Register Bishopric of Brechin
Guthrie Genealogy · Special Collections · Ecclesiastical Scotland
Register of the Bishopric of Brechin
Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis
Bannatyne Club Publication No. 102 · Two Volumes · 1856
The Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis is a two-volume published collection of records associated with the medieval and early modern Bishopric of Brechin. Its contents preserve episcopal and chapter acts, declarations, notarial instruments, property transactions, and original charters documenting the religious, civic, and landed networks surrounding Brechin and the wider Angus district.
Guthrie-related material appears across several centuries and in several different forms. Some records identify members of the Guthrie family directly—as landholders, clerics, civic officers, witnesses, administrators, and parties to property transactions. Others concern the lands, church, prebend, or place of Guthrie and therefore do not necessarily identify a person bearing the Guthrie surname.
Together, these records provide particularly valuable evidence for the Guthries of Kincaldrum, Balnabreich, Pitforthie, Lunan, the civic Guthries of Brechin, and the family’s wider connections with the cathedral chapter and episcopal administration.
Collection at a Glance
A Note About the Name “Guthrie”
A search for Guthrie in an ecclesiastical register does not always produce a Guthrie family member. In these records, the name may identify either a person or a place, church, prebend, or territorial designation. That distinction is important when using the collection for genealogical research.
Guthrie as a Person
Entries such as David Guthrie of Kincaldrum, Malcolm Guthrie, or Robert Guthrie of Lunan identify people bearing the surname. Their offices, family relationships, territorial designations, witnesses, and associates may provide direct genealogical evidence.
Guthrie as a Place or Benefice
Expressions such as prebenda de Guthre or prebenda de Guthri refer to the ecclesiastical prebend associated with Guthrie. Its prebendary could be a man of an entirely different surname. References to the church, lands, or territory of Guthrie must therefore be distinguished from references to members of the Guthrie family.
Throughout this collection, the finding aids and record notes distinguish surname-bearing Guthries from territorial or ecclesiastical Guthrie references whenever the surviving text permits that distinction.
Master Guthrie Finding Aid
This finding aid brings the Guthrie-related material in both volumes into one index. It distinguishes references to surname-bearing Guthries from references to Guthrie as a place, prebend, collegiate church, or ecclesiastical office.
The Tabula entries in Volume I function as finding-aid references. Where a Tabula entry points to a fuller document represented in this collection, it is cross-referenced rather than counted as a second documentary record.
Benefice territorial or ecclesiastical Guthrie reference Mixed both kinds of evidence occur in the same record
Volume I · Register
Ten distinct Guthrie-related documentary records are represented below. The separate Tabula references are cross-referenced later in this finding aid.
| Reference | Date | Guthrie Reference | Type | Record Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| pp. 19–20 · fo. 15 | 1372 | Prebend of Guthry; Thomas de Luchris, prebendary |
Place / Benefice |
Declaration identifying Guthry as one of the six simple prebends of Brechin Cathedral. |
| pp. 52–53 · fo. 34 | 31 Oct 1429 | Heirs of the late John de Guthry | Person | Their land forms a boundary of property granted for the residence of Brechin’s college priests and boys. |
| pp. 59–61 · fo. 39 | 14 Apr 1434 | Prebend of Guthre; William Hawik, prebendary |
Place / Benefice |
William Hawik appears as holder of the Guthre prebend and as a witness. |
| pp. 121–125 · fo. 65 | 19–20 Aug 1448 | Master Richard Guthrie; prebend of Guthry | Mixed | Richard Guthrie is assessed for Lethnot while the separate Guthry prebend is assessed in the names of non-Guthrie holders. |
| pp. 128–138 · fo. 68 | 11 Jun 1450 | Prebend of Guthre / Guthri |
Place / Benefice |
Transsumpt preserving earlier statutes and successive holders of the Guthrie prebend. |
| pp. 138–141 · fo. 69 | 21 Jul 1450 | Master Alexander de Guthre; Walter Carnegie de Guthre | Mixed | Members of the assize concerning Brechin’s market rights; Walter Carnegie carries a territorial “de Guthre” designation. |
| pp. 187–191 · fo. 90 | 28 Jan 1459/60 | Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum; Thomas Guthrie, Master of Arts | Person | David Guthrie appointed camerarius for the Iter Camerarie; Thomas Guthrie appears as witness. |
| pp. 196–198 · fo. 94 | 13 Sep 1474 | Prebend of Guthre; James Dickson, prebendary |
Place / Benefice |
Guthre prebend represented among the canons approving the erection of the new prebend of Futhnewyn. |
| pp. 214–215 · fo. 107 | 23 Feb 1497 | John Guthrie | Person | Witness to the sale of a burgage tenement in Brechin. |
| pp. 227–234 · fo. 114 | 1541 foundation; 1552 instrument | Heirs of the late John Guthrie | Person | Guthrie lands form a boundary of property endowed to a new chaplainry. |
Volume II · Appendix & Original Charters
Thirty-five distinct Guthrie-related entries appear in the current Volume II collection, including original charters and a rental-roll entry.
| Reference | Date | Guthrie Reference | Type | Record Focus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cartae XIV · p. 19 | 8 Aug 1508 | John Guthrie | Person | Annual rents from lands associated with John Guthrie assigned to the cathedral choir chaplains. |
| Cartae XXXVII · pp. 68–69 | 10 Dec 1447 | Sir Patrick de Guthre | Person | His acre forms a boundary in the Crofts of Brechin. |
| Cartae XXXVIII · pp. 69–73 | 1429 / 1448 | Richard de Guthre, prebendary of Lethnot | Person | Richard Guthrie appears among the canons summoned to a chapter meeting in 1448. |
| Cartae XL · pp. 75–78 | 21 Jun 1449; incorporates 1372 text | Prebend of Guthry |
Place / Benefice |
Transsumpt preserving the declaration of the six simple prebends. |
| Cartae XLII · pp. 79–80 | 21 Jul 1450 | Master Alexander de Guthre of Kincaldrum | Person | Juror in the inquisition into Brechin’s ancient market and chamberlain-court rights. |
| Cartae XLV · pp. 83–86 | 19 Mar 1450 | David de Guthry, clerk of the court | Person | Clerk of the sheriff court of Forfar; wrote the schedule of proceedings held at Brechin. |
| Cartae LIII · pp. 97–99 | 9 May 1458 | Malcolm de Guthry, bailie of Brechin | Person | As bailie, Malcolm formally delivers sasine of a Brechin tenement. |
| Cartae LVIII · pp. 106–108 | 6–7 Mar 1464/65 | Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum, royal treasurer | Person | Sits among the Lords of Council in litigation over bishopric lands and offices. |
| Cartae LXI · pp. 111–112 | 10 Jun 1469 | Malcolm Guthrie | Person | His land forms the northern boundary of a Brechin tenement. |
| Cartae LXII · pp. 112–113 | 8 Jul 1469 | Malcolm Guthrie | Person | His land again forms a boundary in a cathedral annualrent transaction. |
| Cartae LXIX · pp. 120–121 | 17 Nov 1485 | Malcolm Guthrie; son and heir John; wife Egidia | Person | Family grant of two annual rents to the cathedral choir chaplains. |
| Cartae LXXV · pp. 135–136 | 19 Oct 1490 | Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk | Person | Witness to proceedings in the burgh court of Montrose. |
| Cartae LXXVI · pp. 136–137 | 20 May 1493 | John Guthrie | Person | Guthrie lands form the eastern boundary of a Brechin tenement. |
| Cartae XCV · pp. 158–159 | 10 Oct 1507 | John Guthrie | Person | His lands form the eastern boundary of two acres sold by Richard Turing. |
| Cartae CI · p. 164 | c. 1507–1510s | David Guthrie, parish clerk of Brechin | Person | His land forms the western boundary in a warrandice transaction. |
| Cartae CIII · p. 165 | 15 Mar 1511 | Alexander Guthrie | Person | Witness to a charter of alienation involving the dean of Brechin. |
| Cartae CIX · p. 172 | 19 Mar 1515 | John Guthrie; Alexander Guthrie | Person | John’s lands form a boundary; Alexander appears as witness to the sasine. |
| Cartae CXI · p. 173 | 10 May 1518 | Jonet Guthrie, wife of Alexander Ramsay | Person | Jonet and her husband receive a Brechin tenement through resignation and regrant. |
| Cartae CXIX · p. 197 | 5 Dec 1531 | Late John Guthrie | Person | His former lands form a boundary of a Brechin tenement. |
| Cartae CLIV · pp. 226–227 | 17–29 Apr 1588 | Late William Guthrie / his heirs | Person | Former Guthrie lands form the western boundary in a Brechin sasine. |
| Cartae CLV · p. 227 | 9 Jun 1589 | James Guthrie of Balnabreich; Cristina Barroun; Andrew Guthrie of Wester Balnabreich; James Guthrie younger | Person | Precept and sasine involving annual victual rent from the western half of Balnabreich. |
| Cartae CLXI · pp. 230–231 | 8 Mar 1598 | Andrew Guthrie, formerly in Brechin, then in Dod | Person | Resignation of the former college-house site and close in Brechin. |
| Cartae CLXII · p. 231 | May–Jun 1600 | David Guthrie, son of John Guthrie at Newmylne | Person | Witness to sasine of a garden in Brechin. |
| Cartae CLXVII · pp. 234–235 | 6 Sep 1605 | Henry Guthrie, burgess of Dundee | Person | Witness to sasine of acres in the eastern field of Dudhope. |
| Cartae CLXXVII · pp. 240–241 | 10 Mar 1613 | Isobell Guthrie, widow of John Leslie; Mr James Guthrie, minister at Urquhart | Person | Procuratory of resignation involving Leslie and Guthrie family interests. |
| Cartae CLXXIX · pp. 241–242 | Apr–Jun 1623 | Thomas, Provost of Guthrie |
Place / Office |
The provostship of Guthrie appears as an ecclesiastical office; “Guthrie” is not Thomas’s surname. |
| Cartae CLXXXVII · p. 246 | 24 Feb 1637 | James Guthrie of Pitforthie | Person | Grantee of the former archdeacon’s manse in Brechin. |
| Cartae CXCIV · p. 250 | 11 Apr 1657 | George Strachan, Provost of Guthrie |
Place / Office |
Guthrie appears as the title of Strachan’s ecclesiastical office, not as his surname. |
| Cartae CCXXVII · p. 274 | 10 Sep 1457 | Malcolm de Guthery | Person | Witness to sasine of two Brechin tenements and associated acres. |
| Cartae CCLXV · pp. 301–302 | 22 Apr 1579 | Late John Guthrie | Person | His former lands form a boundary of Brounishillok. |
| Cartae CCCIII · p. 336 | 10 Jul 1575 | Late Master Hugh Guthrie; widow Cristina Rattray; son Patrick Guthrie | Person | Dawgathy confirmed to Cristina in liferent and Patrick in fee. |
| Cartae CCCV · pp. 336–337 | 3 Feb 1576/77 | Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk; sons Gabriel and Andrew | Mixed | Patronage of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie: Gabriel receives the provostship and Andrew the Hiltoun and Langlandis prebend. |
| Cartae CCCXXXIII · p. 345 | 26 Dec 1583 | Robert Guthrie of Lunan | Person | Nineteen-year tack of the teinds of Over Dysart. |
| Cartae CCCLXXXVI · p. 370 | 31 Dec 1595 | James Guthrie | Person | Royal charter involving the western half of Balnabreich; the boundary clause distinguishes it from the eastern half pertaining heritably to James Guthrie. |
| Rotuli Redituum · p. 427 | Feb 1484/85 | Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk | Person | Three-year tack of Balnabreich, with a claim that the lands were held in feu-farm. |
Volume I Tabula · Cross-Reference Guide
These eight index entries are preserved as finding aids, but they point to fuller documentary records already represented above.
David Guthrie of Kincaldrum · camerariate instrument
→ Volume I, pp. 187–191
Patrick Guthrie and Cristina Rattray · Dawgathy
→ Volume II, Cartae CCCIII
Gabriel and Andrew Guthrie · Collegiate Church of Guthrie
→ Volume II, Cartae CCCV
Robert Guthrie of Lunan · teinds of Over Dysart
→ Volume II, Cartae CCCXXXIII
Volume I · The Register
Volume I preserves the core episcopal and chapter register. The Guthrie-related entries range from the formal organization of the cathedral’s prebend of Guthrie in 1372 to sixteenth-century evidence for Guthrie property in and around Brechin.
The records below distinguish carefully between Guthrie as a surname and Guthrie as a place or ecclesiastical benefice. Open any record to view its documentary context, relevant extract, research significance, and source reference.
1372 The Prebend of Guthry Is Formally Defined Volume I · pp. 19–20 · Manuscript folio 15
Benefice
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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It is the earliest formal chapter declaration in this collection establishing Guthry as one of the six simple prebends of Brechin Cathedral.
- It provides the institutional basis for later references to the prebend of Guthre.
- Thomas de Luchris is the earliest named holder of the prebend in the register.
- This is a place / benefice reference; Thomas de Luchris is not identified as a member of the Guthrie family.
Terms & Practices
A simple prebend was an ecclesiastical benefice attached to a cathedral canonry. In this declaration Guthry was classed among benefices compatible with another cure or benefice, unlike the major cathedral dignities.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. I (Bannatyne Club, 1856), pp. 19–20, manuscript folio 15.
31 October 1429 Lands of the Heirs of John de Guthry Volume I · pp. 52–53 · Manuscript folio 34
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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It places property belonging to the heirs of a deceased John de Guthry within Brechin in 1429.
- The use of the property as a boundary marker indicates established and locally identifiable landholding.
- The reference can be compared with later John Guthrie property evidence in the burgh, but it does not by itself prove that every later John Guthrie was the same man or a direct descendant.
Terms & Practices
Medieval charters frequently defined property by naming adjoining owners rather than by modern surveyed boundaries. Such references can preserve evidence of an earlier landholder even after his death.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. I (Bannatyne Club, 1856), pp. 52–53, manuscript folio 34.
14 April 1434 William Hawik, Prebendary of Guthre Volume I · pp. 59–61 · Manuscript folio 39
Benefice
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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It confirms that the prebend of Guthre remained an active part of the Brechin cathedral chapter in 1434.
- Its holder was William Hawik, demonstrating why references to the “prebendary of Guthre” must not automatically be interpreted as references to a Guthrie family member.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. I (Bannatyne Club, 1856), pp. 59–61, manuscript folio 39.
19–20 August 1448 Richard Guthrie of Lethnot & the Separate Prebend of Guthry Volume I · pp. 121–125 · Manuscript folio 65
Relevant Extracts
“… And Master William Hawik, according to the statute, 20 shillings for the prebend of Guthry …”
“… Master Richard Guthry for Lethnot, 5 merks. William of Forbes for Guthry, 40 shillings …”
Why This Record Matters
- It identifies Master Richard Guthrie as the holder or person assessed for the prebend of Lethnot in 1448.
- At the same time, the distinct prebend of Guthry was associated with William Hawik and William of Forbes.
- This is particularly valuable evidence that a person named Guthrie and the benefice named Guthry could appear in the same document without being the same reference.
Terms & Practices
Cathedral prebends could be individually assessed for chapter expenses. The common procurator of the chapter was responsible for collecting the sums due.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. I (Bannatyne Club, 1856), pp. 121–125, manuscript folio 65.
11 June 1450 A Documentary History of the Prebend of Guthre Volume I · pp. 128–138 · Manuscript folio 68
Benefice
- 1372 — Thomas de Lathress, prebendary of Guthri.
- Later — John Mowet, prebendary of Guthre.
- Mid-15th century — Master William de Hawyk, prebendary of Guthri.
- 1450 — Andrew Schull, vicar of Guthre.
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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It brings together some of the strongest evidence for the long-term ecclesiastical identity of Guthre within the Diocese of Brechin.
- The preserved earlier material traces the prebend from Thomas de Lathress through John Mowet and William de Hawyk.
- By 1450 the record also identifies Andrew Schull as vicar of Guthre.
- None of these office titles alone should be read as proof that their holders belonged to the Guthrie family.
Terms & Practices
A transsumpt was an authenticated copy or formal reproduction of an earlier document. Such records can preserve the text of documents substantially older than the date on which the transsumpt itself was made.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. I (Bannatyne Club, 1856), pp. 128–138, manuscript folio 68. The 1450 transsumpt incorporates earlier material, including the 1372 declaration.
21 July 1450 Alexander Guthrie on the Brechin Market Assize Volume I · pp. 138–141 · Manuscript folio 69
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 … who all personally took part in the assize in the said inquisition.”
Why This Record Matters
- It places Master Alexander Guthrie among a formal assize of local landholders involved in an important civic and episcopal inquiry.
- Walter Carnegie’s designation de Guthre records a territorial association with Guthrie; it does not make his surname Guthrie.
- The record illustrates why territorial designations must be separated from surname evidence when reconstructing medieval families.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. I (Bannatyne Club, 1856), pp. 138–141, manuscript folio 69.
28 January 1459/60 David Guthrie of Kincaldrum Appointed Camerarius Volume I · pp. 187–191 · Manuscript folio 90
Relevant Extracts
“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.”
“… 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 …”
“… 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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It is one of the most substantial fifteenth-century documentary appearances of the Guthrie family in the Brechin register.
- It directly identifies Master David Guthrie with Kincaldrum and places him in a significant episcopal administrative office.
- Thomas Guthrie, Master of Arts, appears in the same instrument as a witness, providing evidence for another educated Guthrie in the same administrative circle.
- The protest by David Dempster also provides unusual evidence for the contested nature of episcopal office.
Terms & Practices
The camerarius or chamberlain exercised administrative and judicial authority. The Iter Camerarie was the chamberlain’s ayre or circuit court.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. I (Bannatyne Club, 1856), pp. 187–191, manuscript folio 90. The instrument includes Latin text and a Scots-language protest by David Dempster.
13 September 1474 James Dickson, Prebendary of Guthre Volume I · pp. 196–198 · Manuscript folio 94
Benefice
Relevant Extract
“… And I, James Dekysoun, prebendary of Guthre, approve the same, witness my own hand …”
Why This Record Matters
- It confirms that the prebend of Guthre remained active in 1474.
- James Dickson was the holder at this date and was not identified as a member of the Guthrie family.
- It adds another securely dated point to the sequence of known holders of the Guthre prebend.
Terms & Practices
The creation of a new cathedral canonry and prebend could require the consent and subscription of the existing chapter. Patronage and episcopal collation were distinct rights within that process.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. I (Bannatyne Club, 1856), pp. 196–198, manuscript folio 94.
23 February 1497 John Guthrie Witnesses a Brechin Property Sale Volume I · pp. 214–215 · Manuscript folio 107
Relevant Extract
“… 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.”
Why This Record Matters
- It places a John Guthrie in Brechin in 1497 as a witness to a formal property transaction.
- It contributes to the broader pattern of late fifteenth-century Guthrie activity in the burgh.
- A witness appearance establishes presence and association, but does not by itself establish parentage or identity with other men of the same name.
Terms & Practices
Free burgage was a form of urban tenure. A nominal or blench payment could be stipulated as the annual return to the superior.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. I (Bannatyne Club, 1856), pp. 214–215, manuscript folio 107.
6 June 1541 / 10 January 1552 Lands of the Heirs of the Late John Guthrie Volume I · pp. 227–234 · Manuscript folio 114
Registering instrument: 10 January 1552.
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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It shows property formerly associated with a John Guthrie still identified through his heirs by 1541/1552.
- The boundary description supplies evidence of Guthrie property in the western part of Brechin.
- Because the record refers only to “the heirs,” it does not identify those heirs individually and should not be used to infer a specific descent without additional evidence.
Terms & Practices
A perpetual chaplainry could be endowed with lands and annual rents whose income supported a priest’s required religious services. Boundary clauses often preserve the names of neighboring proprietors or their heirs.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. I (Bannatyne Club, 1856), pp. 227–234, manuscript folio 114. Foundation charter dated 6 June 1541; registering instrument dated 10 January 1552.
Volume II · Appendix & Original Charters
Volume II preserves an extensive appendix of original charters, notarial instruments, sasines, annualrents, royal confirmations, tacks, and related records. These documents substantially enlarge the picture supplied by the main register.
The earlier records are especially useful for tracing Guthrie property and civic activity in Brechin, while later entries connect the collection to branches including Balnabreich, Pitforthie, Lunan, and the Guthries of that Ilk.
8 August 1508 Annualrents from the Lands of John Guthrie Cartae Originales XIV · p. 19
Relevant Extract
“… From the lands of John Guthre between two vennels, 16s. 8d. … From the lands of John Guthre occupied by Matilda Cabell, 6s. 8d. …”
Why This Record Matters
- It identifies two separate annualrent obligations attached to lands associated with John Guthrie.
- One parcel was occupied by Matilda Cabell, showing that legal ownership and physical occupation need not have been identical.
- It adds to the evidence for Guthrie property interests within the burgh of Brechin.
Terms & Practices
An annualrent was a recurring monetary payment secured upon land. Sasine could be given not only of land itself but also of a legally constituted annualrent.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales XIV, p. 19.
10 December 1447 Patrick de Guthre’s Acre in the Crofts of Brechin Cartae Originales XXXVII · pp. 68–69
Relevant Extract
“… one acre of arable land lying in the Crofts of Brechin between the acre of lord Patrick de Guthre on the east side …”
Why This Record Matters
- It provides a securely dated 1447 reference to Patrick de Guthre as a landholder at Brechin.
- His property was sufficiently established to function as a legal boundary marker.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales XXXVII, pp. 68–69.
1429 / 20 August 1448 Richard of Guthre, Prebendary of Lethnot Cartae Originales XXXVIII · pp. 69–73
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 … 1448 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It independently confirms Richard Guthrie as prebendary of Lethnot in 1448.
- It agrees with the Volume I taxation entry in which Richard Guthrie was assessed for that same prebend.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales XXXVIII, pp. 69–73. Principal decree dated 29 October 1429; related chapter proceedings dated 20 August 1448.
21 June 1449 Transsumpt of the 1372 Prebend Declaration Cartae Originales XL · pp. 75–78
Benefice
Relevant Extract
“… the remaining six benefices … Kylmoir, Buthyrgill, and Guthry, we have found to be simple prebends and compatible with a cure and with any other benefice …”
“… Thomas de Lochrys, prebendary of Guthry …”
Why This Record Matters
- It is an authenticated 1449 copy of the foundational 1372 Guthry prebend declaration.
- It demonstrates that the older document was still considered legally and institutionally important in the fifteenth century.
Terms & Practices
A transsumpt was a formally authenticated copy intended to carry evidential force when the original document needed to be produced or relied upon elsewhere.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales XL, pp. 75–78. Transsumpt dated 21 June 1449; original declaration dated 1372.
21 July 1450 Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum on the Royal Inquisition Cartae Originales XLII · pp. 79–80
Relevant Extract
“… This inquisition was made at Brechin … by the underwritten jurors, namely … Master Alexander of Guthre of Kyncaldrum …”
Why This Record Matters
- It gives Alexander the territorial designation of Kincaldrum.
- His service on a royal inquisition places him among substantial local men entrusted with determining public rights and custom.
Terms & Practices
An inquisitio was a formal jury inquiry. Here the jurors determined ancient usage relating to the market and the bishop’s right to hold chamberlain courts.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales XLII, pp. 79–80.
19 March 1450 David of Guthry, Clerk of the Sheriff Court Cartae Originales XLV · pp. 83–86
Relevant Extract
“… with this following schedule by David of Guthry, clerk of the court, and by me the undersigned notary, faithfully collated word for word …”
Why This Record Matters
- It identifies a David Guthrie in a professional legal and administrative role in 1450.
- His responsibility for drafting the court schedule points to literacy and formal clerical training.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales XLV, pp. 83–86.
9 May 1458 Malcolm Guthrie, Bailie of Brechin Cartae Originales LIII · pp. 97–99
Relevant Extracts
“… commanding and ordering Malcolm of Guthry, bailie of the said city, that he should give sasine …”
“… the said Malcolm, the bailie aforesaid … by earth and stones … gave sasine …”
Why This Record Matters
- It directly identifies Malcolm Guthrie as a civic officer of Brechin.
- The role of bailie placed him in the formal administration of property conveyance and burgh government.
- Later records show Malcolm as a substantial proprietor as well as an officeholder.
Terms & Practices
A burgh bailie could act as the official delivering sasine. Possession might be symbolically conveyed by earth and stone, staff and baton, or another customary object appropriate to the property.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales LIII, pp. 97–99.
6–7 March 1464/65 David Guthrie of Kincaldrum, Royal Treasurer Cartae Originales LVIII · pp. 106–108
Relevant Extract
“… The lords of our sovereign lord’s council underwritten … master David Guthre of Kincaldrum, treasurer …”
Why This Record Matters
- It directly confirms David Guthrie of Kincaldrum holding the high royal office of treasurer.
- It also places him among the Lords of Council in a major judicial matter involving episcopal property and offices.
- Read with the 1459/60 camerariate record, it shows the exceptional administrative prominence of this Kincaldrum Guthrie.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales LVIII, pp. 106–108. Council decree dated 6 March 1464; royal confirmation dated 7 March in the fifth year of James III’s reign.
10 June 1469 Malcolm Guthrie’s Land on the North Boundary Cartae Originales LXI · pp. 111–112
Relevant Extract
“… one annual rent of twenty-six shillings and eight pence … from his tenement together with its acre, lying between the land of Malcolm Guthre on the north … and the land of John Scaw on the south …”
Why This Record Matters
- It documents land belonging to Malcolm Guthrie in Brechin in 1469.
- The same property relationship is repeated in the following charter, strengthening the identification of Malcolm as an established proprietor.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales LXI, pp. 111–112.
8 July 1469 Malcolm Guthrie beside the High Street of Brechin Cartae Originales LXII · pp. 112–113
Relevant Extract
“… my whole and entire tenement lying within the city of Brechin on the east side of the High Street … between the lands of Malcolm Guthre on the north … and John Scall on the south …”
Why This Record Matters
- It independently repeats the June 1469 boundary reference.
- It locates Malcolm’s property more specifically beside the east side of Brechin’s High Street.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales LXII, pp. 112–113.
17 November 1485 Malcolm Guthrie Names His Wife and Heir Cartae Originales LXIX · pp. 120–121
Relevant Extracts
“… Know that I, with the consent and assent of John Guthre, my son and heir apparent … have given … to the chaplains in the choir of the cathedral of Brechin …”
The charter also provides for the welfare of Malcolm’s own soul and that of his wife Egidia.
Why This Record Matters
- This is one of the strongest genealogical records in the Brechin collection because it states an explicit father–son relationship.
- It identifies Malcolm’s wife as Egidia and his son John as heir apparent.
- Malcolm is described as a citizen of Brechin and is shown controlling both his own tenement and an annualrent due from another property.
- This is the full charter referenced by Tabula LXIX.
Terms & Practices
Consent of an heir apparent could be important when heritable property or income was being permanently alienated. Religious mortifications commonly funded weekly masses and anniversary observances.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales LXIX, pp. 120–121.
19 October 1490 Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk at Montrose Cartae Originales LXXV · pp. 135–136
Relevant Extract
“… Present there … David, Duke of Montrose, Alexander Guthre of that Ilk, knight, Master Henry Meldrum, precentor of Brechin …”
Why This Record Matters
- It explicitly styles Alexander as of that Ilk and as a knight.
- His appearance with the Duke of Montrose and other prominent witnesses illustrates the standing of the main Guthrie line by 1490.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales LXXV, pp. 135–136.
20 May 1493 John Guthrie as an Eastern Boundary in Brechin Cartae Originales LXXVI · pp. 136–137
Relevant Extract
“… between the lands of William Turing on the west and the lands of John Guthre on the east within the City of Brechin …”
Why This Record Matters
- It establishes John Guthrie as a neighboring proprietor in Brechin in 1493.
- The date falls only eight years after Malcolm Guthrie explicitly named his son and heir John, making comparison worthwhile, although this document alone does not prove identity.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales LXXVI, pp. 136–137.
10 October 1507 John Guthrie’s Lands in the Territory of Brechin Cartae Originales XCV · pp. 158–159
Relevant Extract
“… those two acres of my arable lands … between the lands of William Rede on the west … and the lands of John Guthre on the east …”
Why This Record Matters
- It continues the evidence for a John Guthrie holding land around Brechin into the early sixteenth century.
- It should be compared with the 1493 boundary entry and other John Guthrie records without assuming identity solely from the recurring name.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales XCV, pp. 158–159.
Early 16th Century · c. 1507–1510s David Guthrie, Parish Clerk of Brechin Cartae Originales CI · p. 164
Relevant Extract
“… lying between the land formerly of Thomas Cutlair on the east and the land of David Guthre, parish clerk of Brechin, on the west …”
Why This Record Matters
- It provides both an occupation and a property association for David Guthrie.
- The title parish clerk distinguishes him from the earlier David Guthries appearing in royal and episcopal administration.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CI, p. 164. The entry is contextually dated to the early sixteenth century.
15 March 1511 Alexander Guthrie Witnesses an Alienation Cartae Originales CIII · p. 165
Relevant Extract
“… before these witnesses … Stephen Annand, one of the bailies of the City of Brechin; Alexander Guthre; Andrew Jhonsoun; and lord John Jamesoun, chaplain …”
Why This Record Matters
- It places an Alexander Guthrie in Brechin in 1511.
- His inclusion among clergy, civic officials, and local witnesses situates him within the burgh’s legal network.
Source:
Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II,
Appendix, Cartae Originales CIII, p. 165.
This record lacked a working anchor in the earlier page and is now
indexed as rbb-v2-165.
19 March 1515 John Guthrie’s Land & Alexander Guthrie as Witness Cartae Originales CIX · p. 172
Relevant Extracts
“… 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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It places two Guthrie names in the same 1515 property transaction.
- John appears through landholding while Alexander appears personally as a witness.
- The record does not state their relationship, so any familial connection requires separate evidence.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CIX, p. 172.
10 May 1518 Jonet Guthrie, Wife of Alexander Ramsay Cartae Originales CXI · p. 173
Relevant Extract
“… 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.”
Why This Record Matters
- It provides a direct marital identification: Jonet Guthrie was the wife of Alexander Ramsay.
- She appears as a joint recipient in an urban property transaction rather than merely as a named relative.
- The record therefore contributes both genealogical and property evidence for a Guthrie woman in early sixteenth-century Brechin.
Terms & Practices
The property was first formally resigned into the hands of the bishop as superior and then regranted. Husband and wife could receive joint infeftment in the same property.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CXI, p. 173.
5 December 1531 Former Lands of the Late John Guthrie Cartae Originales CXIX · p. 197
Relevant Extract
“… a certain tenement formerly of John Chepman alias Richertsoun … 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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It preserves a 1531 reference to property formerly held by a deceased John Guthrie.
- It extends the long documentary trail of John Guthrie property references in Brechin.
- Because the individual is already deceased, the entry records earlier ownership rather than proving that a living John Guthrie remained in possession in 1531.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CXIX, p. 197.
17–29 April 1588 Former Lands of the Late William Guthrie Cartae Originales CLIV · pp. 226–227
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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It records former property associated with the late William Guthrie or his heirs in Brechin.
- By 1588 the property had passed to Andrew Watt.
- The entry demonstrates how boundary clauses can preserve a chain of former ownership long after the original proprietor’s death.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CLIV, pp. 226–227. Precept dated 17 April 1588; sasine dated 29 April 1588.
9 June 1589 The Guthries of Balnabreich Cartae Originales CLV · p. 227
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 … of one annual rent of eighteen bolls of victual … from the western half of the lands of Balnabreche … before these witnesses James Guthre his son …
Why This Record Matters
- This is a major genealogical record for the Balnabreich family because it explicitly identifies James Guthrie, his wife Cristina Barroun, and a son also named James.
- Andrew Guthrie is separately styled of Wester Balnabreich.
- The description of James as a portioner is important evidence that the estate was divided into distinct holdings.
- This is the full record referenced by Tabula CLV.
Terms & Practices
A portioner held a defined portion of a divided estate. A precept of sasine authorized a designated officer or bailie to deliver formal possession. Here the annualrent was paid in victual rather than money.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CLV, p. 227.
8 March 1598 Andrew Guthrie, Formerly in Brechin, Now in Dod Cartae Originales CLXI · pp. 230–231
Relevant Extract
“Instrument of sasine upon the resignation of Andrew Guthre, formerly in Brechin, now living in Dod … 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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It gives unusually useful migration information: Andrew had formerly lived in Brechin but was resident in Dod by 1598.
- He retained an interest in urban property associated with the former college buildings.
- The evidence can be compared with Andrew Guthrie of Wester Balnabreich, but the record does not itself state that the two descriptions refer to the same man.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CLXI, pp. 230–231.
May–June 1600 David Guthrie, Son of John Guthrie at Newmylne Cartae Originales CLXII · p. 231
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.”
Why This Record Matters
- It provides an explicit father–son relationship: David Guthrie was the son of John Guthrie at Newmylne.
- The territorial/residential designation at Newmylne supplies a valuable clue for identifying this particular John Guthrie family.
- David’s presence as a witness connects that family with Brechin in 1600.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CLXII, p. 231. Charter dated 22 and 25 May 1600; sasine dated 23 June 1600.
6 September 1605 Henry Guthrie, Burgess of Dundee Cartae Originales CLXVII · pp. 234–235
Relevant Extract
“… before these witnesses: Gilbert Kemtie, king’s messenger, David Petrie and Henry Guthrie, burgesses of the said burgh of Dundee …”
Why This Record Matters
- It securely identifies Henry Guthrie as a burgess of Dundee in 1605.
- The burgess designation places him within Dundee’s civic and commercial community.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CLXVII, pp. 234–235.
10 March 1613 Isobell Guthrie, Widow of John Leslie Cartae Originales CLXXVII · pp. 240–241
Relevant Extract
“Procuratory granted by Christiane Leslie … and Isobell Guthrie, relict of the said deceased John Leslie, with consent of … George Barroun of Kynnard and Mr. James Guthrie, minister at Orquhart … in favour of the said John Oudny.”
Why This Record Matters
- It directly identifies Isobell Guthrie as widow of John Leslie.
- It independently identifies Mr James Guthrie as minister at Urquhart.
- Both appear in the same extended property transaction, although the instrument does not state the precise relationship between Isobell and James.
- This is the full record referenced by Tabula CLXXVII.
Terms & Practices
A procuratory of resignation authorized agents to resign property into the hands of the lawful superior so that it could be transferred or regranted according to an agreed contract.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CLXXVII, pp. 240–241.
29 April / 20 June 1623 Thomas, Provost of Guthrie Cartae Originales CLXXIX · pp. 241–242
Office
Relevant Extract
“… the charter subscribed by the said archdeacon and bishop … Robert Noray vicar, Thomas, provost of Guthrie …”
Why This Record Matters
- It shows that the Provost of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie still participated in Brechin chapter business in 1623.
- Guthrie is the name of Thomas’s office, not his surname.
- It documents continuity of the collegiate institution after the Reformation.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CLXXIX, pp. 241–242. Charter dated 29 April 1623; sasine dated 20 June 1623.
24 February 1637 James Guthrie of Pitforthie Acquires the Archdeacon’s Manse Cartae Originales CLXXXVII · p. 246
Relevant Extract
“Charter granted … 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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It documents James Guthrie with the territorial designation of Pitforthie in 1637.
- It connects the Pitforthie family with a substantial piece of former ecclesiastical property within Brechin.
- This is the full record referenced by Tabula CLXXXVII.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CLXXXVII, p. 246.
11 April 1657 George Strachan, Provost of Guthrie Cartae Originales CXCIV · p. 250
Office
Relevant Extract
“… subscribed by the said archdeacon and bishop, David Carnegy dean, J. Guild precentor, Robert Norie rector of Lethnot, George Strachan, provost of Guthrie, David Strachan treasurer …”
Why This Record Matters
- It identifies George Strachan as Provost of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie in 1657.
- It shows continued formal participation of the office in Brechin chapter affairs well into the seventeenth century.
- This is another clear example in which Guthrie is an institutional title rather than a surname.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CXCIV, p. 250.
10 September 1457 Malcolm of Guthery Witnesses a Brechin Sasine Cartae Originales CCXXVII · p. 274
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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It places Malcolm Guthrie in Brechin in 1457, immediately before his documented service as bailie in 1458.
- It adds an early point to the documentary sequence that later shows him as bailie, proprietor, citizen, husband, and father.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CCXXVII, p. 274.
22 April 1579 Former Lands of John Guthrie at Brounishillok Cartae Originales CCLXV · pp. 301–302
Relevant Extract
“… another acre … 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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It preserves another late reference to former John Guthrie property in Brechin.
- The description closely resembles earlier boundary material involving the Haugh and Weitlandis, making the sequence useful for reconstructing the historical property landscape.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CCLXV, pp. 301–302.
10 July 1575 Hugh Guthrie, Cristina Rattray & Patrick Guthrie at Dawgathy Cartae Originales CCCIII · p. 336
Relevant Extract
“Precept of a charter of confirmation upon a charter of feu-farm … 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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- It identifies Cristina Rattray as widow of Master Hugh Guthrie.
- It explicitly identifies Patrick Guthrie as son of Cristina Rattray.
- The settlement distinguishes Cristina’s liferent from Patrick’s hereditary right in the fee.
- The quoted clause names Patrick specifically as Cristina’s son; it should therefore be cited with that exact wording rather than silently expanding the stated parentage.
Terms & Practices
A liferent entitled Cristina to the use or income of the property during her lifetime, while Patrick’s grant in fee represented the heritable estate.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CCCIII, p. 336.
3 February 1576/77 Alexander Guthrie Provides for Sons Gabriel & Andrew Cartae Originales CCCV · pp. 336–337
Relevant Extracts
“… Alexander Guthre of that Ilk, undoubted patron of the collegiate church of Guthre, to Gabriel Guthre his legitimate son … giving … the provostry of the said collegiate church … for all the days of the said Gabriel’s life.”
“And also another letter of donation made by the said Alexander … to Andrew Guthre his other legitimate son … of the prebend … called the prebend of Hiltoun and Langlandis … for all the days of the said Andrew’s life.”
Why This Record Matters
- It is one of the strongest direct family records in the collection.
- It explicitly identifies Gabriel and Andrew as legitimate sons of Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk.
- It confirms Alexander’s patronage rights over the Collegiate Church of Guthrie.
- It also demonstrates continued family control of important offices and benefices associated with the collegiate church after the Reformation.
- This is the full record referenced by Tabula CCCV.
Terms & Practices
The patron held rights of presentation or donation to designated ecclesiastical offices. Here the appointments were granted for the lifetimes of the two sons and then confirmed by the Crown.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CCCV, pp. 336–337. Royal precept dated at Holyroodhouse, 3 February 1576/77.
26 December 1583 Robert Guthrie of Lunan & the Teinds of Over Dysart Cartae Originales CCCXXXIII · p. 345
Relevant Extract
“Tack for nineteen years to Robert Guthrie of Lwnane of the teinds of his lands of Ovir Dysart within the parish of Brechin … for yearly payment of ten pounds Scots.”
Why This Record Matters
- It securely identifies Robert with the territorial style of Lunan.
- The record states that Over Dysart was already his lands; the tack concerns their teinds rather than ownership of the lands themselves.
- It shows a post-Reformation transfer of former cathedral teind rights through the Crown.
- This is the full record referenced by Tabula CCCXXXIII.
Terms & Practices
A tack was a lease for a fixed term. Teinds were the Scottish equivalent of tithes. Following the Reformation, rights formerly attached to ecclesiastical institutions could pass to or be administered through the Crown.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CCCXXXIII, p. 345.
31 December 1595 James Guthrie & the Division of Balnabreich Cartae Originales CCCLXXXVI · p. 370
Relevant Extract
“… that half, namely the western half, of the lands and town of Balnabreich … 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 …”
Why This Record Matters
- The translated extract distinguishes a western half being dealt with in the Carnegie grant from an eastern half pertaining heritably to James Guthrie.
- This provides important evidence for the divided ownership or possession of Balnabreich at the end of the sixteenth century.
- It should be read together with the 1589 record naming James Guthrie as a portioner of Balnabreich and Andrew Guthrie of Wester Balnabreich.
Evidence Note
The earlier summary text on this Special Collections page described the western half as the portion formerly belonging to James Guthrie. The translated extract itself instead states that the western half was divided from the eastern half pertaining heritably to James Guthrie. The extract is therefore followed here without attempting to reconcile the discrepancy silently.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Cartae Originales CCCLXXXVI, p. 370. Cross-reference in the printed entry to Cartae Originales CLV.
Last Day of February 1484/85 Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk & Balnabreich Rotuli Redituum · p. 427 · Dominia de Brechin et Nevar
Relevant Extract
“Balnabreich … Is set to Alexander Guthre of that Ilk for terms of three years from the feast of Pentecost … £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.”
Why This Record Matters
- It provides an early documentary association between Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk and Balnabreich.
- The entry is more nuanced than a simple lease: Alexander explicitly claimed a feu-farm right in the lands.
- His acceptance of a temporary royal setting therefore should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that he considered himself merely a short-term tenant.
- This record belongs with the later evidence for the divided Balnabreich estate when reconstructing the property’s chronology.
Terms & Practices
An assedation was a letting or lease. Feu-farm, by contrast, was a heritable form of tenure subject to a fixed annual payment. The distinction explains why Alexander’s stated claim is significant.
Source: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II, Appendix, Rotuli Redituum, p. 427, “Dominia de Brechin et Nevar.”
Research Pathways
The records in the Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis become more useful when read as connected evidence rather than as isolated name references. The pathways below group related documents by place, office, family relationship, and research problem.
These groupings are intended as routes through the evidence. They do not imply that every person sharing a name or locality belongs to the same lineage.
Brechin · Civic Life, Property & Burgess Families
A substantial part of the collection concerns Guthries living, working, witnessing documents, or holding property in and around the burgh of Brechin. Boundary clauses are especially important because they preserve the names of neighboring proprietors even when those people were not parties to the transaction itself.
Key Evidence- 1429 · Heirs of the late John de Guthry
- 1447 · Patrick de Guthre’s acre in the Crofts
- 1457 · Malcolm of Guthery as witness
- 1458 · Malcolm Guthrie, bailie of Brechin
- 1469 · Malcolm Guthrie property boundary
- 1485 · Malcolm Guthrie’s own charter
- 1493 · John Guthrie property boundary
- 1507 · John Guthrie lands in the territory of Brechin
- 1579 · Former John Guthrie lands at Brounishillok
Read together, these documents can help reconstruct the Guthrie presence within Brechin over several generations. Repeated property descriptions may also help identify whether later boundary references concern the same parcel or adjoining holdings.
Kincaldrum · Administration, Law & Royal Service
The Kincaldrum material places Guthries within significant royal, episcopal, and judicial networks during the fifteenth century.
Key Evidence- 1450 · Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum on the royal inquisition
- 1459/60 · David Guthrie of Kincaldrum appointed camerarius
- 1464/65 · David Guthrie of Kincaldrum, royal treasurer and Lord of Council
These records provide direct contemporary evidence of the political and administrative standing of the Kincaldrum Guthries. They should carry greater weight than later retrospective pedigrees when reconstructing offices and chronology.
The Prebend & Collegiate Church of Guthrie
The name Guthrie appears in two related but distinct ecclesiastical settings: the medieval prebend of Guthry within Brechin Cathedral and the later Collegiate Church of Guthrie. Officeholders were not automatically members of the Guthrie family.
Prebend of Guthry- 1372 · Guthry formally identified as a simple prebend
- 1434 · William Hawik, prebendary of Guthre
- 1448 · Richard Guthrie of Lethnot and the separate Guthry prebend
- 1450 · Transsumpt preserving successive Guthre officeholders
- 1474 · James Dickson, prebendary of Guthre
- 1576/77 · Alexander Guthrie provides offices for sons Gabriel and Andrew
- 1623 · Thomas, Provost of Guthrie
- 1657 · George Strachan, Provost of Guthrie
This pathway is useful both for church history and for avoiding false family identifications. A title such as “prebendary of Guthrie” or “Provost of Guthrie” identifies an office attached to a place or institution, not a surname.
Balnabreich · Tenure, Division & Family Evidence
Three records are especially important for understanding Balnabreich. They do not describe the property in precisely the same legal context, so each must be read on its own terms.
Key Evidence- 1484/85 · Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk accepts a three-year setting while claiming feu-farm
- 1589 · James Guthrie, portioner of Balnabreich; Cristina Barroun; son James; Andrew of Wester Balnabreich
- 1595 · Western-half Carnegie charter distinguishes the eastern half pertaining heritably to James Guthrie
These records document changes in legal description and division of the estate. The 1589 reference to an annualrent from the western half and the 1595 description of James Guthrie’s hereditary eastern half should not be collapsed into a single statement about ownership.
Nor should the 1484/85 Alexander automatically be connected genealogically to the later portioners without separate evidence establishing that descent.
Pitforthie & Lunan · Branch Connections
Two later records connect the Brechin collection directly with named Guthrie territorial branches beyond the burgh itself.
Pitforthie Lunan Research ValueThese are useful synchronizing records for the separate Pitforthie and Lunan profiles because the territorial designations are explicit. The documents establish the men and their transactions; broader family placement should continue to be based on the full evidence assembled for each branch.
Family Relationships · Wives, Widows, Sons & Heirs
Many records in the collection merely establish presence, occupation, or property. A smaller group is especially valuable because the documents state family relationships directly.
Direct Relationship Evidence- 1485 · Malcolm Guthrie names wife Egidia and son/heir John
- 1518 · Jonet Guthrie identified as wife of Alexander Ramsay
- 1575 · Cristina Rattray, widow of Hugh Guthrie; Patrick Guthrie identified as her son
- 1576/77 · Gabriel and Andrew identified as legitimate sons of Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk
- 1589 · Cristina Barroun identified as wife of James Guthrie; James younger identified as his son
- 1600 · David Guthrie identified as son of John Guthrie at Newmylne
- 1613 · Isobell Guthrie identified as widow of John Leslie
These explicit kinship statements deserve particular weight in genealogical reconstruction. They are fundamentally different from assumptions based only on shared names, neighboring lands, witness groups, or later pedigrees.
Reading the Evidence Carefully
The register is strongest when each record is allowed to prove only what it actually says. A witness establishes presence; a boundary establishes a property relationship; an office identifies a role; and an explicit phrase such as “his son and heir” provides direct kinship evidence. Similar names, recurring associates, and neighboring properties may suggest avenues for further research, but they do not by themselves prove identity or descent.
Terms & Practices
The Brechin records use a mixture of medieval and early modern ecclesiastical, legal, property, and administrative terminology. Understanding these terms is essential because the wording often determines exactly what a document proves.
The explanations below are intended for reading this collection. A title, form of tenure, or procedural term should not be expanded into a genealogical conclusion beyond what the document itself states.
Ecclesiastical Offices & Institutions
A benefice attached to a cathedral or collegiate church, providing income for a canon or other ecclesiastical officeholder. The prebend of Guthry was an ecclesiastical benefice; its holder did not have to bear the Guthrie surname.
The person holding a prebend. William Hawik and James Dickson, for example, are described as prebendaries of Guthre even though Guthrie was not their surname.
A prebend not ranked among the principal cathedral dignities. In the 1372 declaration, Guthry was one of six simple prebends considered compatible with another cure or benefice.
A church served by a college or body of clergy rather than functioning as a cathedral. The Collegiate Church of Guthrie had its own provost and prebends.
The head of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie. In records such as those naming Thomas or George Strachan, Guthrie identifies the institution, not the officeholder’s surname.
A person possessing the legal right of presentation or donation to a church office or benefice. Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk is described as the undoubted patron of the Collegiate Church of Guthrie in 1576/77.
The Scottish term for tithes. These were portions of produce or income historically due to the church and could later be leased or otherwise administered after the Reformation.
A religious foundation supporting a chaplain, commonly endowed with lands or annualrents in return for specified masses, anniversaries, or other religious services.
Landholding, Tenure & Property
Formal delivery of legal possession of land or another heritable right. Before modern registration, sasine was a central step in completing a Scottish property transfer.
Written authority directing a bailie or other officer to deliver sasine to the person entitled to receive possession.
The legal state of being vested with a heritable property right, normally following sasine.
Joint infeftment of two people, often husband and wife, in the same property.
A right to possess, use, or draw income from property during a person’s lifetime without necessarily owning the underlying heritable estate.
The heritable estate itself. A document may distinguish a widow’s liferent from a son’s right in fee.
A heritable form of tenure in return for a fixed annual duty. It is materially different from a temporary lease or tack.
A lease or letting for a stated term. A person described as a tacksman held under the terms of the lease and was not necessarily the heritable proprietor.
A letting or lease. The 1484/85 Balnabreich rental describes a temporary assedation while also recording Alexander Guthrie’s separate claim to a feu-farm right.
A person holding a defined share or portion of a divided estate. James Guthrie is described as a portioner of Balnabreich in 1589.
A form of urban tenure associated with a royal or episcopal burgh. Brechin property records frequently describe tenements held in burgage.
A tenure or reddendo involving a nominal payment, often a penny or another symbolic amount, rather than a substantial annual rent.
Rents, Duties & Payments
A recurring payment secured upon land. A person could own an annualrent charged on another person’s property without owning the property itself.
A recurring payment made in produce rather than money. The 1589 Balnabreich transaction involved eighteen bolls of victual.
The clause in a charter stating what the holder was required to render or pay to the superior.
A lump-sum payment associated with the granting or renewal of a lease or other tenure, distinct from the regular annual rent or duty.
A permanent or long-term dedication of land, annualrents, or other income to a religious or charitable purpose.
A grant made to a religious institution for spiritual or charitable purposes, often accompanied by requirements for masses or commemorative services.
Legal & Documentary Procedure
Formal surrender of property into the hands of the lawful superior so that it could be regranted, transferred, or otherwise dealt with.
Written authority empowering agents to carry out a resignation on behalf of the granter.
A document confirming an earlier grant or right. Confirmation did not necessarily create the original right; it validated or reaffirmed it.
An authenticated copy or formal reproduction of an earlier document. A transsumpt may therefore contain evidence much older than the date on which the copy was made.
A formal record drawn up by a notary to authenticate a legal act, declaration, resignation, sasine, protest, or other proceeding.
Legal warranty or security given by a grantor. Property might itself be conveyed as security for another obligation.
A formal inquiry by a sworn body of jurors charged with determining facts, rights, customs, or possession.
Removal of a person or case from one court into another court claiming proper jurisdiction.
Civic & Administrative Offices
A civic or territorial officer with judicial and administrative duties. A burgh bailie frequently delivered sasine on behalf of the superior.
Chamberlain. The office could carry significant financial, administrative, and judicial responsibility.
The chamberlain’s ayre or circuit court. David Guthrie of Kincaldrum was commissioned to hold such an ayre in Brechin in 1459/60.
A clerical office connected with the parish church and its records or services. David Guthrie is specifically styled parish clerk of Brechin in an early sixteenth-century entry.
A person admitted to the civic community of a burgh, commonly with trading, property, and legal privileges.
Members of the King’s Council acting in a judicial capacity. David Guthrie of Kincaldrum appears among them while serving as royal treasurer.
Latin, Scots & Identity Clues
Literally “of the same.” In a territorial style where the surname and estate share the same name, it may be rendered “of that Ilk,” as in Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk.
Usually “late,” “formerly,” or “deceased,” depending on context. In boundary clauses it often signals that the named person was already dead or that the property had formerly belonged to that person.
“Formerly” or “once.” It can refer to a previous residence, office, status, or ownership and does not necessarily imply death.
A phrase such as “Walter Carnegie de Guthre” may indicate territorial association with Guthrie rather than a Guthrie surname. Context must determine which meaning is intended.
Some documents date events by the year of a monarch’s reign rather than by a modern calendar year. Converting such dates requires knowing the monarch’s accession date and the historical Scottish dating system in use.
Dates such as 1459/60 or 1576/77 are used where the historical year began on a different date from the modern calendar year.
A narrow lane or passageway. Vennels are frequently used as fixed urban boundary markers in Brechin property descriptions.
The person holding the fee or heritable estate, as distinct from someone holding only a liferent or other limited interest.
A Useful Rule for Reading These Records
Legal language often identifies the kind of evidence being presented. A boundary reference proves that a person’s land was used to describe a neighboring property; a witness list proves presence in that legal setting; a sasine concerns possession; a liferent is not the same as the hereditary fee; and an ecclesiastical title containing the word “Guthrie” does not by itself identify a member of the Guthrie family.
Sources & Access
The Guthrie entries on this page are drawn from the published two-volume Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, issued by the Bannatyne Club in 1856. Digital copies are available through several major repositories.
References throughout this page follow the printed volume and page numbering. When consulting a scanned copy, the digital image number may differ from the printed page number because covers, preliminary pages, and other unnumbered leaves may be included in the scan.
Publication Details
Digital Access
National Library of Scotland
The NLS Publications by Scottish Clubs collection provides a page-by-page digital presentation of Volume II · Appendix Cartarum, with image and transcription views.
Open NLS Digital Volume Permanent NLS digital reference · Shelfmark SCS.BC.102Internet Archive · Volume I
Digitized copy of the main register used for the Volume I documentary entries on this page.
Open Volume IInternet Archive · Volume II
Digitized copy containing the Appendix of Original Charters and the later rental material used extensively in this collection.
Open Volume IIGoogle Books
Alternate digitized edition of Volume II with searchable text, selected-page navigation, and bibliographic information for the Bannatyne Club publication.
Open Google BooksOpen Library
Alternate catalogue and reading gateway for the two-volume work, with links to available digital formats.
Open Library RecordGuthrie Finding Aid on This Page
Use the Master Guthrie Finding Aid to move directly between the forty-five distinct documentary records without searching the two printed volumes page by page.
Return to Finding AidCiting a Record
A useful citation identifies the published work, volume, printed page or pages, and—where applicable—the numbered charter in the Appendix.
Example: Registrum Episcopatus Brechinensis, vol. II (Bannatyne Club, 1856), Appendix, Cartae Originales CLV, p. 227.
For Volume I register entries, include the manuscript folio when supplied by the printed edition. For online research notes, adding the digital repository consulted can make the record easier for another researcher to relocate.
Related Guthrie Research
Research note: The published register is an invaluable access point to the medieval and early modern evidence, but a nineteenth-century printed edition remains an edition rather than the original manuscript or charter. Where a conclusion depends upon a precise word, relationship, date, seal, endorsement, or physical feature of a document, the surviving original record should be consulted whenever possible.