Alexander Strachan of Thornton

Notes

https://electricscotland.com/history/articles/strachan.htm

Given the above correspondence, Jim Strachan (Founder of the Clan Strachan Society, and author of the book "Was Like Us, Damn Few And They're A Deid!, A History of Clan Strachan") would like to point out some additional facts, as well as some inconsistencies in Charles’ letters. We hope you find his insight interesting and informative.

The translation of the original letter, assuming the lineage information is correct, the document(s) were apparently sent to Alexander Strachan, Chief of the Ancient family of Strachan (1550-1600). Chief of the House of Thornton, and arguably the entire Strachan Clan at that time. If you’ll note in the letter it is dated to 1669, however, Alexander died in about 1600. So it was likely sent to his heir, grandson or great-grandson, both named Alexander Strachan; or Sir James Strachan of Monboddo (explained later).

Sir Alexander (d. 1600) father’s name was Sir John Strachan of Thornton (1530-1585). It was John Strachan of Thornton who purchased the Lenturk lands and baronetcy from John Strachan of Lenturk (also spelt Lynturk, but not “LENTURL” as is shown in the letter).

John Strachan of Lenturk was indicted for the slaughter of Alexander Seytoun of Maldrum and John King of Bourty, and for besieging Kildrummy Castle, the great fortress of the Earls of Mar. For this John (of Lenturk) and his kinsmen, William, Adam and Alexander Strachan, were outlawed. However, they must have had powerful and influential supporters, for little attempt seems to have been made to bring them to book. Indeed, 15 years after being outlawed, John lawfully inherited the barony of Lenturk on the death of his father, Thomas, in 1546. Almost his first act after inheriting the Lenturk lands and baronetcy, was to sell the entire barony to his kinsman and namesake, John Strachan, Baron of Thornton. The deed of sale was witnessed by several of the Strachan Lairds; John Strachan of Monboddo, John Strachan of Dullivard and William Strachan of Tipperty.

His Great-grandfather was Sir George Strachan (1510-1550). He was Steward to the Lord Governor.

His Great-great grandfather was Sir Alexander Strachan (1490-1550)… Justice Depute and lieutenant to the Earl of Angus. Was appointed justiciar in 1547 to try the Earl of Rothes for the murder of the Archbishop of St. Andrews.

As for the lands of the Barony of Lenturk, acquired by the Strachans of Thornton, they were sold 50 years later by Alexander Strachan of Thornton, to Alexander Irving and his wife Agnete Forbes, a sale that presumably consolidated the paramountcy of the Forbes in that area.

Robert’s son and grandson were both named Alexander. The grandson, Alexander Strachan, died without issue. He was succeeded in 1659 by an extremely remote relative, James Strachan of Monboddo, who “impoverished his estate and sold the lands at Thornton in 1683 for 13,924.” According to Ben Strachan's book (A History of the Strachans), he suggests that, "Some speculate that such a remote and tenuous claim to the title and lands, Sir James decided to sell before his title was challenged!"

Interestingly enough, the document(s) apparently held by Patrick Henebel in France were dated back to 1669, fourteen years prior to the sale of the Thornton Estate, AND during the time Sir James Strachan of Monboddo owned Thornton Castle and Estate between 1659-1683. Given the letters pertain to lineage, it is possible that Sir James Strachan of Monboddo's claim to the Thornton Estate was in fact being challenged.

Family

< Stirnet - Strachan01’ >

• Sir Alexander Strachan of Thornton (b 1490, d 1550) - continued above m1. Margaret Hay (dau of _ Hay of Dalgelly) mentioned by MGC but not by the patrickspeople site MGC suggests that Alexander's 2nd wife was Isobell, dau of David Falconer of Halkerton. We follow the patrickspeople site in showing her a generation earlier. m2. Isabel Falconer (dau of Sir George Falconer of Halkerton by Elizabeth Erskine)
  • 1. Sir John Strachan of Thornton (b c1516, d 20.08.1587). m. Margaret Erskine (dau of John Erskine of Dun by Margaret Ruthven)
    • A. Alexander Strachan of Thornton (d 05.1601) m1. Isobel Keith (dau of William Keith, Master of Marischal, by Elizabeth Hay)
      • i. Robert Strachan of Thornton (dvp before 03.1597) The following is partly supported by TCB (vol 2, 'Strachan or Straquhan of Thornton', p285+). m. (04/5.04.1586) Sarah Douglas (dau of William Douglas, 9th Earl of Angus, by Egidia Graham)
      • ii. John Strachan (b c1565, d before 1625, minister of Kincardine) m1. Catherine Straiton m2. Isabel Symmer (dau of John Symmer of Bratherishe)
      • iii. George Strachan a.+ issue - John, Thomas
      • iv. Elizabeth Strachan possible duplication here ?? m. William Forbes of Corse (d 1596)
      • v. Magdalene Strachan m1/2. William Rait of Hallgreen m2/1. (06.07.1582) George Symmer of Balzordie
      • vi. Jean Strachan m. David Tulloch of Odmainstoun
      • vii. Katharine Strachan The wife of Robert Middleton of Caldame, and mother of the 1st Earl of Middleton, is shown by some as a Katherine of this generation.
  • m2. Anne Mercer (dau of _ Mercer of Meikleover, widow of James Learmonth of Balcomie, m3. Sir James Gordon of Lesmoir)
    • B. Elizabeth Strachan m. James Skene of Westercorse & Ramore (son of James by Janet Lumsden)
    • C. Sara Strachan possibly fits here? m. Andrew Arbuthnot, 2nd of Fiddes (d 07.04.1626)

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