Clan Munro
Encyclopedia
Origins
The main traditional origin of the clan is that the Munros came from IrelandIreland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
and settled in Scotland
Scotland
Scotland is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. Occupying the northern third of the island of Great Britain, it shares a border with England to the south and is bounded by the North Sea to the east, the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, and the North Channel and Irish Sea to the...
in the 11th century and that they fought as mercenary soldiers under the Earl of Ross
Earl of Ross
The Mormaer or Earl of Ross was the leader of a medieval Gaelic lordship in northern Scotland, roughly between the River Oykel and the River Beauly.-Origins and transfers:...
who defeated Viking invaders in Rosshire. The clan under chief Donald Munro
Donald Munro of Foulis
Donald Munro is the first traditional chief of the Clan Munro.There is no existing contemporary evidence for Donald's existence however he is documented in several later family manuscripts such as the Coul MS and Munro Tree 1734....
, son of O'Ceann
O'Ceann
O'Ceann is an Irish name.The O'Ceanns are first found in Derry where they held a family seat from very ancient times.O'Ceanne or Ceanne is also the name shared by those of extreme wit, intelligence and grace...
were granted lands in Rosshire and a seat at Foulis Castle
Foulis Castle
Foulis Castle lies in the parish of Kiltearn, about 1.5 miles southwest of the village of Evanton in the Highland area of northern Scotland. The castle has been the seat of the Clan Munro for over eight hundred years. During the 11th century, the clan chief was given the castle and Foulis lands as...
as a reward for helping King Malcolm II of Scotland
Malcolm II of Scotland
Máel Coluim mac Cináeda , was King of the Scots from 1005 until his death...
to defeat Viking invaders from Scandinavia
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...
.
Traditionally, Donald Munro's grandson Hugh Munro was the first Munro recorded to be authentically designated Baron of Foulis, he died in 1126. A reliable scholar, Alexander Nisbet
Alexander Nisbet
Alexander Nisbet is one of the most important authors on Scottish heraldry. He is still much-cited, and his publications are still in print after nearly 300 years....
stated that George Munro, 5th Baron of Foulis
George Munro, 5th Baron of Foulis
George Munro, 5th Baron of Foulis was the seventh traditional chief of the Scottish, Clan Munro.There is no longer any existing contemporary evidence for George's existence, however according to early 18th century historian Alexander Nisbet there was once proof of his existence. Nisbet, was known...
received a charter from the Earl of Sutherland
Earl of Sutherland
Earl of Sutherland is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created circa 1230 for William de Moravia. The Earl of Sutherland is also the Chief of Clan Sutherland...
during the reign of Alexander II of Scotland
Alexander II of Scotland
Alexander II was King of Scots from1214 to his death.-Early life:...
, but this charter can no longer be traced. The clan lands were on the north side of the Cromarty Firth
Cromarty Firth
The Cromarty Firth of Cromarty') is an arm of the North Sea in Scotland. It is the middle of the three sea lochs at the head of the Moray Firth: to the north lies the Dornoch Firth, and to the south the Beauly Firth....
and also contained the mountain Ben Wyvis
Ben Wyvis
Ben Wyvis is a mountain located in Easter Ross, Ross and Cromarty, Highland, in northern Scotland, north-west of Dingwall. It forms an undulating ridge running roughly north-south for about 5 km, the highest summit of which is Glas Leathad Mòr...
and the Black Rock Gorge
Black Rock Gorge
Black Rock Gorge is a deep and narrow cleft in Old Red Sandstone conglomerate through which the Allt Graad flows in Easter Ross, Scotland...
.
The clan name, Munro which in Gaelic
Scottish Gaelic language
Scottish Gaelic is a Celtic language native to Scotland. A member of the Goidelic branch of the Celtic languages, Scottish Gaelic, like Modern Irish and Manx, developed out of Middle Irish, and thus descends ultimately from Primitive Irish....
is Rothach, Roich, or Mac an Rothaich, means Ro - Man or Man from Ro, and supports the traditional origin that the clan was from the River Roe area in Ireland. However this tradition only exists in writing from the late 17th century. DNA testing has shown that the original chiefs of the Clan Munro had the Y-DNA
Y chromosome
The Y chromosome is one of the two sex-determining chromosomes in most mammals, including humans. In mammals, it contains the gene SRY, which triggers testis development if present. The human Y chromosome is composed of about 60 million base pairs...
halo group I2A
Haplogroup I2 (Y-DNA)
In human genetics, Haplogroup I2 is a Y-chromosome haplogroup. Until 2008, it was known as Haplogroup I1b. Haplogroup I2 might have originated in Southeastern Europe some 15,000 - 17,000 years ago and developed into three main subgroups : I2*, I2a, and I2b.-Subclades:Note: The systematic subclade...
which is particularly rare in Britain and Ireland. Only a small number of the clansmen tested share this DNA type. The vast majority of the clansmen tested are unrelated to the chief's line and have a different Y-DNA halo group, R1B
Haplogroup R1b (Y-DNA)
The point of origin of R1b is thought to lie in Eurasia, most likely in Western Asia. T. Karafet et al. estimated the age of R1, the parent of R1b, as 18,500 years before present....
which is the most frequent Y-DNA group in Britain and Ireland. Many clansmen although not related to the chief took the chief's surname or a variant of it as their own.
Wars of Scottish Independence
During the Wars of Scottish IndependenceWars of Scottish Independence
The Wars of Scottish Independence were a series of military campaigns fought between the independent Kingdom of Scotland and the Kingdom of England in the late 13th and early 14th centuries....
chief Robert Munro, 6th Baron of Foulis
Robert Munro, 6th Baron of Foulis
Robert Munro, 6th Baron of Foulis was the 8th traditional chief of the Scottish Highland, Clan Munro.Robert is said to have been the son of George Munro, 5th Baron of Foulis who he succeeded in 1269....
led the clan in support of King Robert the Bruce
Robert I of Scotland
Robert I , popularly known as Robert the Bruce , was King of Scots from March 25, 1306, until his death in 1329.His paternal ancestors were of Scoto-Norman heritage , and...
at the Battle of Bannockburn
Battle of Bannockburn
The Battle of Bannockburn was a significant Scottish victory in the Wars of Scottish Independence...
in 1314. Robert Munro survived the battle but his son George was killed. George however had a son of his own before he died also called George. This George Munro succeeded his grandfather Robert as chief and led the clan at the Battle of Halidon Hill
Battle of Halidon Hill
The Battle of Halidon Hill was fought during the Second War of Scottish Independence. Scottish forces under Sir Archibald Douglas were heavily defeated on unfavourable terrain while trying to relieve Berwick-upon-Tweed.-The Disinherited:...
in 1333 where he died.
Chief 'Robert de Munro
Robert de Munro, 8th Baron of Foulis
Robert de Munro is the first chief of the Scottish Clan Munro who can be proved by contemporary evidence. He is also by tradition the 8th Baron of Foulis and 11th overall chief of the clan.-Lands and charters:...
' is the first chief of the clan to be recorded by contemporary evidence. He was married to a relative of the Earl of Ross and had many charters confirmed to him under King David II of Scotland
David II of Scotland
David II was King of Scots from 7 June 1329 until his death.-Early life:...
including one for the "Tower of Strathskehech" and "Estirfowlys" in 1350. Robert was killed in an obscure skirmish fighting in defence of Uilleam III, Earl of Ross
Uilleam III, Earl of Ross
Uilleam III of Ross was the fourth successor of Ferchar mac in tSagairt, as Mormaer of Ross .Uilleam came into his inheritance at a torrid time, his father Aodh dying at the Battle of Halidon Hill. Uilleam temporarily lost many of his lands. However, he returned from Norway in 1336 and regained them...
in 1369. His son Hugh Munro was also granted many charters including one in respect of the "Tower of Strathschech" and "Wesstir Fowlys" from Euphemia I, Countess of Ross
Euphemia I, Countess of Ross
Euphemia I , also called Euphemia of Ross and Euphemia Ross, and sometimes incorrectly styled Euphemia Leslie and Euphemia Stewart , was a Countess of Ross in her own right.Euphemia was the elder daughter of Uilleam III, Mormaer of Ross...
in 1394.
15th century and clan conflicts
Domhnall of Islay, Lord of the Isles
Donald, or properly, Dómhnall Íle , was the son and successor of John of Islay, Lord of the Isles and chief of Clan Donald. The Lordship of the Isles was based in and around the Scottish west-coast island of Islay, but under Domhnall's father had come to include many of the other islands off the...
over the Earldom of Ross. This resulted in the Battle of Harlaw
Battle of Harlaw
The Battle of Harlaw was a Scottish clan battle fought on 24 July 1411 just north of Inverurie in Aberdeenshire. It was one of a series of battles fought during the Middle Ages between the barons of northeast Scotland against those from the west coast....
where chief Hugh Munro, 9th Baron of Foulis
Hugh Munro, 9th Baron of Foulis
Hugh Munro, 9th Baron of Foulis was a 14th - 15th century Scottish soldier and said to be 12th chief of the Clan Munro in the Scottish Highlands. Hugh was seated at Foulis Castle in Ross-shire, Scotland...
rose up in support of the Lord of the Isles
Lord of the Isles
The designation Lord of the Isles is today a title of Scottish nobility with historical roots that go back beyond the Kingdom of Scotland. It emerged from a series of hybrid Viking/Gaelic rulers of the west coast and islands of Scotland in the Middle Ages, who wielded sea-power with fleets of...
whose son became the Earl of Ross through marriage. The Munros are said to have fought in the Lord of the Isles 'host' against an army of Scottish Lowlanders led by Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar
Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar
-Biography:He was an illegitimate son of Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan and probably Mairead inghean Eachann.Alexander held the Earldom of Mar and the Lordship of the Garioch in right of his first wife Isabel Douglas, Countess of Mar . Alexander's marriage to Isabella followed his capture of...
. In 1428 a group of Munros were granted remission by King James I of Scotland
James I of Scotland
James I, King of Scots , was the son of Robert III and Annabella Drummond. He was probably born in late July 1394 in Dunfermline as youngest of three sons...
for past offences when he came to Inverness
Inverness
Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands. It is the administrative centre for the Highland council area, and is regarded as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland...
to assert his authority in the Highlands.
In 1452 a rebellion broke out by a force of tribes loyal to Mackenzie of Kintail
Clan MacKenzie
Clan Mackenzie is a Highland Scottish clan, traditionally associated with Kintail and lands in Ross-shire.-Origins:The Mackenzies, a powerful clan of Celtic stock, were not among the clans that originated from Norman ancestry. Descendants of the long defunct royal Cenél Loairn of Dál Riata, they...
who had taken hostage the Earl of Ross's nephew. This resulted in the Battle of Bealach nam Broig
Battle of Bealach nam Broig
The Battle of Bealach nam Broig was a battle fought between Scottish clans from the lands of north-west Ross, against north-eastern clans of Ross who supported the Earl of Ross...
, fought north-west of Ben Wyvis
Ben Wyvis
Ben Wyvis is a mountain located in Easter Ross, Ross and Cromarty, Highland, in northern Scotland, north-west of Dingwall. It forms an undulating ridge running roughly north-south for about 5 km, the highest summit of which is Glas Leathad Mòr...
where the Munros and Dingwalls
Dingwall (name)
- Origins of the Name :This is a habitation surname, derived from an already existing place name, the town of Dingwall in Ross-shire. According to the old Statistical Account of Scotland, the name, formerly Dignaval or Digna vallis, took its origin from the richness of the soil of the lower...
rescued the Ross hostage and exterminated their enemies but with the loss of their chiefs, George Munro of Foulis and William Dingwall of Kildun. Two years later in 1454 John Munro, 1st of Milntown, uncle of the next chief led the Clan Munro on a raid into Perthshire
Perthshire
Perthshire, officially the County of Perth , is a registration county in central Scotland. It extends from Strathmore in the east, to the Pass of Drumochter in the north, Rannoch Moor and Ben Lui in the west, and Aberfoyle in the south...
, on their return they were ambushed by the Clan Mackintosh
Clan MacKintosh
Clan Mackintosh is a Scottish clan from Inverness with strong Jacobite ties. The Mackintoshes were also chiefs of the Chattan Confederation.-Origins:...
which resulted in the Battle of Clachnaharry
Battle of Clachnaharry
The Battle of Clachnaharry was a Scottish clan battle that took place in the year 1454. It was fought between the Clan Munro and the Clan Mackintosh on the south bank of the Beauly Firth at Clachnaharry, on the outskirts of Inverness....
.
In 1491 a document was signed and sealed at the Munros' Foulis Castle
Foulis Castle
Foulis Castle lies in the parish of Kiltearn, about 1.5 miles southwest of the village of Evanton in the Highland area of northern Scotland. The castle has been the seat of the Clan Munro for over eight hundred years. During the 11th century, the clan chief was given the castle and Foulis lands as...
, reading in Gaelic
Goidelic languages
The Goidelic languages or Gaelic languages are one of the two branches of the Insular Celtic languages, the other consisting of the Brythonic languages. Goidelic languages historically formed a dialect continuum stretching from the south of Ireland through the Isle of Man to the north of Scotland...
: caisteal biorach, nead na h-iolair meaning castle gaunt-peaked, the eagle's nest. In allusion to the chief's heraldic emblem. In 1495 King James of Scotland assembled an army at Glasgow
Glasgow
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland and third most populous in the United Kingdom. The city is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands...
and many of the Highland chiefs made their submissions to him, including the Munro and Mackenzie chiefs. Later in 1497 MacDonald of Lochalsh
Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh
-History:The MacDonald of Lochalsh branch was founded by Celestine MacDonald . Celestine MacDonald was the second son of Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross, 3rd Lord of the Isles and 8th chief of Clan Donald...
rebelled against the king, invading the lands of Ross-shire where he was defeated at the Battle of Drumchatt
Battle of Drumchatt
The Battle of Drumchatt was a Scottish clan battle that took place in 1497. The Clan Mackenzie and the Clan Munro defeated the Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh at Drumchatt or "the Cat's Back", a ridge to the southeast of Strathpeffer.- Background :...
by the Munros and Mackenzies. This version of events is recorded by early 19th century historian Donald Gregory
Donald Gregory
Donald Gregory was a Scottish historian and antiquarian, who published a valuable history of the Western Highlands and Isles of Scotland.-Origins:...
and is accepted by modern historians, although late 19th century historian Alexander Mackenzie disputes the Munros' presence at the battle and says instead that the Munros and Mackenzies fought each other at Drumchatt in 1501.
16th century and clan conflicts
.jpg)
Milntown Castle
Milntown Castle was an early 16th century castle which was situated near Milton, in Easter Ross, in the Scottish Highlands. It was built by the Munros of Milntown, a cadet branch of the Clan Munro. In 1656, the castle was sold to George Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Cromartie also known as George...
, although it was opposed by the Rosses for being too close to their Balnagown Castle
Balnagown Castle
Balnagown Castle is located beside the village of Kildary in Easter Ross, part of the Highland area of Scotland. There has been a castle on the site since the 14th century, although the present building was remodelled in the 18th and 19th centuries...
. In the early 16th century a rebellion broke out by Domhnall Dubh
Domhnall Dubh
Domhnall Dubh was a Scottish nobleman. He was the son of Aonghas Óg, chief of Clan Donald , and claimant to the Lordship of the Isles, which had been held by his grandfather John of Islay, Earl of Ross ....
, chief of Clan MacDonald against the king. The MacDonalds were no longer Lords of the Isles or Earls of Ross. A commission was given to the Earl of Huntly, the Lord Lovat, and William Munro of Fowlis to proceed to Lochaber against the rebels. The Camerons supported the rebel Domhnall Dubh. Sir William Munro of Foulis was sent to Lochaber on the King's business and was killed in an engagement between the Camerons and MacKays at a place called Achnashellach in 1505. It is Clan Cameron tradition that they defeated a joint force of Munros and Mackays at the Battle of Achnashellach
Battle of Achnashellach
The Battle of Achnashellach was a Scottish clan battle said to have taken place in the year 1505, in the Scottish Highlands at Achnashellach. It was fought by the Clan Cameron against the Clan Mackay and the Clan Munro.-Contemporary evidence:...
in 1505. Domhnall Dubh
Domhnall Dubh
Domhnall Dubh was a Scottish nobleman. He was the son of Aonghas Óg, chief of Clan Donald , and claimant to the Lordship of the Isles, which had been held by his grandfather John of Islay, Earl of Ross ....
was captured in 1506 and Ewen Cameron was later executed.
In 1527, 30 of April, A bond of friendship was signed at Inverness
Inverness
Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands. It is the administrative centre for the Highland council area, and is regarded as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland...
between: Chief Hector Munro of Foulis; John Campbell of Cawdor
Cawdor Castle
Cawdor Castle is a tower house set amid gardens in the parish of Cawdor, approximately 10 miles east of Inverness and 5 miles southwest of Nairn in Scotland, United Kingdom. It belonged to the Clan Calder. It still serves as home to the Dowager Countess Cawdor, stepmother of Colin Robert Vaughan...
, the Knight of Calder
Clan Campbell of Cawdor
Clan Campbell of Cawdor is a highland Scottish clan. While the clan is recognised by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, the clan does not have a clan chief recognised by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs...
; Hector Mackintosh of Mackintosh, Chief of Clan Mackintosh
Clan MacKintosh
Clan Mackintosh is a Scottish clan from Inverness with strong Jacobite ties. The Mackintoshes were also chiefs of the Chattan Confederation.-Origins:...
, captain of Clanchatten
Chattan Confederation
Clan Chattan or the Chattan Confederation is a confederation of 16 Scottish clans who joined for mutual defence or blood bonds. Its leader was the chief of Clan Mackintosh.-Origins:The origin of the name Chattan is disputed...
; Hugh Rose of Kilravock
Kilravock Castle
Kilravock Castle is located near the village of Croy, between Inverness and Nairn, in Highland, Scotland. It was begun around 1460, and has been the seat of the Clan Rose since that time. The castle is a composite of a 15th century tower house and several later additions...
, Chief of Clan Rose
Clan Rose
Clan Rose is a Highland Scottish clan. Their chief's motto is "Constant and True" and their chief'sfamily castle is Kilravock Castle, built in 1460...
; and "Donald Ilis of Sleat"
Clan MacDonald of Sleat
Clan Macdonald of Sleat, sometimes known as Clan Donald North and in Gaelic Clann Ùisdein , is a Scottish clan and a branch of Clan Donald — one of the largest Scottish clans. The founder of the Macdonalds of Sleat is Ùisdean, 6th great-grandson of Somhairle, a 12th century Rì Innse Gall...
. In 1529 a charter was signed between chief Hector Munro, 13th Baron of Foulis and Lord Fraser of Lovat to assist and defend each other.
In 1544 Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis
Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis
Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis was a Scottish Highlander, soldier and clan chief of the Clan Munro. He was seated at Foulis Castle...
, signed a bond of kindess and alliance with the chief of Clan Ross
Clan Ross
Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan. The original chiefs of the clan were the original Earls of Ross.-Origins:Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan first named as such by King Malcolm IV of Scotland in 1160...
of Balnagowan. In 1547 the English led by Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset
Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset
Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset, 1st Earl of Hertford, 1st Viscount Beauchamp of Hache, KG, Earl Marshal was Lord Protector of England in the period between the death of Henry VIII in 1547 and his own indictment in 1549....
invaded Scotland which resulted in the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh
Battle of Pinkie Cleugh
The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh, on the banks of the River Esk near Musselburgh, Scotland on 10 September 1547, was part of the War of the Rough Wooing. It was the last pitched battle between Scottish and English armies, and is seen as the first modern battle in the British Isles...
where chief Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis died fighting at the last major battle between the Royal Scottish and Royal English armies. In 1549, Donald Monro
Donald Monro (Dean)
Donald Monro was a Scottish clergyman, who wrote an early and historically valuable description of the Hebrides and other Scottish islands and enjoyed the honorific title of “Dean of the Isles”.-Origins:...
, Dean of the Isles, visited Finlaggan Castle
Finlaggan Castle
Finlaggan Castle , also known as Eilean Mor Castle is a ruined fortified house located on the isle of Eilean Mór on Loch Finlaggan, Islay, Scotland. It was once a residence and stronghold of Lord of the Isles and Clan Macdonald....
, seat of the chiefs of Clan Donald
Clan Donald
Clan Donald is one of the largest Scottish clans. There are numerous branches to the clan. Several of these have chiefs recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms; these are: Clan Macdonald of Sleat, Clan Macdonald of Clanranald, Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, and Clan...
.
Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis
Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis
Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis and 18th chief of the Clan Munro was a 16th century Scottish chief. He was known as Robert Mor on account of his large stature. He was the eldest son of Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis...
was a staunch supporter and faithful friend of Mary, Queen of Scots, and consequently was treated favourably by her son James VI of Scotland. When Mary went to Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness, in Inverness, Scotland. The red sand stone structure evident today was built in 1836 by architect William Burn. It is built on the site of an 11th century defensive structure. Today, it houses Inverness Sheriff Court. There has been a...
in 1562 the gates of the castle were shut against her. The Frasers
Clan Fraser
Clan Fraser is a Scottish clan of French origin. The Clan has been strongly associated with Inverness and the surrounding area since the Clan's founder gained lands there in the 13th century. Since its founding, the Clan has dominated local politics and been active in every major military conflict...
and Munros, esteemed the most valiant clans in the north took the castle for the Queen.
Between 1569 and 1573 Andrew Munro, 5th of Milntown
Munros of Milntown
The Munros of Milntown were a family cadet branch of the Highland Clan Munro. They were the 'senior' cadet branch of the clan and spawned many cadet branches. They were frequently recorded as 'Monro' as well as Munro...
defended and held, for three years, the Castle Chanonry of Ross
Castle Chanonry of Ross
Castle Chanonry of Ross, also known as Seaforth Castle, was located in the town of Fortrose, to the north-east of Inverness, Highland, Scotland. Nothing now remains of the castle...
, which he had received from the Regent Moray who died in 1569, against the Clan MacKenzie, at the expense of many lives on both sides. The feud was settled when the castle was handed over to the Mackenzies because they had obtained the right to own the castle. In 1587, Foulis Castles', "tower and fortalice" are mentioned in a charter from the Crown. In 1597 the Battle of Logiebride
Battle of Logiebride
The Battle of Logiebride or Logie-Riach, also known as a Tumult in Ross was more of a small skirmish rather than an actual battle. The disturbance is said to have taken place on 4 February 1597 at the Logie Candlemas market near Conan House between men of the Clan Mackenzie against men of the Clan...
took place between clansmen from the Clan Munro and Clan Bane
Clan MacBain
-Origins of the clan:There are several possible Gaelic origins for this name but the most likely is ben or ban which means "higher ground" and to a lesser extent bheathain and the step form MacBain which means "life". This could also have been rendered as Mac ic Bheatha which means MacBeth, a name...
against clansmen from the Clan Mackenzie.
Thirty Years' War
During the early 17th century the Munros continued their strong military traditions, fighting in the continental Thirty Years' WarThirty Years' War
The Thirty Years' War was fought primarily in what is now Germany, and at various points involved most countries in Europe. It was one of the most destructive conflicts in European history....
where Robert Munro, 18th Baron of Foulis
Robert Munro, 18th Baron of Foulis
Colonel Robert Munro of Foulis , also known as the Black Baron, was traditionally the 18th Baron of Foulis in Scotland. He was a soldier of fortune, who served in Germany under the banners of Gustavus Adolphus, king of Sweden...
, known as the Black Baron and 700 members of Clan Munro joined the army of Gustavs Adolphus, in defence of Protestantism in Scandinavia along with many men from the Clan Mackay
Clan MacKay
Clan Mackay is an ancient and once powerful Scottish clan from the far north of the Scottish Highlands, but with roots in the old kingdom of Moray. They were a powerful force in politics beginning in the 14th century, supporting Robert the Bruce. In the centuries that followed they were...
. Taking a more prominent role was the Black Baron's cousin, General Robert Monro from the Obsdale branch of the clan. Robert and his men served with distinction and received the name of the "Invincibles" in recognition of their prowess. There were twenty-seven field officers and eleven captains of the name of Munro in the Swedish army.
Bishops' Wars and Civil War
During the Bishops' WarsBishops' Wars
The Bishops' Wars , were conflicts, both political and military, which occurred in 1639 and 1640 centred around the nature of the governance of the Church of Scotland, and the rights and powers of the Crown...
General Robert Monro of the Obsdale branch of the clan laid siege to and took Spynie Palace
Spynie Palace
Spynie Palace, also known as Spynie Castle, was the fortified seat of the Bishops of Moray for about 500 years. The founding of the palace dates back to the late 12th Century. It is situated about 500m from the location of the first officially settled Cathedral Church of the Diocese of Moray, in...
, Drum Castle
Drum Castle
Drum Castle is a castle near Drumoak in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. For centuries it was the seat of the chief of Clan Irvine. The place-name Drum is derived from Gaelic druim, 'ridge'....
and Huntly Castle
Huntly Castle
Huntly Castle is a ruined castle in Huntly in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It was the ancestral home of the chief of Clan Gordon, Earl of Huntly.-History:...
. From 1642 to 1648 he commanded the Scottish Covenanter army in Ireland during Irish Confederate Wars
Irish Confederate Wars
This article is concerned with the military history of Ireland from 1641-53. For the political context of this conflict, see Confederate Ireland....
There were several Munro officers in regiments that fought on the covenanter side at the Battle of Philiphaugh
Battle of Philiphaugh
The Battle of Philiphaugh was fought on 13 September 1645 during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms near Selkirk in the Scottish Borders. The Royalist army of the Marquess of Montrose was destroyed by the Covenanter army of Sir David Leslie, restoring the power of the Committee of Estates.-Prelude:When...
in 1645.
Sir George Munro, 1st of Newmore
George Munro, 1st of Newmore
Sir George Munro, 1st of Newmore was a 17th century Scottish soldier and member of parliament from the Clan Munro, Ross-shire, Scotland. He was seated at Newmore Castle.-Lineage:...
who fought in Ireland as a covenanter later became a royalist after his uncle, Robert Monro was imprisoned by Cromwell in 1648. In September of that year George Munro and his men defeated the advance forces of Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll
Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll
Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll, 8th Earl of Argyll, chief of Clan Campbell, was the de facto head of government in Scotland during most of the conflict known as the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, also known as the British Civil War...
at the Battle of Stirling (1648)
Battle of Stirling (1648)
The second Battle of Stirling was fought on the 12 September 1648 during the Scottish Civil War of the 17th century.-Background:The Battle of Stirling in 1648 was part of the War of the Three Kingdoms. By this time, the Presbyterian Covenanter movement had defeated the Scottish Royalists, who...
. In 1649 Colonel John Munro of Lemlair
Lemlair House
Lemlair House was originally built as a fortified seat for the chief of the Clan Munro in 1643. However it soon became the home of Colonel John Munro of Lemlair, a near relative of the chief. Lemlair is situated halfway north of Dingwall and south of Evanton, and is just a short distance from...
, Colonel Hugh Fraser, Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty and Thomas Mackenzie of Pluscardine were all opposed to the authority of the current parliament. They took Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle
Inverness Castle sits on a cliff overlooking the River Ness, in Inverness, Scotland. The red sand stone structure evident today was built in 1836 by architect William Burn. It is built on the site of an 11th century defensive structure. Today, it houses Inverness Sheriff Court. There has been a...
, expelled the garrison and raised the fortifications. However, on the approach of the parliamentary forces led by General David Leslie, Lord Newark they retreated back into Ross-shire. On hearing of this rising against Leslie, James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose
James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose
James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose was a Scottish nobleman and soldier, who initially joined the Covenanters in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, but subsequently supported King Charles I as the English Civil War developed...
, leader of royalist forces and his invading army of foreigners landed in Ross-shire, hoping for support from the clans. However, he was actually opposed by the Munros, Rosses and Sutherlands who then chose to support Leslie and the Scottish Argyll Covenanter Government. The Munros, led by John Munro of Lemlair and their allies completely defeated the invading army at the Battle of Carbisdale
Battle of Carbisdale
The Battle of Carbisdale took place close to the Village of Culrain on 27 April 1650 and was part of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms...
in 1650. By 1651 the Scottish Covenantor Government had become disillusioned with the English parliament and supported the royalists instead. William Munroe was one of four Munroes captured at the Battle of Worcester
Battle of Worcester
The Battle of Worcester took place on 3 September 1651 at Worcester, England and was the final battle of the English Civil War. Oliver Cromwell and the Parliamentarians defeated the Royalist, predominantly Scottish, forces of King Charles II...
and transported to America. Sir Alexander Munro of Bearcrofts
Sir Alexander Munro of Bearcrofts
- Lineage :The Munro of Milntown of Milntown family descend from John Munro, 1st of Milntown, the second son of Hugh Munro, 9th Baron of Foulis . Three generations after John Munro, 1st of Miltown is George Munro 4th of Milntown who became one of the most prominent ministers in the Reformed Church...
survived and escaped the battle at Worcester.
The Restoration of Charles II took place in 1660. The then chief's brother, George Munro, 1st of Newmore
George Munro, 1st of Newmore
Sir George Munro, 1st of Newmore was a 17th century Scottish soldier and member of parliament from the Clan Munro, Ross-shire, Scotland. He was seated at Newmore Castle.-Lineage:...
commanded the king's forces in Scotland from 1674 to 1677, In 1689 chief Sir John Munro, 4th Baronet
Sir John Munro, 4th Baronet
Sir John Munro, 4th Baronet of Foulis , 22nd Baron and 25th chief of the Clan Munro, was such a strenuous supporter of Presbyterianism, that, being of a large frame, he was known as "the Presbyterian mortar-piece."...
was one of the Scottish representatives who approved the formal offer of the Scottish Crown to William of Orange
William III of England
William III & II was a sovereign Prince of Orange of the House of Orange-Nassau by birth. From 1672 he governed as Stadtholder William III of Orange over Holland, Zeeland, Utrecht, Guelders, and Overijssel of the Dutch Republic. From 1689 he reigned as William III over England and Ireland...
and his Queen. In the same year George Munro, 1st of Auchinbowie, son of Sir Alexander Munro of Bearcrofts commanded royalist forces that defeated the Jacobites at the Battle of Dunkeld
Battle of Dunkeld
The Battle of Dunkeld was fought between Jacobite clans supporting the deposed king James VII of Scotland and a government regiment of covenanters supporting William of Orange, King of Scotland, in the streets around Dunkeld Cathedral, Dunkeld, Scotland, on 21 August 1689 and formed part of the...
.
18th century
After Queen Elizabeth I of EnglandElizabeth I of England
Elizabeth I was queen regnant of England and Ireland from 17 November 1558 until her death. Sometimes called The Virgin Queen, Gloriana, or Good Queen Bess, Elizabeth was the fifth and last monarch of the Tudor dynasty...
died without an heir, King James VI of Scotland
James I of England
James VI and I was King of Scots as James VI from 24 July 1567 and King of England and Ireland as James I from the union of the English and Scottish crowns on 24 March 1603...
also became King of England in the Union of the Crowns
Union of the Crowns
The Union of the Crowns was the accession of James VI, King of Scots, to the throne of England, and the consequential unification of Scotland and England under one monarch. The Union of Crowns followed the death of James' unmarried and childless first cousin twice removed, Queen Elizabeth I of...
in 1603. Just over a century later in 1707 the parliaments of England and Scotland were also united in the Acts of Union 1707
Acts of Union 1707
The Acts of Union were two Parliamentary Acts - the Union with Scotland Act passed in 1706 by the Parliament of England, and the Union with England Act passed in 1707 by the Parliament of Scotland - which put into effect the terms of the Treaty of Union that had been agreed on 22 July 1706,...
to form the Kingdom of Great Britain
Kingdom of Great Britain
The former Kingdom of Great Britain, sometimes described as the 'United Kingdom of Great Britain', That the Two Kingdoms of Scotland and England, shall upon the 1st May next ensuing the date hereof, and forever after, be United into One Kingdom by the Name of GREAT BRITAIN. was a sovereign...
.
Jacobite rising of 1715
Known as the Skirmish of AlnessSkirmish of Alness
The Skirmish of Alness was a conflict that took place in October 1715 in Alness, in the county of Ross in the Scottish Highlands. It was part of the Jacobite rising of 1715 and pitted Highlanders loyal to the British-Hanoverian government of George I of Great Britain against Highlanders loyal to...
, during the Jacobite Rising of 1715
Jacobite Rising of 1715
The Jacobite rising of 1715, often referred to as The 'Fifteen, was the attempt by James Francis Edward Stuart to regain the British throne for the exiled House of Stuart.-Background:...
, William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth
William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth
William Mackenzie, 5th Earl of Seaforth was a Scottish nobleman.He who joined the Jacobite standard at Braemar, during the rising of 1715, and then, having raised 3000 men, was present at the battle of Sheriffmuir and was appointed lieutenant-general of the northern counties...
led a force of 3000 men including the Clan Mackenzie
Clan MacKenzie
Clan Mackenzie is a Highland Scottish clan, traditionally associated with Kintail and lands in Ross-shire.-Origins:The Mackenzies, a powerful clan of Celtic stock, were not among the clans that originated from Norman ancestry. Descendants of the long defunct royal Cenél Loairn of Dál Riata, they...
, Clan MacDonald
Clan Donald
Clan Donald is one of the largest Scottish clans. There are numerous branches to the clan. Several of these have chiefs recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms; these are: Clan Macdonald of Sleat, Clan Macdonald of Clanranald, Clan MacDonell of Glengarry, Clan MacDonald of Keppoch, and Clan...
, Clan Mackinnon
Clan MacKinnon
Clan Mackinnon or Clan Fingon is a Highland Scottish clan associated with the islands of Mull and Skye, in the Inner Hebrides.Popular tradition gives the clan a Dalriadic Gaelic origin. The 19th century historian W. F. Skene named the clan as one of the seven clans of Siol Alpin - who according to...
, Clan MacRae
Clan MacRae
The Clan Macrae is a Highland Scottish clan. The clan has no chief; it is therefore considered an Armigerous clan.-Surname:The surname Macrae is an Anglicisation of the patronymic from the Gaelic personal name Macraith. This personal name means "son of grace"...
and Clan Chisholm
Clan Chisholm
Clan Chisholm is a Scottish clan. The clan had its origin outside Scotland. The first Chisholm to appear in the records of Scotland was Alexander de Chesholme, who witnessed a charter in 1248/49.-Origins of the Clan:...
. He was opposed by Colonel Sir Robert Munro, 6th Baronet of Foulis who had formed a camp at the Bridge of Alness with 600 men which also included men from the Clan Ross
Clan Ross
Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan. The original chiefs of the clan were the original Earls of Ross.-Origins:Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan first named as such by King Malcolm IV of Scotland in 1160...
. Munro had sent many of his own men south to protect the lands of the Clan Forbes
Clan Forbes
Clan Forbes is a Lowland Scottish clan from Aberdeenshire, Scotland.-Origins:Concerning the origin of this Scottish clan, John of Forbes, the first upon record, seems to have been a man of importance in the time of William the Lion, and was the father of Fergus, from whom the clan are descended....
of Culloden from the Jacobites. Munro was soon joined by the Earl of Sutherland
Earl of Sutherland
Earl of Sutherland is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created circa 1230 for William de Moravia. The Earl of Sutherland is also the Chief of Clan Sutherland...
and the chief of Clan Mackay
Clan MacKay
Clan Mackay is an ancient and once powerful Scottish clan from the far north of the Scottish Highlands, but with roots in the old kingdom of Moray. They were a powerful force in politics beginning in the 14th century, supporting Robert the Bruce. In the centuries that followed they were...
who both brought with them only a portion of their clans and expected support from the Clan Grant
Clan Grant
-Origins:The Grants are one of the clans of Siol Alpin, and descend from the 9th century Kenneth MacAlpin, King of Scots; and also of Norse origin, from settlers who are the descents of Haakon inn Riki Sigurdarsson , Jarl of Hladr, Protector of Norway ,-Origins:The Grants are one of the clans of...
did not arrive. Seaforth's forces advanced on the Sutherland's camp who made a quick retreat to avoid contact with their more powerful foe. Soon afterwards a council of war was held between the two sides and the Sutherlanders and Mackays peacefully moved back north to their own territory, while much of the Ross's lands were ravaged and the Munros returned to find their lands plundered. This was fully retaliated by the Munros who then raided the Mackenzie lands of Brahan
Brahan Castle
Brahan Castle was situated south-west of Dingwall, in Easter Ross, Scotland. The castle belonged to the Earls of Seaforth, chiefs of the Clan Mackenzie, who dominated the area.-History:...
.
The Mackenzie Jacobite garrison at Inverness surrendered to Fraser of Lovat upon the very day when the Battle of Sheriffmuir
Battle of Sheriffmuir
The Battle of Sheriffmuir was an engagement in 1715 at the height of the Jacobite rebellion in England and Scotland.-History:John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, standard-bearer for the Jacobite cause in Scotland, mustered Highland chiefs, and on 6 September declared James Francis Edward Stuart as King...
was fought and another Jacobite force was defeated at the Battle of Preston
Battle of Preston (1715)
The Battle of Preston , also referred to as the Preston Fight, was fought during the Jacobite Rising of 1715 ....
. After this Colonel Sir Robert Munro, 6th Baronet of Foulis marched into the town of Inverness with 400 Munros and took over control as governor from Fraser. Government troops soon arrived in Inverness and for some months the process of disarming the rebels went on, helped by a Munro detachment under George Munro, 1st of Culcairn.
The clan rivalries which had erupted in rebellion were finding an outlet in local politics. Mackenzie's Earl of Seaforth
Earl of Seaforth
Earl of Seaforth was a title in the Peerage of Scotland and Peerage of Great Britain. It was held by the family of Mackenzie from 1623 to 1716, and again from 1771 to 1781....
title came to an end in 1716, and it was arranged that while the Clan Ross
Clan Ross
Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan. The original chiefs of the clan were the original Earls of Ross.-Origins:Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan first named as such by King Malcolm IV of Scotland in 1160...
held the county seat the Munros would represent the Tain Burghs
Tain Burghs (UK Parliament constituency)
Tain Burghs, was a constituency of the House of Commons of the Parliament of Great Britain from 1708 to 1801 and of the Parliament of the United Kingdom from 1801 to 1832, sometimes known as Northern Burghs. It was represented by one Member of Parliament .The first election in Tain Burghs was in 1708...
. Ross ascendancy was secure in Tain, and from 1716 to 1745 the Munros controlled Dingwall
Dingwall
Dingwall is a town and former royal burgh in the Highland council area of Scotland. It has a population of 5,026. It was formerly an east-coast harbor but now lies inland. Dingwall Castle was once the biggest castle north of Stirling. On the town's present-day outskirts lies Tulloch Castle, parts...
, with one of Robert Munro's brothers as provost, but not without two armed Munro "invasions" of the county town in 1721 and 1740, when opposing councillors were abducted to secure a favourable result (for the first incident Colonel Robert and his brother were fined £200 each, and after the second his parliamentary career came to an abrupt end with defeat at the 1741 election). Sir Robert Munro, 5th Baronet
Sir Robert Munro, 5th Baronet
Sir Robert Munro, 5th Baronet of Foulis was also 23rd Baron and 26th chief of the Clan Munro. He became blind and was known as the Blind Baron.- Member of Parliament :...
's younger son, George Munro, 1st of Culcairn raised a detachment from his father's clan to fight at the Battle of Glen Shiel
Battle of Glen Shiel
The Battle of Glen Shiel was a battle in Glen Shiel, in the West Highlands of Scotland on 10 June 1719, between British government troops and an alliance of Jacobites and Spaniards, resulting in a victory for the government forces. It was the last close engagement of British and foreign troops on...
in 1719 where they defeated the Jacobites.
Black Watch & war against France
In 1725 six Independent Black WatchBlack Watch
The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland is an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The unit's traditional colours were retired in 2011 in a ceremony led by Queen Elizabeth II....
companies were formed. One of Munros, one of Frasers, one of Grants and three of Campbells. These companies were known by the name Am Freacadain Dubh, or Black Watch. By 1740 it had become the 43d Highland regiment and then the 42d Royal Highlanders
42nd Regiment of Foot
The 42nd Regiment of Foot was an infantry regiment of the British Army. Originally the 43rd Highlanders they were renumbered the 42nd in 1748.- Early history :...
. Sir Robert Munro was appointed lieutenant-colonel. Among the captains were his next brother, George Munro, 1st of Culcairn, and John Munro, 4th of Newmore
John Munro, 4th of Newmore
John Munro, 4th of Newmore represented the county of Ross in parliament from 1733 to 1734. John Munro was a great-grandson of Sir George Munro, 1st of Newmore and continued his family's political and military taditions....
promoted to be lieutenant-colonel in 1745. The surgeon of the regiment was Robert's younger brother, Dr Duncan Munro.
Their first action came on 11 May 1745, at the Battle of Fontenoy
Battle of Fontenoy
The Battle of Fontenoy, 11 May 1745, was a major engagement of the War of the Austrian Succession, fought between the forces of the Pragmatic Allies – comprising mainly Dutch, British, and Hanoverian troops under the nominal command of the Duke of Cumberland – and a French army under Maurice de...
. Allowed "their own way of fighting", each time they received the French fire Col. Sir Robert Munro ordered his men to "clap to the ground" while he himself, because of his corpulence, stood alone with the colours behind him. For the first time in a European battle they introduced a system of infantry tactics (alternatively firing and taking cover) that was not superseded. Springing up and closing with the enemy, they several times drove them back, and finished with a successful rear-guard action against French cavalry.
Jacobite rising of 1745
In June 1745, a month after the battle of Fontenoy, Sir Robert Munro, 6th Baronet of Foulis was "rewarded" by an appointment to succeed General Ponsonby as Colonel of the English 37th Regiment of Foot. When the Jacobite Rising broke out, his friends in the Highlands hoped for his presence among them. One wrote that it would have been "the greatest service to His Majesty and the common cause", but it was not to be. The Munros supported the British government during the Jacobite uprisings.Chief Colonel Sir Robert Munro, 6th Baronet had been fighting at the second Battle of Falkirk (1746)
Battle of Falkirk (1746)
During the Second Jacobite Rising, the Battle of Falkirk Muir was the last noteworthy Jacobite success.-Background:...
when, by account of the rebels, the English 37th Regiment
37th (North Hampshire) Regiment of Foot
The 37th Regiment of Foot was raised in Ireland in February 1702.During the Jacobite rebellion of 1745 - 46 the regiment fought at the Battle of Falkirk where it was commanded by Sir Robert Munro, 6th Baronet and later at the Battle of Culloden where it was commanded by Col. Dejean.Initially...
he was in command of ran away and he was surrounded and attacked by seven Cameron Jacobites, he killed at least two with his Half-pike
Spontoon
A Spontoon is a type of European lance that came into being alongside the pike. The spontoon was in wide use by the mid 17th century, and it continued to be used until the mid to late 19th century....
before being shot by a Jacobite commander with a pistol. The Jacobites wished to do special honour to their opponent: They buried Robert in the grave of Sir John de Graham
John de Graham
Sir John de Graham was a Scottish knight and soldier.He was born in the lands of Dundaff, Ayrshire, in the late 13th century. During the Wars of Scottish Independence he fought alongside Sir William Wallace...
who died at the first Battle of Falkirk (1298)
Battle of Falkirk (1298)
The Battle of Falkirk, which took place on 22 July 1298, was one of the major battles in the First War of Scottish Independence...
. The graves can be seen in Falkirk churchyard.
Robert's son Sir Harry Munro, 7th Baronet who served as an officer in Loudon's Highlanders
Loudon's Highlanders
Loudon's Highlanders, or the Earl of Loudon's Regiment of Foot, was an infantry regiment of the British Army.The great bravery of the 42nd Highlanders and the admirable service which they rendered at the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745, made the Government anxious to avail themselves still further of...
had been captured at the Battle of Prestonpans
Battle of Prestonpans
The Battle of Prestonpans was the first significant conflict in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. The battle took place at 4 am on 21 September 1745. The Jacobite army loyal to James Francis Edward Stuart and led by his son Charles Edward Stuart defeated the government army loyal to the Hanoverian...
in September 1745. He returned home to find Foulis Castle had been partially destroyed by Jacobites after the Battle of Falkirk. A few months after Falkirk the Jacobites were finally defeated at the Battle of Culloden
Battle of Culloden
The Battle of Culloden was the final confrontation of the 1745 Jacobite Rising. Taking place on 16 April 1746, the battle pitted the Jacobite forces of Charles Edward Stuart against an army commanded by William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, loyal to the British government...
by government forces. After the rising was suppressed a Munro Independent Company under Harry continued to police the Highlands and was disbanded in 1748. Harry set about rebuilding the castle as it is today incorporating what he could of the original building which now appears as a mansion house built in a formal Georgian style rather than the defensive fort it once was.
In 1754, Lieutenant Hector Munro, 8th of Novar was ordered to Badenoch
Badenoch
Badenoch is a traditional district which today forms part of Badenoch and Strathspey, an area of Highland Council, in Scotland, bounded on the north by the Monadhliath Mountains, on the east by the Cairngorms and Braemar, on the south by Atholl and the Grampians, and on the west by Lochaber...
to apprehend certain rebels in that district, with special instructions to apprehend John Dubh Cameron better known as "Sergent Mor" of Clan Cameron who he successfully captured.
Later clansmen
British Empire & MilitarySir Hector Munro, 8th of Novar (1726–1805), Sir Thomas Munro, 1st Baronet of Linderits (1761 to 1827) and John Munro, 9th of Teaninich
John Munro, 9th of Teaninich
General John Munro of the H.E.I.C.S, 9th of Teaninich was a Scottish/British soldier and statesman who had great success in India.-Early life:John Munro was born in June 1778, second son of Captain James Munro, 7th of Teaninich...
(b.1778) were Scottish Generals in the British Army who had great success in India. James Munro (VC)
James Munro (VC)
James Munro VC was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces....
was a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross during the Crimean War, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.
Science & Medicine
Four direct generations, from the distinguished Auchinbowie-Bearcrofts
Munro of Auchinbowie
The Munros of Auchinbowie are a distinguished branch of the Scottish, highland Clan Munro. From this family three Professors of Anatomy at Edinburgh University, Scotland were produced, as well as several other doctors and military officers.-Lineage:The prognitor of the Munros of Auchinbowie is...
branch of the clan: John Munro (surgeon)
John Munro (surgeon)
John Munro , the third son of Sir Alexander Munro of Bearcrofts, was an important member of Edinburgh University.After serving as an army surgeon, he settled in Edinburgh, and conceived the design of establishing a medical faculty at the University, along with George Drummond, Lord Provost...
, Alexander Monro (primus)
Alexander Monro (primus)
Alexander Monro was the founder of Edinburgh Medical School. To distinguish him as the first of three generations of physicians of the same name, he is known as primus....
, Alexander Monro (secundus)
Alexander Monro (secundus)
Alexander Monro of Craiglockhart and Cockburn was a Scottish anatomist, surgeon and medical educator. To distinguish him as the second of three generations of physicians of the same name, he is known as secundus. His students included the naval physician and abolitionist Thomas Trotter...
and Alexander Monro (tertius) were professors of anatomy at Edinburgh University. From the Monro of Fyrish branch of the clan four generations occupied successively the position of (Principal) Physician of Bethlem Royal Hospital
Bethlem Royal Hospital
The Bethlem Royal Hospital is a psychiatric hospital located in London, United Kingdom and part of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Although no longer based at its original location, it is recognised as the world's first and oldest institution to specialise in mental illnesses....
Mountaineering
Sir Hugh Munro, 4th Baronet of Linderits (1856–1919) was a founding member of the Scottish Mountaineering Club
Scottish Mountaineering Club
The Scottish Mountaineering Club is Scotland's second oldest mountaineering club. Founded in 1889, in Glasgow, the private club, with about 400 members, publishes guidebooks and runs a list of Munroists.-History:At the time of the club's founding there were a number of experienced Alpinists...
and produced the first scientific list of all the mountains in Scotland over 3000 ft.
Clergy
The Munros were also prominent members of the Scottish clergy in the north of Scotland. Donald Monro (Dean)Donald Monro (Dean)
Donald Monro was a Scottish clergyman, who wrote an early and historically valuable description of the Hebrides and other Scottish islands and enjoyed the honorific title of “Dean of the Isles”.-Origins:...
was Dean of the Isles. Andrew Munro
Andrew Munro
Andrew Munro [de Munro, de Munroy], or Aindréas Mac an Rothaich as his Gaelic kindred name, was a Scottish churchman active in the 15th century, undoubtedly given his surname a native of Ross of Clan Munro....
(d.1454) was Archdeacon of Ross
Archdeacon of Ross
The Archdeacon of Ross was the only archdeacon in the medieval Diocese of Ross, acting as a deputy of the Bishop of Ross. The following is a list of archdeacons:-List of archdeacons of Ross:* Robert, x 1223-1249 x 1250* Robert de Fyvie, x 1269-1275...
and for a short time Bishop of Ross
Bishop of Ross
The Bishop of Ross was the ecclesiastical head of the Diocese of Ross, one of Scotland's 13 medieval bishoprics. The first recorded bishop appears in the late 7th century as a witness to Adomnán of Iona's Cáin Adomnáin. The bishopric was based at the settlement of Rosemarkie until the mid-13th...
. John Munro of Tain (d.1630) was a Presbyterian minister of Tain
Tain
Tain is a royal burgh and post town in the committee area of Ross and Cromarty, in the Highland area of Scotland.-Etymology:...
.
Castles
- Foulis CastleFoulis CastleFoulis Castle lies in the parish of Kiltearn, about 1.5 miles southwest of the village of Evanton in the Highland area of northern Scotland. The castle has been the seat of the Clan Munro for over eight hundred years. During the 11th century, the clan chief was given the castle and Foulis lands as...
seat of the Munros of Foulis, the chiefs of the Clan Munro. - Milntown CastleMilntown CastleMilntown Castle was an early 16th century castle which was situated near Milton, in Easter Ross, in the Scottish Highlands. It was built by the Munros of Milntown, a cadet branch of the Clan Munro. In 1656, the castle was sold to George Mackenzie, 1st Earl of Cromartie also known as George...
was the seat of the Munros of MilntownMunros of MilntownThe Munros of Milntown were a family cadet branch of the Highland Clan Munro. They were the 'senior' cadet branch of the clan and spawned many cadet branches. They were frequently recorded as 'Monro' as well as Munro...
, the senior cadet branch of the Clan Munro. - Newmore CastleNewmore CastleNewmore Castle is situated just north of the town of Alness in Ross and Cromarty, Highland, Scotland.The castle is now a ruin. It was once a three storey building, however it is now been reduced to a single storey building with a barrel-vaulted roof remaining...
was seat of the Munros of Newmore. - Teaninich CastleTeaninich CastleTeaninich Castle is situated north of the village of Evanton and just south of the village of Alness in Ross and Cromarty, Scotland.It is not known exactly how long a castle has been on the site of Teaninich Castle but it is thought to date back to at least the 16th century. In the 16th century,...
was seat of the Munros of Teaninich. - Balconie CastleBalconie CastleBalconie Castle lay in the parish of Kiltearn, about half a mile east of the village of Evanton in the Highlands of Scotland.-History:The castle was an old seat of the Mormaers and Earls of Ross, chiefs of Clan Ross. It was later held by their successors, the Clan MacDonald, Earls of Ross...
was the seat of the Munros of Balconie. - Novar HouseNovar HouseNovar House is an 18th-century building, located 0.7 miles north of the village of Evanton in Ross, Scotland.-History:The Munros of Novar descend from John Munro, 1st of Milntown, who in turn was the second son of Hugh Munro, 9th Baron of Foulis ....
was seat of the Munros of Novar. - Lemlair HouseLemlair HouseLemlair House was originally built as a fortified seat for the chief of the Clan Munro in 1643. However it soon became the home of Colonel John Munro of Lemlair, a near relative of the chief. Lemlair is situated halfway north of Dingwall and south of Evanton, and is just a short distance from...
was the seat of the Munros of Lemlair. - Contullich CastleContullich CastleContullich Castle was a castle located a few miles north-west of the town of Alness, on the eastern side of the county of Ross-shire, Scotland....
, owned by various branches of the Clan Munro.
Chiefs
The succession of a Highland Chief has traditionally followed the principle of agnatic seniorityAgnatic seniority
Agnatic seniority is a patrilineal principle of inheritance where the order of succession to the throne prefers the monarch's younger brother over the monarch's own sons. A monarch's children succeed only after the males of the elder generation have all been exhausted...
or patrilineal seniority, whereby succession passes to the former Chief's closest male relative. The 11th Bt Foulis was succeeded by his eldest daughter Eva Marion Munro as chief of the clan. Eva Marion Munro married Col C. H. Gascoigne, their son Patrick took the surname 'Munro' of his maternal grandfather to become clan chief. However the Baronetcy of Foulis was succeeded to by Sir George Hamilton Munro, 12th Baronet (1864–1945). The current Baronet is Sir Ian Kenneth Munro, 17th Baronet of Foulis. See Main Article: Munro Baronets
Munro Baronets
There have been three Baronetcies created for persons with the surname Munro, one in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia and two in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom....
.
See also
- Munro BaronetsMunro BaronetsThere have been three Baronetcies created for persons with the surname Munro, one in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia and two in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom....
- Munro (disambiguation)Munro (disambiguation)A Munro is any Scottish mountain with a height over 3000 feet .Munro may also refer to:* Munro , people with the surname Munro* Munro , an Academy Award winning animated short film, released in 1961...
- MunroeMunroeMunroe is a derivation of the Scottish surname Munro, and may refer to:-In politics:* Daniel Munroe Forney, Congressional Representative from North Carolina* John H...
(disambiguation) - MonroMonro- In education :* Alexander Monro , the founder of Edinburgh Medical School* David Binning Monro, Scottish Homeric scholar- In politics :* Cecil Monro, Australian politician* Charles Carmichael Monro , Governor of Gibraltar...
(disambiguation) - MonroeMonroe-People:* James Monroe , fifth President of the United States, in office from 1817 to 1825* Marilyn Monroe , American actress, singer and model* Monroe , other people with the surname Monroe...
(disambiguation) - Black WatchBlack WatchThe Black Watch, 3rd Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland is an infantry battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland. The unit's traditional colours were retired in 2011 in a ceremony led by Queen Elizabeth II....
Military regiment originally formed from highland clans including Clan Munro. - MunroMunroA Munro is a mountain in Scotland with a height over . They are named after Sir Hugh Munro, 4th Baronet , who produced the first list of such hills, known as Munros Tables, in 1891. A Munro top is a summit over 3,000 ft which is not regarded as a separate mountain...
Mountains in Scotland with height over 3000 ft.
External links
- www.clanmunro.org.uk - Official Website of the Clan Munro (Association) (Scotland)
- www.clanmunrousa.org - Clan Munro Association USA
- www.clanmunroassociation.ca - Clan Munro Association of Canada
- www.clanmunroaustralia.org - Clan Munro Association Australia