During the period of 1621-1623, it is recorded that in an attempt to bring the borders to heel, the areas of Berwick, Roxburgh, Selkirk, Peebles, Dumfries and Kirkcudbright were controlled by a Border Triumvirate which included, the Earl of Buccleuch, the Earl of Nithsdale and Sir John Murray of Lochmaben (Viscount Annan), these were assisted by the Officials of older standing, namely the Border Commissioners which consisted of Lord Cranstoun, Sir Andrew Seaton of Kylesmure and Sir John Murray of Philiphaugh.
It is interesting to note that King James VI (I of Britain) required the Archbishop of Glasgow or any Bishops whose diocese covered the Borders to have their ministers send in names of suspected criminals ie ‘persons as having no lawful trade or means of living‘. However depending on where the ‘person’ lived, the jurisdiction was not overly clear as the Lairds would claim Commission of Judiciary Rights on their own lands and people. To make matters worse, the requirement to disarm individuals was not very successful nor in fact enforced as the use of hagbuts (muzzle loaders) and pistols remained common place.
The other chink in the judicial armour was the easy access of wanted men of the West March to escape justice by taking passage to Ireland. As such that the Kings representatives in Ulster were called to a meeting of his council, in an attempt to curb movement between the two lands. Although the 1587 Act of the Suppression of Unruly Clans had been enacted, which named 17 Border families including Carruthers. Initially, this was more of a political/shot across the bow statement and as such further turmoil still existed in the Scottish Borders at that time.
However, it was during this oft turbulent period that an incident between Carruthers of Holmains and Andrew Murray of Morryquhat occurred. The complaint came from Murray against Carruthers and others for riot and oppression.
This is strange as previously relationships between the two families had been peaceful especially when it came to the lands of Murryquhat, which had caused contention.
In December 1622, John Carruthers, 8th of Holmains and 4th Baron, with George his brother, James Carruthers of Datounheuk, Charles Carruthers called of Yle and 60 armed others, including Simon Green in Wyneholme, Thomas Elliott, John Corrie in Cartertoun hill, John McWittie in Lochbrow, Robert Rodgerson in Chappell, John Graham in Crawford, Symie Scott in Pyetschawis, David Mitchell in Johnstonhill and James Mitchell in Bartanners were seen as the offenders in this complaint which stated ‘by way of deid, bangstrie (violence) and oppression‘ debarred Andrew Murray from their lands.
It is claimed that Murray went to the perpetrators, led by Carruthers, in a ‘very modest and calm manner and asked them what moved them to proceed in such a lawless manner against him‘ . The response was that he was chased to his own house after they set upon him with sword and lance. He claimed they would have killed him if he had not reached the safety of his home. With Murray inside his keep, it is recorded that Carruthers and his followers laid sirge from the sun rising until the sun setting, with threats to kill him if he came out.
Further, John Carruthers of Holmains, his brother George, James of Datounheuk and Charles, called of Yle, came again to the lands of Murrayquhat, where they entered their ploughs without warrant in 27th February 1623, and they brought an even heavier squad – most of them being noted as ‘rebels, fugitives and outlaws’ – with them, including John Carruthers, the son to Will of Denbie, Gavin Walker in Daltoun, John Gibson in Kirkwood, John Carruthers called ‘Rowis Jock’ in Daltoun, John Henderson called Gibbies Jock, John Carruthers, the son of Simon Carruthers of Yle, William Carruthers of Denbie, Francis Carruthers in Daltoun, and the rest of their accomplices.
Again Murray tried to reason with them under ‘ God’s Peace and the King’s’ but again they attacked him with swords and lances and ‘would have slain him had he not escaped from them on horseback and fled again to his own house.’ They followed him to his house and “set about the same on all parts and besieged him therein all that day,” continually shouting and provoking him to come forth.’
John of Holmains, George, his brother, Charles called of the Yle, James of Datoun, and John, son to Will Carruthers of Denbie – were found guilty of riot and ordered to be detained at the tollbooth in Edinburgh within 6 days under pain of ‘horning’, while also paying fines of £100 each as the old families struggled to maintain their wealth and power.
There is further mentions of the Carruthers family and Murray on the 4th July 1622, when Francis Carruthers of Dormont was listed as cautioning John Gibson in Kirkwood, John Carruthers called ‘Rowis Jock’ in Dalton, Gawane Walker in Dalton and Francis Carruthers in Dalton through the Privy Council , not to molest Andrew Murray of Morryquhat nor his household under pain of £100 of which one half is to go to His Majesty and the other half to the aggrieved parties.
But this is counteracted it seems, by another caution initiated a day later on 5th July by Richard Irving in Knockhill in 300 merks, that Andrew Murray of Murryquhat shall not molest Johnne Gibsone in Kirkwood, Johnne Carutheris called Rowis Jok in Daltoun, Gawane Walker in Dalton and Francis Carruthers in Dalton or their households. With clause of relief. Signed ” Richard Irwing with my hand and Andrew Murray with my hand.”
Whatever the issue, this seems to have gone some way to possibly resolve it?
Carruthers were not the largest of riding families, nor the smallest, but what we did was play our part in the defence of our family, friends, and country. However even within the family, as in all families, were were rifts, arguments and in time healing.
There is further history between many Annandale families and Murrays especially after 1630, when they tried to steal the lands of other Lairds through an ‘omnibus’ grant. Holmains, was onew but he challanged this and won.
It is said that John Murray, the newly made Earl of Annandale was the most unpopular man of his generation in the county of Dumfriesshire. He died without an heir, as his son James had died before him. No tears were shed on his passing it is said.
- Note: The Carruthers of meant landowner, Carruthers in meant tennant.
- The spellings of the names is as recorded
Families huh!!
