~Bannatyne Club Publication No. 102~

Register of Bishopric of Brechin
^{Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis}

The Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis (2 vols., 1856 Bannatyne Club edition) is the definitive published collection of the medieval and early modern records of the Bishopric of Brechin. It contains the compiled register of acts, chapter declarations, notarial instruments, and (in Vol. 2) original charters. Guthrie family members appear across four centuries as prebendaries, portioners, lairds of specific estates (Kincaldrum, Balnabreche, Pitforthie, Lunan), civic officials (bailie of Brechin), royal/episcopal administrators, and holders of the collegiate church of Guthre itself. This is prime primary evidence for the Angus Guthries’ status, landholdings, and ecclesiastical ties.

No. 102
Register of the Bishopric of Brechin
^{Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis}
Volume 1

Master Index

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin – Tabula Entry No. 90

Date of the Entry 28 January 1459/60 (fo. xxviij, b.)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Magister Dauid Guthre de Kyncaldrum (Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum)

Guthrie Role Jointly named (with John de Schoriswod) as the person appointed to hold the Iter Camerarie in the city of Brechin.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes Schoriswod, brother-german of George, Bishop of Brechin

Original Document Language Latin (Tabula entry)

Purpose Finding-aid entry in the Tabula directing the reader to the full notarial instrument of the camerariate.

Modern English Translation 90. Instrument of the Camerariate for holding the Iter Camerarie in the City of Brechin by John Schoriswod, brother-german of George, Bishop of Brechin, and Master David Guthre of Kyncaldrum. [28 Jan. 1459-60. fo. xxviij, b.]

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Confirms that the important 1459/60 appointment of Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum was considered significant enough to receive its own numbered entry in the Tabula.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Instrumentum Camerariatus / Iter Camerarie: Formal record of the appointment to hold the chamberlain’s ayre (administrative and judicial circuit) on behalf of the bishop.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin – Tabula Entry No. LXIX (69)

Date of the Entry 17 November 1485

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Malcolmus Guthre (Malcolm Guthrie), formerly a citizen of Brechin

Guthrie Role Named as the grantor (“probi viri Malcomi Guthre olim civis Brechinensis”) of a charter listed in the Tabula.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• None in the Tabula entry itself

Original Document Language Latin (Tabula entry)

Purpose Finding-aid entry in the Tabula directing the reader to a charter granted by the worthy man Malcolm Guthrie, formerly a citizen of Brechin.

Modern English Translation LXIX. Charter of the worthy man Malcolm Guthre, formerly a citizen of Brechin. [17 Nov. 1485.]

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records a Malcolm Guthrie who was a citizen (burgess) of Brechin and who issued a charter in 1485.
• Consistent with other late-15th-century appearances of the name Malcolm Guthrie in Brechin contexts (including the bailie whose tenement is frequently used as a boundary marker).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Carta probi viri: Standard Tabula phrasing for a charter issued by a layman of good standing.
• Olim civis Brechinensis: Indicates he had been a burgess of Brechin (possibly no longer resident or active at the time of the Tabula compilation).

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin – Tabula Entry No. CLV (155)

Date of the Entry 9 June 1589

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre (James Guthrie)

Guthrie Role Grantor of a precept of sasine (with the consent of his spouse) in favour of John Daiker and his wife.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The spouse of James Guthrie (unnamed in the Tabula)
• Joannes Daiker and his wife (grantees)

Original Document Language Latin (Tabula entry)

Purpose Finding-aid entry in the Tabula directing the reader to a precept of sasine issued by James Guthrie.

Modern English Translation CLV. Precept of Sasine by James Guthre, with the consent of his spouse, in favour of John Daiker and his spouse. [9 Jun. 1589.]

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records a James Guthrie active in 1589 who, together with his wife, granted a precept of sasine.
• Fits the pattern of later 16th-century Guthrie land transactions appearing in the Appendix material.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Praeceptum Saisinae: Precept of sasine – the written order by a superior or landowner authorizing the giving of sasine (formal possession) of land.
• Cum consensu suae sponsae: The consent of the wife was required when the property involved her rights (e.g., conjunct fee or terce).

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin – Tabula Entry No. CLXXVII (177)

Date of the Entry 10 March 1613

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Isobell Guthrie (Isobel Guthrie)
• Mr. James Guthrie, minister at Orquhart

Guthrie Role

• Isobel Guthrie is one of the grantors of the procuratory of resignation (with the consent of Patrick Leslie).
• Mr. James Guthrie, minister at Orquhart, is named among those giving consent.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Christiane Leslie and William Leslie her spouse
• Patrik Leslie of Kincregie
• George Leslie, friar of Kincregie (her son)
• Jhone Leslie in Baldeforro (his brother)
• George Barroun of Kynnard
• Johne Oudny (grantee)

Original Document Language English (Tabula entry)

Purpose Finding-aid entry in the Tabula directing the reader to a procuratory of resignation involving members of the Leslie and Guthrie families in favour of John Oudny.

Modern English Translation CLXXVII. Procuratory of Resignation granted by Christiane Leslie and William Leslie her spouse, Patrick Leslie of Kincregie, George Leslie friar of Kincregie her son, and John Leslie in Baldeforro his brother, and Isobell Guthrie with consent of the said Patrick Leslie, George Barroun of Kynnard, and Mr. James Guthrie minister at Orquhart, in favour of John Oudny. [10 Mar. 1613.]

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records Isobel Guthrie as a participant in a 1613 family property transaction involving the Leslie family of Kincregie.
• Identifies Mr. James Guthrie as minister at Orquhart (Urquhart) at the same date and as a consenter to the resignation.
• Shows continued Guthrie involvement in north-east landed and clerical networks into the early 17th century.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Procuratory of Resignation: A formal written authority by which a landholder resigns property into the hands of a superior so that it may be re-granted to a new holder.
• Consent of multiple family members and a minister was often required when rights of succession or marital interests were involved.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin – Tabula Entry No. CLXXXVII (187)

Date of the Entry 24 February 1637

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthrie de Pitforthie (James Guthrie of Pitforthie)

Guthrie Role Recipient of a charter from John Mortimer, formerly of Craigievar.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Joannes Mortimer olim de Craigievar (John Mortimer, formerly of Craigievar) – grantor

Original Document Language Latin (Tabula entry)

Purpose Finding-aid entry in the Tabula directing the reader to a charter granted by John Mortimer, formerly of Craigievar, to James Guthrie of Pitforthie.

Modern English Translation CLXXXVII. Charter of the aforesaid John Mortimer, formerly of Craigievar, to James Guthrie of Pitforthie. [24 Feb. 1637.]

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records James Guthrie of Pitforthie as the recipient of a charter from John Mortimer in 1637.
• Confirms the Pitforthie branch of the family as active landowners in the early 17th century.
• Matches the earlier summary entry for Jacobus Guthre de Pitforthie.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Carta: A formal charter of grant or conveyance.
• The designation “olim de Craigievar” indicates that John Mortimer had previously held that estate.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin – Tabula Entry No. CCCIII (303)

Date of the Entry 10 July 1575

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Patricius Guthrie (Patrick Guthrie), son of Christine Rattray

Guthrie Role Recipient (together with his mother Christine Rattray) of a precept of a charter of confirmation of the town and lands of Dawgathy.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Cristine Rattray (Christine Rattray), mother of Patrick Guthrie

Original Document Language Latin (Tabula entry)

Purpose Finding-aid entry in the Tabula directing the reader to a precept for a charter confirming the lands of Dawgathy to Christine Rattray and her son Patrick Guthrie.

Modern English Translation CCCIII. Precept of a charter of confirmation of the town and lands of Dawgathy to Christine Rattray and Patrick Guthrie her son. [10 Jul. 1575.]

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records Patrick Guthrie as the son of Christine Rattray and as a landholder (or confirmed holder) of the lands of Dawgathy in 1575.
• Matches the earlier summary entry for Patricius Guthre receiving the feu confirmation of Dawgathy (barony of Kethik).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Preceptum carte confirmationis: Precept authorizing the issue of a charter of confirmation (typically confirming a previous grant or feu).
• Joint confirmation to a mother and her son was a common way of securing the family’s title.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin – Tabula Entry No. CCCV (305)

Date of the Entry 3 February 1576/7

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Gabriel Guthre (Gabriel Guthrie)
• Andreas Guthre (Andrew Guthrie)

Guthrie Role

• Gabriel Guthrie receives confirmation of the provostry (prepositura) of the collegiate church of Guthre.
• Andrew Guthrie receives confirmation of a prebend of the same collegiate church.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• None named beyond the two Guthrie recipients

Original Document Language Latin (Tabula entry)

Purpose Finding-aid entry in the Tabula directing the reader to a precept of letters of confirmation concerning the provostry and a prebend of the collegiate church of Guthre.

Modern English Translation CCCV. Precept of letters of confirmation of the provostry of the collegiate church of Guthre to Gabriel Guthre and of a prebend of the said church to Andrew Guthre. [3 Feb. 1576-7.]

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• One of the strongest documentary links between the Guthrie family and the collegiate church that bears their name.
• Shows two members of the family (Gabriel and Andrew) simultaneously holding the highest offices in the collegiate church of Guthre in the post-Reformation period (1576/7).
• Confirms the continued institutional existence of the collegiate church of Guthre into the later 16th century.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Prepositura ecclesie collegiate: The provostry (headship) of a collegiate church.
• Prebenda: A simple prebend within the same collegiate foundation.
• Preceptum litere confirmationis: Precept authorizing royal or episcopal letters of confirmation of the offices.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin – Tabula Entry No. CCCXXXIII (333)

Date of the Entry 26 December 1583

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Robert Guthrie of Lwnane (Robert Guthrie of Lunan)

Guthrie Role Recipient of a nineteen-year tack of the teinds of Over Dysart.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• None named in the Tabula entry

Original Document Language English (Tabula entry)

Purpose Finding-aid entry in the Tabula directing the reader to a nineteen-year tack of the teinds of Over Dysart granted to Robert Guthrie of Lunan.

Modern English Translation CCCXXXIII. Tack for nineteen years of the teinds of Ovir Dysart to Robert Guthrie of Lwnane. [26 Dec. 1583.]

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records Robert Guthrie of Lunan as the tacksman of the teinds of Over Dysart in 1583.
• Continues the association of the Lunan branch of the family with ecclesiastical teinds in the later 16th century.
• Matches the earlier summary entry for Robert Guthre of Lunane.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Tack: A lease (here of teinds) for a fixed term of years.
• Nineteen-year tacks were a common form of temporary alienation of teinds in post-Reformation Scotland.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin Pages 19–20 (Manuscript folio 15)

Date of the Entry Monday after Trinity Sunday, 1372

Place / Prebend Identified

• Prebenda de Guthry (the prebend of Guthry / Guthre)

Role of the Place / Prebend Formally declared to be one of the six simple (compatible) prebends of Brechin Cathedral. At the date of the declaration it was held by Thomas de Luchris (Thomas of Lathrisk / Luchris).

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Patricius, Bishop of Brechin
• The Chapter of Brechin
• Fergusius de Tulache, precentor
• Ricardus de Monte Alto, cancellarius
• Matheus de Abirbrothoc, thesaurarius
• Stephanus de Cellario, archidiaconus
• Willelmus de Dalgarnok, vicarius
• Randulphus Wyld, subdecanus
• Johannes de Drum, prebendarius de Butirgill
• Thomas de Luchris, prebendarius de Guthry
• Johannes Wild, rector de Logy
• Johannes de Gaok, vicarius de Monzeky
• Alexander Doge, vicarius de Dunnychtyne

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Formal declaration by the bishop and chapter defining the number, nature, and compatibility of the dignities, offices, and prebends of Brechin Cathedral.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… We have found and created eleven benefices in the form of canonries anciently founded in the said church. Of which four are dignities, namely the deanery, the chantorship, the chancellorship, and the treasurership; the fifth, namely the archdeaconry, is an office in the said church. And these five benefices are styled incompatible with other benefices. The remaining six benefices, namely the vicarage, the pensionary, the subdeanery, Kilmoir, Butirgill, and Guthry, we have found to be simple prebends and compatible with a cure and with any other benefice …

… in the presence of the discreet men … Thomas de Luchris, prebendary of Guthry …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• This is the earliest formal chapter declaration establishing the prebend of Guthry/Guthre as one of the six simple prebends of Brechin Cathedral (1372).
• It provides the institutional foundation for all later references to the prebend of Guthre.
• Thomas de Luchris is the earliest named prebendary of Guthry in the register.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Dignitates vs. simplices prebendae: Distinction between the major dignities (incompatible) and the simple prebends (compatible with other benefices or cures).
• Compassibiles / incompassibiles: Canonical terminology for whether a benefice could be held with another.
• Chapter declaration made after inspection of statutes, muniments, and long-established custom.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin Pages 52–53 (Manuscript folio 34)

Date of the Entry 31 October 1429

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Johannes de Guthry (John of Guthry), deceased – his heirs’ land used as a boundary

Guthrie Role The land of the heirs of the late John de Guthry forms the northern boundary of the plot granted by Walter, Earl of Atholl, for the residence of the college priests and boys in Brechin.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Walterus, Palatinus de Stratherne, Atholie et Cathanie comes, dominus de Brechin et de Cortowquhy (Walter, Earl of Atholl, etc.) – grantor
• The church of the Holy Trinity of Brechin
• The four priests and six boys of the newly founded college

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Charter granting a piece of land at the west end of the town of Brechin for the perpetual residence and habitation of the four priests and six boys founded by the Earl and Bishop John in the cathedral.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… that land of ours lying at the west end of the town of Brechin on the west side of a certain vennel extending in length toward the south and north, between the land of the heirs of the late John de Guthry on the north side on the one hand and a certain narrow vennel on the south side on the other, for the perpetual residence and habitation of the four priests and six boys newly founded by us and the reverend father in Christ John the bishop in the said church for the celebration of divine service …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides an early 15th-century boundary reference to lands in Brechin formerly belonging to John de Guthry, now held by his heirs.
• Consistent with other appearances of men named John Guthrie / de Guthry in Brechin property contexts.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• In feodo et hereditate imperpetuum: Grant in fee and heritage for ever.
• Warantizabimus et defendemus: Full warrandice by the grantor and his heirs.
• Boundary description using neighbouring properties (including the heirs of John de Guthry) to define the gifted land.
• The grant is made in free alms essentially (the only return required is the prayers of the priests and boys).

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin Pages 59–61 (Manuscript folio 39)

Date of the Entry 14 April 1434

Place / Prebend Identified

• Prebenda de Guthre (the prebend of Guthre)

Role of the Place / Prebend The prebend of Guthre is held at this date by Willelmus Hawik (William Hawik), who appears as a witness to the instrument.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes, Bishop of Brechin
• Dominus Johannes Liel, thesaurarius of the church of Brechin
• Cuthbertus, decanus
• Gilbertus, cantor
• Gaufridus, cancellarius
• Hugo, subdecanus
• Johannes Steil, prebendarius de Kilmoir
• Willelmus Hawik, prebendarius de Guthre
• Willelmus de Heslyhoipe, rector de Cortoquhy
• Robertus Wylye, vicarius de Kilcoldrum
• Johannes Willelmi, officialis Brechinensis
• Johannes Guydfallo, vicarius de Glenberwy
• Alexander Thome, vicarius de Stracathro
• Laurentius Pyot, notary public

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial instrument recording that Bishop John of Brechin, having vowed while returning from France to give two silver candelabra to the church of Brechin, instead delivered six silver-gilt cups and one silver-gilt covered cup to the cathedral treasury for the common use of the dean and canons.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… present there the venerable men, lords Cuthbert the dean, Gilbert the cantor, Geoffrey the chancellor, Hugh the subdean, John Steil prebendary of Kilmoir, William Hawik prebendary of Guthre, William de Heslyhoipe rector of Cortachy, Robert Wylye vicar of Kirkcaldy, John Williamson official of Brechin, John Guydfallo vicar of Glenbervie, Alexander Thomson vicar of Stracathro, with many others both of the diocese and of the chaplains of the choir specially called and requested. And I, Laurence Pyot, priest of the diocese of St Andrews, public notary by apostolic authority, etc.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Documents that the prebend of Guthre was an established simple prebend of Brechin Cathedral by 1434.
• At this date the prebendary was William Hawik (not a member of the Guthrie family).
• Provides early evidence of the collegiate / prebendal status of Guthre within the cathedral chapter.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin Pages 121–125 (Manuscript folio 65)

Date of the Entry 19–20 August 1448

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Magister Ricardus Guthry (Master Richard Guthrie)
• Prebenda de Guthry (the prebend of Guthry), held or assessed in the names of Magister Willelmus Hawik and Willelmus de Forbas

Guthrie Role

• Master Richard Guthrie is assessed at 5 merks for the prebend of Lethnot.
• The prebend of Guthry itself is assessed (20 shillings on William Hawik; 40 shillings on William of Forbes).

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes, Bishop of Brechin
• Magister Johannes Lychtoun, dean and common procurator of the chapter
• Various other canons assessed for the taxation (including the cantor, archdeacon, etc.)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Chapter proceedings concerning the enforcement of a papal bull and earlier statute requiring the bishop, dean, and canons to contribute specified sums for the repair and augmentation of the choir copes (cappae) of Brechin Cathedral.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extracts)

… And Master William Hawik, according to the statute, 20 shillings for the prebend of Guthry, because they demitted the prebends before the exhibition of the bull and after the statute was issued and during the procuratorship of the said dean.

… Master Richard Guthry for Lethnot, 5 merks. William of Forbes for Guthry, 40 shillings …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Confirms Master Richard Guthrie as prebendary of Lethnot in 1448 and liable for the cathedral taxation.
• Shows the prebend of Guthry still being assessed as a distinct simple prebend (held or recently held by William Hawik and also associated with William of Forbes).
• Provides a mid-15th-century financial snapshot of both the Lethnot and Guthry prebends.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Taxacio / summe taxate: Assessed contributions imposed by papal bull and chapter statute for a specific fabric purpose (choir copes).
• Procurator communis capituli: The common procurator of the chapter (here the dean) was responsible for collecting the sums.
• Personal liability of canons for the taxation of their prebends, with lists of those who had not yet paid.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin Pages 128–138 (Manuscript folio 68)

Date of the Entry 11 June 1450 (transsumpt) (containing earlier material dated 1372 and later statutes)

Place / Prebend Identified

• Prebenda de Guthre / Guthri (the prebend of Guthre)

Role of the Place / Prebend The prebend of Guthre is confirmed as one of the simple prebends of Brechin Cathedral. Successive holders are named across the documents transumed:

• 1372: Thomas de Lathress, prebendary of Guthri
• Later (statutes of Bishop Walter Forestar / John): John Mowet, prebendary of Guthre
• Mid-15th century: Master William de Hawyk, prebendary of Guthri (who personally subscribed the statutes)
• 1450: Andrew Schull appears as vicar of Guthre (witness)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes Willelmi, officialis generalis Brechinensis (the official conducting the transsumpt)
• Various bishops of Brechin (Patrick, Walter Forestar, John)
• Chapter of Brechin (dean, cantor, chancellor, treasurer, canons)
• Thomas de Lathress, prebendary of Guthri (1372)
• John Mowet, prebendary of Guthre
• Master William de Hawyk, prebendary of Guthri
• Andrew Schull, vicar of Guthre (1450 witness)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial transsumpt of earlier chapter declarations and statutes concerning the dignities, offices, and prebends of Brechin Cathedral, including the formal recognition of the prebend of Guthre as one of the simple prebends.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extracts)

… Thomas de Lathress, prebendary of Guthri …

… lord John Mowet, prebendary of Guthre …

… And I, Master William de Hawyk, prebendary of Guthri, consented and swore and subscribed this letter with my own hand …

… present there the discreet men and lords Andrew Schull, vicar of Guthre, William Henry, Donald Mames, Thomas Nesse, Andrew Fynlaii, Robert Crumby, chaplains, with many other witnesses called and requested to the premises …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides the earliest clear documentary evidence (1372) that the prebend of Guthre was an established simple prebend of Brechin Cathedral.
• Shows continuity of the prebend through the late 14th and 15th centuries with named holders (Thomas de Lathress → John Mowet → William de Hawyk).
• Demonstrates that by 1450 the church of Guthre also had a vicar (Andrew Schull).
• This is one of the strongest threads linking the place-name Guthre to the institutional structure of Brechin Cathedral.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin Pages 138–141 (Manuscript folio 69)

Date of the Entry 21 July 1450

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Magister Alexander de Guthre (Master Alexander Guthrie)
• Walterus Carnegy de Guthre (Walter Carnegie of Guthrie)

Guthrie Role Both appear among the nobles, probi et fideles patrie who were called and served on the assize / inquisition concerning the liberty of the market (forum) of Brechin.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes de Ogilwy de Luntrethyn, miles, vicecomes (John Ogilvy of Inverquharity, knight, sheriff-depute)
• Walter Lindesay de Kynblathmont
• Walter Ogilwy de Beufurd
• William Ouchtirlony de Kelly
• David Dempster de Carraldstoun
• Thomas Fentoun de Ogil
• and many other local landowners and burgesses who served on the assize

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Transsumpt and public authentication of earlier royal charters confirming the free market/forum rights of the bishop and canons of Brechin on Sundays, together with an inquisition held before the sheriff-depute into those rights.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… present there the noble and honourable men, namely Walter Lindsay of Kinblethmont, Walter Ogilvy of Beaufort, William Ouchterlony of Kelly, Master Alexander de Guthre, David Dempster of Carraldstone, Thomas Fenton of Ogil, William of Foulerton, Robert of Foulerton, John Carnegie of the same, John of Crawmond, Walter Carnegie of Guthre, David Walterston of the same, William Symmer of Balzordie … and others, witnesses specially called and requested to the premises, who all personally took part in the assize in the said inquisition.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Places Master Alexander Guthrie on a formal assize of local landowners in 1450 concerning important episcopal and burghal rights in Brechin.
• Walter Carnegie is styled “de Guthre,” indicating a territorial association with the lands or place of Guthrie.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin Pages 187–191 (Manuscript folio 90)

Date of the Entry 28 January 1459/60

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Magister Dauid de Guthrye de Kyncaldrum (Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum)
• Thomas de Guthre in artibus (Thomas Guthrie, Master of Arts) – witness

Guthrie Role Magister David Guthrie of Kincaldrum was jointly and specially appointed (with John de Schoriswood) by Bishop George of Brechin as camerarius to hold the Iter Camerarie (chamberlain’s ayre/court) in the city of Brechin. Thomas Guthrie appears as a witness to the instrument.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes de Schoriswod (John de Schoriswood), brother-german of Bishop George of Brechin and Chancellor of Scotland
• George, Bishop of Brechin
• David Dempster de Ochterles (claiming to be the rightful camerarius)
• Magister Johannes de Spaldyne, decanus Brechinensis
• Johannes Wilhelmi, officialis
• Magister Johannes de Buttergask

Original Document Language Latin (with one Scots-language protest by David Dempster)

Purpose Notarial instrument recording the appearance of John de Schoriswood and Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum in the tolbooth of Brechin to hold the chamberlain’s ayre by the bishop’s special commission, and the unsuccessful attempt by David Dempster to block the proceedings by claiming prior appointment.

Modern English Translation (Summary of key passages)

Instrument of the Camerariate for holding the Iter Camerarie in the city of Brechin by John Schoriswood, brother-german of George, Bishop of Brechin, and Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum.

90 In the name of God, Amen. Be it evident to all by this present public instrument that in the year of the Incarnation of our Lord 1459, according to the course and computation of the Scottish Church, on the 28th day of the month of January … there appeared in the tolbooth of the city of Brechin the honourable men John de Schoriswood, brother-german of George, Bishop of Brechin and Chancellor of Scotland, and Master David de Guthrye of Kincaldrum, camerarii of the said lord bishop, specially constituted jointly and severally to hold the Iter Camerarie in the city of Brechin by the said reverend father, as is more fully contained in their letters there read …

[David Dempster produces letters and a Scots protest claiming he alone is the rightful camerarius and attempts to prevent the court from proceeding.]

… present there the venerable and circumspect men Masters John de Spaldyne, dean of Brechin, John Williamson, official of the same, and Thomas de Guthre in arts, Master John de Buttergask of the same, Richard Williamson, and divers other witnesses …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• One of the most prominent 15th-century appearances of the Guthrie family in the Brechin records.
• Confirms Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum holding a high administrative office (camerarius) under the Bishop of Brechin in 1459/60.
• Thomas Guthrie (Master of Arts) appears as a witness in the same instrument, suggesting a second family member present.
• The episode illustrates the contested nature of episcopal administrative appointments in the mid-15th century.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin Pages 196–198 (Manuscript folio 94)

Date of the Entry 13 September 1474

Place / Prebend Identified

• Prebenda de Guthre (the prebend of Guthre)

Role of the Place / Prebend The prebend of Guthre is held at this date by Jacobus Dekysoun (James Dickson), who appears as one of the canons approving and subscribing the erection of the new prebend of Futhnewyn.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes, Bishop of Brechin
• David, Earl of Crawford and Lord Lindsay (patron)
• Magister Johannes Lok, professor of sacred theology and rector of Futhnewyn (first prebendary of the new prebend)
• Johannes Spaldyn, decanus Brechinensis
• Georgius Seres, cantor
• Willelmus Auchlek, prebendarius de Glenberwy
• Willelmus Ogyly, cancellarius
• Willelmus Meldrum, subdecanus
• Robertus Broun, pensionarius
• Jacobus Balfour, prebendarius de Kylmoir
• Jacobus Dekysoun, prebendarius de Guthre
• Johannes Achilmar, officialis Brechinensis
• David Lyndesay, Comes

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Erection of the parish church of Futhnewyn into a canonry and prebend of Brechin Cathedral, with reservation of a pension for the vicar and provisions for choir boys, and with the consent of the patron, the chapter, and the first prebendary.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… And I, James Dekysoun, prebendary of Guthre, approve the same, witness my own hand …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Confirms that the prebend of Guthre continued as an active simple prebend of Brechin Cathedral in 1474.
• The holder at this date was James Dickson (Dekysoun), not a member of the Guthrie family.
• Provides another dated reference in the sequence of known prebendaries of Guthre.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Erectio in canonicatum et prebendam: Formal conversion of a parish church into a cathedral canonry and prebend.
• Pensio annualis et perpetua: Reserved perpetual annual pension for the vicar.
• Jus presentandi: Right of presentation retained by the patron (Earl of Crawford).
• Collatio: Right of collation reserved to the bishop.
• Chapter consent and individual subscription by the existing canons (including the prebendary of Guthre) was required for the erection.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin Pages 214–215 (Manuscript folio 107)

Date of the Entry 23 February 1497

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Johannes Guthre (John Guthrie)

Guthrie Role Witness to a charter of sale of a burgage tenement in Brechin.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• David Rait, ciuis ciuitatis Brechinensis (seller)
• Nobilis domina Margareta Carmychel, ducissa montis rosarum (Margaret Carmichael, Duchess of Montrose) – purchaser
• Johannes Duncani
• Willelmus Craik
• Henricus Steuinsoune
• Dominus Johannes Chapman and Walterus Clerk, priests and notaries public

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Charter of pure sale by which David Rait sells and alienates in perpetuity his tenement in the west part of the city of Brechin (with one acre of arable land) to Margaret Carmichael, Duchess of Montrose, to be held in free burgage of the Bishop of Brechin for the annual reddendo of one penny blench ferme.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… In witness whereof my own seal is appended to this my present charter. At Brechin, the 23rd day of the month of February in the year of Our Lord 1497, before these witnesses: John Guthre, John Duncan, William Craik, Henry Stevenson, lords John Chapman and Walter Clerk, priests and notaries public, with divers others.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Places a John Guthrie as a witness to a burgh property transaction in Brechin in 1497.
• Consistent with other late-15th-century appearances of men named John Guthrie in Brechin burgh contexts.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Venditio pure / titulo pure venditionis: Pure sale (absolute conveyance).
• In libero burgagio: Tenure in free burgage of the bishop as superior.
• Alba firma (blench ferme): Nominal annual reddendo of one penny if asked only.
• Warrandice: The seller and his heirs warrant the tenement to the purchaser.

Register of the Bishopric of Brechin Pages 227–234 (Manuscript folio 114)

Date of the Entry 10 January 1552 (instrument); foundation charter itself dated 6 June 1541

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Johannes Guthre (John Guthrie), deceased – his heirs’ lands used as a boundary

Guthrie Role The lands of the heirs of the late John Guthrie serve as the eastern boundary of one of the acres of arable land gifted to the new chaplainry.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Dominus David Broun, vicar pensioner of Edzell (founder)
• Johannes, Bishop of Brechin
• Chapter of Brechin
• Dominus Willelmus Broun (first chaplain named in the foundation)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial instrument recording the presentation and registration of the foundation charter of a chaplainry at the altar of All Saints in Brechin Cathedral, endowed with various tenements, acres, and annual rents in and around Brechin.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… and one acre of arable land with pertinents lying in the same western part of the city … between the lands of the heirs of the late John Guthre on the east, the lands of the Haugh of Brechin on the west and south, and the lands called the Weitlandis on the north …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides a mid-16th-century boundary reference to lands formerly belonging to John Guthrie in the western part of Brechin.
• Indicates that by 1541/1552 the property had passed to his heirs, consistent with earlier appearances of men named John Guthrie in Brechin burgh contexts.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Fundatio capellanie: Foundation of a perpetual chaplainry.
• In puram et perpetuam elemosinam: Gift in free alms.
• Annui redditus: Annual rents assigned to support the chaplain and the poor.
• Detailed boundary clauses using neighbouring properties (including the heirs of John Guthrie) to define the gifted lands.
• Strict residence and service requirements imposed on the chaplain, with provisions for deprivation if the terms were breached.

No. 102
Register of the Bishopric of Brechin
^{Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis}
Volume 2

Master Index

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales XIV, Page 19

Date of the Entry 8 August (year of the king’s reign 21 – James IV, i.e. 1508)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Johannes Guthre (John Guthrie)

Guthrie Role Two annual rents payable from lands associated with John Guthrie are assigned to the chaplains of the choir of Brechin Cathedral:

• 16s. 8d. from the lands of John Guthrie lying between two vennels
• 6s. 8d. from the lands of John Guthrie occupied by Matilda Cabell

Other Primary Parties Identified

• James IV, King of Scots
• The chaplains of the choir of Brechin Cathedral (beneficiaries)
• Alexander Meldrum of Segy, Robert Litstar, Peter Seras, Thomas Monypenny (bailies of Brechin)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Royal precept directing the bailies of Brechin to give sasine to the cathedral chaplains of a series of small annual rents (totalling 13 merks 8d.) that the king had previously mortified to them from various properties in the burgh.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extracts)

… From the lands of John Guthre between two vennels, 16s. 8d. … From the lands of John Guthre occupied by Matilda Cabell, 6s. 8d. …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides early 16th-century evidence of lands in Brechin associated with John Guthrie that were burdened with annual rents in favour of the cathedral choir.
• Consistent with other appearances of men named John Guthrie as property holders in the burgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Mortificatio: Royal mortification (gift in free alms) of annual rents to the cathedral chaplains.
• Annui redditus: Small annual rents drawn from specific burgh tenements.
• Sasina: The precept orders the bailies to give formal sasine of these rents to the chaplains.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales XXXVII
Pages 68–69

Date of the Entry 10 December 1447

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Dominus Patricius de Guthre (lord Patrick of Guthre)

Guthrie Role His acre of land forms the eastern boundary of the acre in the Crofts of Brechin that Robert de Hyll is donating to the cathedral chaplains.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Robertus de Hyll, civis Brechinensis (donor)
• Marjoria, his wife
• The chaplains of the choir of Brechin Cathedral (beneficiaries)
• Johannes, Bishop of Brechin (witness)
• Magister Robertus de Crannoch, cantor
• Johannes Willelmi, officialis
• David Dempstar de Ouchterles
• and others

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Charter by which Robert de Hyll grants in pure and perpetual alms a tenement on the west side of the common vennel of Brechin, together with an acre of arable land in the Crofts of Brechin, to the chaplains of the cathedral choir.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… and with one acre of arable land lying in the Crofts of Brechin between the acre of lord Patrick de Guthre on the east side on the one hand and the acre formerly of John Massoun on the west side on the other …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides a mid-15th-century reference to lord Patrick of Guthre as a landholder in the Crofts of Brechin.
• His property is used as a boundary marker in a pious donation to the cathedral.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• In puram et perpetuam elemosinam: Gift in pure and perpetual alms.
• Warantizabimus: Full warrandice by the donor and his heirs.
• Boundary description using neighbouring acres (including that of Patrick de Guthre) to define the gifted land.
• Annual reddendo of 10 shillings blench to the Crown.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales XXXVIII
Pages 69–73

Date of the Entry 29 October 1429 (principal decree); related proceedings 20 August 1448

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Ricardus de Guthre, prebendarius de Lethnot (Richard of Guthre, prebendary of Lethnot)

Guthrie Role Named among the canons present and summoned to a chapter meeting on 20 August 1448 concerning the translation of earlier letters and the affairs of the chapter.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Cuthbertus, Decanus
• Johannes, Bishop of Brechin
• Magister Gilbertus Forestar, archidiaconus (the subject of the decree)
• Johannes de Lichtoun, decanus
• Duncanus de Lichtoun
• Johannes Monypeny, prebendarius de Buthirgill
• Laurencius Piot, pensionarius
• Henricus Rynd, subdecanus
• Johannes Clat, prebendarius de Glenberuy
• and others

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Chapter decree resolving multiple disputes involving Master Gilbert Forestar, the archdeacon (including issues of precedence, a breviary, the vicarage of Strathachyn, debts, and salary), together with a later notarial record of the translation of the documents.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… Richard of Guthre, prebendary of Lethnot, [among those] gathered in chapter and summoned concerning various matters touching the good of the chapter on the 20th day of August in the year of Our Lord 1448 …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Confirms Richard of Guthre as prebendary of Lethnot in 1448.
• Consistent with the Volume 1 taxation record (pp. 121–125) in which Master Richard Guthry is assessed for the prebend of Lethnot.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Decretum capitulare: Formal chapter decree issued after citation and hearing of the parties.
• Ordinatio domini Episcopi: The bishop’s ordinance made in a specially convened general chapter.
• Precedence of the four dignities (dean, precentor, chancellor, treasurer) within choir and chapter is reaffirmed.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales XL
Pages 75–78

Date of the Entry 21 June 1449 (transsumpt) (original declaration: Monday after Trinity Sunday, 1372)

Place / Prebend Identified

• Prebenda de Guthry (the prebend of Guthry / Guthre)

Role of the Place / Prebend Formally declared (in the original 1372 text now being transumed) to be one of the six simple (compatible) prebends of Brechin Cathedral. At the date of the original declaration it was held by Thomas de Lochrys (Thomas of Lathrisk / Luchris).

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes, Bishop of Brechin (ordering the transsumpt)
• Magister Dauid de Crannoch, cancellarius (presenter of the original letters)
• Patricius, Bishop of Brechin (author of the 1372 declaration)
• Thomas de Lochrys, prebendarius de Guthry (in the 1372 text)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial transsumpt of the 1372 chapter declaration defining the number, nature, and compatibility of the dignities, offices, and prebends of Brechin Cathedral, made at the request of the chancellor so that the document could be used with full faith in court or elsewhere.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract – identical in substance to the Volume 1 text)

… The remaining six benefices, namely the vicarage, the pensionary, the subdeanery, Kylmoir, Buthyrgill, and Guthry, we have found to be simple prebends and compatible with a cure and with any other benefice …

… in the presence of … Thomas de Lochrys, prebendary of Guthry …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• This is a formal 1449 transsumpt of the foundational 1372 declaration that established the prebend of Guthry as one of the six simple prebends of Brechin Cathedral.
• It reconfirms the institutional status of the prebend in the mid-15th century and preserves the name of its earliest recorded holder (Thomas de Lochrys).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Transsumptum: Official certified copy of an earlier sealed document, given the same legal force as the original.
• Incompassibilia / compassibilia: Canonical distinction between incompatible dignities and compatible simple prebends.
• Public edict and opportunity for objection were required before the transsumpt was authorised.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales XLII
Pages 79–80

Date of the Entry 21 July 1450

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Magister Alexander de Guthre de Kyncaldrum (Master Alexander of Guthre of Kincaldrum)

Guthrie Role Juror (member of the assize) in the inquisition confirming the ancient market rights of the citizens of Brechin and the bishop’s right to hold the Iter Camerarie.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes de Ogilvy de Luntrethyn, knight, sheriff-depute of Forfar (presiding)
• Walterus Lyndesay de Kynblathmont
• Walterus de Ogilvi de Bevfourd
• and numerous other local landowners serving as jurors

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Inquisition taken before the sheriff-depute to establish:

1. That the citizens of Brechin have from time immemorial held a free weekly market on Sundays with free entry and exit for buyers and sellers, and liberty in the waters of the South Esk and Tay.
2. That the Bishop of Brechin and his predecessors have the right and custom of holding the chamberlain’s courts (curiae camerarie) within the town, with the associated amercements.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… This inquisition was made at Brechin on the 21st day of the month of July in the year of Our Lord 1450 … by the underwritten jurors, namely … Master Alexander of Guthre of Kyncaldrum …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Places Master Alexander of Guthre of Kincaldrum as a local landowner of sufficient standing to serve on a royal inquisition in 1450.
• Confirms the Kincaldrum branch’s prominence in mid-15th-century Angus.
• Matches the earlier summary entry and the Volume 1 reference to the same inquisition.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Inquisitio: Formal jury inquest under royal authority.
• Liberum forum: Free market rights claimed by the burgh.
• Iter / curiae camerarie: The chamberlain’s ayre or circuit courts, here claimed by the bishop as a franchise within Brechin.
• Sealing by the sheriff and the individual jurors.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales XLV
Pages 83–86

Date of the Entry 19 March 1450

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Dauid de Guthry, clericus curie (David of Guthry, clerk of the court)

Guthrie Role Clerk of the sheriff’s court of Forfar who wrote the schedule (cedula) of the proceedings held in the bishop’s hall at Brechin; the schedule was later collated word-for-word with the court book by the notary.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes, Bishop of Brechin
• David Dempstar de Ochterles, the bishop’s bailie
• Walterus Ogilvy de Beuforde, sheriff-depute of Forfar
• Magister Johannes Lychtoun, decanus
• Various local landowners serving on the assize

Original Document Language Latin (with a Scots-language schedule of mill customs)

Purpose Notarial instrument recording a session of the sheriff’s court of Forfar held in the bishop’s hall at Brechin, dealing with a repledging claim by the bishop and with the customs of the mill of Achdouy and the Brechin smithy.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… and with this following schedule by David of Guthry, clerk of the court, and by me the undersigned notary, faithfully collated word for word …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Identifies David of Guthry as clerk of the sheriff court of Forfar in 1450.
• Places a member of the family in a professional administrative role within the local judicial system.
• Matches the earlier index entry for Dauid de Guthre, clericus curie vicecomitatus de Forfar (App. 84).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Clericus curie: Court clerk responsible for writing the formal record.
• Replegiare: The right of a lord (here the bishop) to reclaim a vassal or tenant from another court to his own.
• Assisa: Local jury called to determine customary dues of the mill and smithy.
• Collation of the paper schedule with the official court book to ensure accuracy.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales LIII
Pages 97–99

Date of the Entry 9 May 1458

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Malcolmus de Guthry, balliuus ciuitatis Brechinensis (Malcolm of Guthry, bailie of the city of Brechin)

Guthrie Role Bailie of Brechin who formally gives sasine of the tenement (by earth and stone) first to John Smart and afterwards to the common procurator of the cathedral chaplains.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Dominus Willelmus Pa, common procurator of the chaplains of the choir
• Johannes de Schoriswod, bailie and procurator of Master George de Schoriswod
• Johannes Smert (John Smart), citizen of Brechin
• Various witnesses (John Erskyn of Dun, Thomas Lydal, etc.)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial instrument recording the resignation and successive sasines of a tenement on the west side of the common vennel of Brechin, ultimately into the hands of the chaplains of the cathedral choir.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extracts)

… commanding and ordering Malcolm of Guthry, bailie of the said city, that he should give sasine of the foresaid tenement to the said John Smart …

… and the said Malcolm, the bailie aforesaid, personally went to the foresaid tenement and there by earth and stones … gave sasine of the foresaid tenement to the said lord William …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Identifies Malcolm of Guthry as bailie of Brechin in 1458.
• Consistent with other mid-15th-century references to Malcolm Guthrie as a prominent burgess and official in the town.
• Matches the earlier index entries for Malcolmus, ballivus Brechinensis (App. 98, 111, 112, etc.).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Instrumentum saisinae: Formal notarial record of the giving of sasine.
• Per fustem et baculum / per terram et lapidem: Symbolic delivery of possession by staff and baton, or by earth and stone.
• Balliuus ciuitatis: Burgh bailie acting as the officer who delivers sasine on the authority of the superior or resigning party.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales LVIII
Pages 106–108

Date of the Entry 6 March 1464 (decree of the Lords of Council) 7 March, fifth year of the reign (James III, i.e. 1465) – royal confirmation

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Master Dauid Guthre of Kincaldrum, thesaurer (Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum, royal treasurer)

Guthrie Role Named among the Lords of Council who issued the decree reducing the wrongful alienation of certain bishopric lands and offices (Ardach, Aldecat, Botheris, Nether Petforthie, and the offices of bailliary and chamberlainry).

Other Primary Parties Identified

• James III, King of Scots
• Patrick, Bishop of Brechin (pursuer on behalf of the kirk of Brechin)
• Walter Dempstar of Ochtirles and Elizabeth his mother (defenders)
• Other Lords of Council present (Bishop of St Andrews, Bishop of Galloway, Abbots of Holyrood, Paisley and Newbattle, Lord Avandale, Earl of Argyll, Lord Dernle, Sir John of Culquhone, Master Archibald of Quhitelaw, etc.)

Original Document Language Latin (royal letter) with embedded Scots text of the Council decree

Purpose Royal confirmation and enforcement of a decree of the Lords of Council reducing to the Bishop of Brechin certain lands and offices that had been wrongfully alienated by his predecessors to Walter Dempstar and his mother.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… The lords of our sovereign lord’s council underwritten, that is to say … master David Guthre of Kincaldrum, treasurer … in the action and cause moved by a reverend father in Christ Patrick, bishop of Brechin, in the name and behalf of his kirk of Brechin …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Confirms Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum holding the high office of royal treasurer in 1464/65.
• Shows him sitting as one of the Lords of Council in a major case involving the temporalities of the bishopric of Brechin.
• Consistent with his earlier appearance as camerarius in 1459/60 and with the prominence of the Kincaldrum branch.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Reductio: Judicial reduction (annulment) of an alienation made to the prejudice of the church.
• Lords of Council: The king’s council sitting in a judicial capacity.
• Royal letters under the Great Seal directing the sheriff and bailies of Forfar to put the bishop into possession.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales LXI
Pages 111–112

Date of the Entry 10 June 1469

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Malcolmus Guthre (Malcolm Guthrie)

Guthrie Role His land forms the northern boundary of the tenement from which Robert Thowless is resigning an annual rent of 26s. 8d. in favour of the chaplains of the cathedral choir.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Robertus Thoulace (Robert Thowless), with consent of his father William Thoulace
• Ricardus Wilzamsoun, one of the bailies of Brechin
• Dominus Nicholaus Jonson, common procurator of the chaplains of the choir
• Witnesses: Robert Litstar, William Strathauquhin, John Sadiller

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial instrument recording the resignation by Robert Thowless of an annual rent of 26s. 8d. from his tenement (with its acre) and the subsequent sasine of that rent to the common procurator of the cathedral chaplains.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… a certain annual rent of twenty-six shillings and eight pence usual money of the kingdom of Scotland from his tenement together with its acre, lying between the land of Malcolm Guthre on the north side on the one hand and the land of John Scaw on the south side on the other …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides a 1469 boundary reference to land in Brechin belonging to Malcolm Guthrie.
• Consistent with other mid-to-late 15th-century appearances of Malcolm Guthrie as a property holder and official in the burgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Annus redditus: Annual rent resigned into the hands of a bailie and then given in sasine to the chaplains.
• Per traditionem unius denarii: Symbolic resignation by delivery of a penny.
• Boundary description using neighbouring properties (including Malcolm Guthre’s land) to identify the burdened tenement.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales LXII
Pages 112–113

Date of the Entry 8 July 1469

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Malcolmus Guthre (Malcolm Guthrie)

Guthrie Role His land forms the northern boundary of the tenement from which Robert de Thoulace is granting an annual rent of 26s. 8d. to the chaplains of the cathedral choir.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Robertus de Thoulace, civis Brechinensis (grantor)
• Margareta, his spouse
• The chaplains of the choir of Brechin Cathedral (beneficiaries)
• Johannes Dempstar de Ochtirles (who had previously granted a merk of annual rent from another tenement)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Charter by which Robert de Thoulace grants in pure and perpetual alms an annual rent of 26s. 8d. from his tenement on the east side of the High Street of Brechin (together with its adjacent acre) to the chaplains of the cathedral choir, for the welfare of his own soul and those of his wife, parents, and others.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… one annual rent of twenty-six shillings and eight pence usual money of the kingdom of Scotland from my whole and entire tenement lying within the city of Brechin on the east side of the High Street of the same, between the lands of Malcolm Guthre on the north side on the one hand and [the lands of] John Scall on the south side on the other …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Confirms the same 1469 boundary reference to Malcolm Guthrie’s land in Brechin that appears in the preceding instrument of resignation (Cartae Originales LXI).
• Shows Malcolm Guthrie as an established neighbouring proprietor on the east side of the High Street.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• In puram et perpetuam elemosinam: Gift in pure and perpetual alms.
• Annus redditus: Annual rent charged on a burgage tenement.
• Full warrandice by the grantor and his heirs.
• Anniversary and weekly masses required in return for the gift.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales LXIX
Pages 120–121

Date of the Entry 17 November 1485

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Malcolmus Guthre, civis ciuitatis Brechinensis (Malcolm Guthrie, citizen of Brechin)
• Johannes Guthre, filius et heres apparens (John Guthrie, his son and heir apparent)
• Egidia, sponsa Malcolmi (Egidia / Giles, wife of Malcolm)

Guthrie Role Malcolm Guthrie, with the consent of his son and heir John, grants two annual rents totalling 28s. to the chaplains of the cathedral choir in pure alms.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The chaplains of the choir of Brechin Cathedral (beneficiaries)
• Robertus Thowlass (whose tenement is burdened with one of the rents)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Charter of mortification by which Malcolm Guthrie grants:

• 18s. annual rent from his own tenement on the east side of Brechin, and
• 10s. annual rent due to him from the tenement of Robert Thowlass to the chaplains of the cathedral choir, for the welfare of his own soul, the soul of his wife Egidia, his parents, and others, with provision for weekly masses and an anniversary.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extracts)

… Know that I, with the consent and assent of John Guthre, my son and heir apparent … have given … to God … and to the chaplains in the choir of the cathedral of Brechin … one annual rent of eighteen shillings … from my whole and entire tenement … between the land of Robert Thowlass on the south … and the land formerly of William Michelson on the north …

… and also ten shillings of annual rent owed to me yearly from the whole and entire tenement of Robert Thowlass … between the land of John Scall on the south and the land of the said Malcolm Guthre on the north …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Primary charter issued by Malcolm Guthrie himself in 1485.
• Explicitly names his wife Egidia and his son and heir apparent John Guthrie.
• Confirms Malcolm as a substantial property holder in Brechin who could burden his own tenement and an annual rent he held from another.
• Matches the Tabula entry LXIX and earlier boundary references to Malcolm’s lands.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• In puram et perpetuam elemosinam: Gift in pure and perpetual alms.
• Cum consensu … filii et heredis apparentis: Consent of the heir apparent required for the alienation.
• Weekly mass at the altar of St Duthac and a full anniversary with placebo, dirige, and solemn mass after the grantor’s death.
• Full warrandice by Malcolm and his heirs.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales LXXV
Pages 135–136

Date of the Entry 19 October 1490

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Alexander Guthre de eodem, miles (Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, knight)

Guthrie Role Witness to a notarial instrument recording proceedings in the burgh court of Montrose concerning the resignation of a tenement that was burdened with an annual rent of 10s. owed to the cathedral of Brechin.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• David Falconer de Balandrow (the party making the public declaration)
• Willelmus, Bishop of Brechin (who requested the instrument)
• David, Duke of Montrose (present)
• Magister Henricus Meldrum, precentor of Brechin
• and other local figures

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial instrument recording that David Falconer publicly admitted in the burgh court of Montrose that he had alienated a tenement which was due an annual rent of 10s. to Brechin Cathedral (reserving only 5s. to himself), and that by inquest of the court it was found he was not the true possessor of the tenement.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… Present there the great and powerful prince David, Duke of Montrose, Alexander Guthre of that Ilk, knight, Master Henry Meldrum, precentor of Brechin, David Rossy of that Ilk, Walter Cant, William Nudry, David Paniter, Master Patrick Stratoune, and William Pater, serjeant, with many others …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, styled knight, as a witness in Montrose in 1490.
• Places the head of the principal Guthrie family in a formal legal setting involving the bishopric of Brechin’s rights in Montrose.
• Consistent with the rising status of the Guthrie of that Ilk line in the late 15th century.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Instrumentum super resignatione: Notarial record of a resignation or related court proceedings.
• Inquisitio totius curie: Inquest of the whole burgh court to determine possession.
• Presence of high-status witnesses (including a duke and a knight) to strengthen the instrument.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales LXXVI
Pages 136–137

Date of the Entry 20 May 1493

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Johannes Guthre (John Guthrie)

Guthrie Role His lands form the eastern boundary of the tenement in Brechin that is being resigned by Walter Tyndell and his spouse Joneta Dempstar.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Walterus Tyndell and Joneta Dempstar, his spouse (resigners)
• Robertus Jacobi, one of the bailies of Brechin
• The chaplains of the cathedral choir (who receive a reserved annual rent of 13s. 4d.)
• Witnesses: John Dempstar of Ouchterles, William Thowless of Conansith, etc.

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial instrument recording the resignation of a tenement in Brechin (lying between the lands of William Turing on the west and John Guthre on the east) into the hands of a bailie, with reservation of a free tenement for the lives of the resigners and an annual rent of 13s. 4d. to the cathedral chaplains.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… a certain their tenement with pertinents as it lies in front and in rear between the lands of William Turing on the west and the lands of John Guthre on the east within the City of Brechin …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides a 1493 boundary reference to lands in Brechin belonging to John Guthrie.
• Consistent with other late-15th-century appearances of men named John Guthrie as property holders in the burgh (including the son of Malcolm Guthrie named in the 1485 charter).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Resignatio per fustem et baculum: Formal resignation by staff and baton into the hands of a bailie.
• Liberum tenementum: Liferent reserved to the resigners.
• Reservation of an annual rent to the cathedral chaplains for anniversary services.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales XCV
Pages 158–159

Date of the Entry 10 October 1507

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Johannes Guthre (John Guthrie)

Guthrie Role His lands form the eastern boundary of the two acres of arable land in the territory of Brechin that Richard Turing is selling to David Lione of Brekky.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Ricardus Turing, civis Brechinensis (seller)
• Egidia Rait, his spouse (consenting)
• David Lione de Brekkye (purchaser)
• Witnesses include Master David Gardin (vicar of Farnell and commissary), Peter Seres, Robert Fowlartoune, etc.

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Charter by which Richard Turing, with consent of his wife Egidia Rait, sells two acres of arable land in the territory of Brechin to David Lione of Brekky, to be held in free burgage of the King.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… those two acres of my arable lands with pertinents lying within the territory of Brechin between the lands of William Rede on the west on the one hand and the lands of John Guthre on the east on the other …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides a 1507 boundary reference to lands belonging to John Guthrie in the territory (croft lands) of Brechin.
• Continues the pattern of John Guthrie appearing as a neighbouring proprietor in Brechin land transactions in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Venditio with spousal consent.
• Holding in liberum burgagium of the King.
• Reddendo of the customary royal ferme (firmam regiam).

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CI
Page 164

Date of the Entry (Same day and place as the preceding charter of Richard Turing – early 16th century, contextually c. 1507–1510s)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• David Guthre, clericus parochialis de Brechin (David Guthrie, parish clerk of Brechin)

Guthrie Role His land forms the western boundary of the part of the tenement that Richard Turing is granting to Master Hugh Dowglace in warrandice of an annual rent.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Ricardus Turing (grantor)
• Magister Hugo Dowglace (grantee)
• Jacobus Myr (occupant of another part of the tenement)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Charter by which Richard Turing grants to Master Hugh Dowglace one part of the tenement in which Turing himself lives, in warrandice of a previously granted annual rent.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… one part of the tenement in which the said Richard lives, lying between the land formerly of Thomas Cutlair on the east and the land of David Guthre, parish clerk of Brechin, on the west, and another part of the said tenement in which James Myr lives on the north and the church way on the south, in warrandice of the foresaid annual rent.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Identifies David Guthrie as parish clerk (clericus parochialis) of Brechin in the early 16th century.
• Places him as a neighbouring property holder in the burgh.
• Matches the earlier index entry for Dauid, clericus parochialis de Brechin (App. 164).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• In warantum: Grant of property in warrandice (security) for a previously conveyed annual rent.
• Boundary description using neighbouring tenements and the church way.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CIII, Page 165

Date of the Entry 15 March 1511

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Alexander Guthre (Alexander Guthrie)

Guthrie Role Witness to a charter of alienation.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Henricus Steynsone (grantor)
• Magister Hugo Dowglas, decanus Brechinensis (grantee)
• Other witnesses: Dominus Patricius Boyis (treasurer of Brechin), David Ogilvy (rector of Newdosk), Stephanus Annand (bailie), Andrea Jhonsoun, Dominus Johannes Jamesoun (chaplain)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Charter by which Henry Steynsone alienates to Master Hugh Douglas, dean of Brechin, his part of the tenement from which an annual rent is due, to be held in free burgage, rendering 20 pence yearly to the temporal lord of Brechin.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… before these witnesses: lords Patrick Boyis, treasurer of Brechin; David Ogilvy, rector of Newdosk; Stephen Annand, one of the bailies of the City of Brechin; Alexander Guthre; Andrew Jhonsoun; and lord John Jamesoun, chaplain, with divers others.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records an Alexander Guthrie as a witness in Brechin in 1511.
• Places him among local clergy, officials, and burgesses in a transaction involving the dean of Brechin.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Carta alienationis: Charter of alienation of a burgage tenement.
• Holding in liberum burgagium.
• Small annual reddendo (20 pence) to the temporal superior.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CIX

Page 172

Date of the Entry 19 March 1515

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Johannes Guthre (John Guthrie)
• Alexander Guthre (Alexander Guthrie)

Guthrie Role

• John Guthrie’s lands form the western boundary of one of the pieces of arable land being conveyed.
• Alexander Guthrie appears as a witness to the instrument of sasine.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Jacobus Cutler alias Layng (who had previously resigned the property)
• Patricius Annand (in whose favour the resignation was made)
• Willelmus Ricardi, one of the bailies of Brechin (who gives sasine)
• Other witnesses: Alexander Ramsay, Jacobus Pottar, Willelmus Howe, etc.

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Instrument of sasine of a tenement on the west side of Brechin (together with two pieces of arable land) that had been resigned by James Cutler alias Layng in favour of Patrick Annand.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extracts)

… and one piece of arable land lying on the same western part of the City of Brechin between the lands of the heirs of the late John Tod on the east and the lands of John Guthre on the west …

… Witnesses … Alexander Guthre, James Pottar, William Howe …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides a 1515 boundary reference to lands of John Guthrie in Brechin.
• Records Alexander Guthrie as a witness in the same transaction, showing continued presence of both names in local property affairs in the early 16th century.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Instrumentum saisinae: Notarial record of the giving of sasine following a prior resignation.
• Boundary descriptions using neighbouring properties and natural features (le leche de Messindew).
• Sasine given by a burgh bailie.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CXI
Page 173

Date of the Entry 10 May 1518

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Joneta Guthre (Janet / Jonet Guthrie)

Guthrie Role Spouse of Alexander Ramsay, citizen of Brechin; she and her husband receive the tenement that is being resigned and regranted by the Bishop of Brechin.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Magister Johannes Meldrum, rector of Burgill (acting as procurator for the resignation)
• Dominus Johannes Chepman, chaplain (original holder of the tenement)
• Johannes, Bishop of Brechin (into whose hands the tenement is resigned and who then grants it)
• Alexander Ramsay, civis Brechinensis (husband of Joneta Guthre)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Notarial instrument recording the resignation of a tenement in Brechin (belonging to lord John Chepman) into the hands of the Bishop of Brechin, who then delivers the same tenement to Alexander Ramsay and his spouse Joneta Guthre.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… and the same most reverend [bishop] delivers the whole and entire foresaid tenement to the honourable man Alexander Ramsay, citizen of Brechin, and to Joneta Guthre his spouse.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records Joneta / Janet Guthrie as the wife of Alexander Ramsay, a citizen of Brechin, in 1518.
• Shows a Guthrie woman participating (with her husband) in a significant urban property transaction involving the bishop.
• Matches the earlier index reference to Joneta Guthre (App. 173).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Resignation into the hands of the bishop as superior, followed by regrant.
• Joint infeftment of husband and wife.
• Notarial instrument under apostolic authority.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CXIX
Page 197

Date of the Entry 5 December 1531

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Johannes Guthre (John Guthrie), now deceased (“quondam”)

Guthrie Role His former lands form the southern boundary of the tenement on the east side of Brechin that is being given in sasine to Richard Chepman, legitimate heir of the late John Chepman alias Richertsoun.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Georgius Fentoun, bailie of Brechin (who gives sasine)
• Richardus Chepman (recipient, as heir of his father)
• Witnesses: Duncan Fethe of Cuykstoun, lords Jacobo Leslie, Johanne Duncani, Gilberto Roberti (chaplains), etc.

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Instrument of sasine of a tenement on the east side of Brechin (formerly belonging to John Chepman alias Richertsoun) in favour of his legitimate heir Richard Chepman.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… a certain tenement formerly of John Chepman alias Richertsoun, once citizen of the City of Brechin, lying on the east side of the same between the lands formerly of John Guthre on the south and the lands of the heirs of the late David Buthyrgask on the north …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides a 1531 boundary reference to lands that had belonged to the late John Guthrie on the east side of Brechin.
• Continues the long series of references to John Guthrie (or his heirs) as neighbouring proprietors in the burgh.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Instrumentum saisinae: Formal notarial record of sasine given by a burgh bailie to an heir.
• Boundary description using the lands of deceased neighbours (“quondam”).

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CLIV
Pages 226–227

Date of the Entry 17 April 1588 (precept) 29 April 1588 (sasine)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Willelmus Guthre (William Guthrie), now deceased (“quondam”)

Guthrie Role His former lands (or those of his heirs) form the western boundary of the tenement on the west side of Brechin that is being given in sasine to the two daughters of the late John Audny and their husbands.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Margareta Audny and Johanna Audny (heiresses)
• Robertus Rollok (husband of Margaret)
• Johannes Brown, faber lignarius (husband of Johanna)
• David Petcarne (superior issuing the precept)
• Alexander Ramsay, chaplain of St Anne’s chaplainry (bailie for the sasine)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Instrument of sasine of a tenement (and an adjacent acre) on the west side of Brechin in favour of the two nearest female heirs of the late John Audny and their husbands.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… a certain tenement lying within the said City on the western part of the same between the lands formerly of the heirs of the late William Guthre, now belonging to Andrew Watt, on the west … and the common royal way or vennel called the Prenteis Vynd on the south …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides a late-16th-century (1588) boundary reference to lands that had belonged to the late William Guthrie (or his heirs) in Brechin.
• Shows that by 1588 those lands had passed to Andrew Watt.
• Continues the long documentary trail of Guthrie property holdings in the burgh into the post-Reformation period.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Sasine following a precept from a superior (David Petcarne).
• Joint infeftment of co-heiresses and their husbands.
• Boundary description using both former and current owners of neighbouring properties.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CLV
Page 227

Date of the Entry 9 June 1589

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthre, portionarius de Balnabreche (James Guthrie, portioner of Balnabreche)
• Cristina Barroun, his spouse
• Andreas Guthre de Vester Balnabreche (Andrew Guthrie of Wester Balnabreche) – bailie
• Jacobus Guthre, filius suus (James Guthrie, his son) – witness

Guthrie Role

• James Guthrie of Balnabreche (with consent of his wife) issues a precept of sasine for an annual rent of 18 bolls of victual from the western half of the lands of Balnabreche.
• Andrew Guthrie of Wester Balnabreche acts as his bailie to deliver the sasine.
• A son named James Guthrie is present as a witness.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes Daikeris in Kyndrocat and Joneta Jak, his spouse (recipients of the annual rent)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Precept of sasine by which James Guthrie, portioner of Balnabreche, directs his bailie Andrew Guthrie of Wester Balnabreche to give sasine of an annual rent of 18 bolls of victual (two parts oatmeal and one part bere) from the western half of the lands of Balnabreche to John Daikeris and his wife.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

Precept given by James Guthre, portioner of Balnabreche, with the consent of Cristina Barroun his spouse, to Andrew Guthre of Wester Balnabreche, his bailie, that he should deliver to John Daikeris in Kyndrocat and Joneta Jak his spouse sasine of one annual rent of eighteen bolls of victual … from the lands of the western half of the lands of Balnabreche … before these witnesses James Guthre his son, Alexander Ogilwy, John Rannie and Robert Mannie his servants. 9 June 1589.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Documents the Balnabreche / Wester Balnabreche branch of the family in 1589.
• Explicitly names James Guthrie (portioner), his wife Cristina Barroun, his son James, and Andrew Guthrie of Wester Balnabreche acting as bailie.
• Matches the earlier Tabula entry CLV and the summary entries for Jacobus Guthre portionarius de Balnabreche and Andreas Guthre de Wester Balnabreche.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Portionarius: A portioner (holder of a portion of a divided estate).
• Praeceptum saisinae: Precept directing a bailie to give sasine of an annual rent in victual.
• Consent of the spouse required for the alienation.
• Annual rent payable between Christmas and Candlemas.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CLXI
Pages 230–231

Date of the Entry 8 March 1598

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Andreas Guthre (Andrew Guthrie), formerly in Brechin, now living in Dod

Guthrie Role Resigns a piece of waste ground (the site of the former college house of the choir priests of Brechin, with its close) into the hands of the superiors in favour of William Mortown, lime-burner, citizen of Brechin.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Robertus Kynneir, one of the bailies of Brechin
• Georgius Arrott, master of the hospital of Brechin (superiors receiving the resignation)
• Willelmus Mortown, calcifactor (lime-burner), the recipient
• Witnesses: John Ramsay (commissary), Robert Rollok, Robert Vymiss in Ower Petforthy, etc.

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Instrument of sasine following the resignation by Andrew Guthrie of a piece of waste land (the old college site) in favour of William Mortown, who is to hold it for an annual payment of 6s. 8d. to the hospital and the poor lodged there.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

Instrument of sasine upon the resignation of Andrew Guthre, formerly in Brechin, now living in Dod, into the hands of Robert Kynneir, one of the bailies, and George Arrott, master of the hospital of the foresaid City, his lords superiors, in favour of William Mortown, lime-burner, citizen of Brechin, of that piece of waste land or ground of the ancient house of the college in which the priests of the choir of Brechin used to dwell, with its close …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records Andrew Guthrie as a former resident of Brechin who by 1598 was living in Dod.
• Shows him disposing of urban property associated with the old collegiate/choir buildings.
• Consistent with other late-16th-century appearances of Andrew Guthrie (including the Wester Balnabreche connection).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Resignation into the hands of the superiors (bailies and hospital master).
• Annual reddendo of 6s. 8d. to the hospital and the poor.
• Reservation of certain buildings and a vennel to the town authorities.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CLXII
Page 231

Date of the Entry 22 & 25 May 1600 (charter) 23 June 1600 (sasine)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• David Guthrie, filius Joannis Guthrie apud Newmylne (David Guthrie, son of John Guthrie at Newmylne)

Guthrie Role Witness to the instrument of sasine of a garden in Brechin.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Andreas Hay, civis Brechinensis (grantor)
• Andreas Wod, formerly portioner of Eister Drwmmis (consenting)
• Johannes Smart, servitor of James, master of Ogilvy (recipient)
• Thomas Vinzeitis in Dubtoun (bailie giving sasine)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Instrument of sasine of a garden lying on the west side of Brechin, south of the outer close of the bishop’s palace, granted by Andrew Hay (with consent of Andrew Wod) to John Smart.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… before these witnesses: John Udny in Ower Pitforthie, James Thayn, citizen of the said City, John Lyoun dwelling there, and David Guthrie, son of John Guthrie at Newmylne.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records David Guthrie, identified as the son of John Guthrie at Newmylne, as a witness in Brechin in 1600.
• Provides a late-16th / early-17th-century link between a Guthrie family at Newmylne and the burgh of Brechin.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Sasine of a garden following a charter of alienation.
• Consent of a former portioner.
• Local witnesses including family members of neighbouring proprietors.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CLXVII
Pages 234–235

Date of the Entry 6 September 1605

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Henricus Guthrie, burgensis de Dundie (Henry Guthrie, burgess of Dundee)

Guthrie Role Witness to the instrument of sasine of certain acres in the eastern field of Dudhope.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Elizabetha Lyoun (daughter of the late Patrick Lyoun, bailie of Dundee) – resigner
• David Lyndesay (her future husband, son of David Lyndesay, bailie of Brechin) – recipient
• Griselidis Burse (her mother) and Sir James Scrimgeour of Dudhope (her superior) – consenting
• Witnesses also include Gilbert Kemtie (king’s messenger), David Petrie, and Patrick Lyoun (her brother)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Instrument of sasine following the resignation by Elizabeth Lyoun of nine acres of arable land (with half the teind sheaves) in the eastern field of Dudhope in favour of her future husband David Lyndesay.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… Sasine delivered by the same Elizabeth Lyoun before these witnesses: Gilbert Kemtie, king’s messenger, David Petrie and Henry Guthrie, burgesses of the said burgh of Dundee, and Patrick Lyoun, legitimate son of the late Patrick Lyoun …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records Henry Guthrie as a burgess of Dundee in 1605.
• Places a member of the family in the merchant/burgess community of Dundee at the beginning of the 17th century.
• Matches the earlier index entry for Henricus, burgensis de Dundee (App. 235).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Resignation by a woman (with maternal and superior’s consent) in contemplation of marriage.
• Sasine of acres together with a share of the teind sheaves.
• Local burgess witnesses from Dundee.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CLXXVII
Pages 240–241

Date of the Entry 10 March 1613

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Isobell Guthrie, relict of the deceased John Leslie
• Mr. James Guthrie, minister at Orquhart

Guthrie Role

• Isobell Guthrie (widow of John Leslie) is one of the grantors of the procuratory of resignation.
• Mr. James Guthrie, minister at Orquhart, is named among those giving consent.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Christiane Leslie (daughter and heiress of the late John Leslie younger, citizen of Brechin) and William Leslie in Auld Leslie, her spouse
• Patrik Leslie of Kincregie
• George Leslie, fiar of Kincregie (her son)
• Jhone Leslie in Baldeforro (his brother)
• George Barroun of Kynnard (consenting)
• Johne Oudny in Ower Pitforthie (grantee)

Original Document Language English (Scots)

Purpose Procuratory of resignation granted by the Leslie family and Isobell Guthrie (with consents) for the resignation of two contiguous tenements in the Nether West Wynd of Brechin and certain acres in the Saidler Cruik, in implement of a contract with John Oudny.

Modern English Translation (Summary of the relevant portion)

Procuratory granted by Christiane Leslie … and Isobell Guthrie, relict of the said deceased John Leslie, with consent of the said Patrick Leslie, George Barroun of Kynnard and Mr. James Guthrie, minister at Orquhart … for resigning … these two tenements … and that acre of arable land … in favour of the said John Oudny.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Confirms Isobell Guthrie as the widow of John Leslie, citizen of Brechin, in 1613.
• Identifies Mr. James Guthrie as minister at Orquhart (Urquhart) and as a consenter in this family property transaction.
• Matches the earlier Tabula entry CLXXVII.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Procuratory of Resignation: Formal written authority to resign property into the hands of the superiors (bailies and Master of the Hospital of Brechin).
• Consent of the widow, family members, and a minister required for the transaction.
• Implement of a prior contract between the parties.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CLXXIX
Pages 241–242

Date of the Entry 29 April 1623 (charter) 20 June 1623 (sasine)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Thomas, praepositus de Guthrie (Thomas, Provost of Guthrie)

Guthrie Role Named among the chapter members (dean, canons, etc.) who subscribe the charter of feufarm of the former archdeacon’s manse.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Magister Thomas Burnet, archidiaconus Brechinensis (grantor)
• David, Bishop of Brechin, the dean and canons (consenting)
• Johannes Mortimer olim de Cragiwar and Helena Symmer, his spouse (recipients)
• Other chapter members listed (J. Campbell dean, J. Wemss subdean, Robert Noray precentor, etc.)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Instrument of sasine following a charter of feufarm by which the Archdeacon of Brechin (with consent of the bishop and chapter) grants the former archdeacon’s manse in conjunct infeftment to John Mortimer and his wife Helen Symmer.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… the charter subscribed by the said archdeacon and bishop, J. Campbell dean, J. Wemss subdean, Robert Noray precentor, Robert Noray vicar, Thomas, provost of Guthrie, Al. Bissat rector of Kilmoir, John Noray treasurer, J. Piggot rector of Lethnot, L. Skynner chancellor and Andrew Allan rector of Phynnewin …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records the Provost of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie (named Thomas) as a participating member of the chapter of Brechin in 1623.
• Continues the long association of the collegiate church of Guthrie with the cathedral chapter of Brechin into the early 17th century.
• Matches the earlier Tabula / index references to the Provost of Guthrie.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Carta feodifirmae: Charter of feufarm (heritable tenure for an annual feu-duty).
• Conjunct infeftment of husband and wife.
• Consent of the full chapter, including the Provost of Guthrie.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CLXXXVII
Page 246

Date of the Entry 24 February 1637

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthrie de Pitforthie (James Guthrie of Pitforthie)

Guthrie Role Grantee of the former archdeacon’s manse (now a fallen and ruinous tenement) in Brechin.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Joannes Mortymer olim de Craigievar (John Mortimer, formerly of Craigievar) – grantor
• Witnesses: Jacobus Stratoun (writer to the signet) and Magister Georgius Stratoun, his son

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Charter by which John Mortimer grants to James Guthrie of Pitforthie and his heirs the fallen and ruinous tenement that was formerly the manse of the Archdeacons of the church of Brechin.

Modern English Translation Charter granted by the foresaid John Mortymer, formerly of Craigievar, to James Guthrie of Pitforthie, his heirs and assignees, of that tenement of fallen and ruinous land which was formerly the manse of the Archdeacons of the church of Brechin (No. CXL) … 24 February 1637.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records James Guthrie of Pitforthie acquiring the site of the former archdeacon’s manse in 1637.
• Links the Pitforthie branch of the family to a significant piece of former ecclesiastical property in Brechin.
• Matches the earlier index / Tabula references to Jacobus Guthrie de Pitforthie (App. 246).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Simple charter of alienation of a ruined urban tenement.
• Reference back to the earlier feufarm (No. CXL / CLXXIX).

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CXCIV
Page 250

Date of the Entry 11 April 1657

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Georgius Strachan, praefectus de Guthrie (George Strachan, Provost of Guthrie)

Guthrie Role Named among the chapter members who subscribe the charter re-granting a tenement to the Master of the Hospital of Brechin.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Magister Joannes Strathauchin, archidiaconus Brechinensis (grantor)
• David, Bishop of Brechin, the dean and canons (consenting)
• Andreas Allan, magister hospitalis (recipient)
• Other chapter members: David Carnegy (dean), J. Guild (precentor), Robert Norie (rector of Lethnot), David Strachan (treasurer), etc.

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Charter by which the Archdeacon of Brechin (with consent of the bishop and chapter) anew grants a tenement to Andrew Allan, Master of the Hospital, for the use previously specified.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… subscribed by the said archdeacon and bishop, David Carnegy dean, J. Guild precentor, Robert Norie rector of the church of Lethnot, George Strachan, provost of Guthrie, David Strachan treasurer, R. Stratone rector of Phinehaven, Hercules Skinner chancellor …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records George Strachan as Provost of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie in 1657.
• Shows the continued formal association of the Provost of Guthrie with the chapter of Brechin into the mid-17th century (post-Reformation).
• Matches the pattern of earlier references to the Provost of Guthrie appearing in chapter acts.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Re-grant (“de novo dat”) of a tenement by the archdeacon with full chapter consent.
• The Provost of Guthrie is treated as a participating member of the cathedral chapter for this purpose.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CCXXVII
Page 274

Date of the Entry 10 September 1457

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Malcolmus de Guthery (Malcolm of Guthery / Guthrie)

Guthrie Role Witness to an instrument of sasine of two tenements with acres of arable land in Brechin.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Johannes Willelmi (who resigns and takes sasine again in his own favour)
• Bailies: David Dempster, Richard Willelmi, and John Inglis
• Other witnesses: David Dempster of Ouchterles (bailie of the bishop), Cuthbert de Rate, Alexander Webster (serjeant), John Baxter, etc.

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Instrument of sasine following a resignation by John Williamson of two tenements with arable acres, taken again in his own favour.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… witnesses: David Dempster of Ouchterles, bailie of the reverend father, Malcolm of Guthery, Cuthbert of Rate, Alexander Webster serjeant, John Baxter, with many others …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records Malcolm of Guthery as a witness in Brechin in 1457.
• Consistent with the mid-15th-century appearances of Malcolm Guthrie as a local figure and property holder in the burgh (cf. the 1458, 1469 and 1485 references).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Sasine following resignation into the hands of the burgh bailies, taken again by the same party.
• Local witnesses of standing, including the bishop’s bailie.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CCLXV
Pages 301–302

Date of the Entry 22 April 1579

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Johannes Guthre (John Guthrie), now deceased (“quondam”)

Guthrie Role His former lands form the eastern boundary of one of the pieces of arable land (called Brounishillok) that William Broun is selling to Alexander Lyndesay of Wayn.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Willelmus Broun, heir of the late David Broun, vicar pensioner of Edzell (seller)
• Alexander Lyndesay de Wayn (purchaser)
• Witnesses: Watt Roose of Murtoun, Master George Lyndesay, Henry Traill, etc.

Original Document Language Latin (with a short Scots subscription)

Purpose Charter of sale by which William Broun sells to Alexander Lyndesay of Wayn a tenement with garden and several pieces of arable land on the west side of Brechin.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… and another acre of arable land with its pertinents lying on the same part of the said City which is called Brounishillok … between the lands formerly of John Guthre on the east, the lands of the Haugh of Brechin on the west and south, and the lands called the Weitlandis on the north …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Provides a 1579 boundary reference to lands that had belonged to the late John Guthrie on the west side of Brechin.
• Continues the long series of references to John Guthrie (or his heirs) as neighbouring proprietors in the burgh into the later 16th century.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Carta venditionis: Charter of sale of urban and croft lands.
• Holding in free burgage of the King, with a nominal blench ferme of one penny.
• Detailed boundary descriptions using both living and deceased neighbours.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CCCIII
Page 336

Date of the Entry 10 July 1575

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Magister Hugo Guthrie (Master Hugh Guthrie), now deceased
• Cristina Rattray, his relict (widow)
• Patricius Guthrie, filius dicte Cristine (Patrick Guthrie, son of the said Cristine)

Guthrie Role

• Master Hugh Guthrie was the previous holder (the lands are confirmed to his widow in liferent and his son in fee).
• Cristina Rattray receives the lands of Dawgathy in liferent.
• Patrick Guthrie receives the lands in heritage.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Alexander, Bishop of Brechin (grantor of the original feu-farm charter, now being confirmed)
• The Dean and Chapter of Brechin (consenting)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Precept of a charter of confirmation of a feu-farm of the town and lands of Dawgathy (in the barony of Kethik, sheriffdom of Forfar) previously granted by Bishop Alexander of Brechin, with consent of the chapter, to Cristina Rattray (widow of Master Hugh Guthrie) in liferent and to Patrick Guthrie, her son, in fee.

Modern English Translation Precept of a charter of confirmation upon a charter of feu-farm made by Alexander, Bishop of Brechin, with consent of the dean and chapter of the cathedral church of Brechin, to the late Cristina Rattray, relict of the late Master Hugh Guthrie, in liferent … and to Patrick Guthrie, son of the said Cristina, his heirs and assignees heritably, of the town and lands of Dawgathy with their pertinents lying in the barony of Kethik within the sheriffdom of Forfar … At Dalkeith, 10 July 1575.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Documents the family of Master Hugh Guthrie and his widow Cristina Rattray holding the lands of Dawgathy in 1575.
• Explicitly names their son Patrick Guthrie as the heir in fee.
• Provides one of the clearer parent–child links in the later 16th-century Guthrie material connected with the bishopric.
• Matches the earlier index / Tabula references to Hugo Guthrie and Patricius Guthrie in connection with Dawgathy (App. 336).

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Preceptum carte confirmationis: Precept for a charter of confirmation of a previous feu-farm grant.
• In vitali redditu (liferent) to the widow and hereditarie to the son.
• Holding of the lands of Dawgathy in feu-farm of the Bishop of Brechin.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CCCV
Pages 336–337

Date of the Entry 3 February 1576/77

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Alexander Guthre de eodem (Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk), undoubted patron of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie
• Gabriel Guthre, his legitimate son (student at St Leonard’s)
• Andreas Guthre, his other legitimate son (student of grammar)

Guthrie Role

• Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, as patron, grants the Provostship of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie to his son Gabriel for life, and the prebend of Hiltoun and Langlandis to his son Andrew for life.
• The document is the royal precept of confirmation of those two letters of donation.

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The King (James VI) – confirming the grants

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Royal precept of confirmation of two letters of donation made by Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, undoubted patron of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie:

1. Granting the Provostship of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie (with glebe, manor, yards, teinds, and all emoluments) to his legitimate son Gabriel Guthrie (student at St Leonard’s) for life.
2. Granting the prebend of Hiltoun and Langlandis in the same collegiate church (with glebe, manor, yard, teinds, and all emoluments) to his other legitimate son Andrew Guthrie (student of grammar) for life.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extracts)

Precept of a letter of confirmation upon a letter of donation made by Alexander Guthre of that Ilk, undoubted patron of the collegiate church of Guthre, to Gabriel Guthre his legitimate son, student in St Leonard’s, giving … the provostry of the said collegiate church … to the said Gabriel … for all the days of the said Gabriel’s life.

And also another letter of donation made by the said Alexander, the undoubted patron foresaid, to Andrew Guthre his other legitimate son, student in grammar, of the prebend of the said collegiate church of Guthre called the prebend of Hiltoun and Langlandis … for all the days of the said Andrew’s life.

At Holyroodhouse, 3 February 1576.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• One of the most important late-16th-century family documents in the Register.
• Explicitly identifies Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk as patron of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie and names two of his legitimate sons: – Gabriel Guthrie (Provost) – Andrew Guthrie (prebendary of Hiltoun and Langlandis)
• Demonstrates the family’s continued control of the collegiate church that bears their name after the Reformation.
• Matches the earlier summary entry for the 1576–7 royal confirmations of Gabriel and Andrew Guthrie.

Legal Terms and Scottish Practices

• Patronus indubitatus: Undoubted patron with the right of presentation/donation.
• Letters of donation of a provostry and a prebend for life.
• Royal confirmation under the Great Seal (precept of a letter of confirmation).
• Reservation of the usual prayers and suffrages for the King and his successors.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CCCXXXIII
Page 345

Date of the Entry 26 December 1583

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Robert Guthrie of Lwnane (Robert Guthrie of Lunan)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The King (James VI) – grantor of the tack (as successor to the canons of Brechin after the Reformation)

Original Document Language English (Scots summary in the printed register)

Purpose Tack (lease) for nineteen years granting to Robert Guthrie of Lunan the teinds of his own lands of Over Dysart in the parish of Brechin, which had formerly belonged in common to the canons of Brechin but since the Reformation belonged to the King.

Guthrie Role Tacksman (lessee) of the teinds of Over Dysart.

Modern English Translation Tack for nineteen years to Robert Guthrie of Lwnane of the teinds of his lands of Ovir Dysart within the parish of Brechin, belonging formerly in common to the canons of Brechin but since the reformation to the King, for yearly payment of ten pounds Scots. Dated at Halieruidhous 26th December 1583.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records Robert Guthrie of Lunan holding a nineteen-year tack of the teinds of Over Dysart in 1583.
• Shows a member of the Lunan branch dealing directly with the Crown for the teinds of lands he already possessed.
• Continues the post-Reformation pattern of Guthrie landholders securing ecclesiastical teinds that had previously belonged to the cathedral chapter.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Cartae Originales CCCLXXXVI
Page 370

Date of the Entry Last day of December 1595 (31 December 1595)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Jacobus Guthrie (James Guthrie)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• Alexander Carnegie, junior, legitimate son of Master David Carnegie of Colluthy
• Master David Carnegie of Colluthy (who previously held and resigned the lands)
• Johannes Carnegie de eodem (reserved liferent)

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Royal charter granting to Alexander Carnegie the western half of the lands and town of Balnabreich (with tower, fortalice, yards, orchards, mill, etc.), which had previously belonged heritably to James Guthrie and had been resigned by Master David Carnegie.

Guthrie Role The western half of Balnabreich is described as having previously belonged heritably to James Guthrie (cross-referenced to Cartae Originales CLV).

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

… that half, namely the western half, of the lands and town of Balnabreich (No. CLV) with the tower, fortalice, yards, orchards and buildings of the same … as it is divided from the eastern half of the same pertaining heritably to James Guthrie, lying in our lordship of Brechin within our sheriffdom of Forfar …

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Confirms that in 1595 the western half of Balnabreich was still identified as the portion that had belonged heritably to James Guthrie (the portioner named in the 1589 precept, Cartae Originales CLV).
• Shows the continued association of the Guthrie name with the Balnabreich lands into the 1590s, even as the property moved into Carnegie hands.

Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis – Appendix Rotuli Redituum, Page 427
(CCCCXL – Dominia de Brechin et Nevar)

Date of the Entry Last day of February 1484 (28 or 29 February 1484/85)

Guthrie(s) Identified

• Alexander Guthre de eodem (Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk)

Other Primary Parties Identified

• The King (James III) – as landlord of the lordship of Brechin

Original Document Language Latin

Purpose Entry in the royal rental of the lordships of Brechin and Nevar recording the temporary setting (assedation) of various lands, including Balnabreich.

Guthrie Role Tacksman of the lands of Balnabreich for a term of three years from the feast of Pentecost, paying £18 12s. 8d. with the customary services, and grassum only, with licence to have subtenants. He accepted the assedation at the King’s will because he claimed to hold the lands in feu-farm.

Modern English Translation (Relevant extract)

Balnabreich . . . Is set to Alexander Guthre of that Ilk for terms of three years from the feast of Pentecost, as above. From it in money £18 12s. 8d., with the customary services, grassum only, with licence to have subtenants; and he has accepted the assedation at the will of the Lord King, for the reason that he claims to have feu-farm.

Historical or Genealogical Significance

• Records Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk as the temporary holder (tacksman) of Balnabreich in 1484/85.
• Notes that he claimed a feu-farm right in the lands, which is why he accepted the setting only at the King’s will.
• Provides an early documentary link between the principal Guthrie of that Ilk line and the Balnabreich lands that later appear in the hands of the portioner branch.