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Charters
GB 3452 ARG-02 · Series · 1220-1950
Part of Campbell family, Dukes of Argyll, Papers

A large collection of charters, relating largely to the transfer of lands and titles, but also including marriage agreements, commissions and appointments, contracts of friendship, inquests, letters of tutory and more. The principal collection of approximately 500 charters is arranged chronologically, 1315 - 1784, and includes many early royal charters which record the progressive expansion of Campbell lands and influence from the 14th to the 16th centuries.
Where other series of charters, found in the bundles surveyed in NRAS 1209, are clearly part of a series, that series has been retained. See ARG/04 - Created record series.
Many of the early charters were summarised by Niall, 10th Duke of Argyll in the series known as the Argyll Transcripts (AT), see .

GB 3452 ARG · Fonds · 1220-2017

The family and estate archive of the Campbell Family, Dukes of Argyll.
The contents of the archive are wide and varied, reflecting:

• The historically important role of the Campbell family in Scottish, British and international affairs: From the fourteenth century onwards the Earls and, later, Dukes of Argyll were closely allied to the Scottish crown and parliament, acquiring a host of official roles and responsibilities which were sustained and expanded after Union. Extensive personal papers, correspondence and accounts document the activities of the extended family in all of its endeavours, offering potential for many important historical themes and events to be explored.

• The geographical extent of the estate: Until the mid-twentieth century Argyll Estates covered most of Argyllshire, parts of Inverness-shire, Clackmannanshire, Stirling, East Lothian, as well as properties in Edinburgh, London and abroad. Many of their lands were acquired controversially during the west highland clan wars of the 16th and 17th centuries, whilst acting as Crown mediator and overseer for confiscated estates. In the 18th and 19th centuries successive Dukes invested heavily in agricultural, industrial and urban development and the records of these endeavours provide an unparalleled insight into our landscape history and built heritage. Large areas of the estate lie in some of Scotland’s most marginal and fragile island environments (Tiree, Iona, Mull) which endured some of the worst periods of nineteenth century Highland famine, emigration and land agitation. The history of all of these places and events, and of the people within them, is documented in detail in the archive.

• The chronological depth of the collection: Records in the archive date from the 13th to 21st centuries, forming an unbroken record of nearly eight hundred years of the family’s fortunes which closely reflects all of the key events in Scotland’s history. This depth of chronology is very rare for a Scottish family archive.

Principal series and items of interest
• A large collection of writs and charters relating mainly to the transfer of land and titles, but also including marriage agreements, commissions and appointments, contracts of friendship, inquests, gifts of ward and non-entries, letters of tutory, assize herrings and more, 13th – 20th centuries. The principal collection of approximately 500 charters is arranged chronologically, 1315-1784, and is summary listed. This is an important collection as it includes many early royal charters which record the progressive expansion of Campbell lands and influence from the 14th to 16th centuries. Many other charters are listed in groups and individually, throughout NRAS 1209, and a there is a further substantial collection of un-listed and largely unsorted charters.

• Records relating to the Earls and Dukes of Argyll’s official roles and responsibilities, 16th – 20th centuries, including three collections of political and personal correspondence from important royal, military and noble figures with whom the Argyll Family were closely associated, 1543-1800 (‘Royal Letters’ and ‘The Argyll Letters’ Volumes 1 and 2). These collections also include commissions to the Earls of Argyll, 1460-1646.

• Military papers, 16th – 20th centuries, including militia lists, muster rolls, accounts and correspondence relating to military and political matters, with much on 16th and 17th century west highland unrest and on the Jacobite Rebellions. Also, records relating to the Argyll Militia, Territorial Army and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 19th - 20th centuries, and some papers relating to the First and Second World Wars (also see personal and estate correspondence).

• Personal and business papers of family members, 16th – 20th centuries, including personal correspondence of the Marquess of Argyll and Margaret Douglas, 1660 and 1673, papers of the 8th Duke of Argyll relating to his term as Secretary of State for India, 1860s-70s, and letter books and press cuttings of the Marquis of Lorne (later, 9th Duke) as Governor General of Canada, 1878-1883. A large and interesting collection of family correspondence exists for the 8th Duke and Duchess and their extended family, including the Dukes of Sutherland, Northumberland and the Royal family, along with personal diaries, photograph albums, sketch books and other personalia. A very complete personal archive for the 10th Duke also exists, comprising extensive correspondence and an unbroken series of detailed personal diaries, 1892-1945. Personal papers also exist for other generations of the family, but are currently listed very piecemeal.

• Transcripts of The Argyll Papers and related archives, compiled by Sir William Fraser, the 10th Duke and others: approximately 250 volumes and 100 bundles or folders. The most important collection, ‘The Argyll Transcripts’, contains handwritten copies of many of the earliest records in the archive (24 volumes).

• Genealogies of all branches of the Campbell Family, mainly compiled by the 10th Duke and his contemporaries, 19th – 20th centuries, but including some earlier records.

• Extensive estate archives for Inveraray; Rosneath; Kintyre; Campbell; Tiree; Mull, Iona and Morvern; Lismore and Scammadale Estates, 16th – 20th centuries. These include accounts, rentals, tacks, correspondence and other papers relating to the administration of the estates, including rural industries (kelp, salt, wool, lint, coal, quarries, woods) and infrastructure. They also include name lists, such as the Argyll Estate Census of 1779 (recording the names and ages of every person living on the Argyll Estate) and smaller scale census for Tiree (1776), and Campbeltown and Kintyre (1792). A large collection of estate maps, plans and written surveys also forms part of the estate archive and is described more fully below under ‘Maps and Plans.’

• Amongst the personal, family and estate papers described above are surveys and accounts for buildings of national importance, with which the family was associated, 17th – 19th centuries, including:
o Argyll’s Lodging and Gardens, Stirling: titles, correspondence, surveys and accounts, 17th – 18th c, including detailed accounts for carpentry work, wright work, slaters work and a bill for painting the ‘wholl lairge high deining room’ (NRAS 1209 Bundles 1051, 1189, 1856, 3206).
o Argyll’s Lodging, Holyrood House: copy royal warrant, granting John, Duke of Argyll, lodgings in the Abbey formerly possessed by John, Duke of Atholl, 1705 and vouchers for household expenses, 1776-1796 (NRAS 1209 Bundles 111 and 683).
o General Register House, Edinburgh: vouchers for work done by tradesmen at Register House, Edinburgh, under the supervision of Robert Reid, Architect (NRAS 1209 Bundles 3194-3197, amongst the executry papers of Lord Frederick Campbell, Registrar).
o Castle Campbell, Dollar Glen: survey describing its state of dereliction after military occupation and estimates for repair, 18th century.

Maps and Plans
• Architectural plans and specifications relating to family homes, estate buildings and county towns, including:
o Inveraray Castle and policies: original plans and elevations by Roger Morris, John Adam, and Robert Mylne, 1746-1789, including Roger Morris’ book of ‘Letters and Instructions for building Inverara Castle, 1744-47’. Also, plans of alterations made by Anthony Salvin and Ian Lindsay following extensive fires in 1877 and 1975; plans and correspondence relating to the policies by William Nesfield, 19th century (incorporating seventeenth century formal avenues and plantations); plans of estate buildings and follies within the policies, by various architects, 18th – 19th centuries.
o Rosneath Castle: large volume containing over 100 annotated plans and specifications by Joseph Bonomi and correspondence with the 5th and 6th Dukes of Argyll, 1802-1806.
o The Royal Burgh of Inveraray, 18th – 20th centuries: drafts for the town layout (Inveraray was one of Scotland’s first planned towns, built under instruction of Archibald, 3rd Duke of Argyll in 1751), plans and elevations of the principal public and residential buildings by Roger Morris, John Adam and Robert Mylne.
o Campbeltown and Oban, 1740s-1900s: detailed street plans, house plans and written surveys containing detailed descriptions of properties, building styles and their occupiers.

• Estate plans and surveys, relating mainly to estates in Argyllshire, 17th - 20th centuries, including:
o William Douglas’ map of Iona, 1769. This is the earliest detailed map of the island and is accompanied by a written survey. Many other records relate to the island’s history, including correspondence describing the 8th Duke’s efforts to manage the landscape and antiquities, his appointment of Sir Robert Rowand Anderson to repair the abbey in 1874 and his decision to gift the ownership of the abbey buildings to the Church of Scotland in 1899.
o George Langland’s Survey of Kintyre, 1770-77. This is one of the most important landscape surveys ever undertaken by a single surveyor and patron, containing detailed descriptions of 204 Kintyre farms, with recommendations for their modernisation and improvement. The process of improvement was embraced over a period of thirty years and is recorded in a very large collection of estate records recording the amalgamation and abandonment of marginal settlements, the division of shared tenancy farms into modern farming units, and the introduction of new families, technologies and industries into the peninsula, which by the middle of the nineteenth century had become the industrial and agricultural heartland of the Argyllshire.
o James Turnbull’s Survey of Tiree, 1768/9. A large, gloriously illustrated and highly coloured map depicting the Tiree landscape before the modern crofting landscape was created in the nineteenth century. It shows densely packed clusters of large farming townships separated by rigs of infield and outfield cultivation, common grazing, ‘old danish forts’ and other antiquities. It is accompanied by a detailed 111 page written survey describing each township in detail, with minutely recorded observations on farming practices, fishing and the way of life of the island’s inhabitants. There are many other eighteenth and nineteenth century surveys for the island, which appears to be particularly well documented owing to its geographical location and circumstances of its acquisition.
o Twentieth century maps of Auchindrain and Auchnagoul townships, near Inveraray, demonstrating the rare survival of traditional shared farm tenancies long after the practice had died out elsewhere. These maps and supporting estate records could enable further research to be undertaken on the history and cultural significance of these its history than has been possible to date, and most importantly, help us understand its significance in the wider landscape.

Campbell family, Dukes of Argyll
GB 3452 ARG-04-03-05-01 · Part · 1430-1450
Part of Campbell family, Dukes of Argyll, Papers

(1) 6 May 1430. Wadset by Sir Patrick Lorne, canon of monastery of Cambuskynneth, and master of Bridge of Stireline [Stirling], to Mr Dougald Lochaw, rector of the church of Lochaw, of a tenement in burgh of Stireline, in the Middilraw, on south side of High Street (bounds specified). Witnesses: Robert Forsyth provost of said burgh, Robert Holme, Patrick Redhuche and John Willisone, bailies thereof, Hugh Nortone, dean of guild, Richard Johnston, [Johannis], Thomas Legat, John Michaelson [Michaelis], Alexander Gulde, Thomas Forstare, John Brady, William Symsone, Thomas Douglas, John Gourlay, John Darache, John Martine, Patrick Goldsmithe, Robert Ettall, and John Fausyde.
(2) 8 May 1430. Instrument of sasine following on from no 1 (above). Notary: Robert Gardinare, priest, Dunblane diocese. Witnesses: John Brady, John Gourlay, William Symmons, Patrick Goldsmitht, John Martin, John [Bessattsone], and Robert [Curennok], burgesses of Stirling, Patrick Scot, vicar thereof, and John Lorimare, chaplain of altar of BVM.
(3) 20 Mar regnal year 26 [1432]. At Perth. Great seal charter of novodamus granting Suffinus Eugenii [Sweyn McEwan] lands of barony of Ottirmuerane in Cowale in sheriffdom of Argyll, resigned by said Suffinus, in favour of himself, and his heirs male, whom failing, to Celestine Cambel, son and heir of Duncan Cambel of Lochaw. Witnesses: John Forestar, chamberlain, Walter Ogilbi, treasurer, Mr William Foulis, provost of Bothuile, keeper of privy seal. Not in RMS.
(4) 7 Jun 1432. Contract in form of indenture between Gillespy Cambel, son and heir of Duncan Cambel, Lord of Lochaw, and Suffne [Sweyn] Mcewyn, laird of the Ottirmuerane, whereby said Suffne binds himself when he has a lawful son and if said Suffne does not pay the money, he is to give lands of the two Larachs and Killala in barony of Ottir. Witnesses: Patrick Cambel, Sir Neil Cambel, archdean of Ergile, Duncan Gillaspysone, Duncan McAllesone, parson of Dunnowy, John Crom McMelechallum.
(5) Feast of St John the Baptist, 1431. Charter by Suffne Eugenii [MacEwan], laird of Ottyr [Otter], to Duncan, son of Alexander, of lands of Sroyne Mayte and Barlaggan, in lordship of Ottyr, sheriffdom of Argyll. (Damaged).
(6) nd. Notarial instrument narrating charter by John Of Menteth, Lord of Knapdale and of Aran, to Gillespie Cambell, laird of Lochawe, of 1 pennyland of Clachelan, Kylbride, and others. Notary: Robert Toulous, priest, St Andrews diocese. Witnesses: Sir James Douglas of Balvany, George Campbell of Lowdoun, Sir William Forbes of Kynnaldy, Alexander Campbell of Ryninis, John Campbell of [Lowdoun], James Achlok, Henry Rolloke of that Ilk, Sir David Quhyte, claustral prior of Cambuskenneth, Mr Dougal, parson of Lochawe, licenciate in decreets, Walter Bete, clerk. (Damaged, with later emendations).
(7) 24 May regnal year 12 [1382]. Notarial transcript of charter by Robert, King of Scots, with consent of John of Carrick, steward of Scotland, his eldest son, to Gillespie Cambell and Colin, his son, of lieutenancy from Carnedrome to Polgilippe and from Polmelferth to Loghlonge, in sheriffdom of Argyll. Witnesses to charter: William, Bishop of St Andrews, John, Bishop of Dunkeld, chancellor, John, King’s eldest son, of Carrick, steward of Scotland, Robert of Fyfe and Menteth, king’s son, William of Douglas and Mar, Earls, James Lyndesay, king’s grandson, kt, and Robert Erskyne, king’s relative, kt. Transcript dated 10 May 1437. Notary: James Carnys, priest, Glasgow diocese. Witnesses to transcript: James Douglas, Earl of Annandale, Robert Stewart, Lord of Lorne, Alexander Levynstone, laird of Calentare, William Menteth, laird of Kers, kts, Dugal Lochaw, rector thereof.
(8) 13 May 1439. Another transcript of charter as in no 7. Notary: Walter Keth, priest, St Andrews diocese. Witnesses to transcript: Patrick Cambell, Sir Duncan Cambell, kt, Donald Cambell, Celestine Angus/MacAngus, Reginald Malcolm/MacMalcolm, Duncan Gilbert/MacGilbert, Sir Dougal rector of Melfurde, Eugene McKathill and Donald McGillecalum.
(9) 12 Mar 1439/40. Modern transcript charter by Sir Duncan Campbell, kt, laird of Lochaw, granting to parish church of Dunoon half a merk yearly from lands of Ardenslate.
(10) 20 Nov 1450. Modern transcript charter by Duncan, Lord Campbell, kt, laird of Lochaw, lieutenant of Argyll, to John, [son of] Alexander Campbell of office of toseach of lands of Melport.

GB 3452 ARG-04-03-05-02 · Part · 1451-1467
Part of Campbell family, Dukes of Argyll, Papers

(11) 4 Jan 1450/1. Copy charter by John Stewart, Lord of Lorne, to John, son of Allen of Lorne called MakDowil, and specified heirs, of 29 merkland of island of Carnora, 6 merkland of Dunollych and others.
(12) Missing
(13) 2[ ] Aug 1464. Instrument of sasine propriis manibus by procurator for David, Earl of Craufurde, in favour of [Isabella] Stewart, spouse of Colin, Earl of Argyll, and Marion [Stewart, spouse of] Duncan Campbell, son of Colin Campbell of Glenurquha, kt, in lands of Rothybrysbane. Incomplete. Notary: John Herd, priest, Glasgow diocese. Witnesses: Sir Robert Morisone, chaplain, George Strevelyng, John Skrogy, John Patricksone, William [ ], Simon Laurenceson/McLaurin, AlexanderChevisance, Walter Rate, William Lesle, John Patonsone, and Andrew Gyrvale.
(14) 9 Mar 1464/5. Notarial transumpt of charter, 18 July 1439, by Robert Ade of Ardquhaliche to Robert Stewarte of Lorne, laird of that ilk, of lands of Bawgawne and Laidboyak in barony of Meffane, sheriffdom of Perth. Witnesses to charter: Walter Oliphant, Thomas Oliphant, Tristram Gorthy, Andrew Tochache of Monewarde, David Flemynge, John Chambers, Gilbert Browne, John Hadyngtone, Baldwin Seress, William Stenle, Andrew Inchmertyne, Andrew Umfra, burgesses of Perth. Notary: John Kyninmontht, priest, Dunkeld diocese. Witnesses to instrument: Sir Robert Spens, chaplain, James Rudman, chaplain, and Sir William Stanhous, chaplain, Thomas Roger of Drumdiwane and Robert Andrews, burgesses of Perth.
(15) 9 Apr 1465. Instrument of sasine following on precept from chancery, in favour of Duncan Cambell, son and apparent heir of Colin Cambell, kt, in lands of Dolare [Dollar] and Glum, in barony of Dunkeld. Notary: Luke Heriot, priest, Dunblane diocese. Witnesses: Robert Stewart, son of David Stewart, Thomas Arnot, Robert Dewar, Thomas Gilmorson, William Condy, David Mordochson, William Burne, John Drummy and Andrew Smyth; attorney: William Strivelyne, son and apparent heir of Sir William Strivelyne of Retherie, kt.
(16) 20 Aug regnal year 6 [1465]. Letters under quarter seal ratifying decreet of privy council, 16 August 1465, in action at instance of Colin, Earl of Ergile as procurator for Isobel, his spouse, and to Marion Stewart and Duncan Campbell, on one part, and Walter, Lord Lorne, on other part, relative to recognition of lands of Kildonny, Innerdynny and Baldinny.
(17) 8 Apr 1466. Instrument of resignation by Marion Stewart, one of heirs of deceased John Stewart, Lord Lorne, of lands of Kyldony, Baldony and Innerdonny and Balegone in sheriffdom of Perth, and lands of Culdrane and Maw in Fife, and lands of Rothebrisbane in sheriffdom of Aberdeen, in favour of Colin, Earl of Argyll and Isobel, his spouse. Notary: John Herd, priest, Glasgow diocese. Witnesses: Andrew, Lord Avendale, chancellor, Gilbert, Lord Kennedy, William, Lord Forbes, Alexander Borde of Doncole, kt, Nicol Edmoniston of Duntreth, Alexander Montgomery, apparent heir of Lord Montgomery, John Muncreff, Archibald Quhitlaw, secretary, Alexander Murray, canon of Moray.
(18) 29 Apr 1466. Bond by Walter Lord Lorne, to Colin, Earl of Ergile, warranting to him lands of Kippane, Muirtoun and Myretoune in sheriffdom of Perth, free of all claims, particularly terce of spouse of sometime John, lord Lorne last deceased, warranting lands of barony of Innerintyth.
(19) 8 Feb 1466/7. Great seal charter granting Colin, Earl of Ergile, lands of Pannell in sheriffdom of Perth, fallen to crown through escheat of John, Lord Lorne. RMS, vol 2, no 903.
(20) 8 May 1467. Instrument of sasine following on precept from chancery in favour of Colin, Earl of Ergile, in lands of le Pannell. Notary: John Kyninmonth, priest, Dunkeld diocese. Witnesses: William Drummond, John Strivelyng, George Strivelyng, William Strevelyng, John Calendare, John Roe, Robert Pety, John Morisone, Adam Lentot, Gilbert MakNab, William Lentot, Thomas Lentot, Donald Kere, John Bakyn, Patrick Broune, William Brostare and Thomas Millare.

GB 3452 ARG-06-C · Subfonds · 1460-1948
Part of Campbell family, Dukes of Argyll, Papers

Colin Campbell, 1st earl of Argyll, received Castle Gloom and surrounding lands through his marriage to Isabel Stewart, daughter of John Stewart, Lord Lorne in about 1460. In 1490 he petitioned King James III to change the name to Castle Campbell. Under the 2nd earl the Castle was extended and developed and successive earls lived in the Castle, managed the surrounding lands and held the regality court until the 17th century. During the religious conflicts of the 17th century, the lands of Dollar and Muckhart were laid waste by Montrose and his troops although the Castle was undamaged. In 1653 however Cromwell's troops were garrisoned there leading to an attack by Royalist troops in July 1654 when the Castle was burned. The 9th earl chose to build Argyll's Lodging in Stirling rather than to renovate Castle Campbell and the castle was abandoned thereafter. In 1805 the 6th duke of Argyll sold it to Crawford Tait of Harviestoun.
Papers in the collection relate to the administration of the estate by the various chamberlains appointed by the earls and dukes and include records of the administration of local justice in the Regality Court book.

Argyll estate records
GB 3452 ARG-06 · Subfonds · 1460-2017
Part of Campbell family, Dukes of Argyll, Papers

Records created for and through the process of managing the Argyll estates. The estates were administered centrally by the Argyll Chamberlain, with rents and local matters handled first by tacksmen and then, from the 18th century, by local factors. Records were stored centrally by the area of the estate to which they related:
A for Argyll
K for Kintyre
M for Mull
R for Rosneath
T for Tiree

Campbell Family, earls and dukes of Argyll