles who wrote to king Edward I. of England, con∣cerning the marriage of queen Margaret with his son prince Edward, anno 1290.

And though he, with many of his coun∣trymen, had been compelled to swear allegi∣ance to king Edward I. of England, yet as he believed a forced oath was not binding, he was amongst the first men of rank in the kingdom that joined king Robert Bruce, in defence of the liberties of his country, was with him at Dumfries,* 1.17 when the Cummin was dispatched for betraying him, and was very instrumental in getting the crown set upon that great man's head, anno 1306.

Sir Robert being deservedly in great favour, and highly esteemed by king Robert Bruce, obtained from him, for his many faithful ser∣vices, grants of several lands, particularly the lordship of Lenzie,* 1.18 and barony of Cumber∣nauld, then in the crown, by the forfeiture of the Cummins.

He left issue two sons.

1. Sir Malcolm, his heir.

2. Sir Patrick Fleming of Biggar, who car∣ried on the line of this family, of whom after∣wards.

This great man died before the year 1314, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

VI. Sir MALCOLM FLEMING, designed of Fulwood and Cumbernauld, a man of sin∣gular honour and integrity, who, on account of his own merit,* 1.19 and the great services of his worthy father, obtained from his majesty a new grant of the whole lands and barony of Kirkintulloch, in Dunbartonshire, which formerly belonged to sir John Cummin, knight, by his royal charter, dated anno 1314.

He got another charter under the great seal,* 1.20 of the lands and barony of Auchindoun, in the same county, upon the resignation of sir Malcolm Drummond of that ilk, anno 1316.

He obtained also from Walter lord high steward of Scotland,* 1.21 an annuity out of the barony of Kers, by a charter dated on the feast of St. Dunstan, anno 1321.

He was likeways, by his majesty, appoint∣ed high sheriff of the county,* 1.22 and governor of the castle of Dunbarton; which offices he executed with great fidelity.

He died in the end of the reign of king Robert Bruce, and left issue a son,

VII. Sir MALCOLM FLEMING of Cum∣bernauld, who succeeded him, and inherited all the virtues of his worthy ancestors, was a firm and steady friend of the royal family;* 1.23 and in the beginning of the reign of king David Bruce, was constituted governor of Dunbarton castle; in which office he did his country signal service.

This sir Malcolm's capacity and integrity being well known to the whole nation, he was intrusted with the tuition of the young king.

After the unfortunate battles of Duplin and Halidonhill, when the Baliol's party be∣gun to prevail and increase, the governor and estates of the nation thought it adviseable to send his majesty and his royal consort to France, for the more security of their persons, and the faithful sir Malcolm was pitched upon to be their conductor; which important charge he executed with dexterity and success.* 1.24 They arrived safe in France, and met with a most noble and kind reception from king Philip.

Sir Malcolm immediately returned to his government and command of the castle of Dunbarton, which he nobly defended, ahd kept out against the whole Baliol party, when almost every other fort in the kingdom had fur∣rendered to them;* 1.25 so that it became the only asylum and safe retreat for the loyalists during the absence of king David.

The guardians of Scotland, having at last re∣covered a great part of the nation to the king's obedience, longed much to have his majesty again amongst them. The brave sir Mal∣colm Fleming was thought the fittest man in the kingdom to be employed in that great trust. He went to France accordingly. He again performed his office with prudence and fidelity,* 1.26 and had the good fortune to conduct his majesty safe back to Scotland in July 1342.

King David was no sooner in possession of his kingdom, than he begun to reward his faithful servants. He created sir Malcolm Fleming earl of Wigton, and bestowed upon him all the lands belonging to that earldom, to him and the heirs male of his body,* 1.27 &c. by his royal charter, dated at Air, 9th No∣vember 1342; and as this charter, which contains many clauses very honourable for the family, is fully narrated in Crawfurd's peer∣age, page 493, to that we refer our readers.

In the beginning of the year 1346, he made a donation to the monastery of Newbottle,* 1.28 pro salute animae suae, &c. to which Duncan and Walter Flemings were witnesses.

This noble earl accompanied king David in his unfortunate expedition into England, was taken prisoner with him at the battle of Durham,* 1.29 anno 1346; was for some time con∣fined

Page 695

in the tower of London, but was re∣leased soon afterwards, and was very instru∣mental in forming embassies for procuring his royal master's liberty, which at last was hap∣pily accomplished in the year 1357; the earl himself being then one of the Scotch com∣missioners who managed that important ne∣gotiation.* 1.30

The earl had a son,

VIII.—, his apparent heir, whose Christian name is not come to our knowlege, but he died before the year 1351, leaving issue a son,

Thomas.

The old earl died about the year 1362, and was succeeded in his estate and honours by his grandson,

IX. THOMAS, second earl of Wigton. He was one of the noble Scotch heirs proposed to be sureties for king David's liberty, in the year 1351, and is then designed nepos et hae∣res comitis de Wigton;* 1.31 but that negotiation took no effect.

He was afterwards sent to England one of the hostages for his majesty's ransom,* 1.32 and is still designed grandson and apparent heir of Malcolm earl of Wigton, anno 1358.

After the death of his grandfather, he got a charter, under the great seal from king Da∣vid II. totius comitatus de Wigton, cum perti∣nen. to be holden, and possessed as fully and freely by this Thomas earl of Wigton, as the same was granted to, and enjoyed by the deceased Malcolm earl of Wigton,* 1.33 his grand∣father, &c. The charter is dated 26th Ja∣nuary, the 37th year of his reign, anno 1366.

This earl having no lawful children, and being very sensible that in consequence of the king's royal grant of the earldom of Wigton, failing lawful male issue of his body, that earldom must return to the crown: he there∣fore, and on account of the seuds subsisting betwixt him and the great men of that earl∣dom (as the deed bears) fells and dispones to Archibald Douglas, lord of Galloway, for the sum of five hundred pounds sterling, the whole foresaid earldom, with its pertinents, by his charter thereof,* 1.34 dated 16th February 1371, which was afterwards ratified and con∣firmed to the earls of Douglas,* 1.35 by many char∣ters under the great seal.

Immediately thereafter, the earl resigned his baronies of Lenzie, Cumbernauld, and se∣veral others of his lands, in favours of his cousin and heir-male, sir Malcolm Fleming of Biggar, which were also ratified and confirm∣ed by charters under the great seal, as will be shown hereafter.

This earl dying without lawful issue, in him ended the male line of sir Malcolm of Cumbernauld, eldest son of the said sir Ro∣bert Fleming. The representation, therefore, of this noble family devolved upon sir Mal∣colm Fleming of Biggar, son of sir Patrick, before mentioned, to whom we now return.

VI. Sir PATRICK FLEMING, second son of sir Robert, and brother german of the first sir Malcolm of Cumbernauld, was likeways a faithful and steady friend of king Robert Bruce,* 1.36 who appointed him high sheriff of the county of Peebles.

He married one of the daughters and co∣heiresses of the brave sir Simon Fraser of Oli∣ver-castle, by whom he got the lands and ba∣rony of Biggar, which became one of the chief titles of the family; and,* 1.37 in conse∣quence of this marriage, they have ever since continued to quarter the arms of Fraser with their own.

He was succeeded by his son,

VII. Sir MALCOLM FLEMING of Big∣gar, who obtained from Malcolm earl of Wig∣ton, dilecto consanguineo suo, Malcolmo Fle∣ming de Biggar,* 1.38 a grant of the lands of Auch∣moir, Seymoir, &c. by a charter, dated anno 1357.

He was also a man of great worth and me∣rit, and was by king David II. appointed she∣riff of the county of Dunbarton,* 1.39 anno 1364.

Upon the resignation of his cousin Thomas earl of Wigton, he got the lands and barony of Lenzie, and others, as before observed, which were confirmed to him by a charter under the great seal from king Robert II. Malcolmo Fleming domino de Biggar,* 1.40 militi, totam baroniam de Lenzie, &c. &c. dated anno 1383.

He died soon thereafter, and, by Christian his wife, left issue two sons.

1. Sir David, his heir.

2. Patrick, to whom he gave a part of the lands of Lenzie, upon which he got a charter under the great seal, Patricio Fleming, filio secundo genito Malcohni domim de Biggar, &c. dated anno 1375.* 1.41 He was ancestor of the Flemings of Bord, &c.

Sir Malcolm was succeeded by his eldest son,

VIII. Sir DAVID FLEMING, promiseu∣ously designed of Biggar and Cumbernauld, a man of great courage and resolution, who re∣markably distinguished himself at the battle of Otterburn, where the Scots obtained a vic∣tory over the English, though their brave

Page 696

general,* 1.42 the earl of Douglas, was slain, anno 1388.

He got a grant from king Robert III. of an annuity of fifty pounds per annum for his life, payable by the religious at Holyrood-house, by his royal charter,* 1.43 Davidi Fleming domino de Biggar, dated in 1390.

He afterwards got charters of the lands of Glenrusco, Cumbernauld, and many others, in the years 1395,* 1.44 1399, and 1404, by which it appears he was possessed of an opu∣lent estate.

He was one of the Scotch commissioners appointed to settle a truce with the English, and is then designed David Fleming,* 1.45 dominus de Biggar, miles, anno 1404.

He was a liberal benefactor to the religious, and made several considerable donations to the monasteries of Holyrood-house and Cam∣buskenneth, of which we shall here mention only one: David Fleming dominus de Biggar, cum consensu Malcolmi Fleming filii nostri, et haeredis, pro salute animae domini Malcolmi Fleming, quond. nostri genitoris, et Christi∣anae quond. genitricis nostrae,—animae nostrae et Isabellae sponsae meae,* 1.46 confirmasse monasterio de Cambuskenneth,—terrarum de Mautoun cum pertinen. quae dudum vocatur Ladyland, &c. &c. 8th November 1399.

He married, 1st, Jean, daughter of sir Da∣vid Barclay, lord of Brechin, by whom he had only one daughter,

Marian, married to sir William Maule, ba∣ron of Panmure, who carried on the line of that family.

He married,* 1.47 2dly, Isabel, heiress of the ba∣rony of Monycabo, by whom he had two sons.

1. Sir Malcolm, his heir.

2. David, ancestor of the Flemings of Boghall, whose son, Malcolm, got a charter under the great seal, Malcolmo Fleming de Boghall,* 1.48 of the lands and barony of Boghall, Hadolistane, &c. dated 15th June 1452.

Sir David, with a considerable body of his friends and followers, accompanied prince James (afterwards king James I.) when he went to take shipping at the Bass, intending to go to France. He saw him safe on board, and, in his return home, was, at the instiga∣tion of sir Alexander Seton, attacked at Long∣hermiston-muir by sir James Douglas, with a body of men; where, after a smart conflict, sir David was slain on 24th February 1405. As this dissers greatly from doctor Abercrom∣bie and Mr. Crawfurd's account of this affair, we shall here take the liberty to insert the words of our author:* 1.49

"Dominus David Fle∣ming de Cumbernauld, in redeundo, Jacobus de Douglas, filius secundo genitus Archibal∣di Douglas, comitis ejusd. provocatus per Alexandrum de Seton, qui postea fuit dominus de Gordon, et cum sibi faventibus, insecutus est dictum David, quem apud moram de Longherdmanstoun apprehendit, ubi dira pugna commissa, occisus est dominus David, &c."

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

IX. Sir MALCOLM FLEMING, lord of Biggar and Cumbernauld, a man of singular merit and great integrity, who had the ho∣nour of knighthood conferred upon him by king Robert III.

He was one of the Scotch commissioners, appointed to treat with the English about king James I.'s liberty,* 1.50 anno 1421, and was afterwards one of the hostages for his ransom, anno 1424.

He married lady Elizabeth Stewart, daugh∣ter of Robert duke of Albany, governor of Scotland,* 1.51 by whom he had a son,

Sir Robert, afterwards lord Fleming,— and a daughter,

Margaret, married to Patrick, son and ap∣parent heir of Andrew second lord Gray.

Sir Malcolm's near connection with the duke of Albany, made him suspected to have been concerned with him in some treason∣able practices against the state: he was there∣fore apprehended, and confined; but his in∣nocence being made appear,* 1.52 he was soon set at liberty.

He was a constant and faithful friend of the young earl of Douglas, and was invited along with him to the castle of Edinburgh, by the chancellor Crichton, where he was bar∣barously murdered,* 1.53 with that noble lord, and his young brother, in November 1441.

He was succeeded by his only son,

X. Sir ROBERT, who got several char∣ters under the great seal, Roberto Fleming do∣mino de Biggar, of the lands of Pitkenny, Culzeny,* 1.54 and Balardy, in Fife-shire, with the lands of Auchtermonzy, and others, in the Lennox, anno 1451.

In the same year he got another charter from king James II. erecting the town of Biggar into a free burgh of barony, and by the same prince was created a lord of parlia∣ment,* 1.55 by the title of lord Fleming of Cum∣bernauld.

He married, 1st, lady Janet, daughter of James seventh earl of Douglas, by whom he had a son,

Malcolm, master of Fleming,—and two daughters.

1. Elizabeth, married to John lord Li∣vingston.

2. Beatrix, married to sir William Stir∣ling of Keir.

Page 697

Robert lord Fleming got a safe conduct to go up to England,* 1.56 anno 1484, and to return again within twelve months.

He lived to a great age, and died in 1495.

XI. MALCOLM, master of Fleming, only son and apparent heir of Robert lord Fle∣ming, was designed sir Robert of Monycabo.

He was witness in the earl of Crawfurd's commission, as procurator for king James III. concerning his marriage with princess Marga∣ret of Denmark, and is then designed son and apparent heir of Robert lord Fleming,* 1.57 in 1474.

He married Eupheme,* 1.58 daughter of James lord Livingston, by whom he had two sons.

1. Sir David, who got a charter under the great seal, Davidi Fleming, militi, of the lands and barony of Lenzie, Cumbernauld, &c. &c. with the castle and forest thereof, in the year 1480;* 1.59 but he died before his fa∣ther without issue.

2. John, who carried on the line of this family.

The master died betwixt the years 1482 and 1485, and was succeeded by his only sur∣viving son,

XII. JOHN, who succeeding also to his grandfather, anno 1495, was second lord Fle∣ming.

Tho' he was young at his father's death, yet he got a liberal education suitable to his high birth, under the care of his grandfather, and was a man of great parts and fine accom∣plishments.

He got a charter under the great seal from king James IV. Johanni domino Fleming, et Euphemiae Drummond ejus sponsae,* 1.60 of the lands and barony of Thankerton, and others, dated 5th March 1496.

He was served and retoured heir to his father and grandfather,* 1.61 anno 1500.

When the queen got infeftment of the earldom of Dunbar, as part of her jointure, John lord Fleming was one of the witnesses,* 1.62 anno 1503.

He got another charter, under the great seal,* 1.63 of the lands and barony of Monycabo, and others, dated 8th May 1509.

In the beginning of the reign of king James V. he was, by the estates of the nati∣on,* 1.64 sent one of the plenipotentiaries to the court of France, and managed the negotiati∣on with dexterity and success.

Upon his return home, the queen regent appointed him one of the lords of her council, and he was again sent ambassador to the court of France, to receive 100,000 franks, and some arms and ammunition, from king Lewis XII. with which he had promised to assist his old allies the Scots.* 1.65

Upon the queen's marriage with the earl of Angus, the regency devolved upon the duke of Albany, with whom lord Fleming was in great favour, and was one of the Scotch no∣bles who signed and sealed the answer of re∣fusal to the king of England,* 1.66 touching the removal of the duke of Albany from the guar∣dianship of the young king, anno 1516.

He was then appointed lord great cham∣berlain of Scotland, and was one of the lords sitting in parliament when a treaty with the English was approven of and ratified in 1517.* 1.67

During the duke of Albany's regency, Scotland being threatened with an invasion from England, the regent himself went to France to desire succours from that crown. The affair took up longer time than was expected, and the estates of the nation in 1519 sent the lord chamberlain to hasten his return home: he was very assisting to him in his negotiation, and managed his business with such prudence and dexterity, that the duke regent and he arrived in Scotland together,* 1.68 with assurance of the desired supplies, anno 1520.

He married, 1st, Eupheme, daughter of John lord Drummond, by whom he had two sons, and three daughters.

1. Malcolm, his heir.

His other son, also called Malcolm, was bred to the church, and, by king James V. was appointed prior of Whittern.* 1.69

1st daughter, Elizabeth, married to Willi∣am lord Crichton of Sanquhar, ancestor of the earl of Dumfries.

2. Margaret, married to John Cunning∣ham of Glengarnock.

3. Jean, married, 1st, to John, eldest son and apparent heir of sir James Sandilands of Calder; 2dly, to David Crawfurd of Kerse.

He married, 2dly, lady Margaret Stewart, daughter of Matthew second earl of Lennox: 3dly, Agnes Somerville; but had no issue by either.

The lord Fleming continued in the cham∣berlain's office with the universal applause of the whole nation, till he was barbarously as∣sassinated by John Tweedie of Drumelzier,* 1.70 and his accomplices, 1st day of November 1524.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

XIII. MALCOLM, third lord Fleming, a man of great abilities, integrity and honour, and a mighty favourite of king James V. who, immediately upon his father's death, consti∣tuted him lord high chamberlain of Scotland;

Page 698

which office he enjoyed,* 1.71 as long as he lived, with great reputation and honour.

He was possessed of an immense estate, which appears by no less than twelve char∣ters, under the great seal, of many lands and baronies lying in different counties, too nu∣merous to be here inserted, granted between the years 1525 and 1540;* 1.72 several of them to him and Janet Stewart, the king's sister, his spouse, &c.

When the king went to France to espouse princess Magdalene, daughter of king Francis I. he took the lord chamberlain along with him, who was very assisting to his majesty in all his negotiations,* 1.73 some whereof were of very great importance.

When the king raised an army to invade England by the western borders, the lord chamberlain joined them, and was taken pri∣soner at the unfortunate battle of Solway∣moss, in 1542; but obtained his liberty for paying a ransom of 1000 m••erks sterling,* 1.74 anno 1543.

The lord chamberlain was at first on the king of England's side, in relation to the match between the young queen Mary and prince Edward of England; but the refor∣mation being begun in that kingdom, and he being a staunch Roman Catholic, determined to oppose every appearance of innovation or change in the established religion of the king∣dom: he therefore left the English party, and went over to the French,* 1.75 believing it more for the interest of his country.

In the year 1545, he founded and largely endowed a collegiate church at Biggar, for a provost, eight prebends, sour singing boys and six poor men,* 1.76 reserving the presentation and patronage thereof to himself and his suc∣cessors for ever.

Soon after this a war broke out between Scotland and England. The earl of Hart∣ford, protector of that kingdom, invaded this country with a powerful ••leet and army. The governor of Scotland raised what forces he could to oppose him. They came to an en∣gagement at Pinkie-field, near Musselburgh. The English obtained the victory, and the lord chamberlain, with a great many of the flower of the nobility of Scotland, were kil∣led on the spot,* 1.77 on the 10th day of Septem∣ber 1547.

By the said Janet Stewart, a natural daugh∣ter of king James IV.* 1.78 by Agnes countess of Bothwell, daughter of James earl of Buchan, he left issue two sons, and four daughters.

1. James, his heir.

2. John, who succeeded his brother.

1st daughter, Janet, married, 1st, to John master of L••vingston, without issue; 2dly, to Richard, son and apparent heir of Andrew Brown of Hartry, Esq;.

2. Agnes, married to William lord Li∣vingston, mother by him of Alexander first earl of Linlithgow.

3. Margaret, married, 1st, to Robert ma∣ster of Montrose, eldest son of William the second earl; 2dly, to Thomas master of Er∣skine, son and heir apparent of John fifth earl of Marr; 3dly, to John fourth earl of Athole, chancellor of Scotland in the mino∣nority of king James VI.

4. Mary, married to sir William Maitland of Leithington, secretary of state in the reign of queen Mary.

He was succeeded by his eldest son,

XIV. JAMES, sourth lord Fleming, also a man of great worth and merit.

He was, by the favour of queen Mary, with consent of the duke of Chattelherault, the governor, constituted great chamberlain of Scotland for life, by a patent under the great seal, 10th March 1553, in which are ful∣ly set forth the great and faithful services done to the crown by his father and noble ance∣stors,* 1.79 with many other clauses very honour∣able for the family.

As his capacity and integrity were well known to the whole nation, he was nam∣ed one of the commissioners by parliament, to go to France, and assist in compleating the queen's marriage with the dauphine, anno 1557, where he strenuously stood up for the rights and liberties of his country; but he died at Paris in the year 1558,* 1.80 not without suspicion of soul play.

By lady Barbara Hamilton, his wise, daugh∣ter of James duke of Chattelherault, he had only one daughter,

Jean, married, 1st, to John lord Thirle∣stane; 2dly, to Gilbert earl of Cassilis.

And having no male issue, his estate and honours devolved upon his brother,

XIV. JOHN, fifth lord Fleming, who, in his brother's lifetime, got a charter under the great seal, Johanni Fleming, fratri germano Jacobi domini Fleming,* 1.81 of the lands of Auch∣termony, and others, 17th January 1557.

He was a man of great integrity, honour, and probity, and invariably attached to the interest of queen Mary, who, on account of his own merit, and the sufferings of his pre∣decessors in the service of the royal family, was pleased to appoint him lord high cham∣berlain of Scotland for life,* 1.82 by patent dated 30th June 1565.

In 1567, he had a grant of the thirds of the profits and rents of the priory of Whittern,

Page 699

was apointed justiciar within the bounds of the Over-ward of Clydsdale, and sherrifdom of Peebles,* 1.83 and was also made governor of Dun∣barton castle.

He was one of the noble Scotch lords who entered into a solemn bond of association, to stand by and defend queen Mary with their lives and fortunes,* 1.84 against all mortals. Signed at Hamilton the 8th day of May 1568.

He held out the castle of Dunbarton long for queen Mary against her enemies; but it was at last surprised and taken by captain Crawford of Jordanhill;* 1.85 and the governor, with great difficulty, escaped in a small boat, anno 1571.

He married Elizabeth, only daughter and heiress of Robert master of Ross, son and ap∣parent heir of Ninian second lord Ross, by whom he had one son,

John, afterwards earl of Wigton,—and three daughters.

1. Mary, married to sir James Douglas of Drumlanrig, ancestor of the duke of Queens∣berry.

2. Elizabeth, married to sir Alexander Bruce of Airth.

3. Margaret, married to sir James Forrest∣er of Carden.

They all had issue.

This worthy lord was accidentally wound∣ed in the knee by a musket ball,* 1.86 on the street of Edinburgh, of which he died universally regreted, in April 1572, and was succeeded by his only son,

XV. JOHN, sixth lord, who got a charter under the great seal,* 1.87 Johanni domino Fleming, of the lands of Boghall, Milntown, Arrotshill, &c. anno 1582.

He was appointed principal house-keeper to the king anno 1587,* 1.88 and got another charter of the lands and baronies of Auchtermony, Lenzie, the burgh of Kirkintulloch, Cumber∣nauld, &c. &c. anno 1588.

We think it proper here to observe, that amongst the writs of the family of Wigton, there is a procuratory of resignation, where∣by this John lord Fleming resigns into the king's hands, his whole lands, for new infest∣ment to himself, and the heirs-male of his body; which sailing, to Alexander Fleming of Barochan, and the heirs-male of his body; which sailing, to his own nearest heirs-male whatever, bearing the name and arms of Fle∣ming; which yet failing, to his own nearest lawful heirs or assignees whatsoever, with this provision, that in case this lord has no heirs-male of his own body, but only daugh∣ters, then the other heirs-male succeeding were to pay 20,000 merks to one, 30,000 merks to two daughters, and 40,000 merks if more; upon payment whereof, the said daughter or daughters should be obliged to denude,* 1.89 &c. &c. Sealed and dated at Edin∣burgh the 8th July 1595, with charter and sasine following thereon, anno 1596.

This noble lord was in great favour with king James VI. who was pleased further to dignify him with the titles of earl of Wigton, lord Fleming and Cumbernauld,* 1.90 by patent dated at Whitehall, 19th March 1606.

This patent we have not seen, but it is said to be to heirs-male general; and there is a pro∣curatory of resignation by this earl, in imple∣ment of his son John lord Fleming, master of Wigton, his contract of marriage, which runs thus:* 1.91

"For new infeftment to be given to the said master, and the heirs-male to be procreate of that marriage; which failing, to the heirs-male of his body, of any sub∣sequent marriage; which failing, to return to the said earl, and his heirs of tailzie men∣tioned in his last infeftment,"
&c. This procuratory is dated 2d September 1609; upon which there passed a charter under the great seal,* 1.92 Johanni magistro de Wigton, filio et haeredi apparenti Johannis comitis de Wig∣ton, et Margaretae Livingston,, filiae secundae A∣lexandri comitis de Linlithgow sponsae dicti ma∣gistri, et haeredibus masculis, &c. dated 25th August 1614.

The earl married, 1st, lady Lilias Graham, daughter of John third earl of Montrose, by whom he had two sons and five daughters.

1. John, his heir.

2. John Fleming of Boghall, of whom there is now no male succession.

1st daughter, lady Jean, married to George master of Loudoun, only son and apparent heir of Hugh lord Loudoun.

2. Lady Anne, married to sir William Li∣vingston, eldest son of sir William Livingston of Kilsyth.

3. Lady Margaret, married to sir John Charteris of Amis••ield.

4. Lady Lilias, married to sir David Mur∣ray of Stanhope.

5. Lady Mary, married to sir Archibald Stewart of Castlemilk.

He married, 2dly, Sarah, daughter of William lord Herries, by whom he had one daughter,

Lady Rachel, married to John Lindsay of Coventon, Esq;.

He died anno 1619, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XVI.* 1.93 JOHN, second earl, who got a char∣ter under the great seal, Johanni comiti de Wigton, domino Fleming et Cumbernauld, of se∣veral lands and baronies, 28th March 1620.

Page 700

Also a charter of the patronages of the churches of Stobo,* 1.94 Drumelzier, Broughton, Dawick, &c. 17th July 1621.

He got another charter of the lands of East and West Castle Rankins, &c. 16th June 1632.* 1.95

And a charter, Johanni comiti de Wigton, et suo filio,* 1.96 of the lands of Cattiscleugh, and others, in Stirlingshire, 24th December 1634.

Also a charter of the lands of Drumgryne, and others,* 1.97 in Dumfries-shire, dated the pe∣nult day of January 1637.

Though he was one of the committee of parliament anno 1640,* 1.98 and was appointed a privy counsellor for life anno 1641, yet he was a man of great honour and loyalty, and sincerely attached to the interest of the royal family.* 1.99

He married lady Margaret Livingston, daughter of Alexander earl of Lithgow, by whom he had two sons and three daughters.

1. John, his heir.

2. Sir William Fleming, who was gentle∣man-usher to king Charles I. and chamber∣lain of the houshold to king Charles II. He was a steady loyalist,* 1.100 and was employed in se∣veral negotiations for king Charles I. during his troubles; all which he managed with great fidelity and honour.

1st daughter, lady Eleanor, married to Da∣vid earl of Wemyss.

2. Lady Anne, married, 1st, to Robert se∣venth lord Boyd; 2dly, to George second earl of Dalhousie.

3. Lady Jean, married to sir John Grier∣son of Lag, and had issue.

He died anno 1650, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XVII. JOHN, third earl of Wigton, who, in his father's lifetime,* 1.101 got a charter under the great seal, Johanni domino Fleming, ma∣gistro de Wigton, of the lands, lordship, and barony of Cumbernauld, de novo united, 1st February 1634.

He was a man of untainted honour and loyalty. He joined the king's party in the very beginning of his troubles, and never de∣serted his interest.

He was with Montrose at the unfortunate battle of Philiphaugh,* 1.102 and made his escape with him to the Highlands; but afterwards, by the interest of his friends, he obtained li∣berty to return home, and lived a private and retired life till the restoration.

He married lady Jean Drummond, daugh∣ter of John second earl of Perth, by whom he had six sons and two daughters.

1. John, his heir.

2. Sir Robert.

3. Henry.

4. James.

These last three died unmarried.

5. William, afterwards earl of Wigton.

6. Charles, who died young.

1st daughter, lady Margaret.

2. Lady Jean.

They both died unmarried.

The earl died anno 1663, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XVIII. JOHN, fourth earl of Wigton, who got a charter under the great seal,* 1.103 Johanni domino Fleming, et Annae Ker sponsae suae, of the earldom of Wigton, lordship of Baldouie, &c. 10th May 1662.

By the said Anne, a daughter of Henry lord Ker, he had only one daughter,

Lady Jean, married to George third earl of Panmure.

And dying without male-issue, anno 1668, his estate and honours devolved upon his next surviving brother,

XVIII. WILLIAM, fifth earl of Wigton, a man of great worth and merit. He was one of the lords of the privy council to king Charles II. and was constituted sheriff of the county of Dunbarton, and governor of the castle; which offices he enjoyed as long as he lived.

He married lady Henriet Seton, daughter of Charles earl of Dunfermline, by whom he had two sons and one daughter.

1. John, his heir.

2. Charles, afterwards earl of Wigton.

His daughter, lady Mary, married to Mr. Harry Maule of Kelly, father of the present earl of Panmure.

He died anno 1681, and was succeeded by his eldest son,

XIX. JOHN, sixth earl of Wigton, a man of great honour and integrity.

In 1706, he opposed the union of the two kingdoms with all his interest, believing it in∣consistent with the independency of Scotland.

In the year 1715, he was committed pri∣soner to the castle of Edinburgh, but was set at liberty the year thereafter, without any trial.

He married, 1st, lady Margaret Lindsay, daughter of Colin third earl of Balcarras, by whom he had one daughter,

Lady Margaret, married to sir Archibald Primrose of Dunipace.

He married, 2dly, lady Mary Keith daugh∣ter of William earl Marishall, by whom he had another daughter,

Lady Clementina, of whom afterwards.

Page 701

He married, 3dly, Eupheme, daughter of George Lockhart of Carnwath, Esq; by whom he had no children.

He died anno 1743, and having no male∣issue, his estate and honours, devolved upon his brother,

XIX. CHARLES, seventh earl of Wigton, who dying unmarried anno 1747, the repre∣sentation of this noble family devolved upon lady Clementina Fleming, before mentioned, to whom we now return.

XX. Lady CLEMENTINA, only surviv∣ing child of John sixth earl of Wigton, mar∣ried Charles, now lord Elphingston, third son of Charles ninth lord Elphingston, to whom she hath three sons and four daughters.

1. John, married to Anne, eldest daugh∣ter to James lord Ruthven, by lady Anne Stewart, daughter of James earl of Bute.

2. William.

3. George-Keith.

1st daughter, Mary.

2. Eleanora.

3. Primrose.

4. Clementina.

The honours of Wigton are now claimed by Doctor Fleming physician in Dublin; but he has not hitherto proven his descent from, or connection with, this noble family.

ARMS.

Quarterly; 1st and 4th, argent, a cheveron, within a double tressure, flowered and coun∣ter-flowered with flowers de lis gules, for Fleming; 2d and 3d; azure, three cinque••oils argent, for Fraser.

CREST; on a wreath; a goat's head erased argent, armed or.

SUPPORTERS; two stags proper, attired and unguled or, each gorged with a collar a∣zure, charged with three cinquesoils argent.

MOTTO; Let deed shaw.

CHIEF SEATS,

At Cumbernauld, in the county of Dun∣barton, and Boghall in Clydsdale.

Notes

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