Sir George Bruce of Carnock

SIR GEORGE BRUCE OF CARNOCK [Note]

Burgess of Culross; Bailie of Culross

Rob. Bruce de Eister Kennet, Geo. B. ejus fratre (1582) George Bruce in Culros (1585) George Bruce, indweller of the town of Culross (1586) George Bruce in Culross (1600) George Bruce of Carnock (1608) Sir George Bruce of Carnock (1610) Sir George Bruce of Carnock (1612) Sir George Bruce of Carnox (1614) Sir George Bruce of Carnok, knight (1619) Sir George Bruce of Carnok, knight (1622) Domini Georgii Bruce de Carnock, militis (1625)

Fake Genealogy

According to the Bruce Y-DNA Project, Sir George Bruce of Carnock, here treated, is the son of Sir Robert Bruce of Blairhall and Easter Kennet (1532-1617) and his wife Lady Margaret Hamilton (floruit 15351619). He is said by the Project to have been born in 1551 and to have died on 6 May 1625. Bruce Surname Y-DNA Project: Group 37-M269 IN84933 This is contradicted by the Scots Peerage account of the family, which identifies him as the third son of Edward Bruce, first of Blairhall and Easter Kennet. The Scots Peerage III: 503 The Bruce Y-DNA Project does not offer ant supporting evidence for it's proposition, but the Scots Peerage account is supported by a charter made in favour of Henry Baverage, notary, and his future wife Jonet Hodge, wherein the names of George Bruce and his older brother, Robert Bruce of Blairhall, are noticed in the witness list. RMS 1580-93: charter number 1110 Any doubts about the identity of the younger brother of Robert Bruce of Blairhall are dispelled by a deed of discharge which was issued by him after his elevation to the knighthood. In this deed he is identified as Sir George Bruce of Carnox, brother of the late Edward, Lord Bruce, Master of the Rolls.. NRS: GD421/3/26

The Question of Identity

According to the late Major William Bruce Armstrong, writing in his account of the Bruce Earls of Elgin and Kincardine for The Scots Peerage, Sir George Bruce of Carnock, here treated, is the third son of Sir Edward Bruce of Blairhall and Easter Kennet and the brother of Robert Bruce, of Blairhall & Easter Kennet The Scots Peerage III: 484 He is noticed in company with his brother on 17 June 1582. RMS 1580-93: charter number 1110

Brother of Robert Bruce, of Blairhall & Easter Kennet

Sir George Bruce of Carnock, here treated, is noticed as the brother of Robert Bruce, of Blairhall & Easter Kennet on 17 June 1582. RMS 1580-93: charter number 1110

Brother of Edward Bruce, 1st Lord Kinloss

Sir George Bruce of Carnock, here treated, is noticed as the brother of Edward Bruce, 1st Lord Kinloss on 20 November 1614, NRS: GD421/3/26 and again on 9 June 1622. RMS 1593-1608: charter number 1671

Death

Sir George Bruce of Carnock, here treated, is reported to have died on 6 May 1625.

Burial

Sir George Bruce of Carnock was buried on 12 May 1625. NRS: GD112/39/35/5

Marriage

Sir George Bruce of Carnock, here treated, married Euphame Primrose A date for the marriage has not been identified, bit she was his wife when she died on 13 October 1609. [NRS: CC6/5/3]

Children

Sir George Bruce of Carnock, here treated, is reported to have had eight children, three son and five daughter. The Scots Peerage III: 485

1. George Bruce of Carnock
2. Alexander Bruce of Alva
3. Robert Bruce, Lord Broomhall
4. Anne Bruce
5. Magdelene Bruce
6. Christian Bruce
7. Dame Nicolas Bruce, Lady Braid
8. Margaret Bruce

Sir George Bruce of Carnock, here treated, appears to have had a sixth daughter named Elizabeth, either that or her name has been confused with one of the other daughters whose names appear to have been omitted from the testament dative of Euphame Primrose For example, Anne Bruce, Christian Bruce, or Margaret Bruce.

1. Elizabeth Bruce

The Testament Dative and Inventory of his wife Euphame Primrose

Euphame Primrose died intestate on 13 October 1609. On 31 March 1612 her Testament Dative and Inventory was given up by her widowed husband, Sir George Bruce of Carnock. It was given up in name and behalf of five of their children, that is Alexander Bruce, Robert Bruce, Magdalane Bruce, Elizabeth Bruce and Nicolas Bruce, who were recognised as executors dative to their deceased mother by the Commissary Court of Dunblane. Confirmation was granted to the executors dative on 31 March 1612. [National Records of Scotland, Dunblane Commissary Court, The Testament Dative and Inventory of Euphame Prymrois, spouse to Sir George Bruce of Carnock, knight, reference CC6/5/3]

1. Image of Testament
2. Image of Testament
3. Image of Testament

Evidence from the National Records of Scotland

                   1

17 June 1582: Charters made in favour of Henry Baverage, notary, and his future wife Jonete Hodge. Witnessed by Robert Bruce of Eister Kennet, and his brother George Bruce: "Rob. Bruce de Eister Kennet, Geo. B. ejus fratre." RMS 1580-93: charter number 1110

                   2

23 June 1585: Feu Charter by Robert Bruce of Clakmanane to George Bruce in Culrois of his coalpits and coals lying in the 2/3rds part of the lands of Kincairin. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/245

                   3

12 August 1585: Charter of Novodamus by Alexander, commendator of Culrois, with consent of convent of the same, to George Bruce in Culros, of piece of land called Wadhed in lordship of Culros, a garden called Conventyeard, a tenement lying in the town of Culros and other pieces of land there. 12 Aug.1585. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/157

                   4

23 February 1585-86: Confirmation by Alexander, commendator of Culross, and convent thereof, of charter of sale by James Colvill, son of the deceased James Colvill in Culross, in implement of contract between him and George Bruce, indweller of the town of Culross, dated 23 Feb. 1585/6, to George Bruce, eldest son of the said George, of two tofts or orchards, now possessed by the said George, elder, in the lordship and town of Culross and sheriffdom of Perth, to be held in feu- farm of the said commendator and convent. National Records of Scotland, Culross Charter, reference GD1/130/1

                   5

after 23 February 1585-86: Commendator and convent of Culross, confirming charter by James Colvill in favour of George Bruce of two tofts or orchards in Culross, Perthshire (now Fife). National Records of Scotland, Miscellaneous Transcripts, reference RH1/2/426

                   6

8 October 1589: Feu Charter by Peter Prymrois, feuar of the land aftermentioned, with cons ent of Margaret Bauerage, his mother, to George Bruce in Culros, of a rough and uncultivated piece of his quarter lands of Kincardine called Burnbray. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/247

                   7

6 September 1597: Contract made between George Bruce in Culros, on the one part, and John Cowhie, portioner of Kincarne with consent of Elizabeth Sandis, his spouse, on the other part, whereby for 300 merks Scots, said John dispones to said George the coal in his quarter lands of Kincarne. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/248

                   8

6 September 1597: Procuratory of Resignation by John Cowhie, portioner of Kincairnie, with consent of Elizabeth Sandis, is spouse, of the coal in his quarter lands of Kincarne, in the hands of John, Commendator of Culross, in favour of George Bruce in Culross. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/251

                   9

15 October 1597: Contract between George Bruce in Culross, on the one part, and James Sandis, portioner of Kincarne, with consent of [Margaret] Aikine, his spouse, on the other part, whereby, for 200 merks Scots, said James Sandis dispones to said George Bruce, the coal of his sixth part of lands of Kincarne. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/253

                  10

15 October 1597: Precept of Sasine by James Sandis, portioner of Kincarne, with consent of Margaret Aikine, his spouse, to George Bruce, of coal in his sixth part of the lands of Kincarne. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/254

                  11

15 October 1597: Precept of Sasine by said James Sandis to said George Bruce, of duties great and small furth of his sixth part of town and lands of Kincarne. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/255

                  12

13 February 1597-98: Contract between George Bruce in Culross, on the one part, and Peter Prymrois, portioner of Kincarne, with consent of [blank] Callender, his spouse, on the other part, by which the said Peter Prymrois dispones to the said George Bruce the coal in his quarter lands of Kincarne in return for the sum of 300 merks Scots. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/257

                  13

2 March 1597-98: Instrument of Sasine following on Charter containing precept of sasine, dated 12 Feb., 1597/8, by Peter Prymrois, portioner of Kincarne, to George Bruce in Culros, of coal in his ¼ part of lands of Kincarne. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/259

                  14

14 May 1600: Bond by James, Lord Lindsay of the Byres, to relieve George Bruce in Culross of his responsibility in connection with the sum of 5,000 merks which had been consigned in his hands in connection with the redemption of 4 oxgates of land lying in the Dean beside Edinburgh. National Records of Scotland, Miscellaneous small collections of family, business and other papers, reference GD1/304/1

                  15

5 December 1600: Charter by John Blacader of Nethir Inzewar and Marjorie Hammiltoun, his spouse, to George Bruce in Culrois, of half the coal within lands of Nethir Inzewar in lordship of Culrois, with power to said George Bruce to make necessary waterways for working said coal fields. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/611

                  16

31 December 1602: Letters of Reversion by James Inglis, son and heir to deceased Archibald Inglis, merchant burgess of Edinburghe, to George Bruce of Carnok, burgess of Culross, on annualrent of 500 merks Scots furth of half the lands of Wester Gellettis, lands of Eister Syllytounis, and quarter of the lands of Craigis, all lying in regality of Dunfermline, for the sum of 5000 merks Scots. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/587

                  17

9 June 1604: Charter by which Alani Cowtiss of Wester Rossyith confirms, following an agreement between him and George Bruce of Carnock, that he has sold the church lands and glebe of Rossyith to Edward, Lord Bruce of Kinloss, brother german of George Bruce of Carnock, and Lord Edward's wife Magdalene Clerk for her lifetime, and Lord Edward's son and heir Edward Bruce. Edward, Lord Bruce of Kinloss ontained a charter of confirmation under the Great Seal of Scotland on 4 September 1605. RMS 1593-1608: charter number 1671

                  18

2-3 September 1604: Obligation by George Bruce of Carnok for himself and on behalf of feuars of salt pans and coal mines in Kincardin, in lordship of Culrois, to James Blacader of Tulliallen, whereby he binds himself to relinquish the right granted to him and said feuars to build dams and use the water in said lands of Tulliallan on 40 days' notice on penalty of £2000 Scots. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/345

                  19

20 November 1604:

                  20

22 January 1608: Instrument of Seisin infavor of Mr John Hay of Easter Kennet and Mariot Drummond his spouse, in the lands of Craigtoun, and salmon fishings, lying in the barony of Shanbodie, and County of Clackmannan- Proceeding upon Precept of Seisin Contained in Charter No GD11/94. Witnesses Mr Richard Wright Minister at Clackmannan, Thomas Brown in Ferryton, Archibald Dickie, Servant of George Bruce of Carnock, and Alexander Wright, Servant to the said Mr John Hay. Registered S.R.S. Stirling, 29 Jan. 1608. There are two copies of this Seisin. National Records of Scotland, Papers of the Bruce Family of Kennet, Clackmannanshire. reference GD11/100

                  21

6 March 1609: An account of collection of sums of money received by George Bruce [of Carnock], out of Ingland as also for rents received by him in Scotland, and how said money is disbursed to use of his brother [Edward, 1st] Lord of Kinloss. National Records of Scotland, Papers relating to Orkney and Shetland, reference RH9/15/226

                  22

21 May 1610: Renunciation by David Rowane, burgess of Culrois, to John Erskyne of Chapelland, of an annualrent of 100 merks Scots furth of Orchyaird brayis and 3 acres of arable land in Byrfeild, the principal sum of 1000 merks Scots paid by Sir George Bruce of Carnok on behalf of the said John Erskyne National Records of Scotland, reference GD15/102

                  23

13 June 1610: Contract of alienation between Sir George Bruce of Carnock and John Gray, merchant burgess, Culross, regarding the sale of a tenement of land in Culross lying between the land of William Hendrie on the north and east, the 'common calsay' of the burgh on the south and 'the wynd callit Litsaris wynd and the watter passage of the samyn' on the west, for 1025 merks scots. National Records of Scotland, Miscellaneous small collections of family, business and other papers, reference GD1/1435/1

                  24

2 August 1610: Tack by George, Archbishop of Sanctandrois to Sir George Bruce of Carnoke for his lifetime and after his decease to his heir male for his lifetime and his heirs and assignees for 19 years, of the customs of lands and barony of Carnok and of the lands and barony of Torrie and the custody of the cocket seals and authority to grant cockets lying in Regality of St. Andrews, on payment of £20 Scots yearly. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/711

                  25

20 November 1614: Discharge by Thomas, Lord Knyvett, to Sir George Bruce of Carnox, brother and executor of late Edward, Lord Bruce, Master of the Rolls, of sum of £750 sterling as ninth and final payment of £10,000 sterling to the Queen in terms of a warrant under her hand of 19 November 1610. National Records of Scotland, Executry papers of George Heriot, reference GD421/3/26

                  26

28 April 1615: Instrument of Sasine on Charter of Novodamus, containing precept of sasine, dated 10 July 1613 by James, Lord Coluill of Culrois, to Sir George Bruce of Carnok, knight, of 4 acres of arable land, lying between the lands of Byrfeild and others, an acre of arable land lying in Gagie and 3 acres of arable land lying in Byrfeild. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/106

                  27

1 October 1618: Charter by Sir George Bruce of Carnok, knight, to George Bruce, his eldest son, of smaller part of lands and barony of Carnok on the south side of the water of the same, to be held of John, archbishop of St. Andrews, in implement of Marriage Contract between Sir John Prestoun of Valayfeild, knight, and Marie Prestoun, his daughter, on the one part and said Sir George Bruce and George Bruce on the other part. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/536

                  28

1 October 1618: Charter by George Bruce, fiar of Carnok, with consent of Sir George Bruce of Carnok, his father, to Marie Prestoune, his future spouse, of south part of barony of Carnok, in liferent. https://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue/details.aspx... National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/536]

                  29

5 October 1618: Instrument of Sasine in favour of Marie Prestoune, future spouse of George Bruce, fiar of Carnok, of the north part of barony of Carnok called Banharde, in liferent; on Charter, dated 1 Oct., 1618, by said George, with consent of Sir George Bruce of Carnok, his father. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/540

                  30

30 January 1622: Charter de me by Sir George Bruce of Carnok, knight, with consent of George Bruce, his son, Thomas Dalyell of Manerstoun and Janet Bruce, his spouse, to Thomas, Lord Bruce of Kynloss, of 4 acres of arable land lying between the lands of Byrefeild and others, an acre of arable land lying in Ovirgagie and 3 acres of arable land lying in Byrefeild. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/107

                   31

12 May 1625: Letter from Mr D Prymrois, Crawmond, to Sir Duncan Campbell of Glenurquhy, kt. . . . . . As for my comming to your m[astership] I sould not spare my paiunes gif it wer to go to Venice for your pleasure, Bot now Sir George Bruce in Culross is departed this lyfe, and we wilbe at his buriall upon the twelt of this instant, quher I sall have occasion to meit with William Murray ... and get inspection of these wreats whiche he hes in his wyfs custodie, and sall do quhat I can to setle him'; will come if necessary and asks Glenorchy to send a boy.
Postscript intimating enclosure of writer's verses on the king's death and an epitaph on late marquess of Hamilton. National Records of Scotland, Papers of the Campbell Family, Earls of Breadalbane (Breadalbane Muniments), Correspondence, reference GD112/39/35/5

                  32

14 July 1625: GEORGIUS BRUCE de Carnock, haeres Domini Georgii Bruce de Carnock, militis, patris. ix. 62. Inquisitionum Ad Capellam Domini Regis Retornatarum etc. II See also NRS: GD15/542

                  33

14 July 1625: GEORGIUS BRUCE de Carnock, haeres Domini Georgii Bruce de Carnock, militis, patris. ix. 90. Inquisitionum Ad Capellam Domini Regis Retornatarum etc. II See also NRS: GD15/542

                  34

9 August 1625: Service of George Bruce of Carnok as heir to his father Sir George Bruce of Carnok in certain lands and annualrents in the burgh of Culros. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/543

                  35

9 August 1625: Instrument of Sasine following on precept furth of Chancery in favour of George Bruce of Carnok as heir to deceased Sir George Bruce of Carnok, knight, his father, of lands of Byregrange, Wodeheid, Petticommoun, and other lands in burgh of Culros, with saltworks therein. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/162

                  36

1622-28: 8 Inhibitions by Mr. Robert Bruce, son to deceased Sir George Bruce of Carnock against heritors and others of the parish of Torrie and heritors and others of the lands of Poffillis and Blair in lordship of Culross, for payment of teinds. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/448

                  37

30 September 1625: Precept of Sasine furth of Chancery in favour of George Bruce now of Carnok as heir to deceased Sir George Bruce, knight, of Carnok, his father, of the greater half called the north half of the lands and barony of Carnok and the lands of Gallorig and Clune lying, by annexation, in the parish of Pettincrieff. National Records of Scotland, Erskine family of Cardross, Perthshire, reference GD15/544

Evidence from the Laing Charters

18 March 1619: Charter by William Schaw of Lathangy, hereditary feu-farmer of the lands underwritten, with consent of his spouse, Euphamia Auchmoutie, in terms of a marriage contract (dated 9th March instant) between them and John Schaw, their son, on one part, and Sir George Bruce of Carnok, knight, and Robert Bruce of Blairhall, for themselves, and Isabella Bruce, younger daughter of the late Robert Bruce of Blairhall, on the other part, granting to the said John the lands of Lathangy, between the lands of Lochleven on south and west and the lands of Burly on east and north, as described, with boat upon Lochleven, in the regality of Dunfermline and shire of Fife (reserving liferents) : To be held of the superiors in feu-farm. Reddendo, £8.13s. 4d. Scots of feu-duty, with 40s. yearly for the boat. At Lathangy, 18th March 1619. Witnesses, Mr. Thomas Wardlaw of Logy, .James Schaw, the granter's brother- german, and John Walwood, serjeant of the regality of Dunfermline, Alexander Kingorne, son of James Kingorne, notary public, being writer of deed. Calendar of the Laing Charters belonging to the University of Edinburgh, A.D. 854-1837: charter number 1816

View of Tomb of Sir George Bruce of Carnock

THIS . IS . SIR . GEORGE . BRUCE . OF . CARNOCK . HIS . LADY . HIS THREE . SONS . AND . FIVE . DAUGHTERS . THIS . TOMB . WAS . PROVIDED . BY . GEORGE . BRUCE . OF . CARNOCK . HIS . ELDEST . SON" Canmore: Tomb of Sir George Bruce of Carnock

Printed Evidence

1. Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum. The Register of the Great Seal of Scotland, A.D. 1580-1593. Edited by John Maitland Thomson, MA., Advocate. (H. M. General Register House, Edinburgh, 1888), 1155 pp. including indices and errata’’’
2. Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum. The Register of the Great Seal of Scotland. A. D. 1593-1608. Edited by John Maitland Thomson, MA., Advocate. (H. M. General Register House, Edinburgh, 1890), 1142 pp. including indices and errata

Note: Evidence needed to support James Bruce in Dysart as son of Sir George Bruce of Carnock See attached discussions.

Genealogy

1. The Scots Peerage : founded on Wood's ed. of Sir Robert Douglas's Peerage of Scotland; containing an historical and genealogical account of the nobility of that kingdom. Edited by Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon King of Arms. Volume III. (David Douglas, Edinburgh, 1906), 618 pp. See pp. 484-5 For Bruce Earls of Elgin and Kincardine
2. Genealogics

Biographical Summary by A System of Heraldry

"Archibald Primrose, son to Duncan Primrose, descended of the Primroses of that Ilk, acquired the lands of Burnbrae from the abbacy of Culross ; and had two sons : viz. James Primrose, who was Principal Clerk to the Privy Council of Scotland, in the reign of King James VI. and Mr David Primrose of Whitehouse; with an only daughter, named Euphan, married to Sir George Bruce of Carnock, ancestor to the Earls of Kincardine. A System of Heraldry: 372

Biographical Summary

Margaret Bruce was the daughter of Sir George Bruce of Carnock, a direct lineal descendant of King Robert Bruce the first of Scotland. Ref. Crozier's General Armory by William Armstrong Crozier: Published 1904 - Page 97: Nichols, Connecticut - Sergt. Francis Nichols, Stratford 1639, London and Ampthill Great Court Bedfordshire, Descended on the distaff side from King Robert Bruce. The ancestors and descendants of Humphrey Nichols of Newark, New Jersey Lakehurst, N.J. : Published 1917 - Page 47

Biographical Summary

Sir George Bruce married Margaret Primrose, daughter of Archibald Primrose. He died on 6 May 1625, He was the son of Sir Edward Bruce of Blairhall and Alison Reid. He bought Carnock from Sir A. Lindsay. He was invested as a Knight by King James VI. He held the office of Member of Parliament (M.P.) for Culross. In 1597 he built Culross Palace. Circa 1600 he bought Werty Gellett (renamed Broomhall) from John Pitcairn of that Ilk. He was a member of the Committee to negotiate union with England in 1604. He lived at Carnock, Fife, Scotland.

Biographical Summary

Sir George Bruce of Carnock