Notable Members of The Halkett Family

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The exact period of the family's settlement in the county of Fife Scotland is difficult to ascertain – there is mention of Sir Henry Halkette, witness to Charter by Henry de Graham, c. 1230, and;

Sir Walter Haket, was in the service of Robert de Brus, Earl of Carrick, 1298

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ROBERT HALKETT 

COLLECTOR OF THE THIRDS OF BENEFICES IN FIFE 1360

ROBERT HALKETT, collector of the thirds of Benefices Fife in 1360 and as Sheriff of Kinross by charter of Robert II on 9th March 1372. Robert was a prominent land holder in Kinross, for shortly after we find - There is a Hugh of Lochore, Sheriff of Fife, when he gave ⅓ of the lands of  Pitfirrane in 1245 in the reign of Alexander II to his nephew Hugh (⅓ of Lands of Pitfirrane from his uncle). Hugh was the father of two sons and one daughter:

1) David de Lochor, 1251, Sheriff of Fife, 1264 - 1266, another son,

2) Constantine de Lochor 1234, he gave Kinglassie to Dunfermline Abbey, also Sheriff of Fife and a Prisoner at Dunbar. Hugh's daughter married William Scott, Lord of Balwerey, with consent of his heir, Philip Hacat, his beloved cousin, of the two Mutthulies and Capeth, and third part of Pitfirrane.   Philip Halkett, Lord of Balmagall 1290, Lord of Lumphenen 1393, had a brother William of Louchquhor and a sister, who had a son. 

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PHILIP HALKETT 

THE FIRST LAIRD OF PITFIRRANE 

PHILIP HALKETT (sometimes written as Hacat), the first ancestor identified, had a Charter from his beloved cousin William Scot, of Balwerey, who was married to the sister of Constantine of Lochore, Sheriff of Fife, with consent of his heir, to Philip Halkett, of the two Muathulies and Capeth and ⅓ part of Pitfrirrane circa 1400. This Philip Halkett, Lord of Balnagal now Ballingall to the west of Kinross 1390, is the son of Robert. This Philip is also designated Lord of Lumphanan now Lumphinnans, a part of Cowdenbeath, in a brieve of perambulation in July 1393.  Philip acquired about 1400, half of the neighbouring barony of Pitconnochie from Sir John Wemyss of Rires, though later this has been reduced to a sixth. Philip died after 1415 but before 1432. He had at least two sons.  He also had a brother WILLIAM of Lochquhor, and a sister who had at least one son.  WILLIAM HAKAT, of Louchquhor, brother of Philip, above, Lord of Balnagel, he had a least one son William Halkett (Hakket), of Belesice.  He left to his cousin Sir David of Louchquhor ⅓ of Pitfirrane, 1431.  Also in a Letter of Reversion William Halkett of Beilsice to William Halkett of Pitfirrane, who had given him by charter and seisin an annual rent of 40s from his lands of Balingal in the shire of Kinross on 23 April 1472.  William Halkett married Jane Fenton in September 1446 co-heiress of Walter de Fenton of Baky in Angus. Janet was his second daughter and was the widow of Robert Stewart, second son of Sir David Stewart of Rosyth, and was said by her own position to have been kept under conditions of extreme severity until she assigned her lands to the Stewarts.

Philip Halkett, above died after 1415 but before 1432.  He had at least two sons - 

1)    David Halkett (sometimes written as Hakat), of Lands of Balnagal, 1404, also, Lord of Balmongy, 1420 and Sir David  of Lochquhor 1431, he built a byre 1435, with issue.

2)    Robert Halkett (sometimes written as Hakat), resigned his lands and tenement in Newburgh in favour of a noble man  David Halkett (Hakat), his brother, 15 January 1422. 

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DAVID HALKETT 

THE SECOND LAIRD OF PITFIRRANE 

DAVID HALKETT (sometimes written as HAKAT), as second Laird of Pitfirrane whom had a dispute over boundaries with the Abbot of Dunfermline. David Halkett is the son and heir of Philip Halkett, Lord of Lumphenen, 1392 above, Robert Stewart, Lord of Lorne and Sheriff-depute of Kinross for giving seisin to David Halkett of the lands of Balnagal with the office of mair of fee, and office of coronership of the wataeris, 3 June 1404, became Lord of Balmongy 1420, Sir David of Louchquhor in 1431, from his cousin William Halkett. For a time David Halkett held the lands of Cluny to the north of Pitfirrane but this was in possession of the Wemyss of Pittencrieff by 1455 David is later seen to hold the third of Pitfirrane from the Kinninmonths of Craighall, and Lumphinnans from the Wardlaw of Torrie who had gained possession of part at lest of the old Lochore Lands. Nimmo in his "History of Stirlingshire" (1817) relates that a laird of Halkett fought a tournament along with two Douglasses against two Burgundian knights and a squire, and that he was knighted for the occasion.  This was in 1449 but whether this refers to David or his son James cannot be proved.   David Halkett died 1451. 

We have no record of who he married but he did leave issue -  

1)    James Halkett, who died during his Father's lifetime, with issue.

2)    Margaret Halkett, who married Alexander Brown.

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JAMES HALKETT 

THE THIRD LAIRD OF PITFIRRANE

JAMES HALKETT (sometimes written as Hakat), the third Laird of Pitfirrane, son and heir of above David Halkett, married a daughter of Sir James Boswell of Balmuto, he died in his father's lifetime, according to Douglas Peerage.  Pitfirrane states Special Retour of William Halkett to James Halkett, his father, in a certain third part of the lands called the "thryd" part of the lands of Ouchtertyre, Balcrag and mill thereof, in the sheriffdom of Forfar Dundee, 19th April 1446. We know he had one son - 

1) William Halkett

 

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WILLIAM HALKETT

The FOURTH LAIRD OF PITFIRRANE

WILLIAM HALKETT (sometimes written as Hakat), son and heir of the above James Halkett, - He was infefted in 1446 in the lands of Auchtertyre and Balcraig in the Sheriffdom of Forfar, which had been held by his father James.  Elizabeth, Stewart his wife, noblewoman, of the diocese of St Andrews, an indult to have a portable altar. Sometime before 1484, if not in that year, he married Margaret, daughter of Alexander Cunningham of Polmaise and later Auchenbowie near Stirling, later knighted, and Sheriff of tht shire, and Provost of the town of that name.  He is said to have been a descendant of the Cunninghams of Kilmaurs.  Alexander Cunningham had an interest in the neighbouring lands of Pitconnochie and William was well acquainted with him, witnessing a charter for him at Pitfirrane in 1477.  In May 1484 William received another sixth of Pitconnochie from him.

There are references in the early charters of Linlithgow to a Laird of Halkett, possibly William, and the family seems to have some connection with that area.  His daughter Margaret marries a Liston of Humbie near that town, and in the 16th century there is a David Halkett there, whose seal displays the undifferenced arms of Halkett. If the Laird of Halkett can be equated with William of Pitfirrane he seems to have been a boon companion of James IV who draws sums of money from the Treasurer to play cards with the Laird and others in 1489 and 1490. (Lord High Treas. Acc.) 

William died in December 1499.

William left issue - 

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1)    Henry Halkett, his heir, Provost.

2)    Thomas Halkett of Lumphinnans

3)    John Halkett, Merchant, Dunfermline.

4)    Margaret Halkett m.1502 Robert Linton of Humbie in January 1502 with a dowry of 200 merks.

5)    Katherine Halkett m. Andrew Kinninouth of Craighall, Fife.

6)    Andrew Halkett of Kirkcaldy, who gifts wax to the Abbey in 1515. He appeared for Katherine before the Sheriff in Kirkcaldy.  He seems to have settled there and is the ancestor of the Kirkcaldy Halketts.

7)    Peter Halkett, Merchant.

8)    David Adam Halkett, Killed at Flodden Field 1513, m. Helen Mason and had issue -

       1)    Henry Halkett of Pitliver, who had a son

              1)    David Halkett of Broughton, Linlithgow, who m. Katherine Danielston of Pitliver, they had a son,

                     1)    George Halkett in favour with James IV, who was Special Ambassador to Queen Elizabeth, and Traded with  Spain, died, 1586. Halkett was appointed Conservator from 1555 to 1561 and again in 1565, holding the position until his death in March 1589. His was an extremely difficult task, as the revolt of the Netherlands against Spain was flaring up and he had to try to hold a neutral position, representing the British merchants, who ungratefully blamed him for their

losses and misfortunes. He had in their interests to keep on good terms with the Spanish authorities when Scottish volunteers were flocking in large numbers to aid their co-religionists. At the same time he was acting as Ambassador for the Scottish Government to the Dukes of Parma and Alva, as well as reporting on the Marian  plots in France and Holland. Nevertheless he was successful in persuading Philip II to recognize the privileges of the Scottish merchants of Campvere as early as 1568, pending the final settlement there ten years later. He had already been censured by the Convention of Royal Burghs for the decay of privileges, and that body also insisted that he ensure the

strict Protestant religious observances of all merchants resorting to the staple. On the other hand Philip II had insisted on a condition of the grant that the Scottish merchants should behave as good Catholics, a clause accepted by the Regent Moray.  Such contradictions were no doubt ignored in practice. (See “Scottish Staple at Vere.” Davidson and Gray), part from his duties as Conservator George Halkett was high in favor with the young King James VI. Numerous references in official letters of the period testify to his presence at court between 1576 and 1585. He was employed as special  Ambassador to Elizabeth on matters of trade as well as to the Spanish authorities who thought highly of him. He was exempted from returning any gifts of Abbey lands when James VI resumed them.

George had been an attendant of Bothwell who married Mary, Queen of Scots, for one account states that Bothwell was informed of the death of Darnley by one Halkett.   If that is the case, he must have been particularly agile in shifting his allegiance or securing another patron to escape the fatal interrogations of Bothwell'sstaff when he fell from power.  From other evidence it would seem that he got the  protection of  Regent Morton who ruthlessly seized power after the flight of Mary, but he was dabbling in the intrigues of that stormy and bloody period.

                         2) Daughter Katherine Halkett who married Charles Danielston of Pitliver.

                         3) Jean Halkett who married Hew Murray of Cars, and John Swinton of Inverkeithing.

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THE BATTLE OF FLODDEN FIELD 

 9 SEPTEMBER 1513 

JAMES IV occasionally resided in Dunfermline, as the palace was built, or at least enlarged by him in 1500, after he had been twelve years on the throne.  James was more given to love than wine, and Dunbar’s poem, entitled, “The Tod and Lamb’ or the wooing of the King when he was at Dunfermling” arouse from a libertine prank, that took place on one of his visitations.     

   In 1509 James the IV, prevailed on the pope to confirm the donation of the Arch-bishopric of St Andrews, along with the Abbey of Dunfermline, to Alexander his natural son; and he next entreated the Pope to add to these the Priory of Coldingham. This young pluralist was slain with his father at Flodden field, at the age of twenty-three. (Mercer His of Dunf. p. 59)

   1513 – Alexander Stuart, Abbot of Dunfermline Slain, the youthful Abbot of Dunfermline accompanied his father, King James IV to Flodden, and was, along with his ill-fated father and the flower of the Scottish army, slain on Flodden Field, on 9th September 1513, being then in the 21st year of his age. (Mercer's Hist. Dunf. p. 59; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 195.) The great Erasums was this Abbot’s Tutor, from whom he had a noble character.  (Crawford’s Offices of State, pp. 59, 60; Keith’s Scottish Bishops, pp. 33, 34.)  His skeleton was found in 1820, near the High Altar site of St Andrews Cathedral.  The skull had a deep sword-cut wound, penetrating through the thickness of the bone.  (Newspapers of 1820.) (Annals of Dunfermline p. 187)

   When King James IV fell at Flodden his son Alexander, Archbishop of St Andrews and Abbot of Dunfermline fell by his side. The youth was but 15 years of age & was not a seemingly victim of the sword.  Both the King & his son lay the flowers of the Scottish nobility.  There lay 10 Earls and 13 Lords, and 6 peers eldest sons, a bishop fell there too and 2 Abbots and the preceptors of Torphichen.  The French Ambassador was also among the slain.  The Earl of Angus lost 2 sons and a son-in-law.  The Earl of Man lost 1 son.  Lord Oliphant lost 1 son.  Lord Cathcart 3 sons; Lord Glamis 3 sons & a son-in-law & a grandson.  Sir Alexander Lauder, Provost of Edinburgh & his brothers James and Sir George were also Killed at Flodden.  So were Lord Rothes & his brother:  McDowall of Gartshshane & his son: James of Wedderburn & his son (“The Eldest of seen spears”)  Boswell of Balmule & his brother Boswell of Auchinleck.  

   The original gazette of the battle preserved in the college of arms London, says the number of Scots killed was 10,000’ the contemporary writer says “Xi to Xii thousand man of the Scots with XIIC of the English” were killed at Flodden. 

   Mr Jones, Vicar of Brankston, in his” Battle of Flodden Field” admits to the of Scots slain “was 10,000 to 12,000 on the field with their King” he also says “That nearly as many, if not an equal number, fell on the side of the English” and the Bishop of Durham, writing an account of the battle to Alexander Wolsey, says to the Scots were so surely (securely) h …. To arrows did them no harm, they were so mighty 

large & great men!” 

  Hill Burton estimates the number of Scots killed at 8,000 to 10,000 and the English at 6,000 to 7,000.  The fact to the Scots kept possession of Flodden Hill all  night after the battle, and to the English made no attempt to follow up their advantage, shows how greatly they must have been crippled.

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DAVID ADAM HALKETT 

DAVID ADAM HALKETT, son of William Halkett and brother of Henry Halkett, Provost of Dunfermline 1511 to 1512 and who died before July 1513.  David Adam Halkett who along with a contingency of men from Dunfermline were killed at the Battle of Flodden 9th August 1513.   He had, at the time of his decease, and for long before that ‘the right, title, kindness and possession of the lands of Pitliver and Braidley, with the myln and multures of the same’ In virtue of an act passed in favour of the wives and children of those who fell at Flodden, his widow, Helen Mason, received right and possession of the above lands and mill till her death in 1537 or thereby.

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In that same year Henry Halkett, son of David Adam Halkett and father of David Halkett, the

petitioner, having five years of his tack to run, obtained a new tack subscribed by the Prior and Convent of Dunfermline.  Notwithstanding which - so the Petition runs - the late Charles Denneston (or Denielston), husband of Katherine Halkett (presumably a daughter of Adam Halkett and Helen Mason, wrongfully retained and kept possession of these lands and would not suffer the late Henry, David's father, entry thereto; and his widow still retains possession of the lands, so that David, though nearest and lawful heir to his father and grandfather, is wrongfully debarred therefrom.  And now the Commendator of the Abbey and the Royal Treasurer intend to 'set' the said lands and mill to Katherine and her three daughters, unless he Lords of the Privy Council intervene. The Privy Council ordered the following to be summoned: the Commendator (Robert Pitcairn),Patrick Halkett of Pitfirrane, Katherine Halkett and her thre daughters, with James Mowbray and Robert Fraser, for their interest as husbands of Elizabeth and Margaret. 

    Note - Jean, the second daughter, married, 1) Hew, brother of David Murray of Cars and 2)  as his second wife, John Swinton of Inverkeithing (Stephen, Hist., 469. See also Webster, History of Carnock, p. 297).  By this time John Swinton was presumably dead.) 

   In due course all appeared, except the Commendator, when the Lords found: 1) that Katherine Halkett, as relict, and Elizabeth, Jane and Margaret, as daughters of the deceased Charles Danielston, had 'best kindness' to the lands of Pitliver and   Braidlley; and (2) that the claim of Patrick Halket of Pitfirrane, in name of his son   George, was invalid.  The Lords, accordingly, called upon the Commendator, in  accordance with the Act referred to, to receive them as tenants - Katherine and her husband having been in undisputed possession of the lands, for the space of fifty years, or thereby, bygane'.   (Page 43.  Charles Denneston.  Petition of David  Halkett.)   

  A Captain Charles Denneston was in charge of the work of fortification at Inchgarvie, 23d December 1514 (Stephen 382)    Note. – Charles Denneston.  Petition of David Halkett:  (Regality of Dunfermline Court  Book by J.M. Webster p.158) 

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HENRY HALKETT 

THE FIFTH LAIRD OF PITFIRRANE

HENRY HALKETT (sometimes written as Hakat), succeeded to the two-thirds of Pitfirrane, two-sixths of Pitconnochie, Lumphinnans, Auchtertyre, and Balcraig. He also added the lands of Craigton in the barony of Carnbee.  Henry, during his lifetime associates his son, John, in his lands. The process of sasines and resumptions is puzzling, unless Henry wished to ensure the retention of the lands in the family for some reason, and then discovered that he had divested himself of too much. 

   John was also lending his father money on the security of these lands. In 1509 John receives Auchtertyre, and Balcraig, two-sixths of Pitconnochie and the third of Pitfirrane on which the mansion house was erected. In 1513, however, Henry resumes Pitfirrane on a new charter of confirmation from the king. 

   He was entered Burgess of Dunfermline in 1501, and is elected Provost in 1511 and again in 1512. He was thus in office 1513 after which his oldest son, John, succeeds him at Pitfirrane.  

   Precept upon Charter by James Cunynghame of Polmais for infefting John Halkett, son and heir of the deceased Henry Halkett, in the sixth part of Petconoquhy, 3rd September 1514.

 (Henry Haket was deceased before 9th September 1514 the date of Flodden Field).  Henry Halkett left issue -

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1)    John Halkett, who succeeded him.

2)    Peter Halkett, later Provost of Dunfermline in 1549, though the James and Henry who appear as witnesses in 1522 (W.76) may well be his sons. His wife’s name has not come down to us.

3)    James Halkett

4)    Henry Halkett

5)    William Halkett, who marraid Mary Haliburton of Pitcur, note below.

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Note: - The Lyon Genealogies 11/40 mention William Halkett of Pitfirrane who married Mary Haliburton of Pitcur. His son John Halkett married Agnes, daughter of Lord Sinclair of Dysart (d. 1615) and their son Nicholas or Nicol was chamberlain to his grandfather at Dysart.  He died 1608.  His son John was a Bailie of Dysart who married Catrin Cay, daughter of Alexander Cay, merchant and Bailie of Kinghorn.  This line ended in a daughter Margaret who married a Duncan Campbell. 

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JOHN HALKETT 

JOHN HALKETT (sometimes written as Halket), took sasine of all his father's lands, including Craigton (held from John Mailvyne of Cambee).  From a Manuscript fragment in the Pitfirrane papers in the National Library of Scotland, it states that John married Elizabeth Stewart, daughter of Stewart of Rosyth.   This statement is also repeated in the Halket Genealogies in the Lyon Court Office that does not mention Elizabeth Ayton; but it is expressly states in the Pitfirrane Papers that John's son Patrick was the son of Elizabeth Ayton.  His first wife must, therefore, have died prior to 1512. 

By her marriage contract Elizabeth Ayton received Auchtertyre, and Balcraig, which she dispensed to Robert Mercer in Meiklour in 1524. Though the Halketts retain the superiority for the better part of the century, they do not appear to have occupied the land. 

   Elizabeth Ayton, daughter of Andrew Ayton, former Governor of Stirling Castle, and Master of Works to James IV, killed with his king at Flodden. This Andrew was the ancestor of the Aytons of Dunmure or Ayton in Fife. Elizabeth was the widow of Henry Bothwell of Urquhart near Pitfirrane and had two children by her first marriage, David and Elizabeth, for whom provision is made.   We can see that the Halketts were recognised as worthy members of the nobility.  If John had been present at the battle at Flodden he survived.  Elizabeth was the widow of Henry Bothwell of Urquhart, one of an old Dunfermline family, which gave its name to Bothwell Haugh at the Spittal Bridge, and whose most outstanding representative had been David de Bothwell, Abbot of Dunfermline at the end of the 15th century.  On the abbot's death his brother had founded an altar to St Mary in the nave of the abbey, giving a grant of lands, known as the Guildelands lying to the south of the Nethertown, which eventually became incorporated in the barony of Hill.  The altar seems to be represented by the base of the Rood altar at the east end of the nave of the Abbey Church.   

      John’s son, Patrick Halkett, is infefted with the third of Pitfirrane including the mansion in 1532 and is associated with his father in a tack of 18th November 1524 of the adjoining lands of Knockhouse, with its coals and coal heughs, is first mentioned in connection with the family with coal mining. This became the main sources of the family’s income for four centuries.  It is also, so far as I am aware, the first record of coal mining in this district since the grant to the monks of the Abbey of the right to mine coal in Pittencrieff Glen in 1291. John Halkett was largely concerned with the affairs of Dunfermline, being Provost for at least ten of the years between 1518 and 1547, as well as acting as Bailie of the Regality. 

   John Halkett was over sixty years of age when he met his death in the defence of Scotland, being killed at the Battle of Fawside or Pinkie in September 1547 and was succeeded by his eldest son  - 

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1)    Patrick Halkett, Bailie of the Regality Court in 1548 and Provost of Dunfermline from 1549 -1553. 

2)    Elizabeth Halkett, she married Patrick Howburn, son and heir of Andrew Howburn of Tullibole.

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BATTLE OF FAWSIDE OR PINKIE 

10 SEPTEMBER 1547

Duke of Somerset (formerly Earl of Hertford) defeated Scots under Earl of Arran. 

John Halkett, Provost of Dunfermline 1518 to 1547, Bailie of the Regality Court met his death in the defence of Scotland, being killed at the Battle of Fawside or Pinkie in September 1547.  He was succeeded by his eldest son Patrick Halkett. who was Bailie of the Regality Court in 1548 and Provost of Dunfermline from 1549 -1553. 

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PATRICK HALKETT

PATRICK HALKETT (Sometimes written as Halkheid), despite a holograph will of 1542 he is stated to have died intestate and procurators had to be appointed to take inventory so that Patrick’s actual succession was delayed. He was already married (before 1544) to Margaret, daughter of William Ogilive of Balfour and secondly, but there appears to have been no issue of this marriage to Anna Durie, daughter of Sir James Durie of Durie, near Leven, the family of the last abbot of Dunfermline, and whether from that connection or not he benefited from being on good terms with Robert Richardson, the Commendator of the Abbey lands.  It had become the practice in the later days of the Medieval Church to hand over the administration of church lands to a lay man or Commendator for an annual rental, and he could feu off these lands for his own benefit or the benefit of the crown.  

  Thus, even prior to the Reformation of 1560, Patrick acquired the remaining third of Pitfirrane as well as shorter term leases of Pitliver and Broadleys, and had further interest in Pitconnochie.   

  Patrick seems to have been on good terms with the Commendator of Dunfermline. Robert Richardson, who had been given the permission to feu off the Abbey lands, for we find that in 1559 Patrick receives a feu of the lands of Primrose, Knockhouse and Pitfirrane (i.e., the Abbey third). There is also a tack of 1566 of Pitliver and Braidleys to a Katherine Halkett. This gave rise to a lawsuit to decide the rightful possessor as Patrick had apparently some claim, having had a lease as early as 1553. From this we learn of the existence of David Adam Halkett, killed at Flodden, who had married a Helen Mason and had possession of Pitliver. Henry, his son, had allowed his mother to retain the lands along with his sister Katherine when the lease was renewed. Henry, with Patrick of Pitfirrane intervening was now suing Katherine and her husband Charles Danielson, for possession. Katherine was allowed to retain possession for a time, but the lands passed to Pitfirrane shortly afterwards.

   Patrick was associated with his father in a lease of Knockhouse, wherein mention is made of the coal deposits.  This is the first mention of coal mining in the Dunfermline are since 1291, though from later sources it is obvious tht the coal deposits were being exploited before 1542, the date of this lease.  Coal was to play a major part in the finances of the Halkett family, a connection which was to last down into the early 20th century.  We to know that the monks of Dunfermline had the right to mine in Pittencrieff since 1291 and it is likely that they would seek further supplies from elsewhere on their lands. All the mines would be surface mines, or at most very shallow pits, but the extent to which Pitfirrane developed the coal on their lands is show on by the grant by Mary Queen of Scots of a monopoly of exporting smithy coal, a monopoly which was in force until 1788 when it was purchased from the Halketts for a sum amounting to £40,000. The coal would be exported from Limekilns, where the Halketts developed salt pans as well as shipping facilities, though the latter would be dependent on loading from small boats. The whole area was well explored and developed.  Much of the land around Cairneyhill and Crossford was undrained and marshy.  In fact the shallow loch existed near Keavil and Logie which accounted for the name Crossford, and Pitfirrane itself may well have had a marsh as part of its defences in its early days. 

 These lands around Pitfirrane were all valuable for the surface seams of coal, now coming to be worked as a regular industry. It is not clear whether the Pitfirrane family had the full right to work the coal on lands other than from Pitfirrane, for the tack of Knockhouse may have expired, as we find that in 1560 George, Commendator of Dunfermline, grants Patrick a gift of the ninth load from that holding.  Later, the Halketts of Pitfirrane had obtained a Charter in 1814 to export coal free of customs . This was renewed on 2 July 1865. 

   Ballingall is still held in superiority, though in possession of Robert Porterfield, son of Henry Poterfield, while Lumphinnans is held from Wardlaw of Torrie. Half of Pitconnochie is secured from Alan Cowtis, Chamberlain to the Abbey of Dunfermline, and burgess of that town, and is disponed to him again in 1569 and 1576. Patrick also retained the intimate connection with Dunfermline by being Provost from 1549 to 1553 and was also Bailie of the Regality of the Abbey in 1548. 

   Patrick was succeeded in July 1573 by his son, George, who was absent at his father’s death and was represented by his sister Margaret. 

Issue - 

1)    George Halkett, who succeeded.

2)    Margaret Halkett, who was married John Houston of Lanye in Renfrew.

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GEORGE HALKET 

GEORGE HALKET,  of Pitfirrane, he succeeded his father in 1573.   He was an officer in the Scots Brigade in Holland and led a rather adventuresome life.  In 1575, under the direction of Prince of the House of Orange in England, he bought weapons. A few years later he became a Colonel of a Regiment of Scots in the service of the States (Dutch Alliance and its extended war against he French).    

   He does not appear to have married until 12 July 1575 when he married Isabel, daughter of Sir Patrick Hepburn of Waughton, and Margaret Lundy, daughter of William Lundy of that Ilk.  

   George Halkett of Pitfirrane was undoubtedly a supporter of Regent Morton and later the King in the tortuous dealings with rebellious factions in Kirk and state.

   In 1579 he becomes cautioner for 1000 merks for James Hamilton of Ruchbak for being implicated in the charges brought against Lord John Hamilton and Lord Claud Hamilton, brothers of the Earl of Arran, when Regent Morton struck at the power of that family and attends the King at court and in his host on several occasions.    

     He was ordered to fortify the castle of Rosyth and retain all boats on the North side of the Forth in 1585 at a time when James was struggling to master a rebellious Kirk, striving to exempt itself from the King’s authority. As Provost of Dunfermline he was ordered on 18th November 1585 to prevent a meeting in Dunfermline of ministers and the nobles who had returned from England where they had received encouragement from Elizabeth to continue their efforts to reduce James’ power. The story from the point of view of the King is told in Melville’s Diary as quoted by Chalmers (Vol. II p.300): “About the end of November 1585 warning was made according to the order of the Kirk the last Moderator athwart the country to the brethren to convene in General Assembly….at Dunfermline,  no other town being free of the pest. The brethren frequently ‘frequentlie furth’ of all parts resorting thither, the parts of the town was closit upon them by the provost for the time. The Laird of Pitfirrane, alleging that he had the King’s express command so to do…. But God within a few years paid that laird and provost for the holding out of his 

servants for keeping his Assembly in that town, he made his own house to spew him out. For on a day in the morning he was fallen out of a window of his own house of Pitfirrane, three or four house high, whether by a melancholy despair, or by violence of unkind guests within. God knows, for being taken up, his speech was not so sensible as to declare it, but within a few hours he diet.” 

      So far as the estates are concerned we now have many more documents relating to the management of the lands, particularly to rents and produce and the use which the laird of the day made of them.  The chief importance of land was that it provided a security for mortgage to provide ready cash to pay for the expenses of attending the King's host and person, and the repayment of previous debts.  An examination of the charters show the high yield of land in this area, as well as the high rate of interest demanded. 

  In 1574 George Halket assigns an annual rate of 10 pounds from Pitfirrane to be redeemed by a payment of 218 merks: If this is the sum borrowed the interest is approximately 14 percent. In 1576 he redeems a payment of 12 bolls of meal and 4 bolls from the same lands for 332 merks. During the same period that land is further burdened with a 100 pound obligation to his sister, Margaret, who had been executrix at their father’s death during his absence.   There is still a further 6 bolls meal and 2 of bere on an old charter of his father. Other possessions were similarly burdened – 18 bolls oatmeal on Primrose as well as many other smaller burdens on practically all of his property.   

   Most of these were redeemed within a year or two, and he had sufficient money to acquire the lands of Craigies, adjoining Pitfirrane on the south in the barony of Rosyth, from Henry Stewart of Rosyth in 1587. Earlier he had secured a tack of teinds on his own lands from the Commendator of Dunfermline (W.209), and in addition the Overgrange of Kinghorn as a result of a complicated series of loans and obligations.  He had also secured lands in Dunfermline parish by the purchase of the mill and holdings of Burnmouth, in which his cousin George the Conservator had interests. George the Conservator was assisted in redeeming burdens on Burnmouth by George of Pitfirrane assigning an annual rent of £30 from Pitfirrane in security to his cousin John Houston of Lanye, from whom the money had been borrowed by the Conservator, and assigns an annual of £20 to the vendors, also from Pitfirrane. George the Conservator had acquired Burnmouth in security and assigned his rights to his cousin in 1586.  He had also acquired in 1575 the lands of Sillietoun Wester alias Halkett to the south of Pitfirrane, along with the eighth of the lands of South Fod from Robert Richardson the Commendator, later confirmed by a charter from James VI when he assumed personal rule (sold in 1604) to Sir Robert Melville of Garvock).  All these passed to the Pitfirrane family on the death of the Conservator in March 1588. 

   Apart from the sentiments so agreeably expressed this note does indicate that the extension to the house noted earlier was in occupation by 1590 at least.  Certainly at this time a considerable amount of ready cash was being raised by mortgaging portions of Pitfirrane, often to Dunfermline merchants, for this was the only way that land holders could raise money.   Sometimes they overdid it and ended up with their lands in the Halketts of the lawyers, but not so in the case of the Halketts.  Much of this was on account of the building of the extensions to the square keep which was already nearly two hundred years old, but the payments went on well into the middle of the 17th century, under George's son Robert, who was knighted, the first of the family to be so honoured. 

   A Renunciation said, Mr George Halkheid (Conservator) to George Halkett of Pitfirrane, assignee of John Stevenson of Burnmouth, of an annual-rent of £30 from lands of Burnmouth, 2nd September 1586. This George Halket, was in favour with James IV as Special Ambassador to Queen Elizabeth, and Traded with Spain. he died 1588. was married to Margaret Hepburn daughter of Sir John Hepburn of Dalry.  His Father was David Halkett of Broughton, Linlithgow married to Katherine Danielston of Pitliver. and David's Father was Henry Halkett of Pitliver, with a sister Katherine, who married Charles Danielston.  Their Father David Adam Halkett was killed at Flodden Field, mother Helen Mason. All descendants of William Halkett and Margaret Cunningham. 

   As we shall see later George the Conservator had interests in and around Dunfermline and acquired land there, which was inherited by Robert of Pitfirrane as heir of provision of George Halket Conservator of the privileges of the Scots at Flanders, in the lands of Sillietoun Wester called Halkheid Sillietoun and eighth part of the lands of Southfoid, 2nd June 1589.  

   The first  members of the family that were knighted, were two sons of George Halket, who lived in the reign of Queen Mary and King James V, and a younger son John was knighted by the same prince. George Halket of Pitfirrane and Isabel Hepburn had issue - 

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1)    Sir Robert Halkett his heir (bapt. 2nd September 1576). His eldest son, Robert, received the honour to be knighted from King James VI., and a served her to his father in the lands of Pitfirrane, in 1595, m. 20 Jun 1595 Margaret Murray.

2)    Patrick Halkett (bapt. 28th July 1577) who got from his father  Lumphinnans having apparently been assigned that part of the family lands. He married Margaret, daughter of Sir John Murray of Blackbarony, and is the ancestor of the Halkets whose seat is Moxhall England. Patrick’s son, also Patrick married Isabel, daughter of Sir John Boswell of Balmuto, and had at least two sons, the second of whom George being designated 'of Parkhall' and was a merchant in Dysart, whose testament is recorded in the Edinburgh Commissariot Register.

3)    George Halkett (bapt. 13th July 1579) but nothing is known of him.

4)    Sir John Halkett (bapt. 13th November 1580) was knighted by James VI and attaching himself to a military life, he entered the service of the States of Holland, rose to the rank of a colonel, and had the command of a Scots regiment in the Dutch service. He was likewise President of the Grand Court Marishall, in Holland. He married a Dutch lady, Maria van Loon, his descendants in Holland  had a distinguished military service there and was the progenitor of the Halkets in Holland, as well as in the British Army in the 18th and 19th centuries.  Now represented by Charles Halkett the great-great grandson of Sir John Halkett married in 1767, Ann, daughter of and heiress of John Craigie of Halhill and Dumbarnie in Fife, and was the ancestor of the Halket-Craigie or  Craigie-Halkets of Dumbarney Cramond  and Hall-Hill Esquire, the former seat in   Perthshire, and the latter in Fifeshire.  John Halkett, was killed at he siege of   Bois-le-Due, Netherlands on 3 August 1629 at the age of 48.  He was buried at Huesden, Netherlands on 7 August 1629. 

5)    James Halkett bapt. 21 January 1581.

6)    Andrew Halkett (bapt 26th July 1584) disappears from the record, heleft half of the lands of Brotherton by his grandmother, and shared the legacy with James.

7)    William Halkett (bapt.13 February1585) of whom nothing more is known.

      1) Margaret Halkett, b. 15 May 1583, m. Mungo Murray from Craigie, son of Robert Murray from Abercairney and Catherine Murray from Tulliebardine. George of Pitfirrane died before 7th August 1588, and his widow Isabel Hepburn married at Holyrood on 7th June 1590 Sir William Stewart, Prior or Commendator of Pittenweem, formerly a Colonel in the Scots Brigade.   George was succeeded by his eldest son Robert Halkett -

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SIR ROBERT HALKETT

SIR ROBERT HALKETT (sometimes written as Halket), baptized. 2nd September 1576 and died, 3 August 1653, aged 76). He married on 10th June 1595, Margaret Murray, eldest daughter of Sir John Murray of Eddleston and Margaret Hamilton of Innerwick, and had two sons and eight daughters of whom more later.      

  Robert Halkett was the first of the family definitely known to have been knighted in the latter half of 1602.  Robert was also Provost of Dunfermline from 1606 to 1608 and again 1630 to 1631. There was no great change in the extent of the family holdings although there was at first some difficulty with his mother over the retention of certain lands of her original marriage portion, but a settlement was reached by which she was to receive life rents in lieu of actual possession.  There also seem to have been a dispute over Pitliver, for in 1588 the Moubrays there, on the one hand, and Robert Halkett and his mother on the other hand, had to enter into caution not to molest or do bodily harm to the other parties. The family retained its interest in the Overgrange of Kinghorn, Lumphinnans and in Ballingall as late as 1597. 

  Whether knighthood or his father's court connections had induced a higher standard of expenditure or had involved greater commitments is not apparent, but the number of sasines and charters resulting from a widespread pledging of the lands as security for sums borrowed markedly increase at this time.  Knockhouse was pledged to William Murray, brother of Sir John, but was redeemed in 1606 when Sir Robert's mother resigned her interests in Pitfirrane,  and Pitconnochie.  £40 sterling was borrowed in 1609 from Andrew Hagget in St Martins in the Fields. 

   All did not go well however. In 1612 Sir Robert and his brother Patrick of Lumphinnans were summoned by John Bannatyne in Edinburgh for repayment of 1000 merks.  In 1633, 5000 merks were borrowed from Robert Wellwood in Touch who was infefted in Pitfirrane as security, with an annual interest of 500 merks a transaction not redeemed until 1643.  Half of Limekilns was disponed under reversion for £5284 Scots.  Other amounts reveal further the extent to which a landed proprietor made use of his lands to raise ready money to keep up the style fitting to his position. £444 (requiring legal action for repayment, a further 4200 merks from Robert Wellwood in 1638 on a bond involving Sir Robert's son and his wife.  1100 from Robert Aleson, mason in Dunfermline (who is in trouble during the Commonwealth (Wood 160/1) and a further sum bearing on interest of £106 per year (a principal of £1060) are further examples. Some may have been for a relatively short term (all the discharges have not survived) but some run on for several years. Despite his involved financial affairs Sir Robert had time in indulge in country sports, perhaps over-indulge, for in May 1602, James VI had to order him to "desist from haulking, slaying pouttis and partricks" for James often lived at Dunfermline and was inordinantly fond of hunting and liked sports. 

   Sir Robert played little part in the troubles of the Civil War, but his son James, also knighted was much more active.  Nothing has come to light regarding the activities of Sir Robert during the Covenant and the Bishop’s Wars, but by that time he was an elderly gentleman of 62. His son, James, was much more active in the cause, after all his wife was a niece of the great Marquess of Argyll, one of the foremost antagonists of the king.  

 Some of the sums borrowed may have been for expenses in support of the Kirk, but no evidence can be adduced. Nevertheless, Sir Robert added a little to the family possessions, buying for 3000 merks the lands of Mukil Meadow or New Meadow adjoining Pitfirrane (the farm of Meadows today) and the half of Limekilns, which though disponed were to remain under the superiority of Pitfirrane for some time.  

Sir Robert died c. 1653 and left a large family by his marriage with Margaret Murray -

 

1)    Anne Halkett, Annas, b. 9 Jan 1600, m. (1) Sir John Henderson of Fordell (who died by April 1619), with issue -

             1) Jean b. 5 Apr 1616,

             2) James bap 3 Feb 1618, Posthumous Military Career.

 m. (2) 26 Feb 1622 Thomas Myretoun of Cambo, who was killed at Kilsyth in 1645.

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2)    Isobel Halkett, b. 17 Jul 1601, Dunfermline.

3)    Grizel Halkett, bapt. 19 Oct. 1602 who married Thomas Ker of Cavers in June 1641.

4)    James Halkett, b. 1 Jan 1605 who died in infancy.

5)    Sir James Halkett, b. 12 Aug 1610 who succeeded his father. d. 24 Sept 1670.

6)    Jean Halkett, bapt 4 Dec 1612 who married on 24 Aug 1647, William Scot

7)    Captain John Halkett, b. 27 Sept 1614 Dunfermline.

8)    Robert Halkett, bapt 9 Dec 1617 who married, 14 May 1652 at Torrie, Jean Hadden, daughter of Sir John Hadden of Gleneagles.  He also served in the Covenanting army being designated Captain of horse in Fife in 1650. Robert was much more extreme than his brother James (he had no estates to lose) and is among the Protestors of Remonstrants in the West under the command of the Colonel Strachan who had been Sir James' colleague in the North against Montrose.

9)    Margaret Halket,  bapt. 6 Aug 1619, m. Mungo Murray of Myreside near Pitfirrane at Ballingry in 1609. Mungo Murray was a Colonel of the Scots Regiment in Holland. He served under David Leslie in the Scots Army in England in 1643.

10)    Elspet Halket, bapt. 7 Feb 1620. m. James Gray by 1640.

11)    Patrick Halkett, whose son William Halkett, occurs in the St Andrews Testaments in 1699, but nothing further is known of him.

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SIR JAMES HALKETT

SIR JAMES HALKETT (sometimes written as Halket), the eldest son, born 12 August 1610, and died 24 September 1670, he had been knighted by Charles I, at Dalkeith 14 June 1633, and used the title throughout the time he fought against the King in the Civil War (1642-1651).  He was twice married (1) to Margaret Montgomerie,15th December 1682 (Edin. Marriage Register),  eldest daughter of Sir Robert Montgomerie of Lochranza and Skelmorlie, and  Lady Ann Campbell, daughter of Archibald 7th Earl of Argyll from this the Halkett family trace a connection upwards to King Robert the Bruce, By this marriage he had nine children to follow. 

   Sir James took an active part in the fighting on the side of the Presbyterians. His brother Robert was even more extreme, but narrowly escaping trial and possible execution for his activities against Cromwell, eventually settling down on lands in Argyllshire.  Sir James left the battlefield of Kilsyth rather smartly when the Presbyterians were defeated by Montrose, having to fight his way out with the Marquess, and later was courtmartialled but exhonerated for again leaving the battlefield of Dunbar in a hurry without lifting a hand against Cromwell.  He was one of the two officers who captured Montrose in the north of Scotland, and who took him to Edinburgh for execution. 

 The troublous times following the execution of Charles I, the Scottish military authorities, keenly alive to the importance of Inchgarvie in regard to the defence of the Ferry passage, were not satisfied with the condition of its fortifications; and steps were taken to have them put into a stage of proper repair.  Following the Report of a Committee, a scheme was approved by Parliament on June 19, 1650.  Sir James Halkett of Pitfirrane, General of Artillery, was appointed to see what as necessary for repairing the works. It was agreed tht the castle be garrisoned by two "rait" of men with a sergeant from the regiment of Major-General Holburne.

With the family connection of the first marriage, it is not surprising that we find Sir James taking an active part in the Civil War on the side of the Presbyterians. He raised and commanded an independent troop of horse, and was present at Kilsyth, his force having been joined with that of Lord Balcarres. He escaped with difficulty from that battle having to cut his way to safety. After the Battle of Philiphaugh, which saw the ruin of the hopes of Montrose, Sir James was sent by the Estates to announce the victory to the English deputies at Berwick. He also took part in the campaign in the north in 1650 that ended with the capture and execution of  Montrose. Later when Cromwell marched north to Dunbar, Sir James was summoned before a parliamentary inquiry, the equivalent of a court-martial, for having failed to support David Leslie in an attack on some of Cromwell’s forces in a skirmish near Edinburgh prior to the battle of Dunbar. As Balfour puts it “Sir James Halkett received a great fright at a skirmish with the enemy; he should have secondit the Lieutenant General but turned never lowsit a pistoll against the enemy, but took him to speed of his horse’ heels”. Sir James was however exonerated by the committee, though Balfour dryly says for 3rd August 1650 “Sir James Halkett and Colonel Scotte cleired by the committee, zet that did little saeve ther honor among honest men and soldiours of worth and reputation.” He was appointed guardian or cautioner for £10,000 pounds sterling for the behaviour of his cousin, Archibald Lord Lorne, who was confined in 1651 by Monk to a radius of 25 miles from Gordon castle, and in 1659 he lends his wife’s uncle, Archibald, 8th Earl of Argyll, £17,000 pounds Scots, so that the family finances must have been on a firm foundation. 

Although he signed the Submission of the Gentlemen of Fife at Amsterdam on 6th October 1651, he still retained the more extreme views shared by his brother Robert, though having estates to consider, was more politic. Yet that did not prevent him from being a signatory along with Samuel Rutherford and others to a letter to General Lambert in March 1653 which was referred to in a News letter of the time. The writer of the News letter says “You will perceive by it the drift of their intentions, which is to exalt their government and Kirk into their hands….to lett them have a liberty to 

tyrannize both over bodies and soules of the poore people under pretense of giving them liberty of conscience.”

He appears to have been deeply engaged with the covenanters in the reign of King Charles I. From this prince he received his knighthood at Dalkeith, 14th June 1633 he was member of Parliament for Fifeshire in 1649, and about the same period was employed to examine into the state of the fortification of Inch Garvey, a small island at Queensferry.  He became afterward colonel of a regiment of horse, and died in 1670. With the family connection of the first marriage, it is not surprising that we find Sir James taking an active part in the Civil War on the side of the Presbyterians.

After the Battle of Philiphaugh, which saw the ruin of the hopes of Montrose, Sir James was sent by the Estates to announce the victory to the English deputies at Berwick. He also took part in the campaign in the north in 1650 that ended with the capture and execution of Montrose.

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Issue from first marriage - 

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1)    Mary Halkett, bapt. 7 September 1633, m. Sir William Bruce of Balcaskie & Kinross

2)    Charles Halkett,  bapt. 5 September 1639, who succeeded him.

3)    Col. Robert Halkett (sometimes written Halkeid), bapt. 7 November 1640, m. Helen Scott, widow of Alexander Spittal, and was designated Colonel in a bond of 1690.

4)    Sir James Halkett, bapt. 13 July 1642, later Knighted.

5)    Margaret Halkett, bapt. 18 July 1643.

6)    Thomas Halkett, bapt. 1 October 1646.

7)    Anna Halkett, bapt. 29 July 1647.

8)    John Halkett, bapt. 25 February 1649.

9)    Jean Halkett, bapt. 10 October 1650, m. 15 Dec 1682, John  Scott, younger of Headshaw.

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 Sir James Halkett married secondly at Holyrood in 1656 Anne Murray, it is noted the marriage took places at Anne's sister's house in Charlton, England on 2 March 1656, after, the couple returns to Sir James estate at Pitfirrane. Anne was  b. 4 Jan 1622 London, d. 22 Apr 1699, Abbot House, daughter of Thomas Murray, Provost of Eton and preceptor to King Charles I, and who was one of the seven sons of Murray of Woodend and Jane Drummond.  Her father claimed the honour of being descended from the Earl of Tullibardine's family, and her mother Jane Drummond, from the Earl of Perth's.  But her family descent, or marriage relation, was her least distinction.  She was a lady of great natural gifts, which she had diligently cultivated, and of decided religious and moral character.  She was born in 1622, and, through her father's connection with royalty, was soon known at Court, where she was held in high esteem for her talents, prudence, amiableness, and benevolence, as well as strong attachment to the royal family, to whom she made herself very serviceable.  She was appointed by King Charles I, and his Queen first sub-governess, and afterwards, on the death of the Countess of Roxburgh, governess to the Duke of Gloucester and the Princess Elizabeth.  Immediately after the death of Charles I, she found it prudent to retire for a while from court to Scotland, and resided for some time in this town with the Earl and 

Countess of Dunfermline, who always paid her great attention.  It is said that while here, Charles II, having returned to his ancient kingdom, she had the honour of kissing his hand, being complimented by him for the service which she had rendered to his brother, and being told that if ever he came to  command what he had a right to, there should be nothing in his power he would not do for her.  To which (humbly kneeling) she replied that she had done nothing but her duty, and had recompense enough, if his Majesty accepted of it as a service, and allowed her his favour. 

Shortly after this period, and the fatal battle of Dunbar, which caused her and the Earl's family to leave Dunfermline, she became acquainted at Edinburgh in 1652, with Sir James Halket, to whom she was marrid in 1656.  He died in 1670, and she in 1699, during most of the 28 years of her widowhood, she resided in a house in the Maygate, having a communication with the churchyard the easy access of which she much enjoyed. Their matrimonial life was mutually happy. She experienced many changes of fortune in the troublous reign of Charles I, which she bore with Christian fortitude and resignation. Her scriptural knowledge and piety, as well as uncommon activity of mind, were her prominent excellencies, of which she has left substantial evidence in some writings still extant, particularly.  "Meditations on the 25th Psalm; Meditations and Payers upon the First Week, with Observations on each day of the Creation, and Instructions for Youth."; with a Memoir, containing many interesting and pleasing incidents of her life.  She wrote 5 books in folio, 15 in quarto, and 1 in octave, all of a religious and spiritual nature.  Some of her MSS are still at Pitfirrane.

 

Issue by second marriage - 

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1)    Elizabeth Halkett, bapt 4 Dec 1656, in the Torrie Kirk,  m. 1 Dec 1672, Alexander Gemmel.

2)    Henry (Harry) Halkett, bap. June 1658, died 12 May 1661.

3)    Robert Halkett, bapt. 10 Feb 1660, A Captain served under James II in Ireland, d. 1692.

4)    Jean Halkett, b. 1670.