Maxwell's List

[castlebob]

Hello All,

I've found an old , fading photocopy of a list of over 150 names of people who lived on John Maxwell, Earl of Morton's lands in Dumfriesshire. The list contains a number of surnames, including some 120 Armstrongs headed by Cristie Armestrang in Barngleis(h). The list includes other surnames inc Johnstones, Littles, Bells, Murrays and Carruthers.

There looks like two dates jotted down - 1568 & 1585. Could it be a remission list, or similar? Perhaps concerning the Stirling Raid? I can't find a reference!

Cheers,
Bob

EDIT: The date has to be 1585 as Maxwell was created earl in 1581.

[Jeffrey]

Sorry can't help you as to what this could be but could I ask what is a 'Remission List'.

My lot are from around that area so likely some of my ancestors on there.

Judy

[castlebob]

The king issued remission to many of his subjects who may have been involved in acts against him, Judy. In essence, he absolved them of acts such as treason etc in the hopes that by doing so they'd toe the line in future. There are many cases of this in various state papers etc. One of the Maxwells had been accused of surrendering Carlaverock Castle to the English, and Mary, Queen of Scots, later granted him remission for doing so. It was often expedient for the monarch to show clemency as there was a wish not to antagonize the more powerful lairds.

PS I have now found the reference to the list.