RMS – Volume 2

Guthrie Genealogy · Special Collections · Register of the Great Seal

RMS · Volume II

Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum

A.D. 1424–1513

Volume II is one of the richest Great Seal collections for early Guthrie research. Its records follow the family from the Kincaldrum period into possession of the lands and barony of Guthrie, while also preserving evidence for Balnabreich, Kingennie, Eassie, Hiltoun, Lunan, Halcartoun, Glensaugh, Glenquharidy, Kinblathmont, Dundee, Brechin, and several clerical or otherwise unidentified Guthries.

Complete Survey · Volume II
38 Expanded Guthrie Records
1424–1513 Published Volume Span
4 Stewart Reigns
1 Supplementary Name Index

About Volume II

The published volume covers the Great Seal material from the return of James I in 1424 through the end of the reign of James IV in 1513. Some entries confirmed during this period recite earlier charters, so the underlying evidence can reach back before 1424.

For Guthrie research, this volume is particularly important because it preserves direct evidence for family relationships, territorial succession, royal service, cadet or collateral holdings, ecclesiastical patronage, urban property, and witness networks across Angus, Perthshire, Kincardineshire and beyond.

Kincaldrum to Guthrie

Master David Guthrie appears first within the established Kincaldrum identity and later receives the core lands of Guthrie from the Crown. Later records document resignations, regrants, succession, and the family’s continuing relationship with both estates.

Family Relationships

Several entries state relationships directly: wives, sons, heirs apparent, brothers, and a natural son. These explicit statements are among the strongest genealogical evidence in the volume.

Branches & Territorial Identities

The volume names Guthries associated with Balnabreich, Kingennie, Eassie, Hiltoun, Lunan, Halcartoun, Glensaugh, Glenquharidy and Kinblathmont, allowing those territorial identities to be studied independently rather than assumed to form a single proven pedigree.

Royal, Civic & Ecclesiastical Networks

Guthries appear as royal officers, knights, witnesses, burgesses, rectors, chaplains, vicars and landholders. Dundee, Brechin and the Collegiate Church of Guthrie are particularly important recurring settings.

Sir David Guthrie of Kincaldrum & Guthrie

Sir David dominates the middle decades of this volume. The Great Seal material records his landed acquisitions and ecclesiastical patronage while the volume’s witness tables preserve his changing royal offices, including Treasurer, Auditor of Accounts, Clerk of the Rolls and Register, and Captain of the King’s Guard. His career therefore provides a documentary bridge between family genealogy, landholding and royal administration.

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Scotland During Volume II

Four Stewart kings ruled Scotland during the period covered by Volume II. Rather than treating their reigns as separate biographies, they provide the political framework within which the Guthrie charters were issued.

James I Personal rule · 1424–1437
James II 1437–1460
James III 1460–1488
James IV 1488–1513

Royal Administration

Sir David Guthrie’s rise through major offices places the family unusually close to Crown government during the reign of James III.

Land & Lordship

Resignation, confirmation, ward, feu-farm and succession repeatedly shape the documentary history of Guthrie properties.

Church Patronage

Advowsons, chaplainries and the Collegiate Church of Guthrie reveal the close relationship between landed lordship and ecclesiastical patronage.

Cadet & Collateral Holdings

Territorial designations provide evidence for several Guthrie groups without requiring us to assume that their precise relationships are already known.

Burgh Networks

Dundee and Brechin records preserve Guthries as burgesses, witnesses, neighboring proprietors and urban landholders.

Succession Evidence

The strongest entries identify people explicitly as sons, heirs apparent, spouses, brothers or other legally defined relatives.

A Note About Dates

A Great Seal entry may have several relevant dates: the date of an earlier charter being recited, the date of a resignation or grant, and the later date of royal confirmation. The record cards will distinguish these whenever the published RMS supplies them rather than treating every date as the date of the underlying transaction.

A Note About Identity

Territorial styles are valuable evidence, but similar names do not automatically identify the same person. A Master David, Alexander, Malcolm, John or James Guthrie without a territorial designation will not be assigned to a particular branch unless the record itself or independent evidence supports that identification.

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Volume II · Master Guthrie Finding Aid

This finding aid includes all thirty-seven Guthrie records expanded in this Volume II collection. The records remain in published RMS sequence, while the date column distinguishes later royal confirmations from earlier charters or proceedings recited within them whenever that distinction is important.

The classifications describe the Guthrie role in the evidence. A property or family entry carries different genealogical weight from a witness appearance, boundary reference, clerical role, or other supporting mention.

37 Expanded RMS Records
1421–1512 Underlying Guthrie Evidence
3 Record Groups Below
Property / Title Family / Relationship Supporting / Network
Early Records · 1421–1473
Charter Date Guthrie Reference Evidence Type Record Focus
95 26 Jul 1427
recites 20 May 1418 		Robert Guthre Civic / Supporting Robert appears in a Dundee chaplainry charter as a witness and proprietor or occupier of a bounding tenement.
113 2 Aug 1427
recites 8 Dec 1421 		David de Guthre;
Alexander de Guthre 		Witness / Network Two Guthries witness an Ogilvy family annualrent transaction. The charter does not state their relationship to one another.
834 22 Jun 1465 Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum;
Jonete his wife 		Family / Property Petkarne and its superiority granted jointly to David and Jonete, with destination first to their lawful issue.
868 25 Mar 1466 Master David de Guthre of Kincaldrum Property / Title Royal grant of the lands of Guthrie and their tenements following resignation by the Earl of Crawford. David is styled the King’s familiar squire and treasurer.
876 7 May 1466
recites 29 Apr 1466 		Master David Guthre Witness / Network David witnesses a high-level transaction between Walter, Lord of Lorne, and the Earl of Argyll.
981 9 Feb 1468/69 Alexander Guthre of Kincaldrum;
Master David Guthre;
Joane 		Family / Succession Ballindane succession material naming Alexander, Master David Guthrie and Joane. The detailed record preserves the exact relationship wording.
1011 12 Feb 1470 Master David de Guthre Property / Title Royal confirmation of the barony of Guthrie to David and his heirs following his personal resignation.
1028 15 Jun 1471
recites 1466 & 1471 charters 		Master David Guthre;
William Guthre of Halcartoun 		Witness / Network Two separate transactions preserve David Guthrie and William Guthrie of Halcartoun as witnesses.
1038 Aug 1471
recites inquest of 1 Feb 1453 		William Guthre of Lounan;
John Guthre of Essy 		Jurors / Network Both men serve as jurors in a Forfarshire boundary inquest concerning Auchinleck.
1078 5 Sep 1472 Master David Guthre Land / Patronage David receives six acres at Kirkbuddo together with the advowson and right of patronage of its church.
1104 4 Feb 1472/73 Sir David Guthrie;
Malcolm his natural son;
Alexander his son and heir apparent;
Malcolm of Kingennie;
James his brother 		Family / Balnabreich Sir David grants Balnabreich to his natural son Malcolm. The witness clause separately identifies David’s heir apparent Alexander, Malcolm of Kingennie, and David’s brother James.
1147 16 Oct 1473 Master Thomas de Guthre Property / Barony Thomas receives the barony and superiority of Glensaugh in Kincardineshire from Lord Oliphant.
Later Fifteenth Century · 1480–1493
Charter Date Guthrie Reference Evidence Type Record Focus
1456 7 Dec 1480 Malcolm Guthre of Kingennie Burgess / Witness Malcolm of Kingennie appears among Dundee burgesses witnessing an ecclesiastical endowment.
1493 16 Oct 1481 John Guthre of Essy Witness / Network John of Eassie witnesses a Forfarshire annualrent transaction involving Fenton and Ogilvy.
1550 4 Feb 1483
recites 15 Jan 1434 charter 		Alexander de Guthre Witness / Earlier Record Alexander appears as a witness in a 1434 charter preserved within a later confirmation of Ogilvy material.
1674 26 May 1487
underlying charter 11 Apr 1487 		John Guthrie of Eassie;
David Guthrie, his son and heir apparent 		Family / Succession Direct father-to-son evidence: David Guthrie is explicitly identified as the son and heir apparent of John Guthrie of Eassie.
1691 24 Oct 1487 Alexander Guthre of Kincaldrum Witness / Network Alexander appears as witness in a Lindsay transaction concerning lands in the barony of Ferne.
1751 24 Jul 1488 Alexander Guthre of Glenquharidy Property / Sale Alexander sells half of Wester Glenquharidy, complementing the Easter Glenquharidy transaction in Charter 1676.
1795 20 Oct 1488 Alexander Guthre of Kincaldrum, knight Witness / Royal Network Alexander witnesses a royal grant of a lifetime pension from the customs of Aberdeen.
1938 7 Mar 1489/90 Alexander Guthre of that Ilk, knight Witness / Noble Network Alexander witnesses a major Crawford/Lindsay grant and is explicitly styled knight.
2152 30 May 1493 David Guthre of Hiltoun Witness / Territorial David of Hiltoun witnesses a sale involving the barony of Drumblade and the superiority of Leschangie in Aberdeenshire.
2220 28 Jun 1493 Robert Guthre of Glensaugh Witness / Territorial Robert of Glensaugh witnesses an Ogilvy transaction concerning fishing rights on the River Deveron.
Early Sixteenth Century · 1500–1512
Charter Date Guthrie Reference Evidence Type Record Focus
2570 10 Mar 1500/01 Master David Guthre, rector of Aberdour;
George Guthre 		Clerical / Witness David, rector of Aberdour, and George Guthrie witness an ecclesiastical grant connected with Aberdeen.
2576 18 Mar 1500/01 Alexander Guthre of that Ilk, knight Legal / Property Debt decree against Alexander leads to appraisal of lands of West Lowry, with a seven-year right of redemption.
2682 9 Jan 1503 James Guthre;
Katrina Lyne his wife 		Marriage / Property Katrina Lyne, with her husband’s consent, resigns her share of Edinkip. James Guthrie is explicitly identified as her spouse.
2910 19 Jan 1505/06 Sir Alexander Guthrie;
David his eldest son and heir apparent;
David his father;
Jonete his mother;
multiple Guthrie associates 		Family / Church Major collegiate-church charter preserving explicit parentage, succession and extended Guthrie participation.
3183 31 Jan 1507/08 Sir David Guthre, chaplain Clerical / Witness David Guthrie, chaplain, witnesses a sale of the lands of Innenee in Forfarshire.
3258 8 Aug 1508 John Guthre Civic / Property Two Brechin annualrents are charged upon lands identified as belonging to John Guthrie.
3259 28 Aug 1508 Alexander Guthrie, senior;
Margaret Lyon his wife;
Alexander his son;
George his son;
Robert Guthrie 		Family / Succession Alexander grants Kincaldrum and associated lands to his son Alexander while reserving the free tenement to himself and Margaret Lyon. George is explicitly identified as another son.
3323 10 Mar 1508/09 Master Malcolm Guthre Clerical / Witness Master Malcolm appears among clerical witnesses to a transaction involving fishing rights on the Deveron.
3354.2 20 Jun 1509 Alexander Guthre of that Ilk, knight Witness / Network Alexander witnesses a charitable or chaplaincy grant for soul-prayers.
3389 7 Dec 1509 Sir Alexander Guthre of that Ilk Witness / Noble Network Sir Alexander witnesses a grant involving lands in the lordship of Crawford-Lindsay.
3535 9 Feb
recites charter dated 12 Oct 1507 		Alexander Guthrie, knight and baron of Guthrie;
George his son;
Robert Guthrie;
James Guthrie, vicar 		Barony / Family Confirmation of lands within the barony of Guthrie to David Gardin and Jonete Tulloch in conjunct infeftment. Several Guthries appear as witnesses or officeholders.
3559 29 Mar 1511 John Guthre Civic / Boundary John Guthrie is named as an adjacent landholder in a Brechin property description.
3575 27 May
recites charter dated 2 Oct 1470 		Alexander Guthre;
William Guthre his late father;
Master David Guthre 		Family / Kinblathmont Confirmation of Kinblathmont to Alexander Guthrie, explicitly identifying the earlier grantee William Guthrie as his father.
3724 19 Apr 1512 Sir David Guthre, chaplain Clerical / Witness Sir David Guthrie, chaplain, witnesses a Rossy land transaction in Forfarshire.
3796 18 Dec 1512 Sir Alexander Guthre of that Ilk Witness / Noble Network Sir Alexander witnesses a Rossy family grant involving lands and mills in Forfarshire.

How the Dates Are Shown

When an RMS entry confirms or recites an earlier charter, inquest or grant, both dates may matter. The main date above identifies the Great Seal entry or confirmation where it is clear, while the smaller note identifies the earlier evidence preserved within it. This is particularly important for records such as Charters 95, 113, 1038, 1550, 3535 and 3575.

Identification rule: A territorial designation such as of Kincaldrum, of Eassie, of Hiltoun or of Glensaugh is preserved because the document states it. A Guthrie appearing only by given name and surname will not be assigned to one of those families merely because another Guthrie of the same name appears elsewhere in the volume.
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Detailed Records · 1421–1473

These early Volume II records move from supporting appearances in Dundee and Ogilvy transactions into the major land, succession and family records associated with Sir David Guthrie, Kincaldrum, the barony of Guthrie, Balnabreich and Glensaugh.

Several RMS entries are later royal confirmations of earlier documents. Where that occurs, the confirmation date and the date of the underlying charter or inquest are kept distinct.

Confirmed 26 July 1427 · underlying charter 20 May 1418 Charter 95 · Robert Guthre in Dundee RMS II · p. 18 · HathiTrust image 32
Guthrie Identified Robert Guthre
Role Witness and proprietor / occupier of a bounding tenement
Location Dundee
Evidence Type Civic / Supporting

Document Focus

The King confirmed a charter of Richard Wryth, perpetual chaplain of St Clement the Martyr within Dundee. The underlying charter supported a chaplain celebrating at the altar of St Michael in the parish church of St Mary. Robert Guthre appears among those connected with the bounding tenements and as a witness to the earlier charter.

Why This Record Matters

  • It provides an early documented Guthrie presence within the burgh of Dundee.
  • Robert appears in an urban property and ecclesiastical setting rather than as a landed baron.
  • The record may be useful when distinguishing urban Guthries from the territorially styled Angus families.

Research Note

The record places Robert Guthre in Dundee but supplies no parentage or territorial designation. It does not establish his relationship to the later Kincaldrum or Guthrie lines.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 95, p. 18. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 2 August 1427 · underlying charter 8 December 1421 Charter 113 · David & Alexander de Guthre RMS II · p. 22 · HathiTrust image 36
Guthries Identified David de Guthre; Alexander de Guthre
Role Witnesses
Network Ogilvy
Evidence Type Witness / Network

Document Focus

Walter de Ogilvy, lord of Luntrethyn, granted his nephew Patrick de Ogilvy of Grandoun an annualrent of ten marks from Mykil-Barrese in the Mearns. David de Guthre and Alexander de Guthre appear among the witnesses to the underlying 1421 charter.

Witnesses include: David de Ogilvy, Patrick Gray, David de Guthre, Thomas de Fothringame, Alexander de Guthre, and John Ydill, notary public.

Why This Record Matters

  • It places two Guthrie men within an Ogilvy legal and social network by 1421.
  • The record predates the major mid-fifteenth-century Kincaldrum and Guthrie land grants.
  • It is useful for chronology and network analysis even though neither man receives land in this transaction.

Identity Caution

Neither witness is given a territorial designation in this entry. Their identities should therefore not be assigned solely from similarity to later men named David or Alexander Guthrie.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 113, p. 22. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 22 June 1465 Charter 834 · David Guthrie, Jonete & Petkarne RMS II · p. 178 · HathiTrust image 192
Guthries Identified Master David Guthre of Kincaldrum; Jonete his wife
Property Petkarne, with superiority
Sheriffdom Perth
Evidence Type Family / Property

Document Focus

The royal confirmation records a grant of the lands of Petkarne, together with their superiority, to Master David Guthre of Kincaldrum and Jonete his wife.

The destination was to David and Jonete and the heirs lawfully begotten between them; failing such heirs, to David’s lawful and nearest heirs.

Why This Record Matters

  • It explicitly names Jonete as David Guthrie’s wife.
  • The destination clause provides direct evidence about the intended succession of the property.
  • It documents David and Jonete holding property jointly in Perthshire before the major royal grant of Guthrie itself.
  • David is described in the published entry as a familiar cleric and Treasurer of the King.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 834, p. 178. View published RMS image.

25 March 1466 Charter 868 · Royal Grant of the Lands of Guthrie RMS II · p. 183 · HathiTrust image 197
Recipient Master David de Guthre of Kincaldrum
Royal Style Familiar squire and Treasurer
Property Lands of Guthrie and their tenements
Evidence Type Property / Title

Document Focus

The King granted to his familiar squire and Treasurer, Master David de Guthre of Kincaldrum, and his heirs the lands of Guthrie and their tenements in the sheriffdom of Forfar.

The lands had been resigned by David, Earl of Crawford and Lord Lindsay.

Why This Record Matters

  • This is a foundational title record for the later Guthries of Guthrie.
  • It directly connects David’s established Kincaldrum style with the Crown grant of the lands bearing the Guthrie name.
  • It documents the legal transfer from the Earl of Crawford’s interest to David Guthrie and his heirs.
  • David’s royal office is stated within the grant itself.

Evidence Principle

The charter documents the Crown grant of the lands of Guthrie to David in 1466. It should not be used to project Guthrie-family possession of those lands backward before the documentary transfer.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 868, p. 183. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 7 May 1466 · underlying charter 29 April 1466 Charter 876 · Master David Guthre as Witness RMS II · p. 185 · HathiTrust image 199
Guthrie Identified Master David Guthre, styled “of the same”
Role Witness
Transaction Lord of Lorne to Earl of Argyll
Evidence Type Witness / Royal-Noble Network

Document Focus

The King confirmed a charter by Walter, Lord of Lorne, to Colin, Earl of Argyll, involving lands in Perthshire. Master David Guthre appears among the witnesses to the underlying charter.

Why This Record Matters

The entry documents a Master David Guthre participating in a high-level transaction involving leading Scottish nobles during the same period as the major Guthrie land grants.

Identity Note

The calendared witness style is preserved as “Master David Guthre of the same.” The record is useful for network analysis, but its evidentiary value here is his presence as a witness rather than any property right in the lands being conveyed.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 876, p. 185. View published RMS image.

9 February 1468/69 Charter 981 · Ballindane Succession Material RMS II · p. 203 · HathiTrust image 217
Guthries Named Alexander Guthre of Kincaldrum; Master David Guthre
Woman Named Joane
Property Ballindane, barony of Balegern, Perthshire
Evidence Type Family / Succession

Document Focus

The calendared entry concerns the lands of Ballindane and uses explicit succession language involving Alexander Guthre of Kincaldrum and Master David Guthre. It also refers to Joane in connection with a reserved marital property right.

Published-calendar wording: the entry describes Alexander Guthre of Kincaldrum and “his son and heir apparent,” together with Master David Guthre “of the same,” in the Ballindane conveyance.

Why This Record Matters

  • The entry contains explicit succession terminology rather than merely placing two Guthries together as witnesses.
  • It associates the Guthrie family with Ballindane in Perthshire.
  • Joane’s appearance adds marital-property evidence to the record.

Documentary Reading

The syntax of the published calendared entry is awkward enough that the exact generational arrangement should be checked against the underlying text before using this charter as a stand-alone pedigree proof. The relationship language itself is significant; the reconstruction should not go beyond the wording until that point is resolved.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 981, p. 203. View published RMS image.

12 February 1470 Charter 1011 · Confirmation of the Barony of Guthrie RMS II · p. 209 · HathiTrust image 223
Guthrie Identified Master David de Guthre
Property Barony of Guthrie
Legal Action Resignation and royal confirmation
Evidence Type Property / Title

Document Focus

The King confirmed to his familiar squire, Master David de Guthre, and his heirs the lands of the barony of Guthrie, with its tenants and tenements, following David’s personal resignation.

The published entry also notes that David had held the lands in ward before the resignation.

Why This Record Matters

  • It documents continued legal title to the core Guthrie estate after the initial 1466 grant.
  • The resignation and regrant provide evidence about the legal management of the barony rather than a new family origin.
  • It reinforces David’s transition from Kincaldrum-based identification to possession of the Guthrie barony.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1011, p. 209. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 15 June 1471 · earlier transactions 1466 & 1471 Charter 1028 · David Guthre & William Guthre of Halcartoun RMS II · p. 212 · HathiTrust image 226
Guthries Identified Master David Guthre; William Guthre of Halcartoun
Role Witnesses in separate transactions
Territorial Evidence Halcartoun
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

This entry preserves two separate Guthrie witness appearances. Master David Guthre witnessed a charter dated 31 March 1466. A second transaction dated 8 May 1471 names William Guthre of Halcartoun as a witness in connection with an annualrent from Walterstoune.

Why This Record Matters

  • It provides an explicit territorial designation for William Guthrie of Halcartoun.
  • It documents the activity of more than one Guthrie identity within Forfarshire legal networks.
  • The witness appearances establish participation, not ownership of the lands involved in the transactions.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1028, p. 212. View published RMS image.

August 1471 · preserves inquest of 1 February 1453 Charter 1038 · William of Lunan & John of Eassie RMS II · p. 215 · HathiTrust image 229
Guthries Identified William Guthre of Lounan; John Guthre of Essy
Role Jurors
Underlying Event Boundary inquest at Forfar, 1 February 1453
Evidence Type Jurors / Territorial

Document Focus

The later entry preserves an earlier retour or inquest concerning boundaries between Downy, Auchinleck and neighboring lands in Forfarshire.

Among the jurors in the 1453 inquest are William Guthre of Lounan and John Guthre of Essy.

Why This Record Matters

  • It supplies explicit territorial styles for Guthries of Lunan and Eassie by 1453.
  • Their participation as jurors places both men within the local legal community of Forfarshire.
  • The record is useful for establishing chronology without requiring either man to be placed within the main Kincaldrum pedigree.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1038, p. 215; preserving the inquest of 1 February 1453. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 5 September 1472 · grant dated 2 September 1472 Charter 1078 · Kirkbuddo Lands & Church Patronage RMS II · p. 223 · HathiTrust image 237
Recipient Master David Guthre
Grantor David, Earl of Crawford and Lord Lindsay
Property / Right Six acres at Kirkbuddo; church advowson and patronage
Evidence Type Land / Ecclesiastical Patronage

Document Focus

The Earl of Crawford granted to his kinsman Master David Guthre, for faithful service, six acres of Kirkbuddo together with pasture rights and the advowson and right of patronage of the church of Kirkbuddo.

Why This Record Matters

  • The grant combines landed property with ecclesiastical patronage.
  • The Earl of Crawford explicitly describes David as his kinsman.
  • It provides context for the expanding patronage rights later associated with the Guthrie family.

Kinship Note

“Kinsman” establishes a stated relationship between the Earl of Crawford and David Guthrie, but the charter does not specify the exact genealogical degree.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1078, p. 223. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 4 February 1472/73 Charter 1104 · Balnabreich & Sir David Guthrie’s Family RMS II · p. 227 · HathiTrust image 241
Grantor Sir David Guthre
Recipient Malcolm Guthre, his natural son
Property Balnabrech / Balnabreich
Evidence Type Family / Balnabreich

Document Focus

Sir David Guthrie granted the lands of Balnabreich, in the lordship of Brechin, to his beloved natural son Malcolm Guthrie and Malcolm’s heirs.

The published calendar describes the grant as made from David’s “carnal affection” for his son.

Named Guthries in the witness clause: Alexander Guthre of Kincaldrum, son and heir apparent of Sir David; Malcolm Guthre of Kingennie; and James Guthry, brother of Sir David.

Why This Record Matters

  • Malcolm of Balnabreich is explicitly identified as Sir David’s natural son.
  • Alexander of Kincaldrum is explicitly identified as David’s son and heir apparent.
  • James Guthrie is explicitly identified as David’s brother.
  • Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie appears separately from the natural son Malcolm and must not be conflated with him.
  • The charter is therefore unusually rich direct evidence for Sir David Guthrie’s immediate family and associates.

Identity Distinction

The charter names two different men called Malcolm Guthrie: Malcolm, Sir David’s natural son and recipient of Balnabreich, and Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie, who appears among the witnesses.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1104, p. 227. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 16 October 1473 · underlying grant 12 October 1473 Charter 1147 · Thomas Guthrie & the Barony of Glensaugh RMS II · p. 234 · HathiTrust image 248
Guthrie Identified Master Thomas de Guthre
Grantor Lawrence, Lord Oliphant
Property Barony and superiority of Glensaugh
Evidence Type Property / Barony

Document Focus

Lawrence, Lord Oliphant, granted to his kinsman Master Thomas de Guthre and his heirs the lands of the barony of Glensaugh, together with the superiority of the barony in Kincardineshire.

Why This Record Matters

  • It establishes a territorial Guthrie holding at Glensaugh.
  • Thomas Guthrie is the principal recipient, not merely a witness.
  • The grant includes the superiority of the barony as well as the lands themselves.
  • Lord Oliphant describes Thomas as his kinsman, supplying evidence of a stated connection without defining its exact degree.

Genealogical Caution

This charter establishes Thomas Guthrie at Glensaugh but does not state how he relates to Sir David Guthrie’s Kincaldrum/Guthrie family. Any placement within a broader Guthrie pedigree requires independent evidence.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1147, p. 234. View published RMS image.

Volume II continues with the later fifteenth-century records, beginning with Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie in Charter 1456.
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Detailed Records · 1480–1493

These eleven later fifteenth-century records broaden the documentary picture beyond the main Guthrie estate. They preserve territorial evidence for Kingennie, Eassie, Glenquharidy, Hiltoun and Glensaugh, while Sir Alexander Guthrie appears within royal and noble witness networks.

One entry is especially important genealogically: Charter 1674 directly identifies David Guthrie as the son and heir apparent of John Guthrie of Eassie. The Glenquharidy records, by contrast, document actual property alienations, while several other entries are supporting witness evidence.

Confirmed 7 December 1480 Charter 1456 · Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie in Dundee RMS II · p. 303 · HathiTrust image 317
Guthrie Identified Malcolm Guthre of Kingennie
Role Burgess of Dundee; witness
Setting Parish Church of Dundee
Evidence Type Civic / Witness

Document Focus

The charter confirms a grant by William of Barry, burgess of Dundee, of lands and annualrents supporting a chaplain at the altar of St Ninian in the Parish Church of Dundee.

Malcolm Guthre of Kingennie appears among the Dundee burgesses witnessing the endowment.

Why This Record Matters

  • Malcolm carries the explicit territorial designation of Kingennie.
  • He is also identified within a Dundee burgess context.
  • The record provides civic and ecclesiastical evidence independent of the Balnabreich Malcolm named in Charter 1104.

Identity Distinction

Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie should not be confused with Sir David Guthrie’s natural son Malcolm of Balnabreich. Charter 1104 names both men separately.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1456, p. 303. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 16 October 1481 Charter 1493 · John Guthrie of Eassie RMS II · p. 312 · HathiTrust image 326
Guthrie Identified John Guthre of Essy
Role Witness
Associated Families Fenton and Ogilvy
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

The charter confirms the sale by William Fenton of Cukiscardane of an annualrent from lands in Forfarshire to James Ogilvy of Airlie. John Guthre of Essy appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

The record independently confirms John’s territorial style of Eassie and his continuing participation in local Forfarshire transactions after his earlier appearance in the 1453 inquest preserved in Charter 1038.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1493, p. 312. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 4 February 1483 · preserves charter of 15 January 1434 Charter 1550 · Alexander de Guthre in an Earlier Ogilvy Charter RMS II · p. 324 · HathiTrust image 338
Guthrie Identified Alexander de Guthre
Role Witness
Underlying Date 15 January 1434
Evidence Type Earlier Witness Record

Document Focus

Charter 1550 is a lengthy confirmation of earlier Ogilvy material concerning lands in the barony of Kirriemuir. One incorporated charter, dated at Perth on 15 January 1434, names Alexander de Guthre among its witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

Although the confirmation belongs to 1483, the Guthrie evidence itself reaches back to 1434. It therefore provides an early chronological appearance for an Alexander Guthrie in a Perth/Angus legal network.

Identity Caution

Alexander is not given a territorial designation in this embedded charter. The record should not by itself be used to identify him with a later Alexander of Kincaldrum or Guthrie.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1550, p. 324; incorporating a charter dated 15 January 1434. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 26 May 1487 · underlying charter 11 April 1487 Charter 1674 · David Guthrie, Son & Heir of John of Eassie RMS II · p. 353 · HathiTrust image 367
Father John Guthrie of Eassie
Son David Guthrie
David’s Status Son and heir apparent of John
Evidence Type Family / Succession

Document Focus

The King confirmed a charter of John Langlands of Cullace and Elizabeth Lindsay his spouse. For a stated sum of money, they sold and alienated to Patrick Barclay of Garnetuly, his heirs and assigns, the lands of Drumblade, formerly belonging to Margaret Fenton, lady of Baky, in the sheriffdom of Aberdeen.

The underlying charter was made at Dundee on 11 April 1487 and was confirmed at Edinburgh on 26 May 1487.

Witness clause: “Dav. Guthre filio et herede apparenti Joh. G. de Essy” — David Guthrie, son and heir apparent of John Guthrie of Eassie.

Why This Record Matters

  • It explicitly establishes John Guthrie of Eassie → David Guthrie as father and son.
  • David is explicitly described as John’s heir apparent.
  • This is direct contemporary succession evidence rather than a later pedigree reconstruction.
  • It provides an important documentary bridge within the Eassie family before the later appearance of a David Guthrie styled of Hiltoun.

Identity & Succession Note

The charter proves that David was the son and heir apparent of John Guthrie of Eassie. It does not itself style David “of Hiltoun.” Identification with the later David Guthrie of Hiltoun therefore depends upon the broader documentary sequence rather than this charter alone.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1674, p. 353. Royal confirmation at Edinburgh, 26 May 1487; underlying charter at Dundee, 11 April 1487. View published RMS image.

1487 · underlying charter 2 July 1487 Charter 1676 · Easter Glenquharidy RMS II · p. 353 · HathiTrust image 367
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthre of Glenquharidy
Role Seller / alienator
Property Half of Easter Glenquharidy
Evidence Type Property / Sale

Document Focus

Alexander Guthre of Glenquharidy sold and alienated half of the lands of Easter Glenquharidy to Sir John Kinnaber, vicar of Cortachy, his heirs and assigns.

Alexander also bound himself, his heirs and his lands to perform the stated suit and service connected with both Easter and Wester Glenquharidy, subject to the qualifications preserved in the entry.

Why This Record Matters

  • Alexander is explicitly styled of Glenquharidy.
  • He is the principal party rather than a witness.
  • Together with Charter 1751, the record documents the alienation of interests in both Easter and Wester Glenquharidy.

Genealogical Caution

The territorial designation establishes Alexander at Glenquharidy but does not state how he was related to the Kincaldrum/Guthrie family or to another Guthrie branch.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1676, p. 353. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 24 October 1487 Charter 1691 · Alexander Guthre in the Barony of Ferne RMS II · p. 356 · HathiTrust image 370
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthre, styled “of the same”
Role Witness
Setting Barony of Ferne, Forfarshire
Evidence Type Witness / Network

Document Focus

The charter confirms grants of lands in the barony of Ferne to Alexander Lindsay. Alexander Guthre, styled “of the same,” appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

The published RMS index associates this entry with the Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum sequence. As documentary evidence, the charter itself primarily establishes his presence as a witness within a Lindsay land transaction.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1691, p. 356. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 24 July 1488 Charter 1751 · Wester Glenquharidy RMS II · p. 371 · HathiTrust image 385
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthre of Glenquharidy
Role Seller / alienator
Property Half of Wester Glenquharidy
Evidence Type Property / Sale

Document Focus

Alexander Guthre of Glenquharidy sold and alienated half of the lands of Wester Glenquharidy to Sir John Kinnaber, vicar of Cortachy, his heirs and assigns.

Why This Record Matters

Read with Charter 1676, the charter documents two closely spaced transactions involving Alexander’s interests in Easter and Wester Glenquharidy in 1487–1488. That is direct evidence for changes in the landed position of this territorial Guthrie family.

Evidence Principle

The two sales establish property alienation. They do not, without additional evidence, explain the reason for the sales or establish Alexander’s ancestry.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1751, p. 371. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 20 October 1488 Charter 1795 · Alexander Guthrie, Knight, as Royal Witness RMS II · p. 381 · HathiTrust image 395
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthre, knight
Role Witness
Transaction Lifetime pension from customs of Aberdeen
Evidence Type Royal Witness

Document Focus

The charter confirms a lifetime pension of 160 merks to Margaret Carmichael from the customs of Aberdeen. Alexander Guthre, styled a knight, appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

The appearance documents Alexander’s knightly status and participation in a royal witness circle immediately after the beginning of the reign of James IV.

Identity Note

The published index places this entry within the sequence associated with Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum. The charter’s direct genealogical value is limited because Alexander acts as a witness rather than as a party to the pension.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1795, p. 381. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 7 March 1489/90 Charter 1938 · Alexander Guthrie, Knight RMS II · p. 408 · HathiTrust image 422
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthre, knight
Role Witness
Associated Family Lindsay / Crawford
Evidence Type Noble / Royal Network

Document Focus

The charter concerns grants by David, Duke of Montrose and Earl of Crawford, to his brother Alexander Lindsay, including Inverarity and Ferne. Alexander Guthre, knight appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

Alexander’s knightly style and continued participation in major Lindsay/Crawford transactions help document his chronology and social position during the late 1480s.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1938, p. 408. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 30 May 1493 Charter 2152 · David Guthrie of Hiltoun RMS II · p. 455 · HathiTrust image 469
Guthrie Identified David Guthre of Hiltoun
Role Witness
Setting Aberdeenshire land transaction
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

The charter confirms the sale of the barony of Drumblade, with the superiority of Leschangie, to Patrick Barclay. David Guthre of Hiltoun appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

  • It gives David the explicit territorial style of Hiltoun.
  • It provides a securely dated appearance for a David Guthrie of Hiltoun in 1493.
  • Read with Charter 1674, it becomes especially relevant to the documented Eassie-to-Hiltoun succession question.

Identity Note

Charter 1674 proves that John Guthrie of Eassie had a son and heir apparent named David. Charter 2152 proves that a David Guthrie was styled of Hiltoun six years later. The records should be considered together, while preserving the distinction between what each charter states directly and the broader identification drawn from the documentary sequence.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 2152, p. 455. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 28 June 1493 Charter 2220 · Robert Guthrie of Glensaugh RMS II · p. 469 · HathiTrust image 483
Guthrie Identified Robert Guthre of Glensaugh
Role Witness
Transaction Fishing rights on the water of Deveron
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

The charter concerns fishing rights on the water of Deveron in the Banff area granted to James Ogilvy of Deskford. Robert Guthre of Glensaugh appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

  • It supplies a later territorial reference to Glensaugh after the 1473 grant to Master Thomas Guthrie.
  • Robert’s appearance demonstrates continued use of the Glensaugh territorial designation into the 1490s.
  • Comparison with Thomas Guthrie is a legitimate research avenue, but this record alone does not state their relationship.

Genealogical Caution

Territorial continuity is not the same as documented parentage. Robert’s relationship to Master Thomas Guthrie of Glensaugh must be established from additional evidence.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 2220, p. 469. View published RMS image.

Volume II continues with the early sixteenth-century records, beginning with Master David Guthrie, rector of Aberdour, in Charter 2570.
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Detailed Records · 1480–1493

The later fifteenth-century records broaden the documentary picture beyond Sir David Guthrie. They preserve territorial references to Kingennie, Eassie, Glenquharidy, Hiltoun and Glensaugh, while the main line continues to appear within major royal and noble witness networks.

Two Glenquharidy charters record actual alienations of land. Most of the other entries in this group are supporting witness or civic evidence and are treated accordingly.

Confirmed 7 December 1480 Charter 1456 · Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie in Dundee RMS II · p. 303 · HathiTrust image 317
Guthrie Identified Malcolm Guthre of Kingennie
Role Burgess of Dundee; witness
Setting Parish Church of Dundee
Evidence Type Civic / Witness

Document Focus

The charter confirms a grant by William of Barry, burgess of Dundee, of lands and annualrents supporting a chaplain at the altar of St Ninian in the Parish Church of Dundee.

Malcolm Guthre of Kingennie appears among the Dundee burgesses witnessing the endowment.

Why This Record Matters

  • Malcolm carries the explicit territorial designation of Kingennie.
  • He is also identified within a Dundee burgess context.
  • The record provides civic and ecclesiastical evidence independent of the Balnabreich Malcolm named in Charter 1104.

Identity Distinction

Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie should not be confused with Sir David Guthrie’s natural son Malcolm of Balnabreich. Charter 1104 names both men separately.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1456, p. 303. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 16 October 1481 Charter 1493 · John Guthrie of Eassie RMS II · p. 312 · HathiTrust image 326
Guthrie Identified John Guthre of Essy
Role Witness
Associated Families Fenton and Ogilvy
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

The charter confirms the sale by William Fenton of Cukiscardane of an annualrent from lands in Forfarshire to James Ogilvy of Airlie. John Guthre of Essy appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

The record independently confirms John Guthrie’s territorial style of Eassie and his continuing participation in local Forfarshire transactions after his earlier appearance in the 1453 inquest preserved in Charter 1038.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1493, p. 312. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 4 February 1483 · preserves charter of 15 January 1434 Charter 1550 · Alexander de Guthre in an Earlier Ogilvy Charter RMS II · p. 324 · HathiTrust image 338
Guthrie Identified Alexander de Guthre
Role Witness
Underlying Date 15 January 1434
Evidence Type Earlier Witness Record

Document Focus

Charter 1550 is a lengthy confirmation of earlier Ogilvy material concerning lands in the barony of Kirriemuir. One incorporated charter, dated at Perth on 15 January 1434, names Alexander de Guthre among its witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

Although the confirmation belongs to 1483, the Guthrie evidence itself reaches back to 1434. It therefore provides an early chronological appearance for an Alexander Guthrie in a Perth/Angus legal network.

Identity Caution

Alexander is not given a territorial designation in this embedded charter. The record should not by itself be used to identify him with a later Alexander of Kincaldrum or Guthrie.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1550, p. 324; incorporating a charter dated 15 January 1434. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 26 May 1487 · underlying charter 11 April 1487 Charter 1674 · David Guthrie, Son & Heir of John of Eassie RMS II · p. 353
Father John Guthrie of Eassie
Son David Guthrie
David’s Status Son and heir apparent of John
Evidence Type Family / Succession

Document Focus

The King confirmed a charter of John Langlands of Cullace and Elizabeth Lindsay his spouse, by which they sold and alienated the lands of Drumblate to Patrick Barclay of Garnetuly.

The underlying charter was made at Dundee on 11 April 1487 and was confirmed at Edinburgh on 26 May 1487.

Witness clause: “Dav. Guthre filio et herede apparenti Joh. G. de Essy” — David Guthrie, son and heir apparent of John Guthrie of Eassie.

Why This Record Matters

  • It explicitly identifies John Guthrie of Eassie as David Guthrie’s father.
  • David is explicitly described as John’s heir apparent.
  • It provides direct contemporary evidence for the father-to-son succession of the Eassie family.
  • The charter strengthens the documented sequence leading from the Eassie family into the later Hiltoun evidence without requiring a reconstructed numbered series of “lords of Hiltoun.”

Identity & Succession Note

The charter establishes the relationship John Guthrie of Eassie → David Guthrie, son and heir apparent. It does not itself style David “of Hiltoun.” Identification with the David Guthrie of Hiltoun found in later records should therefore rest upon the broader documentary sequence rather than this charter alone.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1674, p. 353. Royal confirmation at Edinburgh, 26 May 1487; underlying charter at Dundee, 11 April 1487.

1487 · underlying charter 2 July 1487 Charter 1676 · Easter Glenquharidy RMS II · p. 353 · HathiTrust image 367
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthre of Glenquharidy
Role Seller / alienator
Property Half of Easter Glenquharidy
Evidence Type Property / Sale

Document Focus

Alexander Guthre of Glenquharidy sold and alienated half of the lands of Easter Glenquharidy to Sir John Kinnaber, vicar of Cortachy, his heirs and assigns.

Alexander also bound himself, his heirs and his lands to perform the stated suit and service connected with both Easter and Wester Glenquharidy, subject to the qualifications preserved in the entry.

Why This Record Matters

  • Alexander is explicitly styled of Glenquharidy.
  • He is the principal party rather than a witness.
  • Together with Charter 1751, the record documents the alienation of interests in both Easter and Wester Glenquharidy.

Genealogical Caution

The territorial designation establishes Alexander at Glenquharidy but does not state how he was related to the Kincaldrum/Guthrie family or to another Guthrie branch.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1676, p. 353. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 24 October 1487 Charter 1691 · Alexander Guthre in the Barony of Ferne RMS II · p. 356 · HathiTrust image 370
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthre, styled “of the same”
Role Witness
Setting Barony of Ferne, Forfarshire
Evidence Type Witness / Network

Document Focus

The charter confirms grants of lands in the barony of Ferne to Alexander Lindsay. Alexander Guthre, styled “of the same,” appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

The published RMS index associates this appearance with the Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum sequence. As documentary evidence, the charter itself primarily establishes his presence as a witness within a Lindsay land transaction.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1691, p. 356. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 24 July 1488 Charter 1751 · Wester Glenquharidy RMS II · p. 371 · HathiTrust image 385
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthre of Glenquharidy
Role Seller / alienator
Property Half of Wester Glenquharidy
Evidence Type Property / Sale

Document Focus

Alexander Guthre of Glenquharidy sold and alienated half of the lands of Wester Glenquharidy to Sir John Kinnaber, vicar of Cortachy, his heirs and assigns.

Why This Record Matters

Read with Charter 1676, the charter documents two closely spaced transactions involving Alexander’s interests in Easter and Wester Glenquharidy in 1487–1488. That is direct evidence for changes in the landed position of this territorial Guthrie family.

Evidence Principle

The two sales establish property alienation. They do not, without additional evidence, explain the reason for the sales or establish Alexander’s ancestry.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1751, p. 371. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 20 October 1488 Charter 1795 · Alexander Guthrie, Knight, as Royal Witness RMS II · p. 381 · HathiTrust image 395
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthre, knight
Role Witness
Transaction Lifetime pension from customs of Aberdeen
Evidence Type Royal Witness

Document Focus

The charter confirms a lifetime pension of 160 merks to Margaret Carmichael from the customs of Aberdeen. Alexander Guthre, styled a knight, appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

The appearance documents Alexander’s knightly status and participation in a royal witness circle immediately after the beginning of the reign of James IV.

Identity Note

The published index places this entry within the sequence for Alexander Guthrie of Kincaldrum / of the same. The charter’s direct genealogical value, however, is limited: Alexander acts as a witness rather than as a party to the pension.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1795, p. 381. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 7 March 1489/90 Charter 1938 · Alexander Guthrie of That Ilk RMS II · p. 408 · HathiTrust image 422
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthre of that Ilk, knight
Role Witness
Associated Family Lindsay / Crawford
Evidence Type Noble / Royal Network

Document Focus

The charter concerns grants by David, Duke of Montrose and Earl of Crawford, to his brother Alexander Lindsay, including Inverarity and Ferne. Alexander Guthre of that Ilk, knight appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

The territorial style of that Ilk and the title of knight document Alexander’s status and continuing participation in high-level Lindsay/Crawford transactions in the late 1480s.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 1938, p. 408. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 30 May 1493 Charter 2152 · David Guthrie of Hiltoun RMS II · p. 455 · HathiTrust image 469
Guthrie Identified David Guthre of Hiltoun
Role Witness
Setting Aberdeenshire land transaction
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

The charter confirms the sale of the barony of Drumblade, with the superiority of Leschangie, to Patrick Barclay. David Guthre of Hiltoun appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

  • It gives David the explicit territorial style of Hiltoun.
  • It provides a securely dated appearance for the Eassie/Hiltoun family in 1493.
  • His witness role in an Aberdeenshire transaction shows activity beyond the immediate Angus locality without proving ownership there.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 2152, p. 455. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 28 June 1493 Charter 2220 · Robert Guthrie of Glensaugh RMS II · p. 469 · HathiTrust image 483
Guthrie Identified Robert Guthre of Glensaugh
Role Witness
Transaction Fishing rights on the water of Deveron
Evidence Type Witness / Territorial

Document Focus

The charter concerns fishing rights on the water of Deveron in the Banff area granted to James Ogilvy of Deskford. Robert Guthre of Glensaugh appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

  • It supplies a later territorial reference to Glensaugh after the 1473 grant to Master Thomas Guthrie.
  • Robert’s appearance demonstrates continued use of the Glensaugh territorial designation into the 1490s.
  • Comparison with Thomas Guthrie is a legitimate research avenue, but this record alone does not state their relationship.

Genealogical Caution

Territorial continuity is not the same as documented parentage. Robert’s relationship to Master Thomas Guthrie of Glensaugh must be established from additional evidence.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 2220, p. 469. View published RMS image.

Volume II continues with the early sixteenth-century records, beginning with Master David Guthrie, rector of Aberdour, in Charter 2570.
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Detailed Records · 1500–1512

The closing portion of Volume II contains some of its strongest genealogical evidence. The records identify spouses, parents, sons, heirs apparent and territorial branches while documenting the Collegiate Church of Guthrie, Kincaldrum succession, Kinblathmont succession, Brechin property, clerical Guthries and the continuing public role of Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk.

Several men in these records share the same given names. Identifications are therefore kept to what the individual charter actually states unless a territorial designation or explicit relationship resolves the question.

Confirmed 10 March 1500/01 Charter 2570 · David Guthrie, Rector of Aberdour RMS II · p. 545 · HathiTrust image 559
Guthries Identified Master David Guthre, rector of Aberdour; George Guthre
Role Witnesses
Setting Ecclesiastical grant connected with Aberdeen
Evidence Type Clerical / Witness

Document Focus

A grant of annual income connected with the University and church establishment at Aberdeen includes Master David Guthre, rector of Aberdour, and George Guthre among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

  • It identifies a Master David Guthrie by an ecclesiastical office rather than a landed territorial style.
  • George Guthrie appears with him in the same witness group.
  • The record adds to evidence for Guthries in clerical and academic networks around Aberdeen.

Identity Caution

Neither the record nor the territorial style establishes that the rector of Aberdour is identical with one of the earlier landed men named David Guthrie.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 2570, p. 545. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 18 March 1500/01 Charter 2576 · Debt, Appraisal & West Lowry RMS II · p. 547 · HathiTrust image 561
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthre of that Ilk, knight
Legal Context Debt decree in favor of John Wallace of Craigie
Property Lands of West Lowry
Evidence Type Legal / Property

Document Focus

A decree for £30 had been obtained by John Wallace of Craigie against Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk, knight. In the absence of sufficient moveable goods, lands at West Lowry were appraised toward payment of the debt.

The record preserves a right by which Alexander and his heirs could recover the property upon payment within the specified seven-year period.

Why This Record Matters

  • Alexander is the central legal party rather than a witness.
  • The record documents a temporary or potentially recoverable property consequence arising from debt.
  • The redemption provision is important when tracing the later status of West Lowry.

Property Caution

Appraisal and conveyance for debt should not automatically be described as permanent loss of the property because the charter expressly preserves a right of redemption.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 2576, p. 547. View published RMS image.

9 January 1503 Charter 2682 · James Guthrie & Katrina Lyne RMS II · p. 569 · HathiTrust image 583
Husband James Guthre
Wife Katrina / Katherine Lyne
Property Share of the lands of Edinkip
Evidence Type Marriage / Property

Document Focus

The King granted the lands of Edinkip in the lordship of Strathearn to Master John Scrymgeour following resignations by several women.

Among them was Katrina Lyne, spouse of James Guthre, who resigned her share with her husband’s consent.

Why This Record Matters

  • It explicitly documents the marriage of James Guthrie and Katrina Lyne.
  • It places the couple in a property transaction connected with Strathearn.
  • The marriage evidence is explicit even though James’s parentage and territorial branch are not supplied.

Identity Caution

The record identifies James by name and marriage only. It does not establish that he is Sir David Guthrie’s brother James from Charter 1104 or any other James Guthrie appearing elsewhere.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 2682, p. 569. View published RMS image.

19 January 1505/06 Charter 2910 · Collegiate Church of Guthrie RMS II · p. 618 · HathiTrust image 632
Principal Guthrie Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk
Heir David Guthrie, eldest son and heir apparent
Parents Named David Guthrie and Jonete
Evidence Type Family / Collegiate Church

Document Focus

Sir Alexander Guthrie, with the consent of his eldest son and heir apparent David Guthrie, made grants in pure alms to the provost and prebendaries of the Collegiate Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Guthrie.

Related foundation material states that the provision was made for the souls of Alexander’s father David Guthrie and mother Jonete, among others.

Other Guthrie names associated with the entry include: Master David Guthrie in the collegiate establishment, Malcolm Guthrie of Balnabreich, William Guthrie of Kinblathmont, John Guthrie of Hiltoun, and George Guthrie.

Why This Record Matters

  • It expressly identifies David as Alexander’s eldest son and heir apparent.
  • It explicitly names Alexander’s parents as David Guthrie and Jonete.
  • It brings several territorially identified Guthries into the documentary setting of the collegiate church.
  • It is one of the strongest genealogical and ecclesiastical records in Volume II.

Evidence Principle

Explicit parent-child and spouse relationships carry direct genealogical weight. The presence of other Guthries within the same church or witness network does not by itself define how each was related to the main line.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 2910, p. 618. View published RMS image.

31 January 1507/08 Charter 3183 · David Guthrie, Chaplain RMS II · p. 680 · HathiTrust image 694
Guthrie Identified Sir David Guthre, chaplain
Role Witness
Location Forfarshire
Evidence Type Clerical / Witness

Document Focus

A transaction involving the lands of Innenee names Sir David Guthre, chaplain among its witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

It supplies a securely dated clerical appearance for a David Guthrie in the early sixteenth century and can be compared with the later chaplain appearance in Charter 3724.

Identity Caution

The title “Sir” in this clerical context does not imply knighthood. The record identifies David as a chaplain.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 3183, p. 680. View published RMS image.

8 August 1508 Charter 3258 · John Guthrie’s Brechin Lands RMS II · p. 696 · HathiTrust image 710
Guthrie Identified John Guthre
Role Brechin landholder
Record Type Annualrents for cathedral chaplains
Evidence Type Civic / Property

Document Focus

Annualrents granted to the choir chaplains of Brechin Cathedral include payments charged upon two properties identified with John Guthre.

One entry concerns lands of John Guthrie between two lanes; another concerns Guthrie lands occupied by Mariot Cabell.

Why This Record Matters

The charter provides direct evidence of a John Guthrie as a Brechin property holder and complements other Brechin civic and boundary references in the wider Special Collections.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 3258, p. 696. View published RMS image.

Confirmed 28 August 1508 · underlying charter 23 August 1508 Charter 3259 · Kincaldrum Succession RMS II · p. 696 · HathiTrust image 710
Grantor Sir Alexander Guthrie
Recipient Alexander Guthrie, his son
Reserved Liferent Alexander senior and Margaret Lyon his wife
Evidence Type Family / Kincaldrum Succession

Document Focus

Sir Alexander Guthrie granted the barony of Kincaldrum and associated lands to his son Alexander Guthrie and his heirs.

The free tenement was reserved to Alexander senior and his wife Margaret Lyon.

Additional Guthrie evidence: the witness clause identifies George Guthrie as a son of the grantor; Robert Guthrie also appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

  • It is a direct father-to-son Kincaldrum succession record.
  • It names Margaret Lyon as Alexander senior’s wife.
  • It documents George Guthrie as another son of Alexander senior.
  • It is critical for keeping the Kincaldrum succession distinct from the parallel Guthrie-of-Guthrie succession.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 3259, p. 696. View published RMS image.

10 March 1508/09 Charter 3323 · Master Malcolm Guthrie RMS II · p. 710 · HathiTrust image 724
Guthrie Identified Master Malcolm Guthre
Role Witness
Context Listed among clerical witnesses
Evidence Type Clerical / Witness

Document Focus

Master Malcolm Guthre appears as a witness in a transaction involving fishing rights on the royal water of Deveron at Banff.

Identity Caution

The entry does not give Malcolm a territorial designation. He should not automatically be identified with Malcolm of Balnabreich or Malcolm of Kingennie.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 3323, p. 710. View published RMS image.

20 June 1509 Charter 3354.2 · Alexander Guthrie as Witness RMS II · p. 717 · HathiTrust image 731
Guthrie Identified Alexander Guthre of that Ilk, knight
Role Witness
Document Context Chaplaincy / soul-prayer grant
Evidence Type Witness / Network

Document Focus

Sir Alexander Guthrie appears among the witnesses to a grant supporting religious observance and prayers for the dead.

Why This Record Matters

Its principal value is chronological: it documents Alexander’s continued activity and knightly status in 1509.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 3354.2, p. 717. View published RMS image.

7 December 1509 Charter 3389 · Sir Alexander Guthrie of That Ilk RMS II · p. 725 · HathiTrust image 739
Guthrie Identified Sir Alexander Guthre of that Ilk
Role Witness
Network Crawford-Lindsay
Evidence Type Noble / Witness

Document Focus

Sir Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk witnesses a charter involving lands in the lordship of Crawford-Lindsay granted to William Carmichael.

Why This Record Matters

The record confirms Alexander’s continuing use of the territorial style of that Ilk and his participation in high-level noble transactions in 1509.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 3389, p. 725. View published RMS image.

9 February · underlying charter 12 October 1507 Charter 3535 · Lands within the Barony of Guthrie RMS II · p. 760 · HathiTrust image 774
Baron Sir Alexander Guthrie
Recipients Master David Gardin of Cononsyth and Jonete Tulloch
Property Portions of Kirkton and Eastertown of Guthrie and mill rights
Evidence Type Barony / Family Network

Document Focus

Alexander Guthre, knight and baron of Guthrie, confirmed property within the barony to Master David Gardin of Cononsyth and his wife Jonete Tulloch in conjunct infeftment.

Guthries appearing in the witness material: George Guthrie, identified elsewhere in the same succession context as Alexander’s son; Robert Guthrie; and James Guthrie, vicar of Auldbar.

Why This Record Matters

  • Alexander is explicitly styled knight and baron of Guthrie.
  • The charter describes specific holdings within the barony rather than Kinblathmont.
  • It provides additional evidence for George and Robert Guthrie in Alexander’s documentary circle.
  • It identifies James Guthrie in an ecclesiastical role as vicar of Auldbar.

Date & Identity Note

The calendared entry records a confirmation on 9 February and recites an underlying charter dated 12 October 1507. The underlying documentary date is therefore preserved separately here. The presence of Robert or James Guthrie does not by itself establish their precise relationship to Alexander.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 3535, p. 760; underlying charter dated 12 October 1507. View published RMS image.

29 March 1511 Charter 3559 · John Guthrie as a Brechin Landholder RMS II · p. 766 · HathiTrust image 780
Guthrie Identified John Guthre
Role Adjacent landholder
Location Brechin
Evidence Type Civic / Boundary

Document Focus

The charter concerns lands in Brechin granted to David Lyon following a debt recovery against Alexander Lindsay. The boundary description places the property between lands belonging to Master Hugh Douglas, dean of Brechin, John Guthre, and Richard Walker.

Why This Record Matters

  • It provides another dated reference to a John Guthrie holding land in Brechin.
  • Together with Charter 3258, it contributes to the reconstruction of Guthrie property within the burgh.
  • Boundary evidence establishes a property relationship to the neighboring parcel; it does not make John a party to the principal transaction.

Identity Caution

The record names John Guthrie as a neighboring landholder but gives no territorial designation or family relationship. It should not automatically be identified with John Guthrie of Eassie or another contemporary John Guthrie.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 3559, p. 766. View published RMS image.

Royal confirmation recorded 27 May · underlying charter 2 October 1470 Charter 3575 · William & Alexander Guthrie of Kinblathmont RMS II · p. 769 · HathiTrust image 783
Recipient Alexander Guthre
Father Identified The late William Guthre
Property Dominical lands of Kinblathmont
Evidence Type Family / Kinblathmont

Document Focus

The King confirmed to Alexander Guthre an earlier charter by the late Earl of Crawford concerning the dominical lands of Kinblathmont.

The earlier grant had been made to the late William Guthre, father of Alexander, and his heirs for service rendered to the Earl.

Additional Guthrie appearance: Master David Guthre appears among the witnesses to the underlying charter dated at Edinburgh on 2 October 1470.

Why This Record Matters

  • It explicitly identifies William Guthrie as Alexander’s father.
  • It documents succession in the lands of Kinblathmont.
  • It distinguishes Kinblathmont evidence from the separate Kincaldrum and Guthrie estate successions.
  • It provides direct documentary evidence for a father-to-son relationship rather than relying upon a later pedigree reconstruction.

Date Note

The published RMS entry preserves an underlying charter dated 2 October 1470 but appears later in the printed sequence. The embedded charter date and the later royal confirmation should therefore be kept distinct rather than treated as a single event.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 3575, p. 769; underlying charter dated 2 October 1470. View published RMS image.

19 April 1512 Charter 3724 · Sir David Guthrie, Chaplain RMS II · p. 808 · HathiTrust image 822
Guthrie Identified Sir David Guthre, chaplain
Role Witness
Transaction Rossy lands and mills
Evidence Type Clerical / Witness

Document Focus

A charter concerning the lands of Milton of Rossy and associated mills in Forfarshire names Sir David Guthre, chaplain among its witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

This provides another dated appearance of a cleric called David Guthrie and can be compared with the chaplain named in Charter 3183.

Identity Caution

Similar office and name make comparison appropriate, but the charter itself does not explicitly state that the David Guthrie of 1512 is the same man who appears in Charter 3183. “Sir” here is the conventional style of a priest, not evidence of knighthood.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 3724, p. 808. View published RMS image.

18 December 1512 Charter 3796 · Sir Alexander Guthrie of That Ilk RMS II · p. 825 · HathiTrust image 839
Guthrie Identified Sir Alexander Guthre of that Ilk
Role Witness
Associated Family Rossy
Evidence Type Noble / Witness

Document Focus

The charter confirms grants by David Rossy of that Ilk to his son George Rossy involving lands in the barony of Rossy, including Monboy and portions of the Mains of Rossy.

Sir Alexander Guthre of that Ilk, knight appears among the witnesses.

Why This Record Matters

  • It documents Alexander’s continuing use of the style of that Ilk.
  • It provides a late Volume II appearance for Alexander in a Forfarshire noble transaction.
  • Together with the other witness records, it helps define his chronology and social network without giving him a property interest in the Rossy lands themselves.

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, charter 3796, p. 825. View published RMS image.

End of the expanded Volume II record series. The remaining sections draw together the documentary evidence for Sir David Guthrie’s royal career, additional Guthrie references preserved in the published index, and the major research pathways running across the volume.
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Sir David Guthrie · Royal Service under James III

More Than a Landholder

The individual charters document David Guthrie’s acquisition and management of land. The witness and name indexes reveal another dimension of his career: repeated service at the heart of royal administration during the reign of James III.

The published RMS groups large numbers of charter appearances under David’s successive offices and styles. Those references are not separate genealogical events, so they are summarized here rather than expanded into dozens of repetitive witness cards.

Treasurer of the King

David appears as royal Treasurer during the period in which he was also building his landed position at Kincaldrum, Petkarne and Guthrie.

The printed index associates the Treasurer style with numerous James III charter and witness references, including RMS nos. 814, 834 and 868 and grouped witness references under Test. 29 and Test. 46.

Auditor of Accounts

David is repeatedly indexed as Auditor of Accounts, placing him within the machinery responsible for scrutiny of royal financial administration.

The index groups a substantial sequence of references under this office, including Test. 41.

Clerk of the Rolls & Register

The volume also identifies David as Clerk of the Rolls and Register, an office closely associated with royal record keeping and the production and custody of government records.

Numerous appearances are grouped by the printed index under Test. 49, with further combined administrative styling under Test. 70.

Captain of the King’s Guard

Later entries style David as a knight and Captain of the Guard of King James III, adding a royal household and military dimension to his administrative career.

The printed index groups the Captain of the Guard references under Test. 81.
Style / Office Index Group Published RMS References
Treasurer Direct entries 814, 834, 868
Treasurer Test. 29 760, 792, 797–801, 804–809, 817–819, 821, 822, 826–828, 830–833, 836–845, 847–849, 853–859, 861, 863–865, 867, 870–872, 874–877, 881–884
Auditor of Accounts Test. 41 879, 885–890, 893–901, 903–916, 920–926, 928, 929, 931–935, 937, 938, 942, 993–996, 1003–1007, 1010
Treasurer Test. 46 944, 945
Clerk of the Rolls & Register Test. 49 851, 963, 964, 975, 986, 988, 991, 1015, 1018, 1025, 1026, 1028–1030, 1035, 1036, 1039, 1042, 1046, 1047, 1051, 1052, 1054–1065, 1069, 1073, 1074, 1077–1089, 1091, 1095, 1102, 1103
Auditor of Accounts + Clerk of Rolls & Register Test. 70 989
Knight Direct / Test. 80 1104, 2910; Test. 80: 1104–1106, 1108, 1109, 1113, 1125, 1135, 1136, 1139, 1164, 1167
Captain of the Guard of James III Test. 81 1132, 1137, 1140–1152, 1155–1160, 1162, 1163, 1165, 1166, 1169–1175

Source: Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol. II, consolidated witness and name-index references for Master David Guthrie of Kincaldrum / Guthrie. View the published witness-table area.

How to read this section: these grouped references demonstrate the frequency and changing official styles of David Guthrie’s appearances. They should not be counted as dozens of separate land grants to him. In many cases his role is that of royal officer or charter witness.
Identity note: “of Kincaldrum,” “of the same,” and later knightly or office styles occur across the index sequence. The strongest evidence for David’s property, marriage and immediate family remains in the individual charter entries, particularly 834, 868, 1011, 1078 and 1104.
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Supplementary Guthrie References in the Published Index

The printed Volume II Index of Names contains several Guthrie references that are not among the thirty-eight expanded records, as well as useful descriptors that add context to records already discussed. They are retained here as a finding aid so that potentially useful evidence is not lost simply because every reference was not developed into a full record card.

Index Reference ≠ Proven Identity

An index groups names for navigation. Similar given names, abbreviations or territorial styles should still be checked against the actual charter before two appearances are treated as the same person.

Why Preserve These?

Index-only references can reveal additional dates, offices, territorial styles or records worth consulting when a particular Guthrie person or branch becomes the subject of focused research.

RMS No. Index Entry Research Use
111, 278, 768 Master Alexander de Guthre; styled scutifer at no. 768 Early appearances of a Master Alexander Guthrie. The “squire” style at no. 768 may assist in distinguishing him from other Alexanders, but the individual charters should be checked before assigning him to a particular lineage.
410 Master Alexander Guthre of Dundee Provides a Dundee association for an Alexander Guthrie not represented by a separate expanded record.
494 Master Alexander Guthre of Kincaldrum Potentially important early Kincaldrum evidence. The underlying entry should be consulted before using the reference to reconstruct succession.
1550 Alexander de Guthre, burgess of Perth The index supplies a civic descriptor in addition to the witness context preserved in the expanded Charter 1550 record.
1940 Alexander Guthrie of the same, knight Additional knightly appearance within the sequence associated by the published index with Alexander of Kincaldrum / Guthrie.
2394 Guthrie entry dated A.D. 1497 The abbreviated index preserves the reference without a sufficiently clear personal identification. The underlying RMS entry should be examined before assigning it to a person or territorial family.
2910 Master David Guthrie, Provost of Guthrie and Canon of Aberdeen Adds an ecclesiastical office and Aberdeen canonry to the Guthrie names already discussed in the Collegiate Church record.
2948 William Guthyn Preserved separately because the printed index records Guthyn. The spelling should not be normalized to Guthrie without examination of the underlying record.
3351 Alexander Guthrie of the same, knight Additional appearance in the indexed Alexander sequence; useful primarily for chronology and network research.
3490 Master Thomas Guthrie An additional Master Thomas Guthrie reference. The index does not establish that he is Master Thomas of Glensaugh named in Charter 1147.

Source: Volume II, Index of Names, under Guthre (Guthry, Guthery), printed p. 922. View the published Index of Names.

Index-only records can become expanded records: the recovery of Charter 1674 demonstrates why these references are retained. Once the underlying charter supplies substantial genealogical, property or historical evidence, it belongs in the main record series rather than remaining only in this finding aid.
Variant-name caution: the index separately records William Guthyn at no. 2948. Similarity of spelling alone is not enough to convert that entry into a Guthrie reference. It remains flagged for comparison rather than incorporated into a Guthrie pedigree.
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Research Pathways through Volume II

Volume II is more than a chronological list of Guthrie names. Read across the charters, it reveals several distinct family, territorial, civic and ecclesiastical pathways.

The summaries below identify the strongest documentary patterns while keeping direct evidence separate from later genealogical reconstruction.

Evidence first: a stated father, son, spouse or heir relationship is treated differently from a shared surname, territorial designation, witness appearance or repeated association. Territorial continuity can suggest a research path, but it does not by itself prove descent.
Land · Succession · Royal Service

Kincaldrum & the Guthries of Guthrie

Volume II documents the transition from an established Kincaldrum identity into possession of the lands and barony of Guthrie. Master David Guthrie is already styled of Kincaldrum before receiving Guthrie itself, so the two estates should not be treated as interchangeable.

Key records: 834, 868, 1011, 1104, 2910, 3259
What Volume II Establishes David Guthrie held Kincaldrum before the Crown grant of the Guthrie lands. Later records explicitly identify his son and heir Alexander, Alexander’s son and heir David, and a separate 1508 succession of Kincaldrum to another Alexander.
Research Caution The succession of Kincaldrum and the succession of Guthrie should be followed separately. Possession by the same family at some periods does not make the estates a single inheritance.

Related profile: Guthrie of Kincaldrum · Guthrie of Guthrie

Direct Parentage · Land Grant

Balnabreich

Charter 1104 provides unusually direct evidence for the origins of the Guthrie connection with Balnabreich. Sir David Guthrie grants the lands to Malcolm Guthrie, his natural son.

Key records: 1104, 2910
What Volume II Establishes Malcolm’s relationship to Sir David is stated directly. Charter 1104 simultaneously identifies Alexander of Kincaldrum as David’s son and heir apparent and names Malcolm of Kingennie as a different man.
Research Caution The natural son Malcolm of Balnabreich must not be merged with Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie merely because both appear in the same charter and share a given name.

Related profile: Guthrie of Balnabreich

Territorial Identity · Father-to-Son Succession

Eassie & Hiltoun

The recovered Charter 1674 materially strengthens this pathway. Earlier records identify John Guthrie of Eassie; the 1487 charter then explicitly names David Guthrie as his son and heir apparent. Six years later a David Guthrie is recorded of Hiltoun.

Key records: 1038, 1493, 1674, 2152, 2910
What Volume II Establishes John Guthrie is documented as of Eassie. David is explicitly his son and heir apparent in 1487. A David Guthrie is explicitly styled of Hiltoun by 1493.
What Requires the Wider Record Sequence Charter 1674 does not itself call David “of Hiltoun.” Identification of John’s heir David with the later David of Hiltoun rests upon the broader documentary sequence rather than that charter alone.
Territorial Identity · Dundee Network

Kingennie

Malcolm Guthrie of Kingennie appears separately in the witness clause of Sir David’s Balnabreich charter and later within a Dundee burgess setting.

Key records: 1104, 1456
What Volume II Establishes A Malcolm Guthrie explicitly styled of Kingennie was active by the 1470s and appears within the Dundee civic community by the period represented in Charter 1456.
Research Caution Territorial designation establishes Malcolm’s association with Kingennie but does not, in these entries alone, define his exact genealogical relationship to Sir David or the main Kincaldrum line.

Related profile: Guthrie of Kingennie & Pitforthie

Direct Parentage · Territorial Succession

Kinblathmont

Charter 3575 is the central Kinblathmont record. It confirms an earlier grant to William Guthrie and expressly identifies William as the father of Alexander Guthrie.

Key records: 2910, 3575
What Volume II Establishes William Guthrie held the Kinblathmont interest recorded in the earlier charter, and Alexander Guthrie is expressly identified as his son.
Research Caution This William Guthrie should not be folded into another Guthrie family merely because the main line and other territorial Guthries appear in the same volume.
Territorial Families · Property Change

Glensaugh & Glenquharidy

Volume II documents two distinct territorial Guthrie identities in the Mearns/Angus region. Master Thomas Guthrie receives Glensaugh; Robert Guthrie later appears with the same territorial style. Alexander Guthrie of Glenquharidy, meanwhile, sells portions of both Easter and Wester Glenquharidy.

Key records: 1147, 1676, 1751, 2220
What Volume II Establishes Thomas Guthrie received Glensaugh in 1473; Robert Guthrie is styled of Glensaugh in 1493. Alexander Guthrie is independently documented as of Glenquharidy and alienates interests in its eastern and western portions.
What It Does Not Establish The records do not explicitly state that Robert was Thomas’s son, nor do they state how the Glenquharidy Guthries were related to Glensaugh or to the main Guthrie family.
Burgh Property · Civic Networks

Dundee & Brechin Guthries

Not every Guthrie in Volume II is identified by a landed estate. The volume also preserves urban property holders, burgesses and neighboring proprietors in Dundee and Brechin.

Key records: 95, 1456, 3258, 3559
What Volume II Establishes Robert Guthrie appears in Dundee property evidence; Malcolm of Kingennie appears among Dundee burgesses; and John Guthrie is twice connected with Brechin landholding in the early sixteenth century.
Identity Caution Urban landholding should not automatically be converted into a territorial-family identification. In particular, the Brechin John is not assigned to Eassie merely because another John Guthrie of Eassie appears earlier in the volume.
Church · University · Patronage

Clerical & Ecclesiastical Guthries

Volume II contains a substantial ecclesiastical dimension: church patronage, collegiate foundations, rectors, canons, provosts, vicars, chaplains and clerical witnesses.

Key records: 1078, 2570, 2910, 3183, 3323, 3535, 3724
What Volume II Establishes Guthries appear as rector of Aberdour, provost of Guthrie, canon of Aberdeen, vicar of Auldbar, chaplain, and witnesses within ecclesiastical transactions. Sir David’s acquisition of church patronage at Kirkbuddo and the Collegiate Church of Guthrie place the landed family within the same wider ecclesiastical world.
Identity Caution Clerical titles help distinguish individuals, but a recurring name such as David or Malcolm should not be merged with a landed Guthrie unless the record itself supplies enough identifying information.

Additional Territorial Markers

Lunan
Charter 1038 preserves William Guthrie of Lounan as a juror in the 1453 Forfarshire inquest. The entry securely establishes the territorial style without defining his ancestry.

Related profile: Guthrie of Lunan

Halcartoun
Charter 1028 names William Guthrie of Halcartoun as a witness. The territorial designation is valuable evidence, but this volume alone does not establish his place within a broader Guthrie pedigree.
The larger pattern: Volume II shows several Guthrie families and individuals operating simultaneously rather than a single line simply dividing into conveniently labeled branches. Some relationships are explicit — Sir David and his sons, John of Eassie and his heir David, William and Alexander of Kinblathmont — while others remain territorial, civic or associative. Keeping those categories separate allows the records to build the genealogy rather than forcing the genealogy onto the records.
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Terms & Documentary Practices

Great Seal records use legal, feudal and ecclesiastical language that does not always mean what a modern reader might expect. These brief explanations are intended specifically for understanding the records on this page.

Charter

A formal written instrument recording a royal or private grant, conveyance, confirmation or other legal act. An RMS entry may summarize an earlier private charter that was later confirmed under the Great Seal.

Royal Confirmation

A Crown confirmation validated an earlier charter or legal act. This is why a single RMS entry may contain both a confirmation date and an older underlying charter date. Those dates describe different stages of the transaction.

Resignation & Regrant

Land could be formally resigned into the hands of a superior or the Crown and then granted again to a new holder, to the same holder under new terms, or with a new destination of heirs. A resignation therefore does not necessarily mean that the family permanently abandoned the property.

Superiority

Feudal superiority was a legal right over land held by another person. Holding the superiority is not the same as physically possessing or occupying the lands. This distinction is especially important when reconstructing Scottish landed families.

Annualrent

A fixed annual payment secured upon land or property. A person could receive or grant an annualrent without owning the underlying property itself.

Advowson / Right of Patronage

The legal right to present a person to an ecclesiastical benefice or church office when it became vacant. Charter 1078 combines landed rights at Kirkbuddo with this form of ecclesiastical patronage.

Heir Apparent

A person identified as the expected heir under the circumstances existing at the time of the record. In this collection, explicit statements such as “son and heir apparent” provide much stronger genealogical evidence than a shared surname or witness association.

Natural Son

In medieval and early-modern records, “natural son” ordinarily identifies a son born outside a lawful marriage. When the document uses that description, it should be preserved rather than silently converted into a generic “son.” Charter 1104 explicitly describes Malcolm Guthrie of Balnabreich in this way.

Inquest / Retour

An inquest was a formal inquiry conducted by a group of local men or jurors. A retour was the written return of an inquest, frequently concerning inheritance, landholding or boundaries. Charter 1038 preserves evidence from a fifteenth-century Forfarshire inquest.

Infeftment / Sasine

Infeftment was the legal placing of a person in a heritable right to land; sasine was the formal act or instrument recording possession. A charter could establish the right, while a later sasine documented formal entry into possession.

Conjunct Infeftment

A form of joint infeftment, commonly used for spouses or other joint holders. It can be important evidence for marriage and property rights, but it does not necessarily imply equal beneficial ownership in the modern sense.

“Of That Ilk” / “Of the Same”

“Of that Ilk” generally indicates a landholder whose territorial designation matches the family surname. Latin expressions such as de eodem — “of the same” — depend upon the surrounding text and index context. They should not be expanded into a specific territorial identity unless that context is secure.

A note on spelling: medieval and early-modern records routinely vary personal and place-name spellings. Forms such as Guthre, Guthry, Essy, Hiltoun, Kyngenny and Glenquharidy are retained when discussing the actual record. Modernized place names may be used alongside them for clarity, but spelling variation alone is not evidence of a different family.
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Sources & Access

The principal working source for this collection is the published second volume of the Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, covering A.D. 1424–1513. Individual entries above link directly to the corresponding digitized page whenever possible.

Published Volume

RMS Volume II · 1424–1513

Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, Volume II. Edited by James Balfour Paul. Edinburgh: General Register House, 1882.

Open Volume II at HathiTrust

Alternative Digital Copy

Internet Archive

A complete public-domain scan of Volume II is also available through the Internet Archive and can be useful when a second viewer or downloadable copy is preferable.

Open Volume II at Internet Archive

Original Record Series

National Records of Scotland · C2

The Great Seal Register is preserved by the National Records of Scotland under reference C2. The NRS catalogue describes the series as the Great Seal Register (Registrum Magni Sigilli).

View NRS Catalogue · C2

Research Guide

NRS Chancery Records Guide

The National Records of Scotland research guide explains the Great Seal records, the published RMS series and the related chancery records researchers may encounter.

Read the NRS Chancery Records Guide

Published Name Index

Volume II · Index of Names

The printed name index is essential for locating additional Guthrie appearances, offices and territorial styles not selected for full expansion on this page.

Open the Guthrie Index Area · p. 922

On This Page

Master Finding Aid

The finding aid above provides stable links to all 38 expanded Guthrie records currently included in this Volume II collection.

Return to the Master Finding Aid

Reading the Evidence in Layers

1 · Original Record The manuscript Great Seal register or underlying charter, where available, remains the closest surviving evidence to the legal act itself.
2 · Published RMS Calendar The printed RMS provides a scholarly calendar and index of the Great Seal material. It is exceptionally useful, but it may abbreviate language found in the manuscript record.
3 · Index / Finding Aid Indexes identify where evidence may be found. They can preserve useful descriptors, but the underlying entry should be checked before an index statement is made the sole basis of a genealogical conclusion.
When the wording matters: direct parentage, legitimacy, heirship, marital rights, territorial styles and property destinations can turn on a few words of Latin. Where a calendared entry is ambiguous or appears inconsistent with other evidence, examination of the original register or an independent transcription should take precedence over forcing a conclusion from an abbreviated summary.
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Related Guthrie Research

Volume II supplies evidence for several separate Guthrie families and territorial identities. The detailed family profiles below combine RMS evidence with charters, sasines, testaments, ecclesiastical records and other sources.

Register of the Great Seal

Return to the master RMS collection and access the other published volumes.
RMS Collection

RMS Specialty Tables

Thematic finding tables across the RMS volumes for people, places, relationships and recurring documentary themes.
Specialty Tables

Guthrie of Guthrie

The principal Guthrie estate and the family later styled “of that Ilk.”
Guthrie of Guthrie

Guthrie of Kincaldrum

The earlier territorial identity of the family from which Sir David Guthrie acquired the lands of Guthrie.
Guthrie of Kincaldrum

Guthrie of Balnabreich

The line established in the documentary evidence through Sir David Guthrie’s natural son Malcolm.
Guthrie of Balnabreich

Guthrie of Eassie & Hiltoun

Includes the newly recovered RMS II evidence identifying David as son and heir apparent of John Guthrie of Eassie.
Guthrie of Eassie & Hiltoun

Guthrie of Kingennie & Pitforthie

Follows the distinct Kingennie territorial family and the later Pitforthie succession.
Kingennie & Pitforthie

Guthrie of Lunan

Includes William Guthrie of Lunan and the wider documentary history of that Angus family.
Guthrie of Lunan

What Volume II Contributes

The evidence in this volume does not describe one simple Guthrie pedigree. It documents a network of landed, civic and clerical Guthries whose relationships range from explicit parentage to unresolved territorial association. Its greatest genealogical value lies in preserving those distinctions: David and Jonete at Kincaldrum, Sir David and his sons, John of Eassie and his heir David, William and Alexander of Kinblathmont, and the separate identities of Balnabreich, Kingennie, Lunan, Hiltoun, Glensaugh and Glenquharidy. Where the record does not state the relationship, the question remains open.

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