Extracts from the Records of the Burgh of Edinburgh

Guthrie Research Sketches, Burgh of Edinburgh, Pt. 2

The Extracts from the Records of the Burgh of Edinburgh (Volumes 1–14) is a comprehensive historical collection documenting the civic, economic, and daily life of Scotland’s capital from 1403 to 1738. Originally published beginning in 1869 for the Scottish Burgh Records Society, these volumes were transcribed and edited over several decades by historians James David Marwick, Marguerite Wood, and Helen Armet.

When building out resources for the Guthrie DNA Project or researching lineages for the Guthrie genealogy blog, these records serve as an essential tool for uncovering ancestral footprints in Scotland. The collection is officially cataloged as a vital primary source for both Edinburgh history and genealogy.

What Do the Records Contain?

The fourteen volumes capture a wide array of municipal, financial, and legal documents that dictated life in the burgh, including:

• Burghal Legislation: The complete surviving legislation and council records detailing the governance, laws, and daily administration of the city.
• Financial Accounts: Substantial extracts from the meticulous accounts of the Town Treasurer and the Dean of Guild.
• Trade and Guild Actions: Insights into the incorporation and regulation of local crafts and trades—such as the Hammermen, cordiners, and tailors—which heavily governed the livelihoods and daily habits of the citizens.
• Property and Civil Court Records: Joint court records that oversaw property transactions, neighborhood disputes over common stairs and boundary walls, and the division of congested urban tenements.

Utilizing the Extracts for Guthrie Genealogy

While genetic genealogy can establish deep ancestral origins, historical sources like the Burgh Records provide the contextual paper trail necessary to turn a name into a vivid historical narrative. Here is how these volumes can be leveraged for Guthrie research:

• Tracking Ancestral Trades: If a Guthrie ancestor belonged to a specific guild, the Dean of Guild accounts and burgh council texts can reveal when they became a burgess, their trade rules, and their social standing.
• Locating Urban Residences: The records frequently list individuals in relation to their neighbors, landlords, or property alterations, helping researchers pinpoint exactly where an ancestor lived and worked within the divided forelands and backlands of the city.
• Placing Ancestors in Historical Context: The volumes provide a direct window into how sweeping historical events—such as religious shifts, trade restrictions, or royal demands—impacted the commerce and daily survival of everyday people.
• Finding Hidden Social Networks: Witnesses, cautioners (guarantors), business partners, and even court officials mentioned in these disputes often highlight the extended family networks, alliances, and social circles of the individuals involved.

Guthrie Research Sketches

Each individual Guthrie found in the Extracts from the Records of the Burgh f Edinburgh records is summarized into a Guthrie Research Sketch. These are found on the Burgh of Edinburgh, Pt. 2 page. Follow the link for collected details on their identity, family, roles, and network connections.

Volume 1: 1403-1528

Guthrie Research Sketches, Burgh of Edinburgh, Pt. 2

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 1 – Guthrie Index & Navigator

Extracts Edinburgh, Volume 1 (A.D. 1403–1528), Preface, p. xxxiii

Date: 1638 (inventory referenced); Preface dated December 1869

Original Language: English

Purpose of the Document: Section of the editor’s preface describing the sources used for the volume, specifically referencing a 1638 inventory of Edinburgh city writs, lands, customs, and privileges compiled by Maister Alexander Guthrie.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Maister Alexander Guthrie

Role:

• Commond Clerk (Common Clerk) to the City of Edinburgh
• Compiler/digestor of the 1638 inventory of city records and writs

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpt (full relevant paragraph):

“…of the whole wreats belonging to the Citie of Edinburgh, conteaning ther whole lands, customes, and priuiledges perteaning to theme; collected and digested be Maister Alexander Guthrie, Commond Clerk to the said Citie, as they are conteaned in seuerall boxes of thair cabinetts presentlie sett up in thair chartour house.” This Inventory bears to have been prepared in 1638.

Historical Significance:

• Highlights the importance of record-keeping and archival organization in 17th-century Edinburgh.
• Demonstrates continuity of civic administration and the role of the Common Clerk as a key official responsible for preserving burgh documents.
• Provides context for the 19th-century editorial work, showing how later inventories aided access to earlier records.

Genealogical Significance:

• Identifies Alexander Guthrie as Common Clerk of Edinburgh in/around 1638, a position of significant civic responsibility.
• Potential link for Guthrie family lines associated with Edinburgh legal/administrative roles (distinct from earlier burgh records in the main volume).
• Location: Edinburgh. May connect to broader Guthrie networks in Midlothian or those holding burgh offices. No immediate interrelationships or family details (spouse/children) given in the text.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Common Clerk (Commond Clerk): Senior administrative official of the burgh responsible for maintaining records, protocols, and legal documents.
• Chartour house: The burgh’s charter house or archive repository for official writs and privileges.
• Wreats/Writs: Legal deeds, charters, and documents conveying property, rights, and privileges.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 1 (A.D. 1403–1528), List of Abbreviations (unnumbered page)

Date: 1638 (inventory); List compiled for 1869 edition

Original Language: English

Purpose of the Document: List of abbreviations and source descriptions used throughout the volume, including a specific entry for the inventory compiled by Alexander Guthrie.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie (also referred to as Maister Alexander Guthrie in the preface)

Role:

• Common Clerk (Commond Clerk) to the City of Edinburgh
• Compiler of “Guthrie’s Inventory” (1638)

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpt:

Guthrie’s Inventory.—Inventory of the whole Writs belonging to the City; “conteaning their whole Lands, Customs, and Privileges perteaning to them.” Collected and digested by Mr Alexander Guthrie, Common Clerk, in 1638 ; 1 volume.

Historical Significance:

• Serves as a key reference tool for readers, standardizing citations to source materials.
• Underscores the foundational role of 17th-century civic officials in organizing Edinburgh’s archival heritage, which the 19th-century editors relied upon.

Genealogical Significance:

• Reinforces the identification of Alexander Guthrie as Common Clerk in 1638.
• Same individual as referenced in the Preface (p. xxxiii). No new biographical details.
• Location: Edinburgh. Useful for tracking Guthrie office-holders in burgh administration.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Inventory of Writs: Systematic catalog of legal deeds, charters, and privileges—essential for burgh governance and property claims.
• Confirms the ongoing importance of the Common Clerk’s office in record preservation.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 1 (A.D. 1403–1528), Table of Contents, p. ii

Date: 1454 (referenced charter); Table of Contents for 1869 edition

Original Language: English

Purpose of the Document: Table of Contents listing the dated extracts included in the volume, with source citations. One entry references Guthrie’s Inventory as a source for a 1454 charter.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (via Guthrie’s Inventory, compiled 1638)

Role:

• Compiler of the inventory used as a source for locating/collating the 1454 charter

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpt (relevant line):

1454, November 4. Tolls exigible from ships and boats coming into Leith made perpetual, [Original Charter in the Archives of the City. Guthrie’s Inventory, fol. 7, No. 4. Inventory of City Charters, Vol. IV., p. 5.] – – – – 14

Historical Significance:

• Illustrates how 19th-century editors cross-referenced multiple archival inventories (including Guthrie’s 1638 work) to reconstruct and verify early burgh charters.
• The 1454 entry concerns perpetual tolls on shipping at Leith, reflecting Edinburgh’s growing control over its port and trade infrastructure.

Genealogical Significance:

• No new Guthrie individual; continues to reference the same Alexander Guthrie (Common Clerk, 1638) as the compiler of a key inventory.
• Location: Edinburgh/Leith. Useful for understanding how later Guthries in civic roles preserved earlier records relevant to trade and burgh privileges.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Tolls exigible: Fees or duties legally collectible on goods or vessels.
• Perpetual grant: A charter making the right ongoing rather than time-limited.
• Use of inventories like Guthrie’s for locating original charters in the city archives

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 1 (A.D. 1403–1528), Abstract of Charters, p. 322

Date: References to charters dated 31 May 1398 and 27 February 1413-14 (both cited via Guthrie’s Inventory)

Original Language: English (abstract); originals likely Latin

Purpose of the Document: Abstract/summary of historical charters related to the Burgh of Edinburgh, with source citations. Two entries cite Guthrie’s Inventory as a locating reference.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (via Guthrie’s Inventory, 1638)

Role:

• Compiler of the inventory used as a source reference for locating original charters in the city archives

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpts (source citations only, as no primary Guthrie involvement in the charter texts):

• [33.] … Guthrie’s Inventory of City Charters, p. 7, No. 10.
• [35.] … Guthrie’s Inventory of City Charters, p. 86.

(The charters themselves concern grants by Sir Robert Logan to the Burgesses of Edinburgh regarding Leith port facilities, roads, and land use.)

Historical Significance:

• Demonstrates the value of 17th-century inventories for preserving knowledge of medieval charters that supported Edinburgh’s port development at Leith.
• Highlights ongoing burgh efforts to secure infrastructure, trade rights, and liberties in the late 14th/early 15th centuries.

Genealogical Significance:

• No direct appearance of a Guthrie as a participant, witness, or neighbor in the 1398 or 1413-14 charters.
• Continues to reference the same Alexander Guthrie (Common Clerk, 1638) solely as the compiler of a key finding aid.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith / Restalrig area. No new family connections.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Probat ive Writ: A registered or authenticated legal instrument.
• Tolbooth: Burgh headquarters where courts and official acts were held.
• Charters often included penalties, warranties, and submissions to ecclesiastical jurisdiction (e.g., Bishop of St. Andrews).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 1 (A.D. 1403–1528), Abstract of Charters, p. 324

Date: 8 September 1447 (referenced charter)

Original Language: English (abstract)

Purpose of the Document: Abstract of royal and burgh-related charters. This page cites Guthrie’s Inventory as one source for a 1447 gift by King James II.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (via Guthrie’s Inventory, 1638)

Role:

• Compiler of the inventory serving as a reference source for the charter

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpt (citation only):

[43.] … Guthrie’s Inventory of City Charters, p. 80.

(The charter grants the Burgesses and Community lands within the burgh that were in arrears of rents.)

Historical Significance:

• Reflects royal grants to the burgh to settle financial arrears and strengthen civic holdings during the reign of James II.
• Illustrates the reliance on 17th-century inventories by 19th-century editors to document medieval sources.

Genealogical Significance:

• No direct Guthrie individual in the 1447 charter.
• Reinforces the single Alexander Guthrie (Common Clerk, 1638) as the key figure associated with the inventory.
• Location: Edinburgh. No new relational or occupational details for Guthrie family research.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Gift under Privy Seal: Royal grant of property or rights.
• Arrear of rents: Overdue payments, here resolved by transferring lands to the burgh.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 1 (A.D. 1403–1528), Abstract of Charters, p. 326

Date: 4 November 1454 and 5 November 1454 (referenced letters patent)

Original Language: English (abstract)

Purpose of the Document: Abstract of charters and letters patent. Two entries cite Guthrie’s Inventory as a source.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (via Guthrie’s Inventory, 1638)

Role:

• Compiler of the inventory used as a reference source

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpts (citations only):

• [49.] … Guthrie’s Inventory of City Charters, p. 7, No. 4
• [50.] … Guthrie’s Inventory of City Charters, p. 7, No. 3

(The documents concern perpetual duties at Leith port and the holding of the Court of the Four Burghs at Edinburgh.)

Historical Significance:

• Reinforces Edinburgh’s control over Leith port revenues and its precedence among Scottish burghs in the mid-15th century.
• Shows editorial methodology relying on 17th-century inventories.

Genealogical Significance:

• No new Guthrie individual or direct involvement in the 1454 documents.
• Consistent reference to Alexander Guthrie as Common Clerk and inventory compiler.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Letters Patent: Open royal letters granting rights or privileges.
• Court of the Four Burghs: Early representative assembly of leading Scottish royal burghs.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 1 (A.D. 1403–1528), Abstract of Charters, p. 327

Date: 6 March 1461-2 (referenced promulgation)

Original Language: English (abstract)

Purpose of the Document: Abstract of charters and related documents. One entry cites Guthrie’s Inventory as a source.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (via Guthrie’s Inventory, 1638)

Role:

• Compiler of the inventory serving as a reference source

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpt (citation only):

[54.] … Guthrie’s Inventory of City Charters, p. 176.

(The document concerns the annexation of the Hospital of Soltray to the Collegiate Church and Hospital of the Holy Trinity.)

Historical Significance:

• Relates to ecclesiastical and charitable foundations in mid-15th-century Edinburgh, illustrating royal and papal involvement in local institutions.

Genealogical Significance:

• No new Guthrie individual.
• Final reference (in the provided images) to Alexander Guthrie’s 1638 inventory.
• Location: Edinburgh area.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Promulgation: Official public announcement of a papal bull or charter.
• Transumpt: Certified copy of a document.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 1 (A.D. 1403–1528), Abstract of Charters, pp. 329 & 330

Date: 28 April 1472 (referenced charter on p. 330)

Original Language: English (abstract)

Purpose of the Document: Abstract of royal letters and charters concerning burgh defense and fortification.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (via Guthrie’s Inventory)

Role:

• Compiler of the inventory used as a source reference

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpt (citation on p. 330):

… Guthrie’s Inventory of City Charters, p. 7. No. 6.

(The 1472 charter by James III requires contributions for fortifying Edinburgh against potential English invasion, with penalties for non-compliance.)

Historical Significance:

• Reflects defensive preparations in the burgh amid Anglo-Scottish tensions in the late 15th century.
• Mandates collective responsibility for walls, towers, and fortifications, with enforcement by civic officials.

Genealogical Significance:

• No direct Guthrie individual in the 1472 charter.
• Continues the pattern of referencing Alexander Guthrie’s 1638 inventory as a finding aid.
• Location: Edinburgh. Potential relevance for families holding lands/annualls within the burgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Fosse, bulwark, wall, tower and turret: Elements of town fortification.
• Distrain: Legal seizure of goods to enforce payment.
• Freedom of the burgh: Civic privileges that could be forfeited for evading communal duties.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 1 (A.D. 1403–1528), Abstract of Charters, pp. 334–335

Date: 2 November 1507 (p. 335) & 6 October 1508 (p. 335)

Original Language: English (abstract)

Purpose of the Document: Abstract of royal letters and charters concerning fairs and common lands in Edinburgh.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (via Guthrie’s Inventory)

Role:

• Compiler of the inventory used as a source reference

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpts (citations on p. 335):

• [81.] … Guthrie’s Inventory of City Charters, p 8, No. 13.
• [82.] … Guthrie’s Inventory of City Charters, p. 7, No. 7, p. 21, No. 5, p. 111.

(The 1507 letter confirms All Hallow Fair dates and privileges; the 1508 charter grants powers over common lands/muirs.)

Historical Significance:

• Regulates public fairs (All Hallow and Trinity) to avoid conflicts with religious holidays while benefiting the burgh economically.
• Authorizes feuing of common lands for housing/development under burgh jurisdiction, supporting urban growth.

Genealogical Significance:

• No direct Guthrie individuals in the 1507/1508 charters.
• Continued references to Alexander Guthrie’s 1638 inventory as the key source tool.
• Location: Edinburgh. Potential interest for families involved in fair trade or land-holding within the burgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Letter of Gift under Privy Seal: Royal confirmation of rights and privileges.
• Feu / set in feu: Granting land in hereditary feu tenure.
• Common muir / myre: Shared burgh pasture or waste land.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 1 (A.D. 1403–1528), Abstract of Charters, p. 336

Date: 9 March 1510 (both referenced charters)

Original Language: English (abstract)

Purpose of the Document: Abstract of royal charters of confirmation and grant to the Burgh of Edinburgh.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (via Guthrie’s Inventory)

Role:

• Compiler of the inventory used as a source reference

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpts (citations):

• [84.] … Guthrie’s Inventory of City Charters, p. 39.
• [85.] … Guthrie’s Inventory of City Charters, p. 3, No. 4.

(The 1510 confirmation ratifies earlier charters (including Logan 1398 and James III grants); the second grants lands and harbour of Newhaven with associated rights.)

Historical Significance:

• Consolidates burgh privileges and property rights under James IV, including Newhaven harbour.
• Demonstrates the cumulative nature of royal grants to Edinburgh over centuries.

Genealogical Significance:

• No direct Guthrie individuals in the 1510 charters.
• Consistent reference only to Alexander Guthrie’s 1638 inventory.
• Location: Edinburgh / Newhaven / Restalrig area.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Charter of Confirmation: Royal ratification of prior grants.
• Haven silver: Dues or tolls related to harbour usage.
• Infeftments: Legal investiture of property rights.

Volume 2: 1528 – 1557

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 2 – Guthrie Index & Navigator

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 2 (A.D. 1528–1557), Preface, p. xxxiii

Date: 1638 (inventory referenced); Preface dated December 1869

Original Language: English

Purpose of the Document: Section of the editor’s preface describing the sources used for the volume, specifically referencing the same 1638 inventory of Edinburgh city writs, lands, customs, and privileges compiled by Maister Alexander Guthrie.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Maister Alexander Guthrie (same individual as referenced in Volume 1)

Role:

• Common Clerk (Commond Clerk) to the City of Edinburgh
• Compiler/digestor of the 1638 inventory of city records and writs

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpt (full relevant paragraph):

“…of the whole wreats belonging to the Citie of Edinburgh, conteaning ther whole lands, customes, and priuiledges perteaning to theme; collected and digested be Maister Alexander Guthrie, Commond Clerk to the said Citie, as they are conteaned in seuerall boxes of thair cabinetts presentlie sett up in thair chartour house.” This Inventory bears to have been prepared in 1638.

Historical Significance:

• This is the same reference to the 1638 inventory that appeared in Volume 1’s preface. It underscores the continued reliance of 19th-century editors on this key 17th-century finding aid when compiling extracts from the early burgh records.
• Reinforces the importance of systematic record-keeping by Edinburgh’s Common Clerk in the 17th century.

Genealogical Significance:

• Identifies the same Alexander Guthrie (Common Clerk, 1638) as the compiler of the inventory used as a source for both Volume 1 and Volume 2.
• No new biographical details or family connections are provided.
• Location: Edinburgh. Consistent with previous references in the series.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Common Clerk (Commond Clerk): Senior administrative official responsible for maintaining the burgh’s official records and archives.
• Chartour house: The official repository for charters, writs, and legal documents of the city.
• Wreats/Writs: Legal deeds and documents conveying property rights and privileges.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 2, List of Subscribers / Supporters, p. 8

Date: circa 1869–1871 (publication period of the series)

Original Language: English

Purpose of the Document: List of subscribers and supporters of the Scottish Burgh Records Society’s publications. It records individuals and institutions that contributed to or purchased the series.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• John Guthrie Smith (1834–1894), also styled J. Guthrie Smith or John Guthrie-Smith

Role:

• Advocate and Sheriff-Substitute of Forfarshire
• Historian, topographer, and author
• Subscriber to the Burgh Records Society publications

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpts:

J. Guthrie Smith, Esq., Sheriff-Substitute of Forfarshire. J. Guthrie Smith, Esq. of Woodside, Hamilton.

Historical Significance:

• These entries reflect the strong support the Scottish Burgh Records Society received from the legal and antiquarian community in the mid-to-late 19th century.
• Sheriff-Substitutes were important local judicial officers.

Genealogical Significance:

• The two listings refer to the same individual: John Guthrie Smith (1834–1894).
• He was the son of William Smith of Carbeth-Guthrie and Sarah Wallis.
• He adopted the compound surname Guthrie-Smith (or Guthrie Smith) because his family was associated with the Carbeth-Guthrie estate. This was a common 19th-century Scottish practice when a family acquired or became closely tied to a historic property.
• Professional role: Sheriff-Substitute of Forfarshire — a significant judicial position in the traditional Guthrie heartland of Angus.
• Property: “of Woodside, Hamilton” (Lanarkshire).
• He was a noted historian and author of works such as The Parish of Strathblane and Its Inhabitants from Early Times (1886) and legal treatises.
• Connection to the Guthrie family: Not a direct patrilineal descendant of the main Guthrie of Guthrie line. The Guthrie name entered his family through estate association rather than direct blood descent on the paternal side.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Sheriff-Substitute: A salaried local judge who performed most day-to-day judicial work in the sheriffdom.
• Compound surnames (e.g., Guthrie-Smith) were frequently adopted in the 19th century to preserve the name of an inherited or significant estate.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Vol 2, Page 156

Date: 27 May 1551

Original Language: Mix of Scots and English (contemporary Scots orthography)

Purpose of the Document: Council act appointing measurers for all victual and salt brought to Leith, including Jhone Gottray (Guthrie variant) as one of the sworn persons.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Jhone Gottray (Guthrie variant)

Role:

• Measurer (sworn official for Leith imports)

Translation/Transcription: The prouest baillies and counsale fyndis that the chesing of the metters of all victuall and salt inbrocht to Leyth aucht to be the counsale and the juges, and that the mesouris suld be delyuerit to the fermereris of the wyld auentures to be visit be quhome he pleisis assigne thairto, and thairfore hes chosin the persouns following to be mettares, viz., Jhone Gottray, Adam Welderstoun and Thomas Haisty quhilkis wer sworne thairto, and ordanis all the commoun mettis to be delyuerit to Frances Tennend fermerer of the wyld auentures, and ordanis the said mettares to be equall pertiners of wynning in tyme cuming.

Historical Significance:

• Records appointment of official measurers for imports at Leith to ensure fair dealing in victual and salt.
• Typical burgh regulation of trade weights/measures.

Genealogical Significance:

• Early spelling variant Gottray for Guthrie.
• Jhone Gottray appointed as one of three sworn measurers.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Metters / mesouris – official measurers of goods.
• Swearing of officials was standard for positions involving trust and measurement.

Notes:

• “Gottray” is a recognised variant spelling of Guthrie in 16th-century records.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Vol 2, Page 176

Date: 1 February 1552–3

Original Language: Mix of Scots and English (contemporary Scots orthography)

Purpose of the Document: Council act appointing commissioners, including Alexander Guthrie, to negotiate with the Lord Treasurer (Archbishop of St Andrews) regarding the burgh’s share of large national taxes (£26,000 and £16,000) and to compound/settle if necessary.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie

Role:

• Commissioner re taxation (one of a group appointed)

Translation/Transcription: The quhilk day, the prouest baillies and counsale and ane pairt of the dekynnis of crafts nemmit and gaif power to William Craik, prouest, Maister Thomas Marioribankis, Alexander Guthrie, James Bannatyne, Johne Symsoun, William Muirhead, Johne Dougall, David Kinloch and James Young to pas to my Lord Sanctandrois thesaurer, and commoun with his lordship towart the desyre of thair taxtis of the grete taxt of xxvjᵐ li. and xvjᵐ li., and gif na forther remeid can be had thair of to aggre and compone thairupoun.

Historical Significance:

• Appointment of a high-level delegation to negotiate the burgh’s contribution to major national taxation.
• Reflects the heavy fiscal demands on Scottish burghs in the mid-16th century.

Genealogical Significance:

• Alexander Guthrie appointed as one of the key commissioners, confirming his prominent civic role.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Commoun with – negotiate or confer with.
• Aggre and compone – agree and compound/settle the tax amount.
• Burghs frequently sent delegations to negotiate tax shares with royal officials.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Vol 2, Page 228

Date: 20 December 1555

Original Language: Mix of Latin and Scots/English

Purpose of the Document: Council proclamation concerning ships arriving from Bordeaux, Schererand, and other places with wine and goods during a time of plague, with precautions and a note of the proclamation being made in the presence of Alexander Guthre (clerk) and others.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre (Guthrie)

Role:

• Common Clerk (present at proclamation)

Translation/Transcription: (Eodem die.—Proclamat per Johannem Hamiltoun super lie schore in coram preposito balliis et Alexandro Guthre, Alexandro King, Jacobo King.)

Historical Significance:

• Plague prevention measures restricting unloading of ships from potentially infected areas.
• Standard burgh response to epidemic threats in the 1550s, involving proclamations at the shore and market cross.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Alexander Guthre’s role as Common Clerk in 1555.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith shore.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Proclamat – public proclamation.
• Presence of the clerk and magistrates for official acts was standard.

Notes:

• The main act addresses ships and goods; the clerk’s name appears in the execution note.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Vol 2, Page 280

Date: 2 March 1553 (1553–54)

Original Language: Mix of Latin and Scots/English

Purpose of the Document: Audit of Town Treasurer Robert Grahame’s accounts (1552–53), with a note/signature by GUTHRE (Alexander Guthrie, Town Clerk).

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (GUTHRE)

Role:

• Town Clerk (auditor / note-taker)

Translation/Transcription: … [Equidem.] GUTHRE.

Historical Significance:

• Standard audit of the Town Treasurer’s accounts, showing the balance due and discharge to the next treasurer.
• The clerk’s note/signature confirms the official record.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Alexander Guthrie’s ongoing role as Town Clerk in 1553–54.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Vol 2, Page 289

Date: 19 February 1554 (approx., audit of prior accounts)

Original Language: Mix of Scots and English

Purpose of the Document: Audit report on Treasurer Robert Grahame’s accounts, with a marginal note by Mr Alexander Guthrie, Town Clerk.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie

Role:

• Town Clerk (marginal note / auditor attestation)

Translation/Transcription: [The report is not subscribed by the auditors. There is on the margin of it the following note by Mr Alexander Guthrie, town clerk: —] Maister Jhoun Prestoun charges him with this rest in his compttis. GUTHRE.

Historical Significance:

• Standard audit process for town treasurer accounts, with the clerk noting charges against individuals.
• Demonstrates the clerk’s role in verifying and annotating financial records.

Genealogical Significance:

• Further confirmation of Mr Alexander Guthrie’s position as Town Clerk in the mid-1550s.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Notes:

• Marginal note by the clerk on the audit report.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Vol 2, Page 316

Date: 1555–56 (Treasurer’s Accounts)

Original Language: English (with contemporary Scots orthography)

Purpose of the Document: Town Treasurer’s accounts recording discharge by precepts, including payment to Alexander Guthre.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Recipient of precept payment

Translation/Transcription: Item, to Alexander Guthre, be ane precept datit tertio Novembris, … xxvᵛ

Historical Significance:

• Standard entry in burgh financial accounts showing payment by precept (written order) to the Town Clerk.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Alexander Guthrie’s role and receipt of official payment as Common Clerk in 1555–56.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Notes:

• Payment of 25 (likely pounds or merks) by precept dated 3 November.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Vol 2, Page 319

Date: 1555–56 (Treasurer’s Accounts)

Original Language: English (with contemporary Scots orthography)

Purpose of the Document: Town Treasurer’s accounts recording extraordinary discharge, including payment for carting wine supplied by Alexander Guthre.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Supplier of wine (carting/transport)

Translation/Transcription: Item, for carting and bringing up of ane toun of wyne fra the Abay for the Quenis grace, gottin fra Alexander Guthre, … iijᵛ vjᵈ

Historical Significance:

• Records supply and transport of wine for the Queen’s use from the Abbey, with Alexander Guthre as supplier.
• Typical entry in burgh accounts for provisions related to royal or official events.

Genealogical Significance:

• Alexander Guthrie involved in supplying goods (wine) to the burgh.
• Consistent with his role as Common Clerk and merchant activities.
• Location: Edinburgh / Abbey.

Notes:

• Cost of iijᵛ vjᵈ (3s 6d) for carting one tun of wine.
• Further evidence of Guthrie’s business dealings in the mid-1550s.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Vol 2, Page 361

Date: 6 March 1555

Original Language: Mix of Scots and English

Purpose of the Document: Audit of Dean of Guild James Carmichael’s accounts, with marginal note by Mr Alexander Guthrie, town-clerk.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie

Role:

• Town-clerk (marginal note on audit)

Translation/Transcription: [The Report is not subscribed by the auditors. There is on the margin the following note by Mr Alexander Guthrie, town-clerk: —] The comptar hes chargit him heirwith in his next compt, maid in anno lvjᵗᵒ GUTHRE.

Historical Significance:

• Standard audit of the Dean of Guild’s accounts, with the clerk noting carry-forward to the next year.
• Demonstrates the clerk’s role in financial record-keeping and annotations.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Mr Alexander Guthrie’s position as Town-clerk in 1555.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Vol 2, Page 369

Date: 26 March 1557 (act) / 1555–56 accounts

Original Language: Mix of Scots and English

Purpose of the Document: Note by the town-clerk on the final balance owing by James Carmichael (Dean of Guild), with payment ordered by council act of 26 March 1557.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (GUTHRE)

Role:

• Town-clerk (note on settlement)

Translation/Transcription: And sua restis the compter awand to the gude town the soume of threttye fvye pund sextene schillings jᵈ obᵒ; quhilk soume wes ordanet to be deliverit and payit to James Carmichael be ane act maid be the counsall thairupon, in part of payment of ane mair soume restant awin to him be the gude town, as the act, maid the xxvj day of Marche 1557 yers, proportis. GUTHRE.

Historical Significance:

• Final settlement of accounts between the burgh and James Carmichael (Dean of Guild).
• Illustrates the clerk’s role in certifying financial balances and referencing council acts.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Alexander Guthrie’s position as Town-clerk in 1557.

Volume 3: 1557-1571

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3 – Guthrie Index & Navigator

Extracts from Edinburgh, List of Members / Subscribers, p. 8

Date: circa 1875 (publication period of Volume 3)

Original Language: English

Purpose of the Document: List of members and subscribers supporting the Scottish Burgh Records Society’s publications (appearing in the front matter of Volume 3).

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• John Guthrie Smith (same individual as in Volume 2)

Role:

• Advocate and Sheriff of Aberdeen and Kincardine
• Of Woodside, Hamilton

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpts:

J. Guthrie Smith, Esq., Sheriff of Aberdeen and Kincardine. J. Guthrie Smith, Esq. of Woodside, Hamilton.

Historical Significance:

• Shows the continuing support of legal professionals for the Burgh Records series across multiple volumes.
• The change in title from “Sheriff-Substitute of Forfarshire” (Vol. 2) to “Sheriff of Aberdeen and Kincardine” (Vol. 3) likely reflects a later professional appointment.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same person previously identified in Volume 2: John Guthrie Smith (1834–1894).
• Son of William Smith of Carbeth-Guthrie and Sarah Wallis.
• Used the compound surname Guthrie-Smith due to the family’s association with the Carbeth-Guthrie estate.
• Professional advancement noted: Previously listed as Sheriff-Substitute of Forfarshire; here listed as Sheriff of Aberdeen and Kincardine.
• Property connection: Woodside, Hamilton (Lanarkshire).
• Not a direct patrilineal descendant of the main Guthrie of Guthrie line.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Sheriff (as opposed to Sheriff-Substitute): A higher judicial office in the sheriffdom.
• Multiple listings of the same individual across volumes reflect his ongoing support for the publications and changes in his career.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 11

Date: 1557 (specifically around 18 September 1557)

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record authorizing payment to Alexander Guthre for expenses incurred on a journey to Hamilton to obtain artillery for the defence of the town, and for his involvement with a royal signet letter regarding taxation.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Civic official / envoy acting on behalf of the town council

Translation/Transcription:

“The prouest baillies and counsale ordanis Alexander Park, thesaurair, to content and pay to Alexander Guthre, for the expenssis maid be him the tyme he raid to Hammyltoun at thair command for desyring of artel- yerie to the defence of the toun, the sowme of xxx s., and v s. for ane signett quhilk wes put to the Quenis grace lettres for chargeing of the inhabitantis of this burgh to pay thair taxt, quhilk being payit salbe allowit.”

Modern English Translation: The provost, baillies, and council ordain Alexander Park, treasurer, to content and pay to Alexander Guthre, for the expenses made by him the time he rode to Hamilton at their command for desiring of artillery to the defence of the town, the sum of 30 shillings, and 5 shillings for a signet which was put to the Queen’s grace letters for charging of the inhabitants of this burgh to pay their tax, which being paid shall be allowed.

Historical Significance:

• Shows the town council actively preparing defences (artillery) during a period of political tension.
• Documents the use of royal letters (via signet) to enforce taxation.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is an early mention of Alexander Guthre, the same individual we have been tracking throughout Volume 3 (Common Clerk and Dean of Guild in later years).
• In 1557 he was already acting as an envoy and handling important civic business on behalf of the council.
• Location: Edinburgh (mission to Hamilton).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Thesaurair: Treasurer.
• Artel- yerie: Artillery.
• Signett: Royal signet (used to authenticate official letters).

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, pages 19–20

Date: 9 May 1558

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record appointing a delegation (including Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk) to deliver a supplication to the Queen’s Grace (Mary of Guise, Regent) and the lords of secret council regarding the defence of the burgh and the appointment of a nobleman to take charge.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk

Role:

• Common Clerk of Edinburgh
• Member of the delegation sent to the Regent and secret council

Translation/Transcription:

“…ordanit James Carmychell dene of gild, maister Jhonn Spens baillie, James Adamsoun thesaurer, maister Jhonn Prestoun, James Young cutler, David Kynloch baxter, Robert Hendersoun harbour, and Alexander Guthre commoun clerk, to pas to the abbay and deliuerit the samyn to the Quenys grace Marye Quene Dowrear Regent of this realme, and lordis of secreit counsale…”

Modern English Translation: …ordained James Carmichael, Dean of Guild, master John Spens, baillie, James Adamson, treasurer, master John Preston, James Young, cutler, David Kynloch, baxter, Robert Henderson, harbour, and Alexander Guthre, common clerk, to go to the abbey and deliver the same to the Queen’s Grace Mary Queen Dowager Regent of this realm, and lords of secret council…

Historical Significance:

• Documents Edinburgh’s efforts to secure strong leadership and defence during a period of threat (likely related to the Rough Wooing or ongoing Anglo-French tensions).
• Shows the Common Clerk playing a key role in official delegations.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking (appearing as early as 1557 and continuing through the 1560s).
• By May 1558 he was already serving as Common Clerk and participating in high-level diplomatic/civic missions.
• Location: Edinburgh (mission to Holyrood Abbey).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Quenys grace Marye Quene Dowrear Regent: Mary of Guise, Queen Dowager and Regent.
• Lordis of secreit counsale: Lords of the Secret Council (advisory body to the Regent).

Notes:

• Confirms Alexander Guthre’s role as Common Clerk from at least 1557–58 onward.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 21

Date: 21 May 1558

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record ordering a group of officials (including Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk) to wait continually upon the Queen’s Grace and the lords of secret council at the abbey for their answer regarding the appointment of a great man to govern the town until the return of the provost.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk

Role:

• Common Clerk of Edinburgh
• Member of the delegation waiting on the Regent and secret council

Translation/Transcription:

“The presidentis baillies and counsale ordanis maister Jhonn Spens baillie, David Forster and Gilbert Balfour of counsale, and Alexander Guthre commoun clerk, to await continuallie vpoun the Quenys grace and lordis of secreit counsale in the abbay vpoun the ansuer of the gude townys desyre twiching ane greit man to haue the steir reull and governance of the toun vnto the returne of my lord Seytoun provost.”

Modern English Translation: The presidents, baillies, and council ordain master John Spens, baillie, David Forster and Gilbert Balfour of council, and Alexander Guthre, common clerk, to wait continually upon the Queen’s Grace and lords of secret council in the abbey upon the answer of the good town’s desire touching a great man to have the steer, rule, and governance of the town unto the return of my lord Seton, provost.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the town’s efforts to secure strong temporary governance during the absence of the provost (Lord Seton).
• Shows the close interaction between the burgh and the Regent’s court at Holyrood.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking from 1557 onward.
• By May 1558 he was already serving as Common Clerk and participating in sensitive, high-level negotiations with the Regent and secret council.
• Location: Edinburgh (Holyrood Abbey).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Steir reull and governance: Steer, rule, and governance (overall command and administration).
• Quenys grace and lordis of secreit counsale: The Regent (Mary of Guise) and the Secret Council.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, pp. 31–33

Date: 20 April 1559

Original Language: Mix of Scots and English (transcribed in the 19th-century edition)

Purpose of the Document: Council record concerning a complaint by George Lord Seton (provost) against two individuals (Alexander Barroun and Alexander Guthre/Guthrie) who were placed in ward (imprisonment) for failing to appear when summoned. The record discusses their release on caution and the administration of justice.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre (also spelled Alexander Guthrie and Alexander Guthre in the same document)
• Common Clerk (commoun clerk) of the burgh of Edinburgh

Role:

• Common Clerk of Edinburgh
• One of the parties placed in ward (along with Alexander Barroun)

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpts (modernized spelling for clarity where helpful):

“20 April 1559. The baillies [assessors, councillors, and deacons of crafts], and als ane Seytoun provest, Barroun, Guthre… Alexander Barroun baillie, and Alexander Guthre commoun clerk of this burgh…”

“…the saidis Alexander Barroun and Alexander Guthre… the said Alexander Guthre, to the effect that the samyn mycht be dismissit with expeditioun… the saidis Alexander Barroun and Alexander Guthrie to be fred relevit and putt to libertie… the said Alexander Guthre entres… David Symer is becumin cawtioun for the said Alexander Guthreis entres…”

Historical Significance:

• Shows the active role of the Common Clerk in both administrative and judicial matters in mid-16th-century Edinburgh.
• Illustrates the use of ward (imprisonment) and caution (surety) as mechanisms in burgh justice.
• Confirms spelling variation (Guthre / Guthrie) even within the same document.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is a new individual: Alexander Guthre/Guthrie, serving as Common Clerk of Edinburgh in 1559.
• Distinct from the later Alexander Guthrie (the 17th-century Common Clerk who compiled the 1638 inventory).
• Location: Edinburgh.
• Potential connection to earlier or contemporary Guthrie families in the Lothians or further afield — worth cross-referencing with burgess rolls and protocol books of the period.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Common Clerk (commoun clerk): Senior burgh official responsible for recording council acts, writs, and legal documents.
• Ward: Imprisonment or confinement, often used to compel appearance.
• Caution / Cawtioun: Surety or bond guaranteeing future appearance or good behaviour.
• Provost, Baillies, Counsall, Dekinnis: Standard burgh governance structure.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 37

Date: 1559

Original Language: Scots (transcribed in the 19th-century edition)

Purpose of the Document: Council record granting the bedralship (position of bedral/beadle) in the Hospital of Saint Mary Wynd to Jonet Guthre, following the death of the previous holder, Jonet Thomesoun.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Jonet Guthre (also styled Guthrie, bedrall)

Role:

• Bedral (beadle/official) of the Hospital of Saint Mary Wynd, Edinburgh

Translation/Transcription:

“The prouest ballies and counsall and dekinis foresaidis grantis and gevis to Jonet Guthre the bedralship in the hospitall of Saint Marye Wynd now vacand in thair handis be deceis of Jonet Thomesoun.”

Historical Significance:

• Documents the appointment of a woman to a minor civic/church office (bedral) in a hospital setting in mid-16th-century Edinburgh.
• Shows that such positions could be held by women and were granted by the town council.

Genealogical Significance:

• Introduces a new individual: Jonet Guthre / Guthrie, a woman holding an official position in Edinburgh in 1559.
• Location: Edinburgh (Hospital of St. Mary Wynd).
• This is the first female Guthrie identified in the records so far.
• Potential connection to other Edinburgh or Lothian Guthries of the period.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Bedralship / Bedrall: A minor office, often involving care of a church or hospital building, ringing bells, or similar duties (similar to a beadle or sexton).
• Vacand in thair handis be deceis: The position became vacant upon the death of the previous holder and was in the gift of the council.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 43

Date: 1558 (recorded in 1559)

Original Language: Scots (transcribed in the 19th-century edition)

Purpose of the Document: List of “honest men” who received various church items (jewels, vestments, and communion plate) for safekeeping or use by the congregation. This entry records the delivery of a chalice, paten, and spoon to Guthrie.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Guthrie (likely Alexander Guthre / Guthrie, Common Clerk)

Role:

• Recipient of church communion plate (chalice with paten and spoon)

Translation/Transcription:

“The names of the honest men quha ressauit this yeir in keping:— … Guthrie, ane challice with the patene and spvne … quhilk haill jowallis ar of the wecht specifiyt in the act maid the se vint day of Januar, the yeir of God 1558 yeris, and insert in the same buke.”

Historical Significance:

• Documents the careful tracking and safekeeping of church valuables (especially communion plate) during the Reformation period in Edinburgh.
• Shows civic leaders and officials being entrusted with sacred items.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is almost certainly the same Alexander Guthre/Guthrie previously identified as Common Clerk of Edinburgh (see pp. 31–33).
• He is listed here simply as “Guthrie” among other prominent men, indicating his standing in the community.
• Location: Edinburgh.
• Reinforces his active role in both civic administration and church-related responsibilities in the late 1550s.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Ressauit this yeir in keping: Received this year for safekeeping.
• Challice with the patene and spvne: Chalice, paten (plate), and spoon — standard communion vessels.
• The list was cross-referenced with an earlier act of 7 January 1558.

Notes:

• Strong likelihood that this is the same individual as the Alexander Guthre/Guthrie who appears as Common Clerk on pages 31–33.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 44

Date: 29 June 1559

Original Language: Scots (transcribed in the 19th-century edition)

Purpose of the Document: Council record appointing a commission of “honest men” to travel to Linlithgow to negotiate the repair and maintenance of churches and religious buildings in Edinburgh, as well as related timber work and order within the burgh.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (same individual previously identified as Common Clerk)

Role:

• Member of the burgh commission sent to Linlithgow
• Common Clerk of Edinburgh (from earlier entries)

Translation/Transcription:

“…constitutis and nominatis James Barroun, Alexander Guthrie, Andro Sklaitter, Thomas Thomsoun, James Young, Michael Gilbert and Archibald Dowar, and ordanis speciall commissioun to be maid and geiffin to thame vndir the seill of caus of this burgh to the effect foresaid…”

Historical Significance:

• Shows Edinburgh’s town council actively managing the repair and upkeep of churches during the Reformation period.
• Commissions of this type were common for handling important civic and religious matters.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthrie/Guthre previously identified as Common Clerk of Edinburgh (see pp. 31–33 and p. 43).
• His inclusion in this official commission further demonstrates his standing and involvement in important burgh business in 1559.
• Location: Edinburgh (with mission to Linlithgow).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Constitutis and nominatis: Constituted and nominated (appointed).
• Commissioun… vndir the seill of caus: Commission under the seal of cause (official burgh seal).
• Honest men: Respected, trustworthy citizens chosen for important tasks.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, pages 53–54

Date: 1559

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record electing temporary replacements (including Alexander Guthre) for absent councillors/assessors, with the replacements sworn in to give their best counsel until the absent members return.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Temporary assessor (in place of the absent Robert Creichtoun)

Translation/Transcription:

“…and Alexander Guthre in place of maister Robert Creichtoun ane of the assessouris absent alswa, quhilkis wer sworne in presens foirsaid to gif thair best counsail as thai sould be requirit ay and quhilk thai wer dischargit thairof.”

Modern English Translation: …and Alexander Guthre in place of master Robert Creichtoun, one of the assessors absent also, which [replacements] were sworn in presence foresaid to give their best counsel as they should be required always and which they were discharged thereof.

Historical Significance:

• Shows the practical workings of the town council when members were absent.
• Temporary replacements were sworn in to maintain continuity of counsel.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking from 1557 onward.
• In 1559 he was already serving as Common Clerk and was also called upon to act as a temporary assessor on the council.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Assessouris: Assessors / councillors who advised the baillies and provost.
• Sworne in presens: Sworn in open council.
• Dischargit thairof: Discharged from the duty when the regular member returned.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, pages 74–75

Date: 30 August 1560

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record documenting the delivery of church jewels, vestments, and communion plate (including a chalice, paten, and spoon) to the Dean of Guild for safekeeping. Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk, is recorded as having delivered specific items.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk

Role:

• Common Clerk of Edinburgh
• Delivered church communion plate to the Dean of Guild

Translation/Transcription:

“In presens of [the provost baillies and deacons of crafts], Alexander Guthre, commoun clerk of this burgh, delyuerit to James Barroun, dene of gild, the chalice patene and spvne weyand xxxj vnce and ane half…”

Modern English Translation: In presence of [the provost, baillies, and deacons of crafts], Alexander Guthre, common clerk of this burgh, delivered to James Barroun, Dean of Guild, the chalice, paten, and spoon weighing 31 ounces and a half…

Historical Significance:

• Documents the careful inventory and safekeeping of valuable church plate during the Reformation period.
• Shows the Common Clerk’s role in the official transfer of these items.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• In 1560 he was serving as Common Clerk and was directly involved in the handling and delivery of important church valuables.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Delyuerit: Delivered (official handover).
• Weyand xxxj vnce and ane half: Weighing 31 ounces and a half (important for inventory and accountability).
• Dene of gild: Dean of Guild — responsible for receiving and safeguarding these items.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, Pages 121–122

Date: 1561 (contextually during the period of royal processions involving Mary, Queen of Scots)

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance requiring specific officials, including Alexander Guthre (common clerk), to wear formal black velvet gowns and participate in a ceremonial procession by bearing the pale (canopy) above the Queen’s head. Other townspeople and young men are also instructed on appropriate attire for the event.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, common clerk

Role:

• Common clerk ordered to wear ceremonial attire and participate in bearing the pale above the Queen

Translation/Transcription:

Original text (combined from both pages): “The prouest baillies and counsale ordanis Alexander Guthre, commoun clerk, Louke Wilsoun, thesaurer, Maister James Watsoun, dene of gild, James Barroun, James Adamsoun, Alexander Park, James Jhonestoun of Kellobank, James Stevinsoun, Andro Stevinsoun and Alexander Achesoun, euery ane of thame, to haue and mak ane goun of fyne blak weluot syde to thair fut lynit with pane weluot, ane coit of blak weluot, ane doublet of crammosyne satyne, with weluot bonet and hois efterand thairto; and thir tuelf to beyr the pale abone the Quenys grace heid, and nane vtheris; and all the vther nychtbouris that salbe sene vpoun the gait to haue syde gownys of fyne Franche blak sychtit with pane weluot, coittis of weluot, and doublettis of sating, and euery man to gang in his dew and gude ordour; and the seriandis to ordour the calsay and to mak rowme for the nobilitie and nychtbouris foresaid; and siclike that the young men of the toun devise for thame selfis sum brawf abulyement of taffate or vther silk and mak the convoy before the cairt triumphant.”

Modern English translation: The provost, bailies and council ordain Alexander Guthre, common clerk, Louke Wilsoun, treasurer, Master James Watsoun, dean of guild, James Barroun, James Adamsoun, Alexander Park, James Jhonestoun of Kellobank, James Stevinsoun, Andro Stevinsoun and Alexander Achesoun, every one of them, to have and make a gown of fine black velvet reaching to their foot, lined with pane velvet, a coat of black velvet, a doublet of crimson satin, with velvet bonnet and hose accordingly; and these twelve to bear the pale above the Queen’s grace’s head, and none others; and all the other neighbours that shall be seen upon the street to have side gowns of fine French black cloth with pane velvet, coats of velvet, and doublets of satin, and every man to go in his due and good order; and the sergeants to order the causeway and to make room for the nobility and neighbours foresaid; and likewise that the young men of the town devise for themselves some brave abulyiement of taffeta or other silk and make the convoy before the triumphant cart.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the careful organisation of a formal civic procession in honour of Mary, Queen of Scots (referred to as “the Quenys grace”).
• Shows the burgh’s use of sumptuary-style regulations to ensure dignified and uniform appearance during royal events.
• The “pale” (canopy) borne above the Queen’s head was a mark of high honour.

Genealogical Significance:

• Alexander Guthre (common clerk) is explicitly named among the twelve officials chosen to bear the pale above the Queen’s head.
• This demonstrates his prominent civic status and his inclusion among the burgh’s most trusted representatives during important royal occasions.
• Location: Edinburgh (civic procession for the Queen).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Pale: A canopy or cloth of state carried over a person of high rank.
• Abulyement: Attire / clothing / outfit.
• Calsay: Causeway / street.
• Seriandis: Sergeants / officers responsible for order.
• Convoy: Escort or procession.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, Pages 147–148

Date: 27 August 1562

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance instructing Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild, to rebuild the Gray Friar dikes (walls) from the fore entries to the great yard according to the line of the old fore wall, and to make a new door at the said fore entries.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild

Role:

• Dean of Guild responsible for overseeing building and repair works

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “27 August 1562. The prouest baillies and counsale foresaid ordanis Alexander Guthre, dene of gild, to big vp the Gray freir dikis fra the fore entres to the greit yairde, according to the ground of the auld fore wall, and siclik to caus mak ane new dur to the said fore entres.”

Modern English translation: 27 August 1562. The provost, bailies and council foresaid ordain Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild, to build up the Gray Friar dikes from the fore entries to the great yard, according to the ground of the old fore wall, and likewise to cause make a new door to the said fore entries.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh’s ongoing management and repair of properties formerly belonging to religious houses (in this case the Gray Friars).
• Shows the Dean of Guild’s responsibility for physical building works, boundary walls, and access points within the town.
• Reflects post-Reformation repurposing of former ecclesiastical properties by the burgh.

Genealogical Significance:

• Alexander Guthre is named in his capacity as Dean of Guild, a senior civic office he held during this period (alongside his role as Common Clerk at other times).
• This entry adds to the picture of his wide-ranging administrative responsibilities in Edinburgh during the 1560s.
• Location: Edinburgh (Gray Friars area).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dene of gild: Dean of Guild — the magistrate responsible for building regulation, weights and measures, and often the management of burgh property.
• Big vp: Build up / repair.
• Dikis: Dikes / walls.
• Fore entres: Fore entries / main entrances.
• Yairde: Yard / enclosed ground.
• Auld fore wall: Old fore wall (the previous boundary wall).

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 151

Date: 6 October 1562

Original Language: Scots (transcribed in the 19th-century edition)

Purpose of the Document: Council record concerning the response to a letter from the Queen and the election of burgh officers (including the provost). It includes discussion about the process of choosing lytis (shortlists) and the election of Archibald Dowglas as provost.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie, Dean of Guild

Role:

• Dean of Guild of Edinburgh
• Previously served as Common Clerk (1559)

Translation/Transcription: Focused excerpts:

“[Maister Thomas Makcalyeane having renounced the office of provestry, Alexander Guthrie, dene of gild, [and five others] ‘desyreis the lytis to be chosin according to the auld ordour, and Archibald Dowglas to be chosin prouest.’]”

Historical Significance:

• Documents internal burgh politics and the formal process of electing officers during a period of royal pressure (Queen Mary’s reign).
• Shows the Dean of Guild playing an active role in council proceedings.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthrie previously identified as Common Clerk in 1559 (pp. 31–33, 43, 44).
• By 1562 he has advanced to the important civic office of Dean of Guild.
• This career progression (Common Clerk → Dean of Guild) indicates rising status within Edinburgh’s merchant and civic elite.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dean of Guild: Senior burgh official responsible for the merchant guild, building regulations, and often playing a key role in council elections.
• Lytis: Shortlists of candidates for office.
• Auld ordour: Traditional/customary procedure.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 115

Date: 30 May 1561

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record ordering a group of men (including Alexander Guthre) to go to the castle to retrieve artillery and report back the captain’s answer.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Member of the official delegation sent to the castle for artillery

Translation/Transcription:

“The baillies and counsale, yit as of before, ordanis maister Robert Artailye, Glen, James Barroun, Eduard Hope, Alexander Guthre, to pas and require thair artailyerie fra the capitane of the castell, and to reporte his ansuer.”

Modern English Translation: The baillies and council, yet as before, ordain master Robert Artailye, Glen, James Barroun, Edward Hope, Alexander Guthre, to go and require their artillery from the captain of the castle, and to report his answer.

Historical Significance:

• Shows the town council actively managing its artillery and defences during a period of political and military tension.
• Delegations were regularly sent to the castle for such matters.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• In 1561 he continued to be entrusted with official missions involving the castle and the town’s security.
• Location: Edinburgh (mission to the castle).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Artailyerie: Artillery.
• Capitane of the castell: Captain of Edinburgh Castle.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 122

Date: 28 August 1561

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council order for civic officials and leading citizens (including Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk) to wear specific mourning attire and participate in the funeral procession for the Queen’s Grace.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk

Role:

• Common Clerk of Edinburgh
• Participant in the official mourning procession

Translation/Transcription:

“The prouest baillies and counsale ordanis Alexander Guthre commoun clerk, Louke Wilsoun thesaurer, Maister James Watsoun dene of gild, James Barroun, James Adamsoun, Alexander Park, James Jhonestoun of Kellobank, James Stevinsoun, Andro Stevinsoun and Alexander Acheson, every ane of thame, to haue and mak ane goun of fyne blak weluot syde to thair fut lynit with pane weluot, ane coit of blak weluot, ane doublet of crammosyne satyne, with weluot bonet and hois efferand thairto…”

Modern English Translation: The provost, baillies, and council ordain Alexander Guthre, common clerk, Luke Wilson, treasurer, Master James Watson, Dean of Guild, James Barroun, James Adamson, Alexander Park, James Johnston of Kellobank, James Stevenson, Andrew Stevenson and Alexander Acheson, every one of them, to have and make a gown of fine black velvet side to their foot lined with pane velvet, a coat of black velvet, a doublet of crimson satin, with velvet bonnet and hose accordingly…

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal civic mourning and procession for a member of the royal family (likely a significant figure connected to Mary, Queen of Scots’ court).
• Shows the detailed dress code and order of procession expected of leading citizens and officials.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• In 1561 he was serving as Common Clerk and was included among the leading civic figures required to participate in this important ceremonial event.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Weluot gowyns: Velvet gowns (formal mourning attire).
• Pane weluot: Pane velvet (a type of figured or paneled velvet).
• Cairt triumphant: Triumphal cart/hearse used in the procession.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 127

Date: 8 October 1561

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record registering votes for the election of officers (including assessor and Dean of Guild positions). Alexander Guthre is listed among those whose votes or nominations were recorded.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Participant in the election of burgh officers (assessor and Dean of Guild)

Translation/Transcription:

“…maister Clement Litill, maister Richert Strang, and Alexander Guthre for ane assasour and dene of gild…”

Modern English Translation: …master Clement Little, master Richard Strang, and Alexander Guthre for an assessor and Dean of Guild…

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal electoral process for key burgh offices.
• Shows the involvement of leading citizens in voting for officials.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• In 1561 he was actively participating in the election of officers, including the Dean of Guild position (which he himself would later hold).
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Assasour: Assessor (councillor/adviser).
• Dene of gild: Dean of Guild.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 129

Date: 31 December 1561

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record ordering Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild, to accompany John Knox (the minister) to Angus and Mearns for the election of a superintendent, and to handle the financial arrangements for the minister’s charges from the town’s funds.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild

Role:

• Dean of Guild of Edinburgh
• Accompanying John Knox and managing funds for an important ecclesiastical mission

Translation/Transcription:

“…thairfor ordanis Alexander Guthre, dene of gild, to pas in cumpanye with him for furbessing of the said ministerris charges, and to deburse and pay the samyn of the radeast of the townis guddis in his handis, quhilk salbe allowit in his compttis, and forther to haist the said minister hame that the kirk beir be nocht desolait.”

Modern English Translation: …therefore ordains Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild, to go in company with him for furnishing of the said minister’s charges, and to disburse and pay the same of the readiest of the town’s goods in his hands, which shall be allowed in his accounts, and further to hasten the said minister home that the kirk be not desolate.

Historical Significance:

• This entry records Edinburgh’s active support for the Scottish Reformation under the leadership of John Knox, the leading figure of the Protestant Reformation in Scotland and minister of St. Giles Kirk.
• Knox had returned from exile in 1559 and was the principal architect of the Reformation in Scotland. By late 1561 he was deeply involved in establishing a new Presbyterian church structure.
• The mission to Angus and Mearns was part of the effort to elect superintendents — a transitional office created to oversee regions until a fully Presbyterian system of presbyteries and synods could be established.
• Edinburgh’s decision to send its Dean of Guild to accompany Knox and fund the journey demonstrates the burgh’s strong commitment to the Reformation cause and its close working relationship with Knox.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• By the end of 1561 he had advanced to Dean of Guild and was entrusted with accompanying John Knox on a significant mission and handling town funds for church purposes.
• Location: Edinburgh (mission to Angus and Mearns).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dene of gild: Dean of Guild — responsible for financial and administrative matters.
• Radeast of the townis guddis: The readiest (most available) of the town’s goods/funds.
• Compttis: Accounts.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 136

Date: 24 June 1562

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record ordering Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild, to negotiate with John Rynde (a powderer) for a town standard in his possession and to arrange payment for it.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild

Role:

• Dean of Guild of Edinburgh
• Negotiating for and arranging payment for a town standard

Translation/Transcription:

“…thairfor ordanis Alexander Guthre, dene of gyld, to laubour at the said Jhonis handis for the said standert, and gyf the samyn may be gottin fra him that Louk Wilsoun, thesaurer, at the command of the said Alexander, deliuer to the said Jhonne the sowme of x li.”

Modern English Translation: …therefore ordains Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild, to labour at the said John’s hands for the said standard, and if the same may be gotten from him that Luke Wilson, treasurer, at the command of the said Alexander, deliver to the said John the sum of 10 pounds.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the town council’s efforts to recover or obtain a town standard (banner) during a period when military readiness and civic symbols were important.
• Shows the Dean of Guild’s practical role in negotiating with tradesmen and arranging payments.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• By mid-1562 he was serving as Dean of Guild and was actively handling civic property and financial matters on behalf of the council.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dene of gyld: Dean of Guild.
• Laubour at the said Jhonis handis: Negotiate/work with the said John.
• Standert: Standard (banner or flag).
• Powderer: Maker or dealer in gunpowder.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 148

Date: 27 August 1562

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council order directing Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild, to rebuild the Gray Friar dike (wall) and make a new door at the fore entries, following the line of the old fore wall.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild

Role:

• Dean of Guild of Edinburgh
• Responsible for rebuilding a town wall and door

Translation/Transcription:

“The prouest baillies and counsale foresaid ordanis Alexander Guthre, dene of gild, to big vp the Gray freir dikis fra the fore entres to the greit yairde, according to the ground of the auld fore wall, and siclik to caus mak ane new dur to the said fore entres.”

Modern English Translation: The provost, baillies, and council foresaid ordain Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild, to build up the Gray Friar dikes from the fore entries to the great yard, according to the ground of the old fore wall, and likewise to cause make a new door to the said fore entries.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the town council’s ongoing responsibility for maintaining walls, boundaries, and access points around former religious properties (Gray Friars).
• Shows the Dean of Guild’s practical role in overseeing building and infrastructure works.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• By August 1562 he was serving as Dean of Guild and was directly responsible for supervising construction and repair work on town property.
• Location: Edinburgh (Gray Friars area).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dene of gild: Dean of Guild — often responsible for building regulation and civic works.
• Big vp: Build up / repair.
• Dikis: Dikes / walls.
• Yairde: Yard / garden / enclosed ground.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 160

Date: 30 April 1563

Original Language: Scots (transcribed in the 19th-century edition)

Purpose of the Document: Council record concerning the preparation and fitting out of the vestry (reuestrie) of St. Giles Kirk, including structural work and the appointment of overseers.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie, Dean of Guild

Role:

• Dean of Guild of Edinburgh
• Responsible for preparing the vestry of St. Giles Kirk

Translation/Transcription:

“…ordanis that Alexander Guthrie, dene of gild, with all diligence possebill caus prepair the said reuestrie, bayth laych and heich, in maist honest and sure maner, with all thingis necessar, and that the dur be maid in the eist gavill of the said reuestrie… and ordanis Thomas Reidpeth and James Young of the counsale to be vestitouris of the wark of the said chalmer and to tak cure and charge in the ordoring thairof.”

Historical Significance:

• Documents the town council’s ongoing responsibility for the maintenance and fitting-out of St. Giles Kirk during the Reformation period.
• Shows the Dean of Guild being given significant practical and financial responsibility for church works.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthrie previously identified (Common Clerk in 1559, Dean of Guild by 1562).
• His continued prominence in civic and church-related projects is confirmed.
• Location: Edinburgh (St. Giles Kirk).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dean of Guild: Senior official with responsibilities including oversight of building works and guild affairs.
• Reuestrie: Vestry or repository (here referring to a chamber in the church).
• Vetitouris: Overseers or inspectors of the work.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, p.173

Date: 10 November 1563

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council order directing Alexander Guthrie, Dean of Guild, to remove existing seats in front of the pulpit and replace them with a proper seat and desk for the provost, baillies, and council.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie, Dean of Guild

Role:

• Dean of Guild of Edinburgh
• Tasked with practical church/civic furnishing work

Translation/Transcription:

“[The provost baillies and council] ordanis Alexander Guthrie, dene of gild, with all diligence possibill, to tak doun the saittis within the traveis befoir the pulpit, and in the place thairof he caus big and set vp ane sait and dask in honest maner for the prouest baillies and counsale.”

Modern English Translation: The provost, baillies, and council order Alexander Guthrie, Dean of Guild, with all possible diligence, to take down the seats within the traves in front of the pulpit, and in their place to build and set up a seat and desk in an honest manner for the provost, baillies, and council.

Historical Significance:

• Shows the town council actively managing the layout and furnishings of the main church (likely St. Giles) to accommodate civic officials during services.
• Reflects the close relationship between burgh government and the church in 16th-century Edinburgh.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthrie previously identified (Common Clerk in 1559, Dean of Guild by 1562–1563).
• His repeated involvement in church-related projects confirms his rising status and practical responsibilities within Edinburgh’s civic elite.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dene of gild: Dean of Guild — senior official responsible for merchant affairs and often for building and furnishing works.
• Traveis: Partitions or enclosed areas within the church.
• Big and set vp: Build and set up.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 193

Date: 6 January 1564–5

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record admitting an English arrow maker as a burgess at the request of Alexander Burgen, with Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk, receiving him. The purpose was to allow him to remain in town and instruct others in his trade.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Guthre, Common Clerk

Role:

• Common Clerk of Edinburgh
• Handling burgess admission

Translation/Transcription:

“The prouest baillies and counsale, at the requeist of Alexander Guthre, commoun clerk, resauis Richert [blank], Inglisman, arrow makar, thair burges, to gyf him occatioun to remane in the toun for instructing vtheris his occupatioun.”

Modern English Translation: The provost, baillies, and council, at the request of Alexander Guthre, common clerk, receives Richard [blank], Englishman, arrow maker, their burgess, to give him occasion to remain in the town for instructing others in his occupation.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the town’s efforts to retain skilled craftsmen (in this case, an arrow maker) by granting them burgess status.
• Shows the Common Clerk’s central role in processing burgess admissions.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• In early 1565 he was serving as Common Clerk and was responsible for formally admitting new burgesses.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Resauis… thair burges: Receives as their burgess (grants burgess status).
• Inglisman: Englishman (noted because foreign craftsmen sometimes required special permission to work in the burgh).
• Occatioun to remane: Opportunity/occasion to remain.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, pages 201–202

Date: 25 August 1565

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record authorizing a loan from Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk, because the town could not obtain funds elsewhere. In return, he is assigned an annual rent from the common mills.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk

Role:

• Common Clerk of Edinburgh
• Lender to the town council

Translation/Transcription:

“…and becaus na forder money can be gottin at this present than haue borrowit and borrowis fra oure weilbelufit nichtbour Alexander Guthre, thair commoun clerk, the soume of foure hundreth merkis and xx li., [and failing payment within twenty days ordainit an annual rent of forty merks to be paid him furth of the common mills.]”

Modern English Translation: …and because no further money can be gotten at this present than have borrowed and borrow from our well-beloved neighbour Alexander Guthre, their common clerk, the sum of four hundred merks and 20 pounds, [and failing payment within twenty days ordained an annual rent of forty merks to be paid him forth of the common mills.]

Historical Significance:

• Documents the financial pressures on the town council during a period of political and military activity (King and Queen’s Majesties’ movements).
• Shows that the Common Clerk was wealthy enough to lend substantial sums to the burgh and was trusted as a financial partner.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• By 1565 he was not only serving as Common Clerk but was also in a position to lend significant funds to the town and receive an annual rent from the common mills as security.
• This suggests he had accumulated considerable wealth and standing in Edinburgh.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Weilbelufit nichtbour: Well-beloved neighbour (a respectful term for a fellow burgess).
• Annual rent: Annual payment or annuity from a property or revenue source (here, the common mills).
• Merkis: Merks (a Scottish currency unit).

Notes:

• This is one of the clearest indications of Alexander Guthre’s personal wealth and close financial ties to the burgh.
• Currency note: In 16th-century Scotland, 1 merk = ⅔ of a Scottish pound (or 1 pound = 1½ merks). The 400 merks + 20 pounds lent by Alexander Guthre was equivalent to roughly £287.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, pages 202–203

Date: 26 August 1565

Original Language: Scots (with Latin subscription)

Purpose of the Document: Council record sending a delegation (including Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk) to the King and Queen to obtain a licence (dispensation) allowing Edinburgh to remain at home from the army. The licence was granted and signed by Queen Mary and King Henry (Darnley).

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk

Role:

• Common Clerk of Edinburgh
• Member of the delegation sent to obtain the royal licence

Translation/Transcription:

“The prouest baillies and counsall ordanis Allane Dikesoun, baillie, maister Robert Glen, thesaurer, and Alexander Guthre, commoun clerk, to pas to the King and Quenis Maiesteis for obtening of the licence for remaning fra the armie abone mentionat…”

Modern English Translation: The provost, baillies, and council ordain Allane Dikesoun, baillie, master Robert Glen, treasurer, and Alexander Guthre, common clerk, to go to the King and Queen’s Majesties for obtaining of the licence for remaining from the army above mentioned…

Historical Significance:

• Documents Edinburgh’s efforts to secure exemption from military service during a period of political and military tension.
• The licence was personally signed by Queen Mary and King Henry (Lord Darnley), showing the high level at which the burgh was operating.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• In 1565 he was serving as Common Clerk and was chosen as one of three senior officials sent on a diplomatic mission to the royal court to obtain an important exemption for the town.
• Location: Edinburgh (mission to the King and Queen).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dispensation fra the army: Exemption from military service.
• Hoist, armie, gaddering, assemblee or conventioun: Various terms for military gatherings or campaigns.
• Rex et Regina: King and Queen (Latin subscription).

Notes:

• This is another clear example of Alexander Guthre’s trusted status and frequent involvement in high-level civic and royal negotiations.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, pages 209–210

Date: 14 November 1565

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record documenting the delivery of charters, precepts, and other legal documents by Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk, to the Dean of Guild. One of the documents involves Jonet Guthre and her husband.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk
• Jonet Guthre, wife of John Matheson of Brouchtoun

Role:

• Alexander Guthre: Common Clerk delivering official documents
• Jonet Guthre: Party to a legal document (with her husband)

Translation/Transcription:

“In presens of the prouest baillies and counsall, Alexander Guthre, commoun clerk, producit and deliuerit to maister Johne Prestoun, dene of gild, in ane buist, the charter of the superioritie of Leith vnder the greit seill… and subscriuit be Johne Mathesoun of Brouchtoun and Jonet Guthre, his spous, apoun outquitting of ane annualrent of xx li. annallit be the gude toun to thame furth of thair common mylnis…”

Modern English Translation: In presence of the provost, baillies, and council, Alexander Guthre, common clerk, produced and delivered to master John Preston, Dean of Guild, in a box, the charter of the superiority of Leith under the great seal… and subscribed by John Matheson of Brouchtoun and Jonet Guthre, his spouse, upon quitting of an annual rent of 20 pounds annuitized by the good town to them from their common mills…

Historical Significance:

• Documents the careful custody and transfer of important legal charters and titles (especially relating to the superiority of Leith).
• Shows the Common Clerk’s role as keeper of official records and documents.

Genealogical Significance:

• Alexander Guthre: The same individual we have been tracking (Common Clerk and later Dean of Guild).
• Jonet Guthre: A new individual — wife of John Matheson of Brouchtoun. She appears as a co-party in a legal document involving an annual rent from the common mills. This may indicate a family connection to Alexander Guthre or a related Guthrie branch in the Edinburgh area.
• Location: Edinburgh (and Brouchtoun).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Produicit and deliuerit: Produced and delivered (official handover of documents).
• Annualrent: Annual payment from property or revenue.
• Superioritie of Leith: Feudal rights over the town of Leith.

Notes:

• This entry introduces Jonet Guthre (wife of John Matheson of Brouchtoun) as a new Guthrie individual.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, Pages 212–213

Date: 5 April 1566

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Record of a dispute over the office of common clerk. Master David Chalmer presented a royal gift of the office and sought admission. The council (in the absence of the Provost) protested that Alexander Guthre’s rights should be protected while he was “at the horn” (outlawed), and that the office should remain vacant during that period. Master David Chalmer protested in turn that his admission was valid according to his gift.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre (referred to as being “at the horne”)

Role:

• Displaced/outlawed common clerk whose rights to the office were being defended by the council

Translation/Transcription (key sections):

The Provost, Bailies, Council and Deacons being convened, Master David Chalmer compeared with a royal gift of the common clerkship. The council protested that the admission of Master David Chalmer should not prejudice the rights of Alexander Guthre, who was currently “at the horne,” and that the office should remain vacant during that time. They further protested that the gift should not be valid while Alexander Guthre was at the horn.

Master David Chalmer protested that his admission was conform to his gift and that he should be allowed to exercise the office.

Historical Significance:

• Documents a contested appointment to the important office of common clerk.
• Shows the council attempting to protect the rights of the sitting (or recently displaced) clerk while he was outlawed (“at the horn”).
• Illustrates the intersection of royal grants, burgh rights, and legal disabilities (being put to the horn) in 16th-century Scotland.

Genealogical Significance:

• This entry shows Alexander Guthre in a difficult period of his career. In April 1566 he was “at the horn” (declared an outlaw), which affected his ability to hold the office of common clerk.
• The council actively protested to protect his rights to the office during this time.
• This provides important context for gaps or disruptions in his tenure as common clerk during the mid-1560s.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration / legal and political conflict.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• At the horne / put to the horne: Declared an outlaw (letters of horning were issued against someone who failed to obey a legal order).
• Gift of the clerkship: Royal or burgh grant of the office.
• Comperit: Appeared before the council.
• Protestit: Made a formal legal protest to protect rights.
• Rebell and at his horne: In a state of rebellion/outlawry.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 238

Date: 25 July 1567

Original Language: English (modernized in the edition)

Purpose of the Document: Council record approving a bond prepared by the Common Clerk between the captain of Edinburgh Castle and the town, and instructing the clerk to sign it on the council’s behalf.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie, Common Clerk

Role:

• Common Clerk of Edinburgh
• Prepared and presented the official bond between the castle and the town

Translation/Transcription:

“[Alexander Guthrie, common clerk, presented the bond he had been instructed to prepare between the captain of the castle and the town. The council approved of the bond, and instructed the clerk to sign it on their behalf.]”

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal relationship and agreements between Edinburgh Castle and the town during a turbulent period (Mary, Queen of Scots’ reign and its aftermath).
• Shows the Common Clerk acting as the official record-keeper and signatory for important civic agreements.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthrie previously identified (Common Clerk in 1559, Dean of Guild in 1562–1563).
• By 1567 he is again recorded as Common Clerk, suggesting he held or returned to this key administrative position.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Common Clerk: Senior burgh official responsible for official records, bonds, and legal documents.
• Band/Bond: Formal written agreement or contract.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 243

Date: 10 October 1567

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council order directing three men (including Alexander Guthre) to inspect the kirk and its faults and report back so that repairs can be made.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Inspector of church fabric / faults

Translation/Transcription:

“The baillies and counsall ordanis maister Robert Glen and Alexander Kirk. Alexander Guthre to vesye the kirk and faltis thairof and to report to the counsall, that the samyn may be remediet.”

Modern English Translation: The baillies and council ordain master Robert Glen and Alexander Kirk, Alexander Guthre, to inspect the kirk and its faults and to report to the council, that the same may be remedied.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the town council’s ongoing responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the main church (St. Giles).
• Shows regular inspections and reporting on the condition of church buildings.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking throughout Volume 3.
• In 1567 he continued to be involved in practical civic and church-related duties, including the inspection of the kirk fabric.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Vesye: Inspect / survey.
• Faltis: Faults / defects.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, pages 246–247

Date: 24 March 1567–8

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record concerning the use of money advanced by the crafts for the superiority of Leith. Alexander Guthrie, Common Clerk, is authorized to receive and disburse funds for the repair of the pier and bulwark of Leith, causeways, and works at St. Giles Kirk. He is also referenced in relation to lent money and the common mills.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre / Guthrie, Common Clerk

Role:

• Common Clerk of Edinburgh
• Responsible for receiving and disbursing funds for major civic works (Leith harbour and St. Giles Kirk)

Translation/Transcription:

“…be avansit and debursit be Alexander Guthre, commoun clerk, vpoun the reparatioun of the peyr and bulwark of Leyth, the calsayis betuix and thair, and vpoun the warkis of Sanct Gelis kirk…”

“…that the rest of the haill money of the common mylnis for the said yeir be avansit and debursit vpoun the saidis warkis be the said Alexander, deducing the annuellis and necessar expensis vpoun the reparation of the saidis mylnis…”

Modern English Translation: …be advanced and disbursed by Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk, upon the reparation of the pier and bulwark of Leith, the causeways between them, and upon the works of St. Giles Kirk…

…and that the rest of the whole money of the common mills for the said year be advanced and disbursed upon the said works by the said Alexander, deducting the annuals and necessary expenses upon the reparation of the said mills…

Historical Significance:

• Documents major civic infrastructure projects in Leith (harbour works) and at St. Giles Kirk, funded partly by craft guilds.
• Shows the Common Clerk acting as a key financial administrator for important public works.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthrie previously identified across multiple years and roles (Common Clerk in 1559 and 1567, Dean of Guild in 1562–1563).
• His continued responsibility for significant financial and building projects confirms his long-term prominence in Edinburgh’s administration.
• Location: Edinburgh and Leith.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Common Clerk: Senior burgh official handling official records and often financial disbursements.
• Avansit and debursit: Advanced and disbursed (paid out).
• Bulwark / Peyr: Harbour pier and defensive works at Leith.
• Calsayis: Causeways or paved roads.

Notes:

• Confirms Alexander Guthrie’s ongoing central role in Edinburgh’s civic and financial administration over many years.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 247

Date: 27 March 1568

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record assigning funds (from the duties of the mills) to pay for work on the kirk windows and other necessary works inside the church, with Alexander Guthrie instructed to make the payment.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie

Role:

• Administrative/financial officer (Common Clerk or Dean of Guild capacity) responsible for disbursing funds from the mills

Translation/Transcription:

“…and quhat he beis forther superexpendit ordanis Alexander Guthrie to mak him payment thairof of the readiest of the dewite of the mylnis.”

Modern English Translation: …and whatever he is further overspent, ordains Alexander Guthrie to make him payment thereof from the readiest of the duty of the mills.

Historical Significance:

• Shows the town council funding church repairs (windows and other works) through a combination of burgess and guild fees and mill duties.
• Illustrates the interconnected financial administration of civic and church projects.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthrie previously identified across multiple years.
• He continues to be entrusted with financial oversight and payments for important burgh and church works.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dewite of the mylnis: Duties or revenues from the common mills.
• Readiest: The most readily available funds.
• Superexpendit: Overspent or additional expenditure.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 247

Date: 9 April 1568

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record appointing a group of men (including Alexander Guthre) to travel to Glasgow to handle licences granted by the Regent for exporting victuals, and to arrange for their expenses to be reimbursed.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Member of the official commission sent to Glasgow

Translation/Transcription:

“…thay ordane Alexander Guthre and Thomas Aikinheid, dekyn of the skynnaris, to pas to my said lord Regentis grace in Glasgow for dischargeing of the saidis licences, and ordanis the thesaurer to recompance thame thair expensis.”

Modern English Translation: …they ordain Alexander Guthre and Thomas Aikinheid, deacon of the skinners, to go to my said lord Regent’s grace in Glasgow for discharging of the said licences, and ordain the treasurer to recompense them their expenses.

Historical Significance:

• Documents Edinburgh’s involvement in managing royal licences for the export of victuals during a period of scarcity.
• Shows the council sending a delegation to deal directly with the Regent.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthrie previously identified across multiple years and roles.
• His inclusion in this official commission further confirms his standing and frequent involvement in important burgh business.
• Location: Edinburgh (with mission to Glasgow).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dekyn of the skynnaris: Deacon of the skinners’ craft guild.
• Dischargeing of the saidis licences: Handling/fulfilling the licences granted by the Regent.
• Recompance: Reimburse or compensate.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 249

Date: 2 June 1568

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record sending a delegation (including Alexander Guthre) to the Regent to request a licence for the town to remain at home from the army, and to report the answer.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Member of the delegation sent to the Regent for a military exemption licence

Translation/Transcription:

“The prouest baillies and counsall ordanis Adame Fowlertoun, Jhone Harwod, Alexander Guthre and James Young to pas to my lord Regentis grace, and in thair names desire licence to the gude toun to remane at hame from the armie, and to report ansuer.”

Modern English Translation: The provost, baillies, and council ordain Adam Fowlertoun, John Harwood, Alexander Guthre and James Young to go to my lord Regent’s grace, and in their names desire licence to the good town to remain at home from the army, and to report answer.

Historical Significance:

• Documents Edinburgh’s repeated efforts to secure exemptions from military service during a turbulent period.
• Shows the council regularly sending senior officials to negotiate directly with the Regent.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• In 1568 he continued to be selected for important diplomatic missions to the Regent on behalf of the town.
• Location: Edinburgh (mission to the Regent).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Licence to remane at hame from the armie: Official exemption from military service.
• Report ansuer: Report back the response.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 250

Date: 28 July 1568

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council order directing Alexander Guthre to ride to St. Andrews to bring master Thomas Buchquhennane to be master of the town’s high school.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Envoy sent to recruit a schoolmaster from St. Andrews

Translation/Transcription:

“The baillies and counsale ordanis maister Alexander Guthre to ryde to Sanctandrouis for maister Thomas Buchquhennane to be maister of thair hie scole.”

Modern English Translation: The baillies and council ordain master Alexander Guthre to ride to St. Andrews for master Thomas Buchquhennane to be master of their high school.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the town council’s efforts to secure a qualified master for the burgh’s high school (grammar school).
• St. Andrews was a major centre of learning, so sending someone to recruit there was common.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• In 1568 he was still actively serving the burgh in important administrative and recruitment missions.
• Location: Edinburgh (mission to St. Andrews).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Hie scole: High school / grammar school.
• Ryde to Sanctandrouis: Ride to St. Andrews (a common way to describe travel on official business).

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 252

Date: 5 September 1568

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council order directing Alexander Guthre and John Inglis (mason) to ride to Dunbar to inspect stones that have been cast down, to determine if they are suitable for the work on the shore/harbour of Leith.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Inspector of building materials for Leith harbour works

Translation/Transcription:

“The prouest baillies and counsale ordanis Alexander Guthre and Jhonn Inglis, masoun, to ryde to Dunbar and vesy the stanys thairof laitlie castin doun, and gyf thai be found meit and convenient for the wark of the schore of Leyth to by the samyn.”

Modern English Translation: The provost, baillies, and council ordain Alexander Guthre and John Inglis, mason, to ride to Dunbar and inspect the stones there lately cast down, and if they be found meet and convenient for the work of the shore of Leith to buy the same.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the town’s efforts to source suitable stone for the harbour works at Leith.
• Shows practical on-site inspection of building materials by senior officials.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• In 1568 he continued to be involved in important infrastructure projects, including sourcing materials for the Leith harbour works.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith (mission to Dunbar).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Vesy: Inspect / survey.
• Meit and convenient: Suitable and appropriate.
• Schore of Leyth: Shore/harbour of Leith.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 258

Date: 1568 (during a time of pestilence)

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council order directing Alexander Guthre to supply wheat from the common mills (in his possession) to a baker for distribution to the poor during a period of plague and food shortage.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Administrator / distributor of grain from the common mills for poor relief

Translation/Transcription:

“The baillies counsall and dekynnis, vnderstanding the greit necessite of the puir infectit of the pest vpoun thair borrow mvris for laik of victuallis quhilk can nocht be had becaus thair is na market kepit within this toun, ordanis Alexander Guthre to furnis and delyuer to James Wod, baxter, of the reddiest of the quheit of the commoun mylnis being in his possessioun, and the prycis thairof, viz., fourtie four s. the boll, to be payit to him be the baillies or the said James Wod of the reddiest of the extent grantit for sustening of the puir.”

Modern English Translation: The baillies, council, and deacons, understanding the great necessity of the poor infected with the pest upon their borrow muirs for lack of victuals which cannot be had because there is no market kept within this town, ordain Alexander Guthre to furnish and deliver to James Wod, baker, of the readiest of the wheat of the common mills being in his possession, and the prices thereof, viz., forty-four shillings the boll, to be paid to him by the baillies or the said James Wod of the readiest of the extent granted for sustaining of the poor.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the town’s response to plague (pest) and food shortages, including organized poor relief through grain distribution.
• Shows how the common mills were used as a resource for public welfare during crises.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• He was entrusted with managing and distributing grain from the common mills for the relief of the poor during a public health crisis.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Pest: Plague / pestilence.
• Borrow mvirs: Burgh muirs (common lands outside the town).
• Extent: Tax or assessment levied for a specific purpose (here, poor relief).
• Quheit: Wheat.
• Boll: A measure of grain.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, pages 268–269

Date: 27 January 1569–70

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record sending a delegation (including Alexander Guthre, clerk) to the Earl of Morton, Chancellor, to request the Lords of Session to remain in town and to promise support for the King’s actions and revenge for the murder (likely of Regent Moray).

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, clerk

Role:

• Clerk / member of the delegation sent to the Chancellor

Translation/Transcription:

“The baillies, counsale, and dekynnis, vnderstanding the lordis to remove and skaill the sessioun, thay ordane maister Michaell Chisholme, baillie, Alexander Clerk, Adame Foullertoun, William Harwy of the counsall, Alexander Guthre, clerk, Walter Wawane and Jhonn Wilsoun, dekynnis, to ryde to my lord of Mortoun, chansler, to resort to the toun…”

Modern English Translation: The baillies, council, and deacons, understanding the lords to remove and scatter the session, they ordain master Michael Chisholme, baillie, Alexander Clerk, Adam Foullertoun, William Harwy of the council, Alexander Guthre, clerk, Walter Wawane and John Wilson, deacons, to ride to my lord of Morton, chancellor, to resort to the town…

Historical Significance:

• Documents Edinburgh’s political efforts during a turbulent period following the assassination of Regent Moray (January 1570).
• The town was actively lobbying the Chancellor and Lords of Session to remain and support the King’s cause.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the same Alexander Guthre we have been tracking.
• In early 1570 he was still serving as clerk and was included in a high-level diplomatic mission to the Earl of Morton during a critical political moment.
• Location: Edinburgh (mission to the Chancellor).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Sessioun: Court of Session (highest civil court).
• Chansler: Chancellor (Earl of Morton).
• Skaill: Scatter / disperse.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 282

Date: 2 February 1570–1

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record appointing a group of men (including Guthrie) to go to the castle that afternoon to inquire of the captain regarding potential threats from the Queen’s party or others hostile to the town, and to report back the next morning.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Guthrie (likely Alexander Guthrie)

Role:

• Member of an official delegation sent to the castle on a sensitive political/security matter

Translation/Transcription:

“…ordanis that Jhone Sym, Jhone Acheson, and Mungo Fairlie, baillies, Adam Foullertoun, Guthrie, Mungo Bradie, Thomas Akynheid and James Inglis, pas vp to the castell this efter none and inquyre of the capitane in case the lordis for the Quenis pairt, or onye vtheris that beiris nocht guid will to the toun, wald resort thairto in multitudes, or with forces, quhat wald be his pairt, and to report his answer the morne before none.”

Modern English Translation: …ordains that John Sym, John Acheson, and Mungo Fairlie, baillies, Adam Foullertoun, Guthrie, Mungo Bradie, Thomas Akynheid and James Inglis, go up to the castle this afternoon and inquire of the captain in case the lords for the Queen’s part, or any others that bear not good will to the town, would resort there in multitudes, or with forces, what would be his part, and to report his answer tomorrow before noon.

Historical Significance:

• Reflects the tense political situation in Edinburgh during the civil war period following Mary, Queen of Scots’ deposition.
• Shows the town council sending a delegation to assess potential threats from the castle.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is almost certainly the same Alexander Guthrie previously identified throughout Volume 3.
• His inclusion in this politically sensitive mission further demonstrates his trusted status in Edinburgh’s civic leadership.
• Location: Edinburgh (mission to the castle).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Quenis pairt: The Queen’s party (supporters of Mary, Queen of Scots).
• Resort thairto in multitudes, or with forces: Come there in large numbers or with armed forces.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 301

Date: Appendix / List of officers (covering 1556–57)

Original Language: English

Purpose of the Document: List of Provosts, Bailies, and Deans of Guild of Edinburgh, with references to source records (including protocol books and extracts from the burgh records).

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie

Role:

• Keeper of Protocol Book (vol. i, pp. 2–29)
• Previously served as Common Clerk and Dean of Guild

Translation/Transcription:

“Protocol Book of Alexander Guthrie, vol. i. pp. 2-29.”

Modern English Translation: Protocol Book of Alexander Guthrie, volume i, pages 2–29.

Historical Significance:

• Protocol books were official registers kept by notaries and clerks recording legal deeds, contracts, and transactions.
• Their survival provides valuable primary source material for 16th-century Edinburgh.

Genealogical Significance:

• This confirms that the Alexander Guthrie we have been tracking (Common Clerk in 1559 and 1567, Dean of Guild in 1562–1563) kept an official Protocol Book.
• His protocol book (vol. i) is cited as a source for the burgh records, further establishing his central administrative role.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Protocol Book: A notary’s or clerk’s register of legal instruments and deeds.
• Common Clerks and notaries routinely maintained such books as part of their official duties.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 302

Date: Appendix / List of officers (covering 1559–1563)

Original Language: English

Purpose of the Document: Official list of Provosts, Bailies, Deans of Guild, and other officers of Edinburgh, with source references.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre / Guthrie

Role:

• Common Clerk (1559–60)
• Dean of Guild (1561–63)

Translation/Transcription:

“Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk (30th August).” “Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild (31st December to 27th August).” “Alexander Guthrie, Dean of Guild (30th April).”

Modern English Translation: Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk (30th August). Alexander Guthre, Dean of Guild (31st December to 27th August). Alexander Guthrie, Dean of Guild (30th April).

Historical Significance:

• Provides official confirmation of the holders of key civic offices year by year.
• Protocol books and council records are cited as sources.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms the career of the same Alexander Guthrie we have been tracking throughout Volume 3:
  • Common Clerk in 1559–60
  • Dean of Guild in 1561–63
• His progression from Common Clerk to Dean of Guild is now clearly documented in the official lists.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Common Clerk: Senior administrative official and keeper of records.
• Dean of Guild: Senior official responsible for the merchant guild and often for building and civic works.

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 3, page 303

Date: Appendix / List of officers (covering 1563–1567)

Original Language: English

Purpose of the Document: Continuation of the official list of Provosts, Bailies, Deans of Guild, and other officers of Edinburgh, with source references.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie / Guthre

Role:

• Dean of Guild (1563–64)
• Common Clerk (1564–67)

Translation/Transcription:

“Alexander Guthrie, Dean of Guild.” “Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk (6th January, 26th August).” “Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk (14th November).” “Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk (25th July).”

Modern English Translation: Alexander Guthrie, Dean of Guild. Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk (6th January, 26th August). Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk (14th November). Alexander Guthre, Common Clerk (25th July).

Historical Significance:

• Provides a clear year-by-year record of key civic office holders.
• Confirms the continued importance of protocol books and council records as sources.

Genealogical Significance:

• Further confirms the career of the same Alexander Guthrie we have been tracking:
  • Dean of Guild in 1563–64
  • Common Clerk in 1564–67
• His repeated appointment to these senior positions over many years demonstrates his prominence and reliability in Edinburgh’s administration.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dean of Guild and Common Clerk were two of the most important administrative offices in the burgh.

Volume 4: 1557-1571

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4 – Guthrie Index & Navigator

Extracts from Edinburgh, pp. 1–8

Date: December 1871 (Edinburgh)

Original Language: English

Purpose of the Document: Scottish Burgh Records Society Prospectus & Report. Official prospectus and progress report of the newly formed Scottish Burgh Records Society, explaining its purpose, outlining work already completed and in progress, listing the Committee, and publishing the full roll of subscribing members (libraries, burghs, and individuals) as of late 1871.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• J. Guthrie Smith, Esq., Sheriff of Aberdeen and Kincardine (p. 7)
• J. Guthrie Smith, Esq. of Woodside, Hamilton (p. 7)

Role:

• Subscriber / Member of the Scottish Burgh Records Society

Translation/Transcription: The document is already in clear modern English. Key excerpts include:

From p. 1 (formation of the Society): “The value of the early Records of the Burghs of Scotland… has been fully recognised… The Spalding Club has given the country a peculiarly interesting and valuable series of extracts from the Records of the Burgh of Aberdeen, while the Maitland Club has published notices from the Records of Dysart, and extracts from the Burgh Records of Glasgow, Prestwick, Edinburgh, and Canongate. Apart, however, from what has been done in regard to Aberdeen, it cannot be said that much more has been effected than merely to break ground… this Society has been formed for the special purpose of undertaking the work.”

From p. 2 (progress update, dated Edinburgh, December 1871): “A volume of Extracts from the oldest Records of the City of Edinburgh, extending from 1403 till 1528… was delivered to the members during March 1870. A second volume, containing Extracts from these Records, and Selections from the Accounts of the Treasurers and Deans of Guild of the City, down to 1556–7, is now ready for issue…”

From p. 7 (Guthrie entries in the Members list): “J. Guthrie Smith, Esq., Sheriff of Aberdeen and Kincardine. J. Guthrie Smith, Esq. of Woodside, Hamilton.”

Historical Significance:

• This 1871 prospectus marks the formal launch and early progress of the Scottish Burgh Records Society, created specifically to publish systematic extracts from Scottish burgh records (the 14-volume series the user is currently indexing).
• It explicitly positions the new Society as continuing and expanding the work begun by earlier clubs (Spalding Club for Aberdeen; Maitland Club for Glasgow, Edinburgh, etc.).
• The report details the editorial leadership (including Professor Cosmo Innes and James D. Marwick) and the Society’s ambitious programme of publishing both burgh extracts and early burgh charters/laws.
• The inclusion of a full members list (pp. 3–8) was standard practice to publicly acknowledge financial supporters and institutional backing.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms that J. Guthrie Smith, Esq. (Sheriff of Aberdeen and Kincardine, and of Woodside, Hamilton) was an active subscriber/member of the Scottish Burgh Records Society in December 1871.
• His dual listing on p. 7 reflects both his public office and his landed status — typical of how prominent 19th-century Scottish gentlemen were styled in such lists.
• This provides a clear 19th-century anchor point for the Guthrie Smith line in Aberdeenshire/Kincardineshire and Lanarkshire.
• Note the presence of James D. Marwick, Esq., Town Clerk of Edinburgh as Secretary of the Society (p. 3) — the same editor responsible for the Volume 4 extracts the user has been processing. This creates a direct institutional link between the 16th-century records and their 19th-century publication.
• Useful for tracing connections between 19th-century subscribers interested in Scottish burgh history and earlier Guthrie families documented in the Edinburgh records themselves.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Scottish Burgh Records Society: Antiquarian publishing society (founded late 1860s/early 1870s) dedicated to printing extracts from the records of Scottish royal burghs.
• Committee / Secretary / Treasurer: Standard governance structure of 19th-century learned societies.
• Members list: Public roll of subscribers (libraries, burgh corporations, and private individuals) who funded the publications through an annual subscription of one guinea.
• Esq. / of [estate]: Conventional 19th-century styling for gentlemen of property and professional standing.
• Sheriff of Aberdeen and Kincardine: Senior judicial and administrative office for the combined sheriffdom.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 32

Date: 24 December 1574

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record concerning articles presented by the deacons of crafts regarding the fees for burgesship and gildry. The deacons desired that these fees be fixed by act, and a minute on the matter was delivered to Alexander Guthre, common clerk.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, common clerk

Role:

• Common clerk who received the minute from the deacons of crafts

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “24 December 1574. Followis the articlis producit be the dekynnis of craftis before the baillies and counsale foresaid, quhilk thay ordane to be registrat. The articles to be proponit and gevin in be the dekynnis and craftis-men to my loird provest baillies and counsale of this burgh desyring the samyn articles to be considerit for ane gude ordour to be obseruit in this commoun weill in tyme cumyng.

In the first, that the act and ordinance to be maid anent the burgessis toward the rasing of thair burgesschip to xx lib. and gildry to xl libris, that it be maid be ane minute to be gevin be the deaconis as the saidis provest and counsall desyrit thame to do, the quhilk minute was gevin in to Alexander Guthre, commoun clark, twa syndry tymes desyring thairfoir that the act to be maid heirefter thairanent be maid according to the minute vtherwayes that na burgesschippis nor gildrie be raisit heichar nor thay war of befoir.”

Modern English translation: 24 December 1574. Follows the articles produced by the deacons of crafts before the bailies and council foresaid, which they ordain to be registered. The articles to be proposed and given in by the deacons and craftsmen to my lord provost, bailies and council of this burgh desiring the same articles to be considered for a good order to be observed in this common weal in time coming.

In the first, that the act and ordinance to be made concerning the burgesses toward the raising of their burgesship to £20 and gildry to £40, that it be made by a minute to be given by the deacons as the said provost and council desired them to do, the which minute was given in to Alexander Guthre, common clerk, two sundry times desiring therefore that the act to be made hereafter thereanent be made according to the minute; otherwise that no burgesships nor gildry be raised higher nor they were before.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal process by which the incorporated crafts submitted articles and desired acts of council for the regulation of burgesship and gildry fees.
• Shows the deacons of crafts actively engaging with the town council to protect existing fee structures.
• Illustrates the important administrative role of the common clerk in receiving and recording such minutes.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is an early reference to Alexander Guthre acting in his official capacity as common clerk of Edinburgh (1574).
• He is explicitly named as the person to whom the deacons delivered their minute on two occasions, confirming his central role in the burgh’s record-keeping and administrative processes.
• This aligns with his later (and earlier) appearances as common clerk / town clerk in the 1550s and helps establish the continuity of his career in Edinburgh civic administration.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dekynnis of craftis: Deacons of the incorporated crafts/trades.
• Burgesschip / burgesship: The status and fee for becoming a burgess of the burgh.
• Gildry: The status and fee for becoming a guild brother.
• Commoun clark: Common clerk (also called town clerk) — the chief administrative and record-keeping officer of the burgh.
• Minute: A formal written proposal or draft act.
• Registrat: To be registered in the official burgh records.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 40

Date: 1 July 1575

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council decision to send representatives to satisfy an English claimant (Nichollace Ganysford) regarding a ship allegedly taken in 1566, in order to avoid angering the Lord Regent. Four men, including James Guthre, were each ordered to advance £26 to fulfill the promise made to the Regent.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• James Guthre

Role:

• One of four men appointed to advance funds to settle a dispute with an English claimant and appease the Lord Regent

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “1 July 1575. [The bailies and council] efter avisement of my Lord Regentis Grace writing send to thame, willing thame to satifie Nicholace Ganysford, Inglisman, procuratour for Walter Dule, alsua Inglisman, indueller in Byrsto, in Ingland, according to his Graces commonyng with the baillies of before, for eschewing of the spulze libellit be the said Dull for his schip allegit taikin fra him in Lochbrowme in anno 1566, or vtherwise to send his Grace ansuer that he may provide remeid. Be the quhilk writing, jugeing his Grace to be angry, and for eschewing of forther anger, thay all in ane voce, as of before, ordane James Ros, Jhonn Adamsoun, James Guthre, and Robert Galbrayth, to evance euery ane of thame the sowme of xxvi li. [blank] for fulfilliing of thair promys maid to my said Lord Regentis Grace, satifeing of the said Ganysford, and eschewing of the said spulze.”

Modern English translation: 1 July 1575. [The bailies and council] after advisement of my Lord Regent’s Grace writing sent to them, willing them to satisfy Nichollace Ganysford, Englishman, procurator for Walter Dule, also Englishman, indweller in Byrsto, in England, according to his Grace’s communing with the bailies before, for eschewing of the spulzie libelled by the said Dule for his ship alleged taken from him in Lochbrowne in the year 1566, or otherwise to send his Grace answer that he may provide remedy. By the which writing, judging his Grace to be angry, and for eschewing of further anger, they all in one voice, as before, ordain James Ros, John Adamsoun, James Guthre, and Robert Galbrayth, to advance every one of them the sum of £26 [blank] for fulfilling of their promise made to my said Lord Regent’s Grace, satisfying of the said Ganysford, and eschewing of the said spulzie.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh’s efforts to resolve an old maritime dispute with an English claimant to avoid angering the Lord Regent.
• Shows the council using trusted burgesses to personally advance funds to settle an international claim.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the first processed entry for James Guthre in Volume 4.
• He is named alongside other prominent burgesses (James Ros, John Adamsoun, and Robert Galbrayth) and tasked with advancing a significant sum (£26) to resolve a diplomatic matter.
• This suggests he held a position of trust and financial standing within the burgh community in 1575.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration / international relations.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Spulze / spulzie: Spuilzie — the illegal taking or plundering of goods (here, a ship).
• Procuratour: Procurator / legal representative.
• Indueller: Indweller / resident.
• Evance: Advance (money).
• Eschewing: Avoiding.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 54

Date: 15 November 1576

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record noting that Walter Cant, former bailie of Leith, delivered the old common seal of Leith to Alexander Guthre, common clerk of Edinburgh, and asked for instruments (a formal notarial record of the transaction).

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, common clerk

Role:

• Common clerk of Edinburgh who received the old common seal of Leith

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “15 November 1576. Walter Cant, sumtyme baillie of Leith, vnder the prouest and baillies foirsaidis, delyueris to Alexander Guthre, thair commoun clark, the auld commoun seill of Leith, and askit instrumentis.”

Modern English translation: 15 November 1576. Walter Cant, sometime bailie of Leith, under the provost and bailies foresaid, delivers to Alexander Guthre, their common clerk, the old common seal of Leith, and asked instruments.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal handover of the old common seal of Leith to the common clerk of Edinburgh.
• The request for “instrumentis” indicates this was treated as a formal notarial act, properly recorded for legal purposes.
• Reflects the administrative relationship between Edinburgh and its port of Leith during the late 16th century.

Genealogical Significance:

• Another clear reference to Alexander Guthre serving as common clerk of Edinburgh in 1576.
• He is explicitly named as the official who received the old common seal of Leith, reinforcing his role as the central record-keeper and custodian of important burgh seals and documents.
• This continues the pattern seen in earlier entries (such as p. 32) of him handling official acts involving the crafts and Leith administration.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 60

Date: 30 August 1577

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance appointing three men — Andrew Sklater, Robert Kar, and Alexander Guthre — to go to the Lord Regent the following day to discuss arrangements for the army ordered to convene at Harlaw Wood, and to report back to the next council meeting.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Burgh representative appointed to meet with the Lord Regent regarding military arrangements

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “30 August 1577. The provest, baillies, and counsall ordanis Andrew Sklater, Robert Kar, Alexander Guthre, the morn to pas to my Lord Regentis Grace for the ordour to be taikin concerning the army ordanit to convene at Harlaw Wod; and report thair answer the nixt counsall day.”

Modern English translation: 30 August 1577. The provost, bailies, and council ordain Andrew Sklater, Robert Kar, [and] Alexander Guthre, the morn [tomorrow] to pass to my Lord Regent’s Grace for the order to be taken concerning the army ordained to convene at Harlaw Wood; and report their answer the next council day.

Historical Significance:

• Documents Edinburgh’s direct involvement in national military planning during the regency period.
• The council is sending a small delegation to the Lord Regent to discuss arrangements for an army mustering at Harlaw Wood (likely in Aberdeenshire).
• This reflects the close relationship between the burgh and central government on matters of defence and order.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is a notable entry showing Alexander Guthre being trusted with a diplomatic/political mission on behalf of Edinburgh.
• He is named alongside two other prominent figures (Andrew Sklater and Robert Kar) to represent the burgh before the Lord Regent.
• This demonstrates that by 1577 he was not only serving as common clerk but was also being selected for sensitive external negotiations — further evidence of his high standing and reliability in burgh affairs.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh council acting on national military matters.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Ordanis: Ordains / orders.
• My Lord Regentis Grace: The Lord Regent (at this time likely the Earl of Morton or his successor).
• Ordour to be taikin: Arrangements/orders to be made.
• Army ordanit to convene: Army ordered to assemble/muster.
• Harlaw Wod: Harlaw Wood (associated with the historic battlefield in Aberdeenshire).
• Report thair answer: Report back their reply/response.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 63

Date: 15 January 1577–8

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance appointing Alexander Guthre and Alexander King to gather the town’s legal documents (“evidents”) currently in their possession and deposit them in the town’s charterhouse (archive). Other officials are appointed to witness the process, and strict rules are set for future access to the documents.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• One of two men tasked with collecting and securing the burgh’s legal documents in the charterhouse

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “15 January 1577–8. The prouest, baillies, and counsale ordanis Alexander Guthre and Alexander King to gadder the townys euidentis quhilk thay haue in thair handis, and pit thame in the townys charterhous, and ordanis Robert Kar, Henry Chardis, baillies, Jhonne Arnot, and maister Jhonne Prestoun, to be present at the inputting of thame in the said charterhous, and that nane heirefter be taikin furth of the said charterhous without ane speciall ordinance of the counsale laide in the chartour almy subscriuit with the resauer.”

Modern English translation: 15 January 1577–8. The provost, bailies, and council ordain Alexander Guthre and Alexander King to gather the town’s evidents which they have in their hands, and put them in the town’s charterhouse, and ordain Robert Kar, Henry Chardis, bailies, John Arnot, and master John Prestoun, to be present at the inputting of them in the said charterhouse, and that none hereafter be taken forth of the said charterhouse without a special ordinance of the council laid in the charter almonry subscribed with the treasurer.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh’s efforts to centralise and secure its legal records and title deeds in a dedicated archive (the charterhouse).
• Shows concern for proper custody and controlled access to important documents.
• The requirement for a special council ordinance and the treasurer’s subscription for any future removal of documents reflects good archival practice for the period.

Genealogical Significance:

• Another clear reference to Alexander Guthre being entrusted with important administrative responsibilities as common clerk.
• He and Alexander King are specifically named as the individuals who currently hold various town “evidents” (legal documents) and are ordered to gather and deposit them securely.
• This reinforces his role as a key custodian of the burgh’s records and legal papers.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration and archives.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Evidentis: Evidents — legal documents, title deeds, and charters proving rights and ownership.
• Charterhous / chartourhous: Charterhouse — the burgh’s archive or strong room for important documents.
• Inputting: The act of putting/placing documents into the archive.
• Chartour almy: Charter almonry / archive (the secure storage location).
• Subscriuit with the resauer: Subscribed (signed) by the treasurer.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 67

Date: 19 March 1577–8

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance appointing a committee of five men, including James Guthre, to meet the following morning to take order regarding “sturdy beggars” (able-bodied beggars) and “lipper folk” (lepers) in the burgh.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• James Guthre

Role:

• Committee member appointed to address the issue of sturdy beggars and lepers

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “19 March 1577–8. The baillies and counsale ordanis maister Jhonne Prestoun, maister Beggeris, Jhonne Marioribankis, James Guthre, and Dauid Damelstoun to convene the morne, at vij houris in the counsall hous, to tak ordour for the sturdy beggerris and lipper folkis.”

Modern English translation: 19 March 1577–8. The bailies and council ordain master John Prestoun, master Beggeris, John Marioribankis, James Guthre, and David Damelstoun to convene tomorrow, at 7 o’clock in the council house, to take order for the sturdy beggars and leper folk.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh’s efforts to regulate vagrancy and deal with public health concerns (leprosy) in the late 16th century.
• “Sturdy beggars” were considered a social problem — able-bodied people who were seen as unwilling to work.
• The appointment of a specific committee shows a structured approach to social regulation.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the second processed entry for James Guthre in Volume 4.
• He is named as one of five men chosen to address a significant social issue in the burgh, indicating he was viewed as a responsible and capable burgess.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration / social regulation.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Sturdy beggerris: Sturdy beggars — able-bodied vagrants or beggars considered fit for work.
• Lipper folkis: Leper folk — people suffering from leprosy (often segregated due to public health concerns).
• Tak ordour for: Take measures / make arrangements regarding.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 79

Date: 26 July 1578

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council minute recording the unanimous decision to send a delegation (including Alexander Guthre) to the Lords to affirm that Edinburgh is the King’s free town, that it will remain neutral between contending parties, and that it will serve only the King. The delegation is also to request that good order be kept in the town and that soldiers be discharged if possible.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Councillor appointed as part of a delegation to the Lords on behalf of the burgh

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “26 July 1578. The ballies, counsall, and deakynnis being convenit in the counsalhous quhair the dissyris of the Lordis aboue wrytin war proponit, quhilk hard and considerit thei, all in ane voce, ordanes Henreis Chartouris and Jhonne Robertsoun, ballies, maister Jhonne Prestoun, Alexander Clerk, Alexander Guthre, and Dauid Damelstoun of the counsall to pas to their lordships efter now and to schawe that this is the Kyngis fre towne, in the quhilk all the Kyngis fre leges salbe welcum indifferentlie, and as to the pairteis contendan, thei hawe to do with nather of tham, nother will thei jiune with tham in their particularis, bot only serwe the Kyng to quhom thei ar only subiect, and to nan vtheris, and therfor maist humblie desyris their lordships to keip guid rewill within this towne, and gif it pleis tham to discharge their suldartis, this towne salbe their gard sa lang as the Kyng is nocht in the contrare.”

Modern English translation: 26 July 1578. The bailies, council, and deacons being convened in the council house where the desires of the Lords above written were proposed, which heard and considered, they, all in one voice, ordain Henry Chartouris and John Robertson, bailies, master John Prestoun, Alexander Clerk, Alexander Guthre, and David Damelstoun of the council to pass to their lordships after noon and to show that this is the King’s free town, in which all the King’s free lieges shall be welcome indifferently, and as to the parties contending, they have to do with neither of them, neither will they join with them in their particulars, but only serve the King to whom they are only subject, and to none others, and therefore most humbly desire their lordships to keep good rule within this town, and if it pleases them to discharge their soldiers, this town shall be their guard so long as the King is not in the contrary.

Historical Significance:

• Documents Edinburgh’s careful navigation of political and military tensions in 1578, affirming loyalty to the King while maintaining neutrality between contending factions.
• The council sends a high-level delegation to negotiate with the Lords and to request that soldiers be removed from the town.
• This reflects the burgh’s desire to protect its status as a “free town” and to avoid being drawn into partisan conflict.

Genealogical Significance:

• Alexander Guthre is named as one of the councillors chosen to represent Edinburgh in sensitive negotiations with the Lords.
• His inclusion in this delegation alongside bailies and other prominent figures demonstrates that he was regarded as a trusted and capable representative of the burgh, not only in administrative matters but also in political and diplomatic contexts.
• This further strengthens the picture of him as a leading civic figure in Edinburgh during the late 1570s.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh council acting on national political/military matters.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Ballies, counsall, and deakynnis: Bailies, council, and deacons (of crafts).
• Kyngis fre towne: The King’s free town (Edinburgh asserting its royal burgh status and privileges).
• Particularis: Private or factional interests.
• Suldartis: Soldiers.
• Guid rewill: Good rule / order.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 81

Date: 7 August 1578

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record noting that William Littill delivered the gift (charter/deed) of the hospital to Alexander Guthre, clerk, in the presence of the council, and asked for instruments (a formal notarial record of the transaction).

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, clerk (common clerk)

Role:

• Common clerk who received the gift of the hospital on behalf of the burgh

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “7 August 1578. William Littill, in presens of the counsall, delyueris to Alexander Guthre, clark, the gift of the hospitall; and askit instrumentis.”

Modern English translation: 7 August 1578. William Littill, in presence of the council, delivers to Alexander Guthre, clerk, the gift of the hospital; and asked instruments.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal transfer of the gift (likely a charter or foundation deed) of a hospital to the burgh.
• The request for “instrumentis” shows this was treated as a legally significant transaction requiring formal notarial recording.
• Reflects the burgh’s involvement in managing charitable or hospital foundations.

Genealogical Significance:

• Another clear reference to Alexander Guthre acting in his official capacity as common clerk.
• He is named as the person who received the important legal document (the gift of the hospital) in the presence of the full council.
• This reinforces his central role as the burgh’s chief record-keeper and the trusted recipient of significant legal instruments.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Delyueris: Delivers.
• Clark: Clerk (here, common clerk).
• Gift of the hospitall: The charter, deed, or grant relating to a hospital foundation.
• Askit instrumentis: Asked for instruments — requested a formal notarial record of the transaction.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 81-82

Date: 9 August 1578

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record of ongoing negotiations with the Lords. A group of representatives, including James Guthre, was appointed to go to the Lords to affirm that Edinburgh is the King’s free burgh and that its inhabitants are subject only to the King. They were also instructed to request that the Lords make no trouble in the town and to seek all other lawful pleasure in their power.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• James Guthre

Role:

• Representative / envoy sent to negotiate with the Lords on behalf of the burgh

Translation/Transcription (relevant section):

“… efter lang resoning it is concludit that Alexander Vduart and Jhonne Robertson, baillies, James Ros, maister Jhonne Preston, James Guthre, James Inglis, and Patrick Sandelandis, suld pas to the saidis lordis efter none, and schaw thame that they war the Kingis frie lieges, occuppearis and inhabitantis of this his frie burgh and subiect to his Maiestie onlie, of quhome they held thair landis, and wald joyne with na vther persones in thair particularis, bot wald keip thair towne frie till all the Kingis frie lieges quha suld be welcum heir at all tymes; and this ansuer they ordane thame to geve to the said lordis, and forther to desyre thame that they mak na trubill within this towne, and they suld have all vther lawfull plesour in thair power.”

Modern English translation: … after long reasoning it is concluded that Alexander Vduart and John Robertson, bailies, James Ros, master John Preston, James Guthre, James Inglis, and Patrick Sandelandis, should pass to the said Lords after noon, and show them that they were the King’s free lieges, occupiers and inhabitants of this his free burgh and subject to His Majesty only, of whom they held their lands, and would join with no other persons in their particulars, but would keep their town free till all the King’s free lieges who should be welcome here at all times; and this answer they ordain them to give to the said Lords, and further to desire them that they make no trouble within this town, and they should have all other lawful pleasure in their power.

Historical Significance:

• Documents Edinburgh’s careful political positioning during a period of tension with powerful nobles.
• The burgh affirms its direct loyalty to the King while seeking to avoid being drawn into factional conflicts.
• The council sends a strong delegation to negotiate directly with the Lords.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is another entry showing James Guthre being selected for an important diplomatic mission.
• He is included in a high-level delegation sent to negotiate with the Lords on matters of loyalty, security, and the burgh’s privileges.
• This reinforces his status as a trusted and capable representative of Edinburgh in sensitive political matters during the late 1570s.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration / national politics.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Kingis frie lieges: The King’s free lieges (subjects directly loyal to the Crown).
• Frie burgh: Free burgh (a royal burgh with specific privileges and direct relationship to the Crown).
• Particularis: Private or factional interests.
• Trubill: Trouble / disturbance.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Pages 88–89

Date: 11 November 1578

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record concerning the acquisition of land in the bulwark area (formerly the common closets, now called the burs). John Dalmeho had obtained a royal gift and confirmation of part of these lands. The council agrees to pay him 100 merks for his rights, he resigns the lands to the town, and his titles and evidents are delivered to Alexander Guthre and Alexander Vdert for safekeeping in accordance with the agreement made with him.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre

Role:

• One of two men appointed to receive and hold John Dalmeho’s titles and evidents on behalf of the burgh

Translation/Transcription:

Original text (combined from both pages): “11 November 1578. The prouest, baillies, counsall, and dekynis vnderstanding Johnne Dalmeho in Leith to hai obtenit ane gift of that pairt of the landis lyand in their bulwark, sumtyme callit the commoun closetis and of new callit the burs; and that he hes the Kingis confirmatioun thairvpoun vnder his Hienes greit seill with precept of sesing as accordis; Quhairfoir they ordane Andrew Stevensoun, thesaurer, to delyuer to the said Johnne sovme of ane hundreth merkis for his rycht and titill thairof and the pertinentis, the said Johnne resignand the samyn in the handis of ane of the baillies of Leith for heritabill infeftment to be gevin to the towne and their successouris thairof, the saidis Johnnis titillis and evidentis being delyuerit to Alexander Guthre and Alexander Vdert conforme to the appoyntment maid be thame with the said Johnne at the command of the provest, baillies, and counsall foirsaid.”

Modern English translation: 11 November 1578. The provost, bailies, council, and deacons understanding John Dalmeho in Leith to have obtained a gift of that part of the lands lying in their bulwark, sometime called the common closets and of new called the burs; and that he has the King’s confirmation thereupon under His Highness’s great seal with precept of sasine as accords; Wherefore they ordain Andrew Stevensoun, treasurer, to deliver to the said John the sum of one hundred merks for his right and title thereof and the pertinents, the said John resigning the same in the hands of one of the bailies of Leith for heritable infeftment to be given to the town and their successors thereof, the said John’s titles and evidents being delivered to Alexander Guthre and Alexander Vdert conform to the appointment made by them with the said John at the command of the provost, bailies, and council foresaid.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh’s acquisition of land in the bulwark area through a combination of royal gift and purchase.
• Shows the careful legal process followed, including resignation, payment, and secure deposit of title deeds.
• The appointment of two named individuals (Alexander Guthre and Alexander Vdert) to hold the documents reflects standard practice for protecting important legal records.

Genealogical Significance:

• Alexander Guthre is again named in an official capacity as one of the two men entrusted with receiving and holding important legal documents (titles and evidents) on behalf of the burgh.
• This continues the consistent pattern of him being involved in the custody and management of the town’s legal papers.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith (bulwark lands).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Evidentis / titillis: Title deeds and legal documents proving ownership or rights.
• Bulwark: Fortified or reclaimed land area (in this case near Leith).
• Heritabill infeftment: Heritable infeftment (formal legal transfer of property rights).
• Resignand: Resigning (formally giving up rights in favour of another).
• Pertinentis: Pertinents (associated rights and appurtenances).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Pages 99–100

Date: 30 January 1578–9

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council appointment of Master Alexander Guthre, eldest son of the common clerk, as clerk to a commission dealing with the uplifting and ingathering of annuals (rents) that previously belonged to priests, monks, friars, and prebendaries, and now pertain to the ministers and the Trinity College Hospital. He is sworn into the office and granted an annual fee of £30.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Master Alexander Guthre (eldest son of Alexander Guthre, common clerk)

Role:

• Clerk to the commissioners for the uplifting of former ecclesiastical annuals

Translation/Transcription (key sections):

“30 January 1578–9. … it was menit be the said collectour, that in default of the jugeis to quhom commissioun wes giffin to sit and juge on sic caussis, and in default of vtheris members of court neidfull, sic as clerk, dempster, serriand, wer nocht as yit nominat, sworne, and admittit thairto… quhairfore he desyrit the saidis commissaris to be send for, and according to thair commissiounis to begin vpoun Moninday nixt…

quhilk hard, ressonit be the awyis of the baillies and counsell afoir writtin, and avysandlie considerit, thay nominati, makis, constituittis, and ordanis maister Alexander Guthrie, eldest sone to Alexander Guthrie, thair commoun clerk, thair clerk to the saidis commissioneris, quha in thair presence being sworne, gaif his ayth for faithfull execution of the said office; and thay ordane thairfoir the collectouris present and to cum, to gif him yeirlie for his panes the sowme of threttie pundis vsuall money of this realm.”

Modern English translation: 30 January 1578–9. … it was meant by the said collector, that in default of the judges to whom commission was given to sit and judge on such causes, and in default of other members of court needful, such as clerk, dempster, sergeant, were not as yet nominated, sworn, and admitted thereto… wherefore he desired the said commissioners to be sent for, and according to their commissions to begin upon Monday next…

which heard, reasoned by the advice of the bailies and council before written, and advisedly considered, they nominate, make, constitute, and ordain master Alexander Guthre, eldest son to Alexander Guthre, their common clerk, their clerk to the said commissioners, who in their presence being sworn, gave his oath for faithful execution of the said office; and they ordain therefore the collectors present and to come, to give him yearly for his pains the sum of thirty pounds usual money of this realm.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the administrative arrangements for managing former church revenues (annuals) that were redirected to support ministers and the Trinity College Hospital after the Reformation.
• Shows the formal appointment and swearing-in of officials to a commission dealing with these sensitive financial matters.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is a key early entry for Master Alexander Guthre (the younger).
• He is formally appointed and sworn in as clerk to an important commission, with the council explicitly identifying him as the “eldest son” of the common clerk.
• This appointment (and the associated fee of £30 per year) demonstrates that he was already being given official responsibilities in burgh administration by early 1579, consistent with the earlier discussions about his succession to his father’s office.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration / post-Reformation church finance.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Annualis: Annual rents or feu duties (often from former church lands).
• Preistis, monkis, freris, prebendariis: Priests, monks, friars, and prebendaries (former holders of church revenues).
• Panes: Pains / labour / effort (here referring to his work as clerk).
• Dempster: The officer who pronounced the doom (sentence) of the court.
• Constituittis and ordanis: Constitutes and ordains (formally appoints).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 103

Date: 27 March 1579

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance commanding and charging Alexander Guthre, common clerk, to give sasine (formal legal possession) to Master James Lowsoun and John Durie (on behalf of the ministers) of the manses, dwelling houses, and yards within St Giles’ churchyard, in accordance with a previous designation, and warranting him in doing so.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, common clerk

Role:

• Common clerk formally charged with giving sasine of church properties to the ministers

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “27 March 1579. [The provost, bailies, council, and deacons of crafts] commandis and chairges Alexander Guthrie, thair common clerk, to gif sesing to maister James Lowsoun and Johne Durie, for thameselfis and in name of the ministeris, of the mans, duelling houssis, and yairdis within Sanct Gelis Kirk yaird, conforme to the designatioun past of befoir; and thai sall warrand him thairof.”

Modern English translation: 27 March 1579. [The provost, bailies, council, and deacons of crafts] command and charge Alexander Guthre, their common clerk, to give sasine to master James Lowsoun and John Durie, for themselves and in name of the ministers, of the manses, dwelling houses, and yards within St Giles’ churchyard, conform to the designation passed before; and they shall warrant him thereof.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh’s formal transfer of manses and properties within St Giles’ churchyard to the ministers.
• Shows the common clerk being officially commanded to carry out a legal act of sasine on behalf of the town.
• Reflects the ongoing relationship between the burgh authorities and the church/ministers regarding property rights.

Genealogical Significance:

• Alexander Guthre is explicitly named and charged in his official capacity as common clerk to perform a formal legal act (giving sasine).
• This reinforces his role not only as a record-keeper but also as the person entrusted with executing important legal transactions on behalf of the burgh.
• Location: Edinburgh (St Giles’ churchyard).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Commandis and chairges: Commands and charges (formally instructs).
• Gif sesing: Give sasine (formal legal delivery of possession of heritable property).
• Mans / duelling houssis: Manses and dwelling houses (minister’s residences).
• Yairdis: Yards / gardens.
• Sanct Gelis Kirk yaird: St Giles’ churchyard.
• Designatioun past of befoir: Previous designation/allocation.
• Warrand him thairof: Warrant / guarantee him in the act.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 107

Date: Late 1570s (contextually during the period of political correspondence with the King and nobility)

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance appointing Robert Kar (baillie), John Jhounstoun, and Jhonne Guthre, notar, to go to Hew Tod, the clerk, to obtain a copy of the King’s letters that had been proclaimed the previous evening. The group asked for instruments when Hew Tod claimed he did not have the letters.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Jhonne Guthre, notar (notary)

Role:

• Notary assisting the burgh in obtaining official royal correspondence

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “The prowvest, baillies, and counsale ordanis Robert Kar, baillie, Jhonne Jhounstoun of the counsale, and Jhonne Guthre, notar, to pas to Hew Tod, the clerk, and desyir the copye of the Kingis letteris quhilk war proclamit yister nicht efter viij houris at evin for passing to Hammyltoun, quhilk the said Hew alegit war send to Striueling and had nocht the samyn; and the said personis with Alexander Bruce and Dauid Williamson askit instrumentis.”

Modern English translation: The provost, bailies, and council ordain Robert Kar, baillie, John Jhounstoun of the council, and John Guthre, notary, to pass to Hew Tod, the clerk, and desire the copy of the King’s letters which were proclaimed yesternight after eight o’clock at even for passing to Hamilton, which the said Hew alleged were sent to Stirling and he had not the same; and the said persons with Alexander Bruce and David Williamson asked instruments.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh’s efforts to obtain official copies of royal correspondence during a period of political activity.
• The use of a notary to request instruments shows the formal legal process followed when dealing with important documents.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the first processed entry for John Guthre (notary and later common clerk depute) in Volume 4.
• He is explicitly named as a notary and appointed to assist in obtaining important royal letters on behalf of the burgh.
• This confirms his professional role as a notary public and his involvement in official burgh business during the late 1570s.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Notar: Notary public — a legal professional authorised to draw up and authenticate documents and take instruments.
• Askit instrumentis: Asked instruments — formally requested a notarial record of the transaction or request.
• Proclamit: Proclaimed (publicly announced).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 111

Date: 13 July 1579

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Record of Alexander Guthre, common clerk, presenting a supplication to the council requesting that his son, Master Alexander Guthre, be placed and settled as his depute in the office of common clerkship, in accordance with the privileges contained in the gift of his office. The council (in the provost’s absence) deferred giving a full answer and promised to consider the matter the following Wednesday.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, common clerk (the father)
• Master Alexander Guthre, his son (proposed depute)

Role:

• Common clerk petitioning for his son to be appointed as his depute in the clerkship

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “13 July 1579. Alexander Guthre, commoun clerk of the said burgh, desyrit ane answer to be gevin to him to his supplicatioun producit tuiching the placing and doun setting of maister Alexander Guthre, his sone, as his depute in his office of commoun clerkship, conforme to his privilege and fredome contenit in the gift of his said office. To the quhilk it wes ansuerit be maister Johne Prestoun, Alexander Clerk, Alexander Vddert, Johne Johnestoun, Robert Hendersoun, and Robert Abercrummy, haifing commissioun as chosen for the part of the counsale, that in that caus, in respect of the prowests absence, thai wer nocht sufficientlie resoluir, nowther could thai at that tyme gif ane sufficient answer to the said supplicatioun, bot promesit vpoun Wednesday nixt sould enter in ressoning thairanent with the counsale and report ane answer the said day.”

Modern English translation: 13 July 1579. Alexander Guthre, common clerk of the said burgh, desired an answer to be given to him to his supplication produced touching the placing and down-setting of master Alexander Guthre, his son, as his depute in his office of common clerkship, conform to his privilege and freedom contained in the gift of his said office. To the which it was answered by master John Prestoun, Alexander Clerk, Alexander Vddert, John Johnestoun, Robert Hendersoun, and Robert Abercrummy, having commission as chosen for the part of the council, that in that cause, in respect of the provost’s absence, they were not sufficiently resolved, neither could they at that time give a sufficient answer to the said supplication, but promised upon Wednesday next [they] should enter into reasoning thereanent with the council and report an answer the said day.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal process by which a sitting common clerk could petition to have his son appointed as depute, with a view toward eventual succession.
• Shows the council taking time to consider such appointments carefully, especially in the absence of the provost.
• Reflects the importance of the common clerk’s office and the privileges attached to it.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is a key genealogical entry. It explicitly identifies Master Alexander Guthre as the son of Alexander Guthre, the long-serving common clerk.
• The father is petitioning to have his son appointed as his depute in the office of common clerk, in accordance with privileges contained in the gift of his own office.
• This directly connects to the later Index entry noting “Mr Alexander, younger, clerk of commission on annuals, afterwards common clerk”.
• It confirms that the younger Alexander Guthre was being positioned to follow his father in the important civic office of common clerk.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Supplicatioun: Supplication / formal petition.
• Placing and doun setting: Appointment and settling in office.
• Depute in his office of commoun clerkship: Deputy in the office of common clerk.
• Privilege and fredome contenit in the gift: Rights and freedoms contained in the royal or burgh grant of the office.
• Commissioun as chosen for the part of the counsale: Commission as representatives chosen on behalf of the council.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Pages 120–121

Date: 3 October 1579

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance sending a delegation (including John Guthre, clerk) to Leith to inspect whether the King’s command to meet His Highness in armour had been properly authorised. The group discharges the Leith bailies from proceeding in armour without written warrant and protests that Edinburgh, as superiors of Leith, should not be held liable for any penalties in the proclamation.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• John Guthre, clark (clerk)

Role:

• Clerk accompanying the official delegation to Leith to enforce proper procedure and protect the burgh’s interests

Translation/Transcription (key sections):

“The prowvest, baillies, and counsall foirsaidis ordanis William Adamsoun and Rychart Abircrumby, baillies, and John Johnstoun of the counsall, together with John Guthre, clark, to pas doun to Leith with all diligence possibill, and in the townis name, as superiouris thairof, to desyir the inspection of thair chairge gevin to thame be the Kingis Maiestie to meit his Hienes in armour…

quha, conforme to thair commissioun, past doun and inquyrit of Walter Cant and John Thomsoun, baillies of the said towne of Leith… quha ansuerit they had nane in writt bot be tong, and John Johnstoun in name foirsaid, as superiouris, dischairgitt thame to pas furth in armour becaus the samyn was contrair the ordour of the proclamatioun and na warrand was schawin, and protested that, insafar as they schew na commissioun be writt, the gude towne, as superiouris, suld be frie of the paynis contenit in the said proclamatioun maid on Mononday last…”

Modern English translation: The provost, bailies, and council foresaid ordain William Adamsoun and Richard Abircrumby, bailies, and John Johnstoun of the council, together with John Guthre, clerk, to pass down to Leith with all diligence possible, and in the town’s name, as superiors thereof, to desire the inspection of their charge given to them by the King’s Majesty to meet His Highness in armour…

who, conform to their commission, passed down and inquired of Walter Cant and John Thomsoun, bailies of the said town of Leith… who answered they had none in writing but by tongue, and John Johnstoun in name foresaid, as superiors, discharged them to pass forth in armour because the same was contrary to the order of the proclamation and no warrant was shown, and protested that, insofar as they showed no commission in writing, the good town, as superiors, should be free of the pains contained in the said proclamation made on Monday last…

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh of Edinburgh asserting its authority as superiors over Leith regarding military musters and royal commands.
• Shows the careful attention to proper written authority versus verbal orders during a politically sensitive period.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the second processed entry for John Guthre in Volume 4.
• He is explicitly named as “clark” and accompanies a formal delegation to Leith in an official capacity.
• This reinforces his role as a trusted clerical officer involved in important administrative and legal matters between Edinburgh and its port of Leith.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith (burgh administration and superior–vassal relations).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Superiouris: Superiors (Edinburgh held feudal superiority over Leith).
• Dischairgitt: Discharged (formally ordered not to proceed).
• Paynis: Pains / penalties / fines.
• Proclamatioun: Proclamation (public order or command).
• Askit instrumentis (from context): Asked for notarial instruments to record the protest.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Pages 129–130

Date: 9 December 1579

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record noting that Alexander Guthre, common clerk, formally delivered the common seal of Leith to Alexander Clark (his successor as principal clerk). The council also ordained that all charters were to be subscribed by the principal clerk and sealed with the said seal, set a duty of 13s. 4d. to the provost, and ruled that the seal could only be used with a special warrant of the council.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, common clerk (handing over the seal)

Role:

• Outgoing common clerk formally transferring the common seal of Leith to his successor

Translation/Transcription:

Original text (combined): “9 December 1579. Alexander Guthre, commoun clerk, in presens forsaid, delyuerit to Alexander Clark the commoun seill of Leith, quhilk sen thair first bying of the superioritie thairof the tym of his admissioun of principall clark to the samyn, he had in his custodie quhill now, and ordanit euery chartour to be subscryuit be thair said principall clark, and seillit thairwith, to pay xiij s. iiij d. of dewtie to the said provest, and that nane of the saidis chartouris or vther wrytingis quhairto the said seill is requesite be seillit without ane speciall warrand of the counsall.”

Modern English translation: 9 December 1579. Alexander Guthre, common clerk, in presence foresaid, delivered to Alexander Clark the common seal of Leith, which since their first buying of the superiority thereof at the time of his admission of principal clerk to the same, he had in his custody until now, and ordained every charter to be subscribed by their said principal clerk, and sealed therewith, to pay 13s. 4d. of duty to the said provost, and that none of the said charters or other writings where the said seal is requisite be sealed without a special warrant of the council.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal handover of the common seal of Leith from one common clerk to his successor.
• Shows the council establishing clear rules for the custody and use of the seal going forward (subscription by the principal clerk + special council warrant required).
• Marks an important administrative transition in the burgh’s record-keeping practices.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is a significant career milestone entry for Alexander Guthre.
• It records him formally handing over the common seal of Leith, which he had held since his admission as principal/common clerk following Edinburgh’s purchase of the superiority of Leith.
• This strongly suggests that by December 1579 he was stepping down or transitioning out of the day-to-day role of common clerk, with Alexander Clark taking over as principal clerk.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith administration.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Commoun seill of Leith: The common seal of Leith (used to authenticate official documents relating to Leith).
• Superioritie: Superiority (feudal overlordship) — Edinburgh had purchased the superiority of Leith.
• Principall clark: Principal clerk (the chief common clerk).
• Subscryuit: Subscribed / signed.
• Seillit: Sealed.
• Warrand of the counsall: Warrant/authorisation of the council.

Notes:

• It appears to mark the end of Alexander Guthre’s long tenure as common clerk (or at least his relinquishing of the common seal of Leith).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 130

Date: 10 December 1579

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record following up on the earlier supplication by Alexander Guthre. After long discussion, the council appoints a committee to examine the council books and Alexander Guthre’s gift of the clerkship, in order to determine the terms on which his eldest son, Master Alexander Guthre, could be placed in his father’s office of common clerk “during their wills,” and to report back their judgement.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, common clerk (the father)
• Master Alexander Guthre, eldest son (proposed successor/depute)

Role:

• Father whose office is under consideration for succession by his son
• Son being considered for appointment to his father’s office of common clerk

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “10 December 1579. Efter lang resoning anentis the placing of maister Alexander Guthre, eldest sone to Alexander Guthre, commoun clark of this burgh, in his fatheris office induring thair willis, appoynted Robert Kar, and Henry Nesbett, baillies, John Jhounstoun [and four others] to convene in the over clarkis chalmer of this burgh on Fryday nixt in the morning be sax houris, and siclike daylie at the said hour, and efter inspection of the haill counsall buikis, as alsua the said Alexanderis gift of the clarkschip, and avysement thairwith, to report thair jugement concerning the assurance to be maid be the gude towne with the said maister Alexander and thair efter to report.”

Modern English translation: 10 December 1579. After long reasoning anent the placing of master Alexander Guthre, eldest son to Alexander Guthre, common clerk of this burgh, in his father’s office during their wills, appointed Robert Kar and Henry Nesbett, bailies, John Jhounstoun [and four others] to convene in the over clerk’s chamber of this burgh on Friday next in the morning be six hours, and likewise daily at the said hour, and after inspection of all the council books, as also the said Alexander’s gift of the clerkship, and advisement therewith, to report their judgement concerning the assurance to be made by the good town with the said master Alexander and thereafter to report.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal process of considering succession to the important office of common clerk.
• The council is carefully examining both the historical council records and the original “gift” (grant) of the office before making any binding arrangement with the son.
• Shows the burgh treating the clerkship as a significant and regulated position.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is a highly significant genealogical entry. It explicitly confirms that Master Alexander Guthre is the eldest son of Alexander Guthre, the long-serving common clerk.
• The council is actively considering placing the son in his father’s office “during their wills” (i.e., at the pleasure of the council).
• This directly follows the father’s petition on page 111 and shows the burgh taking the succession seriously by appointing a committee to review all relevant documents.
• It provides strong evidence of the Guthrie family’s multi-generational involvement in the office of common clerk in Edinburgh.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Induring thair willis: During their wills / at their pleasure (conditional appointment).
• Gift of the clarkschip: The original grant or charter of the office of clerk.
• Over clarkis chalmer: Upper clerk’s chamber (likely the clerk’s office or meeting room).
• Assurance to be maid be the gude towne: Formal agreement or security to be given by the good town (burgh).

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, page 156

Date: 27 May 1551

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record appointing mettares (measurers) for victual and salt brought into Leith, and ordering the delivery of common measures to the farmers of the wynd auentures (customs).

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Jhone Gottray (spelling variant of Guthrie)

Role:

• One of the appointed mettares (measurers) for victual and salt at Leith

Translation/Transcription:

“…and thairfore hes chosen the persons following to be mettares, viz., Jhone Gottray, Adam Welderstoun and Thomas Haisty quhilkis wer sworne thairto, and ordanis all the commoun mettis to be delyuerit to Frances Tennend fermer of the wyld auentures…”

Modern English Translation: …and therefore has chosen the persons following to be measurers, viz., John Gottray, Adam Welderstoun and Thomas Haisty which were sworn thereto, and ordains all the common measures to be delivered to Frances Tennend, farmer of the wynd adventures…

Historical Significance:

• Documents the regulation of trade and measurement of goods entering Leith harbour.
• Shows the council’s oversight of customs and measurement standards.

Genealogical Significance:

• Introduces Jhone Gottray (a spelling variant of Guthrie) as an early mention in Volume 4.
• He was appointed as one of the official measurers for victual and salt at Leith in 1551.
• This may be an earlier generation or a different branch of the Guthrie family than the Alexander Guthre we have been tracking in Volume 3.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Mettares: Official measurers appointed by the burgh.
• Wynd auentures: Customs or duties on goods brought by sea.
• Fermer: Farmer (collector) of customs.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 176

Date: 1 February 1552–3

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council minute appointing a group of commissioners (including Alexander Guthrie) to negotiate with the Lord Treasurer of Scotland regarding the burgh of Edinburgh’s contribution to two large national taxes and to reach a settlement (“compose”) if no further remedy could be obtained.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie

Role:

• Commissioner appointed by the Provost, Bailies, Council and deacons of crafts to treat with the Lord Treasurer over taxation

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “1 February 1552–3. The quhilk day, the prouest baillies and counsale and ane pairt of the dekynnis of craftis nemmit and gaif power to William Craik, prouest, Maister Thomas Marioribankis, Alexander Guthrie, James Bannatyne, Johne Symsoun, William Muirhead, Johne Dougall, Dauid Kinloch and James Young to pas to my Lord Sanctandrois thesaurer, and commoun with his lordschip towart the desyre of thair taxtis of the grete taxt of xxvjᵐ li. and xvjᵐ li., and gif na forther remeid can be had thairof to aggre and compone thairupoun.”

Modern English translation: 1 February 1552–3. The which day, the Provost, Bailies and Council and a part of the deacons of crafts nominated and gave power to William Craik, Provost, Master Thomas Marioribankis, Alexander Guthrie, James Bannatyne, John Symson, William Muirhead, John Dougall, David Kinloch and James Young to pass to my Lord St Andrews, Treasurer, and commune with his lordship toward the desire of their taxes of the great tax of £26,000 and £16,000, and if no further remedy can be had thereof, to agree and compound thereupon.

Historical Significance:

• Illustrates the burgh of Edinburgh’s direct engagement with central government over taxation in the mid-16th century.
• The “grete taxt” refers to substantial national subsidies or taxes levied on the burghs. The sums (£26,000 and £16,000 Scots) were very large for the period.
• The Council chose a mixed delegation of leading civic figures (including the Provost, a former Provost or prominent lawyer, and several merchants/craftsmen) to negotiate with the Lord Treasurer (at this date the Archbishop of St Andrews).
• The power to “aggre and compone” authorised the commissioners to reach a lump-sum compromise if full exemption or reduction proved impossible — a common medieval and early modern fiscal practice.

Genealogical Significance:

• Shows that Alexander Guthrie was already a trusted and prominent figure in Edinburgh civic life by February 1553, being selected as one of a small group of commissioners to represent the burgh in sensitive tax negotiations with the Crown’s chief financial officer.
• This early entry (1552–3) predates the later appearances of Alexander Guthre/Guthrie in the 1555–56 Treasurer’s Accounts (pp. 316, 319) and his role as town-clerk (pp. 361, 369). It strengthens the picture of a single individual rising through burgh offices and responsibilities during the 1550s.
• His inclusion alongside the Provost and other leading names indicates he already held significant standing in the community, possibly as a merchant, lawyer, or emerging office-holder.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh politics and administration; no direct Forfarshire/Angus reference in this entry.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dekynnis of craftis: Deacons of the crafts (representatives of the incorporated trades who sometimes participated in burgh councils).
• Nemmit and gaif power: Nominated and gave authority/power of attorney.
• My Lord Sanctandrois thesaurer: The Lord Treasurer of Scotland (at this time held by the Archbishop of St Andrews).
• Grete taxt: Great tax or national subsidy levied on the burghs.
• Taxtis: Taxes or assessments due from the burgh.
• Commoun with: To discuss/negotiate with.
• Aggre and compone thairupoun: To agree and come to a composition/settlement (a lump-sum agreement in lieu of the full assessed tax).
• Commissioners as to taxation: Standard burgh practice of appointing ad hoc committees to handle specific negotiations with central government.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 204

Date: 7 April 1581

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance to pay Henry Chairteris twenty shillings for a pay book (record book) that was furnished and delivered to John Guthre, who was to write and register in it all the acts of the burrows (burghs) and their conventions.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• John Guthre

Role:

• Clerk responsible for recording the acts of the burghs and their conventions

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “Ordanis Jhonn Robertsoun, thesaurer, to pay to Henry Chairteris the sowm of twenty schillingis for ane pay buik furnist and delyuerit be him to Jhonne Guthre quha suld writt and register thairin the haill actis of the burrowes and thair conventionis bypast.”

Modern English translation: Ordains John Robertson, treasurer, to pay to Henry Chairteris the sum of twenty shillings for one pay book furnished and delivered by him to John Guthre, who should write and register therein the whole acts of the burrows and their conventions bypast.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the administrative arrangements for recording the acts and decisions of the Convention of Royal Burghs.
• Shows the burgh investing in proper record-keeping for inter-burgh business.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the third processed entry for John Guthre in Volume 4.
• He is tasked with the important duty of recording the acts of the burghs and their conventions, confirming his role as a trusted clerical officer involved in both Edinburgh’s affairs and wider burgh business.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration / Convention of Royal Burghs.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Pay buik: Pay book / record book (a book for registering acts and decisions).
• Burrowes: Burrows / burghs (royal burghs).
• Conventionis: Conventions (meetings or assemblies, especially the Convention of Royal Burghs).
• By past: Bypast / past / previous.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 224

Date: 27 October 1581

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Record of William Stewart (former clerk depute) delivering a large collection of writs, letters, obligations, decrees, and other documents to the council. Among these were letters of arrestment concerning westland herring and other fish, which were delivered to Master Alexander Guthrie and ordered to be registered in the register book and placed in the charterhouse.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Master Alexander Guthrie (the younger; son of the former common clerk)

Role:

• Recipient of specific legal documents (letters of arrestment) ordered to be registered and archived

Translation/Transcription:

Original text (relevant section): “…Lettres of arreisting of westland heiring and vther fisches transportit be westland men to Leyth for careing out of the realme in schippis, quhilkis lettres thai delyuerit to maister Alexander Guthrie and ordanit to be registrat in the register buik and putt in the chairterhous…”

Modern English translation: “…Letters of arrestment of westland herring and other fishes transported by westland men to Leith for carrying out of the realm in ships, which letters they delivered to master Alexander Guthrie and ordained to be registered in the register book and put in the charterhouse…”

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal handover of important burgh legal documents by a former clerk depute.
• Shows the ongoing process of centralising and securing the burgh’s records in the register book and charterhouse.
• The documents relate to trade regulation (fish exports) and enforcement of burgh rules.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is a clear reference to Master Alexander Guthrie (the younger), son of the long-serving common clerk Alexander Guthre.
• By October 1581 he is actively receiving and handling important legal documents on behalf of the burgh, consistent with the earlier discussions (pp. 111 and 130) about placing him in his father’s office.
• This supports the Index description of him as “clerk of commission on annuals, afterwards common clerk”.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration and archives.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Lettres of arreisting: Letters of arrestment (legal orders to seize or stop goods).
• Register buik: The burgh’s official register book.
• Chairterhous: Charterhouse (the secure archive for important documents).
• Clerk depute: Deputy clerk.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 237

Date: 15 June 1582

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record of payments for expenses related to the visit of the servants of the Duke of Guise (Duik Gweis), including horse hire, dinners, and other costs. Master Alexander Guthree is listed among those who received payment for horse hire in connection with these events.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Maister Alexander Guthree (the younger)

Role:

• Recipient of horse hire expenses in connection with official burgh hospitality

Translation/Transcription (relevant section):

“15 June 1582. Ordanis Jhone Robertsoun, thesaurer, to pay to Andro Landellis… item, to pay to James Adamsoun iiij s. debursit for sending for Mungo Ros, baxter, for the said bankett; item, ordanes the said thesaurer to pay to the persones following the sowmes efter mentionat debursit be thame in thair expenssis for thame selfes, my lord prowvest, and dyueris nychtbouris, merchantys, and craftismen quha past to Dalkeith on Tysday last to the Kingis Grace in the tounes effaires speciallie for the nychtbouris laitlie exylit, viz:—to pay to Alexander Stewart, for iij hors hyre to the prowvest and his seruandes, and twa hors to James Adamsoun and maister Alexander Guthree, xxxiij s. iiij d.; item, for hors hyre, meit, and boyes, and a quart aill, and ane breid, viij s. vj d.; item, for dyueris honest nychtbouris denneris v li. vij s.; item, to pay to Mungo Russell for certane of the craftys denneris xxxviij s.; item, for viij hors hyre to certane nychtbouris of the craftys, four merk.”

Modern English translation: 15 June 1582. Ordains John Robertson, treasurer, to pay to Andrew Landellis… item, to pay to James Adamsoun 4s. disbursed for sending for Mungo Ros, baker, for the said banquet; item, ordains the said treasurer to pay to the persons following the sums after mentioned disbursed by them in their expenses for themselves, my lord provost, and diverse neighbours, merchants, and craftsmen who passed to Dalkeith on Tuesday last to the King’s Grace in the town’s affairs specially for the neighbours lately exiled, viz:—to pay to Alexander Stewart, for 3 horses’ hire to the provost and his servants, and two horses to James Adamsoun and master Alexander Guthree, 33s. 4d.; item, for horse hire, meat, and boys, and a quart of ale, and a loaf, 8s. 6d.; item, for diverse honest neighbours’ dinners £5 7s.; item, to pay to Mungo Russell for certain of the crafts’ dinners 38s.; item, for 8 horses’ hire to certain neighbours of the crafts, four merks.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh’s hospitality and official expenses related to the visit of the Duke of Guise’s servants and meetings with the King at Dalkeith.
• Shows the costs associated with sending representatives and providing for horses and meals during important political and diplomatic events.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is another entry for Master Alexander Guthree (the younger).
• He is listed alongside James Adamsoun as one of the individuals for whom horse hire was provided in connection with official town business involving the King and foreign dignitaries.
• This reflects his growing involvement in the burgh’s official and diplomatic activities by 1582.
• Location: Edinburgh / Dalkeith (burgh representation and hospitality).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Bankett: Banquet / formal meal.
• Hors hyre: Horse hire (cost of renting horses for travel).
• Debursit: Disbursed / paid out.
• Nychtbouris: Neighbours (burgesses / citizens of the town).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 311

Date: 6 December 1583

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance directing John Johnestoun (collector) to instruct James Guthre to travel with the Archdean of Lothian concerning the demission of a benefice in favour of the College. The council further agrees to ratify and approve whatever James Guthre does in that cause according to the information given by John Johnestoun.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• James Guthre

Role:

• Envoy / negotiator appointed to handle the demission of a benefice in favour of the College

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “6 December 1583. Ordainet that Jhonn Jhonestoun, collectour, inform James Guthre to travell with the archdene of Lowthiane anent his benefice to be dimittet in favouris of the College, and agreis to ratifie and appreive all things to be done be the said James in the said caus according to the said Jhones informatioun.”

Modern English translation: 6 December 1583. Ordained that John Johnestoun, collector, inform James Guthre to travel with the Archdean of Lothian concerning his benefice to be demitted in favour of the College, and agrees to ratify and approve all things to be done by the said James in the said cause according to the said John’s information.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh’s involvement in the transfer of ecclesiastical benefices (church livings) for the support of the College (likely Trinity College or the town’s educational foundation).
• Shows the use of trusted burgesses as negotiators with senior church officials (the Archdean of Lothian) on financial and property matters.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the fifth processed entry for James Guthre in Volume 4.
• He is again selected for a sensitive negotiation on behalf of the burgh, this time involving the demission of a benefice for the benefit of the College.
• The council’s explicit agreement to ratify whatever he does in the matter indicates a high level of trust in his judgment and reliability.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration / ecclesiastical and educational affairs.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

Collectour: Collector (often of former church revenues or town dues).

Benefice: An ecclesiastical living or church office with associated income.

Dimittet / demitted: Resigned or surrendered (especially of a church living).

Archdene of Lowthiane: Archdean of Lothian (a senior ecclesiastical official).

Ratifie and appreive: Ratify and approve (formally confirm and endorse).

Excerpts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, page 316

Date: 3 November 1555 (within the Town Treasurer’s Accounts for Michaelmas 1555 – Michaelmas 1556)

Original Language: Scots

Purpose of the Document: Excerpt from the discharge (expenditure) section of the Town Treasurer’s accounts, recording selected payments authorized by formal precepts (warrants).

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre (Guthrie)

Role:

• Recipient of a payment of £25 Scots

Translation/Transcription:

“Item, to Alexander Guthre, be ane precept datit tertio Novembris, xxv li.”

Modern English Translation: Item, to Alexander Guthre, by one precept dated the third of November, £25.

Historical Significance:

• Shows the use of precepts as the formal mechanism for authorizing extraordinary payments from the common good.
• Reflects the financial administration of Edinburgh during a period of growing political and religious tension leading into the Scottish Reformation.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Alexander Guthre was actively engaged in Edinburgh civic and administrative affairs by late 1555.
• This is the same individual later recorded extensively as Common Clerk of the burgh.
• The payment was likely connected to his official duties as clerk, notary, or procurator-fiscal.
• Location: Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Discharge: The expenditure side of the burgh accounts.
• Precept: A formal warrant or order from the Provost, Bailies, and Council directing the Treasurer to pay a specified sum.
• Item: Standard term introducing each line entry in the accounts.

Notes:

• Currency is pounds Scots (£ Scots).
• Spelling in the record: Guthre.
• A related entry on p. 319 of the same accounts records Alexander Guthre supplying wine for the Queen’s grace, showing his involvement in provisioning as a burgess.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 319

Date: 1555–56 (Town Treasurer’s Accounts)

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Accounting entry in the official Town Treasurer’s Accounts recording the burgh’s expenditure for the carting and transport of a tun of wine from the Abbey, procured for the use of the Queen’s grace and supplied by Alexander Guthre.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre (Guthrie)

Role:

• Supplier of wine (provided one tun of wine from the Abbey for royal use)

Translation/Transcription:

Original text (as shown in the source image): “Item, for carting and bringing up of ane toun of wyne fra the Abay for the Quenis grace, gottin fra Alexander Guthre, . . . . . . . . . . iijᵛ vjᵈ”

Modern English translation: Item, for carting and bringing up of one tun of wine from the Abbey for the Queen’s grace, gotten from Alexander Guthre, . . . . . . . . . . iijᵛ vjᵈ [£3 6s. in Scots currency].

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh of Edinburgh’s responsibility to provision and transport goods for the royal household during the mid-16th century (regency period of Mary of Guise).
• The “Abay” almost certainly refers to Holyrood Abbey, a major royal and ecclesiastical center immediately adjacent to Edinburgh.
• Illustrates the practical logistics of moving large casks of wine (“carting and bringing up”) and the burgh’s financial accountability through itemized treasurer’s rolls.
• “Item” was the standard formula used in Scottish burgh account books to introduce each separate charge or payment.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Alexander Guthre’s active role as a supplier of wine to the burgh authorities in 1555–56, with direct dealings involving the Abbey.
• This entry sits only three pages after the 3 November 1555 record (p. 316) in which the same Alexander Guthre received a precept payment of £25 for services, indicating ongoing commercial or civic engagement with Edinburgh’s treasury.
• Suggests he may have operated as a merchant or agent with access to Abbey resources or wine stocks.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh records; no explicit tie to Forfarshire/Angus in this specific entry, but consistent with patterns of Edinburgh-based Guthries involved in trade and burgh administration.
• Useful for tracing potential interrelationships or economic activities of Edinburgh Guthries during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots / Mary of Guise regency.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Item: Standard opening word in burgh treasurer’s accounts meaning “also” or introducing the next listed expense.
• Quenis grace: Formal style referring to the Queen (here, contextually the Queen Dowager and Regent, Mary of Guise).
• Abay: Abbey – in an Edinburgh context, Holyrood Abbey.
• toun of wyne: A tun (large standard cask) of wine.
• gottin fra: “Gotten from” / procured or supplied by.
• Burgh Treasurer’s Accounts: The official audited financial records of a Scottish royal burgh, maintained for transparency and accountability.
• Currency notation iijᵛ vjᵈ: Contemporary Scots money (pounds, shillings, and pence), distinct in value from English sterling at this date. The sum represents the cost of the carting and transport (the wine itself having been supplied by Alexander Guthre).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 349

Date: 16 September 1584

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record concerning the lodging formerly occupied by Master James Lowsoun (minister), which also housed the town’s library. His spouse is charged to remove from the premises. She appears, offers the keys, the library, and the timber work that the town had installed, and the council appoints officials to take possession and inventory the contents.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Jonet Guthrie (identified in the Index as spouse of Mr James Lawson / Lowsoun, minister)

Role:

• Spouse of the late (or former) minister Master James Lowsoun; required to vacate the lodging that contained the town’s library

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “16 September 1584. Vnderstanding that the spous of maister James Lowsoun is chairget to devoyde and remove fra the lugeing sumtyme occupeit be hir said spous, within the quhilk is placeit the townis librarie; lyk as his said spous, comperand, offerit the keys of the said lugeing to the town with the said librarie and haill tymmer wark inputt in the said lugeing be the toun, thairfore ordanis William Littill, bailyie, to resaue the said keyis and he and maister Johnn Prestoun, maister Michaell Chisholm, Dauid Williamsoun and William Harvie to pas and resaue the said lugeing, inuentour the tymmer wark and buiks, and the said William Littill to keip the sam quhill forther ordour be tane thairwith.”

Modern English translation: 16 September 1584. Understanding that the spouse of master James Lowsoun is charged to void and remove from the lodging sometime occupied by her said spouse, within which is placed the town’s library; likewise his said spouse, compearing, offered the keys of the said lodging to the town with the said library and whole timber work put into the said lodging by the town, therefore ordains William Littill, bailie, to receive the said keys and he and master John Prestoun, master Michael Chisholm, David Williamsoun and William Harvie to pass and receive the said lodging, inventory the timber work and books, and the said William Littill to keep the same until further order be taken therewith.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the recovery of the town’s library and the lodging that had been occupied by Master James Lawson (a prominent minister).
• Shows the practical steps taken by the council to secure important communal property (books and timber fittings) after a change in occupancy.
• Reflects the close relationship between the burgh and the ministry in the post-Reformation period.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the entry corresponding to the Index listing for Jonet Guthrie, spouse of Mr James Lawson, minister.
• Although her first name is not repeated in the text, she is clearly identified as the spouse of Master James Lowsoun and is dealing with the town authorities regarding the lodging and the town library.
• This provides a useful late reference (1584) linking the Guthrie name to the family of a significant Edinburgh minister.
• Location: Edinburgh (town lodging / library).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Spous: Spouse / wife.
• Devoyde and remove: Vacate and remove from.
• Lugeing: Lodging / dwelling.
• Comperand: Compearing (appearing before the council).
• Inuentour: Inventory (to list and record the contents).
• Tymmer wark: Timber work / wooden fittings or panelling.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 361

Date: 6 March 1555

Original Language: Middle Scots (with Latin phrases)

Purpose of the Document: Formal audit report by the auditors of accounts, held in the tolbooth of Edinburgh, examining the compt of James Carmichael, Dean of Guild for the previous year. Includes a marginal annotation by Mr Alexander Guthrie, town-clerk, directing that the outstanding balance be charged in the next year’s accounts.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie, town-clerk

Role:

• Town-clerk of Edinburgh (author of the marginal note on the audit)

Translation/Transcription:

Original text (auditors’ finding): “At Edinburgh, the vj day of Marche, the yeir of God, Jᵐ vᶜ lv yeirs. The auditors of comptis under writtin, convenit in the tolbuith of Edinburgh, for heiring of the compt foirsaid of James Carmichaell, dene of gyld in the yeir bygane, findis, be the compt foirsaid, the charge thairof extendis to iijᶜvijˡˡ xvjˢ v½ᵈ, and the discharge to ijᶜ lxxxvjˡˡ xvˢ vᵈ; and sua the compter restis awand to the town, xxjˡˡ xijᵈ obolus [halfpenny], de claro.”

Marginal note by Mr Alexander Guthrie, town-clerk (as recorded in the source): “The comptar hes chargit him heirwith in his next compt, maid in anno lvjᵗᵒ GUTHRE.”

Modern English translation / summary: At Edinburgh, the 6th day of March, the year of God 1555. The auditors of accounts underwritten, convened in the tolbooth of Edinburgh for hearing the aforesaid account of James Carmichael, Dean of Guild in the year bygone, find that by the said account the charge thereof extends to £307 16s. 5½d., and the discharge to £286 15s. 5d.; and so the accountant remains owing to the town £21 12d. obolus [halfpenny], clearly.

The comptar has charged himself herewith in his next account, made in the year 1556. GUTHRE.

Historical Significance:

• Provides a clear example of the formal auditing process for burgh officials (Dean of Guild) in mid-16th-century Edinburgh, conducted publicly in the tolbooth.
• Demonstrates the use of marginal annotations by senior officials (here the town-clerk) to give instructions for carrying balances forward into subsequent accounts.
• The phrase “de claro” indicates the auditors’ certification of the clear/net balance owing.
• Reflects standard Scottish burgh governance practices during the reign of Mary Queen of Scots / regency of Mary of Guise.

Genealogical Significance:

• Explicitly identifies Mr Alexander Guthrie as town-clerk of Edinburgh in March 1555, a senior civic office requiring literacy, legal knowledge, and notarial skills.
• His signature/note (“GUTHRE”) appears in an official capacity on an audited burgh record.
• This strengthens the identification of the Alexander Guthre/Guthrie appearing in the 1555–56 Treasurer’s Accounts (pp. 316 and 319) as the same individual holding important burgh office.
• The town-clerk role often passed within families or to those with strong connections; this entry is valuable for tracing Edinburgh-based Guthrie lines and their civic prominence.
• Location: Edinburgh (tolbooth and burgh administration); no direct Forfarshire/Angus reference here.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Auditors of comptis: Auditors appointed to examine and certify burgh accounts.
• Dene of gyld (Dean of Guild): Key burgh magistrate responsible for the guildry, trade regulation, and often building/ property matters.
• Tolbuith: The tolbooth – Edinburgh’s town hall, courthouse, and administrative center.
• Charge and discharge: The two sides of a formal account (debits/receipts vs credits/payments).
• Comptar / compter: The person rendering or responsible for the account (here James Carmichael).
• Restis awand: Remains owing / outstanding balance.
• Obolus: Halfpenny.
• De claro: “Clearly” – the certified net balance.
• Town-clerk: Chief administrative officer of the royal burgh; responsible for official records, seals, legal instruments, and often acting as notary. Marginal notes by the town-clerk carried significant weight for future accounting.
• Anno lvjᵗᵒ: In the year 1556 (the following accounting year).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 369

Date: 26 March 1557 (council act); within Dean of Guild’s Accounts, 1555–56

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Closing note on the Dean of Guild’s Accounts for 1555–56 recording the final balance owing by the accountant (James Carmichael) to the town, together with the town council’s decision (via act of 26 March 1557) to pay that sum — and more — back to Carmichael in part settlement of a larger debt owed to him by the burgh. Endorsed by the town-clerk.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (signed GUTHRE)

Role:

• Town-clerk of Edinburgh (author/endorser of the note)

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “And sua restis the compter awand to the gude toun the sowme of threttye fyve pund sextene shillingis jᵈ obˢ; quhilk sowme wes ordanet to be deliverit and payit to James Carmichaell be ane act maid be the counsall thairupon, in part of payment of ane mair sowme restand awin to him be the gude toun, as the act, maid the xxvj day of Marche 1557 yers, proportis.

GUTHRE.”

Modern English translation: And so rests the compter owing to the good town the sum of thirty-five pounds sixteen shillings one penny obolus; which sum was ordained to be delivered and paid to James Carmichael by an act made by the council thereupon, in part of payment of a larger sum remaining owing to him by the good town, as the act made the 26th day of March 1557 years purports.

GUTHRE.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the final settlement of a Dean of Guild’s accounts and the town council’s authority to order compensatory payments when the burgh itself owed money to a former office-holder.
• Illustrates the practical workings of burgh finance: outstanding balances could be carried forward and resolved through formal council acts, often years later.
• The town-clerk’s endorsement (“GUTHRE”) served as official authentication of the record and the council’s decision.
• Provides evidence of the interconnected financial obligations between Edinburgh and its civic officials in the mid-1550s.

Genealogical Significance:

• Further confirms Alexander Guthrie held the office of town-clerk of Edinburgh and was actively involved in certifying important financial settlements as late as 1557.
• This entry directly resolves the outstanding balance first noted in the 6 March 1555 audit of James Carmichael’s accounts (p. 361). The matter was finally addressed by council act nearly two years later on 26 March 1557.
• Strengthens the case that the Alexander Guthre/Guthrie appearing on pp. 316, 319, 361, and now 369 is the same individual serving in a senior civic capacity.
• Demonstrates his repeated appearance in official burgh records as town-clerk, a position of considerable responsibility and status in 16th-century Edinburgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Comptar / compter: The person rendering the account (James Carmichael, former Dean of Guild).
• Gude toun: The good town (Edinburgh).
• Sowme: Sum of money.
• Quhilk sowme wes ordanet: Which sum was ordained/ordered (by the council).
• Counsall: Town council.
• Act maid be the counsall: Formal ordinance or decision passed by the town council.
• Restand awin: Remaining owing.
• Proportis: Purports / sets forth.
• Obˢ: Obolus (halfpenny).
• Town-clerk’s signature: Standard method of validating and closing official burgh financial records.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 388

Date: 5 February 1584–5

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance electing and appointing Master Alexander Guthre as Procurator Fiscal of the burgh of Edinburgh, during the pleasure of the council. He is granted all fees and casualities of the office, the previous holder is discharged, and the collectors are ordered to give him 24 hours’ warning before presenting any bills or dittays.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Master Alexander Guthre (the younger)

Role:

• Procurator Fiscal of the burgh of Edinburgh (appointed during pleasure)

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “5 February 1584–5. The foresaid bailyies and counsall and James Wod, baxter, Cudbert Cranstoun, furrour, Jhonn Stevinsoun, wobster, of the remanent deykyns of craftis, electis, creatts, and constituts maister Alexander Guthre procuratour fiscall of this burgh, induring thair willis, and disponis vnto him all fies and casualiteis belonging thairto and dischairges thair former procuratour fiscall of his office. And ordanis the collectouris present and to cum to gif the said maister Alexander lawfull wairning xxiiij houris before the making of any billis or dittayes with sufficient informatioun agane the day appoyntet.”

Modern English translation: 5 February 1584–5. The foresaid bailies and council and James Wod, baxter, Cuthbert Cranstoun, furrier, John Stevinsoun, webster, of the remaining deacons of crafts, elect, create, and constitute master Alexander Guthre procurator fiscal of this burgh, during their wills, and dispose unto him all fees and casualities belonging thereto and discharge their former procurator fiscal of his office. And ordain the collectors present and to come to give the said master Alexander lawful warning 24 hours before the making of any bills or dittays with sufficient information against the day appointed.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal appointment of a new Procurator Fiscal for the burgh of Edinburgh.
• The Procurator Fiscal acted as the public prosecutor in the burgh courts and played a key role in the administration of justice.
• The appointment “during their wills” (at the pleasure of the council) was typical for many civic offices.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is an important career milestone for Master Alexander Guthre (the younger).
• By February 1585 he has been appointed Procurator Fiscal of Edinburgh, a significant legal and administrative office.
• This continues his upward trajectory from clerk of the commission on annuals (1579) through other roles toward full succession in the common clerkship.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration / judicial offices.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Procuratour fiscall / Procurator Fiscal: The public prosecutor for the burgh courts.
• Induring thair willis: During their wills / at the pleasure of the appointing body.
• Fies and casualiteis: Fees and casual receipts belonging to the office.
• Bills or dittayes: Formal written accusations or indictments.
• Wairning xxiiij houris: 24 hours’ notice.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 403

Date: 19 March 1584–5

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council appointment of a large group of officials, including Master Alexander Guthre, to go to Leith the following morning to hold a court for the calling of a precept against the inhabitants of Leith requiring them to show their evidents (title deeds). The same group is also instructed to visit the site of St. Paul’s Wark to consider a suitable location for a leper house.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Master Alexander Guthre (the younger)

Role:

• Official appointed to participate in a court at Leith and to inspect a potential site for a leper house

Translation/Transcription (relevant section):

“19 March 1584–5. Appoyntis Henry Nesbet, James Nicoll, bailyies, the dene of gild, thesaurer, Jhonn Bannatyne, Bartelmo Someruell, Alexander Vddert, William Littill, Henry Blyth, Jhonn Watt and maister Alexander Guthre, to pas to Leyth the morn for halding of the court for calling of the precept rayset aganes the inhabitants of Leyth for schawing thair euidents, and be the way to visy the rowm of St. Pawlis Wark quhair ane lipper hous may be commodiouslie bigget.”

Modern English translation: 19 March 1584–5. Appoints Henry Nesbet, James Nicoll, bailies, the Dean of Guild, the Treasurer, John Bannatyne, Bartelmo Someruell, Alexander Vddert, William Littill, Henry Blyth, John Watt and master Alexander Guthre, to pass to Leith tomorrow for holding of the court for calling of the precept raised against the inhabitants of Leith for showing their evidents, and by the way to visit the room of St. Paul’s Wark where a leper house may be commodiously built.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh of Edinburgh exercising its authority as superiors over Leith by requiring the inhabitants to produce their title deeds.
• Also shows ongoing concern with public health provision (the proposal for a leper house at St. Paul’s Wark).
• Reflects the multi-purpose nature of official visits by burgh representatives.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is another entry showing Master Alexander Guthre (the younger) actively involved in official business as a trusted member of the burgh administration.
• He is included in a significant group of senior officials (bailies, Dean of Guild, Treasurer, and others) for an important legal and administrative mission to Leith.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith (superior–vassal relations and public health).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Precept rayset: Precept raised (a formal legal summons or order).
• Euidentis / evidents: Title deeds / legal documents proving ownership or rights.
• Lipper hous: Leper house (hospital or isolation facility for those suffering from leprosy).
• St. Pawlis Wark: St. Paul’s Work (a known site in Edinburgh associated with charitable or institutional buildings).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 421

Date: 28 May 1585

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council record granting licence to the students of the College to depart and visit their friends for a season because of the fear of pestilence (plague). The request was presented by the masters of the College, who offered to return when called, with advertisement to be made in their names by Master Alexander Guthre, their clerk.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Master Alexander Guthre (the younger)

Role:

• Clerk for the masters of the College (handling official communication on their behalf)

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “28 May 1585. The baily eis and ane pairt of the counsall being convenit, and vnderstanding be maister Robert Rollok and maister Duncane Nairne, maisters of the College, that the haill students, throw the feir and bruit of the pestilence, hes left the scholes and thairby thai haif nathing to do, desyring thairfore licence of the town to depart and visy thair freinds for a seasoun, offerand to returne to thair cuir and seruice quhensoeuir the towne sall think expedient, vpoun aduertisement to be maid in thair names be maister Alexander Guthre thair clerk. Quhilk desyre the said baily eis and counsall thocht resonabill, and thairfor willinglie grantet and consentet thairto.”

Modern English translation: 28 May 1585. The bailies and a part of the council being convened, and understanding by master Robert Rollok and master Duncan Nairne, masters of the College, that the whole students, through the fear and rumour of the pestilence, have left the schools and thereby they have nothing to do, desiring therefore licence of the town to depart and visit their friends for a season, offering to return to their cure and service whenever the town shall think expedient, upon advertisement to be made in their names by master Alexander Guthre their clerk. Which desire the said bailies and council thought reasonable, and therefore willingly granted and consented thereto.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the impact of plague (pestilence) on the College of Edinburgh and the temporary dispersal of students.
• Shows the close administrative relationship between the town council and the College.
• Master Alexander Guthre is acting as the official channel of communication for the College masters.

Genealogical Significance:

• This entry shows Master Alexander Guthre (the younger) serving as clerk to the College (or at least handling official correspondence on behalf of the masters).
• This is an additional official role beyond his earlier appointments as clerk of the commission on annuals and Procurator Fiscal.
• It further illustrates the breadth of his administrative responsibilities in Edinburgh by 1585.
• Location: Edinburgh (College / town administration during plague).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Pestilence: Plague / epidemic disease.
• Bruit: Rumour / report.
• Cuir and seruice: Cure and service (their duties/responsibilities).
• Aduertisement: Formal notice or summons.
• Thair clerk: Their clerk (here referring to the clerk acting for the College masters).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 437

Date: 24 September 1585

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Master Alexander Guthre, now common clerk of the burgh, with the advice and consent of the Bailies and Council, formally appoints Master David Guthre as his depute in the office of common clerk. All previous deputes are discharged except William Stewart, younger. Master David accepts the appointment and takes his oath.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Master Alexander Guthre (common clerk)
• Master David Guthre (appointed depute)

Role:

• Master Alexander Guthre: Common Clerk appointing his depute
• Master David Guthre: Depute Common Clerk

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “24 September 1585. Maister Alexander Guthre, commoun clerk of this burgh, with avyse and consent of the said baily eis and counsall, namet and constitute maister Dauid Guthre his depute in the said office quhill he be dischairget, and dischairget all vther deputes maid of before except William Stewart, younger, and the said maister Dauid acceptet and gaf his ayth.”

Modern English translation: 24 September 1585. Master Alexander Guthre, common clerk of this burgh, with advice and consent of the said bailies and council, named and constituted master David Guthre his depute in the said office until he be discharged, and discharged all other deputes made before except William Stewart, younger, and the said master David accepted and gave his oath.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal appointment of a depute common clerk by the sitting common clerk, with the consent of the Bailies and Council.
• Shows the continuing practice of using trusted individuals (often family members) as deputies in the important office of common clerk.
• The retention of William Stewart, younger, as an existing depute suggests continuity in the office.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is a significant family entry.
• Master Alexander Guthre (the younger) is now firmly established as common clerk of Edinburgh.
• He appoints Master David Guthre as his depute in the office.
• This continues the multi-generational pattern of the Guthrie family holding the common clerkship and related positions (the father Alexander, the son Master Alexander, and now Master David as depute).
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration / common clerk’s office.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Commoun clerk: Common clerk (the chief administrative and record-keeping officer of the burgh).
• Depute: Deputy (authorised to act in the place of the principal officer).
• Quhill he be dischairget: Until he be discharged (i.e., the appointment is at pleasure).
• Gaf his ayth: Gave his oath (swore the oath of office).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 444

Date: 17 December 1585

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Record of Master Alexander Guthre, common clerk, producing the sum of £20 sent by Robert Hay of Kirkcaldie for the support and help of the poor infected persons in the muir (plague isolation area).

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Master Alexander Guthre, common clerk

Role:

• Common clerk receiving and formally presenting a charitable donation for plague relief

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “17 December 1585. Maister Alexander Guthre, commoun clerk, exhibit and producet in name of Robert Hay of Kirkcaldie the sowme of twenty pund sent be the said Robert to the support and help of the puir infectit persouns in the mwre.”

Modern English translation: 17 December 1585. Master Alexander Guthre, common clerk, exhibited and produced in name of Robert Hay of Kirkcaldie the sum of twenty pounds sent by the said Robert to the support and help of the poor infected persons in the muir.

Historical Significance:

• Documents charitable support for those suffering from (or isolated because of) plague in Edinburgh.
• Shows the common clerk acting as the official channel for receiving and recording external donations for public relief.
• Reflects the ongoing impact of pestilence on the burgh in the mid-1580s.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is a routine but clear administrative entry for Master Alexander Guthre in his capacity as common clerk.
• It confirms that by December 1585 he was fully established in the office and performing the day-to-day duties associated with it.
• Location: Edinburgh (plague relief administration).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Exhibit and producet: Exhibited and produced (formally presented to the council).
• Puir infectit persouns: Poor infected persons (those suffering from or isolated due to plague).
• Mwre / muir: Muir / moor (often the location of temporary isolation accommodation during outbreaks of plague).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 448

Date: 21 January 1585–6

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance that the gift (grant/charter) of Trinity College be delivered to John Johnestoun, collector, so that he may raise letters thereupon before the Lords. Master Alexander Guthrie, as common clerk, formally delivers the said gift to John Johnestoun.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Master Alexander Guthrie, common clerk

Role:

• Common clerk delivering an official document (the gift of Trinity College) to the collector

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “21 January 1585–6. Ordanet the gift of the Trinitie College to be delyuerit to Jhonn Jhonestoun, collectour, and he to raise lettres thairvpoun befor the lords, and according heirto maister Alexander Guthrie delyuerit to the said Jhonn the said gift.”

Modern English translation: 21 January 1585–6. Ordained the gift of the Trinity College to be delivered to John Johnestoun, collector, and he to raise letters thereupon before the Lords, and according hereto master Alexander Guthrie delivered to the said John the said gift.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal handling of the grant or charter relating to Trinity College.
• Shows the common clerk performing a core administrative duty: the secure transfer of important legal documents so that further process can be taken before the Lords (of Session or Council).

Genealogical Significance:

• This is another clear administrative entry for Master Alexander Guthrie in his established role as common clerkof Edinburgh.
• It confirms his continued responsibility for the custody and formal delivery of important burgh and college documents.
• Location: Edinburgh (Trinity College / burgh administration).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Gift: Grant or charter (the formal legal document conveying rights or property).
• Raise lettres: Raise letters (initiate formal legal process by obtaining letters from the Lords).
• Befor the lords: Before the Lords (of Session or Privy Council).
• Collectour: Collector (often of revenues belonging to the town or to former church foundations).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 449

Date: 9 February 1585–6

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council commission appointing five men, including Master Alexander Guthre, to visit and make an inventory of the evidents (title deeds and legal documents) contained in the charter kist of Trinity College, currently in the hands of Master Robert Pont, and to report back at the next council day.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Master Alexander Guthre, common clerk

Role:

• Commissioner appointed to inventory the charter chest of Trinity College

Translation/Transcription (relevant section):

“9 February 1585–6. Gevis commissioun to Androw Sclater, Alexander Vddert, Jhonn Jhonestoun, Henry Chairters, maister Alexander Guthre, to pas, visy and mak inventour of the euidents in the charter kist of the Trinitie College quhilk is in the hands of Maister Robert Pont, and to present the sam the nixt counsall day.”

Modern English translation: 9 February 1585–6. Gives commission to Andrew Sclater, Alexander Vddert, John Johnestoun, Henry Chairters, master Alexander Guthre, to pass, visit and make inventory of the evidents in the charter kist of the Trinity College which is in the hands of Master Robert Pont, and to present the same the next council day.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the burgh’s careful oversight of the important legal records belonging to Trinity College.
• The inventory of the charter chest was a standard protective measure to ensure the security and proper accounting of institutional title deeds and privileges.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is another administrative entry for Master Alexander Guthre in his capacity as common clerk.
• He is included in a small, trusted group tasked with examining and inventorying the core legal documents of Trinity College.
• This continues the pattern of the Guthrie family (both father and son) being repeatedly entrusted with the custody and management of important burgh and college records.
• Location: Edinburgh (Trinity College administration).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Charter kist: Charter chest / strongbox used for the secure storage of important legal documents.
• Euidents / evidents: Title deeds and other legal documents proving rights or ownership.
• Inventour: Inventory (a formal list and description of the contents).
• Commissioun: Commission (formal authority granted by the council).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Pages 451–452

Date: 4 March 1585–6

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Formal supplication by Jonet Guthrie, widow of the late Master James Lowsoun (minister of Edinburgh), and their children James and Elizabeth Lowsoun, seeking support from the town after the minister’s death in England. The council grants them an annualrent of £40 from the common mills — to Jonet in liferent and to the two children in fee and heritage.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Jonet Guthrie, relict of Master James Lowsoun
• (Her children: James Lowsoun and Elizabeth Lowsoun)

Role:

• Widow of a former minister of Edinburgh; petitioner for financial support for herself and her children

Translation/Transcription (summary of key content):

Jonet Guthrie, relict of the late Master James Lowsoun, late minister of this burgh, of good memory, together with James and Elizabeth Lowsoun, their children, presented a supplication. It recounts that Master James had faithfully discharged the ministry in Edinburgh until about May 1584, when, for the safety of his conscience and to avoid drawing the Lords into inconvenience, he withdrew to England, where he died in October 1584, leaving his wife and children in a hard and pitiful estate, destitute of comfort.

The council, considering his faithful service, the circumstances of his withdrawal and death, and the present necessity of his family, grants and dispones:

• To the said Jonet in liferent, and
• To the said James and Elizabeth, the longest liver of them two, in fee and heritage (and the heirs to be gotten of their bodies only),

an annualrent of forty pounds usual money of this realm yearly [from the common mills].

It is provided that if the children reach the age of fourteen years, Jonet shall renounce and give over her liferent of the said annualrent in their favour for their help and support to some honest industry.

Historical Significance:

• Provides a detailed contemporary account of the later career and death of Master James Lawson, a significant minister in post-Reformation Edinburgh.
• Illustrates the town’s practice of providing ongoing financial support (in the form of an annualrent from the common mills) to the widows and children of valued ministers.
• Shows the formal legal structure of a liferent / fee arrangement for family provision.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the second and more detailed entry for Jonet Guthrie.
• It explicitly names her as the relict of Master James Lowsoun, late minister of Edinburgh, and identifies their two children: James Lowsoun and Elizabeth Lowsoun.
• The grant of a substantial annualrent (£40) confirms both the high regard in which her late husband was held and the town’s willingness to support his family.
• Location: Edinburgh (ministerial family provision).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Relict: Widow.
• Liferent: The right to enjoy the income of property for life.
• Fee and heritage: Full ownership that can be inherited.
• Annualrent: A yearly payment charged on land or other property (here, the common mills).
• Longest levare of thame twa: The longest liver of the two of them.
• Renunce an gif ower: Renounce and give over (surrender her liferent rights)

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 549

Date: 9 February 1579–80

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Formal record of Alexander Guthre, common clerk, appearing before the council and resigning his office due to age, infirmity, and sickness. He renounced the office of common clerkship, delivered the council books and debt books belonging to the burgh, and bound himself and his heirs to make his protocol books available for the benefit of the burgh, the ministry, and the poor.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthre, common clerk

Role:

• Retiring common clerk formally resigning his office

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “9 February 1579–80. Comperit Alexander Guthre, commoun clark, quha acknawleging his awin inhabiltie to do the towne service as becumis, inrespect of his aige and infirmitie and seiknes fallin vnto him, for the quhilkis occasiounis he frelie renunciit, remittit, and ourgaif the office of commoun clarkship … [and] delyueris presentlie in thair handis thair haill counsall buikis and dyett buikis pertening to the gude towne, and sall delyuer all vther wrytis or buikis quhilkis ar in his hands or sall cum to his knawlege in ony tyme heirefter, to be vsit at thair plesouris, his awin porthogollis, quhilkis of rycht pertenis to him, onlie exceptit. And the said Alexander binds and obleissis him, his airis and assignayis, to mak patent all his saidis prothogollis for outdrawing of all sic instrumentis or vther writis contenit thairin as salbe to the furtherance of the commoun weill of this burgh, ministrie and pure thairof, vpoun the townis resonabill expenssis.”

Modern English translation: 9 February 1579–80. Compeared Alexander Guthre, common clerk, who acknowledging his own inability to do the town service as becomes him, in respect of his age and infirmity and sickness fallen unto him, for the which occasions he freely renounced, remitted, and overgave the office of common clerkship … [and] delivers presently in their hands their whole council books and diet books pertaining to the good town, and shall deliver all other writs or books which are in his hands or shall come to his knowledge in any time hereafter, to be used at their pleasures, his own protocol books, which of right pertains to him, only excepted. And the said Alexander binds and obliges him, his heirs and assignees, to make patent all his said protocol books for drawing out of all such instruments or other writs contained therein as shall be to the furtherance of the common weal of this burgh, ministry and poor thereof, upon the town’s reasonable expenses.

Historical Significance:

• Records the formal resignation of a long-serving common clerk due to old age and ill health.
• Shows the careful handover of official records (council books and diet books) to the burgh.
• The retention of his personal protocol books (while making them available for the public good) was standard notarial practice.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the final and most significant entry for Alexander Guthre.
• On 9 February 1579–80 he formally resigned the office of common clerk due to age and infirmity after many years of service.
• This marks the end of his long career as Edinburgh’s common clerk and aligns with the earlier discussions (pp. 111 and 130) about his son, Master Alexander Guthre, succeeding him.
• His willingness to make his protocol books available for the benefit of the burgh, the church, and the poor reflects well on his character and sense of public duty.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Comperit: Appeared (in court or before the council).
• Renunciit, remittit, and ourgaif: Renounced, remitted, and overgave (formally resigned).
• Porthogollis / prothogollis: Protocol books (a notary’s personal register of instruments).
• Dyett buikis: Diet books (records of council meetings or business).
• Mak patent: Make available / open for inspection.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Pages 550–552

Date: 10 February 1579–80

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Formal grant by the Provost, Bailies, Council, and Deacons of Crafts of the office of common clerkship to Mr. Alexander Guthre, eldest son of the previous common clerk, during their pleasure. The document also appoints deputies, sets strict conditions of service, and records the oath taken by the new common clerk and his deputies.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr. Alexander Guthre (eldest son) – appointed common clerk
• Jhonn Guthre – brother of Mr. Alexander Guthre, appointed as one of the deputes

Role:

• Common clerk (appointed during the council’s pleasure)
• Depute common clerk (Jhonn Guthre)

Translation/Transcription (key sections):

The Provost, Bailies, Council, and Deacons of Crafts granted to Mr. Alexander Guthre, eldest son of the previous town clerk, the office of common clerkship of the burgh, only during the will of the Provost, Bailies, Council, and Deacons — or until it became known that he was disobedient, negligent, or acted against the liberties and privileges of the office.

William Stewart and Jhonn Guthre, brother to the said Master Alexander, were appointed deputes to the said common clerk during the town’s good will and Master Alexander Guthre’s good behaviour.

William Stewart was to subscribe all acts, decreets, sesings, and other necessary matters when Master Alexander was sick or out of town. Jhonn Guthre was to subscribe when William Stewart was sick or out of town.

Strict conditions were imposed, including that neither the common clerk nor his deputies could deal in rentals or sasines of common lands, make burgesses without council authority, or produce processes without the advice of the magistrates.

The document concludes with the oath taken by Master Alexander Guthre and his deputes for the faithful discharge of the office.

Historical Significance:

• Records the formal appointment of a new common clerk following the resignation of his father the previous day.
• Demonstrates the council’s careful control over the important office of common clerk through conditional appointment “during their will” and the appointment of trusted deputes.
• Provides detailed regulations governing the conduct and powers of the common clerk and his deputies.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the culminating entry in the succession of the Guthrie family to the office of common clerk.
• Mr. Alexander Guthre (the younger / eldest son) is formally appointed common clerk on 10 February 1579–80, the day after his father’s resignation.
• His brother, Jhonn Guthre, is appointed as one of his deputes.
• This confirms the multi-generational involvement of the Guthrie family in Edinburgh’s civic administration, with the son succeeding the father in the key office of common clerk.
• Location: Edinburgh burgh administration.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Induring thair willis: During their wills / at their pleasure (conditional appointment).
• Deputes: Deputy clerks authorised to act in the principal clerk’s absence.
• Subscryve: Subscribe / sign official documents.
• Prothogollis: Protocol books.
• Commontie: Common good / common property of the burgh.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 556

Date: 30 December 1580

Original Language: Middle Scots (modernised summary in the printed edition)

Purpose of the Document: The Provost, Bailies, Council, and Deacons of Crafts formally grant to Jhonn Guthre the office of clerkship of the town of Leith on the south side of the water, which belongs to Edinburgh as lords superiors of Leith.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Jhonn Guthre

Role:

• Clerk of the town of Leith (south side of the water)

Translation/Transcription:

Original text (as printed): “30 December 1580. [The provost, bailies, council, and deacons of crafts granted to Jhonn Guthre “the office of clerkship of the towne of Leyth on the sowth syde of the watter thairof, pertenning to the prouest, baillies, counsale and deikins and community of this burgh as lordis superiouris of the same.”]”

Modern English translation: 30 December 1580. [The provost, bailies, council, and deacons of crafts granted to John Guthre “the office of clerkship of the town of Leith on the south side of the water thereof, pertaining to the provost, bailies, council and deacons and community of this burgh as lords superiors of the same.”]

Historical Significance:

• Documents Edinburgh’s exercise of its rights as feudal superior over Leith by appointing the official clerk for the south side of the water.
• The clerkship of Leith was an important administrative office under Edinburgh’s control.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is a significant career appointment for John Guthre.
• On 30 December 1580 he was formally granted the office of clerk of South Leith by the Edinburgh authorities.
• This complements his earlier appearances as a notary and his later roles as a depute and record-keeper in Edinburgh itself.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith (clerkship under superior authority).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Clerkship of the towne of Leyth: The official clerkship of Leith.
• Sowth syde of the watter: South side of the water (the Water of Leith).
• Lordis superiouris: Lords superiors (Edinburgh held feudal superiority over Leith).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 561

Date: 12 July 1581

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Alesoun Makneill (widow of the late John Robertsoun, former clerk of Leith) and Archibald Noruell (notary) produce two court books of the town of Leith. These are formally delivered to Jhone Guthre, clerk of Leyth, who obliges himself to make them forthcoming to the good town. Archibald Noruell is also ordered to cease all exercise of the clerk’s functions.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Jhone Guthre, clerk of Leyth

Role:

• Clerk of Leith receiving the official court books of the town

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “12 July 1581. Comperit Alesoun Makneill, the relict of vmquhill Jhone Robertsoun, clerk of Leyth, and Archibald Noruell, notare, and producet twa court buiks of the said town of Leyth, the ane thairof begynnand the xxj of Januar 1578 and endand the xvij of October 1579, the vther begynnand the said day of October and endand the fourt of Maij 1580; quhilk buiks wes instantly delyuerit to Jhone Guthre, clerk of Leyth, quha oblist himself to mak the sam furthcummand to the guid towne. Forther the saids prouest, baillies and counsale decernis and ordanis the said Archibald Noruell to desist and cease frome all vsing or exerceing in ony tyme cuming of any thing quhilk the clerk of Leyth in tymes past hes bene in vse to exerce concerning his office; and specially fra all subscryving or gevin furth of ony acts or decreitts in tyme cuming; to the quhilkis the said Archibald consentit.”

Modern English translation: 12 July 1581. Compeared Alesoun Makneill, the relict of the late John Robertsoun, clerk of Leith, and Archibald Noruell, notary, and produced two court books of the said town of Leith, the one thereof beginning the 21st of January 1578 and ending the 17th of October 1579, the other beginning the said day of October and ending the 4th of May 1580; which books were instantly delivered to John Guthre, clerk of Leith, who obliged himself to make the same forthcoming to the good town. Further the said provost, bailies and council discern and ordain the said Archibald Noruell to desist and cease from all using or exercising in any time coming of any thing which the clerk of Leith in times past has been in use to exercise concerning his office; and specially from all subscribing or giving forth of any acts or decreets in time coming; to the which the said Archibald consented.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal handover of the official court books of Leith to the newly appointed clerk.
• Shows Edinburgh, as superior of Leith, enforcing the proper transfer of records and preventing unauthorised exercise of the clerk’s functions by a previous notary.

Genealogical Significance:

• This entry confirms John Guthre in his role as Clerk of Leith.
• It follows his formal appointment to the office (page 556) and shows him taking formal custody of the official court books.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith (clerkship under superior authority).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Court buiks: Court books (official registers of the proceedings of the local court).
• Furthcummand: Forthcoming (to produce or make available when required).
• Desist and cease: Formally ordered to stop.
• Subscryving: Subscribing / signing official documents.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 4, Page 563

Date: 9 March 1581–2

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council decision to settle a claim by Charles Guthrie, brother of the late Master David Guthre, to the lands, yards and houses where the ministers’ lodgings are now situated. The town agrees to pay him 200 merks for his right and kindness, and to obtain formal security through the town’s assessors.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Chairlis Guthre (Charles Guthrie), brother of the late Master David Guthre

Role:

• Claimant to property occupied by the ministers’ lodgings; recipient of a settlement of 200 merks from the town

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “9 March 1581–2. Vpoun the report of Alexander Vddert, maister Jhone Prestoun, and vthers of the counsale, quha wes appoyntit to intreatt and commoun with Chairlis Guthre, brother to vmquhill maister David Guthre, vpoun his allegeit rycht to the landis, yairdis and houssis quhair now ar situat the ministers lugeings, fyndis it necessar and proffitabill to the towne to agrie with the said Chairlis, for the sowm of twa hundreth merkis, for his said richt and kyndnes and for obtening the townis security at the Lord Drummond and provest of St. Geillis kirk, according as sall be devysit be the townis assessouris. And ordanis the said Alexander Vddert, maister Jhone Prestoun and Jhone Jhonestoun, collectour, to pas to the said assessouris and se the said securities pennit and endit.”

Modern English translation: 9 March 1581–2. Upon the report of Alexander Vddert, master John Prestoun, and others of the council, who were appointed to treat and commune with Charles Guthre, brother to the late master David Guthre, upon his alleged right to the lands, yards and houses where now are situated the ministers’ lodgings, finds it necessary and profitable to the town to agree with the said Charles, for the sum of two hundred merks, for his said right and kindness and for obtaining the town’s security at the Lord Drummond and provost of St Giles’ kirk, according as shall be devised by the town’s assessors. And ordains the said Alexander Vddert, master John Prestoun and John Johnestoun, collector, to pass to the said assessors and see the said securities penned and ended.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the town’s settlement of a property claim relating to the ministers’ lodgings.
• Shows the careful process of negotiation and formal security-taking when dealing with potential competing rights to land occupied for public (ministerial) purposes.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is the sole entry in Volume 4 for Charles Guthrie.
• It explicitly identifies him as the brother of the late Master David Guthre.
• This provides a clear family link between Charles and Master David Guthre (who appears earlier as a depute common clerk).
• Location: Edinburgh (property claim relating to ministers’ lodgings).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Allegeit rycht: Alleged right / claimed title.
• Kyndnes: Kindness (in this context, often meaning a claim based on long possession or goodwill rather than strict legal title).
• Securities pennit and endit: Securities written and completed (formal legal documents securing the town’s position).
• Assessouris: Assessors (legal advisers to the town).

Volume 5: 1573-1589

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 5 – (An Index to Volumes 1 – 4)

Volume 6: 1589-1603

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6 – Guthrie Index & Navigator

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 22

Date: 8 July 1590

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance ordering the treasurer to pay Charles Guthre the sum of £10 to cover his charges in travelling to obtain the town’s formal security from Lord Drummond regarding the ministers’ lodging.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Chairlis Guthre (Charles Guthre)

Role:

• Recipient of expenses to obtain legal security for the town concerning the ministers’ lodging

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “8th July 1590. Ordanis the thesaurer to delyver to Chairlis Guthre the sowme of ten pund to beir his chairges in passing to obtene the touns securitie at the Lord Drummonds hands upoun the ministers ludging.”

Modern English translation: 8 July 1590. Ordains the treasurer to deliver to Charles Guthre the sum of ten pounds to bear his charges in passing to obtain the town’s security at the Lord Drummond’s hands upon the ministers’ lodging.

Historical Significance:

• This is a direct continuation of the earlier negotiation recorded in Volume 4 (9 March 1581–2), when the town agreed to settle Charles Guthre’s claim to the lands occupied by the ministers’ lodgings for 200 merks.
• Nine years later, the formal security from Lord Drummond still needed to be obtained, and Charles was paid expenses to secure it.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms the continued involvement of Charles Guthre (brother of the late Master David Guthre) with the town over the ministers’ lodging property into the 1590s.
• Location: Edinburgh (ministers’ lodging / Lord Drummond).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Securitie: Formal legal security or title confirmation.
• Chairges: Charges / expenses.
• Ministers ludging: Ministers’ lodging (the property previously in dispute).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 30

Date: 13 November 1590

Original Language: Middle Scots (modernised summary in the printed edition)

Purpose of the Document: Record of payment to Mr Alexander Guthrie, common clerk, of £20 for his work connected with the receipt of the King’s money, together with 30 shillings of drinksilver for his “childer”.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie, common clerk

Role:

• Common clerk receiving payment for official services and drinksilver for his assistants/children

Translation/Transcription:

Printed modernised note: “[Payment to Mr Alexr. Guthrie, common clerk, of 20 li. for his work connected with the receipt of the King’s money; and to his ‘childer’ 30 s. of drinksilver.]”

Modern English rendering: Payment to Mr Alexander Guthrie, common clerk, of £20 for his work connected with the receipt of the King’s money; and to his “childer” 30 shillings of drinksilver.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the common clerk’s involvement in the handling and accounting of royal monies received by the burgh.
• The payment of drinksilver to his “childer” (children or junior clerks/servants) was a customary additional gratuity.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Mr Alexander Guthrie (the younger) continuing in the office of common clerk in late 1590.
• The reference to his “childer” may indicate either his own children or the junior clerks working under him.
• Location: Edinburgh (common clerk’s official duties).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Drinksilver: A customary gratuity or tip, often given in addition to formal payment.
• Childer: Children, or more broadly, junior assistants / clerks.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 43

Date: 16 July 1591

Original Language: Middle Scots (modernised summary in the printed edition)

Purpose of the Document: Final settlement in which Charles Guthre cedes to the Town the ministers’ lodgings in the Kirkyard. In return, the Town remits his debt and pays him 10 merks immediately, with a further 40 merks to be paid on completion of the business.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Charles Guthre

Role:

• Ceding the ministers’ lodgings in the Kirkyard to the Town

Translation/Transcription:

Printed modernised note: “[In return for the remission of his debt to the Town, a payment of 10 merks and a further payment of 40 merks on completion of the business, Charles Guthre cedes to the Town the ministers’ lodgings in the Kirkyard.]”

Modern English rendering: In return for the remission of his debt to the Town, a payment of 10 merks and a further payment of 40 merks on completion of the business, Charles Guthre cedes to the Town the ministers’ lodgings in the Kirkyard.

Historical Significance:

• This is the concluding transaction in the long-running dispute over the ministers’ lodgings that began in the early 1580s (see Volume 4, p. 563 and Volume 6, p. 22).
• The Town finally secured clear title by a combination of debt remission and cash payments totalling 50 merks.

Genealogical Significance:

• Provides the final recorded act of Charles Guthre (brother of the late Master David Guthre) concerning the ministers’ lodging property.
• Location: Edinburgh (ministers’ lodgings in the Kirkyard).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Cedes: Formally gives up or transfers rights in the property.
• Remission of his debt: Forgiveness / cancellation of money owed by Charles to the Town.
• Kirkyard: Churchyard (here, the grounds associated with St Giles or another principal kirk).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 90

Date: 30 June 1593

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: John Robertsoun, merchant, produced the Register Book of the Convention of Burrows. The council ordained that it remain in the hands of Mr Alexander Guthre and be available for the profit of his brother in the making of extracts.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthre
• Jhonn Guthre (his brother, clerk of the burghs – referenced in the footnote)

Role:

• Mr Alexander Guthre: Custodian of the Register Book of the Convention of Burghs; acting for his brother during the latter’s illness

Notes:

• Footnote in the printed edition confirms that during the illness of Jhonn Guthre, clerk of the burghs, his brother Mr Alexander Guthre performed his work.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 92

Date: 8 August 1593

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Because of the present disease and sickness of Jhonn Guthre, clerk in Leith, the council appoints Patrick Glasfurd, writer, as clerk depute, on condition that he observe the same table of fees that was given to John at his admission (or a table to be given to Patrick).

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Jhonn Guthre

Role:

• Clerk in Leith (currently incapacitated by illness); a temporary depute is appointed

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “8th August 1593. In respect of the present disease and sieknes of Jhonn Guthre, thair clerk in Leyth, maks . . . Patrik Glasfurd, writer, thair clerk depute . . . provyding that he keip the tabill gevin to Jhonn at his admissioun or the tabill to be gevin to the said Patrik.”

Modern English translation: 8 August 1593. In respect of the present disease and sickness of John Guthre, their clerk in Leith, makes . . . Patrick Glasfurd, writer, their clerk depute . . . providing that he keep the table given to John at his admission or the table to be given to the said Patrick.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the temporary arrangement made when the clerk of Leith was incapacitated by illness.
• Shows the burgh’s concern to maintain continuity of service and to protect the established fee structure.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms Jhonn Guthre still holding the office of Clerk of Leith in August 1593.
• Directly supports the footnote on page 90 that his brother Mr Alexander Guthre was covering some of his duties during this period of sickness.
• Location: Edinburgh / Leith (clerkship).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Clerk depute: Deputy clerk appointed to act during the principal’s incapacity.
• Tabill: Table of fees / schedule of charges for official services.
• Admissioun: Admission to office.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 95

Date: 12 September 1593

Original Language: Middle Scots (with modernised summary in the printed edition)

Purpose of the Document: The Town acknowledges that it owes the Burghs various sums, including the salaries of Jhonn Guthre, clerk, and James Wynrame, agent. In view of Jhonn Guthre’s present inability (illness), the council orders that he be paid his fee of £107.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Jhonn Guthre, clerk

Role:

• Clerk of the Burghs whose salary is ordered to be paid despite his illness

Translation/Transcription:

Printed modernised note + original text: “[As the Town owes the Burghs various sums for various extents and also for the salaries of Jhonn Guthre, clerk, and James Wynrame, agent] and respectand the inhabilitie of the said Jhonn Guthre, quhom thai ar willing to se payet of his fie [they order the said James to pay to Jhonn Guthre 107 li.]”

Modern English rendering: As the Town owes the Burghs various sums for various extents and also for the salaries of John Guthre, clerk, and James Wynrame, agent, and respecting the inability of the said John Guthre, whom they are willing to see paid of his fee, they order the said James to pay to John Guthre £107.

Historical Significance:

• Shows the Town settling its financial obligations to the Convention of Burghs, including the salary of the clerk of the Burghs.
• Confirms that Jhonn Guthre was still recognised as clerk and was to be paid even while incapacitated by illness.

Genealogical Significance:

• Continues the 1593 cluster of entries concerning Jhonn Guthre’s illness and his position as clerk of the Burghs / clerk of Leith.
• Demonstrates that the Burghs (and the Town of Edinburgh) continued to honour his salary during this period.
• Location: Edinburgh / Convention of Royal Burghs.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Inhabilitie: Inability / incapacity (here due to sickness).
• Fie: Fee / salary.
• Extents: Assessments or taxations levied by the Burghs.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 116

Date: 11 July 1594

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: In execution of a recent Act of Parliament requiring the mails and duties of all lands within burgh to contribute to the repair and building of kirks, tolbooths and wells, the council ordains Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk, to take up the mails of all lands within the burgh, compile a rental of them, and diligently perform this duty.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk

Role:

• Common clerk ordered to compile a rent roll of all lands within the burgh

Translation/Transcription (relevant section):

“For executioun of the laitt act of parliament grantet in favouris of the burrowes for causing the mailles and dewteis of all lands within burgh to contribute for repayring and bigging of Kirks, Tolbuithis and welles, ordanes Mr Alexr. Guthre, commoune clerk, to tak the paynes in taking up of the mailles of all lands within this burgh and making ane rentall thairof and to do his diligence faythfullie thairupoun. . . .”

Modern English translation: For execution of the late act of parliament granted in favour of the burghs for causing the mails and duties of all lands within burgh to contribute for repairing and building of kirks, tolbooths and wells, ordains Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk, to take the pains in taking up of the mails of all lands within this burgh and making a rental thereof and to do his diligence faithfully thereupon.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the implementation of parliamentary legislation requiring urban landholders to contribute to the maintenance of public buildings and infrastructure.
• The compilation of an accurate rental was an essential first step in the assessment process.

Genealogical Significance:

• Shows Mr Alexander Guthre continuing in the office of common clerk in 1594 and being entrusted with a significant administrative and financial task.
• Location: Edinburgh (common clerk’s duties / urban taxation).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Mailles and dewteis: Mails (rents) and duties.
• Rentall: Rental / rent roll (a formal list of lands and the rents due from them).
• Tolbuithis: Tolbooths (town halls / prisons).
• Bigging: Building / construction.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 147

Date: 19 December 1595

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: James Nicoll, merchant, produced the contract between the Burghs and the town of Campvere concerning the staple, together with a copy of a signature of the Conservator. These documents were delivered to Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk

Role:

• Common clerk receiving and taking custody of important staple documents

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “19th December 1595. James Nicoll, merchant, produceit the contract betuix the burrowes and the toun of Campheir concerning the staipill with the copy of ane signatour of the Conservatour . . . delyverit to Mr Alexr. Guthre, commoun clerk.”

Modern English translation: 19 December 1595. James Nicoll, merchant, produced the contract between the Burghs and the town of Campvere concerning the staple with the copy of a signature of the Conservator . . . delivered to Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal lodging of the contract governing the Scottish staple trade at Campvere (Veere) in the Netherlands.
• The Conservator was the official appointed to protect the interests of Scottish merchants at the staple port.

Genealogical Significance:

• Shows Mr Alexander Guthre continuing in the office of common clerk in late 1595 and acting as the official recipient and custodian of major inter-burgh commercial documents.
• Location: Edinburgh / Scottish staple at Campvere.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Staipill / staple: The designated overseas port through which Scottish trade was channelled.
• Conservatour: Conservator of the Scottish Privileges (the official representing Scottish merchants at the staple).
• Signatour: Signature / formal signed document.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 194

Date: 29 July 1597

Original Language: Middle Scots (modernised summary in the printed edition)

Purpose of the Document: Mr Alexander Guthre delivered the acquittance for the King’s 20,000 merks to be placed in the charter house.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Common clerk delivering an important royal acquittance for secure storage

Translation/Transcription:

Modern English rendering: Mr Alexander Guthre delivered the acquittance for the King’s 20,000 merks to be put in the charter house.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal receipt and secure storage of a major royal acquittance (discharge for 20,000 merks).
• The charter house was the secure repository for the burgh’s most important legal documents.

Genealogical Significance:

• Shows Mr Alexander Guthre still active as common clerk in July 1597 and performing the core duty of receiving and archiving critical financial documents.
• Location: Edinburgh (charter house / common clerk’s duties).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Acquittance: Formal written discharge or receipt acknowledging payment or satisfaction of a debt/obligation.
• Charter house: The secure repository for the burgh’s charters and important evidents.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 256

Date: 28 September 1599

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: The council gives commission to a group of six men, including Mr Alexander Guthre, to advise upon the bill (letter) to be directed to the town of Campvere, together with the Conservator, concerning the privileges of the Scottish nation, the keeping of the mutual contract, and a request for an increase in the excise on beer and wine.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthre

Role:

• Commissioner appointed to advise on correspondence with Campvere regarding the staple privileges and excise

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “28th September 1599. Gevis commissioun to Henry Nesbett, Rychert Doby, Jhonn Jhonestoun, Patrik Cochrane, William Patersoun, Mr Alexr. Guthre to advyse . . . upoun the bill to be direct to the toun of Campheir with my lord conservatour anent the privileges of the natioun and mutuall contract keipping thairof and craving augmentatioun of the excyse beir and wyne.”

Modern English translation: 28 September 1599. Gives commission to Henry Nesbett, Richard Doby, John Johnestoun, Patrick Cochrane, William Patersoun, Mr Alexander Guthre to advise . . . upon the bill to be directed to the town of Campvere with my lord Conservator anent the privileges of the nation and mutual contract keeping thereof and craving augmentation of the excise of beer and wine.

Historical Significance:

• Continues the ongoing management of the Scottish staple at Campvere (Veere).
• Shows the burgh carefully preparing diplomatic and commercial correspondence concerning national trading privileges and the level of excise duties.

Genealogical Significance:

• Demonstrates that Mr Alexander Guthre remained an active and trusted participant in high-level commercial and diplomatic business of the burgh into the late 1590s.
• Location: Edinburgh / Scottish staple at Campvere.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Conservatour: Conservator of the Scottish Privileges at the staple port.
• Mutuall contract: The formal agreement governing relations between the Scottish Burghs and the town of Campvere.
• Excyse beir and wyne: Excise duty on beer and wine.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 265

Date: 13 February 1600

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Patrick Sandilandis, deacon of the tailors, presented an old act of council dated 13 June 1558, subscribed by the late Alexander Guthrie, then common clerk. The act authorised the burgh officers to assist the tailor craft in poinding or arresting unfree men exercising the craft. The present council ratifies the old act and orders it to be put into execution.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Alexander Guthrie (the elder), former common clerk (referred to as “umquhile”)

Role:

• Former common clerk whose signature appears on a 1558 act that is being ratified in 1600

Translation/Transcription (key portion):

“Comperit Patrik Sandilandis, present deacone of the tailyouris, . . . and presentit ane act of counsall maid be the bailleis and counsall under the subscriptioun of umquhile Alexr. Guthrie, thair commone clerk, of the dait the xiij day of Junij I^mV^c fyftie aucht yeiris, beiring that the officeris of this burgh is ordanit to concur with the deacone and bretherene of the tailyour craft, fortifie and supplie thame in poinding or arreisting of unfrie men using thair occupatioun and gif neid war to put thame in waird . . .”

Modern English translation: Compeared Patrick Sandilandis, present deacon of the tailors, . . . and presented an act of council made by the bailies and council under the subscription of the late Alexander Guthrie, their common clerk, of the date the 13th day of June 1558, bearing that the officers of this burgh are ordained to concur with the deacon and brethren of the tailor craft, fortify and supply them in poinding or arresting of unfree men using their occupation and if need were to put them in ward . . .

Historical Significance:

• Shows the long-term authority of council acts and the practice of ratifying older legislation when needed.
• Provides a late retrospective reference to the elder Alexander Guthrie as common clerk in 1558.

Genealogical Significance:

• This is a posthumous reference to the elder Alexander Guthrie (the long-serving common clerk of the mid-16th century).
• It confirms that acts bearing his subscription were still being produced and relied upon more than forty years later.
• Location: Edinburgh (common clerk’s records / craft privileges).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Umquhile: The late / deceased.
• Subscriptioun: Subscription / signature.
• Poinding or arreisting: Legal seizure of goods or arrest of persons.
• Unfrie men: Unfreemen (those not burgesses or not members of the craft).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Pages 278–279

Date: 7 January 1601

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: The council finds that the management of the Kirk livings within and without the burgh has been neglected for a long time. A commission is therefore appointed with power to call before them those who have dealings with the livings (including Mr David Guthrie), to prepare recommendations, collect rents, make proper rentals, and pursue the town’s rights until the next election of magistrates.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr David Guthrie

Role:

• Person having dealings with the Kirk livings; subject to being called before the newly appointed commission

Translation/Transcription (key portion):

“Fynds that thair commoun affairs concerning the Kirk levings within and without this burgh ar neglectit and owerseene this lang tyme, and thairfore gevis power and comissioun to Roger M^cnacht, Richert Doby, David Williamsoun, George Foullis, Patrik Sandelandis, or maist part of thame . . . to . . . consult upone the saidis matteris . . . with power to call befoir thame Johnne Jonstoun, James Hendersoun, Mr David Guthrie and all utheris that hes ado with the saidis levingis and to set doun sic overtouris as thai sall find expedient for the weill of the towne . . .”

Modern English translation: Finds that their common affairs concerning the Kirk livings within and without this burgh are neglected and overlooked this long time, and therefore gives power and commission to Roger McNacht, Richard Doby, David Williamsoun, George Foullis, Patrick Sandelandis, or the greater part of them . . . to . . . consult upon the said matters . . . with power to call before them John Johnestoun, James Henderson, Mr David Guthrie and all others that have to do with the said livings and to set down such overtures as they shall find expedient for the weal of the town . . .

Historical Significance:

• Documents the town’s renewed effort to bring the management of former ecclesiastical livings under proper control.
• The commission was given broad powers to investigate, collect rents, and regularise the town’s rights.

Genealogical Significance:

• Shows Mr David Guthrie still active in matters concerning Kirk livings in early 1601.
• He is named among those who “have to do” with the livings and who may be required to appear before the commission.
• Location: Edinburgh (administration of Kirk livings).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Kirk levings / livings: Ecclesiastical benefices or revenues formerly belonging to the Church and now under burgh administration.
• Overturis: Overtures / proposals / recommendations.
• Comissioun: Commission with delegated authority.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 294

Date: 30 October 1601

Original Language: Middle Scots (modernised summary in the printed edition)

Purpose of the Document: Mr Alexander Guthrie, common clerk and procurator fiscal, resigned the office of procurator fiscal. Mr David Guthrie was appointed in his place.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie (common clerk)
• Mr David Guthrie

Role:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie: Resigns the office of Procurator Fiscal (retains common clerkship)
• Mr David Guthrie: Appointed Procurator Fiscal

Translation/Transcription:

Printed modernised note: “[Mr Alexr. Guthrie, common clerk and procurator fiscal, resigned the latter office to which Mr David Guthrie was appointed.]”

Modern English rendering: Mr Alexander Guthrie, common clerk and procurator fiscal, resigned the latter office, to which Mr David Guthrie was appointed.

Historical Significance:

• Documents a formal transfer of the important legal office of Procurator Fiscal within the Guthrie family.
• Mr Alexander retained the principal office of common clerk while relinquishing the prosecutorial role.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms the continued presence of both Mr Alexander Guthrie and Mr David Guthrie in senior burgh offices at the beginning of the 17th century.
• Shows the family maintaining a strong hold on key administrative and legal positions in Edinburgh.
• Location: Edinburgh (common clerk and procurator fiscal offices).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Procurator fiscal: The public prosecutor for the burgh courts.
• Resigned the latter office: Formally gave up the office of procurator fiscal while remaining common clerk.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 6, Page 303

Date: 3 March 1602

Original Language: Middle Scots (modernised summary in the printed edition)

Purpose of the Document: Mr John Hay is appointed clerk depute to Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk

Role:

• Common clerk receiving a new clerk depute

Translation/Transcription:

Printed modernised note: “[Mr Jhonn Hay made clerk depute to Mr Alexr. Guthre, common clerk.]”

Modern English rendering: Mr John Hay made clerk depute to Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the appointment of a new deputy to the common clerk in early 1602.
• Indicates continuity in the office and the ongoing need for deputy support.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms that Mr Alexander Guthre was still serving as common clerk of Edinburgh in March 1602.
• This is the latest dated reference to him in Volume 6.
• Location: Edinburgh (common clerk’s office).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Clerk depute: Deputy clerk authorised to act in the place of the principal common clerk.

Volume 7: 1604-1626

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 7 – Guthrie Index & Navigator

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 7, Page 5

Date: 3 August 1604

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Council ordinance ordering payment of £40 to Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk, for copying the town’s new infeftment in parchment and in English. The same meeting also addresses the threat posed by certain inhabitants of Leith who were negotiating with Lady Cassillis for the reversion of the superiority of Leith.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthre (second generation / “elder”)

Role:

• Common clerk receiving payment for official documentary work

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “3rd August 1604. Ordanis the thesaurer . . . to pay to Mr Alex. Guthre, commoun clerk, fourty punds for copeing in parchment and in Inglis the touns new infeftment.”

Modern English translation: 3 August 1604. Ordains the treasurer . . . to pay to Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk, forty pounds for copying in parchment and in English the town’s new infeftment.

Historical Significance:

• Records the formal engrossing of a new infeftment (title) for the burgh.
• Shows the common clerk performing core documentary duties.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms the second-generation Mr Alexander Guthre still active as common clerk in August 1604.
• Location: Edinburgh (common clerk’s official duties).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Infeftment: Formal investiture with heritable property rights.
• Copeing in parchment and in Inglis: Copying the document onto parchment and producing an English-language version.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 7, Page 27

Date: 24 February 1607

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: The council, having read and considered the rentals of their kirk benefices which they had caused Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk, to write and collect, approved the same and ordained them to be delivered to the lords who sit upon the King’s general extent if required.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthre (second generation / “elder”), common clerk

Role:

• Common clerk responsible for writing and collecting the rentals of the kirk benefices

Translation/Transcription:

Original text: “24th February 1607. Having red and considerit the rentales of thair kirk benefices quhilk thai causet Mr Alexander Guthre, commoun clerk, to writt and collect, thai approvet the same and ordanet thame to be delyverit to the lords quhilk sittis upoun the Kings generall extent gif neid beis.”

Modern English translation: 24 February 1607. Having read and considered the rentals of their kirk benefices which they caused Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk, to write and collect, they approved the same and ordained them to be delivered to the lords who sit upon the King’s general extent if need be.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the formal compilation and approval of rentals for the burgh’s kirk benefices.
• These rentals were potentially to be used in connection with the King’s general extent (a national taxation assessment).

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms the second-generation Mr Alexander Guthre still serving as common clerk in early 1607 and being entrusted with the important task of compiling financial records of the kirk livings.
• A footnote notes that the manuscript rental is preserved in the City Chambers.
• Location: Edinburgh (common clerk’s duties / kirk benefices).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Rentales: Rentals / formal lists of rents and duties.
• Kirk benefices: Ecclesiastical livings or revenues under burgh administration.
• Kings generall extent: The King’s general extent (a national tax assessment based on land valuations).

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 7, Page 36

Date: 9 December 1607

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Thomas Fawlisdaill and John Sempill, burgesses of Dumbarton, exhibited a band (bond) subscribed by certain gentlemen and noblemen as sureties concerning a taxation of 25,000 merks granted by the Estates to the burgh of Dumbarton. The Edinburgh bailies and council agreed for the town’s part. The band was delivered into the keeping of Mr Alexander Guthre to be exhibited to the Burghs at their next Convention if they approved of it.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthre (second generation / “elder”)

Role:

• Common clerk receiving and taking custody of an important inter-burgh bond

Translation/Transcription (relevant portion):

“The sam day Thomas Fawlisdaill and Jhonn Sempill, burgessis of Dumbartane, exhibit . . . ane band subscryvet be certane gentilmen and nobilmen as souerteis for thame anent the taxatioun of xxv^m merk grantet be the estaitts to the said burgh of Dumbartane, to the quhilk band the said baillies and counsall agreyit for the tounis pairt. Quhilk band wes delyverit and putt in keipping . . . to Mr Alexander Guthre . . . to be exhibit to the burrowes at thair nixt conventioun gif thai will lyke thairof.”

Modern English translation: The same day Thomas Fawlisdaill and John Sempill, burgesses of Dumbarton, exhibited . . . a band subscribed by certain gentlemen and noblemen as sureties for them anent the taxation of 25,000 merks granted by the Estates to the said burgh of Dumbarton, to the which band the said bailies and council agreed for the town’s part. Which band was delivered and put in keeping . . . to Mr Alexander Guthre . . . to be exhibited to the Burghs at their next Convention if they will like thereof.

Historical Significance:

• Documents Edinburgh’s involvement in supporting a taxation arrangement for the burgh of Dumbarton.
• Shows the common clerk acting as the official custodian of inter-burgh financial instruments intended for the Convention of Royal Burghs.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms the second-generation Mr Alexander Guthre still performing core archival and custodial duties as common clerk in late 1607.
• Location: Edinburgh / Convention of Royal Burghs.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Band: Bond / written obligation with sureties.
• Souerteis: Sureties / guarantors.
• Conventioun: Convention of the Royal Burghs.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 7, Page 39

Date: 18 March 1608

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk, voluntarily demitted the office of common clerkship into the hands of the Provost, Bailies, Council and Deacons of Crafts. Immediately thereafter the same office was granted jointly to Mr Alexander Guthre and to Alexander Guthre his son, with all fees, duties and casualities. Mr Alexander also constituted Mr John Hay as his depute in the office.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthre (second generation / “elder”)
• Alexander Guthre (third generation / “son of the above”)

Role:

• Second-generation Alexander: Demits and receives back the common clerkship jointly with his son
• Third-generation Alexander: Jointly granted the common clerkship with his father

Translation/Transcription (key portion):

“Comperit Mr Alexander Guthre, commoun clerk of this burgh, and of his awin frie will dimittet and overgaif in the hands of the provest, baillies, counsall and deykins of crafts all and haill the said office of commoun clerkschip quhilk he hes be provisioun . . . maid to him . . . be delyverance of staf and battoun as use is . . . and immediately thairafter the said provest, baillies, counsall and deykins of crafts disponet to the said Mr Alexander Guthre and to Alexander Guthre his sone the said office of commoun clerkschip with all feis, dewteis and casualiteis belangand thairto and the said Mr Alexander . . . constitute Mr Jhonn Hay his deputt in the said office . . .”

Modern English translation: Compeared Mr Alexander Guthre, common clerk of this burgh, and of his own free will demitted and overgave into the hands of the provost, bailies, council and deacons of crafts all and whole the said office of common clerkship which he has by provision . . . made to him . . . by delivery of staff and baton as use is . . . and immediately thereafter the said provost, bailies, council and deacons of crafts disponed to the said Mr Alexander Guthre and to Alexander Guthre his son the said office of common clerkship with all fees, duties and casualities belonging thereto and the said Mr Alexander . . . constituted Mr John Hay his depute in the said office . . .

Historical Significance:

• Formal legal mechanism (demission and immediate re-grant) used to secure the succession of the common clerkship to the next generation while the father was still living.
• The delivery of staff and baton was the traditional symbol of demission of the office.
• A detailed list of the duties of the office is referred to in the letters of gift (including providing a clerk for the Convention of Burghs, making rent-rolls, and keeping copies of town acts).

Genealogical Significance:

• This is a key succession document.
• It explicitly links the second-generation Mr Alexander Guthre with his son, the third-generation Alexander Guthre, in the joint holding of the common clerkship.
• Footnote in the printed volume confirms the earlier succession: the second-generation Alexander succeeded his father in February 1579–80.
• Location: Edinburgh (common clerkship succession).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dimittet and overgaif: Demitted and overgave (formally resigned).
• Delyverance of staf and battoun: Delivery of staff and baton (ceremonial resignation of office).
• Disponet: Disponed / formally granted.
• Casualiteis: Casual receipts / incidental fees of the office.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 7, Pages 103–104

Date: 30 July 1613 (date of the final decreet / registration)

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: A lengthy decreet arbitral settling controversies between the commissioners of the Burghs and the tacksmen of the customs concerning the Book of Rates. The submission made by the commissioners of the Burghs at their Convention held in Edinburgh on 1 July was extracted and subscribed by Mr Alexander Guthrie, their general clerk.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie (described as “their general clerk” of the Burghs)

Role:

• General clerk of the Convention of Burghs; extracted and subscribed the Burghs’ formal submission

Translation/Transcription (key portion):

“. . . for the commissioners of borrowis pairt thairof maid in thair conventioun of borrowis haldin at Edinburgh the first day of Julij instant extractit and subscryvit be Mr Alexander Guthrie thair generall clerk . . .”

Modern English translation: . . . for the commissioners of Burghs’ part thereof made in their Convention of Burghs held at Edinburgh the first day of July instant, extracted and subscribed by Mr Alexander Guthrie their general clerk . . .

Historical Significance:

• Documents a major arbitration over the customs Book of Rates between the Royal Burghs and the tacksmen of the customs.
• The Burghs’ formal submission was prepared and authenticated by their general clerk.

Genealogical Significance:

• Shows a Mr Alexander Guthrie acting as general clerk of the Convention of Royal Burghs in 1613.
• Given the date, this is most likely the second-generation Mr Alexander (still active) or possibly the third-generation Alexander acting in a Burghs capacity.
• Location: Edinburgh / Convention of Royal Burghs.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Generall clerk: General clerk of the Convention of Royal Burghs.
• Extractit and subscryvit: Extracted (officially copied) and subscribed (signed).
• Buik of Raittes: Book of Rates (the official schedule of customs duties).
• Takkismen of the customes: Tacksmen / farmers of the customs revenues.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 7, Page 109

Date: 8 December 1613

Original Language: Middle Scots

Purpose of the Document: The council and remaining deacons ratified the gift of the common clerkship made to Messrs Alexander Guthrie, elder and younger, on 18 March 1608. Although the original gift required the younger Alexander to serve the office personally once he reached 22 years of age, the council (for certain causes) dispenses with that clause. With the consent of Mr Alexander, it is agreed that the office shall be fully served by Mr John Hay, his depute, for the next three years, provided that the younger Mr Alexander attends, waits upon, and diligently learns the duties of the office.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder (second generation)
• Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger (third generation)

Role:

• Both hold the common clerkship jointly under the 1608 gift, now formally ratified with modified conditions regarding the younger man’s personal service

Translation/Transcription (key portion):

“[The council and remanent deacons ratified the gift of the common clerkship granted to Messrs Alexander Guthrie, elder and younger, dated 18th March 1608], with this furder provisioun that nochtwithstanding be the said gift the said Mr Alexander Guthrie, yonger, be obleist swa soune as he comes to the aige off twenty twa yeiris compleit to serve and exerce the said office himselffe yet the baillies and counsall for caussis . . . moving thame dispensis with the said claus and with consent off the said Mr Alexander agrees and consents that the said office be served in all points be Mr Jhone Hay his depute be the space of thrie yeiris to come after the daite of this act . . . provyding alwayes the said Mr Alexander attend and await in serving and be diligent in exercing him selffe in learning of the points off the said office and be not remisse nor negligent thairin. . . .”

Modern English translation: The council and remaining deacons ratified the gift of the common clerkship granted to Messrs Alexander Guthrie, elder and younger, dated 18 March 1608, with this further provision that notwithstanding by the said gift the said Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger, be obliged as soon as he comes to the age of twenty-two years complete to serve and exercise the said office himself, yet the bailies and council for causes . . . moving them dispense with the said clause and with consent of the said Mr Alexander agree and consent that the said office be served in all points by Mr John Hay his depute for the space of three years to come after the date of this act . . . providing always the said Mr Alexander attend and await in serving and be diligent in exercising himself in learning of the points of the said office and be not remiss nor negligent therein.

Historical Significance:

• Formal ratification of the 1608 joint grant of the common clerkship.
• Shows the council making practical arrangements to allow the still-young third-generation Alexander time to learn the office while the experienced depute (John Hay) continued to perform the day-to-day work.

Genealogical Significance:

• Explicitly distinguishes Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder and Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger.
• Indicates that in December 1613 the younger man had not yet reached (or had only recently reached) 22 years of age, supporting the footnote observation that he must have been very young at the time of the 1608 reversion.
• Location: Edinburgh (common clerkship succession).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Ratified the gift: Formally confirmed the earlier grant.
• Dispensis with the said claus: Formally sets aside the requirement for personal service at age 22.
• Depute: Deputy authorised to exercise the full office.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 7, Page 176

Date: 15 May 1618

Original Language: Middle Scots (with modernised summary)

Purpose of the Document: Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder, formally demitted the office of common clerkship into the hands of the Provost (Sir William Nisbet), with the consent of his son. The council then granted the common clerkship conjunctly and severally to Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger, and Mr John Hay, in accordance with the earlier gift of 18 March 1608, and ordered a formal gift to be made out to them under the seal of cause.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder (second generation)
• Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger (third generation)

Role:

• Elder: Formally resigns the common clerkship
• Younger: Jointly granted the common clerkship with Mr John Hay

Translation/Transcription:

Original text + modernised summary: “Comperit Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder, and dimittit in the handis of Sir William Nisbet, Provest of the burgh of Edinburgh, in his own name and in name and behalf of the Counsell and communitie of the said burgh, with consent of Mr Alexander Guthrie his sone for all richt he can pretend to the same, the office of commoun clerkschip of this burgh with all fies and casualities belonging to the same. . . .

[The council grant to Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger, and Mr John Hay, conjunctly and severally, the common clerkship of the burgh, according to the gift granted to Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder, of 18th March 1608. They order a gift to be made out to the said Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger, and Mr John Hay, under their seal of cause.]”

Modern English rendering: Compeared Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder, and demitted into the hands of Sir William Nisbet, Provost of the burgh of Edinburgh, in his own name and in name and behalf of the Council and community of the said burgh, with consent of Mr Alexander Guthrie his son for all right he can pretend to the same, the office of common clerkship of this burgh with all fees and casualities belonging to the same.

The council grant to Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger, and Mr John Hay, conjunctly and severally, the common clerkship of the burgh, according to the gift granted to Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder, of 18 March 1608. They order a gift to be made out to them under their seal of cause.

Historical Significance:

• Marks the final demission of the second-generation common clerk and the formal transfer of the office to the third generation (jointly with the experienced depute).
• Continues the carefully managed hereditary succession of the common clerkship within the Guthrie family, tempered by the retention of John Hay as joint holder.

Genealogical Significance:

• Clear terminal point for the active career of the second-generation Mr Alexander Guthrie as common clerk.
• Establishes the third-generation Mr Alexander Guthrie as the new principal (joint) common clerk from May 1618.
• Location: Edinburgh (common clerkship succession).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Dimittit: Demitted / formally resigned.
• Conjunctly and severally: Jointly and individually (each has full authority).
• Seal of cause: The burgh’s official seal used for formal grants.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 7, Page 177

Date: 20 May 1618

Original Language: Middle Scots (modernised summary in the printed edition)

Purpose of the Document: The formal gift of the common clerkship granted to Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger, and Mr John Hay was signed.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger (third generation)

Role:

• Joint grantee (with Mr John Hay) of the common clerkship

Translation/Transcription:

Printed modernised note: “[The gift of the common clerkship granted to Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger, and Mr Johne Hay was signed.]”

Modern English rendering: The gift of the common clerkship granted to Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger, and Mr John Hay was signed.

Historical Significance:

• Completes the formal transfer of the common clerkship that began with the demission on 15 May 1618.
• The signed gift provided the legal title for the third-generation Alexander and the long-serving depute John Hay to hold the office conjunctly.

Genealogical Significance:

• Marks the official commencement of the third-generation Mr Alexander Guthrie’s tenure as (joint) common clerk of Edinburgh.
• Location: Edinburgh (common clerkship succession).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Gift of the common clerkship: The formal legal instrument granting the office.
• Signed: The official execution of the grant under the burgh’s authority.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 7, Page 182

Date: 7 October 1618

Original Language: Middle Scots (modernised summary in the printed edition)

Purpose of the Document: List of office-bearers elected or appointed for the year. Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder, is named as one of the Assessors.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder (second generation)

Role:

• Assessor of the burgh

Translation/Transcription:

Printed modernised note: “[Assessors, Mr Thomas Houpe, Mr Johnne Dawling, Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder, Mr Lues Stewart.]”

Modern English rendering: Assessors: Mr Thomas Hope, Mr John Dawling, Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder, Mr Lewis Stewart.

Historical Significance:

• Shows that after demitting the common clerkship in May 1618, the second-generation Alexander continued to serve the burgh in another capacity as Assessor later the same year.
• Assessors were legal advisers to the magistrates and council.

Genealogical Significance:

• Confirms that Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder, remained active in burgh administration after resigning the clerkship.
• Location: Edinburgh (burgh assessors).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Assessor: A legally qualified adviser appointed to assist the magistrates and council in judicial and administrative matters.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 7, Page 202

Date: 19 November 1619

Original Language: Middle Scots (modernised summary in the printed edition)

Purpose of the Document: A ten-year tack of the parsonage and vicarage teinds of Warriston is set to Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder, and to his son, Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger, to take effect upon the expiry of the previous nineteen-year tack granted to the elder, for the yearly duty of ten merks.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder (second generation)
• Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger (third generation)

Role:

• Joint tacksmen of the teinds of Warriston

Translation/Transcription:

Printed modernised note: “[A ten year tack of the parsonage and vicarage teinds of Warristoun is set to Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder, and to his son, Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger, to take effect on the expiry of the nineteen years’ tack granted to the former, for ten merks yearly.]”

Modern English rendering: A ten-year tack of the parsonage and vicarage teinds of Warriston is set to Mr Alexander Guthrie, elder, and to his son, Mr Alexander Guthrie, younger, to take effect on the expiry of the nineteen years’ tack granted to the former, for ten merks yearly.

Historical Significance:

• Documents the continuation of a family interest in the teinds of Warriston.
• The new tack was timed to begin when the elder’s existing nineteen-year tack expired, ensuring uninterrupted possession across the two generations.

Genealogical Significance:

• Explicit joint grant to father and son, reinforcing the close working relationship between the second- and third-generation Alexander Guthries even after the transfer of the common clerkship.
• Location: Edinburgh / Warriston (teinds).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices:

• Tack: Lease.
• Parsonage and vicarage teinds: The greater and lesser teinds (tithes) of the parish.
• Ten merks yearly: The annual tack duty.

Extracts from Edinburgh, Volume 7, Page 203

Date: 8 December 1619

Original Language: Middle Scots (modernised summary in the printed edition)

Purpose of the Document: The council (old and new) and the kirk session, having placed four ministers on the leet for the vacancies in the burgh, including Mr John Guthrie, minister at Perth, send a letter to the Archbishop of St Andrews requesting that they be tried (examined) for the posts.

Guthrie(s) Identified:

• Mr Johnne Guthrie, minister at Perth

Role:

• One of four ministers placed on the leet for a ministerial vacancy in Edinburgh

Translation/Transcription:

Printed modernised note: “[The council, old and new and the kirk session, having leeted Mr Johnne Guthrie, minister at Perth, Mr Johnne Strang, minister at Erroll, Mr Alexander Scroggie, minister at Dalmaig, and Mr William Levingstoun, minister at Sanquhar, to be tried for the vacancies in the burgh, send a letter to the Archbishop of St. Andrews to that effect.]”