The Keiths of Ravenscraig and Register of the Great Seal
This is a full transcription and translation of a charter recorded in the Register of the Great Seal. The Great Seal was used to authenticate important legal documents, either those directly granted by the Crown, or to confirm important charters made by others. The register recorded the documents the seal was affixed to.
Summaries of these documents, covering from 1306 to 1668 were published between 1882 and 1814 by W. Dickson, J. Paul, J. Stevenson and J. Thomson, editors of the printed register, titled Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, in 8 volumes (Edinburgh: HM General Register House, 1882–1914).
Usually those printed volumes cover the key details you need to know, and they omit some of the more formulaic and repetitive clauses from the original text. Sometimes though it is worth double checking the register, just to check the spelling, if there are omitted words, or something is unclear.
Andrew Keith of Ravenscraig: One Laird or Two?
I wanted to double check this particular charter, granted under the Great Seal at Holyrood the 15 day of December 1593, to pin down the details of the descent of the Keiths of Ravenscraig. The reason for this is that the terrific Red Book of Scotland refers to this charter and read it differently to me. The Red Book says:
[Andrew Keith’s] eldest son and heir, John Keith, is styled brother’s son and heir to the deceased John Keith of Ravenscraig in a charter to him, on his father’s resignation, for those lands dated 1 April 1589 (see C2/39/171)]
Looking at this charter in the printed Register of the Great Seal, volume 6 no.25 pages 8-9 gives: At Holyrood House 15 December 1593 The king confirms a charter of George Earl Marischal etc, dated 1 April 1589. George gives, for good service etc to
Joanni Keith, filio legitimo natu maximo et heredi apparenti (quondam) Andree Keith de Ravinscraig
John Keith, eldest legitimate son and heir apparent of (the late) Andrew Keith de Ravinscraig
Nice and straight forward so far. The Earl Marischal makes a charter in 1589 to John, heir to Andrew, and Andrew dies between the making of that charter in April 1589 and it being confirmed by the king in December 1593. The document goes on after the 1 April document, with another from 21 October 1589:
cum ceteris cartis desuper concessis quondam Andree Keith de Ravinscraig (fratri avi dicti John Keith tunc de Ravenscraig), quondam Dominus Willelmo Keith de Inverugi militi, eorumque predecessoribus respective…
with other charters granted above to the late Andrew Keith de Ravinscraig (brother grandfather of the said John Keith then of Ravenscraig), the late Lord William Keith de Inverug, knight, and their predecessors respectively. The bracketed bit ‘fratri avi dicti John Keith tunc de Ravenscraig’ that comes after Andrew is the confusing bit which Red Book seems to differ from me on. Essentially this tells us that there is an Andrew Keith of Ravenscraig who is the brother of a John Keith of Ravenscraig’s grandfather / an Andrew is the brother of the grandfather of a John.
We know from the 1 April 1589 Charter that the 1593 John Keith of Ravenscraig is undisputed son to an Andrew Keith, laird of Ravenscraig. So we’re good there. The Red Book agrees that an Andrew Keith of Ravenscraig is the son of a James Keith, brother to heirless John.
The issue is whether these two Andrews are the same person.
There is the mention in the charter of ‘tunc’ which is John Keith THEN of Ravenscraig. This confuses things more. It’s not ‘nunc’ as in ‘now’. Could this be the first heirless John Keith of Ravenscraig? But we do have a ‘dicti’ before this John Keith, meaning he’s referred to prior in these documents. Whereas there is no dicti before the second mention of an Andrew. So my interpretation therefore was that the ‘dicti John tunc’ is the 1593 John Keith of Ravenscraig. He has a father called Andrew, but then also a ‘fratri avi’ (great uncle) called Andrew Keith of Ravenscraig. The tunc was still a puzzle though. My working solution to this was that the 1593 John has a grandfather we don’t know the name of, who was brother to the first Andrew Keith of Ravenscraig.
But, I was relying on a printed abstract of the charter in the published register of the Great Seal, not the original document. The solution one way or another would be the double check the original document, National Records of Scotland C2/39 and see the original text.
So find below a full transcription and translation of the charter as it appears in the original register. This seems to confirm my interpretation of the Ravenscraig line, that difficult ‘tunc’ I read as ‘nunc’, which solves the problem and expresses the Ravenscraig Keith line as follows:
All that for the mistake of one letter!
But it shows that it’s always worth going back to the original as far as you can to check things out. Like I say, the printed editions of the Great Seal register are fantastic, but this one little error led to a lot of confusion.
I’ll be adding a fuller history of the Ravenscraig Keiths, their castle and their lands to this website soon, as theirs is a interesting story.
National Records of Scotland, C2/39, Page 171 : Transcription and Translation
Carta con: Joannis Keith de Ravinscraig
Jacobus Dei gratia rex Scotorum ombinus probis hominibus totius terrae suae clericis et laicis salutem.
James, by the grace of God King of Scots, to all good men of his whole realm, cleric and lay, greeting. Know that we, after
Sciatis nos post nostram perfectam aetatem viginti quinque annorum completam omnesque nostras revocationes tam speciales quam generales quandam cartam et infeodationem factam et concessam per praedilectum nostrum consanguinen et consiliarum Georgii Mariscalli comitem domini Keith et Inverugye rei superiore terrarum subscriptam dilecto nostro Joanni Keith nunc de Ravinscraig filio leitimo natu maximo heredique apparenti quondam Andree Keith de Ravinscraig sui patris, ac heredibus masculis dicti Joannis de corpore suo tunc legitime procreatis seu procreandis quibus deficientibus legitimis et propinquioribus heredibus suis masculis et assignatis quibuscumque de omnibus et singulis villis terris castris fortaliciis lie outsettis molendinis piscariis cumculariis aliisque respective subsequentibus, viz
the completion of our perfect age of twenty-five years, and after all our revocations, both special and general, have [confirmed] a certain charter and infeftment made and granted by our well-beloved kinsman and councillor George, Earl Marischal, Lord Keith and Inverugie, as superior of the lands underwritten, to our beloved John Keith, now of Ravinscraig, lawful son, eldest by birth and heir apparent of the late Andrew Keith of Ravinscraig, his father, and to the male heirs of the said John lawfully procreated or to be procreated of his body; whom failing, to his lawful and nearest male heirs and assignees whatsoever, of all and sundry towns, lands, castles, fortalices, outsets, mills, fishings, cumularies, and other things respectively following, namely:
totis et integris terris cum terris dominicalibus vulgo le manis de Torterstoun ac cum lie outsettis partibus et pendiculis earundem manerio fortalicio et castro de Ravinscraig cum domnibus hortis pomariis piscariis ac molendino earundem lie Scottis Mylne nuncupato terris de Ailhoushill Coklaw Dennis Dounhillis Thundertoun lie Outhill et Crauloch Glendenny Buchlaw et Newsait terris de Brodland terris de Mylnehill cum molendino earundem nuncupato lie Mylne de Crimmonth terris de Raichauche Carneglas et Carmissis cum partibus pendiculis annexis connexis lie Outsettis piscariis tam in aquis dulcibus quam salsis cumculariis tenentibus tenandris liberetenentibus servitiis molendinis multuris silvis ac aliis partibus pertinentiis et commoditatibus omnium et singularum praesentium terrarum et aliorum predictorum Iacentibus infra vicecomitatum de Abirdene et [gap] hoc per resignationem dicti quondam Andree Keith de Ravinscraig tenentis de dicto nostro predilicto consanguineo Georgio Mariscalli comite sine heredibus et successoribus in feodo et hereditate de mandato nostro visam lectam ipsamque diligenter examinatam sanam integram non rasam non cancellatam nec in aliqua sui parte suspectum ad plenum intellexisse sue hoc forma
all and whole the lands with the demesne lands, commonly called the mains, of Torterstoun; together with the outsets, crofts and pendicles thereof, the manor, fortalice and castle of Ravinscraig, with houses, yards, orchards, fishings, and the mill thereof called the Scottis Mill; the lands of Ailhoushill, Coklaw, Dennis, Dounhillis, Thundertoun, called Outhill, and Crauloch, Glendenny, Buchlaw and Newsait; the lands of Brodland; the lands of Mylnehill, with the mill thereof called the Mill of Crimmonth; the lands of Raichauche, Carneglas and Carmissis, with parts, pendicles, connexes, outsets, fishings, as well in fresh waters as in salt, cumularies, tenants, tenantries, services of free tenants, mills, multures, woods, and all other parts, pertinents and conveniences of all and each of the foresaid lands and others above written, lying within the sheriffdom of Aberdeen; which lands were held by resignation of the said late Andrew Keith of Ravinscraig, as holder of the same of our said well-beloved kinsman George, Earl Marischal, without heirs and successors in fee and heritage; which charter, by our command, having been seen, read, and diligently examined, found to be sound, whole, not erased, not cancelled, nor in any part thereof suspect, we have fully understood to be of this form:
OMNIBUS hanc cartam visuris vel auditoris Georgius Mariscalli Comes Dominus Keith et Inverugy rei superioris terrarum subscriptarum Salutem in domino sempiternam.
To all who shall see or hear this charter, George Earl Marischal, Lord of Keth and Inverugy, superior of the underwritten lands, everlasting greeting in the Lord.
Noveritis nos dedisse concessisse et hac presenti carta nostra confirmasse necnon de novo concedere et hac presenti carta nostra confirmasse honorabili viro et predilecto nostro Joanni Keith filio legitimo natu maximo et heredi apparenti Andree Keith de Revinscraig suisque heredibus masculis de corpore suo legitime procreatis seu procreandis ; quibus deficientibus legitimis et propinquoribus heredibus masculis et assignatis dicti Joannis quibuscumque et eorum assignatis
Know that we have given, granted, and by this our present charter confirmed, and moreover of new given, granted, and by this our present charter confirmed, to the honourable man and our beloved John Keith, lawful eldest son and apparent heir of Andrew Keith of Ravinscraig, and to his male heirs lawfully procreated or to be procreated of his body; whom failing, to the lawful and nearest male heirs and assignees whatsoever of the said John, and to their assignees;
Omnia et singulae terrae villae castra fortalicia lie Out Settis Molendina piscarae cunicularia et alia recte subsequentes, viz. totas et integras terras cum terris dominicalibus vulgo lie Manis de Torterstoun Ac cum lie Outsettis partibus pendiculis earundem maneriem fortalitum et castrum de Ravinscraig cum domnibus hortis pomariis piscariis ac molendino earundem lie Scottis Mylne nuncupato terris et Ailhoushill, Cokley, Dennis, Dounhillis Thundertoun, lie Outhill, et Crauloch, Glendanny, Bonthlaw et Newsait Terras de Brodland, Terras de Mylnhill, cum molendino earundem lie mylne de Crimouth, terras de Rothnachie Carneglas et Cariness Cum partibus pendiculis annexis connexis lie outsetis piscariis tam in aquae dulcibus quam salsis cuniculariis tenentibus tenandriis liberetenentibus servitiis molendinis multuris silvis ac aliis partibus pertinentiis et commoditatibus omnium et singularum prefectarum terrarum ac aliarum predictarum Iacentes infra vicecomitatum de Abirdene et baroniam de Inverugy
All and sundry the lands, towns, castles, fortalices, the Outsetts, mills, fishings, warrens, and other rights following, namely: all and whole the lands with the pendicles of the same commonly called the Manis of Torterstoun; together with the Outsetts, parts and pendicles thereof; the manor, fortalice and castle of Ravinscraig, with houses, gardens, orchards, fishings and the mill thereof called the Scots Mill; the lands of Ailhoushill, Cokley, Dennis, Dounhillis, Thundertoun, the Outhill and Crauloch, Glendanny, Bonthlaw and Newsait; the lands of Brodland; the lands of Mylnhill with the mill thereof called the mill of Crimouth; the lands of Rothnachie, Carneglas and Cariness; With parts, pendicles, annexes and connexes, lie Outsetts, fishings as well in fresh waters as in salt waters, warrens, tenants, tenandries, free tenants, services, mills, multures, woods, and all other parts, pertinents and commodities whatsoever of all and singular the foresaid lands and others foresaid; Lying within the sheriffdom of Aberdeen and the barony of Inverugy.
QUASQUIDEM omnes et singulas prefatas terras cum castris turribus fortaliciis lie Outsettis molendinis piscariis cuniculariis silvis et aliis particularibus supraspecificatis et suis pertienentiis praeviis prefato Andree Keith de Ravinscraig pertinuerunt hereditarie
Which indeed all and singular the foresaid lands, with castles, towers, fortalices, the Outsetts, mills, fishings, warrens, teinds, and other particulars above specified and their pertinents, formerly belonged heritably to the said Andrew Keith of Ravinscraig;
ET quas ipse non vi aut metu nec errore lapsus compulsus aut coactus sed sua mera propria libera et spontanea voluntate utilitateque sua undique praemissa es pensata in manibus nostris tanquam in manibus domini sui superioris earundem personaliter
And which he, not by force or fear, nor by error, lapse, compulsion or coercion, but of his own mere, pure, free and spontaneous will, his own advantage having been fully considered beforehand, resigned personally into our hands as into the hands of his superior lord of the same.
Apud [gap] sursum reddidit pureque et simpliciter per fustem et baculum resignavit; Ac totum ius et clameum proprietatis et possessionem quae seu quas in ac ad easdem habuit habet seu quovis modo in futurum habere clamare poterit omnino quiete clamavit in perpetuum in favorem dicti Joannis Keith sui filii et heredis apparentis suorumque heredum masculorum et assignatorum respectu omnium pro hac nostra nova carta ac infeodatione ipsius desuper in debita forma danda et conficienda.
At [gap], he surrendered and purely and simply resigned by staff and baton, and he entirely quitclaimed for ever all right and claim of property and possession which he had, has, or in any way might in future have or claim in and to the same, in favour of the said John Keith, his son and apparent heir, and his male heirs and assignees, with respect to all matters for this our new charter and infeftment thereof to be duly given and executed thereupon.
RESERVATO tamen libero tenemento sine vitali redditu viz ex singularum terrarum respectu subscriptarum viz terrarum cum terris dominicalibus de Tortarstoun cum lie outsettis partibus et pendiculis earundem ac cum manerio fortalicio et turre de Ravinscraig ac molendino earundem lie Scottis Mylne nuncupatis terrarum de Ailhoushill Coklaw Dennis Dounhillis Thundertoun lie Outhill et Crauloch terrarum de Glendenny Buchlaw et Newsait ac terrarum de Brodland cum partibus pendiculis connexis connexis lie Outsettis piscariis tenetibus tenandris liberetenentibus servitiis molendinis multuris silvis ac aliis partibus pertinentiis et comoditatibus prenominatarum terrarum praefato Andree Keith pro omnibus vitae suae diebus
Reserving, nevertheless, the free tenement without life-rent payment, namely that of the individual lands respectively undersubscribed, namely the lands with the demesne lands of Tortarstoun with the outsets, parts and pendicles thereof; together with the whole manor, fortalice and tower of Ravinscraig, and the mill thereof called the Scots Mill; the lands of Ailhoushill, Coklaw, Dennis, Dounhills, Thundertoun, the so-called Outhill and Crauloch; the lands of Glendenny, Buchlaw and Newsait; and the lands of Brodland with the parts, pendicles and connected outsets, fishings, tenants, tenantries, services of free tenants, mills, multures, woods and other parts, pertinents and commodities of the foresaid lands — to the foresaid Andrew Keith for all the days of his life.
INSUPER nos pro bono fideli et gratuito servitio nobis per prefatum Joannem Keith praestito ac pro diversis aliis rationabilibus causis et considerationibus nos moventibus
Moreover, we, for the good, faithful and gratuitous service rendered to us by the said John Keith, and for diverse other reasonable causes and considerations, we now
DE NOVO dedimus concessimus et disposuimus tenorque presentis cartae nostrae damus concedimus et confirmamus prefato Joanni Keith siusque heredibus masculis et assignatis executoribus predictis omnes et singulas prenominatas terras respective et partitulariter supra specificatis cum castris turribus fortalicis partibus pendiculis annexis connexis lie outsettis piscariis tam in aquis dulcibus quam salsis cuniculariis tenentibus tenandriis liberetenentibus servitiis molendinis multuris silvis et singulis suis pertinentiis Reservato tamen prefato Andree ut praemissum est reservato durante vita sua
A New we have given, granted and disposed, and by the tenor of this our present charter have confirmed and conveyed to the said John Keith and his male heirs and assigns, the executors aforesaid, all and sundry the lands previously named, respectively and particularly specified above, with castles, towers, fortalices, pastures, pendicles, annexes, connexes, outsets, fishings both in fresh and in salt waters, with coal works, tenants, tenantries, services of free tenants, mills, multures, thirlages and all their singular pertinents; Reserving nevertheless to the said Andrew, as is aforesaid, the reservation during his lifetime.
NECNON cum omnibus jure titulo interesse juris clameo tam petitorio quam possessorio quae seu quos nos nostri praedeicessores aut successores habuimus habemus seu quovis modo habere vel clamere poterimus aut poterint in et ad easdem seu ad aliquam earundem partem vel ad census firmas proficua aut denarias earundem de quibuscumque donis seu terminis praeteritis eatione vel de relevio non itroitus eschetae forisfacture recognitionis purepresturae disclamationis infeoffamentorum sasinarum introitum reductionum totius aut maioris partis alienationis nuncupatae quamcumque aliam causam seu occasionem preteritam renunciando et exonerando eisdem cum clausula non evictione et inscriptione earundem pro nobis et successoribus nostris pro nunc et imperetuum Ac cum pacto de non petendo Et cum supplemento omnium defectuum tam non nominatorum quam nominatorum quae tanquam pro expressis in hac presenti carta nostra haberi volumus
And also with all right, title, interest and claim of right, both proprietary and possessory, which we, our predecessors or successors, have had, have, or by any manner of way may have or claim in and to the same or any part thereof, or to the rents, fermes, profits or monies of the same, by reason of any gifts or terms past, by reason of relief, non-entry, escheat, forfeiture, recognition, purpresture, disclaimer, infeftments, sasines, entries, reductions of the whole or the greater part, alienation now so called, or by whatsoever other cause or occasion past; Renouncing and exonerating the same, with clause of non-eviction and inscription thereof, for us and our successors, now and forever; And with a pact of non-claim; And with supplementation of all defects, both named and unnamed, which we will to be held as if expressed in this our present charter.
PRETEREA volumus et concedimus quod una sasina inde capienda prefatum Joannem et omni tempore affuturo per suos heredes masculos et assignatos Apud turrim et fortalicium de Ravinscraig capienda Stabit et ipsis sufficiens erit sasina pro omnibus et singulis praefatis terris molendinis piscariis ac aliis partibus et respective supraspecificatis cum pertinentiis non obstante quod non Iacent in simul et contingue
Moreover, we will and grant that one sasine to be taken thereupon by the said John, and at all future time by his male heirs and assignees, to be taken at the tower and fortalice of Ravenscraig, shall stand and shall be sufficient sasine for all and singular the aforesaid lands, mills, fisheries and other parts respectively specified above, with their pertinents, notwithstanding that they do not lie together and contiguous.
TENENDAS et habendas omnes et singulas predictas terras villas castra fortalicia lie outsettis moledina piscarias cunicularia et alia respective prescripta viz: totas et integras terras cum terris dominicalibus vulgo le manis de Torterstoun ac cum lie outsettis partibus et pendiculis earundem manorio fortalicio et castro de Ravinscraig cum domibus hortis pomaris piscariis ac molendinis earundem lie Scottis Mylne nuncupatis terris de Ailhoushill Coklaw Dennis Dounhillis Thundertoun lie Outhill et Crauloch Glendenny Buchlaw et Newsait terris de Brodland terris de Mylnehill cum molendino earundem nuncupato lie Mylne de Crimmonth terras de Raichauche Carneglas et Carmissis cum partibus pendiculis annexis connexis lie Outsettis piscariis tam in aquis dulcibus quam salsis cuniculariis tenentibus tenandriis liberetenentibus servitiis molendinis multuris silvis ac aliis partibus pertinentiis et comoditatibus omnium et singularum praesentium terrarum et aliorum predictorum praefato Joanni Keith suisque heredibus masculis et assignatis supra predictis de nobis et successoribus nostris in feodo et hereditate in perpetuum per omnes rectas metas suas antiquas et divisas prout iacent in longitudine et latitudine in domibus edificiis toftis planis moris maresiis viis semitis aquis stagnis rivulis pratis pascuis et pasturis molendinis multuris et eorum sequelis Aucupationibus venationibus piscationibus petariis turbariis carbonibus cuniculis cuniculariis columbis columbariis pomis pomariis fabrilibus brasius brueriis et genistis silvis nemoribus et boscis lignis lapicidiis lapide et calce cum tholis et earum exitibus herezeldis bludwities et mulieorum merchetis cum communi pastura liberoque introitu et exitu
To be held and possessed all and singular the aforesaid lands, towns, castles, fortalices, outsets, mills, fisheries, rabbit warrens and other things respectively specified above, namely: all and whole the lands with the demesne lands commonly called the mains of Torterstoun, together with the outsets, parts and pendicles thereof; the manor, fortalice and castle of Ravenscraig, with houses, gardens, orchards, fisheries and the mills thereof called the Scots Mill; the lands of Ailhoushill, Coklaw, Dennis, Dounhillis, Thundertoun, Outhill and Crauloch, Glendenny, Buchlaw and Newsait; the lands of Brodland; the lands of Mylnehill with the mill thereof called the Mill of Crimmonth; the lands of Raichauche, Carneglas and Carmissis; together with parts, pendicles, annexes, connexes, outsets, fisheries in fresh and salt waters, rabbit warrens, tenants, tenandries, free tenants, services, mills, multures, woods and all other parts, pertinents and commodities of all and singular the said lands; to the said John Keith and his male heirs and assignees foresaid, of us and our successors in fee and heritage forever, by all their rightful ancient and divided marches, as they lie in length and breadth, in houses, buildings, tofts, plains, moors, marshes, ways, paths, waters, ponds, streams, meadows, grazings and pastures, mills, multures and their sequels, fowling, hunting, fishing, peat-mosses, turbaries, coalworks, warrens, dovecots, fruits, orchards, smithies, brew-houses, heaths and broomlands, woods, groves and bushes, timber, quarries, stone and lime, with tolls and their issues, herezelds, bloodwites and women’s merchets, with common pasture and free entry and exit;
Ac cum omnibus aliis et singulis libertatibus commoditatibus asisamentis ac justis sine pertinetiis quibuscumque tam non nominatis quiam nominatis tam subtus terram quam supra terram preciptam et prope ad predictas terras et alia pertinentiis antedictis cum pertinentiis spectantibus seu iuste spectare valentibus quomodolibet in futurum libere quiete plenarie integre honorifice bene et in pace sine aliquo impedimento revocatione contradictione [page 2] aut obstaculo aliquali.
and with all other and sundry liberties, commodities, easements and just pertinents whatsoever, as well not named as named, as well below ground as above ground, near and far belonging or which may justly belong in any way in time to come to the aforesaid lands and others foresaid with pertinents, freely, quietly, fully, entirely, honourably, well and in peace, without any impediment, revocation, contradiction or obstacle whatsoever.
REDDENDO inde annuatim dictis Joannes suique heredes masculi et assignati predicti nobis heredibus et successoribus nostris quatuoer denarios usualis monetae Scotiae Apud dictum castrum de Ravinscraig in festo Pentecostes nomine albae firmae si petatur tantum pro omnibus aliis oneribus exactionibus quaestionibus de maritagio seu servitio seculari quae ex predictis terris et aliis prescriptis cum pertientiis per quoscumque Iuste exigi poterunt quomodolibet vel requiri
Rendering therefor yearly the said John and his male heirs and assignees foresaid to us, our heirs and successors, four pence of the usual money of Scotland at the said castle of Ravenscraig at the feast of Pentecost, in name of blench farm, if asked only, for all other burdens, exactions and claims of marriage or secular service which may in any way be justly exacted or required from the said lands and others aforesaid with their pertinents;
ET NOS VERO heredes et successores nostri omnes et singulas predictas villas terras castra fortalicia lie outsettis molendina piscarias cunicularia et alia respective praescripta, viz. totas et integras terras cum terris dominicalibus vulgo le manis de Torterstoun ac cum lie outsettis partibus et pendiculis earundem manerie fortalicio et castro de Ravinscraig cum domibus hortis pomaris piscariis ac molendino earundem lie Scottis Mylne nuncupato terris de Ailhoushill Coklaw Dennis Dounhillis Thundertoun lie Outhill et Crauloch Glendenny Buchlaw et Newsait terris de Brodland terris de Mylnehill cum molendino earundem nuncupato lie Mylne de Crimmonth terris de Raichauche Carneglas et Carmissis cum partibus pendiculis annexis connexis lie Outsettis piscariis tam in aquis dulcibus quam salsis cumculariis tenetibus tenandris liberetenentibus servitiis molendinis multuris silvis at aliis partibus pertinentiis et comoditatibus omnis et singularum praesentium terrarum et aliorum predictorum prefato Joanni Keith suisque heredibus masculis et assignatis respective predictis In ombibus et per omnia forma pariter et effectu ut permissum est Contra omnes mortales warantizabimius acquietabimus et imperpetuum defendemus
and we indeed, our heirs and successors, shall warrant, acquit and defend in perpetuity all and singular the aforesaid towns, lands, castles, fortalices, outsets, mills, fisheries, warrens and other things specified above—namely the whole lands with the demesne lands called the mains of Torterstoun, together with all their parts and pertinents (as listed above)—to the said John Keith and his male heirs and assignees foresaid, in all things and through all things, in form and effect as is aforesaid, against all mortals.
INSUPER dilecto nostro Alexandro Keithe de Carnenes et eorum cuilibet conjunctim et divisim ballivis nostris in hac parte specialiter constitutis salutem. Vobis precipimius et mandamus quatenus visis praesentibus sine dilatione statim sasinam hereditariam possessionem corporalem actualem et realem omnium et singulum predictarum terrarum villarum castrorum fortaliciorum lie outsettis molendinorum piscariorum cuniculariorum aliorumque praescriptorum viz : totarum et integrum terrarum cum terria dominicalibus vulgo le manis de Torterstoun Ac cum lie outsettis partibus et pendiculis earundem manoriem fortaliciem et castrum de Ravinscraig cum domnibus hortis pomaris piscariis ac molendinis earundem lie Scottis Mylne nuncupatis terris de Ailhoushill Coklaw Dennis Dounhillis Thundertoun lie Outhill et Crauloch Glendenny Buchlaw et Newsait terris de Brodland terris de Mylnehill cum molendino earundem nuncupato lie Mylne de Crimmonth terras de Raichauche Carneglas et Carmissis cum partibus pendiculis annexis connexis lie Outsettis piscariis tam in aquis dulcibus quam salsis cumculariis tenentibus tenandris liberetenentibus servitiis molendinis multuris silvis ac aliis partibus pertinentiis et commoditatibus omnium et singularum praesentium terrarum ac aliorum predictorum prefato Joanni Keith vel suo certo actornato secundum tenoram antescripte nostrae cartae jnste haberi factiatis et deliberetis Et hoc nullo modo omittatis. Ad quod faciendum vobis et cuilibet vestrum conjunctim vel divisim ballivis nostris in hac parte antedictis nostram plenariam et irrecovabilem tenore praesentium concedimus potestatem.
Moreover, to our beloved Alexander Keith of Carnenes, and to each of you jointly and severally, our bailies specially appointed in this matter, greeting. We command and strictly enjoin you that, these presents having been seen, without delay, you give and deliver heritable sasine and real, actual and corporal possession of all and singular the aforesaid lands, towns, castles, fortalices, outsets, mills, fisheries, warrens and other things above specified—namely the whole lands with the demesne lands called the mains of Torterstoun, together with all their parts and pertinents (as listed above)—to the said John Keith or to his lawful attorney, according to the tenor of our aforesaid charter; and that you in no way omit this. For doing which we grant to you, and each of you jointly and severally, our bailies foresaid in this matter, our full and irrevocable power by the tenor of these presents.
RESERVATO tamen libero tenemento sine vitali redditu omnium et singulum terrarum respective post scriptarum, viz. terrarum cum terria dominicalibus vulgo le manis de Torterstoun Ac cum lie outsettis partibus et pendiculis earundem ac cum manoriem toto fortaliciem et terras de Ravinscraig ac molendino earundem lie Scottis Mylne nuncupatis terrarium de Ailhoushill Coklaw Dennis Doun-hillis Thundertoun lie Outhill et Crauloch, terrarum de Glendenny Buchlaw et Newsait ac terrarum de Brodland cum partibus pendiculis annexis connexis lie Outsettis piscariis tenentibus tenandriis liberetenentiis servitiis molendinis multuris silvis ac aliis partibus pertinentiis et commoditatibus prenominatarum terrarum prefato Andree Keith pro omnibus vitae suae diebus utpraemissum est. IN CUIUS REI testimonium sigillum nostrum unacum nostra subscriptione manuali praesentibus est Appensum Apud Edinburgh primo de mensis Aprilis Anno domini millesimo quingentesimo octuagosimo nono Coram his testibus domino Roberto Keith dominus de Altrie domini Andree Keith domino de Dingwall Magistro Georgio Fraser.
There being reserved, however, a free tenement without payment of life-rent of all and singular the lands respectively above written, namely: the lands with the demesne lands called the mains of Torterstoun, together with the outsets, parts and pendicles thereof; and the manor, fortalice and tower of Ravenscraig; and the mill thereof called the Scots Mill; the lands of Ailhoushill, Coklaw, Dennis, Dounhillis, Thundertoun, Outhill and Crauloch; the lands of Glendenny, Buchlaw and Newsait; and the lands of Brodland; together with all parts, pendicles, annexes, connexes, outsets, fisheries, tenants, tenandries, free tenants, services, mills, multures, woods and all other parts, pertinents and commodities of the foresaid lands, to the said Andrew Keith for all the days of his life, as is before stated. In testimony whereof our seal, together with our manual subscription, is appended to these presents at Edinburgh on the first day of the month of April in the year of our Lord 1589, before these witnesses: Sir Robert Keith of Altrie, Sir Andrew Keith of Dingwall, Master George Fraser.
QUAMQUIDEM cartam et infeodationem una cum precepto sasinae in eadem contento et instrumento sasinae desuper sequente, In omnibus suis punctis et articulis, conditionibus et circumstantiis Ac confirmatibus suis quibuscumque, In omnibus et per omnia forma pariter ac effectu ut praemissum est una cum actorum omnibus et singulis aliis cartis et Infeodationibus per quascumque alias personas de terris aliisque praescriptis factis et concessis Andree Keith de Ravinscraig fratri avi dicti Joannis Keith nunc de Ravinscraig, quondam domino Willelimo Keith de Inverugie militi eorumque praedecessoribus respective ipsorum heredibus et assignatis in eisdem specificatis quibuscumque temporibus cum omnibus preceptis instrumentis sasinae retornatibus aliisque evidentiis desuper sequentibus et omnibus ipsarum pertinetiis In omnibus sius punctis articulis clausulis et circumstantiis Ratificamus approbamus Ac pro nobis et successionibus nostris Properpetuo confirmamus
Which charter and infeftment, together with the precept of sasine contained in the same and the instrument of sasine following thereupon, in all their points and articles, conditions and circumstances, and with all their confirmations whatsoever, in all and through all respects in form as well as in effect, as is aforesaid; together with all and singular the other charters and infeftments made and granted by whatever other persons of the lands and other subjects above written to Andrew Keith of Ravenscraig, brother of the grandfather of the said John Keith, now of Ravenscraig, formerly to Sir William Keith of Inverugie, knight, and to their predecessors respectively, and to their heirs and assignees specified therein; at whatever times, with all precepts, instruments of sasine, returns, and other evidences following thereupon, and with all their pertinents, in all their points, articles, clauses and circumstances, we ratify, approve, and for us and our successors confirm forever.
SALVIS et reservatis omnimodo nobis et successoribus nostris juribus et servitiis omnium et singularum terrarum molendinorum piscariarum aliorumque superius specificatorum nobis ante hanc praesentem nostram confirmationem de debitis et consuetis.
Saving and reserving in every way to us and our successors the rights and services of all and singular the lands, mills, fisheries, and other things above specified, which were due and accustomed to us in full before this present confirmation.
PRETEREA volumus et concedimus ac pro nobis et successoribus nostris decernimus et ordinamus Quod haec praesnes nostra confirmatio et ratificatio est Ac omnibus temporibus futuris adeo sit valida sufficiens et efficax prefato Joanni Keith de Ravinscraig suis heredibus masculis et assignatis superius recitatis pro pacifica gauditione et possessione omnium et singularum dictarum terrarum molendinorum aliorumque superius specificatorum hereditarie et imperpetuum omnibus temporibus futuris;
Moreover, we will and grant, and for us and our successors decree and ordain, that this present confirmation and ratification shall be, for all future times, so valid, sufficient, and effective for the said John Keith of Ravenscraig, his heirs male and assigns above mentioned, for the peaceful enjoyment and possession of all and singular the said lands, mills, and other things above specified, heritably and in perpetuity;
Ac si omnes et singulae praefatae cartae et infeodationes prenominato Joannes Keith predecessoribus supramentionatis confectae ante sasinas desuper captas et ante decessus tam factorum earundem quam dictorum Joannis Keith predecessorum superius mentionatorum in maiori forma debite ratificatae et confirmatae fuissent Ac etiam si huiusmodi antequae cartae et infeodationes in hac presenti nostra confirmatione totaliter inserte essent.
and if all and singular the charters and infeftments granted to the predecessors of the said John Keith above mentioned had been duly ratified and confirmed in full form before the sasines taken thereupon and before the deaths both of the grantors of the same and of the predecessors of the said John Keith above mentioned; and also as if such earlier charters and infeftments had been wholly inserted in this present confirmation.
Et similiter quod haec presens nostra confirmatio est Ac omnibus temporibus futuris tanti sit valoris roboris fortitidinis et effectus praefato Joanni Keyth nunc de Ravinscraig suisque praedictis Ac si eadem ipsis nostro sub magno sigillo in maiori forma ante sasinas per ipsum de praelibatis terris molendinis aliisque superius expressis cum pertinentiis susceptas data et concessa fuisset; non obstante eadem sasina per dictum Joannem de eisdem ante hanc praesentem nostram confirmationem alias capta penes quam omnesque defectus qui desuper sequi possent nos pro nobis nostrisque successoribus per praesentes dispensamus.
And likewise that this present confirmation shall be, for all time to come, of as great value, strength, force, and effect to the said John Keith, now of Ravenscraig, and his aforesaid heirs, as if the same had been given and granted to them by us under our Great Seal in full form before the sasine taken by him of the aforesaid lands, mills, and other things above expressed with their pertinents; notwithstanding that sasine had already been taken by the said John of the same before this present confirmation; with respect to which we, for us and our successors, by these presents dispense with all defects that might arise therefrom.
IN SUPER nos inde post nostram aetatem predictam perfectam omnesque nostras revocationes tam speciales quam generales pro bono fideli et gratuito servitio nobis per praefatum Joannem Keyth nunc de Ravinscraig diversis temporalibus impenso Et praesertim in eundo cum diversis aliis nostro jussu extra regnum nostrum in patriam Danie ad tractandum et deliberandum et matrimonio nostro Cum charissima nostra conjuge Anna dei gratia nunc Scotorum Regina filiaque legitima quondam serenissimi et excellentissimi principis Frederici regis Daniae; Et pro dicti Joannis Keith commoratione in eadem patria longo tempore ad eundem effectum Et in recompensationem ingentum sumptuum quos prefatus Joannes Keith inde sustinuit ac pro aliis bonis considerationibus nos ad hoc moventibus
Moreover, after our aforesaid lawful age, and notwithstanding all our revocations, both special and general: in return for the good, faithful, and gratuitous service rendered to us by the said John Keith, now of Ravenscraig, at various times in the past, and especially in going, with various others by our command, outwith our realm into the country of the Danes, to treat and deliberate concerning our marriage with our dearest consort Anne, by the grace of God now Queen of Scots, and the legitimate daughter of the late most serene and most excellent prince Frederick, King of Denmark; and for the said John Keith’s stay in that same country for a long time for that same purpose; and in recompense of the very great expenses which the said John Keith thereby sustained, and for other good considerations moving us thereto
DE NOVO damus concedimus et disponimus ac pro nobis et successoribus nostris properpetuo confirmamus Antedicto Joanni Keith de Ravinscriag suis heredibus masculis et assignatis supra specificatis hereditarie omnes et singulas praelibatas terras cum terris dominicalibus vulgo lie manis de Torterstoun et cum lie outsettis partibus et pendiculis earundem fortalicinio et castrum de Ravinscraig cum domibus hortis pomeriis piscariis et molendino earundem lie Scottis Mylne nuncupato terris de Ailhoushill Coklay Dennis Dounhillis Thundertoun, Outhill et Crauloch Glendenny Buchlaw et Newsait terris de Brodland terris de Mylnehill cum molendino earundem molendinium de Crimmonth terris de Raichauche Carneglas et carmissis cum partibus pendiculis annexis connexis lie Outsettis piscariis tam in aquis dulcibus quam salsis cuniculariis tenentibus tenandris liberetenentibus servitiis molendinis multuris silvis aliisque partibus pertinentiis et commoditatibus omnium et singularum praesentium terrarum et aliorum predictorum
We anew give, grant and dispose, and for us and our successors confirm in perpetuity, to the aforesaid John Keith of Ravenscraig, his male heirs and assignees above specified, heritably, all and singular the foresaid lands, with the demesne lands called the mains of Torterstoun, together with the outsets, parts and pendicles thereof; the fortalice and castle of Ravenscraig, with houses, gardens, orchards, fisheries and the mill thereof called the Scots Mill; the lands of Ailhoushill, Coklay, Dennis, Dounhillis, Thundertoun, Outhill and Crauloch, Glendenny, Buchlaw and Newsait; the lands of Brodland; the lands of Mylnehill with the mill thereof, the mill of Crimmonth; the lands of Raichauche, Carneglas and Carmissis; together with the parts, pendicles, annexes and connexes, outsets, fisheries both in fresh and salt waters, warrens, tenants, tenandries, free tenants, services, mills, multures, woods, and all other parts, pertinents and commodities whatsoever of all and singular the said lands and others foresaid;
Iacentibus unacum omnibus Iure titulo Interesses Jurisclameo tam petitorio quam possessorio proprietate et possessione quae et quas nos nostri predecessors vel successores habuimus habemus seu quovismodo habere vel clamare poterimus in et as easdem vel ad ullas pro firmas census vel denorias earundem quorumcunque annorum vel terminorum praeteritorum
lying together with all right, title, interest and claim of right, both petitory and possessory, and the property and possession which we or our predecessors or successors have had, have, or may in any way have or claim in and to the same, or to any rents, duties or sums thereof for whatsoever past years or terms;
ratione non intriotus non solutionis forisfacturae vel criminium praeteritorum super commissa per principales alienatores et dispositores dictarum terrarum aliorumque praescriptorum nostros Immediatos tenentes earundem ipsorum heredes vel successores unde sive fines super quibus forisfacturae sequi poterint vel poterit Recognitiones eschatae purpresturae disclamationes bastardiae Totius vel maioris partis alientationis retornatus infeofamentorum vel sasinarum deductionis ultimi heredis detentionis minine ostensionis non agentiae continuationis non solutionis denariorum de predictis terris aliisque super specificalis debitas et requisitas aut ratione ullorum parliamentorum actorum legum vel constitutionum quarmicumque vel per ullam aliam rationem seu causam pro quacumque actione vel occasione praeterita
by reason of non-entry, non-payment, forfeiture or past crimes committed by the principal alienators and disposers of the said lands and others aforesaid, who were our immediate tenants thereof, or by their heirs or successors, from which there might arise fines or occasions upon which forfeitures might follow, recognitions, escheats, encroachments (purprestures), disclaimers, bastardy, alienation of the whole or the greater part, returns, infeftments or sasines, failure to establish the last heir, detention, non-appearance, failure to act, interruption of possession, non-payment of sums due from the said lands and others above specified and required; or by reason of any parliaments, acts, laws or constitutions whatsoever, or by any other reason or cause for any action or occasion whatsoever in time past;
Renunciando et exonerando eisdem Cum nostra actione instantia et proscutione earundem properpetuo In favorem prefati Joannis Keyth nunc de Ravinscraig et ipsius predictorum cum pacto de non petendo et supplemento omnium defectuum tam non nominatorum quam nominatorum quos pro expressis in hac praesenti carta nostra haberi volumus Et numquam actorem litem nec questionem desuper movebimus in futurum
renouncing and discharging the same, together with our right of action, instance and prosecution thereof in perpetuity, in favour of the said John Keith now of Ravenscraig and his foresaids, with a pact of non-claim and with the supplying of all defects, both unnamed and named, which we wish to be held as if expressed in this our present charter; and we shall never raise any action, suit or question thereupon in time to come.
PRAETEREA nos nunc post nostram perfectam aetatem et cognitionem superius specificatam praedicti Joannis Keith bono et gratuito servito superius mentionato tenore praesentium volumus et concedimus Ac pro nobis et successoribus nostris decernimus et ordinamus
Moreover, we now, after our lawful age and full knowledge above specified, in consideration of the good and gratuitous service of the said John Keith above mentioned, by the tenor of these presents will and grant, and for us and our successors decree and ordain:
Quod quandocumque praefaae terrae de Cocklay cum omnibus pertinentiis in manibus nostras vel successorem nostorum cadere et devenire contigerit sive per escheatam vel non introitum per mortem vel defectum dicti Joannis Keyth mediatorum vel Immediatorum superiorum honorum earundem heredum vel succcessorum aut per quemvis alium modum
that whenever the said lands of Cocklaw, with all their pertinents, shall happen to fall into our hands or those of our successors, whether by escheat or non-entry, by the death or failure of the said John Keith’s mediate or immediate superiors of the said lands, their heirs or successors, or by any other manner whatsoever;
Quod nihilominus praefatus Joannes Keith sui heredes et sucessoreres pacifice et libere gaudebunt et possidebunt praedictas terras de Cocklay cum omnibus pertinentiis earundem absque ullo impedimento molestatione et contradictione aut actione quae eisdem per nos vel successores nostros aut nostros donatarios aut alios quoscumque quovismodo in futuram fieri vel moveri possit prefatus Joannes Keyth sui heredes et successors
nevertheless the said John Keith, his heirs and successors, shall peaceably and freely enjoy and possess the said lands of Cocklaw with all their pertinents, without any impediment, disturbance, contradiction or legal action which may in any way be brought or raised against them by us or our successors or our donataries or any others whatsoever in time to come;
solvendo inde annuatim nobis et successoribus nostris durante corpore dicti Joannis wardam et non introitum sive redditum liberarum usualis monetae huius regni ad duos consuetos terminos festa viz Pentecostes et Sancti Mertini in hieme per aequales portiones
paying therefor yearly to us and our successors, during the lifetime of the said John, the ward and non-entry (or equivalent payment in money of the usual coin of this realm), at the two customary terms of the year, namely the feasts of Pentecost and Martinmas, in equal portions;
quibusquidem annius denoris nos pro nobis et successoribus nostris [Page 172] assignamus et disponimus praefato Joanni Keith suis heredibus et successoribus praedictam wardam et non introitum
which annual sums we, for us and our successors, assign and dispose to the said John Keith, his heirs and successors, in place of the said ward and non-entry.
Totarum et integrarum praefatarum terrarum de Cocklay cum pertinentiis unacum relevio earundem cum contigerit hocque semper et quoties easdem terras in manibus nostris vel successorum nostorum Cadere et devenire contigerit Ratione wardae vel nonintroitus per minoritatem vel defectum dicti Joannis Keyth mediatorum vel Immediatorum superiorum dictarum terrarium aliorumque prescriptorum eorum heredum vel successorum aut per ullum alium modum
Of all and whole the aforesaid lands of Cocklaw with their pertinents, together with the relief thereof when it shall occur, and this always and as often as the said lands shall happen to fall into our hands or those of our successors by reason of ward or non-entry, through the minority or failure of the said John Keith’s mediate or immediate superiors of the said lands and others aforesaid, their heirs or successors, or by any other manner whatsoever;
AC pro maiori Securitate nos tenore praesentium Ratificamus approbamus et confirmamus literam donationis per nos sub nostro secreta sigillo datam et concessam tenore cuius nos pro dicti Joannis gratuito servitio nobis impenso in associando nostro Iussu legatos nostros in dictam Daniae patriam ad tractandem de dicto nosto matrimonio in verbo principis promisimis concedere ratificare et approbare per nostrum cartam sub nostro sigillo omnes et singulas infeodationes cartas sasinas aliaque Iura articula et securitates quascumque factas et concessas antedicto Joanni Keyth suis predicessoribus eorum heredibus et successoribus de praefatis terris de Coklay aliisque in dicta litera donationis contentis
and for greater security we, by the tenor of these presents, ratify, approve and confirm a letter of donation given and granted by us under our privy seal, by the tenor whereof we, for the gratuitous service rendered to us by the said John in accompanying, at our command, our ambassadors into the said realm of Denmark to treat concerning our said marriage, did promise, on the word of a prince, to grant, ratify and approve by our charter under our seal all and singular infeftments, charters, sasines and other rights, articles and securities whatsoever made and granted to the said John Keith and his predecessors, their heirs and successors, of the said lands of Cocklaw and others contained in the said letter of donation;
AC ETIAM promisimus decernimus et ordinamus Quod gaudeat et possideat dictas terras per dictum Joannem Keyth suosque predictos durante tempore wardae et nonintroitas earendem ut predictum est Solvendo inde annuatim durante eodem spatio modo in dicta litera donationis contento
and also we promised, decree and ordain that the said John Keith and his foresaids shall enjoy and possess the said lands during the time of ward and non-entry thereof as aforesaid, paying therefor yearly during that period in the manner contained in the said letter of donation;
Tenore cuius disponimus dictam wardam nonintroitum et relevium praefato Joanni suisque praedictis modo superius contento prout in dicta litera de data vicesimo primo de mensis octobris Anno domini millesimo quingentesimo octogesimo nono latius habetur
by the tenor whereof we dispose the said ward, non-entry and relief to the said John and his foresaids in the manner above written, as is more fully contained in the said letter dated the twenty-first day of October in the year of our Lord 1589;
Ac etiam nos per presentes volumus et concedimus ac pro nobis et successoribus nostris decernimus et ordinamus Quod praefata litera donationis est et erit tanti valoris roboris fortitudinis et validitatis ad effectum in eadem contentum simuliter Ac si carta et infeodatio per nos antedicto Joanni Keyth suisque praedictis nostro sub magno Sigillo de super data et concessa fuisset cum sasina de super sequente penes quam nos per presentes dispensamus
and further we, by these presents, will and grant, and for us and our successors decree and ordain, that the said letter of donation is and shall be of such value, force, strength and validity for the effect contained therein as if a charter and infeftment had been granted by us to the said John Keith and his foresaids under our Great Seal, with sasine following thereupon, notwithstanding which we dispense by these presents;
IN CUIUS rei testimonium huic praesenti cartae nostrae confirmationis magnum sigillum nostrum apponi praecipimus testibus ut in aliis cartis consimilis datae precedentibus
in testimony whereof we have commanded our Great Seal to be appended to this present charter of confirmation, the witnesses being as in the other charters of similar date preceding.
Apud Halyrudehous decimo quinto die mensis decembris Anno domini millesimo quingentesimo Nonagesimp tertio et Regni nostri vicesimo septimino.
At Holyrood the 15 day of December 1593 and 27th of our reign.
