The Muirs of Rowallan |
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"Thomas De La More was executor of the will of
Dervorguilla de Balliol, the heiress daughter of Alan, Earl of Galloway, and mother of
King John Balliol, chosen by Edward I of England as King of Scots. The Muirs of More
held lands in Ayrshire, Lanarkshire and Beltone in Berwickshire. Elizabeth Mure, daughter of Sir Adam Mure of Rowallan, married Robert II in 1347. The family of Muir of Rowallan became extinct in the male line in 1700." MARTIN, R. Scottish Clan and Family Names, Their Arms, Origins and Tartans The Muirs have been septs of the Gordons and Campbells. "Under King David I in the 12th century land was granted to Norman barons
and churchmen who, in return, exercised feudal power in local bailieries. William the Lion
organised these bailieries into the Sheriffdom of Ayr to limit the baron's powers, and
Ayrshire came into being. Some of the baronies created established family names that are
still important in East Ayrshire- the Houison-Craufurds of Craufurdland Castle, the
Campbells of Loudoun Castle, the Boyds of Dean Castle, The Mures (Rowallan), and the
Cunninghames (Caprington). Other major landowners included religious orders such as the
Franciscans and the Dominicans. The present castle at Rowallan dates from the beginning of the 20th century, but lies next to the ruins of an early 16th century castle, itself with 13th century fragments. The 16th century building was the home of the Muirs (or Mures), whilst the most recent castle was built for the Corbett family." "Rowallan Estate is located midway between Fenwick and Kilmaurs. The original Castle dates back to the 13th century and is under the care of Historic Scotland."
Copyright Alexander Muir 1998 - 99. |
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