Robert Lauder of The Bass
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Sir Robert Lauder of The Bass (born before 1440 - died before February 1508) was a Scottish knight and Governor of the Castle at Berwick-upon-Tweed. Robert Laudere held the feudal barony of The Bass, (the caput of which was the castle on the Bass Rock), East Lothian, Edrington Castle and lands in the parish of Mordington, Berwickshire, Tynninghame in county Haddington (from the Archbishopric of St Andrews), and numerous other estates and lands elsewhere in Scotland.
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[edit] Robert of Edrington
Robert Lauder, prior to his father Robert's death (1495), was usually designated "of Edrington" (refer: "The Great Seal of Scotland" charter number 343 dated 25 April 1450). After his purchase of the barony of Beil (in East Lothian) he was also often designated 'of Beil'.
"In 1461 Berwick-upon-Tweed was recovered by the Scots and Robert Lauder of Edrington put in charge of the castle". ("The Berwick & East Lothian Coasts" by Ian C. Hannah, London, 1913, p.29). "About 1462 Berwick Castle was put into the hands of Robert Lauder of Edrington, an important official and soldier in Scotland at that time. Lauder kept his position uninterruptedly till 1474 when he was succeeded by David, Earl of Crawford. In 1464 Robert Lauder was paid £20 for repairs made to Berwick Castle." ("Berwick-upon-Tweed, The History of the Town and Guild" by John Scott, London, 1888.) (See also, a further appointment, below).
A notorial instrument dated 13 May 1465 narrates that [this] Robert Lauder, son and apparent heir of Sir Robert Lauder of Edrington, asserted that David Lauder of Popil (East Lothian) had given sasine and heritable possession to his eldest son James Lauder and Jonete his spouse, their heirs etc., of a certain piece of land at Popil, to the prejudice of the first-mentioned Robert, who solemnly protested that the said sasine should neither be valid nor prejudice his right in the land, and for greater security, he, by throwing of earth and stone outside the house belonging to the piece of land, and by breaking a plate with his foot, broke and annulled the said sasine and so possession by James Lauder and his wife. Done at Popil at 7 a.m. on 13th May 1465 before Henry Ogil of Popil, James Ogil his eldest son, and others. ("Calendar of the Laing Charters, AD854-1837" edited by the Rev.John Anderson, Edinburgh, 1899, number 153.)
Robert de Laweder de Edringtoun is the first witness to a Retour of Service dated 1467 of Margaret Sinclair as one of the heirs of her grandfather John Sinclair in the lands of Kimmerghame, Berwickshire. (Hist.MSS Commission). [Although he was not yet formally in possession of the Edrington estate (see next entry below) he appears to be regularly using the designation, as eldest son, 'of Edrington'.]
[edit] Service to James III
[edit] 1471 - 1475
In a charter of 1471, James III of Scotland confirmed to Robert Lauder, son and heir apparent of Robert Lauder of Edrington [and Bass], the lands of Edrington and Coalstell with the fishings of Edermouth [Addermouth or Whiteadder river-mouth] plus the mill there [at Edrington] which Robert the father personally resigned to Robert junior and his male heirs failing which those relations bearing the Lauder arms. The spouse of Robert senior gave her consent and is recorded therein as Jonette (Great Seal, no.1045).
In a further charter signed at Edinburgh on 26 June 1474 and confirmed there on 27 July 1475, James III confirmed a feu charter of Robert Lauder junior, Lord of Edringtoun, and superior of West Nisbet, to David Creichtoun of Cranstoun and his heirs, of the lands of West Nisbet in the barony of Pencaitland, Haddingtonshire (East Lothian), which John de Colquhoun of Luss has resigned into the said Robert Lauder junior's hands. Witnesses included Robert Lauder of Bass, father of said Robert junior, and a William Lauder. (Great Seal, no.1202 with a reconfirmation in no.1299 on 9 July 1477).
[edit] 1475 - 1479
In The Great Seal charter number 1276 dated 20 January, 1477, James III [again] appoints "Robert Lauder of Edrington" as custodian [governor] of the castle at Berwick-upon-Tweed for 5 years with a retainer of 200 merks per annum.
In 1477 Robert was one of those entrusted by James III to escort the dowry of Princess Cecily of York for her planned marriage to James, Duke of Rothesay. Cecily was the third daughter of Edward IV of England and Elizabeth Woodville.
In "Calendar of Documents relating to Scotland" (preserved in HM PRO,London, edited by Joseph Bain, F.S.A.,(Scot), volume IV 1357-1509. Edinburgh, 1888, number 1445 dated 2 February 1477) it is recorded: " James King of Scotland signifies to the bearers of the instalment of the Princess Cecilia's dower due at Candlemass, that he has sent Alexander Lord Hume, Robert of Lawdir of Edrington son and heir apparent to Robert of Lawdir of the Bass, and Adam of Blackadder of that Ilk, with 'Lyon' King of Arms, to conduct them to Edinburgh."
A Great Seal charter, number 1281, to Alexander Inglis of tenaments in Hide Hill etc.,in Berwick-upon-Tweed, confirmed on 3 March 1477 lists his neighbours who include [this] Robert Lauder of Bass junior.
A Retour of Special Service was held at Berwick-upon-Tweed on 20 May, 1477 serving Thomas Broun (of lawful age) as son and heir to John Broun (who has been dead three months), in a carucate of land with pertinents on the north side of Flemington, (Berwickshire), valued at four merks annually and held in chief of the Laird of Restalrig [near Edinburgh] and Flemingtone for service of ward and relief, such services being given as neighbouring tenants in these lands are accustomed to give. Retour given by Henry Congiltoun, Sheriff depute of Berwick. Amongst the jury was Robert Lawder of Edrington, Thomas Edingtoun of that Ilk, Thomas Lumsden of that Ilk, William Douglas, Archibald Manderston, John Skougall and William Lauder. Refer: "The Historic Manuscripts Commission - Report on the MSS of Colonel David Milne Home of Wedderburn Castle", London, 1902, p.263, number 605.
In "Great Seal" charter number 1428 signed in the castle of Dunbar on 18 December 1475 and confirmed at Edinburgh on 27 July 1479 "Robert Lauder of Edrington" is a witness.
[edit] 1486
On 2 April 1486, a Robert Lawedar was one of the witnesses to a Notarial Instrument signed on the High Altar in the Monastery of Holyrood, Edinburgh. As the leading witness was William Hall, Vicar of Baro (Bara), near Garvald in Haddingtonshire, it is probable that this Robert is of the Bass family. Another witness was an Alexander Home. Refer: the "Calendar of the Laing Charters, AD854-1837", edited by the Rev.John Anderson, Edinburgh, 1899, page 50, number 196.
[edit] Barony of Dunbar
In "Great Seal" charter number 1894 dated 12 September 1489 James IV of Scotland grants a charter to 'his armiger' Robert Lauder of Edringtoun, and his heirs, the lands of Bele [Beil] [East Lothian], Johnscleuch [in the Lammermuir Hills], le Clyntis, all with their towers, mills etc., in the Barony of Dunbar and formerly owned by Hugo de Dunbar & Bele; plus the lands and mill of Mersington, Berwickshire, which Hugo de Dunbar of Bele also resigned. Robert's wife Isabel Hay is mentioned herein.
The printed "Exchequer Rolls" (vol.X, 1488 - 1496, pps: 652, 679 & 738, edited by George Burnett, LL.D., Lyon King of Arms, Edinburgh, 1887) records Robert Lauder of Edrington in possession of the lands of Glensax in Yarrow, Selkirkshire in 1489/1490/1491.
A Petition to Pope Innocent VIII signed in the presence of Henry Congleton and others in January 1491, craved absolution for numerous people during the 'recent troubles' in Scotland and also refers to the Battle of Sauchieburn (11 June 1488) . Amongst those named the first is Robert Lawder son and heir apparent of the Lord of Bass and Baron of Stenton, &c. Others included Kentigern Hepburn [of Waughtoun], Patrick Skowgale, Alexander Sidserf, William Sinclair, David Renton [of Billie & Lamberton], Alexander Home, Archibald Dunbar, William Manderston, Gavin Home, and John Sommerville. A copy of the petition can be found in "The Historic Manuscripts Commission - Report on the MSS of Colonel David Milne Home of Wedderburn Castle", London, 1902, p.263-4, number 606.
In the "Protocol Book of James Young" (number 726) there appears minutes of a Royal Justice Court dated 4 August 1494 which state: "In a Royal Justice Court held at the chief messuage of the lands of Stentoun, before John Swinton of that Ilk, knight, depute and lieutenant of John [Lyon] Lord Glamis, and Robert Lord l'Isle, King's Justiciars generally constituted fro the south side of the Forth; Robert Laweder of Bass showed a charter or writ of resignation by the deceased Gilbery Duchry mentioning that Gilbert resigned the land or tenament of Duchry [in the Lammermuir Hills], in the tenament of Stentoun, in the hands of Walter, Stewart of Scotland, superior thereof. ROBERT LAUDER OF BEILL, son and apparent heir of the said Robert, asserted that a charter by his father to him of the mains of Stentoun and three quarters of the town and territory made no reservation of the lands of Duchry. Witnesses: Robert Laweder, son and apparent heir of Robert Laweder of Beill, James Cockburn of Clerkington, William Hepburn of Athelstaneford, Alexander Sydserf of that Ilk, James Ogill, David Ogill," and others.
In 1495, at Edinburgh, this Robert Lawder was granted Sasine of Stenton, Garvald, and the Bass Rock. See the printed "Exchequer Rolls" (vol.X, 1488-1496, pps:770-1, edited by George Burnett, LL.D., Lyon King of Arms, Edinburgh, 1887). Sasine was also granted in 1495 to this Robert Lauder of the lands of Symprin and Ladypart in Berwickshire [see below].
In the "Calendar of Writs preserved at Yester House" there is a charter, number 240, dated 1 February 1497 (a date of registration? - see charters above), of "Robert Lauder of Bass and Lord of Auldkathi to Robert Lauder his eldest son and Ysobella [sic] Hay his spouse, and their survivor of them, and their heirs male to be procreated of their bodies, of the lands of Auldkathi lying in the barony of Kynnele [Kinnoul] and sheriffdom of [Lin]Lithgow. Witnesses were William Hay of Menzen, William Hay of Tallo, Hugh of Dunbar, Gavin Lumsden, Thomas and Peter Wood and James Sinclair." The footnote states that the granter's seal is in fair condition.
John J. Reid ["Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries", 1885] states that "in 1497 King James IV visited the Bass" and gives references. R.P.Phillimore also states that in 1497 King James IV visited the Bass, and that the boatmen who conveyed him from Dunbar were paid 14 shillings. ("North Berwick, Gullane, Aberlady and East Linton District, North Berwick, 1913, p.50.)
[edit] Knight
Robert was knighted before July, 1498. On 10 July 1498 an action was raised by Sir Robert Lauder of Bass, Knight, as assignee to the deceased David Dunbar of Bele [Beil], heir of the deceased Alexander Dunbar of Beil, against Mungo Home, son and heir of the deceased John Home of Whiterig (in Berwickshire), and Margaret Hume his mother, for postponing and delaying to resign the 12 merk lands of the west end of Mersington (in Berwickshire), with pertinents, "land on the west half of the burne" and keeping the charters and muniments thereof. The defenders did not appear. The Lords discern them to conform to the reversion produced, and assign the 15th January next to the pursuer to prove the value of damages and violated profits and duties. (Refer: "Acts of the Lords of Council in Civil Causes, 1496 - 1501", volume II, page 261).
In "Acta Dominorum Concilii" (edited by James Clyde,LL.D., Stair Society, Edinburgh 1943) numbers 230, 233 and 326, dated July 1501, record a dispute between Jonet, prioress of the Convent of Haddington, (represented by David Balfour of Caraldstone) and Robert Lauder of the Bass, knight, regarding the lands and chapellany of Garvald, (East Lothian), and also damage made to Sir Robert Lauder's house at Whitecastle (or Nunraw) near Haddington. At the second hearing Robert was present in person. The case was sent to Patrick Hepburn, 1st Earl of Bothwell, for his consideration and adjourned until 15 October 1501.
The King confirmed a charter signed on the Bass Rock on 12 July 1502 of Gavin Dunbar of Wester Spott to Robert Lawdir of Bass, knight, his heirs and assignees, of the lands of Wester Spott, Gryndanehede and The Newkis, with all the buildings thereon, in Haddingtonshire, reserving the usual liferents for the granter. Witnesses included Alexander Sydserf of that Ilk, Henry Congiltoun of that Ilk, and Kentigern Hepburn of Lufnes [and Waughtoun]. (Great Seal, 1502, number 2659). Refer also: "Genealogical Notes of the Hepburn Family" by Edward Hepburn, 1925, p. 32.
Subsequent to that, on 3 January 1503/1504, Gavin Dunbar of Wester Spott renounced his liferent interest in those properties, the renunciation 'done in the burgh of Edinburgh, in the tenement of Mr.Richard Lawson of Hierriggs, in his close thereof.' (See the "Protocol Book of James Young, number 1392).
Letters of Procuratory were signed at Beil on 6 August 1504, by Sir Robert Lawder of the Bass, knight, addressed to the King James IV informing him that he (Robert) had appointed Richard Lawson of Hie Riggs, Clerk of Justiciary, James Henderson and Richard Bothwell, John Homyll and David Anderson, as procurators, for resigning his lands of Wester Spott, Gryndenhede, and 'le Snyke,' with pertinents, into the hands of the King as superior. ("Calendar of the Laing Charters, AD854-1837" edited by the Rev.John Anderson, Edinburgh, 1899, p.64, number 250.)
Patrick Scougal of that Ilk had a tack [lease] of a quarter of the lands of Auldhame, near North Berwick, from George Home of Spott, with an agreement that it would later be feued to him. Agreed and signed at Beil on 26 September 1504, with Sir Robert Lawedir of Bass one of the witnesses. (No.1468, 'Protocol Book of James Young', p.330).
Sir Robert Lauder of the Bass, knight, is recorded as an owner of land in King Street, Edinburgh: In the National Archives of Scotland (GD32/21/3) is a Letter of Reversion by Mr John of Murray, burgess of Edinburgh to William of Todrig, burgess of Edinburgh, of an annual rent of 40s Scots out of the houses and land called "the paintit chalmer" with the pertinents lying in the said burgh on the north side of King Street of the same between the lands of Sir William Lindesay [Lindsay], kt, on the east part and the land of the Archbishop of Glasgow on the west part and the land of William Halkerstoune [Haxton] on the south part and the land of Sir Robert Lauder of the Bass, Knt., on the north part, Edinburgh, dated 16 April 1505.
[edit] Pilgrimage
In 1506 he went on a pilgrimage to pray at the shrine of St.John of Amiens, accompanied by a large retinue of family and friends.
On 10 May 1506, at Edinburgh, "A Lettre of Licence [was] maid to Robert Lawder of the Bass, knycht, his men, servandis, and inhabitantis his landis, Robert Lawder, his son and apperand aire, John Swyntoun of that ilk, Johne Swytoun, his son and apperand aire, Robert Lawder of the Tower of Lawder, Alexander Cockburn of Newhall, Gilbert Wauchop in Howstoun, Alexander Sideserff of that ilk, George Lile of Stanypeth, David Lawder of Popill, Johne Forestare of Gammilschelis, Henry Congiltoun of that ilk, Thomas Wod of the Grange, William Gibson and Peter Wod in Akansid, and als all the saidis Robertis and thare tennandis, familiaris, servandis, procuratoris, attornais, factouris and intromettouris, and all and sundri his and thare gudis, rentis, possessionis, annuellis, fermez, etc., for the passing of the said Robert to Sanct Johne of Ameas [Amiens], in his pilgrimage, and uther partis bezond sey in his erandis: And Als respittis him and all the persounis above written, thair tennandis, etc., for all actiounis concernyn the kingis grace, etc., to ceis fra the day of the date hereof quhill his hamecummyn and forty dayis thairefter: And attour exempand the said Robert and all the persouns abone writtin fra the compering to ony parliamentis, justice-airis, chawmerlane-aires schireff courtis and ony uther courtis for ony maner of actiouns concernyn the kingis grace enduring the tyme forsaid." (Refer: "The Register of the Privy Seal of Scotland" edited by M.Livingstone, I.S.O., vol.1, 1488-1529, Edinburgh, 1908, number 1257, pps:181/2.) It seems clear that those named in this License have feus of certain properties from Sir Robert. Certainly Popill, and Newhall [Lothians], were owned by the lairds of Bass. What is also clear is that the Robert Lauder at Lauder Tower, (Berwickshire), is not the son and heir of Sir Robert Lauder of The Bass, but a separate entity.
A Letter of Licence was given to Robert Lawder of Bass, knight, to [give?] 'analy' [annually?] four merks worth of land of aul [old] extent of his lands of Ladypart, lying in the bailiary of Lawderdale, sheriffdom of Berwick, to what person or persons he pleases. Dated at Edinburgh 27 October, 1506. (Refer:"The Register of the Privy Seal of Scotland" vol.1, 1488-1529, edited by M.Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1908, number 1349, p.192.)
On 1 February 1508 Sasine was granted to his son, also Robert, of The Bass Rock and other holdings, confirmed in the "Exchequer Rolls of Scotland". It is assumed Sir Robert has died.
[edit] Legacy
"The Binns Papers 1320-1864" (Scottish Record Society, 1936, no.545/2) records a Precept of Clare Constat by James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran, to Robert Lauder of Bass as heir to [this] Sir Robert Lauder of Bass, Knt., his father, for the lands and patronage of Auldcathie, in Linlithgowshire, dated 16 February 1518/1519. The Instrument of Sasine followed on 24 March 1518/1519, the notary being Robert Foulis. Endorsed 'precept to giff sasing of the lands of Auldcathy to my guidsire'.
[edit] Marriage and descedants
Sir Robert Lauder of The Bass, &c., married late in life, Lady Isobella Hay, second daughter of John Hay, 1st Lord Hay of Yester, (see Marquess of Tweeddale), Haddingtonshire. She was a descendant of King Robert I of Scotland. They had at least six children.
C.A.B.Lawder states that Sir Robert Lauder of The Bass and his wife Isobel Hay had a son William, from whom descend the Belhaven and West Barns branch. (See also charter dated 1474/75, above).
[edit] Further references
- "Historical References to the Scottish family of Lauder" by James Young, Glasgow, 1884.
- "The Grange of St.Giles" by J.Stewart Smith, Edinburgh, 1898.
- "The Lawders of The Bass & Their Descendants" by C.A.B.Lawder, Belfast, 1914.
- "Burke's Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage" edited by Peter Townend, 105th edition, London, 1970, p.2687.
- "The Lauders of The Bass" by G.M.S.Lauder-Frost,F.S.A.,(Scot), in "East Lothian Life", Autumn 1996, issue 22, ISSN 1361-7818.
