4>A 
 
 . 
 
 1
 
 EXTRACTS 
 
 FROM 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 13981570.
 
 EXTRACTS 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 OF 
 
 THE BURGH 
 
 OF 
 
 13Q8-1570. 
 
 ABERDEEN: 
 
 PRINTED FOR THE SPALDING CLUB. 
 M DCCC XLIV.
 
 PRINTED BY WILLIAM BENNETT. 
 CASTLE STREET, ABERDEEN.
 
 TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
 
 i PAGE 
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE vii 
 
 CONTENTS xlv 
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER OF THE BURGH 
 
 OF ABERDEEN 1 
 
 ADDITIONAL EXTRACTS 371 
 
 INDEX., 461
 
 HE most valuable materials for national his- 
 tory have frequently to be sought for in 
 sources far different from the works of the 
 general historian, whose pages are more 
 frequently devoted to the political than the 
 social position of the people, whose history 
 is the object of his labours. To obtain a 
 glimpse of their actual state under the existing institutions of a 
 particular period, we must examine them working out their 
 system of jurisprudence in legal pleadings ; we must see them 
 engaged in their various professions and trades in their pageants 
 and sports, and we must be acquainted with their manners and 
 dress. It is almost in vain to expect in ordinary histories an 
 accumulation of incidental facts bearing on all such points, 
 although these are to be regarded in proportion as they have 
 incorporated in them such disjointed facts, as a reference to the 
 chronicles, judicial proceedings, familiar epistles, and fragmentary 
 relics of past times will amply afford. 
 
 The records of the Burgh of Aberdeen present us with a greater 
 combination of these than is generally to be found in similar 
 sources ; and their historical importance has long been acknow- 
 ledged by those who have had access to them.
 
 viii THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 They reach back to a very remote period, and enable us to 
 trace the effects wrought on society by the political and reli- 
 gious changes which occurred ; while they are full of many mi- 
 nute incidents which serve to fill up a picture of the condition 
 of our forefathers in all its parts. 
 
 These Records comprehend the proceedings of the Council of 
 the Burgh, of the Baillie Court, and the Guild Court. From 1398, 
 when the first volume commences, to 1745, being the period com- 
 prized in the selections to be printed for the Club, they extend to 61 
 folio volumes, containing on an average about 600 pages each. 
 With the exception of volume third, containing the proceedings 
 from 1414 to 1433, there is no blank in the series. 
 
 In " The Catalogue of the registeris and baillie court buikis of 
 Abirdene presentlie extint, or hes bene during the memorie of 
 man, thir thre scoir yeiris bygane, maid and collectit treulie, as 
 thai ar, be Mr. Thomas Mollisvne, clerk of Abirdene, primo Sep- 
 tembris 1591," ' it is stated that there then existed " peces and 
 partis of four aid imperfyt and informall buikis consumitt and 
 eittin be mothes, for aldnes and antiquite euill to be red, yit to 
 be keipit for a monument be resoun of the antiquite." The same 
 scribe conjectures that there was " na register nor court buik of 
 Abirdene extant, nor yit knawin that ony buik or register of the 
 said court wes before the yeir of God ane thousand thre hundred 
 and fourscoir yeiris. Befor this, scrowis on parchment conten- 
 ing sum courtis of the Burght of Abirdene writin in Latyne all, 
 and for ilk yeir ane skrow : na mater of importance or weycht 
 extant or registrat thairin, nother yit ony ordinance or statut 
 sett dounn, onlie suittis and actionis, or processus for annuellis, 
 euil to be red, be resoun of the antiquite of the wreit, and forme 
 
 i [MS. in the Archives of the Burgh.]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PEEFACE. IX 
 
 of the letter or charecter, weray schortlie and compendiouslie 
 wretin, quhilk is not now vsit ; and skairslie gif ony man can reid 
 the samyn." None of these scrolls of parchment have come down 
 to our times. 
 
 The selections now printed have been taken from the first 
 twenty-seven volumes of these Records. The principle on which 
 they were made, was to select and print entire those entries which 
 bore reference to the history and manners of the period over 
 which they extended. They are given precisely as they stand in 
 the Registers, except in a very few cases where lists of the 
 names of burgesses, and frequent repetitions of mere formalities, 
 have been abridged. 
 
 To facilitate a reference extending over so wide a field, recourse 
 was had to the Index to these Records, prepared by the late 
 William Kennedy, Esq., Advocate, by the assistance of which a 
 considerable part of the selections in the first part of the volume 
 were made. A more rigid examination of the original Records 
 induced the Editor to make additional selections from the earlier 
 volumes, which will be found in the latter part of the present 
 volume. A short notice, indicating the subject of each entry, has 
 been prepared, and is prefixed to the volume under the title of 
 Contents, and an Index of the principal names and places is 
 added at the end. 
 
 As the Editor found it impossible to devise any system of 
 classifying materials so various and discordant, which appeared at 
 all satisfactory, he has given them in their chronological order, a 
 plan which seemed less objectionable than any other. 
 
 In the succeeding volumes of Selections to be printed for the 
 Club, will be given Extracts, commencing about the period at 
 which the present volume terminates, from the Accounts kept by
 
 X THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 the Treasurer of the Burgh, and the Dean of Guild, which will 
 be found most valuable illustrations of the other Records. 
 
 The first volume is very much occupied with municipal statutes 
 regulating the prices of provisions of all kinds : great care was ma- 
 nifested that the quality of these should be of the proper standard ; 
 and certain qualified officials were annually elected to watch over 
 this department, under the names of gustatores vim, gustatores cer- 
 visie, appreciatores carniorum, and the like. 
 
 The profits of merchants were regulated in a similar way : 
 
 Item, that na fleschewar mak [ ] nor by to sel agayne ony turbote, as said is, bot thai 
 sal haue for the brekyng of a turbote quhilk is bocht within xii d. j d., and quhen it exceedis 
 xii. d. ii d., quhill it cum to ii s., and swa furth for like schilling i d., and he sal haue nane 
 vther eschetis, bot al sal be brokin to the biaris, vnder the payne forsaid. 
 
 Item, that na man tak on hand to by vitale mar na will suffice thar housis, to tap agayne at 
 derth apon the commounys, and give ony nychtbour has vitale to sell, that thai tap it nocht in 
 houss bot in the merkatt playneli apon the merkat dai, vnder the payne of viii s. unforgiffin. 
 and eschete of sic gude, but fawour. [Extracts, p. 397.] 
 
 Many of the regulations in this volume and subsequently are 
 directed against forestallers, who are " they quha pre-occupies and 
 byes merchandice before it cum to the mercat, or to the stall or 
 place quhair it suld be sauld, or the time of day statute and ordained 
 thereto ;'" thus " Item, aliqua regrataria emat aliquod antequam 
 veniat ad forum et crucem burgi et pulsationem campani solvet xii d.," 
 a regrater being he " quha byis ony merchandice or vther thing, and 
 takis vnleasumlie greater price for the samin afterward." 2 
 
 It was unlawful for any merchant to pay a larger price than the 
 statute one. 
 
 Item, that na man by woll skynnes derar than x d., schorlinges vi d., scaldynes iii d., the 
 dusane of lentrinwar viii. d., the dusane of futfellis ii. s. ; and quhasa dois in the contrar sail, 
 euery tym that he trespasses, pay, but remissioune, vi s. viii d. to the commone werk and profits 
 of this toune. [Ibid, p. 397.] 
 
 No one was allowed to pay more for wool in Buchan than 2s., ex- 
 
 1 [Skene de Verborum Signification voce REGKATEK.] 
 
 2 [Skene, ut tvpra.]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XI 
 
 cept for that of lords and free tenants, for which last not more than 
 30d. was to be given. The wool of Mar and the Garioch was not 
 to exceed in price 30d. Whoever paid more than these prices was 
 to be fined 20s. for each offence, and lose his liberty within burgh 
 for a year and day. 
 
 Occasionally a qualified permission is given to buy at any price, 
 thus : 
 
 Et memorandum quod quilibet est liber ad enienda. infra Marr pro quocunque precio pro quo 
 voluit et ly Marr contin. a Monymusk et Kege et Forbes australiter dovne the water of Donne ad 
 Abirden apon the su [syd] of that ilk watter. 
 
 And thir arr the sortis that arr outetane the Lord of Mar, Sir \V. of Keth, the Bischop of 
 A[berden], the Abbot of Der, the Lord the Hay, Malcolm Marchell, S. Jon of Nevy, Andr. of Keth 
 pater, Sir Henry Preston, Thorn. Brisbane, Alexr. Fraser of Percok. 
 
 And qwa sua brekis this ordenance, he sal pay xl s. als oft tymes as he brekis it, how mekyll or 
 how lytil that euer he buyis within a sek of woll ; and gif any excedis byand mar than a sett, of 
 woll agayn this ordenance, how oftymys he dois he sail pay iiii [s.] [Ibid., p. 382.] 
 
 These regulations would seem to indicate that the supply of 
 provisions and raw material had been very limited, and that it was 
 therefore necessary to repress the temptation which might arise of 
 buying up goods and retailing them at an inordinate profit. 
 
 It was also unlawful for a burgess to procure lordship against 
 his brother burgess, that is, to procure the influence of these " ex- 
 traneans" in their quarrells and causes. Thus it was statuted, 
 
 Quod quicunque vicinus ville vel inhabitans villam qui procurat dominos contra vicinum suum, 
 vel contra aliquem in habitantem villam, soluet qualibet vice qua sic fecerit, quadraginta solidos 
 sine remissione, pro tribus vicibus Et si quarta vice fecerit, priuabitur a libertate sua penitus et 
 omnino. Et si non habeat unde soluet dictam penam incarcerabitur per tres dies et tres noctes et 
 postea abuirabit villam pro anno et die. [Ibid., p. 387.] 
 
 And again, 
 
 That nane haff lord na lordschip othir na the king, the duke [of Albany], and the erll of IVfarr. 
 bot his aldirman and his baillies, under the said payne. (P. 389.) 
 
 In these turbulent times it became usual for the lesser barons, 
 and also for the burghs, to become the adherents of some powerful 
 nobleman, who, on the other hand, undertook the defence and main-
 
 Xll THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 tenance of his allies. The burgh of Aberdeen accordingly in 1462 
 granted their band of manrent to the Earl of Huntly, which narrates 
 that the earl had become bound to maintain and keep the town in 
 their freedoms and infeftments, therefore the burgh undertook to be 
 
 Lele and trew to the forsaid lorde erle, in counsale gif he askis ws efter oure wittis and knau- 
 lage, and kepe his counsale gif he chargis ws, and atour quhen it sail pleise the forsaid lorde to 
 cum to oure saide burgh with few persons or many, and to remain or pas quhen him likis, we sal 
 at all oure gudely powere conserue and kepe him and his company within oure saide burgh, to tak 
 sic part with him in his defens as we wald do for the defens of oure awyn persons, kepand our al- 
 legeans til oure souerane lorde the king, and the fredomes of oure said burgh. Thir oure letteres 
 til enduir for al the tennes of ten yeres fra the day and date of ye making of thaim. In witnes 
 of the quhilk thing, oure secrete sele to thir oure lettes is affixt, at oure burgh of Aberdene forsaid. 
 the xx" day of Januare, the yere of God j" cccc sexte and twa. [Ibid., p. 22.] 
 
 An injury inflicted on the " man" of a nobleman was resented as 
 much as if he himself had been the injured party. Of this a 
 curious instance occurs in the case between William of Cadiou and 
 Robert of Cullace. 
 
 The quhilk Mononnday, the courte affermyt, the said Will, comperit, and ane noble and mychte 
 lord the Erie of Avandale and the Constable, on the behalf of the said Robert, comperit and askit 
 the lawcht as tha did on the day before. And than Sir Alexr. of Irwyne, knycht, forspekar to the 
 said Williame, profferit that the said Williame suld acquite him be himself and otheris diuers per- 
 sones. that he toitt nocht that the said Robert teat man to the said Erie, na to the said Constable, na 
 that he come to thi* toun in thair company. And attour for the defaute that the said Will, had 
 made to the saidis lordis Erie and Constable, he put hym in thair grace, upon the quhilks the said 
 lord Erie and Constable, sen the thing was greue, tuk to be avisit upon his profferis, and with con- 
 sent of partis it was differrit be the saidis lordis Erie and Counstable, upon four dayes warnying, 
 the said Wylliame to compeir than befor the alderman and ballzeis in like maner as he comperit 
 this Mononnday, hawand the force and effecte that day as this day but fraude or gile. And at 
 this snld be fulfillit be the said Williame and the partis skathlace in the mentyme. Sir Alexr. of 
 Irwyne is cummyn a borch to the alderman and ballzeis. And at the saidis Williame and Job. of 
 Cadiou, his cosyne, sal be skathles of the saidis lord Erie, and of the said Constable, and of the 
 said Robert, and of thar pairtie, but fraude or gile, the said Lord Erie and Constable arr becummyn 
 borowes to the saidis aldirmann and ballzeis. 
 
 JAMYS OF DOUGLAS OF AVANDALE. 
 [/</., p. 395.] 
 
 It is frequently enjoined to burgesses that they should have their 
 weapons in their booths ready 
 
 The said day, it was statut be the prouost, balzeis, and counsaile, that ale freman of this burgh 
 be weile bodyn and abilzet for weir in thair personis, ilkan efter thair degre and faculte, ilkan 
 hawand ane speir, ane bow, and ane targe, with vthir defensabile wapins, the speir contening v 
 In and d., to remain within the towne for the resisting of thar aid inemeis of Ingland : and ilkan
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. Xlll 
 
 freman that falzeis and remayn nocht personaly within this burghe, sale pay viij s. ilkan day vn. 
 fbrgevin, to furnis vther personis. [Ibid., p. 87.] 
 
 They were ordered to 
 
 Ryss to the ryngyng of the comoun bell, and to biddyng of the officeris of the tovne ; and giff 
 ony soudane affray comys, that thai be redy under the said payne ; and gif ony keip or persayvis 
 ony schath aperand to the tovne, or ony at duells in it, that thai mak warnyng vnder the said 
 payne. Als, qwatsumeuer has nocht his wapynnis redy, and beris thaim nocht, sal tyne viii s., 
 withoute remissioun, and prisone quhill that viii s. be payit. [Ibid , p. 389.] 
 
 Such regulations were frequently too closely responded to, and 
 frequent affrays and " perturbationes vilte" took place. Their war- 
 like habits appear even in the names of the time ; thus, we find a 
 tanner with the ominous name of " Johannes out with the Swerd ;" 
 and they occasionally peep out in places where they should not 
 have been looked for. Thus, in a case between William of Seton 
 and William Cadiou, which was referred to an assize, after mu- 
 tual assertions and denials in court, 
 
 Thairapon the said William avisit, come before the court and keist downe his hat, proffernnd 
 him to fecht in the said querel ; apon the quhilk the said Alexr. Menzes askit ane testimonial of 
 the court how that he manasit and prouokit him, sayand that it nedit nocht, na that he wald nocht 
 fecht in the said querel, sen that it mycht be determyt be the law and the assise ; the quhilk assise 
 riply avisit, fand, and deliuerit that the said William of Setoune had strublit William of Cadiou 
 apon forthocht felony, under law borowis ; for the quhilk strublance he was adiugit in amercia- 
 mentof the court, and the said William of Cadiou quite of all strublance of the said William of 
 Setoune. 
 
 This may have been a remnant of the right of private battle 
 formerly competent by our law for the decision of civil as well 
 as criminal cases. 1 
 
 It will be found on reference to the Extracts, that almost every 
 case, whether criminal or civil, was decided by a jury, varying 
 in numbers from five, to four times that number. Their verdict 
 decided the truth of the averments brought forward by the parties, 
 and then the judge applied the law to the fact so proved ; but the 
 
 1 [Quoniam Attachiamenta. Cap. 31, 61.]
 
 XIV THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 " adjustment of the issues" would not seem to have been so 
 tedious a matter in these times as in our own day. 
 
 The system of " striking" or finding borghs, of which frequent 
 mention occurs, is recognized in our oldest systems This had 
 several meanings, as in one view, it is " ane caution or souertie vsed 
 in bying and selling, quhilk the sellar findis to the byar to make 
 the gudis furth cumand as his awin propir gudis, and to warand 
 the samen to him," for it is statute, that " na man sal bye ony 
 gear except the seller thereof finde him ane lauchful pledge, quhilk 
 is called borgh of hamhald." 1 
 
 Again, the borgh might be that the party should be produced 
 in court, in which case the production of his man before the 
 judge was sufficient. " Sed si sit ejus plegius ad standum juri 
 adversario suo tune erit plegius suus totalita usque ad finem placiti 
 et satisfaciet pro ipso, tarn erga curiam, quam erga partim." 2 Again 
 within burgh, " Nullus emat aliquam rem nisi habeat legalem ple- 
 gium, exceptis cibo potu aut pannis scissuratis ad induendum et 
 hujusmodi minutis raercantiis." 3 
 
 Many illustrations of the working of a system of laws now al- 
 most obsolete, will be found in these extracts. 
 
 There will also be found some very early specimens of the 
 familiar language then used in letters, contracts, and judicial pro- 
 ceedings. Of these is a letter from the magistrates, in 1401, but 
 wanting the address, 
 
 Reuerence and honour likit yhu to wit, that the lord of Keth arestit yhur wyn and yhur 
 ozin, and for gud causis as he lete ws wit; and for yhur sakis we made him request that he 
 suld frely delyuer thaim, for the quilk request he has delyuerit thaim frely at this tym, for 
 we ar thai at wald at gud acord war betuex yhu and hym, and wil do our besynes to bryng 
 it thar to at our power, at the quilk accord he sayis he wald be galdly and sal nocht leve in 
 his defaute. Qwarfor, der lord, it is our consale, and we requir yhu, that for essy of the con- 
 
 l [Skene de Verb. Signific. voce, BORGH.] 
 i [Quoniam Attachiamenta. Cap. 17. { 3.] 
 ' [Leges Burgorum. Cap. 128.]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XV 
 
 trar and quiet of our place, yhe wald asich gif yhe ocht aw hym, sa that hym nedit nocht in 
 tyme to cum til mak sic pvndyng and namly in our tovn, for he says it is previt dete that 
 yhe aw hym, and of lang tyme by gane ; and gif yhe will adreis yhu to be at ony day 
 wih hym for the kuawlege of the forsaid thyngis, sends ws word, and we sal late hym wit, 
 and gif it langs ansuer we sal ger send it yhu, for we ar richt mykil haldyn to yhu, and als 
 til hym. God kepe yhur estate as we desir. 
 
 In those times, the limits of the jurisdictions conferred on indi- 
 viduals and communities were jealously watched. 
 
 In 1436, we find the Baillies of Kintore asserting their rights, 
 by repledging to their own jurisdiction a burgess on whom it was 
 attempted to fasten a claim in Aberdeen ; l and, in 1530, the Baillie 
 of the Bishop of Aberdeen had to obtain the licence of the 
 Baillies of Aberdeen before he could hang a thief convicted in the 
 Bishop's court. 2 
 
 These records present us with some curious particulars regarding 
 the hospitalities practised by the burgh in former times towards 
 the Scottish monarchs and their attendants. Beginning with the 
 propine of 100 merks to James II in 1455, we have another 
 to the welcome of the same monarch in 1448, of " tua tunnes of 
 Gascoune wyne, sax lichtis of iii stane of wax, and xii haf pundis 
 of scorchetiss, and falyheand tharof xii hale pundis." James IV. 
 received a propine in 1492, and another in 1495. Again, in 1497, 
 when this active monarch performed a pilgrimage to the shrine of 
 St. Duthac, in Ross-shire, he passed through the town on his way 
 thither, and again, on his return southwards. On these occasions 
 he received a propine of wine and spicery. At the same time the 
 Lord Huntly received a pipe of wine, and the Lord Oliphant a gal- 
 lon of claret. The following ordinance which was passed at the 
 time will show the preparations which were thought necessary on 
 the occasion of the monarch's stay in the burgh : 
 
 The said day, it was thocht expedient, statut, and ordanit, be the alderman, balzies, and con- 
 1 [ Extracts, p. 393.] 2 [Ibid. p. 446.]
 
 XVI THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 sale, for the plesour of our souerane lordis hienes, his lordis and nobles of consale, that all 
 baxteris, brousteris, flesseris, fischearis, stabillaris, candillmakaris, cordonaris, tailzeonris, and 
 ale vtheris men of craftis within this burghe, be well furnyst and bodyne in gud and sufficient 
 stuf. ilkan according to thair craftis and operacions, to the furnysing of our souerane lordis 
 hienes and his lordis, &c., for the space of xx dayis and forthir, alse lang as his hienes makis 
 residence within this burghe. In the first, all baxteris to haue bakin breid and flour reddy 
 to baik ; al broustaris to haue brovyne aile and grundin malt reddy to brew ; al stabillaris to 
 to haue sufficient stabillis, hek, manger, corn, foder, and ale vther stuf according thairto ; ale 
 nescheris to haue fresche flesche dailie and hourlie slane and to be sclane ; ale fischearis to 
 haue fische redy, salt, pouderit, herde, and fresche quhen the wedder ansueris thairto ; al candil 
 makaris to haue candile redy maide sufficient stuff; ale tailzeouris, cordonaris, and skinneris, 
 to haue werk maid, stuf reddy to mak, ilkane according to thair craft ; al merchandis to haue 
 wax, wine, spicery, and vther merchandice reddy, to the furnesing of our souerane lordis hienes ; 
 and that al elding sellaris bring thair elding dailie and hourlie to the mercat. 
 
 In 1501, occurred the marriage of the king, for attending which 
 the minstrels of the town received 10 " to furnyss thame to the 
 passage witht the alderman and utheris honorabil nychtbouris." 1 
 From another entry it would appear that they had been orna- 
 mented with a silver badge, having the town's arms engraved on it. 2 
 
 A tax was levied for the passage of "the best and wortheast of 
 the toun to the fest of oure soverane lordis marriage." 3 
 
 In 1504, the king again received " sax par torchis, ane dusane 
 of prekats, iii dusne of syis of walx, ane dusane lib. of scorcheatis, 
 and alsmeikle wine as the master of the sellar plessis to tak till his 
 hienes." He got a propine in 1507, and another in 1509. 
 
 In May, 1511, Margaret, the Queen of James, made a visit to 
 the town. On this occasion it was resolved to receive her Majesty 
 " als honorablie as ony burgh of Scotland, except Edinburgh, al- 
 lanerlie, and to mak als larg expensis thereapone as the prouest and 
 counsail diuis, for the honour of the towne and plesour of his gud 
 grace" Two hundred pounds were to be given to her Majesty ; and 
 the following ordinances were passed for the cleansing and beauti- 
 fying of the town. 
 
 Item, it was statut and ordanit, that all personis duelland uteucht the forgait in the baksteris, 
 J [P. 71.] -i [P. 73.] '! [Ibid.]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XV11 
 
 samony as salbe warnit and chargit therto and billit be the prouest and bailzies, furnys and 
 graitht the staris of the forgait with arres werk daily as efferis, under the pane of ilk persone that 
 beis requirit therto, and furnissing nocht the samyn of [ ] s. unforgevin, for the ressaving of 
 
 our souerane ladye the queyne. 
 
 Alusa it was statut and ordanit, that na swyne being within this brught, young nor auld, be 
 hauldin uteucht band of the forgait for anefiftene dais, this day being runnyne, under the pane of 
 slauchter of the said swyne, escheting of thame, and banyssing of thame that aw the samyne, and 
 als that all the tovn be devoyen of the swn croffis, under the samyn pyane, betuixt this and Thuris- 
 day nixt to cum. 
 
 Alsua it was statut and ordanit, that all maner of persone or personis that bringis ony byrkis, 
 holingis, gyrss, herbis, or ony vthir grene flouris, haf common passage, and sal haue fre mony and 
 redy siluer for the samyn. [P. 70.] 
 
 These notices of her Majesty's visit derive additional interest 
 when taken in connection with the admirable description of the 
 Queen's entry to Aberdeen on this occasion, given by our great 
 national poet Dunbar, who seems to have been a spectator of this 
 event. This was first printed in the recent edition of this 
 " makars" poems, edited by Mr. David Laing, to whom Scottish 
 literature owes so much, and as it is so intimately connected with 
 the subject of these remarks, there is little apology due for here 
 introducing it. 
 
 Cfje <tiemg deception at 
 
 BI.YTH ABERDENE, thow beriall of all tounis, 
 
 The lamp of bewtie, bountie, and blythnes ; 
 Unto the heaven [ascendit] thy renown is, 
 
 Off vertew, wisdome, and of worthines ; 
 
 He nottit is thy name of nobilnes, 
 In to the Cumming of Oure Lustie Quein, 
 
 The wall of welth, guid cheir, and mirrines : 
 Be blyth, and blisfull, burgh of Aberdein. 
 
 And first Hir mett the burgess of the toun, 
 
 Richelie arrayit as become thame to be, 
 Of quhom they chesit four men of renoun, 
 
 In gounes of velvet, young, abill, and lust ic. 
 
 To beir the paill of velvet cramase 
 Abone Hir heid, as the custome hes bein ; 
 
 Gryt was the sound of the artelerie : 
 Be blyth, and blisfull, burgh of Aberdein.
 
 XV111 THE EDITOR'S PKEFACE. 
 
 Ane fair processioun mett hir at the Port, 
 In a cap of gold and silk, full pleasantlie, 
 
 Syne at hir Entrie, with many fair disport, 
 
 . Ressavit hir on streittis lustilie ; 
 Quhair first the Salutatioun honorabilly 
 
 Of the sweitt Virgin, guidlie mycht be seine ; 
 The sound of mentrallis blawing to the sky ; 
 
 Be blyth and blisfull, burgh of Aberdein. 
 
 And syne thow gart the Orient kingis thrie 
 
 Offer to Chryst, with benyng reverence, 
 Gold, sence, and mi r. with all humilitie, 
 
 Schawand him King with most magnificence ; 
 
 Syne quhow the Angill, with sword of violence, 
 Furth of the joy of Paradice putt clein 
 
 Adame and Eve for inobedience ; 
 Be blyth and blisfull, burgh of Aberdein. 
 
 And syne the Bruce, that evir was bold in stour, 
 
 Thow gart as Roy cum rydand under croun, 
 Richt awfull, strang, and large of portratour, 
 
 As nobill, dreidfull, michtie campioun ; 
 
 The [nobill Stewarts] syne, of great renoun, 
 Thow gart upspring, with branches new and greine, 
 
 Sa gloriouslie, quhill glaided all the toun : 
 Be blyth and blisfull, burgh of Aberdein. 
 
 Syne come thair four and twentie madinis ying, 
 All claid in greine of marvelous bewtie, 
 
 With hair detressit, as threidis of gold did hing, 
 With quhyt hattis all browderit rycht bravelie, 
 Playand on timberallis, and syngand rycht sweitlie : 
 
 That seimile sort, in ordour weill besein, 
 Did meit the QTJEIN, hir saluand reverentlie : 
 
 Be blyth and blisfull, burgh of Aberdein. 
 
 The streittis war all hung with tapestrie, 
 Great was the press of peopill dwelt about, 
 
 And pleasant padyheanes playit prettelie ; 
 The legeiss all did to thair Lady loutt, 
 Quha wag convoyed with ane royall routt 
 
 Off gryt barrounes and lustie ladyis [schene] ; 
 Welcome, Our Q.UEIN ! the commons gaif ane schout : 
 
 Be blyth and blisfull, burgh of Aberdein. 
 
 At Hir cumming great was the mirth and joy. 
 
 For at thar Croce aboundantlie rane wyne ; 
 Untill hir ludgeing the toun did hir convoy ; 
 
 Hir for to treit thay sett thair haill ingyne.
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xix 
 
 Ane riche present thay did till hir propine ; 
 Ane costlie coup that large thing wald contene, 
 
 Coverit and full of cunyeitt gold rycht fyne : 
 Be blyth and blisfull, burgh of Aberdein. 
 
 O potent PRINCESS, pleasant, and preclair, 
 
 Great caus Thow hes to thank this nobill toun, 
 That for to do The honour, did nocht spair 
 
 Thair geir, riches, substance, and persoun, 
 
 Th6 to ressave on maist fair fasoun ; 
 Th<i for to pleis thay socht all way and mein ; 
 
 Thairfoir, sa lang as QPEIN thow beiris Croun. 
 Be thankfull to this burgh of Aberdein. 
 
 In 1526, James V. paid his first visit to the town when it was 
 resolved to give him an " honest propyne," which consisted of " sax 
 potionis of wyne, or the awal of the samyn, in stark mychty wynes 
 and small wynnis ; item, sax stane of wax, 34 lib. of scorcheatis, 
 tua sed mettis, foure chaldyr of collis." The Lords of Council also 
 got a propine : " Imprimis, the justice ane potioun of wyne, the 
 lord chancellor ane potioun of wyne, my lord of Angus ane potioun 
 of wyne." 1 
 
 Every craft was ordered to assist in decoring the town ; and 
 moreover, 
 
 The haill townn beand gaderit and conuenit within the tolbuith for the maist part, the prouest 
 exponit and schew to thame quhow that the kingis grace with his lordis of counsaill ar to cum in- 
 continent to this guid townn, to the haldin of ane justice ayre. Quhairfor he chargit all and 
 sundry the nychtbours of the said guid townn, that nayne of tham sett thair luggenis and husis 
 to na maner of man quhill the kingis suriouris cum, that the townn may knaw quhat lordis and 
 men of guid cumis with him, and thairefter the luggenis and innis ma be sett to tham, be the awiss 
 of the prowest and consall, to ilk man efter his awin estat. And alsuay chargit the stabillaris that 
 thai graitht thair stabillis in the honestest fasion thai can ; and that thai haue corne and fodder 
 to sell to furniss the said stabillis sa mony horss as thai will ressaue. 
 
 In 1641 the queen of James V. visited the town, when com- 
 missioners were appointed to " devyse a certain sowme of money, 
 for the decoring and preparing of this good toune again the quenis 
 
 l [P. 115.]
 
 XX THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 coming, and to propine her eftir thair power, as the aid wss hes 
 bene within the burght at the first cuming of princis." 
 
 In 1 543 the earl of Arran, governor of the realm, received a pro- 
 pine, and the town, on being asked by the comptrollar to the queen 
 if they would support the governor by whom he had been sent, and 
 "gif thai vald fortify and menteyne his authorite aganis certane 
 conspiratouris," resolved to "serf him at thair wtter power at 
 all tym." 1 
 
 In 1556, it was resolved to give a propine to the Queen at the 
 next Justice ayr, consisting of wine and spicery. To Monsieur 
 D'Oysel wine and sweetmeats, and to the Justice Clerk a pun- 
 cheon of wine. 2 
 
 In 1562, Queen Mary made her first entry to the town, when 
 Thomas Menzies explained to the inhabitants that " it is nocht on- 
 knawin to thame of her grace honorabill resauing at her first entry, 
 and prencely propynis giffin to hir grace in Edinburght and 
 Dunde, and vther townis that her grace hes vessit, quha all in ane 
 voce dewisit and ordanit the sowme of twa thousand merkis, to be 
 vpliftit for the preparatioun and decoratioun of the toun, and to 
 be propynit to her grace as vise hes beene in tymes bypast to be 
 done to kingis and princes of this realme at their first entre." 3 
 
 Another notice shows that artillery had been fired at her entry, 
 for we find the council agreeing to recompense Thomas Nicolsoune 
 " for the skayth sustenit be him in braking of certane chalmeris of 
 his arteilzerie, quhilkis the toun borrowit fra him, and wes vsit, 
 and schot with pulder in volie at the iquenis first entre to this 
 burght," 4 and the ensign, which had been prepared for the occasion, 
 was in existence in 1616, when it is said to be " all lacerat and 
 revin, and nocht seiming to be borne." 5 
 
 1 [P. 191.] 2 [P. 300.] 3 [P. 339.] 4 [P. 351.] 
 
 [Council Register, vol. 47., p. 512.]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XXI 
 
 The hospitality of the town was not confined however to such 
 exalted personages. In 1508, the Bishop of Aberdeen [William 
 Elphinstone] received the following propyne : 
 
 The saide day, the prouest, ballieis, and counsale, ordanit and diuisit ane propyn in wyne, wax, 
 and spice, to my lord of Abirdene, as eftir follouis : In the first, tua puntionis of wyne cost nyne 
 lib. and iiii s. to cary thame to my lordis place ; item, iiii pece wax, price of the stane xviii s., 
 maid in torchis and pricatis, for the makin of thame, iii s., for the treis makyn and savin, xviii d., 
 for tua reuchteris to be the treis, xx d., for wekis, xviii d. ; item, ii dusane of scorcheatis, price 
 xlviiii s., i galloune of Maluasy, price iiii s. viii d., ane galone of claret, v s. iiii d., ane galloune 
 of quhit wyne, price ii. s., to be pait of the rediast gudisof the toun. Some of the haile, xvi lib. 
 iii s. viii d. 
 
 In 1522, they ordered " xii prekatts of wax to be gevin my lord of 
 Abirden [Bishop Gavin Dunbar] now at his cuming, together with 
 xii bostis of skorcheatis, becaus there is na guyd wynnis now to 
 send to his lordschip." 
 
 In 1528, the celebrated historian, Hector Boyis was the object 
 of their hospitality, when they 
 
 Consentit to propin Maister Hector Boyis to his maister ack in theologie, with ane townn of 
 wyne, gif he will bid quhill new wynnis cum hayme, or thane with tuenty lib. Scottis, to help to 
 by him bonatis, quhilk of thame he thinkis maist expedient, at his awin plesour. And the said 
 counsail to convein this day efter nowne, in the prowest innis, to se and devise quhar this niony 
 salbe esiast gottin. 
 
 It will have been remarked that Dunbar's poem describes a 
 mystery or pageant which was performed- at the entry of the 
 queen of James IV. to the burgh. Such* performances appear 
 to have been favourite amusements in Aberdeen, and frequent en- 
 tries regarding the regulations to be observed by the performers of 
 them, occur in these extracts. 
 
 The first notice is in 1440, when the Abbot of Bon-accord, or, 
 as he is elsewhere termed, the Abbot out of Reason, known in 
 England as the Abbot of Unreason, and in France as the Abbe 
 de Liesse, received the admission dues of a burgess to defray his
 
 XX11 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 expenses in the play of the Haly blude, which was performed at 
 the Windmylhill. 1 
 
 In 1479, the council and brethren of guild agreed " to mak the 
 expensis and costis of the comon gude apon the arayment and 
 uthris necessaris of the play to be plait in the fest of Corpvs 
 Cristi nixt to cum." 2 
 
 The Abbot and Prior of Bonaccord seem to have been conjoined 
 in conducting these exhibitions, which, on some occasions, were per- 
 formed too much in their character of " Abbatis out of Resoun." 
 In 1445, it was ordained " by the council and mony othir of the 
 gilde, for letting and stanching of diuerse enormyteis done in tyme 
 bygane be the abbotis of this burght, callit of Bone accorde, that, 
 in time to cum, thai will giue na feis to na sic abbotis." 
 
 Item, it is sene speidful to thame that for the instant yher thai will have na sic abbot ; but 
 thai will that the alderman for the tyme, and a balyhe quhom that he will tak til him, sail supple 
 that faute. P. 14. 
 
 In 1496, we find the abbot and prior elected, and receiving 
 their usual fee " for the honour, consolacioun, and plesour of this 
 burghe, lik as hes bene vsit in tymes of thar worthie and honour- 
 able progenitouris," 
 
 In 1531, a citizen was elected to the office, and offered some 
 objections to his election, on which the provost produced the king's 
 letters, charging the inhabitants that none of them should refuse 
 any office of honour to which they might be elected by the com- 
 munity, 
 
 And inlikwiss how the prouest and counsall had chosen Alexr. Gray and Alexander Kuollis to 
 be lords of Bonacord for this instant year, quhilks has been an office of honor this tymes bygane. 
 and inquirit at the communite gif they thocht expedient that gin ony of the saids parteis re- 
 fusit the said office, that our soureigns lords lettres suld be execut on thame in the charpest 
 maner, quhilk the said counsall and communitie thocht expedient to be done. [P. 140.] 
 
 l [P. 395.] 2 [p. 410.]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xxill 
 
 Notwithstanding of the honour attached to the office, it did not 
 always meet with respect ; for, in 1542, we find Alexander Kayn's 
 wife accused 
 
 For the hawy strublens and vile mispersoning of Alex. Gray and Dauid Kintoir, lordis of 
 Bonacord, and thair company present with thame for the tyme, sayand common beggaris and 
 tkafferis, thair meltyd wet lot small for all thair outfit out hoyss, with mony oder inurious 
 vordis, unleful to be expremit, quhilk the sayd Alex, denyit; and thairefter it was funden be the 
 haill counsale, present for the tyme, that the said Alexrs wyff hed hevily strubled and misper- 
 sonit the saydis Alexr. and Dauid, and the remanent of thair company for the tyme, in maner 
 abown wrytin, quherfor he wes convict and put in amerciament of court, to forbeir in tyme 
 camming, and amend as law will, and that wes geivin for dome, and the amendis tharof con- 
 tinuit to be modifyit eftirwart be the counsale. [P. 180.] 
 
 From a petition presented to the council by the lordis of Bon- 
 accord in 1 539, we acquire some idea of the nature of the office at 
 that time. 
 
 Quharfor we exhort your M[ ] that we hef the auld lowable vse, lang vsit and kepit 
 
 within this guid tovne, now in our tyme, lyk as it hes hene in our predecessoris tymes : that 
 is to say, all the yong able men within this guid towne to conwey ws euery Sunday and haly- 
 day, and wther neidfull tymes, aboulzeit as your M[ ] hes deuisit, and agit men to meit 
 
 ws at the crabstane or kirkyard ; and thai that compeiris nocht, that we may poynd thame 
 conforme to the auld vse, or ellis mony of thame will nocht obey, &c. [P. 160.] 
 
 In 1508 their title was changed into Robert Huyd and Litile 
 Johne. 1 
 
 The attendants of these lords of the greenwood were to have 
 " thair arrayment made in grene and yallow, bowis, arrowis, brass, 
 and all uther convenient thingis according thairto, to pass with 
 Robyne Huyd and Litile Johne, all tymes convenent tharto, quhen 
 thai be requirit." 
 
 They seem to have outlived the taste for such exhibitions ; for, 
 in 1552, we are told that " the lordis of Bonnacord, in tymes by- 
 gane, hase maid our mony grit sumpteous and superfleous banket- 
 ing, induring the tyme of thair regnn, and speciallie in May, 
 quhilkis wes thocht nothir profitabill nor godlie, and did hurt to 
 
 i [P. 440.] 
 D
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 sundry young men that were elekit in the said office, becaus the 
 last elekit did aiye pretent to surmount thair predecessouris in 
 thair ryteous and sumpteous banketings, and the cause, principal, 
 and good institutioun thairof, quhilk wes in balding of the gud toun 
 in glaidnes and blythtnes, with dances, farsiis, playis, and gamis, 
 in tymes convenient, neglectit and abusit. It was therefore or- 
 dained that there should only be three honest and sober bankets, 
 upon the Senze day, the first Sunday of May, and on Tuesday after 
 Pashe" 1 
 
 In this year these officials got a larger allowance than usual, 
 " and that be ressoune of cummyng of the quenis grace, my lord 
 governor, and the maist of the lordis and grit men of this realme 
 presently to the toun." 2 
 
 All these games were put an end to by act of the legislature in 
 1555. 
 
 Some of the citizens seem to have been unwilling to drop their 
 amusements, for in 1562, we find John Kelo, belman, accused of 
 endeavouring to convene the community " to pass to the wood 
 to bring in symmer upoun the first Sounday of Maii, contravinand 
 the actis and statutis of the quenis grace and lordis of consell, ep- 
 peirandlie to raise tumult, and ingener discord betwix the craftis- 
 men and the fre burgessis of gild." The " auld vse" was brought 
 forward as an excuse, and one of the citizens " denyit ony wrang 
 done be him thairintill." They were, however fined, and ordained 
 to compeir " vpoun Sonday nixt cumis, within the paroche kirk, 
 and thair, immediatlie aftir the preaching, in presens of the con- 
 gregatioun, grant thair said offens as done through ignorance, and 
 vpoun thair kneis, ask God and the congregatioun forgiftiess." 3 
 
 1 [P. 280.] 2 [Ibid.] 3 [P. 343.]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XXV 
 
 Besides these games and plays, there were other pageants ex- 
 hibited, which more closely resemble that described by D unbar. 
 
 These consisted of processions of the craftsmen on certain fes- 
 tival days, with banners and pageants, and of masques supporting 
 the character of some scriptural or classical personage or event. 
 The earliest notice of a dramatical exhibition by the craftismen 
 is at Candlemas in 1442. 1 In 1532, will be found an ordinance 
 regulating the order of the craftismen in the procession. 2 On this 
 occasion 
 
 The craftis ar chargit to furneiss thair panzeanis vnder writin : 
 The flescharis, Sanct Bestian and his Tormentouris 
 The barbouris, Sanct Lowrance and his Tormentouris 
 The skynnaris, Sanct Stewin and his Tormentouris 
 The cordinaris, Sanct Martjne 
 The tailzeouris, the Coronatioun of Our Lady 
 Litstaris, Sanct Nicholes 
 
 Wobstaris, walcaris, and bonet makaris, Sanct John 
 Eaxtaris, Sanct Georg. 
 
 Wrichtis, messonis, sclateris, and cuparis, The Resurrection 
 The smithis and hemmirmen to furneiss The Bearmen of the Croce. 
 
 Of a character somewhat akin to the abbot of unreason was the 
 boy bishop, a character well known both in England and France. 
 The custom of electing a boy bishop, begun probably at monas- 
 teries for the amusement of the younger inmates, became common 
 at universities and schools. The election of the boy bishop ap- 
 pears generally to have been on St. Nicholas day, from which " till 
 Innocent's daie at night (it lasted no longer at the first) the 
 episcopus puerorum was to bear the name and hold up the estate 
 of a bishop answerably, habited with a crosier or pastoral staff 
 in his hand, and a miter upon his head ; and such an one too 
 some had, as was (saith one) verie much richer than those of 
 bishops indeed." 3 
 
 l [P. 9.] 2 [P. 451.] 
 
 3 [Oregorie's Episcopus Puerorum, or a Discoverie of an ancient custom in the Church of Sarum.
 
 XXVI THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 It appears from the Register, that, on St. Nicholas day, the 
 master of the Grammar School, attended by the bishop, received 
 certain dues from those whom they visited. 
 
 The sayd day, the haill consell, present for the tyme, all in ane voce, ordanit that the maister 
 of thair grammar scuyll sell haf iiij s. Scottis, of the sobirest persoun that resauis him and the 
 bischop at Sanct Nicholace day till his vage, at the leyst, and euere vder honest men to gif him at 
 thair plasour; and gif ony honest man of ony reputatioune, oder craftismen or vder, haldis 
 furth the bischop and giffis hym nocht entres, he sell pay iiij s. to the maister, and viij s. to 
 the bail lies onforgewin for thair wnlaw, and ordanis the omciaris to pound and distrenze for 
 the samin ; and that because it ves considerit be thaim that he hes na vder fee to leif on, lyk 
 aa his predecessouris bed afor him, and vder maisteris of vder scuiles. 
 
 And als that euery honest man, freman within the said burgh, baith merchandis and craftis- 
 men ressaue him and the bischop at Sanct Nicholace mess within thair houssis, conforme to the 
 auld lovabill vse of the said burgh, and gif him thair wagis of the auld maner, efferand to 
 thair estatis, as tha think expedient. And gif ony honest man, merchand or craftisman, that 
 ma guidly gif his wagis, ressauis him nocht and the bischop at the same tyme, that he sail com- 
 plane on the dissobeyaris to the bailzeis that hapnis to be in office for the tyme, and tha to 
 caus him to haue his duyte of thame, be the avise of the consale, conforme to the auld vse of 
 this said burgh. 
 
 Connected with these exhibitions the minstrels of the town may 
 be mentioned regarding whom frequent entries also occur. 
 In 1522 it was 
 
 Statut and ordanit be the baillies and counsell, present fcr the tyme, that quhatsomever nicht- 
 bour disobeyit the command menstrallis in the gevin of them thair meit and wagis, as thar fee 
 to thame, efter the forme of the auld lowable wss of this burch, that thai suld pay to the bailleis 
 unlaw viii sh. unforgevin, and tua shillings to the said menstrallis for thair dais cost ; and gif 
 ther be ony puyr folkis at ar not abill till gif thame meit, that thai gif them ii d. to thair fee 
 and costis. [P. 105.] 
 
 In 1542 they were hired for their good service " to be done be 
 thaim, as ws wes be the menstrailis afor thaim, thair predecessouris, 
 at ewin and morne, and vder tymes neydfull concerning the toune, 
 for all the days of thair lyf, and sell haif thair daily vaigis and 
 meyt of the nychtbouris of this gud towne circularlie, conforme to 
 the auld lovabill wse and consuetud of this nobill burght obseruyt 
 in tyramis bygane." ' 
 
 making an anniversarie bishop among the choristers. 4to, Lond., 1649. Quoted in Dr. Jamieson's 
 Scottish Diet. Supp. voce Abbot of Vnressoun.] 
 
 1 [P. 167.J
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XXVli 
 
 This mode of sustaining their officials was not confined to the 
 minstrels, for we find that Sir Alexander Gray, chaplain of St. 
 Crispin's and Crispinian's altar, had a right to receive, as part of his 
 fee, diet during the week from seven of the " best and wortheast " 
 of the Cordwainers. As might have been expected, he does not 
 appear to have been well received on all occasions ; for soon after 
 their mutual agreement had been made, he complained that his 
 employers had failed in the performance of their engagement, and 
 that he wanted his " fee and pairt of his dietis in the oulk," on 
 which the craft was ordered to fulfil their engagement, and to 
 " sustene their said cheplane honestlie." 
 
 The penance inflicted on offenders, previous to the Reformation, 
 was attended with some curious circumstances : thus, in 1 539, 
 Margaret Porter, who was convicted for the strublens and mis- 
 personyng of Jonat Chesame, in calling of hir " commond vyld 
 freris hvyr that scho wes, that hes ane pek of lyis betuix the 
 shoulderis. I sell leid the to the place for the freir swervyt 
 the, quhar you tint the pendace of thi belt in the hie publict gett." 
 For which 
 
 Thai ordanit that the said Margaret cum on Sunday nixt, within Sanct Nicolace hie kirk in 
 tyme of hiemes, cled in lynning claythis, with ane torche byrnand in hir hand, of thre pound of 
 vax, bair lyg, and thair, afor the powpytt, and the provest and gude men of this toune, reuoke 
 and agane say the forsaid vordis, and vtheris said be her of the sayd Jonat, and confess thame 
 verray false and vntrew, and sayd bot of malice and in ire; and to syt downe on hir kneyse as 
 said is, and ask the said Jonat forgyffance, and request the gud men of the towne to caus the said 
 Jonat to forgyf hir ; and gif euer scho dois the maik in tyme cumyng, and beis convickit thairfor, 
 to pay x lib., vnforgyffin, to Sanct Nicholace vark, and als to fynd cautioun for the fulfilling of 
 the said mendis or scho duparte of the tolbuith. [P. 160.] 
 
 Again, in 1544, Symsoun Terwes and Ammorouse Tailzour were 
 convicted for the " cuming to Sanderis JafFray's house on Sanct 
 Nicolace day at evin, at last was, vnder silence of nycht, at xij 
 houris of the nycht, or thairby, and seiking of the said Alex- 
 ander for his grit skaith, with ane aix and stanis, and casting of
 
 XXV111 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 stanis at the said Alexanderis house in grit nummer, and bluid 
 drawin of the said Alexanderis wif in grit quantite." The verdict 
 of the assise was 
 
 Ordanis the said Symsonis Terwes and Ammorouse Tailzours cragis to he put instantlie in the 
 gowife, and incontinent thairefter tane out agane, and thane to cum to the kirk and pass afor the 
 processioun, sark alane, afor the hie mess, with ane candill of ane pund of wax in thair handis, 
 and efter the said processioun to offer the said tua candillis to Sanct Nicholace wark, and ask the 
 said Alexander and his vif forgiffnes, and beseik the bailzies and men of guid of the tovne to solist 
 thame to forgif thame, and alse to fynd cautioun one Sonday, or thai be takin out of the tolbuith, 
 for the townis vnlawis. [P. 212.] 
 
 After the Reformation, the penance enjoined in place of the 
 above proceedings was not so rigorous ; the defaulter was generally 
 required 
 
 To cum vpoun Sonday nixt cumis to Sanct Nicolace kirk, and ther, in presens of God and his 
 holy congregatioun, ask the said Elspet forgifnes, and to revoik the injurious wordis said be him 
 as fals and vntrew, and to sett cautioun, that gif ewer he beis. fundyn in sic offens in tym cuming, 
 to be baneist furth of this guid toune. [P. 331.J 
 
 Many contributions of salmon, hides, and money, towards the 
 erection and fitting up of the Quire of St. Nicholas church will be 
 found in the Records, and many fines exacted from offenders were 
 specially appropriated to " St. Nicholace wark." 
 
 The attachment of the inhabitants to the Roman Catholic 
 system would seem to have been warm, and some entries would 
 indicate their jealousy of any slight being shown to their saint or 
 to the church dedicated to him. In 1530, " Johne Andersoun was 
 convickit in ane lacht of vi schillingis iiii d. to be doublit, becaus 
 he was found in the vedding kirk dur, with his bonat on his heid, 
 quhilk was hallowit place and kirk, efter the decernyng of the 
 bailzeis and the haile courte." l 
 
 In 1533, the tacksmen of waters are ordered to pay at the 
 " Natiuite of our Lord, callit Zowill, the lithis of wax, to the ho- 
 nour of God, our Lady, and thair patroun Sanct Nicholace, con- 
 
 i [P. 137.]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XXIX 
 
 forme to their auld vse and consuetud." l Again, in 1546, " all the 
 inhabitantis are enjoined to come at Pasche to the vicar to pay 
 their duty, conforme to the auld louabill vse of this guid toun." 2 
 
 There are large contributions made occasionally for the or- 
 naments and vestments used by their chaplains, and many circum- 
 stances indicate their attachment to the existing system. 
 
 It would appear, indeed, from the king's letters in 1525, that 
 the Reformed opinions had been insinuating themselves in some 
 parts of the diocese, as that document narrates : 
 
 Forsamekill as it is humelie meynit and schewirf to ws be ane reuerend fader in God, and our 
 traist consalour, Gawyne bischop of Aberdene, that quhare syndry strangearis and otheris within 
 his diocesy of Aberdene, has bukis of that heretik Luthyr, and favoris his arrorys and fals opinionys 
 incontar oure act of Parliament laitlie maid in our last Parliament : oure will is heirfor, and we 
 charge you straitlie, and commandis that incontinent thir our lettres seyne, ye publise the saide 
 act at all places neydfull, and tak ihquisitione gyf ony persons be fundin within the sayde diocesy 
 of Aberdene that hes sic bukys, or fauoris sic arorys of the sayd Luthyr ; and that ye confisk thair 
 gudis and imbryng the samyn to our wse and profitt, efter the forme of the said act, as ye will 
 ansuer tharapoun. [P. 110.] 
 
 In 1543, at the request of the governor Arran, who at that time 
 was inclined to the reformed opinions, and had two friars to preach 
 to his own household, the council agreed " to gif the religiouse 
 men, Frer lohnne Roger, and to Frer Waltir Thomsoun, his mar- 
 row, to their honest sustentacioun daylie, induring thair will, thre s., 
 with ane honest chalmer, and that for their leill and trew lawtaful 
 seruice, to be done in preching and teching of the trew vord of 
 God, and thair daylie prearis for the estait of the lord governouris 
 grace, the commont weill of this realme and of this guid toune." 3 
 
 In 1544 we find seven of the citizens convicted for having com- 
 mitted some injury on the black friars ; and, in the same year, the 
 lieutenant [Earl of Huntly] required that justice might be done on 
 two of the inhabitants, who were found guilty of " hinging of the 
 image of St. Francis." 
 
 I [P- 149.] a [P. 235.] 3 [P. 189.]
 
 XXX THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 These things may indicate a change of feeling on the part of 
 some of the inhabitants, but the general tenour of the entries 
 would indicate that the attachment to the old system continued 
 unabated. 
 
 The Reformation, however, notwithstanding of this apparent 
 loyalty to the Romish Church, met with but little opposition on 
 the part of the inhabitants generally. The first notice of it in 
 Aberdeen occurs on 4th January, 1559, when the baillies ex- 
 plained that certain strangers and some of the townsmen "hes 
 enterit to the blakfreris and quhyt freiris of this toun and 
 spulzeit thair placis, and takin away the gere and gudis of the 
 samen, with the tymmar wark and insicht, togidder with the leid 
 of the kirkis, and now ar enterit apoun the ruiffis of the kirkis and 
 biggingis, and takand away the sklayttis, tymmer, and stanis thair- 
 of, applyand the samen to thair awin particular uses." The baillies 
 therefore requested to know whether the town thought it expedient 
 to preserve these for " the commond weill of the toune, and spe- 
 cially for the furthsettin of Goddis glory, and .his trew word and 
 prechours tharof ; and that the toune may be the moir habill to 
 concur and assist for the defence of the libertie of the realme, ex- 
 pelling of strangeris, and suppressing of ydolatrye." The assem- 
 bled townsmen, with one exception, authorized the treasurer of the 
 burgh to intromit with the friars places and property, for the pur- 
 poses above specified. 1 
 
 In a few days, the treasurer explained, that he could not watch 
 so closely as was requisite for the preservation of the friar's pro- 
 perty, " quhairthrow thair wald inlayk mekill thairof without dili- 
 gent attendance war takin thairto," and four persons were elected 
 to " awayt on the doun taking and keping of the samen." These 
 
 l [P. 315.]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XXXI 
 
 persons were also ordered to " resayf in thair keeping the chalices, 
 silver wark, and ornaments of thair paroche kirk, quhill the tonne 
 consultit quhat were expedient to be done thairwitht." 
 
 On the 12th of January, the provost, Thomas Menzies, 1 who had 
 been absent from the previous meetings, when these proceedings 
 were sanctioned, protested against them, 
 
 First, in respect that the begynning of the said distructioune and dissipatioun of the saidis 
 places wes done be certan particular personis, sum extranears and sum dwelling within the toune, 
 quharof the haill communite wes nocht participant, bot for the maist part war innocent and fre 
 of the said cryme ; and gyff the baillies and toune wald continew and compleit the distructioune 
 begun by wthers, and employ the residew of the saidis places in the towniss usis, the haill toun 
 vald be reput art and part, and participant of the said crym, and stand wnder the accusatioune 
 of the authorite thairfor, to the gryt hurt, damnage, and detriment of this burght, and the puir 
 innocent burgessis thairof ; secundlie, the sayds prechers war tollerat be permissioune of the 
 authorite, quhar and quhow thai plesit, quhill the tent day of Januar instant, be ane contract and 
 appunctment maid betuix the quenis grace and the principalis of the congregatioun, eftir the 
 said tent day is dissoluit and expyrit, and that the toune aucht nocht to mak expenssis on the 
 sustentatioun of precheors, bot the bischop aucht to mak the same, and find us sufficient 
 precheors quha resauis his duety thairfor, and sua to employ the townis commound gude in sic 
 waiss is contrar the commound weill of the toune, and aucht nocht to be allowit to the auditors 
 of the townis compts ; thairfor the said Thomas Menzes, prowest, for himself and his adherentis, 
 dissentit to all distructioune and dissipatioun of the said kirks and places, and applying of the 
 same or ony part thairof in the uses of the toune, and siclik of employing or bestowing of the 
 townis commound gud or ony part thairof on the saids precheors ; and he, as prowest, inhibit 
 Dauid Mar, thesaurar, to deliuer ony money or mak expenssis on the said precheors of the emo- 
 luments of the toune ; and protestit solemptly that he and his adherentis be nocht reput art, part, 
 nor participant of the saidis crymes, nor incur danger, damnage, nor skayth thairfor in tym 
 cuming ; upoun the quhilks he tuk act and instrument, in presens of the haill toune. [P. 318.] 
 
 This protest was adhered to by fifteen of the inhabitants, but no- 
 thing followed on it. 
 
 On the llth March, 1559, it was resolved to support " The Con- 
 gregation," and a tax of 400 was levied to defray the expense of 
 forty men of war, who were to be sent to its assistance. 
 
 On the 16th June following, the chaplains of St. Nicholas Church 
 presented a supplication to the Council, making mention 
 
 That quhair thai ar suirly aduertist, and is notowrly knawin, that certane personis in to the 
 southt partis of Scotland hes interpryssit at thair awin hands, without ony ordor or consent of the 
 
 i [The family of Menzies of Pitfodels continued to adhere to the Roman Catholic church till 
 the family became extinct, which happened on the death of the late John Menzies of Pitfodels, 
 without issue, in 1843.] 
 
 E
 
 XXX11 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 author! te, to distroy kirks, religious places, and the ornaments and polacie of the same, thairfor 
 Jesyran J the prouest, baillies. and counsell to provyd the esiast way of remeid, as thai sell think 
 guid, for defending and mentening of thair said proche kirk, and preserving of the chalices, siluer 
 wark, kaippis, and ornaments of the same, and to put the same in suir firmance and keiping quhill 
 the said uproir and tumilt war put to tranquilite be the antient and wyse counsell of the realme. 
 Quhilk bill being red, and the contents thairof understand and considderit, the haill counsell 
 thocht expedient to transport the townis euidents furth of the kirk, and siclyk the grit occryst, 
 chalices, siluer wark, and the maist coistly ornaments of the kirk, and to put the same in suir 
 firmance and keeping, and ane invitor to be maid thairupoune, and to intromett, preserue, and 
 keip the townis euidentis, nemit and chesit Thomas Menzeis, prouest, Dauid Mar, Maister Patrick 
 Ruverfurd, and Walter Cullane, quhilkis accepit the said cuir and charge upoun thame. [P. 323.] 
 
 On the 6th January, 1561, the whole " silver wark, brasin wark, 
 kaippis, and ornaments of their paroche kirk, were roupit, and the 
 grytest sum offerit for the same wes ane hundred fortie tua pound, 
 be Patrik Menzes for the keippis, xxi s. for ilk unce of silver, xvi 
 s. for ilk stane of brass, extending in the haill to the sovme of 540 
 money of Scotland. The silver wark and ornaments consisted of 
 the following articles : 
 
 Heir followis the inuitor of the said siluer wark and ornamentis : Item, imprimis, the eucharyst 
 of four pound and two unce of siluer ; item, ane chalice of our lady of pity in the wowlt, nyn- 
 tene unce ; item, our lady chalice of the sowth yill, nyntene unce and ane quart vnce ; item, 
 Sanct Peteris chalice, fyftene vnce and ane half wnce ; item, tuo pair of censuris, of tretty aucht 
 wnce togidder witht four crowattis and ane litill schip of saxtene vnce and ane half; item, ane 
 chalice of Sanct Johnne the Ewangelist, thretty unce and ane half vnce ; item, the hospitall 
 chalice, sewintene vnce and ane half; item, our lady chalice of brig cheppell, tuenty unce ; item, 
 Sanct Duthakis chalice, twelf wnce and ane quarter wnce ; item, Sanct Nicolas chalice, thretty 
 nyne vnce and ane half vnce ; item, Sanct Clementis chalice, tene vnce and ane quart vnce ; item, 
 the Ruid chalice, saxten vnce, all of siluer ; item, ane keipe, ane chesabill, witht two tynnakillis, 
 haill fournist with reid weluet, flourit and indentit with gold ; item, ane kaip of fyne claytht of 
 gold ; item, ane kaip of claytht of gold, fresit with reid veluott ; item, ane kaip and chesabill 
 witht tynnakillis, haill furnist of gold, fresit on grene veluott ; item, two keipis of reid veluott, 
 orpheist with gold. [P. 320.] 
 
 Thus quietly did the Reformed Church take the place of its pre- 
 decessor, in a place, too, where it has generally been supposed 
 that the latter was very firmly seated. 
 
 Some interesting notices are preserved of the state of anarchy 
 into which society had sunk in the early part of the sixteenth 
 century. 
 
 From an entry on 2d October, 1525, we find that Alexander
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XXX111 
 
 Setoun of Meldrum, John Leslie of Wardes, William Leslie of 
 Balquhain, Alexander Leslie of that Ilk, and thair accomplices, 
 to the number of 80 spears or thereby, at the solicitation of John 
 Collisone elder, who was an inhabitant and burgess, attacked the 
 town under silence of night, and slew and wounded a considerable 
 number of the citizens. 
 
 Some proceedings followed on this camisado, but the dispute was 
 settled by mutual arbiters ; and in 1527, we find that Leslie of 
 Balquhain and Leslie of Wardes, in presence of the Lord Justice 
 and componitouris, became bound, for themselves and kin, that 
 the town should not be molested by them in time coming. 2 
 
 The causes of this outrage have hitherto not been well under- 
 stood. From some of the ordinances and statutes enacted by the 
 community at the time, it appears quite clear that the disputes 
 took their rise from the interference of the country barons with 
 the elections of the provost, and other municipal officers of the 
 burgh, under the pretence of their having tacks of part of the 
 town's freedom-lands, and also being honorary burgesses of the 
 town. These statutes are contained in a volume (apparently the 
 original manuscript) now in the General Register House at Edin- 
 burgh, (where it was recently discovered,) which, as appears from 
 another entry, was called the town's " Buk of Statutis." In this 
 volume alone many of the statutes passed by the community in the 
 early part of the sixteenth century are to be found, as they were 
 not engrossed in the Council Register. On 26th May, 1525, 
 
 The haill body of the guid toune, reuoluand and considerand quhow thair honorable progeni- 
 touris hes leuit as the kingis frie burgesses thir mony yeiris bygane, past memorie of man, quhen 
 thai haf bene diuers and mony tymes inuadit boytht be lordis and gentilmen in the contreth, be- 
 lewand to haf the superiorete of thame be way of electioune of thair prowest, intending thairby to 
 haif subdeuit the haill communite to thame and to thair houses, for quhair the heid is ontrune 
 the memberia may nocht guidley resist ; and quhen honourablie to thir our dait our said progeni- 
 
 l [P. 111.] J [P. 115.]
 
 XXXIV THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 touris hes defendit this guift tonne at liberalise, frie of thraldome and of all thirleth, and now it 
 is belewit and dreid that certane of the nichtbouris intendis at this tyme intysing of the provest to 
 inbring gentilmen to landwart, quhilk hes bene our guid freindis, be senister informatioune, to 
 stop the nichbouris of the toune of thair electioune, quhilk thai and thair forbiaris hes haid past 
 memorie of man, as said is, becaus now thair the assedatioune to set, thinking thairby to subdew 
 this communitie to thanie.l 
 
 Therefore it was provided that any person bringing in any " out- 
 landis" man to stop the community in the free election of their 
 provost, should lose his freedom of the burgh, and be unable to in- 
 joy any office of honour among the burgesses thereafter, " Sua that 
 we may leif all the kingis frie burgesses, ready to do him seruice at 
 his grace command, and able to him sted and pleasour, as notable is 
 knawin to every man of guid in the contretht." 
 
 And gif thair be any gentilman to landuart that ar burgesses of this guid toune, nor 
 hes menit nocht within the sam, nor yet scottis, lottis, walkis, nor wardis within this guid 
 toune, bot in tyme of cheising of thair provest thai sal haif no woit amangis thame, nor sal 
 cum nocht within the tolbuith to stop our frie electioun, and gif thay do that, thai sal haif 
 uo place, and thair wottis sail stand na sted ; and inlikwayis thai ordanit that the provest and 
 bailies of this instant yeiris keep and defend thair tolbuith to the chesing of thair new pro- 
 vest, sua that na man cum thairin except induelleris of the said burght, nor haif wot nor entres 
 amangis thame, in tyme cuming of thair said electioune. 
 
 On the last day of September, the above statute was ratified 
 and approved by the whole town, " na maner of persone, small nor 
 gryt, in na degree opponand nor sayand in the contrar, except 
 lohne Collisone elder, and certan of his complices, to the number 
 of [ ] quhilkis opponit and said that gentill men of landuart, 
 sic as the lairdis of Drum, Wardes, Balquhyne, and Meldrum, suld 
 have thair wottis." 2 
 
 John Collison, having been thus thwarted in his projects, appears 
 to have then concerted the disloyal attack on the burgh before 
 noticed, thinking that, as he could not obtain the influence of those 
 
 1 [Buk of Statutis.] 
 
 2 [The following note occurs in the Book of Statutes in a different hand : " It is to remembes 
 this John Colesoun had the lard of Drums brother to his son in law, and Balquhaine and Warder 
 to his wyffes sonnes, and Meldrum to his wyffis bruder. Ane ambesowus proud man was this 
 John Colesoun. "]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XXXV 
 
 lairds, whose votes he wished to be received in tlie election of the 
 provost, in a peaceable way, he might attain his end by rougher 
 methods. The armed attack of the barons took place immediately 
 after the day for the annual election of the provost and magistrates. 
 There had been for some time a feud between the town and 
 the gentlemen of the name of Forbes in the county ; and on 10th 
 July, 1521, we find statutes passed, in which it is said that the 
 provost " exponit the grit damnag, skayth, crwell spoulze, and 
 havy oppressioun, doune to him, to dyverse vtheris nychtbouris 
 of the said burgh, and to the lands subdewit to thair commvnity, 
 sic as destructioun of thair cornys, bayth one field, out of stakis, 
 and barnis, broking and doune casting of thair cruiflis on the water 
 of Dovne, spoulze of thair movabill guidis, and hereing of thair 
 purtenentis be Johne Lord Forbes, and his complessis, with con- 
 uocatioun of the kingis legis, command in the said burght vnder 
 trast, with ane noble and mychty lord, Alexander Erll of Huntlie, 
 regent and luftennand to our souerane lord, of the northt of Scot- 
 land, the aucht day of Julii instant" 1 It was therefore ordained 
 that every inhabitant should have ready his jak, splent, knapschaw, 
 with axe, sword, spear, halbert, and other fencible weapons ; also, 
 that no strangers should be admitted into the burgh without a rigid 
 scrutiny. On the 12th of that month, the council resolved to 
 complain to the king and ask redress of the 
 
 Gret oppressioun and cruell spoulze dovne to the said burght, fischingis and fredomis of the 
 samyn, be Johne Lord Forbes and his complices, and to impetrat our souerane lordis lettres in the 
 stratest forme, and vnder the heast and greatest paine that thar can be gottin . . . for lawbourris 
 to be had of the saids Lordis Forbis, his kin and frendis, that the said burght, induellaris of the 
 samyn, thar landis and gudis, salbe harmles and skathles of him and thame, and all that thai may 
 latt, swa that the said nychtbouris may leif vnder the kingis pace, as merchandis and craftismen, 
 to serue his grace within the realme, and to be exemptit fra ane nobill and michti lord Alexander 
 Krll of Huntlie, regent andluftenand of the north, for causes, &c., and to that effect has ordanit 
 ane mandet to be maid on the straitest forme, and has ordanit the statutis maid be thame the said 
 
 l [Buk of Statutis.]
 
 XXXVI THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 day, quhilk ar contenit in thair buk of statutis, to be ingrossit in perchment, and baith the said 
 procuratory and statutis to be sellit with thair commond suill, quhilk thai haue chargit the 
 keiparis of the samen do, as thai will answer to tham thare apone.l 
 
 For the protection of the provost, the council 
 
 Apprevit the forth taking of thar artellery and powder be Gilbert Menzes his frendis and ser- 
 uandis out of the cheppell of the hill, for the defens of his hous and gudis, and in defence of the 
 said touue and thar fredomis in all tyme to cum.2 
 
 In 1522, James Forbes of Auchintoul, one of the clan, took and 
 imprisoned a burgess of the town under silence of night, " he beand 
 in the kingis seruice," for which violence complaints were made to 
 the governor and lords of the realm. 3 
 
 Lord Forbes, the head of the house, had been in the way of 
 receiving from the town an yearly propyn of a tun of wyne, for his 
 aid in protecting the salmon fishings on the Dee and Don. This, 
 however, had been refused by the town, and, as it appears, for a 
 very sufficient reason. 
 
 The said day, the haile tovne present for the tyme, all in ane voce disassentit that thar be ony 
 pensioun in tyme cummand gevin to the Lord Forbess, or till ony vtheris for the keping of thair 
 vatteris, becauss thai ar informit that thai that suld be keparis of the saym, are principale de- 
 stroyars and feschars of thame in vndew tyme ; protestand solemptlie, that gif ony sic pensioun 
 be takin in tyme cuming, that it be haldin as reif and blak mail, and for remeide of law, quhen 
 tyme'and place may be fundin oportune. [P. 136.] 
 
 The answer of the town to a demand of his lordship's for this 
 yearly pension is exceedingly graphic. 
 
 My lord, we commend us to your lordschip with al hartlie seruice quhom pleis wit, we haue 
 seen ane writin send be your lordschip to our prouest, to be schawin to vs, with certan cred- 
 dence, be your lordschip seruand, Robert Lumisdaill, quhilk writins and credence we haue con- 
 siderit and avisit with. And to the first, quhar your lordschip desirs pamint of ane tun of 
 wyne, sua that it is we promest your lordschipe the said tovne of wyne for wyther causs than 
 your lordschipe credence baris. Pleis your lordschipe, gif ws your band, wud your seill and 
 subscriptioun, to caus the blak fische be keipit in vndew tyme, and to puneis the slaaris 
 tharof be justice, be our souerane lordis auctorite, quhilk your lordschipe hes and sal haue 
 agane, gif neid beis ; and, as was promest, yhur lordschipe sail haue our band, quhilk is liand 
 in our clerkis handis, to the tyme your lordschipis band cum to this effect, as was commond. 
 That beand done, your lordschipe sal haue our said band and thankful pament yerlie, sa lang 
 as your lordschipe keipis ws your band to that effect. My lord, quhar your lordschipe desiris 
 
 i [Buk of Statutis.] 2 [Council Register, voL x., p. 335.] 3 [ibid, p. 102.]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XXXVii 
 
 this wyne for anc tytil ye haue to ane half nettis fisching of Done ; my lord, in guid faith, 
 we kene nocht that euer your lordschipe had ony titill or rycht thairto, and as for ws we 
 ar oure small mene to hald ony thing fra your lordschipe ye haue rycht to ; and for ws we 
 will neuer gif your lordschipe ony thing for ony tytil or rycht your lordschipe hes to ony 
 watter amangis ws. And quhar your lordschipe desiris ws to he kind to your lordschipe, as ye 
 haue hene to ws in times bygane, my lord, we thank your lordschipe of kyndnesse bigane, and 
 prayis your lordschipe to perseuere in tym cuming, for we sal euer desserue the samyn at your 
 lordschipe, be Goddia grace, quhom haue your lordschipe in keiping, at your maist nobill hards 
 desire. Of Aberden, the xx day of May, [1530]. 
 
 A few months after this, viz., in July, 1530, Alexander Forbes of 
 Brux and his accomplices attacked the town. The citizens took 
 arms and repelled the invaders, driving them to the Greyfriars 
 place, where they were besieged for twenty-four hours. A servant 
 of the laird of Brux and some of the citizens were killed, and a 
 good many on both sides were wounded. The magistrates com- 
 plained to the king for this outrage, and the Forbeses prompted a 
 trial of the provost and several of the principal citizens before the 
 Justiciary Court, as the alleged transgressors. From this charge, 
 however, they were acquitted ; and letters from the king were 
 directed to the Sheriff of Aberdeen, requiring him to exact caution 
 from most of the name of Forbes, that the town should be " skaith- 
 less at their hand in time cuming." l 
 
 In consequence of these " cruell slauchters, murthers, and op- 
 pressionis done to thame and to thair nichtbours be gentlemen of 
 the cuntre" the former statutes, requiring the citizens to have their 
 armour ready, and to provide for watching the town, were re- 
 newed. The ordinance on this latter head is as follows : 
 
 And, attour, it is statut and ordanit that thair be feit four personis : that is to say, tua to the 
 stipill of the tolbuitht, and tua to Santt Nicholace stepill, and thar to remayne eurilk day, salang 
 as day licht lastis ; and thair to spy quhat maner of [persons] on fut or on hors, to quhat nomer 
 or quhat get thai cum to the toun. And the watch that beis in Santt Nicholass stepill to haue ane 
 waif or tua within the samyn ; and quhen he seis ony man cummand to the toun ridand, gif their 
 be hot ane, gif bot a knell with the bell, and gif thair beis tua, tua knellis ; and gif thair beis 
 rnair, ay as he can nomer them, sa mony men as he jugis, to gif sa mony knellis. And gif thai be 
 sa mony that he cannot guydlie tell thaim, than to knell ay continuall ; and quhowsone the watch 
 
 1 [P. 137.]
 
 XXXV111 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 in the tolbuitht heiris him knelland continuall and fast, than he sail jow the comond bell, ay and 
 quhill the toune be in thair geir and harness. And the watch that beis in Sanct Nicholace stepill, 
 to pyt on the waiffs that he hes, to the part of the toun he seis thame cumand to, sua that it may 
 be knaw quhat port and art of the toun thai cum to. 
 
 As to arms, " every craftismen was to haif his wapin ; that is 
 to say, dense aix or halbert besyd him in his wirkin house, and 
 quhan he passis to the gait, to turss the samin in his hand, or ellis 
 sum fensabill wapin on his persoun, swa that thai be abill at all 
 tymes to debate thame selff and thair nichtbouris, and this guid 
 toun." ' 
 
 A request made about this time by the king, on behalf of Patrick 
 Forbes, for a lease of the lands of Ardlair, which had been mortified 
 by Bishop Gavin Dunbar for upholding the bridge of Dee, and of 
 which the magistrates were the managers, presents a curious pic- 
 ture of the unhappy state of the country, under the system of mis- 
 government which prevailed. The answer of the town to the king's 
 request, which was refused, was undoubtedly dictated by the great 
 evils which had arisen to the burgh from granting tacks to the 
 country barons, and thus giving them a pretext for interfering with 
 the internal polity of the burgh. It bore, 
 
 That the landis of Ardler war gewin for the ouphald and mantenyng of the said brig, quhilk 
 is the commoun weill of the haill countre ; and thai landis ar circuit betuixt the landis of the 
 Forbessis and the Lesleyis, quhilkis of auld hes bene in greyt innimite,2 and thai bayth desiris 
 to hef entres of the saidis landis. And schir, gif ather of thaim gettis entes thairto, thai sell in 
 schort tyme thaireftir appropir the samyn to tham and thairis, and suld be accasioun of renewyng 
 of the auld displesur done amangis thame, and we callit the occasioneris thairof. Quharfor, 
 schir, your graces haill toune of Aberdene, beyng conuenit in the tolbuith of the samyn, and 
 circularly inquirit, all in ane voce, dissentit that thai landis suld be sett to other Forbes or 
 Lesly, or to ony vther gentillman, for the causis forsaid; but allanerlie, to husband men, 
 laboraris of the ground, that wald gif maist thairfor, to the vttermost profyt of that commoun 
 
 i [Buk of Statutis.] 
 
 ' [" And in the north partis also thair was in the shyre of Aberdene gryt and scherp weris 
 betuix the two sirnames of the Lesleis and the Forbesses and thair frindes and assistariis, and 
 sindry scharp skarmisheis with great slauchter boith of barones gentlemen and commones quhilk 
 continewit mony yeires almaist during the kingis les aige quhill at last thay wer aggreit be the 
 labouris of the principalle noble men of the realme and lordes of the counsall." The History of 
 Scotland, from the death of King James I. in the year M.CCCC.XXXVI. to the year M.D.LXI. By 
 John Lesley, Bishop of Ross. Edin. 1830.]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. XXxix 
 
 wark ; and instantly thai chesit certane commissaris to sett the saidis landis, quhilkis hes sett the 
 samyn to husband men, laboraris of the ground, for fywe yeiris ; and this wes done afor your nobill 
 graces vryting com till ws ane lang tyme. Schir, our haill beleif is, ye will hef mair respect 
 and desire to the mantenyng of the commoun weill of sic ane commoun werk, then to ony ane 
 of ws particularly. Forthir, schir, our self and all that we heff are reddy to fulfill quhat it sell 
 playse your nobill grace to charge, as knawis God, quhome be keipar of your grace, at your 
 inaist nobill hartes desir. At Abirdene, the sewint day of Februar. Sic subscribitur, ve your 
 graces puir and humill seruandis prowest, baizes, and consale of your burgh of Abirdene. [P. 152.] 
 
 Again in 1558 the Earl of Huntly made a similar request for a 
 tack of these landis in favour of William Leslie, son and apparent 
 heir of John Leslie of Balquhaine, in regard to which 
 
 The haill communite of the said brught being particularlie, euery man be himself, votit and 
 inquyrit thairupoun, be the ordour of the suit rol, all maneir of persone refusit allanerlie to gif 
 the said William Leslie ony tytill, tak, tolleranss, or intres to the saidis landis ; bot the same 
 to be sett in tak to tennents, lauborars of the ground, haldan and followand the pleucht with thair 
 awin hands, to be haldyn immediate! ie of the toune, for payment of sic mayll and dwety as the 
 toune as thai sell condiscend and appunct thairupoune ; and na lord, laird, nor burgess to haf ony 
 tak or intres thairto, bot onlie the laborars of the ground with thair awyne hands, as said is, con- 
 forme to the act and ordinance mayd be the haill toune thairupoune obefoir, quhilk thai var 
 suorn and oblist to obserff, as the said act purports, of the dayt the sevint day of October, the 
 yeirof God jn_ vc xlvij yeirs. [P. 307.] 
 
 Some statutes on the subject of swyne and middings do not im- 
 press us with an exalted idea of the cleanliness of the town in 
 former days. 
 
 That na swyne be hauldin within this burgh, vteuche band in somer seasoun for destroying of 
 the cornis, fra the tyme the cornis be sawin quhill it be schorne and led. Alse, that all swyne 
 croiffis maid apone the forgait, under stairis, and wther plaicis, be destroyit, and cassin doune ; 
 and that nane presuppene to mak ony sic croiffis in deformite of the King's gait in tyme to cum 
 under the pane of viii s unforgevin ; and that na swyn be hauldin in fyre housses on the nicht for 
 danger of fyre, under the samen pane. 
 
 Item, that all the swyne within this tovnn be removid and devidit of the tovnne, or ellis haldin 
 and kepit fast in houssis, within xlviij houris efter, vnder the pane of eschaeting of thame that 
 beis fundin gangand one the gait thairefter, to be disponit to the folkis in the Linkis, as the 
 bailzeis and counsale sail think expedient. 
 
 Klikwiss, it is deuisit and ordanit that thair be oppin proclaraatioun maid, &c., that all myd- 
 dingis now lying on the hiegait throw all the townn, that thai be removit and put away within viii 
 dayis heirefter : certefeing all and sindrie the inhabitantis and tennentis of the landis, quhom 
 befoir the said myddingis lyis, that, an thai dycht [nocht] cleng, and mak the kingis gait woyd of 
 the samyne, thai sail be cassin in at thair yettis and durris, and thai to fall in danger of ane vnlaw 
 of viii s. vnforgevin, but ony fauoris.' 
 
 It is not perhaps to be wondered at, that there should be so 
 
 1 [Buk of Statutis.] 
 F
 
 xl THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 many entries on the subject of remedies for the pest and other di- 
 seases, which must have found everything prepared for their ra- 
 vages. 
 
 Item, that diligent inquisitioun be takin of ale infect person is with this strange seiknes of 
 Nappillis, for the sawetie of the toun ; and the personis beand infectit therwith be chargit to keip 
 thame in ther howssis and vther places, fra the haill folkis. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the alderman and consale for the eschevin of the 
 infirmijey cumm out of Tranche and strang partis, that all licht weman be chargit and ordanit 
 to decist fra thar vicis and syne of venerie, and al thair buthis and houssis skalit, and thai to pas 
 and wirk for thar sustentacioun, vnder the payne of ane key of het yrne one thar chekis, and 
 banysene of the toune. 
 
 Item, that nayne infeckit folkis with the seiknes of Napillis be haldin at the common fleschouss, 
 or with the fleschouris, baxteris, brousteris, ladinaris, for sauete of the toun, and the personis 
 infectit sale keip thame quyat in thar housis, zhardis, or vther comat placis, quhill thai be haill 
 for the infectioun of the nichtbouris.1 
 
 The first notice of a doctor is in 1503, when the Town agreed to 
 give him a yearly pension of ten merkis, on his agreing to make 
 personal residence within the burgh " and cum and vesy tham that 
 beis seik, and schow tham his medicin, on thar expensis." 2 
 
 The following ordinances are illustrative of some ancient cus- 
 toms: 
 
 A statute made on the 26 May, 1525, by the command and council of ane right woirschipfull clark j 
 Mr. John Dingwall, protinnoter apostolick, arsdiacone of Cathenes, persoun of Strathbrock, 
 chancellor of Aberdene, and wiccar of the samen. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the provest, bailies, and consell of this guid tounne, 
 all in ane woce, with consent and assent of all the singers of the queir, quhilkis ar the tounis feallis, 
 that is to say, Sir Andro Cowper, SirWilliam Cowper, Sir Thomas Bevyng, Sir Johne Cuming, thar 
 organster, Sir Dauid Loremar, chaplanis ; William Strathauchin and Gilbert Robertson, clarkis, for 
 eontinuall wphalding, mentenance, and keiping of guid service within the said queir, to the laud and 
 gloir of God, the blissit evangel, and thair patroun, and all sanctis, that all the singaris forsaid 
 sail wphald and keip continuallie all dewyne seruice usit and wont, within the said kirk, and in 
 speciall, dayle mess, mating, and ewing sang, boyth feriall dayis and festiuall dayis, except that 
 the said Sir Johne Cuming, for teaching of the said scuill, and the said Gilbert Robertson for 
 bis study, ar apportionat, on feriall dayis, quhane thair is na [ ] proper scoleis, allanerlie 
 
 to depart fra mass at the laudis, and fra the chaplane at the ewing song, for the cause befoir 
 expremit, and quha that beis fund absent sal pay for ilk fait, on the feriall days ii d., on the haly 
 day four pennies, and in ilk principall fest viii d. vnforgiven, quhilkis faltis salbe present to the 
 mais ter of the kirk wark, collect it and wptakin be him euery quarter, and disponit be the saidis 
 
 1 [Buk of Statatis.] a [P. 341.]
 
 THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. xli 
 
 wicar and consellis awyse to the keperis of the said seruice or to what vther meritor wark thay 
 think speidfull, and quhe that cumis to the queir, and will nocht sing, or that beis notit haldan 
 tauk in the samen, salbe report as absent. Item, the toune consentis that Sir Johne Cuming be 
 pardonit fra matingis one feriall dayis, quhane he is teiching the sang scuil, and quhane he is 
 nocht teiching the said skuole, then his faultis be wrettin with vtheris, and that his conscience be 
 examinat ther [anent] euerilk sanct day. 
 
 Item, it is statut and ordanit, and for act perpetuall ratefeit and apprewit be the prowest, 
 baillies, and consal of this guid toune, all in ane voce, that fra thyn furth quhene thair hapins ane 
 man of guid that hes borne office within the towne to deceiss, or of the consall of the toune de- 
 ceiss, the segister that beis for the tyme sail ring all that nicht and till his dirige, and salbe mess, 
 and sail haif thairfor vi s. viii d. : and gif thair dels ony substantious freman within this burght 
 fra thyne furtht, that the said segistar sail ring his mening but thryse, and at his dirage salbe 
 mess, and sail haif thairfoir fywe s. ; and quhen thair decessis ane craftisman within this burght, 
 the segster to ring bot to his sawill mess, and to haif thairfoir iiii s. ; and that thai haif for thair 
 grawis iiii s. ; and that he haif for grawis making, boyth in kirk and kirk yaird, bot use and wont. 
 
 The saide day, the alderman, balyeis, and diuerss vtheris of the consale present for the tyme, 
 grantit to Mabuys belman xx s. to by him ane pee for to pass ilka Mononday throucht the toune, 
 in the morning, to name and pray for the saulis gevin him in bile, as vyss and wont is, and has 
 bene tymes bigen. [P. 427.] 
 
 There are many incidental notices of political personages and 
 events scattered throughout the volume. Among others are those 
 relative to the government on the minority of James II. to the 
 Earl of Mar, brother of James III. the death of James III. 
 and Perkin Warbeck. 
 
 The lists of furniture, clothing, weapons, dress, culinary instru- 
 ments, and articles of merchandise, with their value in money at 
 different periods, which are to found throughout the volume, con- 
 tain much valuable information for a comparison of the state of 
 the country at different eras. The numerous assizes of all kinds 
 of grain, ale, wine, and provisions, are valuable for a similar reason. 
 
 On the whole, it is hoped that the selections now printed will 
 be regarded as no inconsiderable addition to already existing ma- 
 terials for a history, not merely of the locality to which they more 
 immediately relate, but of the people of Scotland. 
 
 The Editor takes this opportunity of acknowledging the courtesy 
 of John Angus, Esq., the City Clerk, and a member of the Council 
 of the Club, who, on all occasions, afforded a liberal and ready
 
 xlii THE EDITOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 access to the Registers ; a favour which they only who have had 
 occasion to refer to them as frequently as the Editor had, will be 
 able duly to appreciate. 
 
 JOHN STUART. 
 
 ABERDEEN, 23d November, 1844,
 
 CONTENTS.
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 1398 Nov. 18, Office of Forester neglected 3 
 
 18, Destroyers of Wood 3 
 
 1399 Feb. 4, Charge of Rebellion against the Bailies 3 
 
 Nov. 15, Tack of the Forest granted 3 
 
 1400 Nov. 12, The Forest committed to the charge of the officers for a year 4 
 
 1410 Oct. 30, Foresters convicted of neglect of office 4 
 
 30, John Williamson convicted of destroying wood 4 
 
 1411 List of Thieves 4 
 
 1418 Oct. 10, Collation by the Chancellor of Aberdeen of a Master to the Gram- 
 mar School 4 
 
 1434 Oct. 4, Process for a ground annual due to the Trinity Friars o 
 
 1439 Oct. 5, Process for two ground annuals due to the Trinity Friars 6 
 
 1440 Oct. 3, Alexander Irvine of Drum continued captain and governor of the 
 
 burgh 6 
 
 1441 Sept. 12, Act for recovering certain ships and goods seized by the English, 6 
 
 12, Two masters of the common work of the town to be elected 7 
 
 1442 Jan. 25, Act of the council against John of Caydow 7 
 
 25, Ordinance regarding a contribution to the king's daughter 7 
 
 Feb. 18, Contribution to the king's daughter to be raised 8 
 
 Sept. 5, Ordinance for defence of the burgh 8 
 
 5, All yetts to be closed 8 
 
 5, Thirty men to watch the town 8 
 
 5, No strangers to be harboured 8 
 
 5, Back yetts to be shut 9 
 
 5, The community sworn to rise when required 9 
 
 5, Assize of bread, ale, and flesh to bo kept 9 
 
 5, The Crafts' duties in " the offerand of our Lady at Candlemas".. . 9 
 
 1443 Sept. 4, Act anent the repair of the Bridge of Balgowney 10 
 
 1444, Feb. 7, Mathew Fichet acquitted of having complained to lord Errol...... 10 
 
 7, Memorandum regarding a contribution to the king's sister 10 
 
 April 14, Copy letter sent to the Earl of Ross by the provost and council... 10 
 
 June 4, Fleshers to clean the flesh house 11 
 
 4, Assize of flesh 11 
 
 Oct. 9, Certain shipwrecked men state that they have no complaint 
 
 against any of the inhabitants 1 1
 
 xlvi 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1444 Oct. 9, Act anent the surprize by William Mathouson to John Gall 12 
 
 Dec. 13, The inhabitants to assist the alderman in maintaining law 12 
 
 13, Persons, thrice convicted for " barganyng and tulyheing," to be 
 
 sent to the king 12 
 
 16, Dispute anent freight of goods in a barge wrecked at the Scaw... 13 
 1443 Feb. 18, An Englishman and his children received into safeguard by two 
 
 of the bailies, &c 13 
 
 March 20, Letter, James II. to the burghs of Aberdeen and Inverness 13 
 
 April 19, Fleshers to kill sufficient quantities of meat, &c 14 
 
 30, Abbots of Bon-Accord not to get fees in future 14 
 
 30, No Abbot of Bon-Accord to be for the current year 14 
 
 30, The council are to endeavour to be sheriffs within the burgh 14 
 
 Oct. 4, Process for ground annuals due to the Trinity Friars 14 
 
 1447 Oct. 2, Process for ground annuals due to the Trinity Friars 15 
 
 6, The chaplains to be governed by the alderman and council 15 
 
 1448 Jan. 17, Ordinance on account of the apparent war with Englishmen 15 
 
 June 9, Ordinance anent regretars of butter, cheese, and eggs 16 
 
 15, Enquiry to be made as to a slander against the parson of Dunottir 
 
 for slaughter of a man 16 
 
 15, Sale of a house proclaimed at the cross 17 
 
 July 1, A propine to be offered to the king on his visit to the burgh 17 
 
 Oct. 4, Agreement as to certain men taken from Hartlepool 17 
 
 Dec. Keepers of the forest of Stocket fined 18 
 
 1449 Oct. 10, Every merchant, sending goods to Bruges, to give wool, &c., in 
 
 honor of St. Nicholas 18 
 
 1450 Feb. 19, John Trail ordained to bring home " the blew stane til his fadre," 18 
 
 April 15, Earl of Orkney to be paid his pension for " freying of the toune," 18 
 
 Nov. 3, A eucariste of silver presented in court 19 
 
 1451 Sept. 13, A dispute between two shipmasters remitted to the king and 
 
 council 19 
 
 1452 April 21, The town to be fortified with walls 19 
 
 1453 May 22, A keeper of the orloge appointed 20 
 
 Oct. 5, Chaplains to perform daily service in the parish church 20 
 
 1456 July 20, Traders to Fluss, in Flandria, ordanit to frequent the kospitium of 
 
 Laurence Pomstrat 20 
 
 20, Sir Henry Hervy made chaplain of St. Nicholas' altar 21 
 
 1459 Dec. 2, The vicar of Inverugy is to be master of work at building a bridge 
 
 over the Dee 22 
 
 1461 ... 22, Anent those failing to pay their rents 22 
 
 1462 Jan. 13, Letters of manrent, by the alderman, bailies, and council, to the 
 
 Earl of Huntly 22 
 
 1462 Jan. 20, A dispensation to be brought to Sir Walter Stewart 23 
 
 1463 July 12, Alexander of Culan chooses curators 23
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 xlvii 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1463 July 14, Davy Patrikson to be punished 24 
 
 18, Letter to the Earl of Huntly, excusing the town from joining him 24 
 Aug. 30, Letter to Lord Forbes as to complaints against some of the in- 
 habitants 25 
 
 Dec. 20, Decision of a dispute anent " ane ferthing of ane Inglis nobill"... 26 
 
 1466 March 20, Letter of the burgh of Perth as to a doubtful legal question 26 
 
 1467 June 30, Judgment against John Robertson, dictus Christ 27 
 
 Dec, 2, Penance imposed on Thomas Quelp 27 
 
 1468 March 20, Letter of the burgh of Edinburgh as to a doubtful legal question, 28 
 
 27, Letter of the burgh of Dundee as to a doubtful legal question 29 
 
 1470 Jan. 23, Letter of the king, in favour of James Hervy, of a tenement in the 
 
 burgh 29 
 
 Aug. 8, Letter of the king, in favour of Agnes Lilbarne and spouse, of a 
 
 tenement 30 
 
 1471 Feb. 27, Andrew Murray chosen belman 30 
 
 1472 Jan. 8, The chaplain of the Rude Altar to have ten merks yearly 31 
 
 8, The chaplain of St. Michael's Altar to have 6 13s. 4d. of the 
 
 common purse 31 
 
 1474 Jan. 30, No dean of gild chosen this year 31 
 
 Nov. 3, Contract for lead for St. Nicholas 32 
 
 1475 May 2, Offerings at the Rude Altar and Brown Cross Altar to be divided 
 
 equally 32 
 
 11, Letter of protection for a year, from the king, in favour of John 
 
 Spens 33 
 
 Sept. 17, Sir Henry Hervy's pension to be paid from the Justice Mill 34 
 
 1476 May 30, Letter from the king, ordaining the town to assist the Earl of Mar, 34 
 
 1477 April 14, Certain fees assigned to the building of the choir 35 
 
 Sept. 15, Divine service to be performed daily in the choir 35 
 
 18, The alderman to superintend the building of the choir for two 
 
 years, 35 
 
 Oct. 7, More money assigned to assist the building of the choir 36 
 
 10, Vennells to be closed 36 
 
 14.79 Jan. 10, Sir Walter Young, chaplain, to perform service in church 36 
 
 June 7, The master of the Grammar School to receive 5 yearly 36 
 
 Sept. 13, Payment for mending the pavement of the town 37 
 
 14&0 March 17, Anent the " fossis" about the town , 37 
 
 1481 April 2, Anent the " fossis" 37 
 
 May 21, The haven to be locked 38 
 
 June 27, Those removing from the defence of the town to be banished 38 
 
 14fc3 May 16, Lime from Dysart sold to the " kirk wark" of the Burgh 38 
 
 June 27, Anent masons of " the luge" 38 
 
 1484 Jan. 13, Anent disputes between Sir Andrew Gray and Sir Walter Young, 
 
 chaplains 39 
 
 G
 
 xlviii 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1484 Jan. 30, The inhabitants to have their weapons ready 40 
 
 April 15, John the Boss, baiter, to bear no weapons under night 40 
 
 May, 4, John Gray, mason, chosen " maister" of St. Nicholas "wark"... 41 
 
 July 16, Richard Ancram chosen mason for Sanct Nicholas work 41 
 
 Nov. 19, The constable of Aberdeen elects a sergeant 42 
 
 1487 May 25, No cattle to pasture on the Links 42 
 
 Nov. 13, Complaint against Sir John Rutherford as a masterful oppressor... 42 
 
 1488 May 31, Andrew Cowpar gets the haill clerkship of the Castlegate 44 
 
 31, Sandy Vocat gets a gift of the prayer-bell 45 
 
 31, Richard Boyle gets the clerkship of the Gallowgate and Gastraw. 45 
 
 1489 Sept. 12, Articles regarding the death of James III 45 
 
 1490 June 16, Penance imposed on Christian Lilbwrne 46 
 
 1492 Feb. 11, The Sunday's fish and St. Nicholas' metts are let 46 
 
 List of the Town's Charters 46 
 
 1493 Aug. 11, " The thingis grantit to the reformation of the queir" 48 
 
 27, Alexander Irvine of Drum settles his effects on his children 51 
 
 Nov. 15, Two masons engaged for the kirk work 52 
 
 22, Anent the reformation of the " knok" 52 
 
 1494 Jan. '28, The Stoket to be defended against the claim of Andrew Wod 52 
 
 May 12, The claim of Andrew Wood (admiral) to be resisted 53 
 
 21, Commissioners chosen for resisting his claim 53 
 
 June 20, Wood's claim rejected by the lords of council 53 
 
 Aug. 11, All inhabitants between 16 and 60 to be ready for war 54 
 
 Oct. 10, Acquittances for various payments, among others archdeacon Bar- 
 
 bour's obits 55 
 
 1495 March 18, Propine to the king on his visiting the burgh, and also to the 
 
 Earl of Bothwell 55 
 
 29, Composition for a tax 55 
 
 April 10, Money lent for the work of the choir 56 
 
 July 5, Eight Englishmen, of the Duke of York's, [Perkin Warbeck] di- 
 rected to the town by the king, to be sustained 57 
 
 Sept. 9, A propine to the king, for licence to remain from going into Eng- 
 land 50 
 
 Dec. 11, Letter from the king as to the exportation of wool and hides 58 
 
 1496 Feb. 3, Penance imposed on William Belty 59 
 
 May 8, Abbot and Prior of Bonaccord ehosen 59 
 
 July 11, Convention of the inhabitants at the Cunnighar Hill, well armed. 59 
 
 1497 June 7, Various inhabitants fined for failing to watch the town 60 
 
 11, The town to be guarded against " the aid inemeis of Ingland"... 60 
 
 July 4, Anent the landing of " our aid inemeis of Ingland" 61 
 
 4, Anent the safety of the men of Torry 61 
 
 4, Nonresidenters to be punished 61 
 
 4, Anent the landing of the Englishmen and safety of the Cathedral 
 
 Church, &c 6l
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 xlix 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1497 July 10, The inhabitants to assist in preparing the sand ness 62 
 
 10, Certain landmen to be brought in '.. 62 
 
 14, The watch to be warned nightly 62 
 
 14, Ordinance anent a watch for the safety of the town 63 
 
 Oct. 20, Propine to the king, Lord Huntly, and Lord Oliphant 64 
 
 Nov. 17, Ordinance anent the king's residence in the burgh 64 
 
 Dec. 25, The king's discharge of admiralty on the ship Mare Bartane 65 
 
 1498 Jan. 23, Payments to St. Clement's Chapel by the fishers of Futy 66 
 
 March 26, Money lent for defending a common action 66 
 
 May 17, Statutes anent the plague ratified 66 
 
 Aug. 22, Messengers sent to the Archduke of Austria 67 
 
 22, Statute restricting the number of sailors 67 
 
 22, None to be employed in merchandise and a trade at the same 
 
 time 67 
 
 Nov. 22, Payment to the chaplains for their service in the " queir and kirk 
 
 of Aberdeen" 68 
 
 22, Mathew "Wricht binds himself to the building of the queir 68 
 
 ... 22, Nichol Mason and David "Wricht oblige themselves to. remain at 
 
 St. Nicholas work 68 
 
 1500 March 15, Sir John Rutherford goes to Berwick to bring home St. Nicholas' 
 
 lead 68 
 
 April 8, Contributions for buying lead to the church 69 
 
 1501 April 15, Importers of salt to pay certain dues to St. Nicholas work 70 
 
 May 10, The stairs to be hung with " arras" at receiving the queen 70 
 
 10, No swyne to go at large during the queen's visit 70 
 
 10, Evergreens to be paid for 70 
 
 [The above three entries on 10th May, 1501, should be under the year 1511.] 
 
 July 24, The common minstrels to receive 10 70 
 
 Aug. 23, A tax to be levied on occasion of the king's marriage 71 
 
 23, Provision for the expenses of those who passed to the king's 
 
 marriage 71 
 
 Nov. 5, Grassums on certain tacks to be given to St. Nicholas work 72 
 
 1503 June 4, Grant of the handbell 72 
 
 Oct. 27, Statute anent the sacristan's dues 72 
 
 Dec. 23, Gift of St. Duthac's altar 72 
 
 1504 .Jan. 13, Silver put in the town's arms given to the minstrels who went to 
 
 the king's marriage , 73 
 
 13, Process for recovering of property belonging to the Carmelites 73 
 
 April 15, Process for recovering two ground annuals due to the Carmelites... 74 
 
 Oct. 11, Propine to be given to the king 74 
 
 1505 June 14, A songster feed for the Church 75 
 
 Sept. 9, Gift of St. Clement's Chapel 75 
 
 Nov. 17, Keeper of the jewels and ornaments of the kirk appointed 75
 
 I 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1505 Nov. 24, Philip Belman fined for selling an apple too dear 75 
 
 1506 Oct. 5, Grassums of fishings and lands given for buying lead for St. Ni- 
 cholas' Church 76 
 
 1507 Jan. 10, Process for recovery of an annual rent belonging to the Carmelites, 76 
 
 March 13, Propine to be given to the king 76 
 
 April 7, Statute anent cleaning the common loch 76 
 
 Oct. 8, Anent mending the steeple of the tolbooth 77 
 
 Dec. 26, Thirty -four stalls in the choir of St. Nicholas to be completed 77 
 
 1508 Dec. 30, Grant of salmon and money to buy lead for St. Nicholas' Church, 78 
 
 1509 June 28, A master of the grammar school appointed 80 
 
 Aug. 29, Propine to be made to the king 80 
 
 1510 June 7, Sir John Trourabull, songster, engaged for the Church 80 
 
 1511 April 30, Anent cleaning the town before the queen's coming to the burgh 81 
 May 4, The queen to be received as honourably as by any burgh in Scot- 
 land, except Edinburgh 81 
 
 4, All myddings to be cleaned 82 
 
 1512 Jan, 4, Walkers not to hang clothes on the kirk walls, &c 82 
 
 Feb. 26, Philip Clerk, belman, fined for a false proclamation 82 
 
 June 18, The town to be fortified against " our auld ennemeys of Ingland," 83 
 
 1513 Feb. 14, Persons who paid money to the king 83 
 
 March 1, Gift to assist in buying artillery 84 
 
 17, A tax for paying the gunner, &c 84 
 
 1513 Aug. 2, A tax of 400, to furnish men and horses for Flodden 85 
 
 Nov. 15, Salmon and money due to St. Nicholas 85 
 
 Dec. 30, Statut anent affrays through " fyr or uthir accident" 87 
 
 30, Only 9 persons allowed to sail in 3 ships 87 
 
 30, Statute for resisting of " our aid enemyis of Ingland" 87 
 
 30, All out burgesses required to make personal residence within 
 
 burgh 87 
 
 30, Every freeman to be well armed 87 
 
 1514 Jan. 12, Sir John Murray engaged as sangster in the church 88 
 
 April 24, Statutes for reformation of certain things in mother kirk, and for 
 
 keeping the town from the plague 88 
 
 24, A tax for buying books and ornaments to the church 89 
 
 24, No burgess to be admitted, without a payment to the repairing of 
 
 St. Nicoles kirk and queir 89 
 
 24, No unfreeman to be licenced to sail without a payment to St. 
 
 Nicholas work 89 
 
 24, No one to receive strangers without a licence from the provost 
 
 or bailies 90 
 
 24, Only three ports to be kept open 90 
 
 24, The bailies to procure lists of those who receive suspected persons, 90 
 
 24, Common Vennells to be shut up 91
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 li 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1514 April 24, Four persons to watch beyond the water 91 
 
 May 12, The town to be watched 91 
 
 May 12, Masters of artillery chosen 92 
 
 June 16, The tax for building the blockhouse to be paid 92 
 
 16, Sufficient trenches to be made 93 
 
 1515 Sept. 17, Nine persons chosen to pass to the duke's [of Albany] service 93 
 
 26, Penance on Cristall and Paull, Densmen, for breaking of the 
 
 town's guns, &c 93 
 
 Oct. 19, Part of the tax for the spears who passed to the borders assigned 
 
 to the building of the " peir and key" 93 
 
 1518 March 18, Tax for upholding the parish church 94 
 
 Oct. 8, Sir John Cuming, chorister and player on the organ, his fee 95 
 
 1519 Jan. 11, Gift of a piece of land for the " puir ladiis" 96 
 
 1520 Oct. 20, Statute anent tax for St. Nicholas work ratified 96 
 
 1521 Jan. 13, The master of the Grammar School "ranuersis his compulsatour 
 
 of the court of Rome" 97 
 
 March24, A gunnar hired 98 
 
 Sept. 7, No mussels beside the Cuningar hills to be gathered 98 
 
 1522 April 13, A council chosen to assist the provost for the defence of the town, 98 
 
 28, Carts furnished for the artillery 99 
 
 28, Those absent from the wappinschaw fined 99 
 
 May, 26, Arrest of a ship's cargo 100 
 
 27, Tack of half netts fisching of the fuirds on Dee, for a sum of mo- 
 
 ney to assist in building the blockhouse 100 
 
 June 20, John Tullideff fined for strubling the watch 101 
 
 July 7, A tent to be made during the war 101 
 
 10, The Forbesses take Thomas Chalmer, a burgess, captive 102 
 
 10, None of them to get meat or drink in the town 192 
 
 10, John of Rutherford loses his freedom of the burgh 103 
 
 10, All craftsmen to have their weapons ready 103 
 
 1522 Aug. 15, Tax to be raised for licence to the toun to remain from the host 
 
 at Roslin Muir 104 
 
 Sept. 15, The common minstrels to receive their usual fees 105 
 
 19, Anent the " sentrice to the brig" 105 
 
 1523 Jan. 15, A piece of artillery of brass to be bought for the town 106 
 
 April 17, The Bastale to be repaired 106 
 
 Oct. 31, " Carris" and horses to be furnished to the king 106 
 
 Nov. 27, The master of the Grammar School confesses that he held the 
 
 school of the town 107 
 
 1524 March 19, The kirk to be " reconseilit" 107 
 
 April 4, Tax to pay lord Erskine's "pentioun," &c 108 
 
 4, The provost's expenses for going to Edinburgh 108 
 
 20, Letters by the justiciar for holding a court. 6 or 4 men to be 
 
 summoned from every parish 108
 
 Hi 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGK 
 
 1524 May 13, All unlawful neighbours to be removed from the town 109 
 
 Oct. 24, Pynouris to clean the king's " get" 109 
 
 1525 June 20, The Castlehill to be levelled and dyked 110 
 
 July 21, Statute anent strangers ratified 110 
 
 Aug. 14-, Letters from the king against " that heretick, Luthyr, and his 
 
 bukis," 110 
 
 Act of Parliament against Luther Ill 
 
 Oct. 2, Leslie of Wardes and others attack the town Ill 
 
 6, Ports and vennells to be built up, &c 112 
 
 6, Account of St. Nicholas work 114 
 
 1526 March 21, The town to be watched, &c 114 
 
 April 16, Propine to be made to the king on his first visit to the town 114 
 
 1527 Jan. 13, No lodgings to be let till the king comes 115 
 
 13, The town to be decored 115 
 
 Feb. 12, Leslie of Balquhane and Wardes bind themselves and kin not to 
 
 molest the town 115 
 
 April 1, The bishop " thankit gretly" for building the bridge of Dee 116 
 
 20, The lord of Bonaccord and his fellow to get ten merks 116 
 
 May 8, Charge against Eken Jaks, "maister of the Egiptiens" 117 
 
 June 3, Answer of the town to the bishop anent the bridge of Dee 117 
 
 3, The town consents to indenture with the bishop for maintaining 
 
 the bridge of Dee 118 
 
 Oct. 11, Contribution for buying vessels and ornaments for the parish kirk, 119 
 
 13, The Grammar School decayed 120 
 
 Dec. 21, Two tuns of wine for the king 120 
 
 21, Lord Forbes to get his tun of wine 120 
 
 1528 Feb. 12, No craftsmen to go on the gait after ten hours without lawful busi- 
 ness 120 
 
 June 6, No butter, &c., to be bought in the market before 11 o'clock 120 
 
 Aug. 3, Fee to the abbots out of reason 121 
 
 Sept. 5, Propine to Maister Hector Boyis 121 
 
 9, Fee from the fishers to their chaplain 121 
 
 1529 Jan. 10, Pension to Mr. John Bisset for the " weill of the Grammar Skuill," 121 
 
 May 7, Fee to the master of the Grammar School 122 
 
 June 7, The landward men complain of the belman 122 
 
 July 20, The town to be walled 123 
 
 20, The bounds of the town examined 123 
 
 27, No stranger to be lodged 124 
 
 27, No one* to enter the town but at the Ports 124 
 
 27, Those who break the statutes to be burned on the cheek 124 
 
 27, Every person to find a man to labour at the " fowsseis" 125 
 
 Oct. 27, Bridge of Dee to be watched in time of plague 125 
 
 Dec. 10, Obligation given to the bishop for upholding the Bridge of Dee... 126
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 liii 
 
 1529 Dec. 17, Delivery of the Bridge of Dee by the parson of Kinkell to the 
 
 town 127 
 
 1530 Jan. 9, Chapel of Bridge of Dee 129 
 
 12, Agoif made on the "towne side" 129 
 
 Feb. 28, Protest on the part of the laird of Abergeldy 129 
 
 March 13, Commissioners to the parliament 129 
 
 13, Laird of Abergeldy to be pursued for hewing the bulwark of the 
 
 Bridge of Dee 129 
 
 July 27, Statutes for avoiding the pestilence now raging 1 30 
 
 29, The town's artillery to be ready 131 
 
 31, Forbes of Brux and others to be pursued for invading the town... 131 
 
 Aug. 12, Anent the invasion of the Forbesses 132 
 
 29, John Senzour put in the stocks for refusing to watch the town 133 
 
 Sept. 6, Gilbert Menzies and others acquitted of convocating the lieges 
 
 and attacking the Forbesses 135 
 
 6, The town charged to observe the statutes for watching the 
 
 town, &c 136 
 
 6, No pension to be given to Lord Forbes in time coming 136 
 
 9, Complaint by the vicar of Nig 136 
 
 Nov. 14, John Anderson fined for having his " bonat on his heid in the 
 
 wedding kirk dur" 137 
 
 28, The band devised by the king to be procured 137 
 
 Dec. 19, King's letters for exacting security from 'the Forbeses and their 
 
 " complices" 137 
 
 19, Lord Forbes gives in his band 139 
 
 1531 April 16, Anent lords of Bon accord King's letters that none should refuse 
 
 any office of honour conferred on them by the community 140 
 
 16, Anent election of lords of Bonaccord 141 
 
 May 17, Mason for the Bridge of Dee and chapel thereof. 141 
 
 Aug. 4, The frame of the bridge to be amended 142 
 
 Oct. 13, Statutes for " the reuill of the kirk ;" anent the curate 142 
 
 ... 13, Anent the sacristan 143 
 
 13, No horses, cows, sheep, swine, or other beasts to be admitted to 
 
 the churchyard 143 
 
 1532 Jan. 13, All the singers in the choir discharged for their demerits, except 
 
 one, " ane aid seruand to the tovnn" 143 
 
 13, Committee for defence of the town 143 
 
 17, The artillery to be vesit 144 
 
 21, A tax for convoying artillery against "our auld ennimies of 
 
 England" 144 
 
 Feb. 7, St. Nicholas' debts assigned for assisting to defend the town 145 
 
 20, A blockhouse to be built 145 
 
 20, Contract for building a blockhouse 146
 
 liv 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 1532 March 18, Half of the mails, except the King's mails, to be taken for building 
 
 the blockhouse, &c 146 
 
 April 7, Two barrels of powder to be bought, "quhateuer it cost" 147 
 
 Sept. 30, The king's letters for holding a wappingschaw 147 
 
 Oct. 21, No feal or divot to be taken from the Links, &c 147 
 
 1533 April 4, A keeper of the tolbooth clock 147 
 
 24, Tacks to be let for the defence of the town 148 
 
 May 3, Andro Lame to get meat for his service in the choir 148 
 
 26, Pundler of the kirkyard 149 
 
 Oct. 11, Lords of Bonaccord to get ten merks for their fee 149 
 
 Dec. 15, Payments to the church at " Yuill" 149 
 
 1535 Jan. 10, The tolbooth clock to be sent to Flanders, &c 149 
 
 April 30, All men 4o obey and decore the 1 ords of Bonaccord 1 50 
 
 1537 July 23, The town's clock to be put up on the tolbooth 150 
 
 July 23, The clock brought from Flanders to be sold 150 
 
 Oct. 12, Those who are to pass with St. Nicholas braid 151 
 
 13, Friar Alexander Lindsay to get 5 merks for completing the clock, 151 
 
 1538 Jan. 17, Mr. Hew Munro chosen master of the Grammar School 151 
 
 17, The chancellor of Aberdeen claims the right of presentation of the 
 
 master of the Grammar School 151 
 
 Feb. 7, Answer to the king's request for a tack of the lands of Ardlair to 
 
 Patrick Forbes 152 
 
 13, The provost to go to Edinburgh, and defend the Town to the king 
 
 and lords, against a slander raised against it 1 53 
 
 14, Penance on Thorn Davidson 154 
 
 25, No ashes to be laid on the streets within the ports, and " myd- 
 
 dings" on the streets to be removed 154 
 
 25, "Wapinschaw on the Links 154 
 
 25, Penance on Besse Dempster 155 
 
 May 21, Robert and John Arthur fined for strubling the lords of Bon- 
 accord, &c 156 
 
 25, Penance on Robert and John Arthur 157 
 
 Oct. 4, David Bruce to have five merks yearly for "tempering" the clock, 157 
 
 16, Certain " wyffis" fined for brewing ale, being unfreemens wives... 157 
 Nov. 8, Mr. Alexander Spital, parson of Clatt, answers the charge on 
 
 Henry Levinstoun, &c., for strubling the watch 158 
 
 Dec. 4, Alexander Moyer demands his wife's tocher 158 
 
 1539 March 9, " Schelis" allowed to be built on the bank of the cruives 159 
 
 12, Penance on Margaret Porter 159 
 
 April, 4, Petition of the lords of Bonaccord 160 
 
 18, The tacksmenof the town's mills to have the 24th peck of malt... 161 
 
 18, Complaint of John Davidson, indweller in Banff. 161 
 
 28, Gift of the altarage of St. Peter to the parson of Dunnotter 162
 
 CONTENTS. Iv 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1539 May 19, Ellen Ranaldsone banished from the toune 163 
 
 23, Complaint on the fishers at Futy by the bischop's servants 163 
 
 June 2, A causeway maker to be hired to reform the streets of the burgh, 164 
 
 13, John Collison's fee for continual service in the parish church... 164 
 
 23, The greyfriars to get Andrew Cullen's barn 164 
 
 23, Fee assigned to the lords of Bonaccord , 164 
 
 July 4, Payments for the horologe 165 
 
 Sept. 15, Statutes for avoiding the pest, "callit the boiche" 165 
 
 Oct. 10, The Earl of Both-well to get part of the town's artillery in loan... 166 
 
 13, Strangers to be expelled from the town 166 
 
 1540 Jan. 14, The common minstrels to perform in the morning and evening... 166 
 
 22, Trial of Erie George, " callit of Egipt," and his accomplices 167 
 
 28 George and John Faw convicted of the " blud drawing" of Sande 
 
 Barrowne , 168 
 
 Feb. 11, The safety of the Bridge of Dee to be provided for 168 
 
 21, George Faw, his brother, and their company, ordained to leave the 
 
 town 168 
 
 April 26. An annual rent to the chaplain of St. Katherine's altar 169 
 
 27, A ship of war to be furnished 169 
 
 May 1, Commissioners to prepare the ship to be sent to the king's grace, 169 
 
 1, None of the inhabitants to dispose of anything which might be re- 
 
 quired for the ship of war 170 
 
 8, A general tax of the burgh for the ship of war 170 
 
 14, James Gordon ordained to repay to Robert Logy certain sums of 
 
 money 171 
 
 15, Auditors of the tax for the ship of war 171 
 
 16, Persons to pass in the ship of war to the king 172 
 
 16, The persons passing in the ship to be paid according to their 
 
 quality 172 
 
 17, Bill anent the summoning of Alexander Rutherford and his bairns, 172 
 
 2, Those who have not paid the tax for the ship of war to be 
 
 poinded 173 
 
 7, As much to be given for the hire of the ship passing to the king's 
 
 service as the town of Dundee pays for their ship 173 
 
 30, King's letter in favour of the skipper of the Nicolas of Aberdeen, 173 
 Aug. 19, The provost to pass to the king for a discharge to the town for the 
 
 slaughter of Bruce , 174 
 
 1541 Feb. 3, Robert Wischert hired to mend all the holes of the kirk windows, 174 
 
 17, Complaint of Alexander Melvin, burgess, on his servant 174 
 
 List of heirship goods claimed by the heir of a burgess 175 
 
 23, Licence to build the altar of St. John, the Baptist 176 
 
 March 7, The building of the vennel that goes to St. Katherine's Hill to be 
 
 stopped 176 
 
 H
 
 Ivi 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1541 March 7, A wooden bridge to be built over the Pot-burne 177 
 
 April 17, Fee to the lords of Bonaccord 177 
 
 May 2, Certain inhabitants to be poinded for the fees of the common 
 
 minstrels 177 
 
 6, Money for clothes to two of those in " the song scuilis and queir"... 177 
 
 25, Anent the bear bought for the common weal of the town 177 
 
 June 17, Agreement between the bishop and the white fishers of Futy 178 
 
 Oct. 3, Commissioners for decoring the town before the queen's coming... 179 
 
 Nov. 21, Anent St. Ninian's Chapel 180 
 
 1542 April 17, Fee to the lords of Bonaccord 180 
 
 24, Anent upholding the windows of the parish kirk 180 
 
 24, Wife of Alexander Kain accused for the heavy strublance of the 
 
 lords of Bonaccord 180 
 
 June 5, Action at the instance of Sir John Cuming anent a vennell lead- 
 ing to St. Katherine's Chapel 181 
 
 Aug. 27, Inhabitants charged to make actual residence within the burgh... 183 
 
 Sept. 11, The king's precept for a tax for defence of the realm 183 
 
 22, Provision for defence of the burgh from the " Inglismen, our aid 
 
 innemeis" , 184 
 
 Oct. 6, A " commound hailis" to be built in the fi Rattoun Raw" 184 
 
 17, Masters of artillery chosen, &c , 185 
 
 22, Anent the hundred persons chosen by the Provost to pass to the 
 
 borders 185 
 
 Nov. 10, Payments for the artillery 185 
 
 13, All maills and profits, except the king's fees, to be uplifted for 
 
 furnishing the artillery 185 
 
 27, Payments to master of the grammar school from those who re- 
 ceived him and the bishop at St. Nicholas day 186 
 
 1543 Jan. 9, Claim for restitution of certain specified goods 186 
 
 Feb. 8, Mr. David Nicholson to restore certain articles 187 
 
 March 24, Charge against the bailies for serving Robert Nicholson, heir to 
 
 his father 188 
 
 May 13, Provision to two friars at the governor's request 189 
 
 June 11, A propine to the governor Arran on his first visit to the town 189 
 
 11, Gift of the chaplainry of the Haly Ruid 189 
 
 22, Wm. Matheson, fisher, convicted of strubling John Valcar 190 
 
 Aug. 20, Answer by the town to a letter from the earl of Huntly 190 
 
 30, The town agrees to support the authority of the governor 191 
 
 30, A nightly watch to be had " becaus of the brokining" 191 
 
 Oct. 19, Murmurs of the landmen against the victual buyers and belman... 191 
 
 19, All the ports to be built 192 
 
 Nov. 9, The pynours to clean " al the calsais" 192 
 
 1544 Jan. 19, The queen's letters for a tax 192
 
 CONTENTS. Ivii 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1544 -Jan. 19, Complaint of Catherine Melwin 193 
 
 26, The queen's letters for a tax 193 
 
 26, Two writings from the earl of Huntly, lieutenant-general of the 
 
 North, 194 
 
 Feb. 1, Artillery given in loan to the Earl of Huntly 195 
 
 1 , Securities for the freight of a ship to the north parts 1 95 
 
 5, Protest of Alexander Eattray 195 
 
 20, The queen's letters for a tax again read 196 
 
 April 1, A gunner hired for defence of the town 197 
 
 30, Ordinance for defence of the town from the Englishmen 197 
 
 May 2, Penance on Mage Durtty 198 
 
 11, The provost to ride to Dundee for consultation 199 
 
 11, The town's charter chest to be kept " in secreit maner" 199 
 
 11, Iron to be sought for 199 
 
 11, Another gunner hired 199 
 
 13, Resignation of the " Halydais Fische" 199 
 
 26, Letter from the Earl of Huntly to the town 200 
 
 Answer therto 201 
 
 July 8, All tacksmen and brethren of gild to come to the town 202 
 
 14, Ten merks yearly to the master of the grammar school 202 
 
 18, Procuratory from the abbot and convent of Deer 203 
 
 19, Letters for a tax 204 
 
 Sept. 1, Testimonial to the captain of a war ship of Dundee 205 
 
 1, Goods in a ship taken as a prize 205 
 
 5, Penance on the persons who injured the black friars 206 
 
 12, Complaint of Snawdoune herald 206 
 
 18, Sir John Fethy feed to be one of the prebendaries of the choir 207 
 
 Oct. 6, Process at the instance of the chaplains of the choir 207 
 
 10, Former statutes ratified 207 
 
 14, Discharge by two "Britoneris" to the earl of Huntly 208 
 
 14, Receipt for wool by the Britoners 209 
 
 21, Act anent " caik baxters" 209 
 
 21, Charge anent the price of ale 210 
 
 ... 31, Commissioners to be sent to Parliament 210 
 
 Dec. 1, Persons guilty of " hinging of the image of St. Francis" 211 
 
 12, Penance on Symsoun Terwes, &c 212 
 
 20, The earl of Huntly is requested to become a freeman of the burgh, 212 
 1545 Jan. 1, Complaint of Mr. Edward Menzeis' chaplain 213 
 
 14, The earl of Huntly is chosen provost, on the renunciation of 
 
 Menzeis of Pitfoddels 214 
 
 28, Tax for 50 men to pass against the Islesmen 215 
 
 28, Protest of Alexander llatray, skipper 215 
 
 Feb. 11, Letters for a tax 215
 
 Iviii 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 1540 March 19, Walter Lesly elected belman 216 
 
 19, He is ordained to clean the market and causeway about the cross, 216 
 
 Consent of the earl of Huntly to his election 217 
 
 29, Unlaw remitted at the earl of Huntly's request 217 
 
 29, John Kilstaris, singer, to pass to the college of Old Aberdeen to 
 
 study letters. 218 
 
 April 4, A chalice to be delivered to the white friars by Walter Hay 218 
 
 8, Sande Kemp, baker, convicted of breaking the statutes 219 
 
 13, Money for the tax to be raised 219 
 
 19, Alexander Ratray, gunner, to continue in the town's service 220 
 
 May 12, John Tulidef convicted for strubling his brother minstrels 220 
 
 June 15, All ships coming to the town with goods to sell, to be bought by 
 
 the provost and bailies for the time, &c 220 
 
 July 24-, Fee to the lords of Bonaccord 221 
 
 27, A nightly watch hired, &c 221 
 
 Aug. 6, Silver gudis for the queen and governor 222 
 
 Sept. 10, For evading the pest 222 
 
 11, Anent the ransom of an English prisoner 223 
 
 16, Ditto ditto 22* 
 
 Nov. 2, The bridge of Dee to be kept 224 
 
 2, All freemen to return to the town 224 
 
 154-6 Feb. 19, Anent the claim of the black friars for exemption from multures, 225 
 March 7, Attestation by the bailies of the decision of a question, regarding 
 a vessel of Dieppe, taken by the English, and retaken by a 
 
 burgess of Aberdeen 225 
 
 19, Maister Jeromo Chene and James Chene accused of strubling the 
 town and blood drawing they plead their orders as clerks 
 
 against the bailies' jurisdiction 228 
 
 Convicted of deforcement and contempt 229 
 
 21, The matter is submitted to arbitration 229 
 
 The arbiters to meet in the Greyfriars 230 
 
 21, Alexr. Scottis house to be " clengit" some women to be put to 
 
 the Links, and others shut up 231 
 
 25, Yeris pension to the master of the grammar school 231 
 
 Every freeman to receive him and the bishop at St. Nicholas 
 
 mass, &c 231 
 
 April 12, All inhabitants to return to the town 232 
 
 18, The charge of taking two English prizes discharged 232 
 
 19, Anent the price of wheat 232 
 
 May 9, Tax for furnishing of the ambassador that passes to the Emperor 
 
 in Flanders 233 
 
 9, List of goods claimed by Gilbert Mar 234 
 
 18, The beggars to be " visied," and get the town's token those who 
 
 are not native, to leave the town 234
 
 CONTENTS. lix 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1516 May 24, All to come to the vicar at Pasche and pay their dues 235 
 
 June 1, List of goods and their prices claimed by Thomas Philipson 235 
 
 7, Ane budget of black leather and its contents 238 
 
 25, Earl of Huntly's commission to David Anderson 239 
 
 July 13, Disputes as to the management of the song school 239 
 
 19, Debtors to the bridge of Dee to make payment, &c 240 
 
 Aug. 6, Statutes for evading the pest 240 
 
 27, A plumber to be got from St. Andrews 241 
 
 Sept. 13, Statute against attacking any ships without license of the bailies, 241 
 
 13, Statutes anent watching the town 242 
 
 Oct. 2, Tax for licence to the town to remain from the siege of St. 
 
 Andrews 243 
 
 8, No boats from the south to be admitted 244 
 
 11, St. Nicholas braid silver given to those infected with the pest 244 
 
 25 : Payment of the last tax to be made, &c 245 
 
 25, The queen's discharge of the tax 245 
 
 Dec. 17, A person who broke the statutes anent the pest to be burned on 
 
 the left hand, &c 246 
 
 1547 Feb. 3, Lord Forbes to get a tun of wine yearly 246 
 
 April 13, License to remain from the host at Peebles 247 
 
 18, The vestments and ornaments of St. Michael's altar to be inspected, 248 
 18, Ordinance against breaking the windows of the kirk 249 
 
 30, The blackfriars' claim of exemption from payment of multures tried 249 
 
 July 1, Tax for license for remaining from the raid at Langhope 251 
 
 Aug. 22, Powder and bullets in the French ship to be used in defence of the 
 
 town 252 
 
 29, Two of the bailies allowed to remain from the host of Falamuir. .. 252 
 
 31, Certain citizens allowed to remain at home from Falamuir 253 
 
 Sept. 9, The Laird of Drum's Falcon, &c 253 
 
 Oct. 7, Two barrels of powder to be bought for defence of the town, &c... 254 
 
 8, The feallis in the choir discharged 254 
 
 Dec. 20, Letters to be sent to the queen and governor. Powder to be bor- 
 rowed from the governor. The inhabitants of the shire to be 
 charged to come to the town for its defence. The town's tacks 
 to be prolonged. All freemen to make residence in the town.. 254 
 
 1548 April 9, Gilbert Menzies to be keeper of the blockhouse 256 
 
 13, No freeman to sail out of the town to other parts. No one to give 
 
 licence of absence except the provost, &c 256 
 
 16, Two gunners hired 257 
 
 16, The Dutchman to get 40s. to buy a garment to him 257 
 
 20, Fee to the lords of Bonaccord 258 
 
 May 18, The men of war to be paid 258 
 
 22, A person convicted of spoiling the clock and raising an insurrec- 
 tion, &c ,. 258
 
 Ix 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1546 May 28, List of goods, with their prices 258 
 
 June 15, Vageouris engagement renewed 260 
 
 17, Tax laid on the town for defence of the same from " our auld ene- 
 mies" 261 
 
 23, Certain persons permitted to sail in the Danskein 261 
 
 Aug. 13, Licence to remain from the host at Gladsmuir, 262 
 
 ... 22, Tax for said licence 262 
 
 Oct. 15, Propine to Robert Carnegy, &c 263 
 
 1549 Jan. 2, The Queen's letters for 100 pioneers 263 
 
 17, The office of the handbell let 263 
 
 17, Anent landward people selling goods in the town 264 
 
 17, Anent the Fleming ship 264 
 
 17, Claim of the Black Friars for an annual rent 265 
 
 20, The gunners to be paid... 265 
 
 24, A person convicted for attacking the doctor of the grammar 
 
 school in St. Nicholas Kirk 265 
 
 27. Tax for 80 pioneers to pass to Brughty Craig Propine to the 
 
 Governor at his first coming to the town 266 
 
 April 5, Anent the prices of wheat 266 
 
 5, Anent curing of salmon 267 
 
 30, Inhabitants to have their weapons ready 267 
 
 30, All freemen to return to the town, &c 268 
 
 30, A watch ordered 268 
 
 June, 17, Master of the town's artillery chosen 269 
 
 21, A hundred men of war to be hired by the provost 260 
 
 Aug. 9, Anent the price of bread, &c 269 
 
 Oct. 4, Anent measuring of goods with the town's measure 270 
 
 4, The gunner's wages to be paid 273 
 
 7, Some Hamburgh men convicted of assault 270 
 
 8, Penance on Thomas White 271 
 
 14, Dispensation in favour of Thomas Nicholson of his minority 272 
 
 17, Statutes an ent the pest All swine to be removed The poor to 
 
 remain at the kirk door 273 
 
 17, Anent the fredome lands 274 
 
 Nov. 4, License to Hew Monro to pass to his lodging, &c 275 
 
 15, Complaint of David Low 275 
 
 Dec. 16, Baxters convicted for selling bread below the statute price 276 
 
 1550 April 14, Resignation of the master of the grammar school 276 
 
 18, Mr. James Chalmers elected master of the grammar school 277 
 
 18, All the town's chaplains to produce their vestments, &c 277 
 
 Aug. 8, Commissioners to attend a meeting of the burghs 277 
 
 8, Resignation by the bellman, he getting the altar of St. John the 
 
 Evangelist, &c 277
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Ixi 
 
 1550 Sept. 5, Tax for the ambassadors to the emperor, for treating of peace with 
 
 him 278 
 
 Oct. 10, Ten merks yearly to the master of the grammar school 278 
 
 10, Every person to pass with St. Nicholas braid 279 
 
 10, Anent the price of ale 279 
 
 Nov. 24, The governor to receive a propine at his first visit to the town 279 
 
 1552 April 14, Restrictions as to the banquetings of the lords of Bonaccord 279 
 
 May 27, Grant to the lords of Bonaccord 280 
 
 1554 March24, Charge to apprehend John Chalmer 280 
 
 24, Protest against his being taken 281 
 
 June 18, Anent the repairing of the tolbooth 281 
 
 1555 Feb. 24, Penance on John Sanders and his wife to pay the " barbour" for 
 
 mending wounds 282 
 
 March 23, Security demanded from seller of a horse 282 
 
 April 10, Anent the ransome of Andrew Buk 283 
 
 May 10, Process at the instance of the Carmelites 284 
 
 20, Commissioners elected to the parliament. Ratification of the old 
 infeftments to be procured. If necessary, a decent propine to 
 
 be given to the queen 284 
 
 20, Payment of the commissioners expenses 285 
 
 June 14, Penance on Janet Portar 285 
 
 30, The commissioners to parliament remit farther payment of their 
 
 expenses 4br forty pounds 286 
 
 July 8, Anent the fishing of the cruives 286 
 
 Aug. 12, Bakers convicted of breach of statutes 287 
 
 12, Ordinance anent the bakers 287 
 
 26, Penance on Alexander Reid younger 288 
 
 Sept. 3, Anent a silver chalice belonging to the Trinity friars 288 
 
 3, Procurator for the Trinity friars 289 
 
 Oct. 4, Sir Robert Bynne, chaplain and singer, to have his old fee, altho' 
 
 now blind 289 
 
 4, Statute anent the price of shoes 290 
 
 4, No cairns of stones to be on the streets 290 
 
 4, Every craft to have a visitor 290 
 
 4, No baker to buy wheat " attour his nychtbouris heyd" 290 
 
 4, No tailor to sell cloth except " maid breikis and boxis of tar- 
 
 tane," &c 290 
 
 4, Certain burgesses lose their freedom for dwelling out of burgh... 290 
 
 4, Fee to a singer in the choir 291 
 
 4, Alexander Rattray discharges his claim for going with the king 
 
 to the Isles.... 291 
 
 14, Anent the great iron kirk style 292 
 
 25, Anent the process for reduction of the town's feus 292
 
 Ixii 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 PANE 
 
 1555 Nov. 6, John Chalmers convicted of defaming one of the bailies 292 
 
 Dec. 13, The chaplain of St. John's altar to exhibit his chalices 293 
 
 16, Commissioners to a convention of burghs 293 
 
 1556 Jan. 2, A bridge to be built on the Denburn 294 
 
 27, Anent the fishings on Dee and Don 294 
 
 27, Complaint of the poor inhabitants against the feuars 295 
 
 March 27, A horse's back broken at Tullydrone Hill 296 
 
 April 26, Annual rent to the chaplain of the Rude altar 296 
 
 May 5, Tax paid 296 
 
 5, Commission to Admiral Depute 297 
 
 9, Discharges of tax paid by the town 297 
 
 29, Propine of wine, &c., to the queen regent 298 
 
 30, A taxation to be made for the propine 298 
 
 July 17, Anent St. Nicholas mett 299 
 
 18, A ship called " Ly by the Fyir" 299 
 
 Aug. 7, Propine to the queen, Monsieur D'Oysel, and the justice clerk, &c. 300 
 Sept. 20, Traders from France and Flanders not to retail their goods, but 
 
 sell them in bulk, &c 300 
 
 Oct. 19, A composition paid by the town for " small oppressions and licht 
 
 offences" 300 
 
 Nov. 16, A vacancy in the choir filled up 301 
 
 23, Anent mode of proof. 301 
 
 1557 Jan. 2, A process an ent the fishings 302 
 
 Feb. 14, The town is infeft in a free market to endure for 15 days 303 
 
 May 21, The queen to be apprised of the town's poverty, and a remission of 
 
 part of the last tax to be procured if possible 303 
 
 July 16, Question anent the retaining of two ships of Whitby 304 
 
 Nov. 5, Mr. James Chalmers discharged of his place in the choir, he being 
 
 made a regent in the New College of Old Aberdeen 306 
 
 5, Four hundred merks to be applied in purchasing powder, &c., for 
 defence of the town. The council swear not to use the money 
 
 for any other purpose 306 
 
 23, Commissioners to parliament chosen.. 306 
 
 28, The town of Dundee not to bring merchandise here on St. Ni- 
 
 cholas' day 307 
 
 1558 Jan. 9, The Earl of Huntly requests the lands of Ardlair for "William 
 
 Lesly, son to the laird of Balquhaine. The community refuse, 307 
 
 26, Anent the tax imposed by the queen 308 
 
 May 13, " Strublens" of an indweller of Monymusk 309 
 
 July 1, Anent a passage to St. Katherine's chapel 309 
 
 Sept. 6, Obligation by certain inhabitants of Flushing... 310 
 
 Oct. 1, Ten pounds to one of the bailies for riding to Edinburgh 311 
 
 3, Inhibition against choosing Mr. George Middelton as a bailie 311
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Ixiii 
 
 1558 Oct. 7, Grant of twenty-two merks yearly to the master of the song school, 313 
 
 8, Richard Reid elected to a stall in the choir, &c. 314 
 
 1559 Jan. 4, Spulzeing of the places of the black and white friars 315 
 
 The treasurer to intromit with the friars crofts and houses 316 
 
 8, Protest by the provost and others against the destruction of the 
 
 friars' houses 316 
 
 8, Counter protest by the bailies 316 
 
 8, The silver work of the parish kirk to be exhibited 317 
 
 12, The silver work to be delivered to the town 317 
 
 12, Protestation by the provost against the destruction of the religious 
 
 houses and the employment of preachers 318 
 
 12, Adherents to the provost's protest, &c. 319 
 
 13, Keepers of the silver work and ornaments of the kirk 319 
 
 13, List of the chalices, vestments, and ornaments of St. Nicholas 
 
 church 320 
 
 19, Annual rents due to our lady altar to be poinded for 321 
 
 23, The blockhouse to be made patent 321 
 
 23, The Greyfriars place to be upheld and maintained 321 
 
 March 8, St. Clement's chapel granted to Patrick Menzes 322 
 
 11, The town agrees to support the congregation 322 
 
 11, Protest of Gilbert Collison against said support 322 
 
 11, Approval of the former acts about the friars' houses and crofts, &c. 322 
 
 *June 16, Supplication by the chaplains of St. Nicholas church, &c 323 
 
 July 3, Master of the grammar school admitted to St. Michael's altar 324 
 
 Aug. 18, Decree for payment to the chaplains of St. Nicholas 325 
 
 Oct. 30, The chaplains' supplication for entry to the kirk and choir, that 
 
 they may perform divine service 325 
 
 Nov. 22, The Kirk windows and lead thatch to be repaired, &c 325 
 
 Dec. 29, Protestation of the Provost against throwing down Religious 
 houses and kirks under pretence of reformation. Adherents to 
 
 his protestation 325 
 
 1560 March 21, Augmentation of the pension of the master of the Grammar 
 
 School 326 
 
 April 3, No shops to be built on the " forgetts" 327 
 
 7, Anent keeping the " knok" 327 
 
 June 21, Complaint against John Forbes of Barns 327 
 
 Sept. 30, Oath to betaken by the Provost 328 
 
 Dec. 6, No Market to be held on St. Nicholas day, &c 328 
 
 7, The chandleris which were on the " lang herse," in the choir of 
 
 St. Nicholas, and other ornaments 328 
 
 1561 Jan. 6, Sale of silver work and ornaments of the kirk 329 
 
 6, Dissent against the said sale 329 
 
 I
 
 Ixiv 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 1561 Jan. 13, Anent ships bought by the provost and bailies on behalf of the 
 
 town 329 
 
 March 16, Silver work and ornaments to be delivered by Sir Wm. Walcar, 330 
 
 16, Penance on Hector Dolloquhy 330 
 
 18, The silver work and ornaments delivered to the treasurer of the 
 
 town 331 
 
 April 18, The treasurer to uplift the rents of the friars crofts 331 
 
 18, Complaint of the skipper of the ship called " the John" against 
 
 the owners 331 
 
 May 3, Case between Thomas Christal and Joachin Racho, 333 
 
 Oct. 10, Erection for the sale of fish at the fish cross 334 
 
 10, Anent the complaints of the neighbours for buying ships, and 
 
 distributing the merchandise therein 334 
 
 11, Malt and meal coming to be sold in the town to be measured in 
 
 the greyfriars place, &c 335 
 
 13, List of heirship goods 336 
 
 22, John Myln, an unlawful neighbour and common resetter 337 
 
 27, Alexr. Cullan to keep half of the common seal 337 
 
 Nor. 10, Middings not allowed on the streets 337 
 
 14, Robert Jak banished from the burgh as " ane briggan" 338 
 
 18, George Garden of Banchorie, cautioner for Peter Howatt, a sailor 
 
 in Brigade 338 
 
 Dec. 8, Marjory Rattrey acquitts George Scott in Auchery of promise of 
 
 marriage 339 
 
 1562 Jan. 12, The queen expected between this and Pasche. Two thousand 
 
 raerks to be given her in propine 339 
 
 20, Anent the Friars' crofts 340 
 
 April 6, Obligation in favour of Thomas Nicolsoun ratified 342 
 
 May 4, The belman accused for convening the community to pass to the 
 woods to bring in summer, upon the first Sunday of May. 
 
 Penance therefor 343 
 
 8, The price of the silver work of the kirk to be applied to the build- 
 ing of the pier and keyhead 344 
 
 June 16, George Burnett agrees not to pursue a divorce against his wife... 345 
 
 July 24, John Chalmers accused of being an unlauchtful neighbour 346 
 
 Aug. 17, Letters sent to the Earl of Mar, at Stirling 346 
 
 26, A deficiency of the sum required for decoration of town, and pro- 
 pine to the queen. The money furnished by the provost 346 
 
 Sept. 2, Visitor of salmond barrels appointed , 348 
 
 18, Certain burgesses declared to have lost their freedom 349 
 
 18, List of goods and their prices 34,9 
 
 Oct. 17, Bomis at the west end of the Castlegate and ports 351 
 
 19, The minister's pension withdrawn 351
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Ixv 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1562 Oct. 19, Watchman to have 5s. per night 351 
 
 19, Artillery broken in firing at the queen's entry to the burgh 351 
 
 19, Petition of William Crafurd for a " craym" 352 
 
 25, Remission to Loke Traill for slaughter, &c 352 
 
 Nov. 25, Penance on Margaret Forbes 352 
 
 Dec. 4, Commissioners to carry the town's charters to Edinburgh to be 
 
 confirmed 353 
 
 1563 Feb. 23, Anent the guns broken at the queen's entry 353 
 
 March, 12, The chaplains' rents to be paid , 354 
 
 15, Elizabeth Annand to pay the barber for healing her daughter's 
 
 eyes 354 
 
 22, No coals or lime to be brought for retailing at a profit 355 
 
 22, Certificate to a servant of Mr. Duncan Forbes of Monymusk 
 
 26, William Kennedy, son of the constable of Aberdeen, chooses cura- 
 
 tors 355 
 
 April 15, The inhabitants to buy meal and malt for their own use only, &c., 355 
 
 July 2, The reader of the common prayers to be paid 356 
 
 5, The sacristan to have 40s. for burying of poor folks 356 
 
 1564 Jan. 18, Action against Sir Alexander Fraser of Philorth, anent the privi- 
 lege of a free burgh usurped by him in the town of Faithlie 
 action for abrogating a weekly Sunday market at the kirk of 
 
 Inch 356 
 
 May 5, Sacristan's dues 357 
 
 15, The keeper of the kirk's fee augmented 357 
 
 1565 Jan. 23, William Blak in Newburgh accused of being a forestaller 357 
 
 23, Anent provision to be made for the poor 358 
 
 March 2, Captain Hew Lauder's gift of the friars' crofts 358 
 
 June 15, Powder to be brought from Flanders, &c 360 
 
 Aug. 11, Slates for repairing the chapel on the Castlehill 360 
 
 11, Powder to be got to mix with the town's powder 360 
 
 Oct. 5, The ringer of the bells found an insufficient servant for certain 
 
 " enormities" done by him 360 
 
 1566 Feb. 12, All swine on the streets to be expelled or slain 361 
 
 April 16, A great " bowat" or lamp to be upheld on the Castlehill 361 
 
 26, Supplication of John Lesley, reader in the parish kirk 362 
 
 Nov. 19, Patrick Rutherford resigns his right to the holy day's fish of St. 
 
 Nicholas mett 363 
 
 1567 June 3, Anent the repairs of the parish kirk, which was partly ruinous.,.. 363 
 
 4, Taxation for repairing the kirk 364 
 
 1568 Jan. 10, Roup of the halydais fish 365 
 
 24, The tacksman to have the best fish next the teind fish, &c 365 
 
 Feb. 10, Tax for repairing the church 365 
 
 1569 Jan. 9, The great bell Nicholas to be rung at four morning, and the ISkel- 
 
 lat at eight evening 366
 
 Ixvi 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 1569 Jan. 9, Petition of the scholars of the Grammar School as to their auld 
 
 privileges 366 
 
 June 9, The king's arms to be put on the tolbooth, and the arms on the 
 
 Gallowgate port to be renewed 366 
 
 1570 Jan. 22, Persons banished from the town 367 
 
 22, Persons who found surety 368 
 
 Oct. 6, Teacher of the song school admitted 370 
 
 ADDITIONAL EXTRACTS. 
 
 1398 Feb. 7, Process anent a doublet and gown 371 
 
 7, Question as to the destruction of a piece of ground, & c 37 1 
 
 7, Question as to the falsifying of a verdict taken to the chamber- 
 lain ayre 372 
 
 7, Question as to the sasine on a ground annual carried to the cham- 
 berlain ayre 372 
 
 May 9, Three persons fined for buying fish in prejudice of the burgh, &c. 373 
 
 July 14, Question as to the occupation of a house 373 
 
 17, John Crab acknowledges his striking and cur&ing of Janet Nory, & c. 373 
 Aug. 4, John Ayncroft admits his beating of the wife of Robert Colinson... 373 
 26, Question as to a horse bought by Henry of Lothian, and seized in 
 
 Kincardineshire 374 
 
 Sept. 15, Rebellion against the Serjeants of the burgh 374 
 
 Oct. 3, Election of alderman and bailies 374 
 
 3, Election of councillors and other officials of the burgh 374 
 
 29, Question as to a ground annual between John Crab and Simon 
 
 Lamb 375 
 
 29, The bailies secured against any question by the king regarding 
 
 salmon carried away by an English merchant 376 
 
 29, Question delayed from the weakness of the court 377 
 
 1399 Agreement as to 12 doors and 12 windows for the town 377 
 
 Oct. 22, Question as to breaking the peace of the burgh 377 
 
 Nov. 3, Judgment against William Blyndcele for not compearing 377 
 
 14, Walter Rede to show that he had not injured the market by buying 
 
 bread, flour, or oats, higher than the neighbours offer, &c 378 
 
 Dec. 1, Charge against Robert Gal dismissed 373 
 
 1, Question anent 4s. 6d. due to the prior of the Carmelites 378 
 
 1400 Feb. 9, Question as to breaking the peace of the burgh 379 
 
 May 31, Elena Scotock banished by the verdict of an assise 379 
 
 Oct. 1, William Walker of Hole to show that he had not procured lord- 
 ship against his neighbours 379 
 
 1401 June 20, Question referred to an assise by the chamberlain depute 379 
 
 Ordinance as to price of iron, salt, &c 380
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Ixvii 
 
 1401 June 20, Letter from the council anent the arrestraent of certain wine and 
 
 oxen arrested by Lord Keith 380 
 
 Statutes regulating the fines of court for swearing or speaking 
 
 aloud in court without license for forestalling, &c 380 
 
 20, Liberty to buy in Marr at any price 382 
 
 1402 Head court postponed by reason of a general council at Perth 
 
 court fenced in name of the Duke of Albany 382 
 
 List of forestallers in the county of Aberdeen 382 
 
 1405 Question as to the validity of a deed alleged to have been granted 
 
 through force and fear 385 
 
 1407 April 16, Disputes between the Lords Lindsay and Forbes caution given 
 
 by both 386 
 
 1410 June 17, Prices of wool in Buchan and Marr 386 
 
 141 1 Oct. 1 1, Ordinance against any of the inhabitants procuring lordship against 
 their neighbours ordinance against those who fail to apprise 
 the provost, &c. of those who are in want, and against those 
 
 who fail to attend the courts when summoned 387 
 
 Claim for a ground annual by Alexr. Irvyn of Drum, as curator to 
 
 to the son of William Crab 387 
 
 The wife of Simon Palframan fined for striking a woman, &c 388 
 
 1412 Claim of John Wricht and Alexr. Barclay of Gartly for a ground 
 
 annual 386 
 
 July 23, Question at the instance of Bruce, the son of Duncan, and his 
 forspeakers, the Lord Gordon and John Inchemartyn, about a 
 
 pledge the last pledge found to be good 388 
 
 All indwellers to stand guard with the alderman and bailies 
 none to have lordship other than the King, the Duke of 
 Albany, and the Earl of Mar, except his alderman and bailies 
 no strangers to be received but those whom they will stand 
 
 for 389 
 
 14,33 Jan. 26, Question between William Sherar and Lankyn Wist as to the 
 
 price of a boat of Meluesye 389 
 
 March 16, Letter from the king superseding the taking down of John Black's 
 
 house , 390 
 
 1434__Feb. 3, Statutes passed by the chamberlain, alderman, and council, as to 
 
 the prices of ale, bread, flesh, and fish 390 
 
 April 4, Parties fined for leaving the court before it was finished 391 
 
 1436 ... 16, The booth of Stephen de Balrony broken into 391 
 
 Aug. 13, Court held for the quieting and punishing of robbers 392 
 
 Oct. 1, A head court, at which certain statutes passed in 1394 were read 392 
 
 31, A burgess of Kintore repledged by a bailie of that burgh 393 
 
 1437 Statutes : The letter of 1394 ratified No alderman or bailie to 
 
 remain in office beyond one year. No alderman to spend be-
 
 Ixviii 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 voml 20 s of the common good without consent of the council. 
 Commissioners to parliament and general councils to be 
 elected by the whole common council of the burgh, and their 
 
 reasonable expenses paid 393 
 
 1439 Dec. 28, The Earl of Marr is made a burges 394 
 
 1440 April, 24, William of Cadiou tried for hurting Robert of Cullace. The Earl 
 of Evandale and the constable of Aberdeen appear on the one 
 
 side, and Sir Alexander Irwyne on the other 394 
 
 May, 13, Allowance to the abbot of Bonacord for his expenses in the play 
 
 of the Haliblude at the Wyndmylhill 395 
 
 Sept. 13, An entrant burgess gives 5 merks for the repair of the port on the 
 
 east end of Castle street 395 
 
 Oct. 17, London merchants ask for a license to trade and safe conduct 396 
 
 1441 Feb. 19, At the request of the knight of Strathoune, the bailies delay an 
 
 action 396 
 
 Aug. 23, Statutes : No fish to be bought till it comes to the market. 
 Profit allowed on a turbot. No man to buy victual for retail- 
 ing again 396 
 
 1442 March 18, The English ship to be retained 397 
 
 April 27, Price of wool and of skins 397 
 
 June 23, Obligation to Sir William Lesly of Balquhaine 397 
 
 Dec. 10, Evidence anent the stealing of Alexander the Grahame's bedding, 398 
 l443__Oct. 14, Alexander Lammyntoun fined for selling flesh dearer than the 
 
 fixed price 398 
 
 1441 Jan. 11, Ordinance against William Quhite, for receiving players of un- 
 lawful games in his house 398 
 
 Nov. 17, Letters of inhibition from the queen and the Bishop of St. An- 
 drews' presented to the alderman, &c. .'. 399 
 
 20, The letters not to be proclaimed nor obeyed 399 
 
 23, Letter from the king presented by the Bishop of Ross 399 
 
 1446 Feb. 21, 4 given to Andrew Croudane, a guild brother, for his labour re- 
 garding preaching and doctrine 399 
 
 1448 ... 15, Proceedings of a Chamberlayn Ayre 400 
 
 1449 Nov. 7, No merchant to open his booth on Sunday 402 
 
 Forestallers to be punished 402 
 
 1453 Dec. 30. Question before the lieutenant 403 
 
 1454 March 10, Question between William the Haia and Them an Goldsmith 403 
 
 1455 Jan. 16, Propine of 100 merks to the king 404 
 
 1456 Oct. 1, Anent licence to William of Ryne, and others to pas " quhair 
 
 thai walde" 405 
 
 1460 April, 23, Wat. Cutlaris wife a " strawer" of her husband's goods 405 
 
 1463 Feb. 6, Anent the withholding of a farthing 405 
 
 1469 Jan. 13, Process for the sale of a gray horse 405
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Ixix 
 
 14,74 j a n. 13, Question between William of Setotme and William of Cadiou... 406 
 Feb. 17, The common and secret seals to be delivered to the alderman,... 407 
 1475 May, 2, Offerings on the Rude days to be divided between the chaplains 
 
 of the Brown croce altar and the Bade altar 407 
 
 1477 April 26, List of heirship goods 408 
 
 1478 Aug. 25, Deed relating to the lands of Balkairne, produced by Seton of Mel- 
 drum and Duguid of Auchinhuif. 408 
 
 25, Lands, crofts, and annual rents resigned by delivery of a wand,... 409 
 
 Sept. 2, Consent to an embassy to the Duke of Burgundy 41 Q 
 
 1479 May 21, Costs of the play on Corpus Christi day to be defrayed 410 
 
 1480 June 22, David Hill accused of breaking a silver goblet belonging to the 
 
 Rector of Cruden 410 
 
 July 19, Case anent the hurting of a hired mare 411 
 
 1481 Case between Lady Hun tly and Andrew Winton 411 
 
 Nov. 7, The bishop elect not to be supported for his unkindness 411 
 
 1483 Jan. 31, Will. Lachlane banished 412 
 
 Feb. 5, Claim of the Countess of Huntly against David Hill, burgess ." 412 
 
 March 15, Receipt of four pounds of black money 413 
 
 1484 Jan. 22, Robert Buchan to make a new gown and doublet to himself when 
 
 he goes to Flanders, &c 413 
 
 Feb. 1, Craftsmen to bear their tokens on their breasts on Candlemas day, 413 
 Nov. 27, Case with the son of William Meldrum of Fivy, in which the bro- 
 ther of the Earl Marischal and Sibbald of Kair, are witnesses, 414 
 27, The constable of Aberdeen constitutes a depute by delivery of a 
 
 wand 414 
 
 1487 June 30, Letter from the king anent the election of officers to the burgh ... 415 
 
 1488 Nov. 14, Penance on William Porter 415 
 
 1489 March 16, Question anent a susplat of wool 416 
 
 16, Penance on William Belty 417 
 
 1490 June 26, Those who walk in the night to do injury to any person, to pay five 
 
 merks to St. Nicholas work 417 
 
 Aug. 17, The patronage of St Ninian's altar granted to William Meldrum 
 
 of Fyvy 418 
 
 1491 ... 17, Claim of the abbot of Bonaccord for his fee 418 
 
 1492 J a n. 18, The common minstrels to receive their diets, &c. through the town, 418 
 
 Feb. 1, Fine for having pecks of small measure 419 
 
 11, Those who send away goods in ships to bring home something to 
 
 supply the town with merchandize 419 
 
 March 22, Penance on Richard Wright 419 
 
 June 1, Question with the sailors of my Lord of Murray's ship 419 
 
 17, Brief of idiotry of Alexander Glaster 420 
 
 20, Anent the skaith done by John of Myll's " skabbit" horse 420
 
 Ixx 
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 1+92 July 12, Anent payment of thirteen merks due to the king and other pen- 
 sions to the lords 420 
 
 12, The bailies discharged by the Lord Chancellor from uplifting the 
 
 rents of the burgh 421 
 
 Aug. 6, Tax for sending persons to assist in besieging the strengths of the 
 
 isles 421 
 
 Sept. 11, John Ilutherfurd resigns the office of provost into the hands of the 
 
 lord chancellor, and Alexander Reid elected..... 42 1 
 
 Oct. 25, Penance on Philp Quhithede 421 
 
 Nov. 4, Debt of the town for spice, wax, and wine, given to the king's 
 
 propine 422 
 
 1494 Oct. 9, A penny from each fire house, &c., for cleaning the streets 422 
 
 1495 Feb. 19, Process between Alexander, Lord Gordon, and George Eduardson. 422 
 Sept. 26, Complaint of Sir Alexr. Gray, chaplain of St. Crispin and Cris- 
 
 pinian's altar 424 
 
 1496 Jan. 23, Every craft to have its standard 425 
 
 1497 April 21, " Licht women to desist from the sin of venerie" 425 
 
 June 7, Fines for forestalling 425 
 
 Oct. 6, No meal buyers to come to the market this year 425 
 
 1498 June 22, Dues of pynours and carriers of goods 426 
 
 Aug. 19, Letters from the king allowing a ship with St. Nicholas goods to 
 
 sail to Campvere 426 
 
 Oct. 15, Belman to pass through the town to name and pray for the souls 
 
 given him in bill 427 
 
 1500 Jan. 28, The minstrels to have reasonable diets 427 
 
 Aug. 21, Certain houses to be shut up for 15 days, &c 427 
 
 1501 March 23, "Wreck of a vessel sold to William, master of Enroll 428 
 
 Dec. 3, A propine to the king and lord justice on their coming from the 
 
 North 428 
 
 1502 Feb. 3, Reid and "Williamson fined for neglecting their duty on Candlemas 
 
 day 429 
 
 June 17, Dissent to any of St. Nicholas' goods being given to Sir John 
 
 Rutherford 429 
 
 1533 May 17, Penance on John of Myle 429 
 
 June 9, No unfreeman to be licensed 430 
 
 Oct. 20, Process at the instance of the relict of Allardes of that ilk 430 
 
 20, Pension to James Cumyne on his agreeing to practice medicine in 
 
 the burgh 431 
 
 23, Fees of a burgess given to Sir John Stirling 431 
 
 1504 Nov. 14, No woman to buy more meal than required for her own house 431 
 
 30, All to ride with the abbot and prior of Bonaccord on St. Nicholas 
 
 day 432
 
 CONTENTS. 
 
 Ixxi 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1505 Jan. 30, The craftsmen to keep the procession on Candlemas day 432 
 
 July 27, Nothing to be hung on the walls of the grey friars before the 
 
 " takin of the haly croice" 433 
 
 1506 July 19, All things pertaining to the bishop's jurisdiction discharged 434 
 
 Nov. 15, A cross of gold apprized 434 
 
 1507 Feb. 27, A gold ring apprized 434 
 
 May 16, All youths to pass with the abbot and prior of Bonaccord every 
 
 holy day 435 
 
 28, The skinners to precede the cordiners in all processions 435 
 
 Oct. 8, No burgess to have a forestaller under him. No merchant to open 
 his booth on Sunday. No swyne to go loose without a ring in 
 
 their wort 435 
 
 8, Assize of candles, ale, and bread 437 
 
 Statutes __ 437 
 
 8, Action in the consistory court 438 
 
 1508 May 8, Array ment for Robin Huyd and Litile Johnne 438 
 
 July 16, Two English ships taken and released 439 
 
 Nov. 17, Inhabitants to ride on St. Nicholas day 439 
 
 1509 Jan. 21, Complaint of the ministrels 440 
 
 1510 Jan. 30, Anent the procession on Candlemas day 441 
 
 Feb. 3, Fines on those who neglected the procession on Candlemas day 441 
 
 1511 Nov. 21, All to ride on St. Nicholas day _ 442 
 
 1512 Jan. 25, Every craft to have a pair of torches on Corpus Christi day 442 
 
 May 10, A tax of 500 for relieving of the Justice ayr and Chamberlain 
 
 ayr 443 
 
 July 14, " Strublens" by George Currour of Dome 443 
 
 1514 March 19, Commissioners chosen to Parliament, but their expenses cannot 
 
 be devised 443 
 
 1515 Sept. 7, Peats due to the bishop elect 444 
 
 17, 9 persons to pass to the Duke's [of Albany's] service 444 
 
 Oct. 11, Letters from John Duke of Albany 444 
 
 Nov. 19, Every burgess to ride on the feast of St. Nicholas 444 
 
 1517 July 24, Title to " half of a young swyne" 445 
 
 1523 Feb. 5, Penance on John Pitt, for calling the bailies " coffeis," &c 445 
 
 5, Craftsmen absent from the Candlemas procession 445 
 
 April 13, Lords of Bonacord elected 445 
 
 1530 March 1, The bishop's bailie asks leave to hang a thief. 446 
 
 1530 Statutes anent watching the town, &c. : No strangers to be re- 
 received. The town's secrets to be kept 446 
 
 Aug. 1, Every inhabitant to have his armour 448 
 
 Anent the array on Corpus Christi and Candelmas days 449 
 
 1.531 .May 22, Anent the procession on Corpus Christi and Candelmas days ... 450 
 
 Pageants of the craftsmen 451 
 
 K
 
 Ixxii 
 
 < ONTKNTs. 
 
 I'AOF. 
 
 1533 Nov. 24, List of heirship goods 451 
 
 Minstrels' fees 452 
 
 1535 April 20, Young men to have green coats for decoring the lords of Bon- 
 accord 452 
 
 1538 June 21, Complaint of the hammermen as to the procession in Corpus 
 
 Christi 452 
 
 1541 May 29, Dispute as to ground in the Guestrow 453 
 
 Oct. 27, Cordonars convicted of selling insufficient shoes 453 
 
 1545 April 17, Three minstrels to be in time coming 454 
 
 1546 Feb. 22, Breach of statutes in selling of wine 454 
 
 June 25, The litstars to have their banner and pageant 455 
 
 1 548 May 22, Robert Howieson convicted of insurrection, & c. 455 
 
 Aug. 3, List of goods claimed by a person who was at the battle of Pinky. . . 455 
 
 Nov. 9, Verdict in his favour 456 
 
 1553 June 4, Smiths convicted of refusing to go in their order in Corpus Christi, 450 
 
 4, Protest by the Deacon of the Bakers on the subject 456 
 
 1554 May 21, Disputes as to the order of procession on Corpus Christi 457 
 
 1556 Jan. 18, List of heirship goods 458 
 
 1562 Aug. 17, Complaint of James Crichton of Frendraucht 459 
 
 1565 May 14, Proclamation against Robin Hood, &c 459 
 
 14, Townsmen convicted of coming through the town with a minstrel 
 
 playing 459 
 
 18, Their punishment 460 
 
 1566 Aug. 25, John Cowper's pension for playing on the swesche, &c 460
 
 CONTENTS. Ixxiii 
 
 EXTRACTS IN PREFACE. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 1525 The barons interfere in the elections of the burgh xxxiii 
 
 Burgesses who do not scot and lot in the burgh to have no vote xxxiv 
 
 1512 Complaint by the provost of the great injuries done to the Town by Lord 
 
 Forbes and his accomplices xxxv 
 
 Artillery taken from the chapel on the hill for protection of the provost's 
 
 house xxxvi 
 
 Answer by the town to Lord Forbes' demand for a tun of wine xxxvi 
 
 1530 Statute for watchmen on the steeple of St. Nicholas statutes anent 
 swyne statute anent middings persons infected with the " seiknes 
 of Nappillis" to be searched for women ordered to desist from the sin 
 
 of venery xxxvii 
 
 1525 Statutes anent the singers of the quire anent the duties of the sacristan, 
 on the death of people of various degrees the bellman to pass through 
 the town on Mondays, to name and pray for the souls given him in bill, xl
 
 EXTRACTS 
 
 THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN.
 
 EXTRACTS 
 
 FROM 
 
 THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 OF THE 
 
 BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 18th November, 1398. 
 
 Matheus Pynches posuit se in voluntate balliuorum quod non fecit ad 
 officiura forestarii quam facere debet. 
 
 Willelmus Spaldyng posuit se in voluntate balliuorum quod non arres- 
 tauit omnes dolantes siluam quos potuit arrestasse et est ad assisam quod 
 ipse non dolauit virides arbores nee licenciauit aliquos ad dolandurn. 
 
 4th February, 1399. 
 
 Mauritius Suerdslep calurnpnatus de percussione magistri Willelmi 
 Moden et etiam de rebellione et inobediencia facta balliuis posuit se in 
 voluntate balliuorum de dicta calumpnia. 
 
 Item, memorandum est quod fregit carcerem regis contra inhibitionem 
 et defensionem balliuorum testibus ad hoc vocatis per balliuis viz. Simone 
 Lamb Johanne Ledale Johanne Andree Nicholao Ledale Simone Ba- 
 nerman cum multis aliis. 
 
 15M November, 1399. 
 
 Assedacio Matheo Pynches et Willelmo Spaldyng pro termino vnius 
 anni sed ante exitum anni dicta assedacio fuit annullata Et post adnul- 
 lacionem Johannes Lucris et Donaldus Ka tune serjandi fuerunt limitati 
 custodes dicte foreste pro residuo. 
 
 18th Nov. 
 1398.
 
 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 12th Nov.. 12M November, 1400. 
 
 Foresta committatur custodie seriandorum istius anni. 
 
 30th October, 1410. 
 
 Forestarii conuicti per assisatn quid non faciunt ad custodiara silue quod 
 facere tenentur. 
 
 Johannes Willelmi conuictus per assisam quia dolat et destruit siluam 
 iniuste in magna quantitate. 
 
 1411. 
 
 W. Fichet et vxor sua communes pikares 
 
 Vxor Johannis Walteri carnificio est communis pikar et receptor 
 
 Johannes Inchouen est communis fur 
 
 Meg Roily de Foty est pikar et rebellis 
 
 Thomas Pykar est puggestor famulorum burgensium ad furandum vasa 
 sua stangnea 
 
 Filius Elene Couper qui solebat custodire viculos est communis fur 
 
 Johannes Couper Andreas filius suus filia Jonete leueryke sunt com- 
 munes fures 
 
 Elena Couper Anny Couper sunt communes fures et receptores [Anny] 
 est pessima 
 
 Anny Lynton est pessimissima 
 
 Christina Man est communis receptor meretricium et furium 
 
 Filii vxoris Duncani Futheis sunt pykares communes et nollmagi et 
 lusores 
 
 Anny Rauft 
 
 Jamy Hardbak 
 
 Dam Margaret Walchope 
 
 Elena Cumnbk communis pykar et rebellis 
 
 Marion Grame 
 
 Puella Marens cum Thoma Thekar 
 
 Aly Inchera. 
 
 10M October, 1418. 
 Pro Ubertate et facultate presentandi Magistrum Scolarum . 
 
 Vniuersis Christi fidelibus ad quorum noticiam presentes litere per-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 5 
 
 uenerint Duncanus petit cancellarius ecclesie Aberdonensis salutem in loth October, 
 
 omnium saluatore Quia ad dignitatem cancellarie predicte collacio be- 1418 - 
 
 neficii Magistri Scolarum burgi de Abirdene pleno jure noscitur perti- 
 
 nere et idem nunc de facto vacat per mortem Andree de Syves quondam 
 
 vicarii de Bervy vltimi rnagistri scolarum predictarum honesto viro prouido 
 
 et discrete magistro Johanni Homyll michi per prepositum et communi- 
 
 tatem dicti burgi in pretorio suo presentato ad beneficium antedictum et 
 
 examinato de sua sufficiencia diligenter repertoque eciam bone vite lau- 
 
 dabilis conuersationis et honeste magne literature et sciencie propter quam 
 
 scienciam non immerito in artibus graduatur suis meritis exigentibus per 
 
 donacionem birreti 1 mei contuli beneficium antedictum ipsum in coporalem 
 
 et realem possessionem eiusdem inuestiendo sibi pro toto tempore vite 
 
 sue remansuro Supplicans omnibus et singulis quorum interest vel inter- 
 
 esse poterit ac autoritate michi in hac parte commissa percipiens atque 
 
 mandans quatenus predicto magistro Johanni in omnibus et singulis dictum 
 
 beneficium suum concernentibus pareant obediant et intendant sub omni 
 
 pena que competit in hac parte Datum sub sigillo meo apud Aberdon 
 
 decimo die mensis Octobris anno domini millesimo quadringentesimo de- 
 
 cimo octauo. 
 
 4tk October, 1434. 
 
 Item, eodem die frater Johannes minister domus beate Trinitatis infra 
 burgum de Aberdene protestatus fuit pro vno annuo redditu triginta de- 
 nariorum debito sibi de vna terra jacente in vico de ly Grene inter 
 terram Willelmi de Coutis senioris ex parte australi et vnam terram 
 vastam ex parte boreali ad quam accedens nichil reperit distringibile 
 preter terram et lapides quos presentauit in curia coram balliuis tan- 
 quam tertio die processus Testibus dicto Willelmo de Coutis Johanne 
 Cameron burgense huius burgi et Malcolmo dicto dakir seriando burgi. 
 
 Item, predictus frater Johannes minister domus predicte protestatus 
 fuit pro vno annuo redditu quinque solidorum sibi debito de vna terra 
 jacente in vico nauium dicti burgi inter terram Roberti Gillespy seni- 
 oris ex parte orientali et terram Willelmi Huntar ex parte occidental! 
 
 1 [" Birretum. A covering for the head." A large Dictionary by Thomas Holyoke, 
 D.D. London, 1677, voce Birretum.]
 
 6 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 4th October, ad q i mm accedens nichil reperit distringibile pro dicto annuo redditu 
 preter terram et lapides quos presentauit in curia coram balliuis tan- 
 quam tertio die sui processus Testibus Willelmo de Coutis seniore et 
 Johanne Cameron ac supradicto Macolmo bedello burgi. 
 
 5th October, 1439. 
 
 Item, eodem die dominus Alexander Yong capellanus et procurator 
 doraus sancte Trinitatis eiusdem burgi protestatus fuit pro vno annuo 
 redditu trium solidorum predicte domui debito annuatim de sex rodis 
 terre vaste jacentibus in vico de la Grene inter ly Denburn ex parte 
 occidentali et terram quondam Patricii Sharp ex parte orientali ad quam 
 accedens nichil reperit distringibile ut asseruit peter terram et lapides 
 quos presentauit in curia tanquam primo die huius processus Testibus 
 Willelmo de Ithane Galbrath et Macolmo Dacre bidello burgi cum aliis. 
 
 Item, eodem die predictus dominus Alexander procuratorio nomine 
 quo supra protestatus fuit pro vno annuo redditu trium solidorum pre- 
 dicte domui debito annuatim de vna terra vasta jacente in vico de la 
 Grene inter quandam terram spectantem ad conuentum fratrum Carme- 
 litarum burgi predict! ex parte orientali et terram Andree Sprunt ex 
 parte occidentali tanquam primo die huius processus Testibus eisdem 
 proximo predictis. 
 
 3d October, 1440. 
 
 Quo die dominus Alexander de Irwyne dominus de Drum miles con- 
 tin uatus fuit in officio capitanei et gubernatoris burgi et Johannes de Fife 
 electus fuit in officium prepositi Walterus de Drumbrek Alexander de 
 Kyntor Johannes de Culane et Patricius de Badenach in officium balli- 
 uorum ac Willelmus Atkinson Dalmahoy Willelmus de Straloch et Andreas 
 Dauidson electi fuerunt in officium bidellorum siue seriendorum dicti burgi. 
 
 IZth September, 1441. 
 
 Memorandum, that the xii day of September the yer forsaid, it was de- 
 cretit and ordanit be the comcoune counsaile and diuerse of the merchandes 
 of this burgh that Matheu Fochet, alderman, and Richard of Rutherfuird, 
 sal pass for the lousyng and recouerayng of the schippes merchandes and 
 gudes, the quhilkis arr now of new tane of Inglismen. And because that
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 7 
 
 thai haue considerit that this a commoune actioun, thai haue ordanit the i2thSept, 
 coste of the said passage to be made of the commoune purse of this toun. 1441 - 
 
 It is sene speidfull to the counsaile, that fra hynefurth thair be ordanit 
 and chosin twa men of gude cunnyng and knawlage, masteres of the com- 
 moune werk of the toune, the quhilkis sail raise all the rentaile of the 
 toune, except the rentaile that the baizes sal haue to free anerly the pen- 
 siones of the toune. And thai sal dispone that guide upon the commoune 
 werk of this toune, at the devise and as it sail be sene speidfull be the 
 alderman and the commoune counsaile, swa that the alderman that beis for 
 the tyme sail entermet with na commoune gude bot anerly it that cummys 
 of his office, of the quhilk he sail mak lele and trew acompt to the com- 
 mounes. And quhasaeuer that happynnis to be put furth at lites to be 
 chosin alderman, or he passe furth, he sail swere to keep this statute and 
 alsua to keip and gerr be kepit at all his gudely powar the settyng of the 
 watteres made now laste. 
 
 25th January, 1442. 
 
 It is decretit be the commoune consale, that for the supprise that Master 
 John of Caydow did in the outtakyn of Adam of Hillis net, sal cum vith his 
 bruthir befor the consaile, and set downe on his kneis, and his bruthir to- 
 gydder, and ask the alderman in the nam of the commounes forgiffines. 
 And the said Master Jhon sal pay to kyrk werk xl s. vnforgiffin, the 
 quhilkis the alderman sal ressaue and delyuer to the maisteris of the kyrk 
 werk ; and he sal enter the personis at war with hym at the outtakyn of 
 the net to the alderman, this ilke day. 
 
 And it is ordanit be the haile consaile, in presence of the Lorde of Drum, 
 that giff ony man dois sik like case in tyme to cum, that he sal pay sik like 
 payne vnforgiffin, and tyne his tak to. 
 
 It is ordanit be the consall, as anent the contribucion made to our kingis 
 dochter Elizabeth, in Brettan, that John of Fiff sail mak with the kingis 
 consall anpoyntment, and fwll end forqwy John of Scrogis the fadder payit 
 xl lib., and to John of Fyff, x lib., and to Master Watt Ydyll, xiij lib. 
 And the alderman, John of Mar, deliuerit thir last twa sowmis abowyn 
 writtyn, and sail deliuer to John of Fyff yet viij lib. And gif the said
 
 8 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 25th January. John of Fyff may mak the town qwyt with this sowm, well be that ; and 
 gif he may nocht be na way be don, than sail the said John of Fiff lay 
 down the tother viij lib. for the town, and mak fwll the sowm of iiij of lib. 
 
 IStk February, 1442. 
 
 The xviij day of Februar, the yer of grace xlii, anence the remanand 
 of the contribucion to my [ladie] Elizabeth of Britane, the haile counsaile 
 hes ordanit that it be raisit, and thar sal be chosin four discrete persounes 
 to falk the tax of men that has tholit skath oft, as thai think speidful. 
 And than the counsaile chesit Simon Blabre, John Gray, Patrik Bade- 
 nach. 
 
 5th September, 1442. 
 
 Item, that al the communytie, alsweile vnfree as free men, be sworne to 
 rise with the alderman and balzeis in the defence of the toune, and of the 
 nychbores of the toune ; and quhasa will noght riese and absentis him will- 
 fully, he sal tyne his fredome, and be bannysit out of the toune. 
 
 It is sene speidful to the commoune counsaile and the gylde, for the 
 kepyng and the governance of this burgh, that the yattes at arr vp be 
 stekit ilke nyght, and in continent the remanand of yattes and othiris opin 
 places of the toune be stekit and closit, and at the alderman do this with 
 the eraste pennyes that may be gottyn of the comoune rentaile. 
 
 Item, that this burgh sal be wachit ilke nyght with thretty men at the 
 breste, als lang tyme as the cuntreth is in trubble ; and ony man that beis 
 warnyt be the officiares of the toune to the waiche, and he compeir noght 
 at the our, he sal tyne on forgiffin viij s., to be raisit to the commoune 
 werk of this toune. And ony waicheman that slepis in the nyght, or re- 
 movis fra the waiche quhile the son rise, sal pay vi d. to the seriandes. 
 And at the waichman be sufficiently boddin with harnis and wappynnys. 
 And at na cuntreth men be ressavit to the waiche. 
 
 Item, it is ordanit be commoune counsaile, that na man of this toune 
 quhateuer he be berbery ony man of without the toune ; but in continent 
 he sail cum to the alderman, and lat him wit of how mony persounes, and 
 quhat persounes thai arr, vnder the payne of law and bannysing. And
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 9 
 
 gine thai happyn to doo any scath, thair herbryoures sal be callit and haldyn 5th September, 
 arte and parte. 
 
 Item, al man that has back yettes close thaim, swa that thair cum na 
 skath throw thaim to the toune, vnder the payne of acht schillinges, and 
 at thai lok thair foryettes within viij days vnder the sammyn payne. 
 
 Item, that al the comunytee asweile vnfree as free men be sworne to rise 
 with the alderman and balzeis in the defence of the toune and of the nych- 
 bores of the toune, and quhasa will noght rise and absentis him willfully, he 
 sail tyne his fredome and be bannysit oute of the toun. 
 
 Item, that the balzeis keipe the assise of breide, ale, and flesche, and 
 at thair be nane ale said derrar than vi d., and at nane brew that bot 
 brethir of the gild, and othiris sell for iiij d., iij d., and ij d., and the 
 penny lafe wey xxiiij vnce of bakin brede at the leste. And forthirmar to 
 make a pais as the cause requiris, and at the baxtares baake na faiges, and 
 at thai see to prisyng of flesche, and at the price be kepit, vnder payne of law. 
 
 Thir craftes vndirwritten sal fynd yerly in the offerand of our Lady at 
 Candilmes thir personnes vnderwrittin ; that is to say, 
 
 The littistares sal fynd, 
 
 The empriour and twa doctoures, and alsmony honeste squiares as thai 
 may. 
 
 The smythes and hammermen sal fynd, 
 The three kingis of Culane, and alsmony honeste squiares as thai may. 
 
 The talzoures sal fynd, 
 
 Our lady Sancte Bride, Sancte Helone, Joseph, and alsmony squiares as 
 thai may. 
 
 The skynnares sal fynd, 
 Two bischopes, four angeles, and alsmony honeste squiares as thai may. 
 
 The webstares and walkares sal fynd, 
 Symon and his disciples, and alsmony honeste squiares, &c. 
 
 The cordinares sal fynd, 
 The messyngear and Moyses, and alsmony honeste squiares, &c. 
 
 The fleschowares sal fynd, 
 
 Twa or four wodmen, and alsmony honest squiares, &c. 
 
 B
 
 10 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 5th September. The brethir of the glide sail fynd, 
 
 The knyghtes in harnace, and squiares honestely araiit, &c. 
 
 The baxsteiris sal fynd, 
 The menstralis, and alsmony honest squyares as thai may. 
 
 4tk September, 1443. 
 
 Quarto die raensis Septembris per commune consilium concessa do- 
 aiino Willelmo Ettale capellano et procurator! pontis de Pulgoveny ad 
 reparacionem eiusdem libertas gilde huius burgi cuicunque honeste et suf- 
 ficient! persone per eundem dominum Willelmum adducende libere sine 
 solutione cuiuscunque pecunie preter illam summam quam soluet ad re- 
 paracionem dicti pontis etc. 
 
 1th February, 1444. 
 
 Item, because that Mathew Fichet said it was cum til his vnderstand 
 that Marioune of Croudane hes complaynit to the lorde of Erole that he 
 had al the wite, and wilfully he put hir fra her watter, the quhilkis scho 
 had of befor; quharfor he askit a declaracion of the counsaile, quether he 
 was cause of the forsaid mater or noght, and than he removit. And 
 the counsaile halely decretit that he had made na sik cause, na he had 
 na wite thairof. 
 
 Memorandum, that anens the contribucion to the kingis sister in Bretan, 
 the consall has ordanit that the officiaris that intromyttit therwith sail gad- 
 der and mak fwll paimint for al thaim that ar distrengeabill, and all thai 
 that ar noght distrengeabill sail present the persownes to the alderman 
 and to the common consall, and that alowitt gif it swa be. 
 
 14M April, 1444. 
 Copia litere misse domino comiti de Rosse per prepositum et consilium 
 
 huius burgi. 
 
 Right mighti and redoutit lord, we commaunde ws on to yhou with al 
 our hartes, and, for alsmykil as oure souerane lord the king has writtin to 
 yhour lordschip for the deliuerance of certane Inglisemen, the quhilke ar 
 in yhour warde and keping, as yhe knaw, we counsaile and beseikis humeli 
 yhour lordschip with al instance, that, for the worschipe of the king and 
 the gude of the realme, yhe witsaufe to louse and deliuer frely the said
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 11 
 
 Inglismen, for and ye sulde nocht deliuer thame at the kingis instance 14th April, 
 
 and charge, it war great lak and sclaundre to the king and the realme, 
 
 and lessing of yhour worship, the quhilke God auerte ; for sen, loved be 
 
 God, heddirtillie yhe hau al tyme obeit the king alsweil as ony lord of 
 
 Scotland, and kepit ane hale part til him, for the quhilkis, God will, and 
 
 yhe sal sone haue grete loving and reward ; God forbid that yhe suld, for a 
 
 litil raonee that thir Inglismen has promissit yhou, warpiss your gude name, 
 
 and the reward and thank that yhe have deservide and wonnyn of the king. 
 
 Right myghti and redoutit lord, Almyghti God conserue yhou euermar, 
 
 with incressing of honour and worschip. Writtin at Aberdene the xiiij dai 
 
 of Aprile. 
 
 4th June, 1444. 
 
 Item, that the fleschowaris dicht and mak clene the fleschous ilke ouke 
 on Friday, and at thai remove away the huches that arr in to the fleschous, 
 inder the sammyn payne. 
 
 Quarto die mensis Junii anno Domini xliiij, per commune consilium 
 ordinatum fuit et statutum etc. 
 
 In the firste, that naman fleschehowar within the burgh or withoute sell 
 mutoune derrar than the bouke for ij s. viij d. the best that may be gottin, 
 and the remanent their efter be the price, vnder the payne of viij s. vnfor- 
 givin, alsoft as thai trespass. 
 
 Item, that na fleshowar of within or withoute tak oute of ony mutoune 
 the neris or the nerecress fra the feest of Mychelmess, vnder paye of eschete 
 of the mutoune to the balyhes, &c. 
 
 Item, that na fleschowar sell flesche na brek flesch in ony othir place 
 bot the fleschous vnder the payne of viij s. vnforgivin, alsoft as thai be 
 taynte and esshete. 
 
 9th October, 1444. 
 
 The samyn dai, Henrie Raife, maister of the barge that brak noght lang 
 syne beside this havin, and his merchandes George Logane and Johne 
 Cutbertson, comperit in the tolbuith of this burghe, befor the alderman
 
 12 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 9th October, and the counsaile, in presence of the Erie of Craufuird, and their the 
 alderman in name of the toun askit and sperit at the said tnerchandis and 
 maister gine thai war oght playntouse of ony nichbour or induellar of this 
 burgh of any of thair gudes tane or haldin fra thame, profferand that give 
 thar be ony cause of playnt it suld be weil reformyt and amendid. And 
 the said maister and merchandis said thai wyst of na cause of playnt, hot 
 the gude men of the toune had done right weile to thaim, of the quhilk 
 thai thankit hartlie the gude men of the toune, requiryng thaim of gude 
 continuacioun ; giue thai may get witting of ony gude that it be restorit, 
 and that the alderman grauntit thankfulli to doo. And upon this the 
 alderman askit instruments diuerse. 
 
 It is ordanit that Williame Mathouson, for the supprise done be him to 
 John Gait, sal begyn to morne, that is to say the xv day of the moneth 
 of October the yher forsaid, and he sal vphald the ladymesse with uoce on 
 Twisdai, Thurisdai, and Fridai ilke owke for a yher, and quhilk of tham 
 twa that trespassis fyrst til othir in tyme to cum, and distrublis wther for 
 this cause in tyme to cum, sal pay to the kirk werk x lib. vnforgiffin. 
 Borgh for William Mathouson, John of Scrogs the son, and for John Gait, 
 John of Scrogs the fadre. 
 
 I3tk December, 1444. 
 
 It is ordanit and statute for the commoune gude and quiete of this 
 toune, and for stancheing of trespassours and rebellours agayne the law, 
 that all the indwellaris and inhabitantes of this burgh sail assist to the 
 alderman and officiaris of this burgh to manteigne the law and punyce 
 trespassouris but fauour ; and quhasa dois the contrair sail be haldin rebell 
 agayne the toune, and that the gudemen of the toun sal write to the king 
 vnder the commoune seell to be punyst be him, and all sic rebellours sal 
 be excludit fra al takes, profites, office, and worschip of this toun. 
 
 Item, quhassa euer beis conuicte thrise for barganyng and tulyheing, 
 salbe haldin for a commoun tulyhour and rebellour, and send to the king 
 as sic trespassour, and that sal be notifiit vnder the seel of this toun. 
 
 Item, that the officiaris of the toun sal punyce trespassouris after the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 13 
 
 commoune law and the statutis of this burgh but favour, and thai sal heir 13th December, 
 na requeste of naraan for trespassouris qvhat degre that euer he be of. 
 
 16th December, 1444. 
 
 Decimo sexto die mensis supradicti anno Domini xliij. Anence the 
 fraght that James of Foulfurd, factour to the Erie of Orkynnay, askit at 
 the merchandes of this toun of the gudes that was in his barge that brak 
 at the Scaw. It was answerit to the semmyn James, that because it is 
 vnkawin to the said merchandes quhether, as the case is commyn and gane, 
 they aw to pay al the fraght or pairt or nocht ; and sen the mater langis 
 tham, thai ar loth to be jugis in thair awne cause, thai will, quhat time 
 it be plessand to the said Lorde Erie, or at the erast general counsaile, 
 compeir befor the commissaris of burrowis, and than at the ordinance of 
 thaim the fraght sal be paiit, &c., alsferr as thai fynd that it is awnd. 
 
 18th February, 1445. 
 
 The xviij day of the month of Februar, the yher of grace xlv, Jhone 
 of Scrogs, and Jhone Gray, twa of the ballieis of the burgh of Aber- 
 dene, and Gilbert Meignes, vnder aumerale in name of the tovne, has re- 
 sauit in to saafgarde and vnder thar licence, Roger Yhong, Inglisman, and 
 his childer, because of scortnes of his condit for the tyme that he bydis 
 or makis residens in the havynnis of Scotlande, and this throw vertu of 
 the trewis, bath schipe and gude. 
 
 20th March, 1445. 
 
 James, be the grace of God king of Scottis, to the aldermen, ballyhes, 
 and communiteis of owre borowes of Aberdene and Inuernes, greting. For 
 alsmykil as diuerse persounes, Inglishmen, ar arrestit and withhaldin in 
 the north partis of our lande, agayne the natur of our trewis, be serui- 
 tours and men pertenyng to our derraste cosing the Erie of Rosse, for the 
 lowsyng of the quhilkis Inglishmen we haue written to oure said cosing, 
 vnder oure priuie seel, with oure seruitoure, John Scrimgeoure, berare 
 of thir oure letteres. Oure will is, and we pray yhou effectuouslie, and 
 alsa chargis that yhe assist forthir, and supple the said oure seruitoure in 
 lousing of the said persounes Inglismen, as yhe loue the gvde of our 
 trewis and furthiring of yhoure self in sic like case, and vndir sic charge 
 as eftir may folow. And forthir owre in this mater gives credence to
 
 14 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 20th M*rch, oure saide servitoure in it, as he schawis you in oure name. Gevin vnder 
 oure signet, at Striueling, the xx dai of Marche, and of oure regne the 
 nynt yhere. 
 
 19th April, 1445. 
 
 It is ordanit be the counsaile, that fra hyne forthwartis the fleschouris 
 'of this burgh sal sla ilka Setterdai at evin, or the son gang too, almyskil 
 flesche as sal serue al the ton on Sundai at the leeste, suppose that 
 strangearis come to the ton ; and thai sal sla on Monoundai the flesche that 
 sal serue on Monoundai and Twisdai ; and they sal sla on Wednysdai that 
 sal serue on Thurisdai ; and they sal sell na flesche quhill it be prisit be 
 the sworne prisaris, the quhilke the alderman and the bailyheis sal bryng 
 to thaim, and thai be warnit quhat time that thair flesche be redy ; and 
 that thai sell na flesche vnprisit, as is forsaid, vnder the payne of tynsal 
 of the flesche, and viij s. vnforgiffin, and bannysing fra the craft at the 
 third tyme. And it sal be lieveful to the alderman and balyheis for to 
 tak, in absence of the sworne prisaris, ony vtheris gude men of the toune 
 to prise the flesche, makand gude faith tharto. And that thai sell na 
 flesche bot vnder the tolbuth, and at it be kepit in honeste. 
 
 30th April, 1445. 
 
 The last day of the moneth of Aprile, the yhere of grace a thousand 
 four hundreth fourty and five, it was concludit, statute, and ordanit be 
 the commoune counsaile, and mony othir of the gilde, for letting and 
 stanching of diuerse enormyteis done in time bygane be the abbotis of this 
 burgh, callit of bone acorde, that in time to cum thai will giue na feis to 
 na sic abbotis. 
 
 Item, it is sene speidful to thame that for the instant yher thai will 
 have na sic abbot ; but thai will that the alderman for the tyme, and a 
 balyhe quhom that he will tak til him, sail supple that faute. 
 
 Item, it is sene speidful to the counsaile to trete giue thai may get the 
 fredome to be schirrefis within the toun, and to mak a coste tharapon. 
 
 4th October, 1445. 
 Item, dominus Alexander Yhong capellanus procurator fratris Dauid
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 15 
 
 ministri domus fratrum beate Trinitatis huius burgi nomine procuratorio 4th October, 
 
 quo supra protestatus fuit pro vno annuo redditu iii s. iiij d. eodem domui 
 
 debito annuatim de quadam terra jacente in Futy inter terram Thome de 
 
 Park ex parte australi et terram Alexandri ex parte boreali ad quam 
 
 accedens nichil reperit distringibile preter terram et lapides quos presen- 
 
 tauit in curia tanquam primo die huius processus Testibus Alexandro 
 
 Cryne Willelmo Fichet et Patricio Piot seriando. 
 
 2d October, 1447. 
 
 Item, eodem die accedens ad barram dominus Robertus Patterson pro- 
 curator fratris Dauid ministri domus fratrum sancte Trinitatis huius burgi 
 protestatus fuit pro quodam annuo redditu x solidorum eidem domui 
 debito annuatim de quadam terra vasta jacente ex parte occidental! vici 
 inferioris ecclesie inter terram Alexandri de Cumray ex parte borealy et 
 terram Villelmo Elder ex parte australi ad quam accedens nichil reperit 
 distringibile preter terram et lapides quos presentauit in curia tanquam 
 primo die huius processus Testibus Villelmo Fycchat Thoma Ander- 
 son Macolmo Dachar sargyando cum aliis. 
 
 Item, idem dominus Robertus nomine quo supra protestatus fuit pro 
 quodam annuo redditu trium solidorum et iiij or d. eidem domui debito de 
 quadam terra vasta jacente ex parte australi vici de le Greyn inter terram 
 Andree Sprwnt ex parte orientali ex vno et ly Denburn ex parte occidentali 
 partibus ex altera ad quam accedens nichil reperit distringibile preter ter- 
 ram et lapides quos presentauit in curia tanquam primo die huius processus 
 Testibus eisdem supradictis. 
 
 6th October, 1447. 
 
 Item, the sammyn day, the said counsaile has consentit and concludit 
 that alsweil the feit chaplaynis and the feft chaplaynis sail be rewlyt and 
 governyt, and trespassouris correct be the sight of the alderman and coun- 
 saile forsaid, or ellis the agaynstandaris of this statute sail noght be 
 maynetenyt be the maisteres, &c. 
 
 \*itk January, 1448. 
 Quhilk day wes chosin be the hale consale and comunitie Gilbert
 
 16 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 i"th January, Meigneis, Duncane of Clat, Jhone Yong of Scrogs, and Mathow Fichet, 
 til ordanyt and se how ilke man of this burgh sal be bodyne anent the ap- 
 perande wer to cum of Inglis men, the quhilk to do lelely and treuly the 
 forsaid personis hes sworn the gret ath without fraud or gile. 
 
 9tk June, 1448. 
 
 It is statute and ordanit that na hukistar na regretar by butter, cheese, 
 or eges to sel agayne quhill the hour of ane efter none, vnder the payne of 
 banysing of this toune and brynning of the cheike, and syne that thai sail 
 sell na butter na cheese bot be weght, and the punde of butter for iij d., 
 and the punde of cheese for j d. ob. and na derrar, and that thai sell na 
 less na x eggis for j d. vnder payne forsaid. 
 
 \5th June, 1448. 
 Quo die Dominus Nicholaius de Blar rector ecclesiae parochialis de 
 
 Dunottir presentauit eisdem preposito et balliuis literas Regis sub 
 
 signeto huiusmodi sub tenore. 
 
 James, be the grace of God king of Scottis, til the alderman and the 
 balyheis of our burgh of Aberdene, greting. For alsmykil as we ar informyt 
 be our lovid cosyng, Williame Lord Haya, our constable of Scotland, that 
 thar was a sclander put to a chaplayne of his, callit Nichole of Blar, per- 
 sonne of Dunottir, of the slauchtir of a man and his soite at was borne at 
 yhour corss of Aberdeine, our will is, and we straitly chargis yhou and 
 commandis, that in all haste thir lettres sene yhe gerr inquir be a diligent 
 inqueste of the best and the worthiast of yhour burgh, and at best knawis 
 qwha warr the beraris and folowaris of the said soite and principal, sendyng 
 thair names to our said constable, vnder yhour commoune seel, as yhe will 
 stand for, and this yhe do vnder al payne and charge at efter may folow ; 
 and thir our lettres be yhou dewley execute, togidder with the inquisicion 
 and your deliuerance gevis to the berar. Gevin vnder our signet at Fauc- 
 land, the vi dai of Junii, and of our regne the twelft yher. And efter the 
 redyng of the said lettres the said Schir Nichole requirit instantly the 
 forsaid alderman and balyheis that thai wald procede to the inqueste and 
 execucion of the said lettres efter the tenour and effecte of thaim, the 
 quhilkis efter his rightwise desir chesit to the said inqueste thir personnes 
 vndir writtin, that is to say, Gilbert Meignes, Richard Vaus, Andro Tu-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 17 
 
 lidef, John Scroggs, pater Duncane of Clat, Andro Ayncroft, Thomas isthJune. 
 Blyndseil, John Voket, Thomas Kintor, William Cadiow, Patrike Ba- 
 denach, John Blyndseil, Dauid Megnes, Adame Nicholson, Dauid Lich- 
 toune, Henricus Levynton, and John Tulidef. The quhilkis, sworne the 
 grete ath, said and deponit that Schir Androw Murison, chaplane, and 
 Patrik his brothir, principales, and James of Forbes, son and air apperand 
 to Schir Alexander Lord Forbes, and Schir John of Forbes of Tullquhon, 
 knyght, in thar helpying and supple with thair inherdance, warr folowaris 
 and makaris of the said soite at the corss of the said burgh of Aberdene, &c. 
 
 The samyn dai, John Voket the son, ane of the balyheis of the said burgh, 
 avisetly oute of courte yheide to the merkate corss, and opynly proclamyt 
 the land that quhilun Roger Williamson dwelt in, and ane other litil sclate 
 house Hand in the Chekar, quhilkis warr the said Rogeris, to be said as 
 movable gude til ony that wald by thaim, and gife maste for thaim, be- 
 cause of xv lib. g. xii s. g. aucht of aide be the saide Roger of the reste 
 of the king Jarnys finance, quhom God assolzhe, and this was done before 
 the hale multitude in the merkate, as for the firste dai of this processe. 
 
 1st July, 1448. 
 
 The firste dai of Julii, the yher of grace j m cccc xlviij, the commoune 
 counsaile has concludit and grauntit to mak a propyne to our souerane 
 lord the kingis welcum, quhilk is now to cum, of twa tunnes of Gascoene 
 wyne, sex lichtis of iij stane of wax, and xij half pundis of scorchetis, or 
 falyheand tharof xij hale pundis. 
 
 4th October, 1448. 
 
 This is the appoyntment betuex Alexander of Wardlaw, Andrew Pulty, 
 John Jaffraison, Stephanus Huntar, and Johne Duncaneson, takaris of 
 certane men plegis of Hertilpule on that a part, and John Stephinson, 
 burges of this burgh, on that othir part, that is to say, that John Stephin- 
 son is obliste be the faith of his bodie to do his lele deligence to keipe the 
 said plegis, for quhais costis and kepyng he sal haue euery dai v schillingis 
 of vsuale monee of Scotland, fra the dai of thair entree on to the tyme of 
 thair passage, the quhilk monee sal be paiit to the said John of the eraste 
 siluer and gold that cummys of the said plegis, and or he part with thaim ; 
 and the said John Stephinson has na perile na aventur or thair kepyng, hot 
 to do his lele diligence as is forsaid, and at he sal noght deliuer thaim, hot
 
 18 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 4th October, of charge and consent of all the forsaid men or thair procuratoures Attour 
 thai haue proraissit to the said John a reward for his kepyng and labour, 
 to be modifiit be John of Fif, alderman, and Gilbert Meignes, burges of 
 this burgh. 
 
 December, 1448. 
 
 Eodem die Johannes Spens et Alexander Anderson custodes foreste de 
 Stokate quilibet eorum in amerciamento curie per confessionem propriam 
 pro eodem quia non fecerunt in officio suo quod debuerunt. 
 
 IQth October, 1449. 
 
 The quhilk day it wes ordanit be hel consale, with the consent of the 
 merchandis of this burgh, that ilke merchande man that sendis gud to 
 Bruges sal gif in the honor of God and Sanct Nicolace our patron, that is 
 to say, iiij grot of ilke sek of woll, and iiij grotis of the clath of skynnis, 
 and j grot of ilke barrell, and a grot of ilke dacre of hidis, and this to be 
 disponit vpon the reparacion of the perise kirk of Sanct Nicolace ; and of 
 ilke barrell that passis out of this burgh to the Firth or yet ony othir place 
 j d. of the barrell to be disponit as is forsaid ; and this wes gravntit with 
 ane assent, and to be put vnder the comon sele and for iiij yher til endur 
 quhil thai be better avisit. 
 
 19th Feburary, 1450. 
 
 The assise hes ordanit that John Traile to fulfill the condicion made in 
 his obligacion, and yherly to pay xl s. quhill he bryng hame the blew stane 
 til his fadre, and that to be raiset be the sight and ordinance of his modre, 
 and of Schir Adam, and Thomas his brother, til syng for his fadre saule 
 at Sancte Duthawis altar. And of the three yheris bigane give it be not 
 paiit, we ordane him to pay it at the sight of the personnes befor written 
 plegio, Roberto Gillespy ; et dictus Johannes obligauit terram quam habet 
 de patre suo ad seruandum dictum Robertum indempnem in presentia curie. 
 
 loth April, 1450. 
 
 The quhilk assise hes ordanyt and determinyt that John Gray sail pay 
 
 . for him and for his falow, Patrik of Fife, to the Erie of Orkynnay, of his 
 
 pensioune of the yher that they warr in office, for the freyng of the toune 
 
 xi lib. xvi s. x d. And swa remanys of the sammyn pensioune, xi lib. 
 
 ix s. x d., the quhilk soume the sammyn assise has ordanit Williame
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 19 
 
 Scherar, quhilk was alderman for the tyme, to pay and assith to the said 15th April. 
 Lord Orkynnay, in full payment of the said pensioune, vnto the tyme that 
 the said Williame Scherar mak his acompt. 
 
 2d November, 1450. 
 
 The secundi dai of Nouembre, the yher forsaid, Duncane of Clat, dene 
 of gilde, presente in the courte the Eucariste of siluer quhilk Theman gold- 
 smyth had in making. To the making of the quhilk Eucariste the forsaid 
 Duncane deliuerit iiij** iij vnce of siluer, and be paiit in part of the makyng 
 iiij lib. And he has ressauit agayne in werk liiij vnce, the quhilk he pre- 
 sent in the courte. And swa remanys in Themannis handis xxix vnce, for 
 the quhilk Maister John of Cadiow is becummyn, and becummys dettour 
 be this writ, writtin with his propre hand. 
 
 September, 1451. 
 Nomina Assise. 
 
 Johannes de Marr, Duncanus Clat, Johannes Gray, Johannes Voket, 
 Johannes Howison, Johannes Scrogis, pater Willelmus Holland, Ricardus 
 Kintor, Thomas Kintor, Willelmus Meignes, Andreu Pantar, John Stephin- 
 son, et Johannes Tulydef. The quhilk assise ripely avisit, and the witnesmen 
 examynit and herd in the cause movit betuex John Ghesinot and his felowschip 
 maister of a schip of werr of the toune of Deipe, on that a partie, and Hans 
 Lubic, maistre of a schipe of Trailesond, and his merchandes and schip- 
 men, almaynes, twcheyng the taking of thair sammyn schyp, on that othir 
 partie, deliueris in this maner vnderwrittin, that is to say, because the said 
 mater belangis in a part to our souerane lord the king, and thai haue 
 herd seildom or neuer sic matteres declarit, the samyn assise remittis 
 the decision and finale determinacion of the said cause to our said soue- 
 rpne lord and his counsaile, be thairn to be decidit and endit. And in 
 the menetyme, thai ordane that the admiral deputis sail intermet with, 
 and keip the forsaid Duche mennys schip; gudes, and fracht in souertee, 
 to the avale and profite of thaim to quhom thai sail be jugeit be our said 
 souerone lord and his counsaile. 
 
 21 st Aprile, 1452. 
 
 The xxi dai of Aprile, the yher of Grace j m iiij c fiftee and twa, the 
 maste parte of the hale communitee of this burgh deliuerit and consentit 
 all with ane assent, that, because of perile apperand, the toune salbe
 
 20 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 2Ut April, stryngthnit and fortifiit with walles and strynthes in all gudeli haste ; 
 and, because this may noght be devisit and done with mony persounes, 
 the aldermane sail chese certane weel set persounes to passe with him 
 aboute the toune, and devise quhat raaner of strynthning sal be made, 
 and in quhat places, and how the coste salbe tane and made. And quhat- 
 sumeuer thing the forsaides persounes devises, ordanis, and does, ther 
 sal unman contrar agayne call na agaynstand, vndir pane that thai 
 sail demaryt as brekaris of commoune ordinance without remyssioune, 
 and the alderman, in presence of the sammyn communitee, hes chosin to 
 pass with him thir persounes vndirwrittin, that is to say, the dene of 
 the glide Duncane of Clat, John Scrogs the son, Richard Kyntor, 
 John Howison, and Wat Giffard, with otheris workman, quhilkis plesis 
 thaim to haue with thaim. 
 
 May, 1453. 
 
 The samyn day has grauntyt the said alderman and consaile to Johne 
 Crukshanke, the seruice of the kepyng of the orlage for this yer, and 
 til hafe til his fee for ye seruice of it xl s., and has sworne the gret athe 
 to do his diligent besynes to ye keping of it. 
 
 5th October, 1453. 
 
 Item, it was avisit, statute, and ordanit be the said counsaile, for the 
 vphaldyng and eikyng of Godis seruice to be done in the paroche kirk 
 of this burgh, that al and sindri chaplanys, the quhilkis has feft altaris, 
 or that ar feit be worthi men of the toune, sal cum daili and do divyne 
 service, that is to say, matynys, hiemesse, and evinsang, and give ony of 
 thaim absentis him fra three of the said howris continualli, thai salbe ex- 
 cludit and expellit that thai sal noght syng messes within the said kirk 
 for a yher, hot giue thai haue sufficient excusation, quhilkis be sene re- 
 sonable to the alderman and to the correctour of the queir, and the feft 
 chaplanys that beis absent as said is, sal tyne atour thair chaplanijs : and 
 the alderman sail dispone thairapon be avise of the commoune counsaile. 
 
 20th July, 1456. 
 
 Vniuersis ad quorum noticias presentes litere peruenerint et specialiter 
 mercatoribus et comburgensibus nostris et eorum seruitoribus partes Flan- 
 drie exercentibus prepositus balliui et consules burgi de Aberdene in Scocia 
 salutem in auctore salutis Quia suppremus dominus noster rex fauorabiliter
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 21 
 
 et graciose concessit prouido viro laurentio porastrat incole et burgensi ville 20th' July, 
 de Flusa in Flandria Vt sit hospes et receptor omnium et singulorum mar- 
 catorum et legeorum regni sui infra dictam villain de Flusa residenciam seu 
 residere valencium temporibus profuturis Noueritis nos de fidelitate indus- 
 tria et experta diligentia eiusdem laurencii plenam fiduciam optinentes ma- 
 tura deliberatione perhabita eundem laurentium in hospitem nostrum bur- 
 gensium et marcatorum nostri burgi predict! recepisse et admisisse necnon 
 recipere et admittere per presentes Quare vobis omnibus et singulis mer- 
 catoribus et comburgensibus nostris et eorum seruitoribus exhortamur et 
 firmiter damus in mandatis quatenus quod vos aut vestrum quemlibet in 
 dicta villa de Flusa aut in confinibus eiusdem venire residere aut moram 
 trauere contigerit hospicium vestrum cum dicto laurencio in domo recipere 
 tenere et obseruare curetis sibi prouide gratitudines et rectitudines secun- 
 dem antiquas consuetudines parti um Flandree huiusmodi hospitibus debitas 
 sine quouis obstaculo honesto et hillariter erando et largiendo adque omnia 
 et singula premissa inuiolabiliter obseruando vos et vestrum quemlibet 
 astringimus firmiter per presentes quibus pro nostra voluntate duraturis 
 In testimonium premissorum sigillum nostrum commune quo ad causas 
 vtimur apponi fecimus in pretorio nostro burgi predict! xx die mensis Julii 
 anno Domini Ivi. 
 
 Memorandum, that at the giffin of the chapilnary of Saynt Nichallis 
 altar to Sir Henry Hervy, Mayster Duncane Scherar and Androw Scherar 
 comperit personaly befor the alderman and consale, and declaryt to thaim 
 that they hade made a promyse and graunt to the saide Maister Duncane 
 of the erast chapilnary, that vakit at was at thar gift, he sulde hafe it, and 
 besoucht thiar maister schippis, that sen that chapelnary of Saynt Nichallis 
 altar was than vakande, that thai wald keip thair promyse and graunt til 
 hym thairof. And tharefter the alderman and consale considerande that thai 
 micht nocht gudely forga the seruice of the said Sir Henry fra the seruice of 
 the queir, avisitly made instans to the said Mayster Duncane, and Androw, 
 at thai walde at that tym supercede and thole thaim to gif the said chapil- 
 nary to the said Schir Henry, because thai mycht nocht guidly forga him 
 fra the seruice of the queir ; and thai sulde hafe the erast chapilnary that 
 vakyt at war at thair gyft, gif it lykit the saide Maister Duncane himself 
 til hafe it, or gif it pleysit the saide Mayster Duncane and Androw til 
 gif it til ony vthiris of thair frendis that ar gaynnando and sufficiamU- 
 thair for.
 
 22 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 3d December, 2d December, 1459. 
 
 The samyn dai it was appoynttit and fullely accordit, betuex the al- 
 derman and the commoune consaile of this burgh on that a pairt, and 
 Maister John of Levington, vicar of Inuerugy, on that other pairt, anes 
 the biggyne of the brigg on the vater of Dee in maner and form as efter 
 folowis, that is to say, at the said Maister John has tane on hande to be 
 maister and gouernour of the said work, be the sicht and avise of the 
 alderman and consail ; to the quhilk work the forsaid alderman and consaile 
 sal gif yherly, for the termes often yheris, xx lib of their commoune purse. 
 
 December, 1461. 
 
 The xxii day of December, the yher of oure Lorde a thousand four 
 hundreth sexte and ane, it is ordanit and concludit be the hale common 
 consale, and be avise, consent, and ordinance of the maste parte of the 
 comownis of this burgh, Alexander of Chamowr that day beand for- 
 spekar for the comownis and merchandis thar beand present, that ony 
 man, quhat euer he be, of state heyar or lawer, duelland within this 
 burch, at pais nocht his male, or at withhaldis in his handis vnpait fra a 
 terme til ane vthir his male or ony vthir siluer, othir of tax or revenowis, 
 quharthroch it may ryn to hendryng or preiudice to the toune ; at that 
 man, of quhatsumeur degree he be, sal not hafe tax of wateris nor of 
 land, na yet sal be chosin in tyme to cum to beir ony offices within this 
 burch, quhill the time at he freith hym selff, and kepe the toun vnscathit 
 anentis the king and all other men of all dettis and chargis acht be hym. 
 
 13th Januarie, 1462. 
 
 Be it made kend till all men be their present lettres, ws alderman, bailheis, 
 consale, and communitie of the burgh of Aberdene, to be oblist til a noble 
 and michtie lord, Alexander Erie of Huntlie, and Lorde of Baidenach, in 
 manere and fourme as efter folowis : This is to say, forsamekle as the 
 forsaid lorde is oblist till ws in mantenance and supplie, to keipe ws in 
 oure fredomes, and infeftrnentis for certaine termes, as in the foirsaid lordis 
 letteris at lynth made til ws thairapon mar fullely is contenit, that we sal 
 be lele and trew to the forsaid lorde erle, in counsale gif he askis ws efter 
 oure wittis and knaulage, and kepe his counsale gif he chargis ws, and 
 atour quhen it sail pleise the forsaid lorde to cum to oure saide burgh 
 with few persons or mony, and to remain or pas quhen him likis, we sal 
 at all oure gudely powere conserue and kepe him and his company within
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 23 
 
 oure said burgh, to tak sic part with him in his defens as we wald do for 13th January, 
 
 1 4.fi*^ 
 
 the defens of oure awyn persons, kepand our allegeans til oure souerane 
 lorde the king, and the fredomes of oure said burgh. Thir oure letteres 
 til enduir for al the termes of ten yeres fra the day and date of ye making 
 of thaira. In witnes of the quhilk thing, oure secrete sele to thir oure 
 letteris is affixt, at oure burgh of Aberdene forsaid, the xx li day of Januare, 
 the yere of God j m cccc sexte and twa. 
 
 The xx tj day of Januarie, the yere sexte and twa, thir persons, vn- 
 dirwrittin, ane assise chosyn be the greate aith till decyde efter thaire 
 knawlage, the actioune betuix ane worthy knycht, Schir Walter Stewart 
 of Strathoune on that a part, and Dauid Syrason on that othir part, 
 that is to say, Alexander of Chamour, Johne of Mar, Johne of Scrogs, 
 Johne Wodd, Johne Woket, Andrew Rede of Petfothell, Gilbert the 
 Waus, Johne Matheson, Thorn, of Fife, Thorn. Guelp, Johne Litstar, 
 the said persons ordanis at Dauy Simpson sal bryng hame to the said 
 Schir Walter, knycht, ane dispensatioune be Pasch cum a yere, next efter 
 folowand the date of this write, and failyeand thereof, the forsaid Dauy sal 
 content and pay to the forsaid Schir Walter xxv pundis Scottis, but fraude 
 or gile, efter as in ane obligacioun maid therapon be the said Dauy to the 
 said Schir Walter mar fullely is contenit. 
 
 12th July, 1463. 
 
 The xii day of the moneth of July, the yer of God Ixiij yeris, it was 
 fundin and opinly knawine be the altherman and the balzeis syttande in 
 jugement, that Henry of Culan, son and air of umquhile Alexander of 
 Culan, burges of Aberdon, of lachfull aige, out of tutoury, and has chosine 
 til his curatis to gowerne him, Androw of Lesly and Thome of Culan, his 
 cosingis, to gowerne him and his gudis, and at the stok of his gudis be 
 furthe cummande til his profitis and quha to it may after, and to fynd the 
 childe of the brok of his gudis to the vsche of fyue yeris, the saide v yeris 
 beande runyn, the gudis belangande to the saide Henry to be deliueryt til 
 him or to thaim that it may affer to of law, befor the altherman and the 
 bailyeis forsaide be his saide curatis but ony stopping. 
 
 And thir ar the gudis and sommys that the saide curatis has ressauyt 
 of the saide Henry of Culanis fra Wat. Moryson : fyrst, a gold signet, 
 price iij lib. ; item, iij siluer spunys, price xv s. ; item, of siluer, v lib., 
 v s. vii d. ; item, for a belt, viij s ; item, for a sake and a gowne of blowe
 
 24 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 12th July, pryce xxxv s. ; item, a countir and a schryne, price xx s., for the quhilkis 
 sommys and gudis the saide curatis and the childe has dischargit the 
 saide Wat Moryson in presens of the said altherman and bailzeis, and 
 thair attour the said curatis has fundin Jamys Craike souertie to the said 
 altherman and bailzeis that the stok of thir forneramyt gudis sal be furtht 
 cumande for the profite of the saide Henry, or to quhom to it may affer of 
 law, the saide fyve yeris beande runnyn, and thairto the saide Jamys is 
 oblist, be the faith of his body, befor thir witnes, Norman of Lesly, Duncane 
 Alone, Thome of Culane, Duncane of Straloch, with vthyr sindry. 
 
 14th July, 1463. 
 
 The xiiij day of Julij, the yer Ixiii, it is ordanyit be the altherman 
 and the consaile that Dauy Patrikson, burges of the saide burgh, for 
 the rebellione done be him to the altherman, fyrst, that he sail ramayne 
 in the tolbuth on to the morne, at the wil of the altherman and the 
 consaile ; and thar efter, on the Sonday next to cum, the saide Dauy sail 
 cum bar fute, with his gowne louse, and a candill of a punde of wax in 
 his hande, to Saint Nicholace kirk in the tyme of the hee messe, and 
 offir that candill thar to the altar, and aske the altherman and his con- 
 saile forgifnes, for the luf of God, and neuer to do sic thyng again ; and 
 syne thar efter the said Dauy, fra that day furth, sal gyf oukly for the 
 hale yeir, a pynt of wyne to the kirke for his said rebellione, and to the 
 fulfilling of this, the saide Dauy is oblist and sworne, be the fath of his 
 body, in presens of the altherman and his consale. 
 
 I8tk July, 1463. 
 [Letter to the Earl of Huntly and others.] 
 
 Hee and myghty lordis, I recomawnde me humbly on to your lord- 
 schippis with all humilytie and seruice. Pleyse your lordschippis to wit, 
 that I hafe ressauyt certan credens of youris, be your skwyar Alexr. of 
 Lesly, chargeand me and the tone to be at you this Monunday at evine 
 at the Cabbrach. My lordis, I hafe callit the nichburis of our tone 
 and schawin thaim your credens, the quhilk nichburis ar wele set at all 
 thair gudely poweris to pleyse your lordschippis with thair seruice, in 
 alsfer as thai may, beseking your lordschippis ye will nocht be displeysit 
 that thai may nocht come to this hasty tryst, efter his credens, for in 
 gud fathe, we hafe na hors, na may get none to cum, because of the 
 warnyng of the cuntre of gentilmen, to cum to your lordschippis at this
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 25 
 
 tryst. And forthir, my lordis, we. ar chargit be oure souerane lorde 18th July. 
 
 to kepe oure toune, for he is sickerly informyt of a flot of Inglismen to 
 
 cuin for the destruction of our tone, and of vtheris within this realme, 
 
 for the quhilkis we beseke yow to hafe us excusit, as our great traist is 
 
 in your singular lordschippis, the quhilkis Allmichty God conserue at 
 
 your hee and mythty nobill hartis desiris. Writtyn, vnder my signet, at 
 
 Aberdon, this last Monunday the xviii day of July. 
 
 30th August, 1463. 
 
 Copia litere directe Domino de Forbes per consilium et communitatem 
 huius burgi. 
 
 Richt honorable and michty lorde, we commawnde ws hartly on to 
 your lordschip. And pleysit your lordschip, to wit, that we hafe ressauyt a 
 letter of youris from your chaplayn, this last Twysday, and quhar your 
 lordschip writes til ws that certane personys of oure burgh is cummyn 
 in contrare of your lordschip, in feir of weir ; and, as your lordschip 
 presumys that thai passit nocht without avyse and consaile of ws, we 
 declar to your lordschip that we war nathir art nor part, rede nor con- 
 saile, of the personys that passit in contrar of your lordschip ; nor thinkis 
 neid to gif rede nor consaile til ony man to do ony molestacione or 
 greife in contrar of your lordschip, hot euer to do servuice and em- 
 plesance to your lordschip at our gudely poweris ; and quhar your lord- 
 schip complenzeis upon our alderman, that men of his hushalde was ther, 
 we hafe inquyrit at hym thairof, and his answer tyll ws is, that be his wittyn 
 thar was na man thar belangande him or his hushalde ; and he sayis, gif 
 it pleyse your lordschipe till reherse ony mannys name of his hushalde 
 that was thar, it sal be wele amendyt that your lordschip salbe empley- 
 sit ; quharfor, we beseche your lordship richt instantly, that ye be nocht 
 grevit nor displeysit at ws, nor at our nichtbouris, for ony cause done be 
 ws, for we think to kepe our kindnes to your lordschip, that your lord- 
 schip salbe empleysit be the grace of God, and traistis the samyn in your 
 lordschip, quhilkis Allmythty God conserue in lang lestande honour and 
 prosperite. Writyn vnder our secret sele of cause, the penult day of 
 August. Youris, at thair gudely poweris, the consaile and communitie 
 of the burgh of Aberdeine. 
 
 Nobili et potent! domino Domino de Forbes domino nostro confidenti.
 
 26 EXTRACTS FUOM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 20th December, 20M December, 1463. 
 
 The said day, anent the debate movit betuix Theman, goldsmycht, on that 
 a part, and Thomas Reburne, goldsmycht, on that vthir part, of ane ferthing 
 of ane Inglis Nobill, changit be the saide Theman to the saide Thomas 
 for the valou of quhite siluer. The quhilk ferthing the said Theman 
 assayit tharefter to wirk, and fande it nocht sufficyande golde, and askyt 
 the saide Thomas to pay him his siluer that he gaf him, and to tak his 
 ferthing agyn. The quhilk the saide Thomas reffoysit to do, because that 
 the ferthing was brokin be the saide Theman, and nocht in the ply he 
 gaf it him. Vpon the quhilk debate, with consent of bathe the parteis 
 forsaide, thair was chosin ane assise of worthi men to decyde and ende the 
 saide debate : that is to say, John of Fyfe, Robert Blindesele, Robert 
 Wormet, William Vokate, John Litstar, Thome Quelp, and Adam of 
 Crafuirde, with vthyr man. The forsaide parteis, be the treuthis of thair 
 bodiis, til vnderly and fulfill oblist thair deliuerance and sentens of the 
 saide debaitis. The quhilk assise, wele and ryply avysit, has delyuerit, 
 and for sentens furth giffin, that Theman, goldsmycht, sal sustene na scathe 
 for the brekine of the saide ferthing, bot deliuer it agayn to the saide 
 Thomas Ryburne, and he to content Theman of v s. vi d. agayn, that 
 he gaf him for it, sen it was nocht lachfull nor sufficiande to pass for pay- 
 ment na werk, and the forsaide Thomas til sok til his warande gif he hafe 
 ony til vpricht him. 
 
 20th March, 1466. 
 Copia litere burgi de Perth. 
 
 Richt honorable and worschipfull schiris, and richt hartly louyt nicht- 
 buris, we commande ws hartly to yow. And for alsmekle as we hafe vnder- 
 standin your letteres sende til ws of a questione fallin amangis yow, be 
 the decesse of ane of your nichtburis, the quhilk maryit twa wyffis, and 
 hade with the fyrst wyff a dochter, in the quhilk wyffis tym he conquest a 
 lande within your saide burgh ; and efter hir decesse maryet ane vthir 
 wyff, with the quhilk he gat sonnys and dochteris, til inquer of the suc- 
 cessione of the saide lande conquest in the saide fyrst wyffis tym, quhilk 
 of the barnys succede to the said lande, we ripely avisit of befor be ane of 
 our nichtburis decessyt, fande and declarit that quhar he hade with the 
 fyrst wyf douchteris, and with the secunde a son, that the lande conquest
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 27 
 
 in the fiyrst wyffis tyme the dochter is full airis, and nocht the son, efter 20th March. 
 
 the law and consuet of the burgh. And this to your hartly nichtburhedis 
 
 we declar be thir oure letteris, the quhilkis Almichty God hafe euer in 
 
 his blessit keping. Writtyn and closit vnder our secret sele at Perth, the 
 
 xx day of Marche, ye yer of our Lorde a thousande four hunder sexty 
 
 and sex yeris. 
 
 Prepositus balliui et consules burgi de Perth vestri ad mandatum. 
 
 Honorabilibus et magne prudentie viris preposito balliuis et consu- 
 libus burgi de Aberden vicinis nostris sincere dilectis. 
 
 30th June, 1467. 
 
 Johannes Robertson dictus Christ super quern Robertus Blindsele 
 porrexit plegium pro iniusta spoliacione de certis tabulis de Werstale in 
 botha sua sepe vocatus tanquam primo die huius processus non comparuit 
 et idio precipitur seriando et pro iniusta abstractione vnius ligne precii x s. 
 de dicta botha et pro firma bothe predicte xii d. 
 
 2d December, 1467. 
 
 It is ordanyt be the alderman, bailzeis, and hale consale, anent the 
 debatis and strublance betuix Willam Vokat and Thomas Quelp, that the 
 said Thomas sal fyrst syt done on his kne and tak the nakit knyff that he 
 hurt the said William with in his hande, and opynly knaw that he has 
 offendit til him, and deliuer him the said knyf, to do with it that he will. 
 And, in name of xx lib. to be payit at the saide alderman and consallis will, 
 and to pray the saide Willam, for the luf of God, til hartfully forgif hym ; 
 and thairefter to pray the alderman and the consale that thai wald pray 
 the saide Willam to forgif hym, and that the saide Thomas sail be stedable 
 to the saide Willam in all thingis that he has ado, and to do him alsmekle 
 worschip as he has done him lake at al his power. Alsua, the saide 
 Thomas sail content and pay to the alderman, quhen he askis it, xl s., the 
 quhilk sal be giffin to the chaplanis of the haly bludis messe ; and thair 
 attour, because the strublans was done til a brothir of the gilde, sail content 
 and pay a pip of wyne til amendis quhat tym that the aldermen and consale 
 chargis hym therwith. And quhilk of thir that forfaltis till vtheris for this 
 cause in tym to cum, sail content and pay to Saynt Nicholace werk xx lib. to 
 be raysit at the alderman and consalis ordinans, on forgiffin. And to the
 
 28 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 December, keping of the forsaide ordinans, the forsaide parteis ar sworn be the gret 
 ath, in presens of the alderman and the hale consale, but reuocacione in 
 tym to cum. 
 
 20th March, 1468. 
 Copia litere burgi de Edinburgh. 
 
 Richt honorable and worschipfull schiris, and wele beluwyt nichtburis, 
 we commaunde ws hartly to yow : and pleyseth yow to wit, that we hafe 
 rassauyt and vnderstandin your lettere sende til ws and present be the 
 berar, making mensioune that thar is a questioun hapnyt with yow that a 
 burges of your burgh, the quhilk is decessit, hapnyt to mary twa wyffis, and 
 in the fyrst wyffiis tyme conquest a lande within your said burgh, and hade 
 with hir a douchtir ; and efter the fyrst wyffis decesse he hapynt to mary 
 ane vthir wyff, with quhilk he gat sonnys and douchteris ; the quhilke lande 
 conquest in the fyrst wyffis tym was vnassignyt be him til ony of his saide 
 barnys in his tym ; and at ther is now cammyn befor yow the dochtir of the 
 fyrst wyff, clamande the said lande as air thairto, and to be knawin be yow 
 to the samyn and richt ; swa the son of the secunde wyff, askande him to be 
 kende to the saide lande as air til his fadir, prayng ws that forsamekle as 
 sic a case has nocht hapnyt with yow in tym bygane, that we walde pass 
 togidder with the consaile of men of law, and avise tharapon, and to cer- 
 tyfy yow in write with the berar. For the quhilkis we hafe passit togidder 
 with men of law, and has commonyt apon the saide mater, beande wele and 
 rypely avisit, thus we mak knawn and findis, that the douchter gottyn in 
 the fyrst wyffis tyme, aucht of resone and law to succede to the heritage 
 conqueist and gottyn in the said fyrst wyffis tym, of lesse than it was as- 
 signit of befor in the fadiris tym, vt patet in legibus burgorum in capitulo 
 vbi dicit de homine habente duas vxores, etc. And this we declair and 
 certyfiis to your nichtbourhedis be thir presentis, the quhilkis the blissit 
 Trinite euermar conserue in guid hele and prosperite. Writtyn vnder our 
 common sele of cause, at Edinburgh, the xx day of the monethe of 
 Marche. 
 
 Prepositus balliui et consules burgi de Edinburgh vobis prompt! in om- 
 nibus. 
 
 Honorabilibus circumspecteque prudentie viris preposito balliuis et con- 
 sulibus ville de Aberdene vicinis et amicis nostris sincere dilectis.
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABEEDEEN. 29 
 
 21th March, 1468. 27th March, 
 
 Copia litere burgi de Dunde. 
 
 Richt honorable and worscbipful sirris, ande nichtburis, hartly louyt, 
 we commande ws to yow witb al our hartis. And pleyse your nichtbour- 
 hedis, to wit, tbat we hafe vnderstandyn your letter direct til ws, vnder 
 your secret sele, requeryng ws to certify you be writ this questioun : a 
 man maryande twa wyffis ; with the fyrst wyf he conquest landis, and 
 hade a douchter with that wyf ; and efter that wyffes decesse raaryit ane 
 vther wyf, with the quhilk he gat sonnys and dochteris : the man deande, 
 and makande na assignacione of his landis til nane of his barnys. The 
 law and consuetude of the four burowyis in the xxv chapter, that be- 
 gynnis thus gatis, Si burgensis duas vxores habuerit, etc., declaris that 
 the landis conquest in the first wyffis tym, sail ramayn with the first wyffis 
 barne, and richt swa, the landis conqueist in the last wyffis tym, will ra- 
 mayu with the last wyffis barnys ; the quhilk law we oyse and kepis, and 
 we consoule yow to do richt. Swa nocht ellis, bot richt honorable and 
 worschipfull nichtburis, the Haly Gast conserue you in prosperite euer- 
 lestingly, bath in bodiis and saulys. Writtyn, vnder our secret sele, at 
 Dunde the xxvii day of the moneth of Marche. 
 
 Prepositus balliui et consules burgi de Dunde vobis parati. 
 
 Honorabilibus et circumspecte prudentie viris preposito balliuis et con- 
 sulibus burgi de Aberden vicinis nostris predilectis. 
 
 23d January, 1470. 
 Copia litere regis. 
 
 Jamys, be the grace of God king of Scottis, to our alderman and 
 balzeis of our burgh of Aberdene, greting. For alsmekle as we hafe 
 gevyn to our louyt Jamys Hervy, and his airis, a tenement of lyande 
 within oure said burgh, with the pertinens pertenyng til ws throw resine 
 of bastardry, be the decesse of Henry Hervy, bastarde, and Androw his 
 son, as is contenyt in the saide Jamys charter, made til him tharoppoun : 
 Our will is, and we charge yow straitly and commawndis, that thir our 
 letteris sene, but delay ye ger rede and wode the saide tenement to the 
 saide Jamys, and kep him and his tenandis vnuexit and vndistrub tharin, 
 alsfer as law will, vnder all payn and charge that efter may folow, deliuer- 
 ing thir our letteris, be yow sene and execut, agayn to the berrar. Gevin
 
 30 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 23d January, under our signet, at Edinburgh, the xxiii day of Januar, and of cure regne 
 147 - the tent yer. 
 
 8tk August, 1470. 
 Copia litere regis. 
 
 Jamys, be the grace of God king of Scottis, til the alderman and balyeis 
 of our burgh of Aberdeine, greting. For alsmekil as we haf wryttin 
 diuerse and mony tymys to yow, be the decrete and deliuerans of the lordis 
 of our counsaile, to devoyde, and rede a certaine lan^e and tenement, lyande 
 within oure said burghe, to oure louyt Agnes Lilburne, and Johne Chap- 
 man, hir spouse, and as yeit ye hafe done nocht tharto, in dissobeyng of 
 our said letteris, mandement, and chargis, and in gret lychtlying and con- 
 temnyng of oure auctorite and mageste: Our will is, and we charge yow 
 tharfor strately, and commandis yeit as of befor, ye pas to the said lande 
 and tenement, and that ye furthwith devoyde and red the samyn to the 
 saidis Agnes, and John Chapman, hir saide spouse, or to thair factouris, 
 of all personys and gudys inhabitande the saide tenement, and that ye 
 halde, "woyde, and red to thaim ; and that ye kep, mantene, supple, and 
 defende, the saidis Agnes, and hir saide spouse, in the brukyn and joysyng 
 of the said tenement, efter the tenour of our vthir letteris, direct to yow 
 thairapon, vnder all the heist payn and charge ye may committ, and inrine 
 agayn oure majeste in that pairt, deliueryng thir our letteris, be you deuly 
 execut and indorsit as efferis, again to the berar. Gevin vnder our signet, 
 at Fauulklande, the viii day of August, and of oure regne the tent yer. 
 
 21th February, 1471. 
 
 The penult dai of Februar, the yer of God Ixxi, because that the 
 office of belmanschip of this burgh was vacand, the alderman gerd Johne 
 Sclater pas with the bel throu the towne, to charge the comunite to cum to 
 the tolbuthe, for the chesing of a belman that war maist habit and profitable 
 for the toune. And with the consent of the alderman, balzeis, consail, and 
 comunite of the toune that war present in the tyme efter the passing of the 
 bel, Andrew Murray, masowne, com in presence of thaim al and profferit 
 to gif for that office of belmanschip, for his tyme, yerly, to the common 
 proffite of the toune, fyve markis, and to do all vthir deuiteis and service 
 to the toune that ony vthir belman did of before ; the alderman in the tyme
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 31 
 
 inquirand gif ony vthir man wald gif mare, and fand na man that wald gif 27th February. 
 
 samekil. And forthwith, that beand done, the alderman, in the name of the 
 
 toune and of the communite, deliuerit til the said Andro the bel, and chesit 
 
 him for all the daies of his life common belman, with consent of the balyeis, 
 
 consale, and communite, beand present for the tyme, as saidis. Heratour, 
 
 the said Andro is oblist to byde and to remayn at Sanct Nicholace wark, 
 
 and al vthir common warkis, for his tyme, for siclike fee as he may half in 
 
 vthir places. 
 
 8th January, 1472. 
 
 The aucht day of ye moneth of Januar, ye yeire of God m mo iiij mo 
 sevintie and twa yeris, Androu Scherar, alderman of ye burgh of Aber- 
 den in that tyme, with consent and assent of ye hail common consel, being 
 thar present in ye tolbuthe, has grauntit and promittit to Schir Androu, 
 ye son of quhilum Thomas Andreson, burges of Aberden, chaplan of ye 
 Rude altar, in ye parisch kirk of ye said burgh, that for his continuacioune 
 of diuine seruice, to be done and made be him in tym to cum, in Sanct 
 Nicholes kirk, efter as ye tym askis at his gude diligence and power ; that 
 ye said Schir Androu sal hafe yerlie for his fie ten merkis of ye vsuale 
 money of Scotland, of ye common gudis of ye forsaid burgh, togiddre with 
 all annualis proffitis and dewiteis pertening to ye fornemmit rude altar, 
 quhilk soume and pencioun of x merkis yerlie, togiddre with ye Rude altar, 
 ye forsaid Schir Andro sal hafe and joise for all ye time of his life, he 
 makand busy and gude service tharfor, as forsaid is. 
 
 Ye same day, ye alderman and consel has promittit and gravntit til 
 Schir Henry Hervy, chaplane of Sanct Michalis altar, for his gude service 
 and continuauioune tharof to be done be him in tyme to cum in Sanct 
 Nicholes kirk in diuine service, that he sal hafe for al ye daiis of his 
 life yerlie of ye common purse, and of the common gude of ye said burgh 
 sex pundis., threttene schillingis, and foure pennys of ye vsuale payment 
 of Scotland, togidder with all proffitis and dewiteis pertening til ye for- 
 said altar of Sanct Michael. 
 
 3Qth January, 1474. 
 
 The same day, because thare was na dene of gilde chosin on the 
 Friday next efter that the alderman was chosin, and that the tyme of his
 
 32 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 30th January, chesing was sa lang by runny n, it is ordanit, deliuerit, and concludit be 
 the haill consel present in the tyme, of the quhilkis the names efter fol- 
 lowis, that thare sal na dene of gilde be chosin for this yere bot the al- 
 derman, quhilk has had the vse of that office, and intrometting of it hid- 
 dertilles, sen he was chosin alderman, and he to mak compt therof at the 
 ische of his aldermanschip as efferis. Thir ar the persons that war pre- 
 sent in the tyme, and consentit thairto, na man gainsayand of thaim, 
 Alexr. Menzeis, Johne of Mar, Andro Alanson, Richard of Kyntor, 
 Johne Wode, Alexr. Blinschel, Johne of Knollis, Dauid Colison, Dauid 
 Symson, Gilbert the Vaus, Gilbert of Chamer, Dauid Menzes, Edmond 
 Lawson, Dauid Mathoson, and Patrick Badenach, &c. 
 
 3d November, 1474. 
 
 The thrid of Nouembre, the yer Ixxiiij, it is appointit, and fullely 
 accordit betuix Dauid Menzes elder, on the ta part, and Schir Andro 
 Wricht, maister of the kirk wark of Aberden, on that vther part, in maner 
 and fourme as efter folowis : that is to say, that the said Dauid has sawlde to 
 the said Schir Andro, in the name of Sanct Nicholace, thre futhir of lede, 
 ilke futhir contenand sex score of stanys, to be deliuerit, God willand, gif 
 wynde and wethir will serve, betuix this and Pasch next to cum apon the 
 key of Aberden ; but ony exceptioune, cauillacioune, fraude, or gile, for 
 the quhilkis, the said maister of wark sal pay to the said Dauid, or his de- 
 putis or factouris, deliueraris of the said lede, fourty-sex pundis and ten 
 schillingis of vsuale money of Scotland for the hail thre futhiris, at the said 
 day of the deliurence of the lede. And gif it sal happyn the said Dauid to 
 failye in his defaute of the deliuerence of the said lede, at day and place for- 
 said, as God forbede, than the said Dauid sal pay daly to the said maister of 
 wark xij d. efter the principale day of the deliuerence of the said lede be 
 passit ; and in sic likewise gif the said maister of wark failyeis in payment 
 of the said soume for the saide lede, be the said day of the deliuerence, or 
 within viij daies therefter at the ferrest, than the said maister of wark sal 
 pay to the said Dauid, or his deputis, deliueraris of the saide lede, xii d. 
 daily til his expensis, and nocht to be allowit in the principale somme. Of 
 the quhilk lede, the said Dauid gravntis him content, and pait of aucht 
 pundis in part of payment of the said principale somme. And thir condi- 
 ciones lely to be kepit, athir of the parties til vther has gefin gude faith be- 
 fore thir witnes, Alexander of Chavmer, alderman, Alex. Menzes, Richard
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 33 
 
 of Kyntor, David Colison, Dauid Symson, Gilbert of Chadmer, Patrik 3d November. 
 Badenach, Edmond Lowson, and vtheris mony and diuerse. 
 
 2d May, 1475. 
 
 The second day of May, the yer of our Lorde m iiij c Ixxv yeris, it was 
 ordanit, endit, and concludit be the alderman, and certane persons of coun- 
 sale, of the quhilkis the names efter followis, that the offerand and all 
 vther offerantis to cum, that fallis vpon the Rude altar, and the chaplan of 
 the Browne croice altar, quhat evir thai be for the tyme, and that neyther 
 of the chaplanis of the Rude altar or of the Browne croice sail haue sin- 
 gulare proffite til ony of thaim, bot that all gudis that ar offerit in the tyme 
 sal be diuidit evinlie and rychtwisly ymangis thaim. Thir ar the names 
 of the consel that war present in the tyrne : Alex, of Chavtner, alderman, 
 Matho Fichet, Johne of Mar, Andro Sqherar, Richard of Kyntor, Patrik 
 Badenach, Johne of Knollis, Johne the Vaws, Gilbert of Chavmer, 
 Dauid Symson, thre of the balyeis in the tyme, Adam of Crafurd, 
 William Voket, Dauid Collisen, Thorn of Fiffe, Robert Blindsel, and 
 of spirituale men, Maister Andro Symson, vicar of Abirden, Maister 
 Johne Smaler, vicar of Kyngowdrum, Maister Johne Levingstoune, 
 vicar of Inuerugy, Schir Alex. Voket, Maister William Voket, his 
 brother, Schir Dauid Vaus, curate of Abirdene in the tyme, Schir 
 Thomas Dauidsone, Schir Robert Leis, public notar, with vtheris sindree. 
 Apon the quhilk deliuerence and decrete, Schir Andro, the son of quhilum 
 Thomas Anderson, chaplan of the Rude altar, tuke in the tyme of the de- 
 liuerence fra Schir Robert Leis, public notar, ane instrument in the vestry 
 of the parisch kirk of Aberdene, befor the persons forsaid, or the maist 
 pairt of thaim, and that this decrete and deliuerence soulde nocht be 
 reuokit nor gaincallit for the tyme of the saidis chaplanis, viz., of Schir 
 Alex. Club, chaplan of the browne croice altar, and of Schir Andro, 
 chaplan of the Rude altar, no nor efter thare tyme, bot perpetually til 
 indure, &c. 
 
 llth May, 1475. 
 Copia litere regis. 
 
 James, be the grace of God king of Scottis, til all and sindrie our lieges 
 and subditis quham it efferis, to quhais knaulege thir our letteres salcum, 
 greting. Fersamekil as it is lammentabilly menit till ws be our louit Johne 
 
 E
 
 34 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 nth May. of Spens, Ulster, the son and ayr of vmquhile Adam of Spens, burges of 
 our burgh of Aberdene, that throw auentur of his craft and vtherways he 
 is sa tensalit in gudis, that he is nocht of povar to pay certane dettis and 
 soumes of money awing be him to certane personis within oure realme ; 
 and in hope that, be diligently labour and travale, ta recouer agane in gudis 
 to outred and pay the saidis dettis and sowmes of money, we haue of our 
 speciale grace and fauouris thairfor respect, and be thir our letteres spe- 
 cially respectis, the saide Johne his landis and gudis quhatsomeuer to be 
 vncompellit, vndistrengeit, vnarrestit, vnvexit, and vndistrublit be ony juge 
 spirituale or temporal for the said dettis or sowmes of money forsaids for 
 the space of a yer nixt and immediate following the date of thir our letteris. 
 Quharfor we charge straitly and commandis all and sindrie our lieges and 
 subdities forsaidis, baith spiritual and temporal, that nane of you tak 
 vpon hand to cal, arrest, distrenye, vex, inquiet, or distruble the said 
 Johne in his person, landis or gudis, for the said dettis or soumes of 
 money awing be him to quhatsumeur persones, induring the tyme and 
 space of a yer aboue exprimit, vndir all the hiest pain, charge, and of- 
 fens ye may commit and inrin again ws in that part. Given vnder our 
 priuie sele, at Edinburgh, the xi day of Maii, and of our regne the xv 
 yer. James R. 
 
 llth September, 1475. 
 
 Item, Alexander of Chavmer, than alderman, and the consel has or- 
 danit and assignit, at the request and instans of Schir Henry Hervy, that 
 his said pensioune of this toun salbe pait til him yerly of ye Justice Myln, 
 &c. Act xxvij die Septembris anno, Ixxv. 
 
 30th May, 1476. 
 
 Copia litere regis penes comitem de Mar presentate ex parte eiusdem 
 et perlecte in ipsius presentia coram tota communitate in pretorio 
 penultim die Maii anno Ixxvi asserente vnanimi voce eandem literam 
 in omnibus secundum tenorem et continenciam eiusdem et mandati 
 regis adimplere &c. 
 
 James, be the grace of God king of Scottis, til the alderman, balleis, con- 
 sale, and communitie of our burgh of Aberdene, greting : Forsamekil as our 
 derest bruthir, Johne Earle of Marr, reparis and residis diuerse tymes quietly 
 in oure said burgh of Aberdene, oure wil is, and we exhort and praise
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 35 
 
 you, and also straitlie commandis and chargis that, in al tymes tocum, 30th May, 
 ye assist to our said bruthir, and, for the souerite and keping of his 
 person, ye redely rise with him quhat tyme he chargis you, in the ac- 
 tionis and querrellis that he happinis to haue ado within our said burghe, 
 for we haue gevin him speciale charge and command to supple and de- 
 fend you in oure absence agane ony persons that wald oppress or iniure 
 you in ony wise. And this on na wise ye leue vndone, as ye wil haue 
 singulare thank of ws, and vndir al paine and charge that efter may fol- 
 low. Geuin vnder our priuie seil, at Edinburgh the xix day of Aprile, 
 and of our regne the xvi yer. James R. 
 
 14th April, 1477. 
 
 The same dai, the alderman proponit to the hale consale, and communite 
 belanging the biging of the qveyr, schawand the thankis and kyndnis that 
 my lord of Aberden has profferit, for the quhilkis the alderman, consale, and 
 communitee forsaidis hes grantit to the biging of the qveyr al feis of alder- 
 man, balyeis, dene of gilde, abbot, and priour of this burgh, with the com- 
 mon gude, and al vtheris proffitis that may be gottin for sevyn yeris to cum, 
 and mare gif it nedis, be the sight of thir personis vnder writin : that is to 
 say, Andro Scherar, alderman, Alexander of Chavmer, Alexander Meignes, 
 Johne of Mar, Johns of Knollis, Dauid Colison, Thomas of Fife, Alex- 
 ander Rede, and Alexander Howison, quhilkis personis sal haue ful com- 
 missione vnder the commoune seil of the said burgh. 
 
 15th September, 1477. 
 
 Item, the same day, it is ordanit and decretit be the alderman and con- 
 sale, for the wphalding of diuine seruise, daily to be made in the qweyr and 
 kirk of Aberden, that Wilyam Yong, ane of the clerkis, sal haue the quarter 
 of the Galowgate til his fee for this instant, and Richard Boyl the quarter of 
 the Castelgate, and quhilk of the said quarteris is better than vther to be 
 made elike to thaim be the sycht of the alderman and consale, and Adam 
 Strath til haue the Schipraw, with the Grene, and Andro Ettale, the ferd 
 clerc, sal hafe the Gaistraw, with the Sculehil. 
 
 18th September, 1477. 
 
 The same dai thir personis of the consale vnderwritin, and vthir pairt of 
 the gilde of thes burgh : that is to say, Johne of Marr, Robert of Culan,
 
 36 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 th Sept., Dauid Syrason, Alexander Howison, Thomas of Chawraer, Alexander 
 Rede, Gilbert the Vause, John the Vaus, Thomas Prat, William the Hay, 
 James Cuming, Dauid Kyntor, Dauid Matheson, Adam of Craufurd, and 
 Angus Ihoneson, has consentit and ordanit that Alexander of Chavmyr, 
 alderman, be continevit vpper and principale maister of wark of the biging 
 of Sanct Nicholace qveyr for twa yeris to cum ; and that Schir Andro 
 Wricht, or ony vther that ressavis ye siluer, procurit, and pertening to the 
 said wark, sal mak compt thairof to the said Alexander of Chavmer, and he 
 to be responsale and dettour thairfor to the toune. 
 
 1th October, 1477. 
 
 The vii day of October, yer of God m iiij c Ixxvii, Alexander of 
 Chawmer, alderman, with consent and deliuerence of the hail consale, na 
 man ganestandand, has gevin and grantit to the beging of the qweyr, ay 
 and quhil it be fullely bigit and complete, that thare sal be takyn of the 
 wattir of Done fourty and aucht pundis yerly, and of the wattir of Crvis 
 yerly twelf pundis. Alsua, yerly, of the procuracione of Sanct Nicolace 
 kirk, twenty pundis, quhil the forsaid qveyr be fullely bigit and complete 
 as said is. And this is grantit and deliuerit with consent of the hail co- 
 mmute. 
 
 10th October, 1477. 
 
 Item, that the alderman, and a certaine of the consale with him, pass 
 through the toune to see the venalis that are closit, and that thai ger thaim 
 be red and oppinnyt as thai think expedient and spedeful. 
 
 10th January, 1479. 
 
 The samyn dai, Schir Walter Yung, chaplan, is oblist, be the faith of 
 his body, til the alderman and consale before writin, that alslang as he 
 gettis ten markis of gude payment yerly, and fyve dais met in the oulk, he 
 sal remain and mak sic service in the kirk as he can or may do at his gudely 
 power, and alslang as it likis the toune til hald him. And gif he failyeis 
 in ony service making, he sal be correkit be the sicht of the alderman, 
 balleis, and counsale of this burgh, &c. 
 
 1th June, 1479. 
 The samyn dai, the aldirman and the consal, at the instance of our soueran
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 37 
 
 lordis lettres, my Lord of Aberdenis lettres, and of Maister Alexander 7th June, 
 
 Ingliss, chansler of Aberdenis lettres of request, bas grantit and promittit 
 
 til Maister Thomas Strathachin, maister of tbe grammar scules of Abir- 
 
 dene, tbat he sal bafe yerly, of the common gude of this toune, fyve pundis 
 
 of the vsual payment of Scotland, ay and qubil he be promovit til a service 
 
 within the kirk of Sanct Nicholess of Abirdene. And that the alderman 
 
 that sal be for the tyme sal ger him be content and payit therof yerly, the 
 
 sade maistre makand diligent and gude service for the informacion and 
 
 instructioun of the barnyis at his gudely power. Writin the vii day of June 
 
 the yer forssaid. 
 
 \3tk September, 1479. 
 
 The samyn day, the alderman, consel, and communite, has grantit to 
 Sande Cowtis, for the mending of the causais and the guttaris of the toune 
 and to halde al the gatis of the toune clene, that al men may haf honest and 
 clene passage throuch all the toune, of ilka fyre house a penny, and of al 
 vtheris, outeburges, and inburgessis, and indwellaris, havand chavmer or 
 house, a penny, to be pait twyse in the yer, Mertymes and Witsonday ; the 
 tane half of the toune peyand the tane half at Mertymes, and the vthir half 
 of the toune payand the tothir half at Witsonday. 
 
 \1th March, 1480. 
 
 The samyn day, it wes concludit and ordanit be the consale and diuerse 
 of the comunite, anent the making of the fossis aboute the toun, that quhat- 
 sumeuer he be, indwellar of this burgh, that beis obstant and contrar to the 
 making thairof, sa fer as pertenis til ilkane to do, that the alderman and 
 balyeis, be the sycht of certan of the consale, sal cause the samyn fossis to be 
 made apon the costis and expenses of the gainstandaris of the said ordinance. 
 
 2d April, 1481. 
 
 lohne of Knollis, Thomas Fife, Thomas Prat, Dauid Symson, Alex- 
 ander Howison, Andro Murray, elder, and Gilbert the Vaus, ar chosin, for 
 til devise, see, and prouide for the making of the fossis, and performing of 
 the walling of this toune, for the strinthing of the sammyn. Devisit, ordanit, 
 and concludit, be the alderman, balyeis, and consale of this burgh, with 
 consent and assent of the hale communite, being warnit be the bel.
 
 38 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 2ist May, 2 Is* May, 1481. 
 
 xxi die Mail anno quo supra. The alderman, bailyeis, consal, and 
 comunitie, has ordanit and concludit that the hawyne sal be closit and lokyt 
 in al guidly hast. For the quhilkis thai haue ordande a taxt til be rasit of 
 al inhabitant the towne, to the quantite and avale of it that will make the 
 costis thairvpoun. 
 
 27 th June, 1481. 
 
 The xxvii day of Junij. It is ordinit be the alderman, balyes, consel, and 
 comunite, that quha at remouis his gudis owt of the town, or at passis him- 
 self fra the defens of the towne, his gudis sal be achet, himself benist for 
 yer and day, and his tak, gif he has ony, sal be fra him for al his termis 
 at he has thaim, and his house to be tane downe efter, as it is statut in 
 coramond law. 
 
 \6th May, 1483. 
 
 The xvj day of May, yer forsaid, it is appoyntit and accordit betuixt 
 Robert Blindsel, alderman of Abirden, and Dauid Menzis, elder, maister 
 of the kirk wark of the samyn burgh, on the ta pairt, and John Alanson, 
 maister of a bote of Dysart, on the tother part : That is to say, the said 
 Johne Alanson has saulde to the kirk wark of the said burgh his said bote 
 ful of lyme, alsraekle as scho may gudely fuyr for xvj s. the chalder, to be 
 brocht heir to the key of Aberden alssune gudely as wynd and wedder wil 
 serue him thairto ; for the quhilk lyme, the said Johne Alanson grantis him 
 til half resuit fra the said master of the kirk wark xxij s. j d., in pairt of pay- 
 ment ; and John the Vaus, elder, and Wilyam Moyses ar oblist to releve 
 the said master of wark of xii d. of ilke chalder, as for ten chalder ; and the 
 said Johne Alanson sal be payt for the said lyme alssune as he makis de- 
 liuerence of the samen but fraude or gile. To the quhilkis bayth the parties 
 ar oblist be ye faith of thair bodiis, witnes heirof Thomas Fife, Johne of 
 Culan, Dauid Menzes yonger, Alexander Rede, Dauid Symson, Gilbert 
 Waus, Andro Wenton, and vtheirs diuerse. 
 
 21th June, 1483. 
 
 The xxvii dai of June, yer Ixxxiii, it was rehersit be Dauid Menzes, 
 master of the kirk wark, that it was appoyntit, decretit in lenterm last 
 by past, the tym of the aldermannis being in Edinburgh, at the par-
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABERDEEN. 39 
 
 liament, betuix the masownys of the luge: that is to say, Richard An- 27th June. 
 cram, Andro Murray, James of Barry, Johne Russal, Johne of Kyn- 
 drumy, and Matho Wrycht, efter that thai war frendit and accordit 
 vpon certane debate and controuersy betuix thaime, that gif ony tym 
 tocum thairefter ony of thaim offendit til vther, that war fundin in a 
 faute, for the first faute, he suld gif xx s. to Sanct Nicholace wark vn- 
 forgevin, and for the second faute, gif thai fautyt agane, xl s. ; and, gif 
 thai fautit the thrid tym, to be excludit out of the luge as a common for- 
 fautour. The quhilk ordinance, ye masownis forsaidis has ratifiit and 
 approvit this samyn day, before ye alderman and consel, and newlingis 
 oblist thame til obserue the samyn be the faith of thare bodiis. 
 
 13th January, 1484. 
 
 The xiii dai of Januar, the yer of God Ixxxiiij, the alderman, 
 consaile, and communite of Aberdene, for the obseruing and keping of 
 thair actis made of before, and for the concord betuix Schir Andro Gray, 
 and Schir Walter Young, chaplanis, anent the debate movit apon the 
 altarage of Sanct Michale, and for the implesure of my lord of Erol, and 
 fulfilling of his request, with the consent of the said Schir Andro Gray, 
 thai ordane and grauntis that the said Schir Walter sal haif four merks 
 of the altar of Sanct Michale yeirlie, in pensioune, ay and quhill he be 
 promovit to ane chaplanry, or seruice of ten merkis or aboue, and salbe 
 maid sickir thairof in the best and maist autentik forme that can be de- 
 visit ; and gif Schir Andro Gray makis the said Schir Walter sickir of 
 the seruice of sex merkis, quhilk he has at Sanct Ninianis altar, or of 
 ony vther sex merkis for seruice to be done be the said Schir Walter, 
 the said Schir Andro salbe relevit and free of the said yearly pensioun 
 of four merkis ; and attour the said Schir Walter sal haf of the towne 
 the keping of the ferdyne, and twa merks yeirlie, tharfor ; and also of 
 the commoun gude of the toune yerly, vther twa merkis, and sal haf the 
 common seil gevin til him thairuppon for sickernes, quhil he be promowit 
 til ane service or chaplanry of ten merkis as said is, and sal haf the com- 
 mon seil of the craft and first chaplanery that sal happin to vaik, at the 
 presentation or gift of the toune, of ten merkis or aboue. And for this, 
 the said Schir Walter is oblist to remain and mak seruice in the qvere 
 daily, at matynis, hiemesse, and evinsang, and sail nocht absent him thair- 
 fra, without ane lachful or sufficient excusacioun, that salbe sene reson-
 
 40 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th January, able to the alderman and consale of the toun. And gif he at ony tyrae 
 wilfully absentis him fra his seruice, as said is, without licence of the 
 toune and resonabil excusacioun, that be notourlie knawin be the toune, 
 than the said pensionis sal vaik, and be at the disposicion of the giffaris. 
 And the alderman, consale, and communitie forsaids hes ordanit and as- 
 signit the twa raerkis yeirlie for the keping of the ferding to be pait to the 
 said Schir Walter, be the handis of thare maister of kirk wark, being for 
 the tym ; and the tuthir twa merkis to be rasit yeirlie of thair malis of 
 Rubislaw, at twa vsuale termes of the yere, Witsunday and Mertymes 
 in wynter, be evinly porcionis. 
 
 30th January, 1484. 
 
 The penult dai of Januar, yer forsaid, the consail and hail communite 
 of Abirdene beand gadderit in the tolboothe, hes grantit with a consent 
 ordanit and statute, that all nichtburis and inhabitants of this burgh sal, 
 in tyme tocum, haf thare wauppinis and armis, swerdis, axis, cellattis, and 
 vthir fenssable geer, redy besyde thaim in thair buthis and houssis, and 
 cum with thaim to the alderman, bailies, or seriandis incontinent, quhen 
 thai see or heris thaim or ony of thaim myster helpe or supple in thare 
 office, doing for the attaching and correctioun of trespassouris, and ab- 
 strach thaim nocht fra their nichburis quhen thai se thaim wawnt of help, 
 or to be in poynt of suppresion, and namly be out duellaris the burgh, 
 vnder the pane of law to be execute vpon the brekaris of this statute, 
 but fauour and of the vnlaw to be rasit vnforgevin. 
 
 1 5th April, 1484. 
 
 In the court haldin be the bailies of Abirdene, in the tolbuithe, the xv 
 dai of Aprile forsaid, it was ordanit be ane assise, and forbiddyn that, 
 in tyme comming, Johne the Rosse, baxter, sail here na wauppynis vnder 
 nicht, sic as ane swerd, or vthir fensabil wauppynnis, for certain causes 
 considerit be thaim, vndir the pain of tynsale of his fredom, bot gif he be 
 chargit be the officiars. And for the said Johne the Ross, William 
 Futhes is becumin law burgh that William Vmfray salbe vnscathit in 
 tyra cuming, vtherwayes than as law will. And the said William Vmfray 
 has fundin Thorn. Sympson law bergh for him, that the said Johne the 
 Rosse salbe scathles in likewise. Attour the assise hes ordanit that gif it 
 happynnis the said Johne the Rosse, in tyme tocum, to forfaute agariis
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 41 
 
 William Vmfra, or his broudre Maistre William, like as he hes done of isth April. 
 before, that he sail pay v merkis to Sanct Nicholace wark, and that he 
 sail do alsmekil sted and seruice to tham, as he has done tham gre- 
 vans, &c. 
 
 4th May, 1484. 
 
 The iiij day of May, anno lxxxiiij to - Maistre Johne Gray, mason, was 
 resauit be the alderman, baillies, counsale, and communite of the burgh of 
 Aberdene, in maistre of wark, to the bigging of Sanct Necolace wark, 
 quhilk has takin upon him to be continuale labourand and diligent for the 
 vpbringing of the said wark, and to do al car concerning the said wark that 
 accordis til a maister of wark, baith in labouring of his awyn persoun, de- 
 vysing, be seyng and ourseyng of vtheris masons and warkmen that sal be 
 vnder him, for al the dais of his lif, to the finale completing and ending of 
 the said wark, at al his possibilite and power, the best wyse that he 
 can. For ye quhilkis thingis to be done he has, in presence of the baillies, 
 counsale, and communite forsaidis, gevin the gret bodely aith, to be lele 
 and trew to the said wark for al the dais of his life, vnto the completing and 
 ending of the same. And the said rnaister of wark sal labour him self, and 
 ger vtheris masons and warkmen vndar him labour daily and continualy, 
 efter the act of parliament made thairupon. For the quhilkis labouris and 
 seruice, to be done be the said Maister of wark, the saidis alderman, baillies, 
 counsale, and communite, has promittit to gif yerly to the said maister of 
 wark, for his fie, twenty pundis and fyve merkis, til a propyne in al costage 
 endurand al the dais that he has to lif, quhil the said wark be complete. 
 And the day of his entra to the said wark the day of this present write. 
 And this said some of xxiij lib. xvi s. viij d. yerly, to be pait til him at four 
 termes in theyere, proporcionaly, as thai and he sal accord best thairupoun. 
 
 \6tk July, 1484. 
 
 The xvj dai of July, yer Ixxxiiij, the consel and diuerse of the com- 
 munite : that is to say, Alexander of Chamer, Alexander Menzes, James 
 Lesly, Wilzam Blindsel, Alexander Marr, Maister Andro Cadiow, Andro 
 Culan, Thorn. Prat, Adam of Craufurd, Alex. Forbes, John Glenmaluin. 
 Wilzam Malisson, Andro Branche, Walter Achneve, Johne Menzes, Johne 
 More, Gilbert Lethe, Patrik Adamson, Andro Goldsmyth, and vtheris, 
 has feit Richert Ancram, mason, to Sanct Nicolace wark for a yer, for
 
 42 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 16th July, twenty merkis of fee, fra the day that Dauid Menzes pait him the henderend 
 of his fee of xx lib. that he was feit for the yer bigane, and thai half ordanit 
 the ten merkis that suld be gevin for Alexander Howison to be pait til the 
 said Richert Ancram in his fie. 
 
 19th November, 1484. 
 
 The samyn dai, William Kempty, constabil of Abirdene, comperand 
 in jugement, has made, constitute, and ordanit, Alexander of Chavmer, 
 seriand be the deliuering of a wand, his deput and substitute, to ministre 
 in the said office of constablanary, for a yer next to cum, like as he suld 
 do in propir persoune. 
 
 25M May, 1487. 
 
 Item, the saide day, it was statut and ordanit be the aldirman, balzeis, 
 and certan of consal present for the tyme, that no catall sale haf pastour 
 of gyrss apone the lynkis, nor nane vthir place one this syde of Gilham- 
 stone, except the flessouris wederis, and thai to be poundaris, and to haf 
 j d. for ilkan best that thai fynd thar. 
 
 13th November, 1487. 
 
 The xiii day of Nouember, the yer forsaide, efter the belman had 
 passit throu the haile toune, be oppin premonicioun chargeand the haile 
 consale and coramunite to comper within thair tolbuitht to heir our so- 
 uerane lordis letteris, and gif ther ansuer thairvpon, Comperit Schir 
 Johne Ruderfurde of Tarlane, knycht, alderman of the said burghe, and 
 thair producit and schew ane letter of oure souerane lordis vnder the 
 signet, and his subscriptione as efter followis : James, be the grace of God 
 King of Scottis, to the consaile and communitie of oure burghe of Aber- 
 dene greting : Forsamekil as it is schewin to ws that our letteris ar di- 
 rekit chargeand a gret part of you to compeir befor ws and our consal, 
 within xv dais, for a debate of the office of aldermanschip of our said 
 burghe, clamit be Dauid Menzeis, quhilk office, as we vnderstand, ye 
 haue gevin for the defence of your commoun profit to our louet fameliar 
 seruitour Schir John of Ruderfurd of Terlane, knicht; ande the said 
 Dauid Menzes hes maid a complaint til vs on that behalf of you the haile 
 body of the toune, sayand, that the said Schir Johne is a masterfull op- 
 pressour of our liegis, ande for his oppression e thar may nay mercheante
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABEEDEEN. 43 
 
 live within cure said burghe ; ande that he has nocht the said office with 13th Nov. 
 your consent, hot be electioun of a few sirapill personis, his kynnismen, 
 quhilkis thingis, gif thai be infirmat of verite, ar richt displesand, for 
 our mind was, and is, that our saide seruitour haue the saide office for 
 the guid reule and commoun profit of oure saide burghe. Our will is 
 heirfor, and we charge you stratlie, and commandis that ye, incontinent 
 thir our letteris sene, pass togidder to your tolbuitht, and avisitly havande 
 E [eye] to the commone profit of our said burgh, consider and tak knaw- 
 lege of the said informacione maide apon our saide servitoure your alder- 
 man, with vtheris informacionis as salbe schawin be him to you, gif thai be 
 maid of verite, and of your mynd and will, or nocht, And thereftir that 
 ye send your mynde til ws, close vnder your selis or vnder autentywe in- 
 strumentis tharapoune, saythat we ma provid for gude reule and go- 
 vernance of our saide burghe in tyme to cum, and mak the tresspassouris 
 and contraris of the common profit of the samyn, to be pvnist as accordis 
 of justice, certifying yow that, be informatione made til ws be our seruitour 
 and knicht forsaide, vpone diuerse thingis that ar done contrar the com- 
 mone profit of our saide burghe, we wil mak the samyn to be reformit, 
 and the priuilege of our said burghe to be obseruit and kepit in tyme 
 cuming ; and, in the meyne tyme that ye and ilk ane of you, answer and 
 obey to our said seruitour as your alderman in all thingis, and to the 
 bailzeis chosin with him as ye dide obefoir as ye will answer to ws ther- 
 vpone, and vnder the hieist pane and charge that efter may follow, nocht- 
 withstandin our vtheris letteris gevin in the contrar abefoir, Ande thir 
 oure letteres be you sene, vnderstandin, and deuly execut, deliueris them 
 togidder with with your autentik ansueir, to the said Schir Johne the 
 berar. Gevin vnder our signet, at Edinburghe, the v day of November, 
 and of our regne the xxviij yer. James R. And efter the said letter wes 
 oppinly rede, herde, seyne, and vnderstandyne, thir personis vnder wrytin, 
 that is to say, Robert Blinsel, lohn of Knollis, Master Andro Cadiow, 
 Jhone Wormet, William Aberdour, Robert Prat, Richard Hile, John 
 Glenmaluyn, Robert of Buchan, Jhon Mar, Richard Hill younger, Dauid 
 Kintor yonger, Johne Fechat, Alexander Scrogis, Androw Murray 
 yonger, Thome Simsone, Richard of Cullen, Johne Menzes, William 
 Hay, William Quelp, William Moir elder, Jhone of Kintor, Androw 
 Goldsmith, Thome of Waus, Jhone Senclar, Alexr. Rolland, tollar, 
 William Dumbrek, Symon Gardyne, George Brone, Johne Grege,
 
 44 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th NOV., Donald Strathachin, Robert Craige, Dauid Prat, Alexr. Gray, William 
 Andersone yonger, Jhone Blak, William Vmfray, Thome Sadillar, 
 Henry Berne, Thome Gladistane, Robert Evinsone, William Nory, 
 William Dauisone, Dauid Spens, Willam Sprout, William Scharp, 
 Thome Litstar, Sandy Alanson, Patrik Adamson, William Verty, Alexr. 
 Holland, Jhone Fechat, Edmon Hay, William Gray, Wil. Ranisone, 
 Ranald Talzeour, Thome Hatmaker, Robert Quint, Patrik Clerk, Thomas 
 Fif, William Kintor, Jhone Stevinson, Patrik Andersone, Wil. Giffarde, 
 Dauid Hile, Dauid Symsone, Robert Slesser, Thome of Name, Andrew 
 Murray elder, Robert Kyntor, James of Kennerty, Gilbert Moreson, 
 William of Tullideff, Richard Litstar, William Fywe, Duncan Lam- 
 myngtone, Sandy Talzeour, Jhone Thomsone, William Philp, Duncan 
 Smitht, Sandy Baxter, Robert Auchterless, Androw Audene, Sandy 
 Logy, Dauid Tailzeour, James of Kyntor, Andrew Ancroft, James Ken- 
 nerty younger, Jhone Atkinsone, Moris Byssat, Duncane Straloche, 
 Thome Jamesone, an Robert Club, James Crab, Johne Waus, Johne 
 of Buchan, Wate of Auchnef, Matho Glenmaluyn, and Jhone of Lun- 
 doris, auisitly deliuerit, the saide Schir Johne being removit, that thai 
 gaf neuere power, command, nor commissione to Dauid Menzeis, na to 
 nane vtheris, to gif ony bill of complaint, nor to mak sic senister inform- 
 atioune in thair name til our souerane lord, nor his lordis of consale, 
 apone the said Schir Jhone Ruderfurde, declarand the said relatione 
 nocht trew. And attour thai declarit and schew that the said Schir Jhone 
 maid nane oppressione within the said burghe apone nay man. 
 
 3lst May, 1488. 
 
 The samyn day, the aldirman and consaile forsaid, with avise of the 
 curat and collectour, and pairt of the communite, and vtheris chaplannis 
 for vphauldin and augmentacione of devyne seruice in ye queir of Abirdene, 
 has gevin and grauntit to Androw Coupar the haile clerkschip of the 
 Castalgate of the said burghe, with al fredomes, comoditeis, asiamentis, 
 profitis, and deviteis, aucht and wont, perteninye, or may pertene thairto, 
 with the pertinence in during the tovnis will, for his continuale gude 
 seruice in the said queir, at al his possibilite and pouer to be done as 
 efferis. To the quhilk the said Androw is bundyne be the fatht of his 
 body, and to reman and nocht reraoyf fra tham but thar licence. And 
 for his remaning, Williame Coupar, his fadir, is becomyne souertie be
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 45 
 
 his hande. And efteruart, the tone to amend and ek him of his fee, quhen sistMay, 
 he cumis tile age, efter his gude seruice. 
 
 The samyne day, the aldirman and consale forsaid, with avise of the curat 
 ande collectour, ande part of the communite, ande vtheris chaplannis, for the 
 vphauldin ande augmentatione of devyne seruice in the queir of Abirdene, 
 hes gevin and grauntit to Sandy Vocat the prayour bell, witht ale fre- 
 domes, comoditeis, asiamentis, profitis, ande deviteis, aucht and wont. The 
 said Alexander ryngand the said bel daly, at the houris of twelf at noone 
 and sex at evyne, as vse is, for al Cristyne saulis, ande doing seruice in the 
 queir at his gudly possibilite. 
 
 The 'said day, the alderman and consal forsaid, with avise of the curat 
 and collectour, and pairt of the communite, and vthiris chaplannis for vp- 
 haldin and augmentacione of divyne seruice in the queyr of Abirdene, has 
 gevin ande grauntit to Richart Boyle, thar aid servitor, the haile clerk- 
 schipis of the Gallougate ande Gastraw of the saide burghe, with all fre- 
 domes, comoditeis, asiamentis, profitis, and deviteis, aucht and wont per- 
 tening or may pertene thairto, with all pertinence, for al the dais of his 
 lywe, the saide Richart doing continuale gude seruice in the saide queir 
 at al his possibilite and pouer as efferis, to the quhilk he is oblist be the 
 faith of his bodie. 
 
 12th September, 1489. 
 
 The xii day of September, the yer forsaid, the alderman, ballieis, con- 
 sale, and communitie, gathreyt, grauntit and consentt, be thair aithis, to 
 thir artikilis and opinionis vnder writin, subscriuit with diuerse lordis and 
 baronis handis. In the first, quhar our souerane lorde was slayne, and nay 
 punicion maide tharfor apone the treasonabile vile personis that putt thair 
 handis violentlie on his mast nobile persoune, quhais saule God assolze, 
 to be for pvnicioun of thay tresonabile personis committaris of the saide 
 slauchter. Secundly, for the reformacione of the misgouerance of our 
 souerane lordis tresour and dispositione of his heritage, menesand his 
 auctorite and crovne, and als for the remeide and souerte of our 
 souerane lordis mast nobile persone, and of our lordis his brether, and 
 inlikuase his tresour, strincates, and artalzery, to be putt in souer and 
 comptabile mennys handis, to the vtilite and profit of our souerane
 
 46 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 12th Sept.. lord and his successouris, be the avise and consal of the thre estatis. 
 Asua, that all ransomis tane be ony maner of mane of ony of the kingis 
 lieges, spirituale or temporale, be restorit and gevin agane. And asua 
 that his lawis and justice be ministerit throu his realme to all his lieges 
 equaly, according to the plesance of Gode, commone profit of the realme 
 and lieges, and grantit thar commone sele thairapone. 
 
 16th June, 1490. 
 
 The said day, it was deliuerit be a sworne assise, Dauid Mar forspekar, 
 that Christane Lilburne sail cum in presence of the alderman, balyeis, and 
 the haile court, and on hir kneis ask Schir Johne Streweling forgifnes for 
 the strublance of him vnder silence of nycht, openly glammerand him, saiand 
 scho said ger banys the said Schir John out of this toune, quhilk the said 
 Schir Johne wald nocht haf sastenit for j c crounis, and atour for part of 
 assithment of the said blasfemmy, the said Cristian sail cum on Sonday nixt 
 to the hie altar in Sanct Nicholes kirk, and proffer j lib. of wax in hir hand 
 to the said Schir John, at hie mestim, in presons of the hail pepill, at the 
 will of the said Schir John ; and atour gif the said Cristian beis convictit 
 in tim to cum for strublance of the said Schir Johne, or of ony vtheris 
 famouse personis, the said Cristian sail pay to Sanct Nicholes wark x 
 merkis, at the will of the alderman, and the consale of the toune, and of the 
 party, the said x mercis vnforgiffin, togidder with ane sufficient amendis till 
 the party. 
 
 11 th February, 1492. 
 
 The saide day, the aldirman sett, and to ferme layit to Jonhne of Chamer, 
 the Sondais fische and the mettis pertening to Sanct Nihcoles for this yer, 
 sichk as he hed it obefor, the said Johne is oblist be his handis, landis, and 
 gudis to content and pay to the alderman, or master of Sanct Nicholes 
 werk, thre b[arrels] of salmond, thairof twa b[arrels] at Mydsomir next 
 herefter, and j b[arrel] at Lammes thairefter. 
 
 [List of the Town's Charters.] 
 
 Inprimis, in a box of the selling of the toune of the crois, said be Johne 
 Banerman to the toune of Abirdene. 
 
 Item, a charter of Johne Banerman of Ailsik to the saide Johne Baner- 
 man, made of the crois, said til him fer vij M merkis.
 
 OF THE BUEGH OF ABERDEEN. 47 
 
 Item, a plane charter of Johne Banerman of Ailsik selland the same nth February, 
 toun til the toune of Aberdene. 149 2- 
 
 Item, a confirmation of the saidis charteris. 
 
 Item, a charter of the kingis of the same toune. 
 
 Item, a charter of Sanct Lowrens and Sanct Ninianis altar. 
 
 Item, a lettre, vnder the kingis gret seil, to eschete al wol, hide, and 
 skyn that gais oute of the fredome. 
 
 Item, a lettre of the changing of the fayr fra the Trinite day to Sanct 
 Michalis day de monte tvmba, vnder the kingis gret seil. 
 
 Item, a lettre, vnder the sam seil, of the freing of the custum of lenter- 
 war, futevel, and other sic. 
 
 Item, a charter of the assedacion of the burghe of Aberdene, in few- 
 ferme, vnder King Robertis gret seil. Item, ane vther in the same form. 
 
 Item, a charter of King Alexr. of the market, and vtheris fredomis 
 grantit to the toun of Aberdene. 
 
 Item, a charter of King Robert of the landis of Rubbislaw, and of the 
 Deneburne, of the infeftment made til Andro of Insture. 
 
 Item, a charter of King Robert of assise of the ail, and of fisch, rede 
 and quhite. 
 
 Item, a charter of King Robert of the keping of the forest of the 
 Stocket, with the pertinentis. 
 
 Item, a charter of King Wilzam, that the communite of Aberdene sal 
 be fre of the tol of thare catall in all merkatis and faris to landwart. Item 
 ane vther in the same forme. 
 
 Item, a charter of King Robert approvand al fredomis and richtis that 
 the burges and communite of Aberden was infeft with of before, with 
 power to tak, preson, and punyse, al thaim that cumis armyt within the 
 said burgh again the kingis statutis. Item, ane vther in the same form. 
 
 Item, a charter of the same king, of licence to big ane tolbuthe. 
 
 Item, a protection of King Alexander of the burgh and burges of Aber- 
 dene. 
 
 Item, a letter of King Dauid, that Bischop Alexander of Aberdene re- 
 nuncit all procissis made be him anent the tendis of the mylnys of Aber- 
 dene. 
 
 Item, a charter of King James the Third, of ane discharge of the cus- 
 tum of salmound to the burges of Aberdene.
 
 48 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 nth February, The saide day, the alderman, and thir personis of consale vnder writtin : 
 that is to say, Robert Blinsel, Jhone of Knollis, Thomas Prat, Alex. 
 Rede, Johne Wormet, Androw Culane elder, Alex. Chamer younger, 
 Thomas Fyfe, Androw Branche, Williame Blinsele, Johne Blak, Dauid 
 Prat, Androw Murray elder, Robert Crage, and Williame Kintor, 
 grantit, for plesour of our souerane lorde, and honour of the toune, to gif 
 in propine to cure sourane lorde this tyme at his cumyne, in wyne and 
 crovnis, in wax tene crovnis, and tene crovnis in spice ; and has ordaynit 
 the balzeis to gif aquitance vnder thair selis of the watter malys and landis, 
 for the paiment of the saide xxx li crovnis, vnto the tyme the alderman, 
 balzeis, and consale, efter the kingis passage, sytt, se, and consider quhar 
 the saide some may be gottyne of the commone gudis of the said burghe to 
 the frethn of the saide malys, sua that the kingi and the lordis may be pait, 
 sene the said propine is gevyn in the nayme of the haile toune. 
 
 llth August, 1493. 
 The thingis grantit to the reformacioun of the queir. 
 
 The saide day, all and sondrie the personis vnderwritin, has oblist thame 
 thar ayris, executouris, and assignais, be the fathis of thar bodiis, in the 
 souerast wyse of obligacioun, on thar awne free will, motyve, benevolence, 
 and mynd, in the honour of Almyghtie God, the blyssit Virgine Mary, 
 Sanct Nicholess, patrone to this burghe, and thame and ale sanctis, for 
 the remissione of thar demeritis, &c., to content, refunde, and pay thank- 
 fullie, but impediment demavnd, to the alderman, balzeis, or master of 
 kirk wark for the tyme of this burghe, the somes of gudis and money vnder 
 writin, to the bying of the leid and ale vther stuff convenient for the queir 
 of thare paryse kirk of Aberdne, and to the reperalinge and reparacioun 
 of the samyn : that is to say, Alexander Rede, alderman, ane barrel of 
 salmonde ; Alexander Chamer, ane barrele of salmond ; Alexander Menzes, 
 j barrel of salmond and j c lentrindoer ; Robert Blinsale, j barrel salmond and 
 xviij s. ; Dauid Menzes, ane barrele of salmond ; Johne Colisane, ane 
 barrel salmond ; Thomas Prat, ane barrel of salmond ; Johne Culan, ane 
 barrel salmond ; Androw Culan, elder, d. barrel salmond ; Androw Branche, 
 d. barrel salmond ; David Mar, v s. ; Alexander Mar, ane barrel of grvlse 
 or salmond ; David Matheson, d. barrel salmond ; Johne Wormet, ane 
 barrel salmond ; Androw Murray elder, d. barrel salmond ; William 
 Andersone elder, j quarter of j c lamskinnis ; Alexander Nathty, v s. ;
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 49 
 
 Williarae Nicholsone, vs.; Jonhe Guge, j d. barrel salmonde ; Thomas nth August, 
 Mar, d. barrel salmond ; Alexander Angosone, vi s. and j dusan futfale ; 
 Johne Lammyntone, v s., or j quarter of j c lentrinvair ; Richard Hill 
 zonger, ij dusane lentrinvair ; Johne Moir, x s. ; Androw Culan, d. barrel 
 salmond and j c lentrinvair ; William Goldsmicht, v s. ; Dauid Theman, 
 v s. ; Androw Waus, v s. ; Jonhne Waus, d. barrel grilss ; Richard Lit- 
 star, v. s. ; Dauid Spens, d. barrel salmond ; William Couper, v s. ; Robert 
 Ovinsone, j dusan of futfale; William Murray, j dusan futuale ; Thomas 
 Chapman, j dusan futuale ; William Moir, j dusan of lentrinware ; Thome 
 Gerdnar, ij s. ; Alexander Prat, j dusane of futuale ; Alexander Talzeour, 
 in Futye, ij s. ; Androw Lousane, v s. ; Cristy Prat, v s. ; Donald Baxtar, 
 xii d. ; William Cuming, xii d. ; Murtho Blak, ij dusan lentrinvair ; Thome 
 Smythe, xii d. ; lonhne Tulibo, j quarter of j c lentrinvar ; Androw Smyth 
 zonger, xii d. ; Johne Williarnsone, j dusan futuale ; Androw Smyth, ij s. ; 
 lonhne Lindoris, iij s. ; Androw Hall, xii d. ; James Smyth, xii d. ; Robert 
 Flesser, j dusan futuale ; Johne Loremar, xviij d. ; Will. Gray, talzour, 
 xii d. ; lohne Annane, j dusan futuale ; William Philp, j quarter of j c len- 
 trinvair ; Alexander Talzour, xii d. ; William Ranisone, iiij s. ; Richard 
 Baxtar, ij s. ; Johne Selby, j dusan lentrinvair ; Jonhne Low, smyth, 
 xviij d. ; Alexander Malisone, j dusan lentrinvair ; Patrik Baxtar Nichol- 
 sone, xxx d. ; Johne Sanclar, xl d. ; Alexander Crage, iij s. ; Alane Lit- 
 star, xx'J s. ; Thome Matland, ij s. ; Thomas Waus, d. barrel grilse ; 
 Richard Waus, d. barrel grilss ; Thomas Menzes, d. barrel grilss ; Mathow 
 Branche, d. barrel salmond ; Alexander Myrtone, j dusan futuale ; lonhne 
 Retie, d. barrel salmond ; Walter Atkin, iiij s. ; William Wormet and his 
 moder, j barrel salmond ; William Blinsel, di. barrel salmond ; Lindesay 
 Harvalde, x s. ; Jonhe Kintor, iii s. ; Alexander Chamer the sone, d. barrel 
 salmond ; lonhne Blak, at the Key, xx s. ; Richerd Hill elder, v. s. ; Dauid 
 Murray, x s. ; Eduard Top, v s. ; Patrik Rede, d. barrel salmond ; 
 Alexander Chamer of Murthill, j barrel salmond for my lord of Arbrothoc ; 
 the Widow of Dauid Colisone, j barrel of salmond ; Thomas Meldrum, 
 v s. ; Androw Watsone, ij dusan of lentrinvar; Sir Jonhne Ruthirfurd, 
 j barrel salmond ; Duncane Smytht, v s. ; George Byssat, d. barrel salmond ; 
 Gilbert Litster, v s. ; Dauid Steuane, d. marce ; Robert Crage, j barrel 
 salmond. Ego Villelmus Morison curatus fateor me debentem vnam 
 barellam salmonum teste manu propria Robert Moir d. marce infra annua- 
 
 G
 
 50 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 iith August, tim Johannes Menzeis d. barelle salmonum. James Gordone, iij xx futuale ; 
 Andrew Ancroft, d. barrel salraond ; Henry Rede, v s. ; Thomas Glen- 
 maluyn, j dusane of futuale ; William Gerreache, j prevyse last fraucht for 
 gif thai fraucht his schipe, falzeing thairof d. barrel salmond ; William 
 Lyntone, iiij s. ; Gilbert Menzes, d. barrel salmond; Dauid Blinsel, d. 
 barrel salmond ; Gilbert Riburne, d. marce ; Johannes Blak, in vico castri, 
 d. barrel grilse ; Adam Culane, d. barrel salmond ; Duncan Collison, d. barrel 
 grilss ; Johne Duncansone in Banf, d. barrel salmonum ; Alexander Gray, 
 xviij s. ; Jacobus Colison, d. barrel salmond and xxv s. ; Willelmus Colp, 
 d. barrel salmond ; Willelmus Kintor, d. barrel salmond ; Dauid Kintor, 
 j barrel salmond ; Willelmus Porter, d. barrel grilss ; Patricius Leslie, x s. ; 
 Johannes Anderson, ij dusan futuale ; Johannes Thomsone, d. barrel guise ; 
 Jacobus Crage, v s. ; Richardus Wricht, labores pro octo diebus ; Willel- 
 mus Wricht, pro octo diebus labores; Willelmi Skipper, vs.; Patricius 
 Chernside, d. barrelle salmonum ; Willelmus Buchane, v s. ; Thomas 
 Litiljohne, v s. ; Alexander Mathesone, d. [barrel] salmond ; Willelmus 
 Lamyrton, ij s. ; Sy d Smolt, xii lentrinvar ; Willelmus Torne, xii len- 
 trinvar ; Alexander Hay, xii lentrinvar ; Androw Williamson, ij s. ; Sy d 
 Gardin, v s. ; Jacobus Gourlay, v s. ; Androw Law, xii futuale ; Thomas 
 Philp, ij s. ; Dauid Strachin, iiij s. ; Walterus Vaus, iij s. and xii futuale ; 
 Johannes Chepman, v s. ; Duncanus Porter, xxx (i d. ; Robertus Ouchter- 
 less, ij s. ; Willelmus Finguss, xii futuale ; Petras Futhes, xii futuale ; 
 Andreas Sthevinson, xii futual vel valorem ; Andreas Body, xii lentrinvar ; 
 Johannes Talzour films ; Dauid Talzour, xii lentrinvar ; Johannes Stevin, 
 iij s. ; Henry Bavne, iij s. ; Thomas Hatmalin, ij s. ; Johannes Murray, ij 
 dusan lintrinvar ; Donaldus Strathin, v s. ; Patricius Clerk, iij s. ; Andreas 
 Litster, ane cow ; Alexander Chamer in Schipraw, iij s. ; James Crak, 
 iiij s. ; Wat Philpson, xii futual ; Andreas Murray, x s. ; Alexander 
 Sanchar, j pece leide ; Johannes Rede, wobster, iij s. ; Syme Richersone, 
 ij s. ; Wat Careache, ij s. ; Duncan Hatmalin, xii d. ; Andreas Hatmalin, 
 xii d. ; Andreas lohnston, xii lentrinvar ; William Stil, xii lentrinvar ; Ro- 
 bertus Walcer, xii d. ; Johannes Sadlar, xii d. ; Forsy Davison, j dusan 
 lentrinvar ; Thome Watsone, xx lentrinvar ; Johannes Achneyve, ij s. ; 
 Johannes Logy, xii d. ; Jacobus Kinnerty, j lib. wax ; Dauid Beu- 
 erlay, ij s. ; Johannes Robertson zonger, j dusan lentrinvar ; Johannes 
 Rede, ij s. ; Johannes Watsone, ij s. ; Thome Wodman, xii futuale ;
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 51 
 
 Alexander Ranisone, ij s. ; Will. Harper and Mage Still, d. barrel nth August, 
 grilse. U93 - 
 
 August, 1493. 
 
 The saide day, coraperit ane richt nobile and honorabile mane, Alex- 
 ander Iruyne of Drvm, in presence of the court, for carnale affection 
 and resonabile causis concerning him, gaff, grantit, and assignit be ane 
 gluff to Dauid Irwyne, his sone, gottin betuix him and vmquhile Nannys 
 Menzeis, quhora God assolze, ale and hale his gudis beand within the 
 landis of Coule, that is to say, xx u oxin, and live chalder of malt fermes 
 yerlie, togidder with assignation of the tak, for all the dais of the said 
 Dauidis lyve, and thre hundreth wederis, being within the Fortrie in 
 Buchane to sustene him at the scolis, as in the instrumentis takin thar- 
 apon mair fullely is contenit ; befor thir witnes Alexr. Burnat of Leis, 
 Alexr. Burnat, his sone, and apperynge ayr, Thomas Prat, Androw 
 Murray elder, Thomas Mar, William Blinsele, Johne Skene, Richard 
 Rutherfurde, Mathow Branche, Thomas Menzeis, Lawrence of Crav- 
 monde, Gilbert Ross, Johne Robertsone in Taruas, Philp Dumbrek, and 
 Schir Johne Striveling. 
 
 The samyn day, Alexander Iruyne of Drvm assignit, gaf, and gravntit 
 for resonable causes concerning him, til Alexr. Iruyne, his sone, gottin 
 betuix him and vmquhile Nannys Menzeis, ale and haile his gudis beand 
 in Kinharroquhe, that is to say, the corne, xxxiiij oxin, and thre hundreth 
 yowis, togidder with the assignation of the said tak for the termes of the 
 said Alexanders of Drvm, be ane gluff, to sustene him at the Scolis, as 
 in the instrumentis takin tharapone mair fullie is contenit ; befor the said 
 witnes and notar. 
 
 The said day, Alexr. Iruyn of Drvm, for carnale affection and resonable 
 causis concerning him, gaff, grantit, and assignit be ane gluff to Johne 
 Iruyn, his sone, gottin betuix him and vmquhile Nannys Menzeis, ale 
 and hale his gudis, corne, oxin, and viij" youis, within the Cragtoune, 
 togidder with the assignation of the said tak for his termes, as in the in- 
 strumentis takin therapon mair fullely is contenit ; befor the said witnes 
 and notar.
 
 52 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 i7th August. The saide day, Alexr. Iruyn of Drum, for diuerse resonable causis 
 concerning him, gaf, gravntit, and assignit till Agnes Iruyn, his dochter, 
 gottin betuix him and vmquhile Nannis Menzeis, ale and haile his gudis, 
 corne, oxin, and viij" youis, beinge in Dalmayok, togidder with xxiiij 
 ky, and ane bull in Collangy, to opbring hir and mary her ; befor the saide 
 witnes and notar. 
 
 15th November, 1493. 
 
 The saide day, Alexander Stute, Thomas Barry, and Mathow Wricht, 
 masonis, was conducit and hirit be the aldirman ande consale for ane yer 
 to remane and abide in thar seruice, batht in the luge and vteuche, ande 
 pass to Cowe, thar to hewe and wirk one thar avne expensis, for the stuf 
 and bigyne of thar kirk werke, and thai haue sworne the gret bodely aithe 
 to do thar saide seruice and werk for this yer, for the quhilkis thai sal 
 pay to ilk ane of the saide masonis xx merkis vsuale money of Scotland 
 alanerlie, but al accidents of brede. 
 
 November. 1493. 
 
 The saide day, the alderman, diuerse of the consaile and com- 
 munite present, for the tyme, for the bigin, reformacioun, and vp- 
 hauldin of thar commone knok in the tolbutht, grantit to Dauid 
 Theman, goldsmytht, fourty s. of the thre buthis vnder the tolbutht, 
 quhile the next generale assedacioun, and thane thai grantit him ane 
 d. nethis fischingis of the furdis maile and gressome fre to him and 
 his assignay, and ane mark of ane of the saide buthtis yerlie, and 
 to be taxt fre, for the quhilkis the said Dauid and his assignay sale 
 deulie bige, reforme, and vphald the saide knok be sicht of the tone as 
 efferis. 
 
 28M January, 1494. 
 
 The saide day, the aldirmane, balzeis, consale, and communite, warnit 
 be the hand bell throw the haile toune, gathreyt, and circualy inquerit be 
 Philp Dumbrek, officiar, gravntit and oppinly schew that tha wald ayfaldly 
 defende thair landis and heretage of the Stokat, batht with thair personis 
 and gudis, at all thair possibilite, quhilkis is purchest be Androw Wod, as 
 "thai ar informit.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 53 
 
 \2th May, 1494. 28th January. 
 
 The saide dai, the haile consale, and communite warnit, and circualie 
 inquerit, be Alexander Chamer, bailza, ilkane mane be himselff grantit, 
 and opinly declarit that thai walde defende thar heretage, batht with thar 
 personis and gudis, clarait and persevit be Andrew Wode, and thir per- 
 sonis vnder writtin : that is to say, Alex. Rede, aldirraan, Sir Johne 
 Ruthyrfurd, Alex. Cheraer the fadir, Alex. Menzeis, Dauid Menzeis, 
 Johne Culane, John Colysone, Thomas Prat. 
 
 2\st May, 1494. 
 
 The saide day, the aldirman, balzeis, consale, and communitie, gathreit 
 be the premunicioun of the hand bell, grantit one thar aone fre wil to gif 
 ane contribucioun of fourty merkis to the part of thar expensis that ar 
 chosin to be commissaris to the defense of ther heretage, clamit be Androw 
 Wode, thai beand circualy inquerit be Dauid Mar, baize, and Philp Dum- 
 brek, serieandis, and thai chesit Gilbert Menzeis, William Futhes, Alex. 
 Gray, Richerd Waus, and Johne Waus, to extent the said xl markis throw 
 the haile tone, be thar athis and conscience, efter the faculte of thar 
 gudis. 
 
 The said dai, the haill tone chesit Alexander Red, aldirman, Schir 
 Johne Rudyrfurde of Tarlane, Alexander Chamer of Murthill, Alex. 
 Menzeis, Johne Colisone, commissaris, to pass til Edinburghe, to defend 
 thar heretage, clamit be Androw Wode, and ordanit ane commissione, 
 vnder the commone sele, to be gevin to thame for that mater, and all 
 vtheris summonce beand apone thair tone. 
 
 20th June, 1494. 
 
 Jacobus Dei gracia rex Scotorum etc. Omnibus probis hominibus suis 
 ad quos presentes litero peruenerint Salutem Sciatis nos quoddam actum et 
 decretum per dominos nostri consilii inferius descriptos data et promulgata 
 vtinam intellexisse sub hac forma. At Edinburgh, the xix day of Junii, 
 yer of God ane thousande iiij c nynty and four yeris, the lordis of consale 
 vndir writtin : that is to say, maist reuerende and reuerend faderis in God, 
 Robert Archbeschop of Glasgw, George Bischop of Dunkeldin ; noble 
 and mychtie lordis, Archibald Earle of Angouss, Chanceller of Scotlande,'
 
 54 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 20th June. Archibald Erie of Ergile, William Erie Marschiale, John Lord Glam- 
 mys, Androw Lord Gray, William Lord Borthuik, Lawrence Lord 
 Oliphant, Robert Lord Lile, Johne Lord Drummond, William Lord of 
 Sancte Johannis ; venerable faderis in God, George Abbot of Dunferm- 
 ling, Robert Abbot of Kelso, George Abbot of Paslay ; Mastir Richert 
 Murked, Dene of Glasgw, and secretar to our soueraine lord ; Maister 
 Johne Fresale, Dene of Lesteirik, and clerk of the regester ; Sir Duncan 
 Forester, of Skypyng Kinge, comptrollar to our soueraine lorde ; Johne 
 Ogiluy, sone, and appering to James Lord Ogiluy of Arly ; Schyr James 
 Allerdes, Provost of our Lady kirk of the Heuch ; and Maister Richert 
 Lausoun ; anent a terme assignit be a bill to the aldirman, bailzeis, and 
 communite of Aberdene, to provid and schew sic richtis as thai wald wyse 
 anent the clame of the forest of Stokat, and the Castell hill, and diuerse 
 vtheris placis clamyt to pertene to our souerane lord. Our souerane lordis 
 aduocat, and Androw Wod comperand for thar interesse, and the part of 
 our souerane lorde, Alexander Red, alderman of Abirdene, and the pro- 
 curatouris of the said toune beand present, the charter and infeftment maid 
 to the said tovune be King Robert Broiss, of maist nobell mynde, at lenth 
 seyne, hard, and vnderstandin, the lordis of counsall thairwith, riplie avisit, 
 decretis, and deliueris that for ocht that thai haue zit sene the said alder- 
 man, baizes, and communitie, sal breuk, and joise the said burgh of Abir- 
 dene, with the pertinence as thai breukit abefor, because thai clamyt the 
 said laundis and places be wertew of the said charter, ay and quhile thai 
 be luachfullie put thairfra, and but prejudice of our souerane lordis richt. 
 Extractum de libro actorum per me Johannin Fresale, decanum de Les- 
 tarik, clericum rotulorum et registri, ac consilii suppremi domini nostri 
 regis sub meis signo et subscriptione manualibus Quod quidem actum 
 siue decretum ac omnia et singula in eodem contenta in omnibus suis punc- 
 tis et articulis approbamus ratificamus et pro nobis et successoribus nostris 
 ut promissum est confirmamus Datum sub testimonio magni sigilli nostri 
 Apud Edinburgh vigesimo die mensis Junii anno Domini millesimo quad- 
 ringentesimo nonagesimo quarto et regni nostri septimo. 
 
 llth August, 1494. 
 
 The saide day, the alderman, efter the warning of the haile tone be the 
 hand bell, and opinly warnit and chargit ale and sindrie burges and in-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 55 
 
 duellaris of this burghe betuix sexty and sextene yeris to be ready weile nth August, 
 abilzet for weir, with xl days wittal, to pass to the kingis hienes efter the 
 tenour of the proclamatioun be our souerane lordis lettres maid thair- 
 vpone. 
 
 10th October, 1494. 
 
 The saide day, Alexr. Rede, alderman, this yer bygane, and Androw 
 Culan yonger, ane of the balzeis, presentit and deliuerit to the alderman 
 and bailzeis in the court thair acquitance vnder wrytin, that is to say, 
 an acquitance of the Lord Erskene of j c lib. ; acquitance of the Duk 
 of Montrose of xl merkis ; acquitance of xx tl merkis of the Covntas of 
 Crafurd ; acquittance of xxvi merkis of the blak freris ; acquittance 
 of x merkis of the quhit freris ; acquitance of v lib. of the lard Drum, 
 for wtheris ayris ; acquitance of v lib. of Grantuly ; fra the collectouris 
 of Old Aberdene xx s. for barbouris obeytis ; acquitance of v merkis 
 of Orknay, and ane acquitance of v lib. of Orknay ; and acquitance of 
 xiij merkis of the comptrollar ; quhilkis the common clerk lokit in the 
 commoun kyst incontinent at the commawnde of the saide alderman and 
 balzeis. 
 
 29th March, 1495. 
 
 James, be the grace of God kinge of Scottis, til our louet Richard Mac- 
 donele, maser, our schiref in that part specialie constitute, greting : For- 
 samekil as now of late our trast cosing ande chancellar, Archibalde Erie of 
 Anguse, passit, and in our name componit ande appointit with the pro- 
 vestes, aldermene, bailzeis, and communiteis of our burrowis vnder writtin, 
 for thir sonnies of money efter following, to be inbroche and pait to ws be 
 thame, siclik as vtheris the prelatis, baronis, and burrowis of our realme, 
 dois for expedicioun of gret materis, concerning ws, the commone weile 
 of our realme and lieges, in great nernesse : that is to say, our burche of 
 Aberdene, tua hundrethe pundis ; Montrose, fyfty pundis ; Dunde, tua 
 hundrethe and fyfty pundis ; Brechin, xxx lib. ; Forfair, xx merkis ; Aber- 
 brothoc, xxx lib. ; Pertht, j c fyfty lib. ; Couper, fyfty lib. ; and the cietie 
 of Sanct Androwis, j c lib. Our will is heirfor, and we charge you straitlie 
 and commandis that ye, incontinent thir our letteris sene, pass to ale the 
 saidis burrowis, ciete, and townis aboue wryttin ; and, in our nayme and
 
 56 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 29th March, autorite, command and charge the provestes, aldermen, bailzeis and com- 
 muniteis of the samyn, that thai incontinent thankfully pay and deliuer to 
 yow, in our name, the sonnies of money aboue writtin, ilk towne for thair 
 awne parte lik as thai promitht to oure said chancellar one our behalfe, 
 to be inbroche be you to ws, to the effect aboue writtin ; and, failzeing of 
 the paiment of the saidis soumes promitht be thame, as said is, that ye 
 recognis in our handis the fredomes of the saidis burrowis and ciete, charge- 
 ing the communiteis and inhabitantis tharof that thai wyse nay thing be- 
 langing the fredome of the samyne, or recognition standing therapone, 
 and quhile the saides soumes be pait vnder all the hiest paine and charge 
 that efter may follow. And thir our letteris be you deuly execut and in- 
 dorsit, bringis thame togidder with the said soumes to ws. Gevin vnder 
 our signet, at Edinburghe the xxix day of Marche, and of our regne the 
 sevint yeir. 
 
 IQth April, 1495. 
 
 The saide day, certane personis vnder writin, of thar avne fre will has 
 lent and deliuerit this money efter foiling, to pay Jonhe Ferdour for the 
 making of the ruff and tymmir of the queyr, and the money resauit fra the 
 personis that happinnis to haue takis of the tone at the next assedatioun, 
 sal be allouit in thar gersomis ; and the personis that gettis nay takis sal 
 haue thar money of the haill tone at the fest of Sanct Andrew in winter 
 next herefter. Thir ar the personis : In the first, lent be Alexander 
 Charaer elder, xl s. ; Robert Blinsel, xl s. ; Androw Murray elder, xl s. ; 
 Alexander Chamer the sone, xl s. ; Androw Culan yonger, xl s. ; Dauid 
 Adamsone, xx s. ; Dauid Spens, xx s. ; Philip Dunbrek, xviij s.; Johne 
 Thomsone, xv s. ; Patrik Leslie, xxiij s. iiij d. ; Willam Nicholsone, xx s. ; 
 Dauid Mathesone, xl s. ; John Wormet, xl s. ; Androw Branche, xxxvj s. ; 
 Robert Crage, xl s. ; William Gereache elder, xx s. ; William Anderson 
 elder, xx s. ; Thome Leslie, xx s. ; Androw Ancroft, xx s. ; James Craik, 
 xx s. ; Johne Menzeis, xxvj s. viij d. ; Androw Cullan, elder, xviij s. ; 
 Richard Lul zonger, xxiij s. iiij d. ; Johne Grege, thre lib. ; Alexander 
 Nathty, x a. ; Alexander Gray, xl s. ; William Wormet, xx s. ; Thome 
 Waus, xx s. ; Johannes Retye, xxx s. ; Alexander Mathesone, xx s. ; 
 Alexander Menzeis, xl s. ; Johne Culan, xl s. ; Bessy Blinsele, xx s. ; 
 Richard Hil elder, xl s. ; Richard Waus, xx s. ; Patrik Chernsid, xx s. ;
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 57 
 
 Johne Moir, xx s. ; Will. Goldsmith, xx s. ; Alexander Mar, xl s. ; George loth April. 
 Bysset, xl s. ; Duncan Colison, xx s. ; Robert Cullan, xx s. ; James Coli- 
 son, xx s. ; Allan Litster, xx s. ; Johne Waus, xx s. ; summa huius, Ixii 
 lib. v s. and iiij d. 
 
 The xviii day of Marche, the yer forsaid, it was ordanit be the alderman, 
 ballieis and consale, that thare salbe gevin to our souerane In xxiii [?] in 
 wyne, xix of patoune [?] iiii lib. 10 s., xii lib. skorcheatis, xxxvi s. In 
 wax, v pieces, price v lib. SU M xii lib. ; and xl s. in wax, wyne, and spice to 
 the Erie of Bothuale, to be takin of ther commone gudis of the malis of 
 the Witsonday terme to cum, sa far as it will extend to. 
 
 5th July, 1495. 
 
 The fift day of July, the yer forsaide, thir personis vnder writtin : that 
 is to say, Willeame Gareauche elder, Williame Blinsel, Dauid Spens, 
 Johne Thomsone, Thomas Meldrum, Alane Litstar, and Alex. Prat, was 
 chosen, and sworne the gret aithis, till taxt and extent be thair conscience 
 and aithis throw the haill tone fywe schillingis and iiij d. ilkan day, for the 
 space of ane monetht, to the sustentacioun of aucht Inglismen of the Duk 
 of Yorkis, direkit to the toune be our souerane lordis hienes, and his 
 letteris therapone ; and also to extent fiwe merkis to Alex. Menzes, for to 
 pass to our souerane lorde to recouer licence to the toune to remain at 
 hame fra the weir, to defende the toune fra our aul inemyis of Ingland, and 
 for the recompensing of the labouris done be him at the last parliament in 
 the presenting of the commissione, &c. 
 
 9th September 1495. 
 
 The saide day, Alex. Menzeis, Robert Blinsele, Jouhne Cullane, Alexr. 
 Corde, Thomas Prat, Gilbert Menzeis, Andro Cullan zonger, Dauid 
 Mathesoun, Alexr. Gray, and Williame Futhes, was chosin and suorne 
 the greite aithes, be the consale and communite, warnit and gathreit be 
 premunicioun of the hand bell, thro the haill tone tile extent i c lib [ 
 the haill tone to be gevin in ane propin till our soverane lordis hienes for 
 his gude grace of licence gevin to ws to reman at hame fra the passage 
 in Ingland, in fortifieing and supleing of the prince of Ingland, Richard 
 Duk of York.
 
 58 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 nth i>ec.. llth December, 1495. 
 
 Copia litere regie. 
 
 Jacobus Dei gratia rex Scotorum Omnibus probis hominibus suis ad 
 quos presentes litere peruenerint Salutem Sciatis quia intelleximus quod 
 burgenses et mercatores burgi nostri de Aberdene quam magna dampna 
 et incommoda hactenus perpessi sunt ob exportacionem lane pellium et 
 corriorum extra vicecomitatum nostrum de Abirdene in contrarium priui- 
 legiorum et libertatis dictorum burgensium in fraudem nostre magne cus- 
 tume dicti burgi Nos igitur attendentes et perpendentes infrictionem dicte 
 libertatis et huiusmodi dampna nostra et dictorum nostrorum burgensium 
 Commisimus et tenore presentium committimus preposito balliuis et bur- 
 gensibus dicti burgi nostri qui pro tempore fuerint eorumque deputatis 
 liberam facultatem et plenariam potestatem escbaetandi et ad vsum nos- 
 trum appropriandi et capiendi huiusmodi bona lanas pelles corria sic extra 
 dictum vicecomitatum dicti burgi abducta seu imposterum forsitan abdu- 
 cenda absque solucione nostre custume de quibus quidem bonis eschaetatis 
 concessimus et tenore presentium concedimus dictis preposito balliuis et 
 burgensibus burgi nostri de Abirdene dimidietatem eschaete eorundem pro 
 eorum laboribus sumptibus et expenssis faciendis circa eorum eschaeta- 
 tionem aliam vero dimidietatem dicte escbaete ad nos importare et de 
 eisdem bonis annuatim nostro scaccario compotum reddere tenebuntur 
 prepositus et balliui burgi supradicti prout litere potestati quondam caris- 
 simi et nobilissimi cui nostri dictis preposito balliuis et burgensibus prius 
 desuper confectis in se plenius proportant et testantur Quare vniuersis 
 et singulis ligeis et subditis nostris quorum interest vel interesse poterit 
 stricte precipiendo mandamus quatenus dicti preposito balliuis et bur- 
 gensibus dicti burgi eorumque deputatis ministris et seruitoribus in omni- 
 bus et singulis eschaetacionem dictorum bonorum concernentibus et depor- 
 tacionem eorundem ad vsus nostros vt premittitur prompte respondeant 
 pareant et intendant Et quod incontrarium presentium nullatenus deuenire 
 presumant temporibus pro futuris sub omni pena quam erga nostram re- 
 giam incurrere poterint maiestatem presentibus pro nostra voluntate et 
 deindi vsque ad nostram specialem reuocationem earundem duraturis 
 Datum sub magno sigillo nostro apud Abirbrothoc vndecimo die mensis 
 Decembris anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo nonagesimo quinto 
 et regni nostri octauo.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 59 
 
 3d February, 1496. 3d February, 
 
 The saide day, it was deliuerit be the alderman and consale present for 
 the tyme, for the gret offense coramittit be Williame Belty agains Thomas 
 Waus, that the said William sail offir and present his crag to the goyf, and 
 his knyf in his hand, thar to stand at the wil of the said Thomas ; and 
 atour the said William salcum one Sonday that next comis, in the tyme of 
 hie messe, in lynning claithis, bare lege, fute, and hede, with ane louse 
 govne, and j candill of ane pond of wax in his hande, and his dravn knyf 
 in his tother hand, offering the candill to haly kirk, and the knyf to the 
 said Thomas, in takin of repentance of the said offence, asking the said 
 Thomas and his frendis on his kneyes forgyvnes ; and attour the said Wil- 
 liam sail pay half ane stane of wax to the haly blud licht ; and atour, gyf 
 euer the said Willame committis ony offense or strubulance to the said 
 Thomas, or ony vtheris famouse personis in tyme to cum, and beis conuikit 
 thairintill, he sail pay tene pundis to Sanct Nicholes wark vnforgevin ; and 
 to the fulfilling and keping of the deliuerance, the saide Williame and 
 Thomas was oblist be the faithis of thar bodies thar hands vphaldin. 
 
 28th April, 1496. 
 
 The xxviij day of Aprile, the yer of God forsaid, Schir Johne Ruther- 
 furde knicht, alderman, exponit and schew to the consal how the tone was 
 vnder summonce be diuerse parties beseking thame to provide for expensis 
 to the defense of the samyn, considerand thar commond gudis was exponit, 
 and atour the alderman deliurit in his compt of his expensis of the termes 
 of Mertimes bygane, and Witsonday next to cum, extending to xix lib. 
 and j d. 
 
 8th May, 1496. 
 
 The viij day of May, the yer forsaid, the aldirman, bailzeis and consale 
 present for the tyme at the Womanhill, for vphaldin of the auld louable 
 consuetud, honour, consolacioun, and plesour of this burghe, lik as hes 
 bene vsit in tymes of thar worthie and honourable progenitouris, chesit 
 Thomas Leslie and Robert of Cullane, coniunctlie abbotis and priour of 
 Bonacord, tile vyse and exerce the said office this instant yer, and grantit 
 to pay thame v roerkis of the common gudis this tyme tuelf moneth. 
 
 llth July, 1496. 
 The saide day, it was statut and ordanit be the alderman, balzeis, and
 
 60 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 nth July, consall, for the commone profit and sayffty of the tone, that al fremen, 
 burges of this burghe, compeir personalie one Monunday the xviij day 
 of Julij instant, at the Cunneger hill, welbodin and abilzeit for weir in 
 ther personis, ilk ane efter their faculte and degre, as efferis, ilk ane 
 hevand ane spear or j bow, and ane targe, with wther defensabile wapins, 
 the sper of v elne and d., efter the tenour of the kingis proclaraatioun, 
 and to remane within this burghe for the defense of the samyn, fra our 
 aid inemyis of Ingland ; and euere freman that falzeis and remanys nocht 
 personalie within this burghe, sail pay viij s. ilkan day for his forfet, to 
 furnist vther personis to the defense of the tone, vnforgevin. 
 
 1th June,' 1497. 
 
 The saide day, William Stray, litster, Thomas Robertsone, Johne 
 Munk, Johrie Litstar, Andro Murray elder, and for him Dauid Murray, 
 Robert Themdaile, and Edward Top, ilk ane of thame in ane amerciament 
 of the court, because thai failzeit in the waching of the tone be thaime 
 and thar seruandis, efter the tenour of the ak maid thairapone abefor, for 
 the quhilkis ilkane of the saide persones sale pay to the halie blud licht 
 j lib. of wax ; Andrew Murray, d. stane, and Johne Litstar, his mache 
 ij lib. ; and that thai pay the wax or thai pass out of the tolbuith, 
 and ij s. ilkan persone to the balzeis for thair wnlaw, and thar ser- 
 uandis to be put in the goif, thar to reman quhile vij houris efter noone, 
 and nocht to be lousit out of the goif quhile the saide hour, for nay 
 request. 
 
 \\th June, 1497. 
 
 The saide day, it was thocht expedient, statutit, and ordanit be the al- 
 derman, balzeis, consale and communitee, for the sayftie of the towne and 
 the resisting of the aid inemeis of Ingland, that ale the inhabitantis of this 
 tone sail make thair fossis and bastalze as it is fondit in breid and lintht 
 fra the southt hevin to the northt hevin, with help and supple of our 
 masteris the chanonis ; and that ane blockhouse salbe bigyt of gret strinth 
 at the hevin moutht. And that euere burges sal inbring certaine land- 
 men, out duellaris, and not inhabitantis of this toune, efter thar faculte, 
 and sustene tham one thar expenssis, to remane within the tone als lang as 
 neidis ; and that nay man borow nor lene geir, vnder the paine of eschet ; 
 and that euere mane be weil abilzeit with defensabile wapinnis, as efferis,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 61 
 
 efter the tenour of our souerane lordis letteris direkit thairvpone. And HthJune, 
 that ale burges, batht to burgh e and lande, sal remane personalie within 
 the burghe, and nocht to pass vteuche vnder the panys contenit in our 
 souerane lordis letteris direkit thairapon. And that euerie mane haue 
 thar targis and ale ther geir redy at the premunicioun and warning of the 
 common bell, vnder the panis contenit in our souerane lordis letteris, that 
 is to say of tynsal landis, lyue, and gudis. 
 
 4th July, 1497. 
 
 The ferde day of Julij, the yer forsaide, it was ordanit and statute be 
 the alderman, balzeis, and consal of Aberden, and approuit be the com- 
 munite of the samyn, that gif our aid inemeis of Ingland propose and 
 schepis to lande, that the tone keep tham obscur, and suffer tham to lande 
 gif it be seyne expedient to the alderman and the quartermasteris chosin 
 be the towne for the kepin of the burghe and the resisting of our saide 
 inemeis : that is to say, the alderman, ouirman, Alexr. Menzeis, Robert 
 Blinsel, Dauid Menzeis, Alexr. Rede, Jonhne of Culan, Alexr. of 
 Chamer, Johne Colisone, Thomas Prat, William Porter, and Jonhne 
 Wormet ; and the toune salbe quarterit in four partis, and canellis castyne 
 for the wechin of the tone, and ilkan quarter to wach nicht about. 
 
 The saide day, it was statut and ordanit that ij kelis one the tovnis 
 aventouris be brocht to the neyss, and al fishear boitis be brocht and 
 haldin one floit besid the said kelis, to pass and repas for the saiftie of the 
 mene and landis of Torry. 
 
 The saide day, it was statut and ordanit that ale outburges, for thar 
 nonresidence personalie within the burghe, salbe punist efter the tenour of 
 our souerane lordis letteris of proclamacioun maid thairapone. 
 
 The saide day, it was statut and ordanit, gif the Inglismen propose to 
 lande one the northt partis of the havyne, that al manere of men, with thar 
 cartis of weir, with horsis, gunrye, artailzerie, and ail vther defensabile 
 wapinnis, be redy, and pass to resist thame for the saiftie of our cathedral 
 kirk, my lord of Aberdenis palace, aur maisteris the chanonis, and ther 
 familiaris and habitaciones.
 
 62 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 loth July, 10th July, 1497. 
 
 148T. The gade jay, i t was statute and ordanit that all nichbouris and in- 
 
 duellaris of this burghe sail sende thar seruandis with spadis, barrowis, and 
 schulis, to morne be [ ] houris in the morning, to the saide ness, thar, 
 be command of the alderman and the officiaris, to cast, &c., and ilkan 
 housheholder, ane seruand at the leist. And that al pynouris, stebillaris, 
 and carteris, hevand horses, be thar with thar horsis and cartis to the fur- 
 nysing of the samyn, and that nay hors be yokit vnder the payne of es- 
 chetis ; and that nay buthtis be oppin for laboring nor wirking vnto the 
 tyme the saide fossis be castyne and maid, be the sicht and commavnde 
 of the alderman, bailzeis, and counsaile. And that nay indwellar of this 
 burghe pass vteuche the toune, vnder the penys contenit in our so- 
 uerane lordis letteris of proclamacioun ; and that al outburgessis cum 
 and reman personalie within the burghe, vnder the penys contenit in the 
 samyn. 
 
 The x day of July, yer forsaid, it was statut and ordanit be the alderman, 
 balzeis, and consall, for the resisting of our aid inemeys of Ingland, that all 
 nichtbouris of this burghe sale inbring and sustene certaine landmen, ilkane 
 efter thar substance, to the defence of the tone agan the great Mary of 
 Ingland, ay and to the tyme the saide nauy remoyue fra thir partis, for 
 the quhilkis thai haue chosin thir personis, Androw Culane zounger, 
 Johne Wormet, Androw Murray elder, Alexander Gray, Dauid Mathe- 
 sone, and William Futhes, taxteris tile extent the towne how mony per- 
 sonis landmen ilkane mane sal beir, be thar aithis bodelie sworne. 
 
 14th July, 1497. 
 
 The saide day, it was statut and ordanit be the alderman and consale 
 that the balzeis sal wairne the wache nychtlie, as thai wile ansuer to the 
 kinge and the toune, and the seriandis to be redy at thair commavnde. 
 And Thomas Leslie sal warne the wache the first v nycht, Robert Culane 
 the secunde v nychtis, Andro Cullan the thrid v nychtis, and Thomas Fyf 
 the last v nychtis. And that ale the saide personis sail waik personalie, 
 and put nay man to waik for thame, vndir the pauys contenit in our soueran 
 lordis letteris directit thairapone, that is to say, of tynsel land, lyue, and 
 gudis.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 63 
 
 The xiiij day of July, the yer forsaide, it was statut and ordanit be the 
 alderman and consale, for the sayfty of the toune, that thir peronis 
 vndir writtin sale be hedes of the wache, in the first the xiij nycht of 
 July: 
 
 The alderman, the xiij nicht of July. Alexr. Gray, the xxv nycht of July. 
 
 14th July. 
 1497. 
 
 Alexr. Menzes, the xiiij nycht. 
 Robert Blinsel, the xv nycht. 
 Alexr. Chamer, the xvj nycht. 
 Dauid Menzeis, the xvij nycht. 
 Alexr Rede, the xviij nycht. 
 Thomas Prat, the xix nycht. 
 lonhne of Culan, the xx nycht. 
 lohne Colisone, the xxi nycht. 
 lohne Wormet, the xxij nyhct. 
 lohne Knollis, the xxiij nycht. 
 Andro Murray elder, the xxiiij nycht. 
 
 The yer of God, j m iiij c nyntj and 
 furnist thair cartis vnder for wer, to 
 Ingland : 
 
 In primis, Shir Johne Ruther- 
 furd, alderman, j cart. 
 
 Alexander Chamer, j cart. 
 
 Alexander Menzeis, j cart. 
 
 Robert Blinsel, j cart. 
 
 Johne of Culane, j cart. 
 
 Alexr. Rede, j cart. 
 
 Thomas Prat, j cart. 
 
 lohne Wormet, 
 
 Dauid Mathesone, 
 
 Alexr. Mar, 
 
 Thomas Chepman, 
 
 William Kyntor, 
 
 Andro Murray zonger, 
 
 Andro Murray, cum filio 
 suo, 
 
 cart. 
 
 j cart. 
 
 j cart. 
 
 William Futhes, the xxvj nycht. 
 lohne Blak, the xxvij nycht. 
 Alexr. Mar, the xxviij nycht. 
 Dauid Mathesone, the xxix nycht. 
 James Colisone, the xxx nycht. 
 Andro Cullane zonger, the last nycht. 
 William Porter, the first nycht of 
 
 August. 
 Robert Crag, the secund nycht of 
 
 August. 
 
 vij yeris, thir personis vnder writtin 
 the resisting of our aid inemeys of 
 
 Robert Crag, 
 William Futhes, 
 Alexr. Gray, 
 Dauid Adysone, 
 Johne Colisone, 
 James Colisone, 
 Duncane Colisone, 
 Andro Culan zonger, 
 Will. Anderson zonger, 
 William Gareauche, 
 Alexr. Chamer zonger, 
 lohne Retie, 
 Dauid Fynne, 
 George Bysset, 
 Patrick Chernsid, 
 William Porter, 
 
 j cart, 
 i cart. 
 
 >j cart. 
 >] cart. 
 >j cart. 
 >j cart.
 
 64 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 14th July, lohne Blak, -\ Johne Grege, j cart. 
 
 1497. William Andersone, >j cart. lohne Murray, 
 
 William Blinsel, ) lohn Duncansone, Vj cart. 
 
 Patrik Leslie, 
 Gilbert Menzeis, 
 lohne Knollis, 
 Thomas Waus, 
 William Murray, 
 
 lohne Steuinsone, 
 The litstaris, j cart, 
 j cart. The cordonaris, j cart. 
 The flesseris, j cart. 
 
 i 
 
 20M October, 1497. 
 
 In the first, gevin for spisary to Thomas Prat, xxxvi s. 
 
 Item, for wine to Robert of Cullan, Hi s. 
 
 Item, for iii stanys of wax to Robert Blinsel, liiii s. 
 
 And for the making and treis, vi s. 
 
 Item, to the warkmen of the tolbuitht, viii s. 
 
 Item, for ane pip of wine to my Lord of Huntlie, v lib. 
 
 Item, to the organman, xl s. 
 
 Item, til a man that passit to Banf witht ane letter of the kingis, xvi d. ; 
 the propin was gevin to the kingis hienes at his passage to Sanct Duthois, 
 and repassage. 
 
 The haill some, xiiii lib. xvii s. and iiii d. 
 
 Item, to Lord Oliphant, d. gallone claret, ii s. ; and to Lord Gordone, 
 i gallone, iiii s. 
 
 \1th November, 1497. 
 
 The said day, it was thocht expedient, statut, and ordanit, be the alder- 
 man, balzeis, and consale, for the plesour of our souerane lordis hienes, 
 his lordis and nobles of consale, that all baxteris, brousteris, flesseris, 
 fischearis, stabillaris, candillmakaris, cordonaris, tailzeouris, and ale vtheris 
 men of craftis within this burgh e, be weil furnyst and bodyne in gude and 
 sufficient stuf, ilkan according to thair craftis and operacionis, to the fur- 
 nysing of our souerane lordis hienes and his lordis, &c., for the space of 
 xx dayis and forthir, alse lang as his hienes makis residence within this 
 burghe. In the first, all baxteris to haue bakin breid and flour redy to 
 baik ; al broustaris to haue brovyne aile and grundin malt redy to brew ; 
 al stabillaris to haue sufficient stabillis, hek, manger, come, foder, and ale
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 65 
 
 vther stuf according thairto ; ale flescheris to haue fresche flesche dailie 17th NOV.. 
 and hourlie slane and to be sclane ; ale fischearis to haue fische redy, salt, 
 pouderit, herde, and fresche quhen the wedder ansueris thairto ; al candil 
 raakaris to haue candile redy maid sufficient stuf; ale talzeouris, cordonaris, 
 and skinneris, to haue werk maid and stuf redy to mak, ilkan according 
 to thair craft ; al merchandis to haue wax, wyne, spicery, and vthir mer- 
 chandice redy, to the furnising of our souerane lordis hienes ; and 
 that al elding sellaris bring thair elding dailie and hourlie to the 
 mercat. 
 
 25th December, 1497. 
 
 James, be the grace of God kinge of Scottis, till ale and sindrie our 
 officiaris, lieges, and subditis, quhaim it efferis, quhas knowlege thir our let- 
 teris salcum, and, in special, our admirall and his deputis now present, and 
 to cum, greting : Forsamekle as we causit of our commandment our louit, 
 fameliar squiar Nichele Ramsay, master of our schip callit the Mare 
 Bartane, to pass diuerse Raissis of our realme in warfar, in contrar our 
 auld innemeis of Ingland ; and, as we ar informit, our said admirall and 
 his deputis wexis and trublis the saide Nichole be thair arrestmentis, and 
 askis and requiris admiralite of our saide schip, to the gret tribill of our 
 said seruitour, and in contrar justice, gif it sa be. Quhar we commande 
 and charge our saide admirale now present and his deputis, and all 
 vtheris our admirallis and thair deputis to cum, our officiaris, liegis, and 
 subditis forsaides, that nane of youe tak vpon hande to ask or requir ad- 
 miralite of ony maner of gudis, wone witht our said schip, fra the said 
 Nicholl, his factouris, or ony of his seruitouris ; or yit, that ye or thai 
 mak ony arrestment, uiolestatioun, tribule, or injur to the saide Nicholl, 
 his factouris, or seruitouris, in thar personis, landis, or gudis, for ony 
 gudis wonnyn be our saide schip in ony tyme bygane and to cum, under 
 all the hiest paine, charge, and offence that ye and ilk ane of you may 
 commit and inrin agane our maiestate in that part. Dischargeing you 
 our admirall now present and your deputis, and all vtheris our admirallis 
 to cum and thair deputis, of your and thair offices in that part be thir our 
 letteris. The quhilk we will endur for all the daies of the saide Nicholes 
 liff. Gevin vnder our priuie seill, at Abirdene the xxv day of December, 
 the yer of God Ixxxxvij yeris, and of our regnne the tend yer. 
 
 i
 
 66 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 23d January, 23c? January, 1498. 
 
 The xxiij day of Januer, the yer of God j m iiij c nynty and aucht yeris, 
 all the quhit fishearis of Futy oblist tham, of thar avne fre will, be thar 
 faithtis of thar bodiis, to pay yerlie ilkan yer to Sanct dementis chapel 
 werk in Futy ilkan master of the boit havand tua lynis ij s., and ilkan 
 botismen xij d. 
 
 26th March, 1498. 
 
 The xxvj day of Marche, the yer of God j m iiij c nynty and viij yeris, 
 thir personis vnder writtin, at commavnd of the toune present for the 
 tyme, has lent certaine money as efter followis, to the defence of ane sum- 
 monce maid vpon the commissaris of the commoun assedatioun, because it 
 is ane commoun actioun, quhilkis sal be pait to thame agan at the nixt aff 
 taxt. In the first: Schir Johne Ruthirfurd, alderman, has lent vj s. and 
 viij d. ; Alexander Menzeis, vj s. viij d. ; Robert Blindsal vj s. viij d. ; 
 Thomas Prat, xiij s. iiij d. ; Dauid Menzes, vj s. viij d. ; Alex. Chamer, 
 vj s. viij d. ; John Cullane, vj s. viij d. ; Johne Colisone, v s. ; Alex. Ride, 
 v s. ; Johne Knollis, v s. ; Johne Wormet ij s. ; Johne Blak, ij s. ; Wil- 
 liam Blinsale, xvj d ; William Kintor, xvj d. ; Robert Crag, ij s . ; Andro 
 Murray elder, ij s. ; Alex. Gray, ij s. ; Andro Cullan zounger, ij s. Nocht- 
 withstanding Johne of Cullane pait nocht the said d. mark. 
 
 llth May, 1498. 
 
 The saide day, the haile toune warnit be the premunicioun of the bell 
 and the officers throw the hail toune, and circually inquerit be the officiar, 
 affirmit and ratifeit the statutes and akis maid anent the kepin of the 
 toune fra the pestilence and strange seiknes abefor, and hes ordanit that 
 the porte of the Castelgate passand to Futy be closit, and the port to the 
 est extendand one the northt part of the samyn gat, betone Robert Blin- 
 sellis yet, be oppin in the day, and lokit with lokis and keis, and in likwyse 
 the port of the Gallogate be vpmaid and closit with lokis and keis. And 
 the alderman, in our soueran lordis name, and be verteu of his office, chargit 
 and commandit the haile toune to se, avise, and provide for the kepin of 
 the toune, as thai walde answer to the kingis hienis, and offerit him redy to 
 do al that thai wald charge him to do thairanent. And the haile toune 
 tuk on thame to keip the said four portis, ilkane quarter thair avne port,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 67 
 
 sufficientlie as efferis, as thai wald answer thairapone; of the quhilkis the i7thMay r 
 alderman askit at me Schir Johne Stirueling, notar publict, befor witnes, 
 Robert Blinsell, Alex. Menzes, Thomas Prat, Duncan Colison, William 
 Futhes, Robert Crag. 
 
 22d August, 1498. 
 
 Xxij Augusti anno Domini m iiij c Ixxxxviij. It is avisit and thocht 
 expedient be the commissaris of burrowis, viz., Edinburgh, Abirdene, 
 Pertht, Dunde, Hadington, that thar be direct ane schap clerk, and twa 
 burges merchandis of fasson, to the Archeduk of Austrie, &c., with our 
 souerane lordis antentyue writtingig, and perfit instructionis for remeid 
 tueching the mater of the letteris of marque, and the dukis proclamatioun 
 tueching the stapill, gif thar ony sic be. 
 
 The personis diuisit to pass at our souerane lordis emplessour ar thir, viz : 
 
 For the merchandis, 
 
 Schir Thomas Tod, provost of Edinburghe ; 
 Schir Johne Rutherfurde, alderman of Aberdene. 
 
 For the clerkis, 
 
 Maister Dauid Setone, persone of Fethyrcarne ; 
 
 M. Gawan Dunbar, dene of Murray, failze of ony vtheris siclik clerkis 
 of wisdome to be chosin in thar stedis. 
 
 Item, it is avisit and thocht expedient be the said commissaris of bur- 
 rowis, that devisit remeid may be had tueching the multitud of sailaris, viz., 
 that na man saile within j last of gude of his awne, or samekle in sterage, 
 according to the act of parliament maid theropane, vnder the pane of x lib., 
 as is contenit in the saide act of parliament, to be rasit till our souerane 
 lordis wse. 
 
 Item, in likwise that the act of parliament be obseruit and kepit tueching 
 the craftismen, viz., that nane of tharne occupy merchandice and thar craft 
 togidder, sa that gif thai occupy the merchandice, that thai leif thar craft, 
 and in the contrar, efter the forme of the said act maid tharopane ; and the 
 provest and balyheis within burghe, as schireffis in that part, to cersse the 
 brekaris of thir actis, and to raise the pane of x lib. of the persone brekand 
 ony of thame alsoft as it happinnis, till our souerane lordis wse, and compt 
 therof yerlie to be gevin in the cheker.
 
 68 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 >2d November, 22c? November , 1498. 
 
 The saide day, the alderman and consal present for the tyrae, grantit to 
 Sir Richerde Waiis aucht merks, to Sir Andro Couper fiwe merkis, and 
 to Sir Johne Strathechin four merkis, for this yer to cum, for thar con- 
 tinuale gude seruice, and residence to be maid in the queir and kirk of 
 Aberdene ; thairof thai assignit viij merkis to the said Sir Robert of the 
 Vnermyll, the said fiwe merkis to the saide Sir Androw of the said myll, 
 and the said four merkis to the said Sir Johne of the maile of Bogferloche, 
 to be rasit at thar avne handis. 
 
 The saide day, Mathow Wricht oblist him be his hand vphaldin to mak 
 gude seruice in the luge and vteuche to the bigin and furnysing of the 
 queyr, at the commavnd and sicht of the alderman, consal, and the master 
 of the kirkwerk, and he sal nocht pass to nay vther werk without speciale 
 licence of the alderman and the consal ; for the quhilkis seruice to be done, 
 thai sal nocht [?] content and pay to the said Mathow tuenty tua merks vsual 
 money of Scotland, the entre of the said Mathow was thairwith that at 
 Mertymes last bigane. 
 
 The said day, Nichol Masone and Dauid Wricht oblist tham be the 
 fathis of thar bodiis, the gret aithe sworne, to remane at Sanct Nicholes 
 werk in the luge and vteuche, ther to mak dely gude seruice, and to be leile 
 trew in all pontis, and nocht to pass fra the saide werk without leif of the 
 alderman, consale, and maister of the werk ; for the qnhilks gude seruice 
 to be done, thai sal content and pay to the saide Nichol tuenty ane merks, 
 and to the saide Dauid auchtene merkis. 
 
 15th March, 1500. 
 
 The xv day of Merche, the yer forsaide, Schir Johne Rutherfurd, alder- 
 man, shew and declarit how he was to pass for the hambringin of Sanct 
 Nicholes led to Berwick, and the quyntray was dangerfull throw this plage 
 of pestilence, for the eschewin of perell that his wyf and his barnis be nocht 
 skathit in tyme to cum, that ther was in handis thre scoir pundis of the 
 water malys of this yer immediatlie bigane, and Johne of Mar grantit the 
 samyn, and that he had xxxv lib. of the saide yeris maile in his handis, for 
 the quhilkis he sould ansuer to the tone befor thir witnes, Gilbert Menzes 
 and Thomas Leslie.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 69 
 
 8th April, 1500. 8th April, 
 
 The saide day, thir personis vnder writin, of thair avne fre will, motyve, 
 and gud raynde, in the honour of Almyghti God and thair gloriouse pa- 
 trone Sanct Nicholes, oblist and bande thame be the fathtis of thar bodiisj 
 ther ayris, executouris, and assignaes, be ale thar gudis and landis, to 
 content and pay to the alderman, balzeis, or master of the kirk werk of 
 Aberden for the tyme, thir somes of salmond and money, to the bying 
 and pament of leid to thar saide kirk. In the first, Schir lonhne Kuther- 
 furd, alderman, ane barrele of salmond ; Alexr. Menzeis, j barrele salmond ; 
 Robert Blinsele,j barrele salmond; Johne Cullan, j barrele salmond; 
 Alexander Rede, j barrele salmond ; Thomas Prat, j barrele salmond ; 
 Robert Crag, d. barrel salmond ; Williame Futhes, d. barrele salmond ; 
 William Chamer, d. barrele salmond ; Jonhne Blak, d. barrele salmond ; 
 Alexander Gray, d. barrele salmond ; William Anderson Jacobi, x s. ; 
 Duncan Colison, v s. ; William of Murray, v s. ; Johne Duncanson, v s. ; 
 George Bisset, d. marce ; Malcum Crag, d. barrele grilse ; Alexander 
 Lindesay, v s. ; Patrick Leslie, d. barrele grilse, or the vaile ; George 
 Bell, d. barrele salmond ; Robert Hay, ij s. ; lonhne King, x s. ; Thome 
 Chapman, d. marce ; Andro Meldrum, [ ] s. ; Thome Forsy, ij s. ; Alex- 
 ander Burnat, iiij s. ; lonhne Meldrum, iii s. ; Andro Cullan zonger, d. 
 barrele salmond ; Master Androw Byssat, x s. ; lonhne Annand, iiij s. ; 
 Thome Wode, d. marce ; Thome Alexanderson, ij s. ; Alexr. Hay, v s. ; 
 Andro Stevinson, ij s. ; William Scherar, litstar, iiij s. ; Alexr. Blak, x s. ; 
 Androw Watsone in Cullane, ij s. ; lonhne Telzour Crukschank, ij s. ; 
 Andro Mureson, iij s. ; Thome Philp, ij s. ; Robert Rede, iiij s. ; Thome 
 Wodman, ij s. ; Alexander Brabner, ij s. ; William Gray, ij s. ; James 
 Torre, ij s. ; Andro Johnston, ij s. ; Robert Futhes, ij s. ; Thome John- 
 ston, v s. ; Alexr. Hay, litstar, v s. ; Philp Kelly, ij s. ; Andro Hutmaker, 
 xii d. ; Thome Meldrum, v s. : Jobne Fullertone, ij s. ; Thome Name, 
 ij s. ; Gilbert Patersone, ij s. ; Andro Murray, xiij s. and iiij d. ; Thome 
 Gerat, xii d. ; Johne Home, v s. ; Andro Louson, v s. ; James Gourly, 
 vs.; William Balhelvy, ij s. ; Dauid Talzour, ij s. ; Andro Michelson, 
 ij s. ; Syme Richerdson, iiij s. ; Andro Body, ij s. ; Andro Low, ij s. ; 
 Johne Tulibo, iij s. ; Alexr. Gray, v s. ; Thome Watsone, v s. ; Dauid 
 Strathachlin, v s. ; Cristy Prat, v s. ; Johne Porter, iij s. ; lohne Wilzong- 
 son, d. marce ; lohne Thomsone, d. barrele grilse ; William Andersone 
 
 K
 
 70 EXTRACTS FKOM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 8th April, elder, iiij s. ; Alexr. Malyssone, ane quarter barrele of grilse, or v s. ; 
 William Lammyrtone, v s. ; Johne Andersoun, d. marce. Apone the 
 quhilkis, the alderman askit at me, Schir Johne Striueling, common clerk 
 and notar, instrumentis. Testibus dominis Willelmo Holland Andrea 
 Gray Andrea Charaer lohanne Rede capellanis Philippo Dunbrek Andrea 
 Nachty Jacobo Leis Willelmo Scrimgeour seriandis et acta erant hec in 
 pretorio huiusmodi. 
 
 15th April, 1501. 
 
 The saide day, it was statutit, and ordanit, and deliuerit, be ane suorne 
 assise, that ale nichtbouris, induellaris of this burghe, and ale alienatis, 
 that bringis in ony gret salt within this hevin, sale deliuer to Sanct 
 Nicholes work ane smale mett of ilkan hundretht, conforming to the aide 
 lovabile rite, constitud, and vyse of the said burghe. 
 
 10th May, 1501. 
 
 Item, it was statut and ordanit, that all personis duelland uteucht the 
 forgait in the bak steris, samony as salbe warnit and chargit therto and 
 billit be the prouest and bailzeis, furnys and graitht the staris of the for- 
 gait with arres werk daily as efferis, under the pane of ilk persone that beis 
 requirit therto, and furnissing nocht the samyn of [ ] s. unforgevin, for 
 the ressaving of our souerane ladye the queyne. 
 
 Alsua it was statut and ordanit, that na swyne being within this brught, 
 young nor auld, be haldin uteucht band of the forgait for ane fiftene dais, 
 this day being runnyne, under the pane of slauchter of the said swyne, 
 escheting of thame, and banyssing of thame that aw the samyne, and als 
 that all the tovn be devoyen of the swn croffis, under the samyn payne, be- 
 tuix this and Thurisday nixt to cum. 
 
 Alsua it was statut and ordanit, that all maner of persone or personis 
 that bringis ony byrkis, holingis, gyrss, herbis, or ony vthir grene flouris, 
 haf common passage, and sal haue fre mony and redy siluer for the samyn. 
 
 24th July, 1501. 
 The saide day, the alderman, balzeis, and consale assignit to ther com-
 
 OP THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 71 
 
 mone menstrallis tene lib., to be taken fra the denys of glide to furnyss 24th July, 
 thame to the passage, witht the alderman and utheris honorabil nychtbours, 
 to the fest of our soverane lords marriage, at commaunde of his hienes and 
 to the plesour of his maieste. 
 
 23d August, 1501. 
 
 The xxiii day of August, the yer of God j m v c and ane yer, Johne 
 Wormet, Androw Murray, Gilbert Menzes, James Colisoun, Andro Cul- 
 lan, William Blinsele, and Alex. Gray was chosen be the haill communite 
 of Abirdene, and suorne ther gret aithe to taxt and extent the tone of j c 
 merks and xv crownis, to be gevin to the ambaxater passing to the complet- 
 ing of the kingis marriage, efter the tenor of our soveran lordis lettres di- 
 rectit therupon. 
 
 The said day, the ballieis, counsale, and communite, warnit and chargit 
 be the hande bell throw the haill tovne, and be the sergeandis, at corn- 
 maunde of our soverane lordis lettres, for the passage of ane part of the 
 best and wortheast of the samyn to the fest of our soverane lordis marriage, 
 and ane gret pairt and multitude of the counsale and communite gathereit 
 representande the bodie of the toune, and cercualie inquerit be Johne Mar, 
 and Thomas Leslie, balzeis, and Willeame Scrimgeir, sergeande, grantit, 
 consentit, and ordanit to set and to formaile lett ane thrid pairt of neths 
 fisching one the watter of Done for thretteyne yers, and ane sex parte of 
 thar fischings of the Crovis for vxi yers, quhilks thrid pairt nethis fischings 
 umqhile Willeame Chamer hede in tak obefor, and Andro Murray the said 
 sex part of the Crovis for the prouissione of expenses to thame that passis to 
 the said fest of our soverune lordis marriage, &c., and chesit Alexander 
 Menzeis, alderman, Robert Blinsele, Alex. Chamer, Alex. Rede, Alex. 
 Mar, Willeame Futhes, and Johne Rettie, commissaris, to set the saide 
 fischings for the said termes, and ordanit ane commissioun to be gevin to 
 thame under thar commoun sele, quhilkis personis suer the gret aithe to 
 sett the samyn fischings efter thair conscience and knavlege for the cotn- 
 mone wele and profit of the toune, and ordanit the kepars of the commone 
 sele to sele the saide commissiounis ane and mayer concerning the sad 
 takis, and ordanit to tak the formale of the said third parts fischings of Done 
 fra the personise [?] or personis that thai sett it to, and fra Margaret of
 
 72 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 23d August, Kintor, now josate of the satnyn, gif sche will tak the said third partis 
 fischingis for xiii yers, and pay the formale therof. Item, thai assignit the 
 raaile of ane half nethts fischings of Mydchingile, extending to five lib. x 
 s. and vd. in the yer, to the bigin of the kirk werk of Abirdene inter- 
 changit and assignit for the said thrid parts maile of Done, and ordanit 
 lettres to be red therupoun of assignatioun and interchange one the seuerast 
 wyss, and to be selit witht ther commoun sele. 
 
 5th November, 1501. 
 
 The said day, the counsaile and communite, warnit be the hand bell 
 throue the haill towne, and gatherit representand the body of the towne 
 for the tyme, circualy inquerit be William Scritngeour, officiar, consensit, 
 grantit, and ordanit, ale thar gressumes of thar wateris, fischingis, and 
 landis of this assedacioun to be maid, to be gevin to the begin of Sanct 
 Nicholes werk, na man sayand the contrar. 
 
 4th June, 1503. 
 
 The saide day, the alderman, bailies, counsaile, and comunite present 
 for the tyme, warnit be the hand bell throue the haill towne, at the requeist 
 of our souerane lordis lettres, grantit thar commone hande bell, with ale 
 proffitis, to William Colp, Cristiane Turing his spouse, and Dauid Colp 
 his sone, to the langast levar of thame, thai doand seruice tharfor, aucht 
 and wont, and ordanit to gif thar commoune seill tharapone. 
 
 21th October, 1503. 
 
 The saide day, it was statut and ordanit be the alderman, balleis, and 
 consale, that the sagristane sale hatie for ilkan graiwe makin and bellis 
 rigin within the kirk [ ] and vteuche the kirk in the kirk zerde viij d. 
 
 And he sale ger ring curfoyr continuale, at hour and tyme, aucht and 
 wont. -Atour he sal nocht ring Laurence at the saule messe nor menyngis, 
 bot for the nobill and honorabill personis of the town, without leif of the 
 alderman and the counsale. 
 
 23d December, 1503. 
 
 The said day, the baillies, counsale, and communite, warnit be the pre- 
 municioun of the hand bell throw the haill tovun, gatherit, representand
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 73 
 
 the body of the tovun, and circualie inquerit be Willeame Scrimgeour, ane 23d Dec. : 
 of the officiaris of the said burgh, ale in ane voice concordande gef, 
 grantit, and assignit to thair traist clerk and nychtbour sone, Maister 
 Dauid Menzheis, ale and haile thar chapellanry of Sanct Dutheis altar, 
 with ale proffitis, richtis, and pertinence pertenyng, or may pertene tharto, 
 situate within the perise kirk of the said burgh, for ale the dais of his lyfe, 
 vacand be decess of vmquhile Schir Willeame Crukschank, last possessour 
 of the samyn ; and constitut, maid, and ordanit Johne Lesley of Wardens, 
 alderman, Schir Johnne Rutherfurd, knycht, Alexander Menzeis, Robert 
 Blinseile, Dauy Menzheis, Alexander Reid, Alexander Chamer, Johne 
 of Cullane, Gilbert Menzeis, James Colisoun, thar commissaris, coniunctly 
 and severally, tile institut and inuest the said Master Dauid in the said 
 chapellanry ; and ordanit euidentis vnder thar commone seill, according 
 tharto, to be maid in dew forme, to the said Master Dauid, one the 
 souerast wase be thair commone clerk. 
 
 January ', 1504. 
 
 The saide day, the alderman and counsale grantit thame avande, in the 
 townes nayme, to Davy Theman, foure markis, vsuale money of Scotlande, 
 for the kepin of thar common horolege and knok, for ane vnce and d. vnce 
 of siluer, quhilk he put in the common armes of the tovne, gevin to thar 
 commone menstralis quhene thai passit to our souerane lordis marriage at 
 the tovnes command, quhilkis thai gravntit to pay to the saide Dauy. 
 
 Eodem die tribus processibus perlectis per religiosum virum fratrem 
 Andream Storour priorem Carmelitarum dicti burgi nomine conuentus 
 eiusdem de et super recuperacione proprietatis et possessionis cuiusdam 
 terre vaste Thome Pyot pertinentis jacentis in vico viridi ex australi 
 parte eiusdem inter terram Jacobi Pyot ex occidentali ex vna et terram 
 dictorum fratrum siue domus ex australi partibus ab altera et communes 
 vias regias versus oriens et boream in defectu solutionis vnius annui red- 
 ditus decem solidorum vsualis monete Scotie sibi et dicte domui debiti et 
 a longo tempore non soluti vnde dictus prior petiit a nobis secundum vim 
 formam et effectum sui processus precedentis juris et justicie comple- 
 mentum sibi fieri de dicta terra cum pertinentiis Et consequenter dominus 
 Dauid Liell prelocutor dicti prioris porrexit plegium in manibus Willelmi
 
 74 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th January, Scrimgeour vnius sergeandorum dicti burgi quod ipse prior proprietatem 
 et possessionem recuperauit de dicta terra cum pertinentiis in defectu 
 solutioms annui redditus antedicti vnde hora diei legitime expectata om- 
 nibus interesse habentibus vocatis et nullo comparente nee opponente de- 
 cretum fuit ex ore Alexandri Joffrasoun iudicatoris curie et datur pro 
 iudicio quod ipse causam suam obtinuit in recuperacione proprietatis dicte 
 terre cum pertinentiis Super quibus dictus dominus Dauid nomine pre- 
 locutorio quo supra petiit instrumentum Testibus Johanne Rutherfurd 
 milite Alexandro Reid Jacobo Collisone Johanne Ratre Andrea Cullan 
 Dauid Theman ut supra 
 
 15th April, 1504. 
 
 Eodem die accedens ad barrara religiosus vir frater Andreas Storour 
 prior domus fratrum Carmelitarum de Aberdene nomine dicte domus et 
 protestatus fuit in forma juris pro vno annuo redditu xiij solidorum et 
 quatuor denariorum de quadam terra vasta jacente in le Grene quondam 
 Dauid Strathin inter terram quondam Johannis Duruard ex orientali ex 
 vna et communes vias regias versus boream occidens et austrum sibi et 
 dicte domui annuatim a longo tempore debito et non soluto ad quam 
 terram accedens nichil reperit distringibile preter terram et lapides quos 
 balliuos in succulo presentauit in curia tanquam secundo die huius pro- 
 cessus Testibus Dauid Tailzeour Georgio Tailzeour Thoma Gledstand 
 et Ormundo Lesly sergeando 
 
 Eodem die accedens ad barram religiosus vir frater Andreas Stourour 
 prior domus fratrum Carmelitarum de Aberdene et protestabatur in forma 
 juris pro vno annuo redditu decem solidorum sibi et dicte domui annuatim 
 a longo tempore debito et non soluto de terra vasta Thome Pyot jacente 
 in vico viridi ex australi parte eiusdem inter terram Jacobi Pyot ex 
 occidental! ex vna et terram dictorum fratrum siue domus ex australi et 
 communes vias regias versus oriens et boream Ad quam terram accedens 
 nichil reperit distringibile preter terram et lapides quos balliuis in succulo 
 presentauit in curia tanquam secundo die huius processus testibus ut 
 supra. 
 
 llth October, 1504. 
 
 The said day, it was diuisit and ordanit be the alderman, bailzes, and
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 75 
 
 counsaille, that thar sal be gevin to our soverane lord in propin, sex par nth October, 
 torchis, ane dusane of prekats, iii dusane of syis of walx, ane dusane lib. 
 of scorcheatis, and alssmeikle wine as tbe mester of sellar plessis to tak 
 till his hienes. 
 
 14th June, 1505. 
 
 The saide day, the alderman, balzeis, and counsale present for the tyme, 
 for the vphaldin and sustening of dyvine service in the queir and kirk of 
 Aberden, in the honor of God, the gloriouse Virgine Mary, Sanct 
 Nicholes thair patron, and all sanctis, conducit, hyrit, and feet Wat 
 Strathin, sangaster, to syng and help to bald dyvin seruice within the 
 said kirk for his mett, with viij personis circualie oukly, and drink and xx s. 
 of siluer yerlie, ilkan yer, to be tene of ane burges, to be chosin and 
 gottin be the said Wat or ony of his frendis, to by him ane gown, quhilkis 
 thai thankfullie promittit to the said Wat. 
 
 9th September, 1505. 
 
 The said day, the alderman, balzeis, counsale, and diuerse of the com- 
 munite, present for the tyme, grantit and gef to Schir Thomas Lammyng- 
 tone, chapellane, Sanct dementis chapele, for ale the dais of his lyve, with 
 ale offeringis, obuentis, proventis, toftis, croftis, and fredomes, pertening 
 or may pertene therto, quhilkis was vacand and at ther dispositioun, sene 
 the decess of vmquhile Schir Ingerame Bannerman, possessor of the 
 samyn. 
 
 llth November, 1505. 
 
 The saide day, the alderman, balzeis, counsaile, and diuerse of the com- 
 munite gravntit and gaf thar ferding and keping of thair jouelis and or- 
 namentis of thar kirk to Sir Dauy Waus, cheplene, for ale the dais of 
 his lyve, with ale deuyteis and profitis pertening thairto, for the keping 
 of the samyn aucht and wount. 
 
 24th November, 1505. 
 
 The said day, Philp Belman, be his avin toung graunt, was in ane 
 amerciament of the court for the sellinge of ane apill for ane penny, quhar 
 he micht haue sauld thre for ane penny.
 
 76 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 5th October, 5th October, 1506. 
 
 The said day, alderman, bailzes, consaill, and communitie, grantit and 
 assignit ale thar gressoumis of thar fischingis and landis to the by ing of 
 led, and thekin of thar queir, and to be disponit apone the kirkwark, to the 
 honor of Sanct Nicholess, thar gloriuss patrone. 
 
 Wth January, 1507. 
 
 Eodem die accedens ad barram religiosus vir frater Andreas Storour 
 prior domus fratrum Carmelitarum dicti burgi et protestatus fuit in forma 
 juris pro vno annuo redditu sex solidorum et octo denariorum sibi et dicto 
 loco annuatim debito et a longo tempore non soluto de quadam terra 
 vasta quondam Ranaldi Tailzeour jacente extra portam orientalem dicti 
 burgi ex boreali parte vici eiusdem inter terram Johannis Zongsone ex 
 orientali ex vna et terram domus Sancti Johannis de Torphichin ex occi- 
 dental! et communem viam regiam versus austrum ad quam terram acce- 
 dens nichil reperit distringibile preter terram et lapides quos balliuis in 
 succulo presentauit in curia tanquam primo die huius processus Testibus 
 Thoma Riddaill Thoma Straloche et Normando Lesly sergeando. 
 
 March, 1507. 
 
 The saide day, it was ordanit and deliuerit be the alderman and coun- 
 saile present for the tyme, that thar salbe the par torchis, xii prekats, and 
 ii dussan assiss of wax, maid to be deliuerit to the kingis hienes, and wyne 
 be discretioun of the prouest, togidder witht sex lib. of skorgeatis. 
 
 1th April, 1507. 
 
 The saide day it was statut and ordanit be the prouest, balzeis, counsale, 
 and communite present for the tyme, that evere fyrhouse within this burghe 
 sale furnis and sende ane sufficient work seruand, with spaide, schwile, or 
 barrowe, to help to rede the common loche, quhen euere thai be warnit 
 thairto be the officiaris or the hande bele, vnder the pane of viij s. vnfor- 
 gevin. 
 
 24th September, 1507. 
 
 The said day, Thomas Borrow, Inglishman, grauntit him resauit be 
 the handis of Androw Cullane, prouest of the said burghe, four lastis and
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 77 
 
 d. last slamonde, in the name of Bryame Roche, for ten fuder of led, re- 24th Sept. 
 sauit to Sanct Nicholes work, quhilkis iiij lastis and d. war schippit custome 
 free. And the said Thomas, in the name of the said Bryame his master, 
 helde me wele content, and pait, and dischargit, and quietclamit the said 
 prouest, balzeis, consaile, and communite thairof, now and foreuer, befor 
 Hary Stot, skipper. 
 
 8^ October, 1507. 
 
 The said day, it was appointit and accordit, betuixt the prouest, bailzes, 
 and counsall one that ane part, and Richerd Wrycht, anent the mending and 
 reformacioun of the stepill of the tolbutht, in maner and forme as followis : 
 that is to say, the said Richerd sail, God willing, mend and reforme the 
 stepill forsaid ennowe, and vteucht sufficiently and substanciusly in ale 
 thingis as efferis, and thai sail fynd and dilyuer to him ale stuff conuenient 
 thairto within the said tolbooth, and fynd him seruandis to heise his tymmer 
 quhene it is reddy, and it beand sufficiently reformit and mendit, thai sail 
 refund and pay to the said Richerd tene markis, and sail enter to the re- 
 formyng of it incontinent, and thai sail pay to him xl s. at his enteray to the 
 said wark in onwartis. 
 
 26th December, 1507. 
 
 The same day, it was appontit betiux the prouest, bailzeis, and consale 
 one that ane part, and Johne Ferdour, wricht, one that vthir part, in maner, 
 forme, and effect efter following : that is to say, the said Johne sale, God 
 willing, big, oupmak, and finally end and complet the xxxiiij stallis in thar 
 queir, with the spiris and the chanslar dur, and ale vthir thingis according 
 tharto, one his avin expensis, alse substanciusly and honorable as he may, 
 as thai ar begunnyne, and bettir gif he cane, betuix this and the fest of 
 Sanct Petyr, callit Lammes, immediat heirefter following, or at the fest of 
 Sanct Michaell nixt, and immediat tharefter following at the ferrast ; quhilk 
 being completit, and finally endit at the said day, as said is, the prouest, 
 bailzeis, and consale sale content and pay to the said Johnne tua hundretht 
 pundis vsuale money of Scotland, with ane bontay according to thair honor ; 
 and gif he completis nocht the said wark be the said day, thane thay sail 
 content and pay to him the some contenit in the first contrak, and this con- 
 dicioun making nay dirogacioun to the first contrak. To the keping of the
 
 78 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 26th Dec., quhilkis the said Johnne oblist him be the faitht of his bodie to Gilbert 
 Menzeis, prouest, in the toonis nam ; and ale somes of money that he 
 ressauis sal be allouit in the said some, &c. 
 
 9th. October, 1508. 
 
 Item, it is statut and ordanit be the proues, bailzes, and counsale that 
 the litsteris of this burgh sail wesche all thar clais at the burne passand fra 
 the west end of the loche to the dene burne ; and that nay litstaris, skyn- 
 naris, cordonaris, nor craftismen sail wesche thar stuf in the loche, nor 
 common riuelis of the toune in tyme to cum ; and sail claise thair ventis of 
 thar guttaris cummande fra thar werk house, and sail distry the samyne, 
 and cast nay filcht cumand out of thar werk house in to the loche nor riuelis 
 within xxiiij houris nixt heirefter. 
 
 3Qth December, 1508. 
 The grant of the salmond and money to by the led to theik the kirk and 
 
 tofallis. 
 
 The said day, the prouost, bailzeis, counsaile, and communite vnder 
 writin, of thar avin fre will and motive, to the plesour of God, decoring of 
 haly kirk, and heile of thar saulis, grantit this salmond and money vnder 
 writtin, to by leid to theik thar body of the kirk and tofallis, &c. : Gilbert 
 Menzheis prouest, iij barrel salmond ; Sir Johne Ruthirfurd, ij barrel sal- 
 mond ; James Colisoun, ij barrel salmond ; Johne of Mar, iij barrel sal- 
 mond ; Thomas Leslie, j barrel salmond ; Patry Leslie, ij barrel salmond ; 
 Duncan Colisone, j barrel salmond ; Thomas Wod, j barrel salmond ; 
 Thomas Waus, j barrel salmond ; Johne Colisone, ij barrel salmond ; 
 Alexander Gray, ane barrel of salmond ; Dauid Steuart, j barrel salmond ; 
 Patry Rede, ane franche crovne ; Williame Futhes, j barrel salmond ; 
 Alex. Malisone, j barrel salmond ; William Porter, j barrel salmond ; 
 Thomas Vatson, v s. : Dauid Kintor, j barrel salmond ; Johne Kintor, 
 vj s. viij d. ; Dauid Errot, x s. : Johne Andersone, d. barrel salmond ; 
 Androue Lousone, vij s. ; Androw Futhes, ij s. ; Johnne of Murray, Tuli- 
 def, x s. ; Johne Murray in vico castri, d. barrel salmond ; Andro Stevin- 
 sone, v s. ; Robert Crag, j barrel salmond, William Murray, x s. ; Dauid 
 Murray, and his fader, j barrel salmond ; Andro Burnat, v s. ; Johne Crak, 
 v s. ; Malcolme Crag, xiiij s. ; Patry Gordoun, v s. ; Johnne Blak, ane
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABERDEEN. 79 
 
 barrel salmond ; William Laysk, v s. ; Gavane Murray, half j barrel of 30th Dec. 
 grilse ; Johne Arthour, j barrel salmond ; Dauid Fynne, xvij s. ; Dauid 
 Straloche, x s. ; Dauid Lame, v s. ; Mathoue Branche, j barrel grilse ; 
 Patry Chernsid, j barrel salmond ; Duncan Fyf, d. barrel salmond, or the 
 vaile of thaim ; Johne Cullan, ij barrel salmond ; Richard Waus, d. barrel 
 salmond ; Duncan Craik, d. barrel salmond ; Thomas Menzeis, d. barrel 
 salmond ; Alex. Nory, vj s. viij d. ; Niniane Blinsele, viij s ; Henry Rede, 
 d. barrel grilse ; Alex. King, iiij s. ; Alex. Bannerman, in Bog Farlour, 
 v s. ; Andro Barkar, x s. ; Alex. Kintor, d. barrel salmond ; Johne Ander- 
 sone junior, v s. ; Duncan Gilrucht, vs.; Johne Quhitcorse, iij s. ; Andro 
 Grig, iij s. ; Johne Litster elder, iij s. ; Thomas Meldrum, ix s. ; Richard 
 Wricht, viij dais laubour ; Robert Moryse, iij s. ; Alex. Roche, v s. ; Johne 
 Meldrum, v s. ; Dauid Bannerman, ij s. ; Alexander Buk, iij s. ; William 
 Blinseile, couper, v s. ; Dauid Couper, v s. ; Johne Brakhauche, iij s. ; 
 Alex. Fraser, iij s. ; Robert Moir, iij s. ; Patry Leslie zongar, v s. ; Johne 
 Watsone, iij s. ; Andro Portar, iij s. ; Johne Wischart, xvi d. ; Johne 
 Slesser, iij s. ; Richerd Redhed, v s. ; Tomas Lammyrtoun, vi s. ; Duncan 
 Waudy, vj s. ; Alex. Mortymer, ij s. ; Johne Froster, v s. ; Johne Lore- 
 mar, v s. : Dauid Treis, ij Inglis grotis ; Alexander Donaldsone, ij s. ; 
 Andro Smyth, iij s. ; Johne Baugerscho, xvi d. : William Watson, iij s. ; 
 Gilbert Litster, x s. ; Andro Edindeocht ij s. ; Robert Joffray, iij s. ; 
 Andro Brabner, v s. ; James Gourlay, x s. ; Androwe Stratoun, xiiij s. ; 
 Alex. Tulideff, iiij s. ; Johne Riche, iiij s. ; Crysty Prat, x s. ; Alexander 
 Home, v s. ; Robert Piper, iiij s. ; Williame Stile, iiij s. ; Robert Red, v s. ; 
 Adam Wer, x s. ; Andro Gordoun, mercatour, iiij s. ; Alexander Brabner, 
 ij s. ; Alexander Moresone, iij s. ; Gilbert Tailzeour, ij s. ; Alexander 
 Tailzeour, iij s. ; Philp of Kelly, v s. ; William King, ij s. ; Syme of 
 Ellone, vj s. viij d. ; Johne Mar in Dyse, iiij s. ; Dauid Crysty, iiij s. ; Johne 
 Brabner, v s. ; Duncan Porter, iiij s. ; Nichol Baxter ; v s. ; Dauid Strath- 
 achin, vij s. ; Thomas Laysk, x s. ; William Cheishame, vij s. ; Johne 
 Ramsay, vij s. ; Johne Wilzongsone, v s. ; Henry Andersone, v s. ; Dauid 
 Andersone, vij B. ; William Rolland, d. barrel salmond ; Andro Litster, 
 xiiij s. ; James Strathachin, v s. ; Robert Hile, x s. ; Johne Crag, x s. ; 
 William Wormet, j barrel grilse ; Thomas Craufurd, x s. ; Dauid Ander- 
 sone, j barrel salmond ; Alexander Blindseile, j barrel of grilse ; George 
 Bisset, j barrel of salmond ; Dauid Mar elder, d. barrel of grilse ; the four
 
 80 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 30th Dec., officiaris, j barrel salmond ; Johne Fynne, xvj d. ; William Abirdour, x s. ; 
 Johne Fecbat zongar, [ ] ; Patry Arthour, v s. ; Cutberd Johnstone, x s. ; 
 the lard of Wardris, ij barrel of salmond ; Andro Cullan, ij barrel salmond. 
 
 28th June, 1509. 
 
 The saide day, the] provest, bailzeis, counsale, and communite, pre- 
 sentit Master Johne Merschell to the gramar scolis of the saide burghe, 
 vacand be the decess of vmquhile Master Williame Strathachlin, possessour 
 of the samyn, for ale the dais of his liwe, and admittit him to the saide 
 scolis, be gift of ane pair of bedis, with ale comoditeis, fredomes, and 
 profites pertening thairto. 
 
 29th August, 1509. 
 
 The xxix daye of August, the yeir forsaid, it was ordanit and deliuerit 
 be the prouest, bailzeis, and counsel of the saide burgh, present for the 
 tyme, that thair sal be gevin til our soverane lordis hienes, in propine, 
 alsmeikle vynis as it plesis his master of vyne sellar and seruitours to tak 
 til his henes, to giddir witht ane dusane pundis of schorcatis, ane dusane 
 of torchis, ane dusane of prikatis, and tua dusane of syse of vax, quhilk 
 salbe pait of the first and the rediast money thai can to be gottin of the 
 townis. 
 
 3d February, 1510. 
 
 The said day, the provest, bailzeis, counsaile, and communite present 
 for the tyme, ordanit George Bisset, master of the kirk werk, cause the 
 plumbar to pass and ende his werk, and theik the body of thar kirk with 
 leide. 
 
 1th June, 1510. 
 
 The said day, the provest, bailzeis, and counsaile, for honour and vp- 
 hald of Goddis seruice, conducit and feit Sir Johnne Troumbull, sangster, 
 to serue in thair queyr and kirk in all devin seruice, messis, matutinis, 
 evynsangis, and all vder seruice belanging to ane sangstar, for ane yer to 
 cum. And forthir, gif it plesit that said Sir Johne to remain, or thai to 
 plese his seruice, for the quhilkis thai sail caus him be pait yerlie of tene 
 pundis, sa lang as he remanis in thar seruice, quhill thai be of puyschance
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 81 
 
 to mend him his fee, quhilk Sir Johnne sail enter at the fest of Lammes 7th June, 
 nixt herefter to his service, and licence him betuix this and thane, to red 
 him self of vder places, quhar his geir was. And this tene pundis to be 
 vptakin be the said Sir Johnne yeirlie, fra the personis and placis that 
 thai assigne to him. 
 
 SQth April, 1511. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the prowest, bailzeis, and 
 counsail for the tyme, for the clenging of the toune agane the quenys cum- 
 ming, that the belman pas throw all the hail toune, and command and 
 chairg all maner of personis, that has ony myddingis apon the forgait befor 
 thair yetts and daioris, to devoid, red, and cleng the sarnyn, betuix this 
 and Sonday, vnder the pane of xl s. vnforgiven of the faltars, and them 
 that reds nocht the saymn. And atour comandit the four officiaris to tak 
 with ilkane of thame twa witnes, and pas throug thair quarteris of the 
 toune, and ger devoid and red the heygait of al swyne crvffis being apon 
 the forget, betuix this and Sonday, vnder the pane of escheting of the 
 swyne of thame that halds the said cruffis, atour the said tyme, and ane 
 amerciament of viii s. vnforgiven. 
 
 4th May, 1511. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, counsaill, and cornmunite of the said 
 burgh, warnit be the handbell and the officiaris oppinly throw the haill 
 townne, gatherit, and circualy inquerit, be Normond of Lesly and Gilbert 
 Prestoun, officiaris, all in one voice, concordand, grantit, and frely con- 
 sentit to ressave oure soverane lady the queyne, als honorablie as ony 
 burgh of Scotland, except Edinburgh allanerlie, and to mak als larg ex- 
 pensis thereapone as the prouest and counsail diuiss, for the honour of the 
 towne and plesour of his gud grace. And for the money to furniss and 
 mak the expensiss hereapone, the haill towne, representande the body of 
 the saymne, grantit, consentit, and ordanit certaine commissaris, that is to 
 say, the prouest, Sir Johnne Rutherfurd, Johnne Colison, Johnne of Mar, 
 James Collisoun, Johnne of Cullan, and Androu Cullane, to set certaine 
 takix, fischeings, and landis of thar commonte for the termes to be thoucht 
 expedient be the said commissaris, for the sowme of ii c lib., under or abuf, 
 as thai think expedient, to prouid the said propin allanerly ; and ordanit
 
 82 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 4th May. ane comraissioun to be maid to the said commissaris, and selit witht thar 
 commone seill. Alsua thai ordand assedationis to be maid and diuisit be 
 the said commissaris, to the personis takaris of the said landis and watteris, 
 to be selit witht thar commone selis, for the termes that the said com- 
 raissaris happinnis to set the samyn. Apoun the quhilks the prouest 
 askit instrument of me, Sir Johnne Sterueling, notar publict, befor Sir 
 Thomas Bynne, Sir Dauy Leis, Sir Thomas Wricht, and Sir Daily Lyel, 
 and the said commissioun and assedationis to be maid one the seuerast wiss 
 to burges, induellaris of the said burgh. 
 
 The said day, the provest, bailzeis, counsaill, and communitie, com- 
 mandit and ordanit all pynouris, hafland hors, within this brught, to enter 
 tomorne at the nixt, and clenge the toune of all myddingis, and no labour 
 to be done be tham quhill the toune be clengit, and ordanit the officiaris to 
 warne the said pynouris to enter tharto. 
 
 4th January, 1512. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the prouost, bailzeis, coun- 
 saile, and communite present for the tyme, that, in tyme cumin, na wal- 
 caris duelland within this burgh, fre nor vnfre, hing na claithis apoun the 
 kirk wallis, kirk dykis, nor within the kirkyard, and quha beis conuict 
 thairof sale pay the first tyme, viij s. vnforgevin, the secund tyme, viij s., 
 vnforgevin, and the thrid tyme the clathis to be eschet. And atour, the 
 prouost and bailzeis commandit and ordanit Wilzam Walcar, present for 
 the tyme, to intimat and schaw the samyn to the laif of the craftismen of 
 the towne. 
 
 26th February, 1512. 
 
 The said day, Philp Clerk, belman, be his avine tong graunt, was in 
 amerciament of the court, for passing with the commone hand bell throw the 
 toune, but charge of the prouest and bailzeis, and of the botismene that 
 brocht certane oysteris her to sell, and warnit ale mene that wald by of tham 
 [to] cum, and thai suld [have] j c for iiij d., quhar thai sellit tham for vi d. j c ; 
 for the quhilkis he was ordanit, be the assyse consale of the towne present 
 for the tyme, that the said belman suld syt done one his kneis, and ask 
 the awnaris of the said oysteris forgiwnes, and his crag to be put in the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 83 
 
 goyf at thar wyle. And gif euere he passe throw the toune in tyme to 26th February, 
 cum in siclik caise, but charge of the prouost and bailzeis, his crag salbe 
 put in the gof, and stand xxiiij houris, and salbe secludit of that office for 
 ale the dais of his ly ve. 
 
 18th June, 1512. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, counsaill, and comraunitie consentit 
 and ordanit that all thar gunnys, cartis of weir, targis, trinschis, fossis, be 
 prouidit, graithit, maid, and furnist for weir to the resisting of our auld 
 ennemeys of Ingland, apone thar expensis, and to tak the rediast of the 
 townis malis to the furnissing of the samyne, and chesit Dauid Stewart, 
 and Johne of Meldrum with him, masteris of the said artailzerie, till oursee 
 the samyne, and maik thaim to be weile furnist in all poyntis as efferis, 
 in all possible haist, and the towne to gif thaim expensis and money to 
 the prouisioun of the samyne. 
 
 February, 1513. 
 
 The said day, the provest and counsaile ordanit Andro Fif, bailze, to 
 gathir and ressaue xlij lib. and fourty schillingis, to Johne Innes expensis, 
 to by thair artailzery, of the rediast of thar watter malis of Dee and Done, 
 quhar it may be erast gottin, and to put the said artailzery tocum about 
 to the bavin of Aberdene, togidder with the givne powder, as it beis sene 
 expedient to tham that thai writ to. 
 
 llth February, 1513. 
 The personis that pait the money to the kyng of thar artulzery to Andro 
 
 Fyf, baize: 
 
 In the first, the prouest, xl s. ; Patry Leslie, xl s. ; William Rowan for 
 himself, Marion Ranald, Gelis Allardes, and William Vmfray, liij s. and 
 iiij d. ; Alexander Gray, xxx s. : Johne Blak, xxx s. and iiij d. ; Dauid 
 Fynne for Bessy Setone, xxxiij s. and iiij d. ; Dauid Andersone, xl s. ; 
 William Futhes, xxxiij s. and iiij d. ; Robert of Crag, xxxiij s. iiij d. ; 
 Walter Cullane, xxxiij s. iiij d. ; Charles Stevinsone, xxxiij s. iiij d. ; Johne 
 Arthour, x s. ; Agnes Andersone, xiij s. iiij d. ; Nathon Branche, xxxiij s. 
 iiij d. ; Dauid Mar, xxxiij s. and iiij d. ; Patry Red, xiij s. iiij d. ; Thomas 
 Waus, xxxiij s. iiij d. ; Dauid Arroc for umquhill Bessy Blinsele, xxxiij s.
 
 84 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 14th February, and iiij d. ; the prouost for Johne Colisone, and Robert Waus, at command 
 of Johne Andersone, Iiij s. and iiij d. ; Master Thomas Chamer for his 
 moder, xxxiij s. iiij d. ; Andro Cullan, xx s. ; Thomas Menzeis, xiij s. and 
 iiij d. ; Richard Waus, xiij s. and iiij d. 
 
 Summa huius xxxvi lib. xi s. and vi d. 
 
 Item, of this somme befor writtin gevin to William Loremer, Ivj s. 
 iiij d. 
 
 1st March, 1513. 
 
 The first day of Marche, the yer of Gode, j m v c and xiij yeris, Patry 
 Chernsid deliuerit to Gilbert Menzeis, prouost, in the townis nayme, fiwe 
 lib. of his wattir malys of Done, to by thar artilzery, befor Schir Johne 
 Ruthirfurd, Patry Leslie, Alexr. Gray, Dauid Andersone, and Schir 
 Johne Striueling, notaris publict. 
 
 3d March, 1513. 
 
 The thrid day of March, the yeir of God j m v c and xiij yeiris, Thomas 
 Wod, bailze, deliuerit to lohne Innes, on the name and behalfe of the haile 
 townn, xl s. of his wattir malis of Done, to the bying of thar artailzerie, 
 befor Master Duncan Chamer and Thomas Meldrum. 
 
 The said day, William Wormet deliuerit to the prouest xx ts s. of his 
 wattir maile, in the townes nayme, to by the artalzery. 
 
 \1ih March, 1513. 
 
 The said day, Patrik Lesly, Duncan Colisone, Mathow Branche, 
 Gourane of Murray, and Thomas Watsone, was sourne be the gret bodely 
 aitht to taxt and extent the sowme of iii" pundis Scottis money, to be given 
 the gunner now being feit be the haile towne for the space of vj monethtis, 
 and for the biggin and vpmakin of thar blokhouse for thair artailzerie. And 
 the forsaide sowme to be taxt and extentit throw all the haile townn, and 
 takin vp in continent alse possibile as it may be erast gottin. And the 
 haile towne ordanit and diuisit Alexr. Gray and George Bisset to be 
 keparis of the said money, and deliuer to the samyn to the said gunner, 
 and for the expensis to be maid apon the said blokhouse, be the deuise of 
 the provost and counsaile.
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABERDEEN. 85 
 
 29 th April, 1513. 29th April, 
 
 The said day, it was ordanit and deliuerit be the prouoist, bailzeis, and 
 eounsale, that Andrew Cullane sail leue als mony ratheris as wilbe scaffald- 
 ing to the tolbutht stepill. 
 
 2d August, 1513. 
 
 The secund day of August, the yer of Gode, j m v c xiij yeris, Androu 
 Cullane, Thomas Waus, George Bysset, Jonhne Andersone, and Dauid 
 Fynne, war chosin be the haile towne, prouost, baillies, eounsale, and com- 
 munite, tile extent and sett the some of xx u scorr of pundis to furnist xx u 
 speris, ilkan speir to vj hors therof, iij ridand mene, and iij hors of ca- 
 ragis, to pas with our souerane lord in his weres in Ingland, for the space 
 of xl dais efter thair cuming to his grace. And the vij day of the said 
 moneth, the buk of the said contribucion was presentit to the haile towne, 
 quhilk was set be the said taxtaris be thar athis. And therefter Walter 
 Cullan and Malcome of Crage, with help of Andro Fyf, bailzie, was 
 chosin and commandit gathir the said mony, to be distrobut yraang the 
 personis chosin for the saide speris. 
 
 15th November, 1513. 
 
 The rest of the money and salmond awand to Sanct Nicholace, and compt 
 thairof takin be the provest and auditouris, of Andro Cullane and 
 Georg Bisset, maisteris of the kirk werk, the xv day of Nouember, 
 the yer of God j v c and xiii yeris. 
 
 This is the sowmes of money and salmand awand to Sanct Nicholace, 
 of the termes bigane, to the xv day of Nouember, anno quingentesimo 
 decimo tertio of thir personis vnder writin, that is to say, of thame that 
 has pait. 
 
 The taxt of the justice air tane of Sanct Nicholace. 
 In the first, pait be Thomas Wod, viij pund, to James Colisoun, of the 
 
 Martimes in anno vndecimo and Witsonday xii 
 
 Item, be Dauid Kintor v lib. vi s. viij d. 
 
 Item, be Georg Bisset . . v lib. vj s. viij d. 
 
 Item, be Patrik Chernsid . . vj lib. xiij s. iij d. 
 
 Sowme of this is xxv lib. vj s. viij d. 
 Item, pait to Sanct Nicholace werk be Georg Bisset, as Schir Wilzeam 
 
 M
 
 86 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 15th Nov.. Couper and Andro Cullannis compt beris, of the yeir of God j m v c and 
 
 xii yens ..... v lib. vj s. viij d. 
 
 Item, fra Henry Reid, for vpputting of the weddercok of Sanct Nicholace 
 stepill, as the said compt beris, v lib. 
 
 Summa huius xi lib. vj s. viij d. 
 
 Summa totalis soluta xxxv lib. xiii s. iiij d. 
 
 The rest awand of money to Sanct Nicholace of the water mails of Done 
 
 and Crovis, be the personis vnder writin : 
 
 In the first, be the laird of Drum xx lib. 
 
 Item, be the provest, Gilbert Menzeis . . xx lib. 
 
 Be Thomas Wod . . . . . xii lib. 
 
 Be James Colisone . . . xvj lib. xiij s. iiij d. 
 
 Be Patrik Chernsid . . . . x lib. 
 
 Be Dauid Kintor ..... viij lib. 
 
 Be Bessy Blinseile . . . viij lib. vj s. viij d. 
 
 Alexander Irwyn .... viij lib. vj s. viij d. 
 
 Maddy Nicholson vj lib. v s. 
 
 Henry Reid ...... xxv s. 
 
 Georg Bisset ..... Iiij s. iiij d. 
 
 Summa huius j c lib. xiij lib. x s. 
 The salmond awand to Sanct Nicholace at the xv day of Nouember 
 
 anno quingentesimo xiij : 
 Item, Johnne of Cullane aw fif barellis of salmond : thairof he profurnist 
 
 the gold for gilting of the weddercok. 
 
 Item, Patrik Reid au . . j barrel of salmond. 
 
 Dauid Straloche j barrel salmond. 
 
 Dauid Stewart .... j barrel salmond. 
 
 lohnne of Mar j barrel salmond. 
 
 Charles Stevinson . j barrel salmond restis in anno xii 
 
 and iij barrel salmond in anno xiij 
 
 Sowme j last of salmond, j barrel of grissillis. 
 Sowme of the money rest awand j c lib. xiij lib. x s. 
 Quhilk restis of money and salmond, the provest, bailzeis, and counsaile, 
 ordanit Andro Fif, bailze, to ressaue and vptak the sammyn incontinent, 
 and to pay the rest of the sowme of money awand to James Wricht, ex- 
 tending to xl lib. of the first thairof; fourty markis to be vptakin to mak
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 87 
 
 the provestis, Schir Johnne Rutherfurdis, and Patry Leslies expensis, that 15th NOV. 
 suld rid to Pertht, to commond with the qwenis grace and the lordis, for 
 the weile of the realme ; and the remanent that restis, the said twa chargis 
 to be taken vp elikwise, and deliuerit to Andrew Cullane and the masteris 
 of the kirk werk. 
 
 BQth December, 1513. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the provost, bailzeis, coun- 
 saile, and communite, that quhen thair happinnis ony affray throu fyr or 
 vthir accident, cais that na manere of man cum furtht of thar houssis quhil 
 thai be abilzot in thar best array bodin forweir, quhen thai heir the warning 
 of the common bell. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the provest, bailzeis, con- 
 saile and communite, that thair sal saile bot ix personis now in thir thre 
 schips now beand reddy to saile, quhilkis sal leif nyne men for thame, weil 
 furnist and bodin as efferis, to lot, scot, waik, and ward for thame, to be 
 ressauit and admittit be the provest and bailzeis. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit, that all man duelland within this 
 toune sal pas on Twsday that next cummmis, with the provest and bailzeis, 
 to the linx, to devise thar bastailye and trinchis, and vthir fensabile wais, 
 for defence of the towne, to the resisting of our auld enemyis of Ingland. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the provest, bailzeis, coun- 
 saill, and communitie, that all outburges sail come and mak personall re- 
 sidence within this burghe, within twenty dais heirefter, vnder the paine 
 of tinsaile of thair fredome ; and that na man duelland within this burgh 
 mak him to remuif furtht of the samyn, vnder the pain of tinsail of his 
 fredome for euer, and for all that he has of the towne. 
 
 The said day, it was statut be the prouost, balzeis, and counsaile, that 
 ale freman of this burghe be weile bodyn and abilzet for weir in thair 
 personis, ilkan efter thair degre and faculte, ilkan hawand ane speir, ane 
 bow, and ane targe, with vthir defensabile wapins, the speir contening v eln 
 and d., to remane within the towne for the resisting of thar aid inemeis of 
 Ingland ; and ilkan freman that falzies and rernayn nocht personaly within
 
 88 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 30th Dec., this burghe, sale pay viij s. ilkan day vnforgevin, to furnis vther per- 
 
 1513 - SOD13. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit, that ale fremen within this 
 burghe sale byg and vpmak thar fossis and bastulry, in xvj fute in lyngtht 
 at the sandeness, and begyn thairto the fift day of Januar, and continew 
 to Candilmes next therafter, to the completing of the samyn, vnder the payn 
 of tynsale of thar fredome, landis, and gudis. 
 
 January, 1514. 
 
 The said day, the provest, bailzeis, and counsaile, conducit and feit 
 Schir Johne Murray, sangster, to sing in thar queir and kirk, in messis, 
 matynis, and evinsangis, and vther devin seruices, occurrand within thar 
 kirk, as vtheris the choristaris and singaris dois within the samyne, at all 
 his possibilite. For the quhilkis thai haue assignit to the said Schir Johne 
 and be this present act assignis tene markis vsual money of Scotland, 
 tharof sex markis to be pait to him yerlie of the malis of the fleshous, and 
 fyfti schillingis to be takin vp yerlie be the said Schir Johue fra Garuane of 
 Murray, of his wattir maill of the Crovis, and the remanent thairof, quhilkis 
 extendis to xl d., to be pait to him of the commone puree. Quhilkis Schir 
 Johne thai haue conductit for ane yer, fra the fest of Sanct Nicholace thar 
 patroun precedand the dait herof, at the quhilk fest was the entrais of the 
 said Schir Johnne to thair seruice. And the said yeir be runnyne and 
 compleit, gif it plese the said Schir Johne to remain in thir seruice langer 
 he sal haue the said x markis yerlie, sa lang as he remanis in thair 
 seruice. 
 
 24th April, 1514. 
 
 Thir statutis efter following was maid and diuisit be the provest, bailzeis, 
 counsaile, and communitie, for the reformacioun of certane necassar 
 thingis to be had in thar modir kirk, to the honor and fre loving of 
 God Almyghty, the blissid Virgin, and thar gloriouse patrone Sanct 
 Nicholace, and for the keping of the toune fra strang seiknes, and 
 specialie this contageus pestilence ringand in all partis about this 
 burghe, and for the keping of the townn fra the aid innemeis of 
 Ingland. 
 In the first, in the loving of God Almighti, the blessed Virgin Marie,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 89 
 
 our glorious patroun Sanct Nicholace, and all sanctis, for the decoring and 24th April, 
 
 reparacioun to be had in our modir kirk in necissar and neidfull thingis 
 
 thoucht expedient, and specialie in sang bukis for our queir, chantour, 
 
 cappis, frontallis, towalis of the hie altar, for clathis, chandelaris of bras, 
 
 lectronis of bras, westmentis and ornamentis pertening til the hie altar, chalis, 
 
 mess buk, and all vder necessar thingis to the decoring of the said alter, 
 
 kirk, and queir : it is diuisit, statut, and ordanit, that thar be takin of all 
 
 schippis that passis furtht, or is fraucht out of this burgh to Flanderis or 
 
 Zeland, of euery sek of woll or skinnis sek lik, and of euery last of sal- 
 
 mond and hidis, tuelf grotis Flanderis money, to be ressauit and vptakin 
 
 of the merchandis gudes that happinnis to be input and ladnyt in the 
 
 samyn schippis, and to be deliuerit to ane collectour thoucht expedient 
 
 be the towne to ressaue the samyn, and reman in his handis, quhilk salbe 
 
 responsale tharfor, to be furthcumand to by the necessar thingis, thoucht 
 
 be the haile townn, to decoring of haly kirk, as said is. And in euery 
 
 charter party that happinis to be maid, that it be specifeit in the charter 
 
 partie payand, to the collectour that salbe ordand, xii g. to Sanct Nicholace 
 
 lycht ; and that the skipper of the said schippis, to be frauchit, ressave 
 
 and vptak the said xii g. with his fraucht, lelely and treulie deliuer it to 
 
 the said collectour of the gudis being within his schip ; and at his frauchting 
 
 salbe sworne tharto. And this xii g. Flandris money, to gidder with 
 
 Sanct Nicholace awin propir gudes, to be takin vp and put in the said 
 
 collectouris handis for the space of five yeris to cum, fra the dai of the 
 
 dait hereof. And forthir, induring the marchandis and tounis wil, gif it 
 
 be vnderstandin be thame, the said gudis cummys to the profit of haly 
 
 kirk. 
 
 Item, it is statut and ordanit, fra thir furtht that na burges nor freman 
 be maid for the said space, bot or he be ressauit in fraternite of the gild, 
 sail pay ane Franche croune of wecht to Sanct Nicholace reparacioun of 
 his kirk and queir, and to be input in the said collectouris handis, for the 
 causis befor nemmyt, and of all craftismen and vther simple [ 
 be composicioun to pay ane certane [ ] eftir ther faculte, as salbe 
 
 aggreit with thame for the tyme. 
 
 Assua, that na vnfreman be licenc to saile in marchandice to na partis 
 without that he pay to Sanct Nicholace werk, and decoring of his kirk,
 
 90 EXTRACTS FllOM THE COUNCIL EEGISTER 
 
 J4th April, twa Franche crownis of the weicht, for the space forsaid ; and gif the 
 provest for the tyrae happinis to licenc ony to saile of his auctorite, he sal 
 ansuer for the said tua crownis, and deliuer, or cause to deliuer, the sarayn 
 to the said collectour in firme keping, &c. 
 
 It is statut and ordanit be the provest, baillies, counsale, and communite 
 of this burgh, that na maner of persone nor personis, frenor vnfre, of quhat- 
 sumeuer degre thai be, of resset nor herbry ony manere of persone cumand 
 furtht of suspect placis quhare this violent and contageous suord of pesti- 
 lence ringis, nor na vder personis vnknavin cumand fra strang placis, with- 
 out licence askit and obtenit fra the provest or bailzeis, vnder the pane of 
 banyssing of the toune for zer and day ; and or the said personis be lattin 
 in, that the host of thar innes quhar thai happin to lug in for the tym, cum 
 and ressaue thame at the portis, quhilk sal stand souerte for thame that thai 
 ar clene, and the toune to be quhit of danger of thame, and that ane of the 
 keparis of the portis of the tym cum and schaw to ane bailze and sic per- 
 sonis of the strangear, or he be lattin in. 
 
 Item, it is thoucht expedient, statut, and ordanit to vmbeschew the said 
 seknes, that thar be bot thre portis haldin oppin for cuming of strangearis, 
 that is to say, the Skulhill port, the Gallougat port, and the hil port of the 
 Castelgat, and all the laif be closit, and maid vp for ane certane tyme dur- 
 ing the townis will ; at the quhilkis portis, and at euery ane of thaim, salbe 
 tua keparis of sufficient personis with vappinnis according to thame, and 
 that na boyis nor laddis be ressauit to that wache for fensable personis, to 
 resist the incummaris and lurdanis that wald mak ony demand, and quhat 
 personis that sendis sic vnhabill folkis sal pay an vnlaw of viij s. vnforgevin. 
 
 Alsua it is statut and ordanit, that euery bailze in his quarter cheise cer- 
 tane honest personis and famous efter the quantite of the quarter, and caus 
 the samyn personis to be suorn the gret bodelie aitht, that thai sail lelely 
 and treulie noit and vpgif all resittouris and herbrearis of suspect personis 
 within this burgh, and all vther personis puuerale cumand within this burgh 
 to remain furtht of landward that has nocht to susten one alsoft and how 
 oft as thai happin to cum in, and that the ressauouris of the said personis be 
 banyst the towne yeir and day as said is, and that na sic personis be tholit 
 cumand furtht to landwart or vtheris remane within this burgh.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 91 
 
 Alsua it is statut and ordanit, that all common wenellis, and oppin yardis 24th April, 
 quhar all personis has passag and common wyse of gangind throucht, within 
 this burgh, in all partis quhar thai ar, be closit incontinent, and the saidis 
 venellis and yardis mad wp, euery porcioaner, or awanar of the samyn, to 
 mak his dikis sufficient, and big thar hed dikkis for the resisting of pas- 
 singeris and scrang pepill, and gif the lard of the ground refuse to big his 
 dikis, that his tennentis big vp the samyn apon the lardis expensis, and to 
 be allouit in thar malis, and gif the tennentis refusis, thai to be vpbiggit apoun 
 the expensis of the land and malis of the samyn, be the bailze or officiaris 
 of that quarter. And that euery bailze of his quarter pass incontinent and 
 cause this statut to be fulfillit within xlviij houris herefter, vnder the pain 
 of viij s. for ane amerciament, and the vpmaking of the samyn ; and that all 
 thir forsaides statutis be oppinlie proclamyt at the merkit corse, that thai 
 may be manifest of the pepill of the toune. 
 
 Item, it is statut, ordanit, and thoucht expedient be the provest, bailzeis, 
 and counsaile, for the rescheving of this burgh fra danger of our auld ene- 
 meis of Ingland inuadand this burgh be manir of schippis or vderwais, that 
 thar be nychtlie for this somere sessioun, gif neid beis, four personis, abill 
 men, and furnist with vappinnis and geir, wachand, that it is to say, tua of 
 thame at the belhouse, bezond the watter, to await and tak tent gif ony 
 schips cummys apone the cost, quhilk sail haue fyr with thame and bekin 
 and schaw to the toder tua that sail waik apon the castell hill or tharby, and 
 gif thar apperis danger, or the said schips approchis, to mak fyr and ring 
 the bell to that, and that the toder tua may be soueralie aduertist of the 
 samye end, that the tan of thame cum and ring the common bell to walkin 
 the townn for defens. 
 
 12th May, 1514. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the prouest, consaill, and 
 communite of this burgh, for resisting of our auld inemeis of Ingland, that 
 thar be warnyt nychtly aucht able men, furnyst with wapins, to waicht 
 and keip the toun and the cost syid, iiij at Sanct Fethakis, bezond the 
 wattir, and vther four at the Cunnynger hillis ; and at thai haue rady with 
 tham fyr and stuf to mak blaise, to warne thar marowis gif thai sal hapin 
 se ony salis one the cost, ilkane to wther. To the giding of the quhilkis 
 thair salbe warnyt, be the officiar of the quarter, a principall man, quhilk
 
 92 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 12th May. salbe ane of thir personis vnder writtin, that is to say, in the crukit quarter 
 Duncane Colisone, quhilk sail begin and walk this nycht, William Porter, 
 Alexander Gray, William Schesem, Thome Craufurd, James Colisone, 
 Schir John Ruthirfuird, Alexr. Rudirfurd, William Wormet, and Johne 
 Arthour ; in the evin quarter, lohne Colisone, lohnne Cullen, Androw 
 Cullen, Gawane Murray, Dauid Andersone, Mathow Brancht, Johnne 
 Andersone, Johnne Murray senior, Walter Cullen, Androw Fif, Johnne 
 of Murray zonger, Androw Litstar, Scharlis Stevinsone, and Dauid Kin- 
 tor ; in Futhy quarter, Johne Blak, Johne Kintor, Dauid Fynnie, Patrik 
 Schirnsid, Thome Waus, William Rolland, Gilbert Menzeis, prouest, 
 Johne Mar, and Dauid Steuart ; and in the Grein quarter, Alexander 
 Malisone, Thomas Chamer, Patrik Lesly, George Bisset, Gilbert Litstar, 
 and Androw Stratoun. And ane of the saidis personis that is warnit be 
 the officiar sail nychtlie compeir at aucht houris on the castell hill, with the 
 bailzie and officiar of the quarter, and ryng the bell of the schapell, quhilk 
 sal be callit the waicht bell, and thar sail exeme the said aucht personis 
 warnit to waicht for that nycht gif thai be abill and conuenient thairfoir, 
 and gif thai find ony unable of the said personis thar, thai sail fee ane able 
 man, and gif him for his laubour ane Inglis grot, one thar expenssis that 
 sendis sic unable men for tham. And the said aucht personis to be or- 
 dourit and sytuat be the said principall man, quhilk sal walk with tham in 
 propyr persone. And quha of the said personis that remoffis and passis 
 away fra the said waicht, or the sown rysing, salbe banist the toun for yeir 
 and day. 
 
 The said day, thar was chosyne, with consent of haile towne, Johnne 
 Mar, Dauid Steuart, and William Wormet, to be masteris of thar artalery, 
 and to gid and keipe thar powder and wayr quarteris. 
 
 16th June, 1514. 
 
 It is statut and ordanit be the prouest, baillies, consaill, and haill bodie 
 of the tounn, that the taxt set for the byggyn of thair blokhouse, cartis, and 
 the gunneris heir, be incontinent pait, and that euery baillie sail pass 
 throucht his quarter to euery persone awand thair taxt that thai stentit to, 
 and requyr paiment thairof. And quha that faillies onpait within xxiiij 
 houris, sail pay, for the ferst tyme, viij s. to the baillies for ane vnlaw 
 ynforgevin ; and for the secund tyme, thai being requyrit, the wnlaw to be
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 93 
 
 doublit ; and for the third tyme, thair gudis to be eschit, and our souerane 16th June, 
 lordis letteris put to execution thairwpoun. 1514 - 
 
 It is statut and ordanit, that the trinches be roaide sufficientlie, and that 
 every man that hes nocht byggit nor completit, that the samyn be completit 
 betuix this and Wedinsday nixt to cum, and euery man to ansuer to his 
 awin pairt ; and that euery man compeir upoun the linx efter noun, and 
 that the samyn be maid knawn quha hes biggit and quha nocht. 
 
 llth September, 1515. 
 Statut for the electioun of ix personis to pas to the dukis seruice. 
 
 The said day, the haile towne, warnit be the hand bell and the officiaris, 
 gatherit, representand the haill town for the tyme, and circualie inquerit, 
 chesit Gilbert Menzis, Johnne Cullan, Andro Cullan, Johne Colisoun, 
 James Colisoun, Thomas Waus, and Wilzeame Wormet, to be suorne the 
 gret aitht to chese nyne personis, fensabill pretty men, to pas and mak the 
 gud seruice, and to be nemmyt and chesin be thame. 
 
 26th September, 1515. 
 
 The said day, it was diuisit and thoucht expedient, for the trespass and 
 offens done be Cristall and Paull, Densmen, be the counsaile, for the 
 breking of the gunnys and cartys of the samyne, that thai sal amende the 
 said cartys and gunnys, and mak thame alse gud as thai war aforr, and 
 sal pay xl s. to the kirk werk and haly blud licht ; and sal cum to morne 
 at ix houris with twa candillis of ij lib. of wax, in thair handis, barhed, 
 and ask the counsaile and gud men of the tounn, in the name of the 
 prouest and haill toune, forgivnes for the strublance of the townn, and offer 
 the said tua candillis to the haly blud licht ; and sail ament Jonet Kintoris 
 star that thai brak with stanys, and ask hir forgevnes for the fait done to 
 hir. And this, for part of the amendis for the fait committit be thaim, 
 and, for the quhilk amendis to be done, the skipper of the Dense schip 
 come souerte be his hand vpbaldin, for the said men. And Halbert 
 Strachan come souerte, be his handes and gudes, for the skipper, that the 
 said men suld mak the said amendis, as said is. 
 
 19 th October, 1515. 
 The said day, the provest, baillies, counsale, and comm unite, grantit, 
 
 N
 
 94 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 19th October, gef, and assignit the rest of the tax to be takin vp of the ix furnist speiris 
 that passit to the bordouris, at the dukis command, to the reparatioun and 
 biggin of thar common peir and key, and ordand the samyn to be deliuerit 
 to James Colisone and Wilzam Holland, denys of gild. 
 
 24th November, 1516. 
 
 The xxiiij day of Nouember, anno millesimo quingentesimo xvj to , Patry 
 Lesly eldar, maister of the kirk werk, grantit him to haue ressauit fra 
 Johne of Cullane, thre barrellis of salmond, of the five barrellis abefor 
 writin, awing to Saint Nicholace werk. 
 
 IQth January, 1518. 
 
 The said day, the toone consentit and ordanit thair masteris of kirkwerk 
 to translat thar [ ] and passag to the rudloft, and big up Sanct Nichell 
 dur, and mak a fair wyndo in that gavill of thar croce kirk. 
 
 March, 1518. 
 
 The said day, all the merchandis of this gud toune present for the tyme, 
 varnit be the officiaris to comper within thair tolboutht for the commond 
 weill of merchandeise, and the most part of the samyn being gaderit and 
 conuenit within the said tolboutht, with the prouest, bailzes, and consaill of 
 the samyn, it being considerit and vnderstand be tham that the making of 
 money fremen, brudir of gilde, and the legence gevin to vnfremen to saill 
 with merchandeise, and ws and occupy the fredome of this gud toune, hes 
 greitly hurt and skathit thame and thar priue priuilegis in tyme bygane, 
 and in likwise preuiding and considering the greit vntollerable dampnag 
 quhilk is abill to cum to the samyn to tham and to thar successouris, of thar 
 awne fre will and motiff, all in ane woce, thai being circuler inquirit be the 
 officiar, na maner of persone opponand nor sayand in the contrar, gaif, 
 grantit, and assignit, and be the virtu of this present act gaif, grantit, and 
 assignit, to thar patroune Sanct Nicholes, and to the repairing, biging, and 
 vphaldyne of thar parris kirk in keipis, vestimentis, and vther necessar 
 ornamentis pertening to the samyn, of euery sek passing out off thar fre- 
 doum and port of Aberden to Franche, Flandris, Estland, or ony vther part 
 without this roualme, tua s. grett Flandris money, or the awail thar of in 
 money of the cuntray thai cum to ; for the quhilk the prouest, bailzeis, con- 
 saill, and the most part of the communite being present for the tyme, and
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 95 
 
 representand the body of the haill tovne, has maid statut and ordanit that 18th March, 
 thar be na maner of man maid burges of gilde within the said burgh ex- 
 cept burghs sovnis, or tham that mariis burges douchteris, quhilkis salbe 
 induellaris within the burgh or thai be maid, and find induellare souerties 
 within the said burgh for thar continuell residence, and thai to be maid 
 with the avise of the haill conseill or the most part tharof. And in likvise 
 it is statut be the saidis that nane onfreman nor freman quhilk makis 
 nocht contineuell recidence within the said burgh haue priuileg nor licens 
 to saill thame self nor thar gudis out of the port, nor fredome of this gud 
 toune, for na maner of request [ ] nor revart. And this statut to be ob- 
 seruit and keipit inviolable for all the space of sevyn yeiris immediat folow- 
 ing the dait of this writ ; and gif it sail hapin the gud toune to brek thir 
 statutis maid be thame for the commone weill of the samyn, thane the pro- 
 mese and grant of the said tua s. greit, maid be the marchandis forsaid, to 
 be of nane awaill, force, nor effect, becaus the said grant was maid for the 
 obseruing and keiping of the said statut ; and gif the prouest quhatsumeuer 
 for the tyme makis ony freman, or licenc ony vnfreraan or out duellar to 
 saile as said is, by the awise of the consaill, thane he salbe bund to recom- 
 pense the skath and dampnag dovne to our glorius patroun for the breking 
 of the said statut, as he will ansuer to God, the king, and the good tovnn. 
 
 8th October, 1518. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailyeis, and counseill assignit and ordanit 
 to be deliuerit to Schir Johne Cuming, thair chorister and player on thair 
 organis, aucht d. of Sanct Nicholes braid euery Sonday, and euery prin- 
 cipall fest, likas youll, pasche, thair patrounis day, Witsounday, and sick- 
 like ; sextene d. in likwiss, as vss was to be gevin to Sir Androw Cup, 
 his predecessour. 
 
 llth October, 1518. 
 
 The saide day, Johnne Brabner promittit to the biging of the port of the 
 Gallowgat ane chaldyr of lyme. Alex. Gray promittit ane vther chaldir of 
 lyme to that samyn effect. 
 
 13th December, 1518. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and a pairt of the conseill, assignit 
 Schir Johnn Gumming, singar of thair quayr, and playar one thair organis,
 
 96 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th Dec., for his fee, for his gud and lovable service to be done yeirly, of the mail 
 of the croffis fiv merkis ij s. les, and the clerkship of the Castelgat quarter 
 for vther fiv merkis, and four merkis of Shedesley. 
 
 \lth January, 1519. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzes, and consaill, with assent and consent 
 of the haill comunite being present for the tyme, representant the body of 
 the haill tovne, all in ane woce, nane gansawand nor opponnen tham, that 
 to for the eking of thair merit, and in honor of God and the glorius matron 
 Sanct Anne, gef, grantit, and assignit, and be this wricht gevis, grantis, 
 and assignis to thar pure ladiis all and haill that pece grene land of tharis 
 Hand on the north syd of thar seikhouse ; of the quhilk, the marchis efter 
 folovis in the letterend of this act ; and that at the instance of ane rycht 
 venerable and worschipfull clerk, Maister Alexander Galloway, persone of 
 Kinkell, quhilk promittit, God willing, to big and vpheid one ane pece of 
 grovnd perteining to the said seikhouse, ane chapell and oratour, in honor 
 of God and the blisset matrone forseid, Sanct Ane ; and the gift, dona- 
 cioun, and patronage of the samyne to remain and abide with the gud toune 
 of Abirdene, and with thar successouris perpetualy in all tyme cuming. 
 And for the mair securite of the samyn, thai ordanit thar commont seill to 
 be affixit to thar said gift, and it to be extendit in the best and souerest 
 fassone, can be maid befor this witnes, Master Thomas Chamer, Sir Johne 
 Waus, Sir Dauid Waus, Dauid Loremar, and all the haill courte. 
 
 18th November, 1519. 
 
 The said day, Johne Alex. Rudirfurd, Willeam Rolland, and Patrik 
 Leslie, baizes of this burgh, for this instant yeir in ane woce gaf, grantit, 
 and assignit the aschatis, vnlayis, and amerciament for this instant yeir to 
 the biging and completing of thar port of the Gallowget, for wile and hon- 
 our of the gud toune. 
 
 2Qth October, 1520. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and conseill, with consent and assent 
 of the haill raerchandis and brethir of gilt being present for the tyme, warnit 
 personaly be the officiaris, ratifeit, confermit, and approvit the honorable 
 and lowable statut maid be thame the auchtene day of Marche, the yer of 
 God a thousand fiv hundreth and xviij yerisj tuiching the ij s. gret, to be
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABERDEEN. 97 
 
 pait of ilke sek of gudis that sail happine to pass furtht of thar port of 20th October, 
 Abirden to Tranche, Flandris, Danskyne, Denmark, or ony vthir part with- 
 out the reaulme, providing all ways that thar be na freman maid brouchter 
 of gilde during the space of seven yeiris fra the dait of the said statut, ex- 
 cep thai that ar contenit in the samyne, and in likwise that nane vnfreman 
 be lecenc to saill him self nor his gudis for na maner of requist, price, 
 prayar, nor instance during the said space. And givit sail happine the 
 prouest or denuys of gilde to lecenc ony vnfreman himself or his gudis to 
 saill, or to mak ony freman except tham contenit in the said statut, for 
 price, prayar, instance, or requist, thane, and in that kaise, thai bind and 
 oblegis thame be the vertu of this present act and statut, to content, refund, 
 and pay to Sanct Nicholes werk tene pundis greit Flandris money for ilk 
 tyme the said statut beis violet be thame, in all or in part. And attour, 
 gif it sal happene the said merchandis, or ony ane of thame, be thame salf, 
 or be thar factour, to failze in paiment of the said ij s. gret of sek, or of thar 
 gudis corrisponding tharto, tha being requirit be the tovnis factouris for the 
 samyn, thane thai binde and oblegis thame, be the vertu of the said act and 
 statut, to content and pay aucht crovnis Scottis money for ilke pund gret, or 
 xiiij s. for the franke, or according tharto of the money of the cuntray thai 
 pass in. And gif it sail happin ony of the saidis brethir of gilt to gouer- 
 ane ony vnfremanis gudis vnder callour of his aune or ony otheris, thai 
 bind tham in lik wise to content and pay to the effect forsaid tene pundis gret 
 vnforgevin ; and this statut to indure, and to be kepit for sevin yeiris fra 
 the dait forsaid, na maner of acceptioun to be proponit in the contrar ; and 
 quhai that violattis the samyn, in all or in part, to incure the indignacioun 
 of God and our haly patrovne Sanct Nicholes, and pay the soumes abovne 
 writing vnforgevin. Super quibus omnibus et singulis honorabilis Gilbertus 
 Menzeis prepositus euisdem burgi a me notario publico sibi fieri petiit pub- 
 licum instrumentum : acta in pretorio dicti burgi anno die et mense quibus 
 supra indictione octaua pontificatus domini Leonis pape decimi anno septimo 
 Presentibus ibidem venerabilibus et discretis viris magistro Dauid Menzeis 
 presbitro in sacris letteris bachalario ac notario publico magistro Willelmo 
 Philpsone dominis Dauid Wause et Roberto Malisone capellanis ita est 
 Dauid Nicholsone notarius publicus ac scriba curie etc. 
 
 13th Januury^ 1521. 
 The said day, Maister Johnne Marschell, maister of the grammer scvyll
 
 98 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th January, of Aberdeen, inquirit be the provest quhome of be had the said scoyll of 
 Abirden. Grantit in iugment, that he had the samyne of the said guyd 
 toun offerand him, reddy to do thame and thair barnys seruice and plesour 
 at his power, and ranuersit his compulsatour of the Curt of Royme in all 
 poyntis, except that it suld be lesum to him to persew the techaris of 
 gramer within the said burgh afor thair iugis ordinar, insafar as he mycht 
 of law. And that the towne kepand to him aid wse and wont, liik as thai 
 dyd to the maister of the samyn in all tymes bigane. 
 
 24th March, 1521. 
 
 And in likwise the haill toun conducit and feit ane Flemyng, callit Henre 
 Deyne, gunner, till clenge, graitht, and decht thair artailzery, and to wse 
 the samyn at thair command gif neid for a monetht, contand xxx days for 
 ilk monetht, for the quhilk tha sail gef the said gunnour five crownis for 
 ilk monetht that he remayns in thair seruice. 
 
 1th September, 1521. 
 
 The said day, the balzeis chargit all and sindry inhabetaris of thar tovne 
 of Futy, in generall and in speciall, that thai nor nan of tham tak one 
 hand to pull, gader, nor away tak nane of the mussillis nor kokillis now 
 begingin to gader one ane now skap at the northt watter, besyd the Cun- 
 ningar hillis, for yeir and day, that the forsaid skap be perfectly growing, 
 vndir the pane of banising the tovne for yeir and day oneforgewin. 
 
 ISth April, 1522. 
 
 The said day, the provest, baillies, and counsell, and communite, all in 
 ane voce, chesit thir personis vnderwrittin to sit continuale with thair 
 provest, quhen thay ar requirit be him to awise on the necessar besynes 
 concerning the guyd town, for the defence of the samyn against thair auld 
 ennemies of Ingland, that is to say, Schir Johne Rutherfurd, Andro 
 Cullane, lohne Mar, Johne Collisone, Thomas Menzes, Dauid Andersone, 
 James Collisone, William Rollane, and Patrik Leslie. And gif it beis 
 fundin that thair be sic neidfull bissines that it behuvis the guyd toun to 
 sett or formaile ony of thair takis, other of water or land, thai consent 
 inlikwise that thair be furtht chosyne, of the nomer aboue writtin, foure 
 personis, with thair provest, to sett or formail the said takis, for the com- 
 mont weill of this guyd toun, as thai wul answer afor God, and at thair
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 99 
 
 be a commission maid to thame, to the quhilk thai ordaind thair commont 13th April. 
 seill to be appensit. 1522> 
 
 2Stk April, 1522. 
 
 The said day, thir personis vnder writtin has tayne on thame to furness 
 certane cartis, to the carting of the townis artalzery, that thai may be reddy 
 in tyme of neid, eftir the auld rit and constitutiotm of the guyd town, that is 
 to say, the provest, a cart ; the four baillies, a cart ; Gilbert Menzeis, a 
 cart ; James Collisone and Dauid Andersone, a cart ; Johnne Mar, a 
 cart ; Johnne Blak, George and Gamen Murra, and Johnne Andersone, a 
 cart; Johnne Murray, Alexr. Gray, William Chesolme, and Andro Stra- 
 toun, a cart. 
 
 And inlikwise the provest and baillies hes chargit thir craftis vnder 
 written, of thair awin consent, to performe and furneiss, as efter follow is : 
 The litstar craft, a cart; the baxster craft, a cart; the flesseris, a cart; 
 the cordinaris, a cart ; the tailzeouris, a cart ; the hammermen, a cart ; 
 walkaris and wobstaris, a cart ; and to mak and performe the samyn within 
 viij dayis, under the peyne of xl s. vnforgevin. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit, with consent and assent of the 
 haill bodie of the toun, that quhome it salhappin to be absent fra thair next 
 wapinschawe, to be haldin on Furisday the first day of May next to cum, 
 to be haldin on the Womanhill, at ix houris in the morning, at thai sal 
 pay xl s. vnforgevin ; and quhatsumeuer personis that beis fund in ony 
 borrowit geir the said day, othir jak, splent, knapskaw, or ony other geir, 
 the samyn to be escheit be the provest, and to pay the baillies vnlaw vn- 
 forgevin. 
 
 May, 1522. 
 
 The said day, Patrik Leslie, ane of this balzeis of the burght, fand ane 
 bort in the handis of Dauid Heroun, officiar of the samyn, for him self and 
 the rest of his nychtbouris, quhilkis had gudis in ane schip callit [ 
 takin and arrestit in Byrowne. That the gudis now being in Abirdene, 
 quhilkis [wer] inbrocht one ane Hollanderis bodum, allegit to be ane Franch- 
 man price, aucht to remain within the said burght, and to be arrestit to the 
 said merchandis challance, ay and quhill thai get a souer certification of the
 
 100 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 23d May, lordis quhidder gif the said schip was lauchtfull price or noclit, for and be- 
 cause the saidis marchandice gudis of Abirdene was takin and arrestit in 
 Birown for the said schip and gudis, allegand nocht to be iust price for 
 sindry caussis, quhilk the bailzeis chargit the said officiar to do as he wald 
 ansuer one the executioun of his office. 
 
 26*A May, 1522. 
 
 The said day, Eduart Cokbourne, and Johne Bartoun, procuratour, and 
 Robert Bartoun, comptroller of Scotland, protestit solemply in jugment 
 that quhat skaith the said comptroller and Edwart susteriit throucht the 
 arrest laid one the gudis aboune writin be Patrik Leslie, Johne Chene, 
 Johne Senzeour, and Johne Stevin, said cum apone the said arrestatour, 
 and for remaid of law, tyme, and place. And the said Patrik offerit the 
 said gudis, and the rest maid thar one to be loussit, incontinent thar findand 
 souerty, to do to him and his said complessis that law wald. And the said 
 Edwart fand Gilbert Menzeis of Findoun and William Holland cautionar 
 to do to the said Patrik and his complices that law wald, tuiching the said 
 guidis, and the said Eduart oblegit him to keip tham skathlis thairof. 
 
 27th May, 1522. 
 
 Be it kend till all men be thir present letteris, wss provest, baillies, con- 
 sell, and communite of Abirden ... for ane certane soome of nu- 
 merit money, pait to wss at the making of this writ, to the bigging of oure 
 blokhouse, bying of pouder, and paing of our gunneris feis, and vther 
 siudrie besines the toun hes ado, for the defence of the samin agains our 
 auld ennemeis of Ingland, now being in the sey with ane greit army, as 
 we are souerlie informit, pait to wss be our louit Johnne Senzeon, burgess 
 of the said burgh, for his grissoum and entress siluer, of ane half nettis 
 fisching of the furdis on the watter of Dee, of the quhilk grissovme and 
 entre siluer we hald wss weill content and pait, and quietclamis and dis- 
 chargis the said Johnne, and Jonat Crag his spouse, thair aireis and 
 assignais, and all vtheris quhom it efferis, for wss, our aireis, and succes- 
 souris, for now and for euer. To haue set and to maill lattin, and be 
 the tennour of thir present letteris settis and mail lattis, to the said 
 Johne Senzeon, and Jonat Crag his spouse, and to the langast levar of 
 thame tua, and to the said Johnes aires and assignais, burgessis and in- 
 dullaris the said burgh, all and haill ane half nettis fisching of the furdis
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 101 
 
 on the waiter of Dee,, with all and sindrie pendiculis and pertinentis, use 27th May, 
 and wont ; quhilk half nettis fisching vmquhill Thomas Leitht, burges of 
 the said burgh, had in tak and assidacioun of wss, for the termes of our 
 generall assidatioun, instant for all the termes of fiue yeris of our next 
 generall assidacioun, and forthir for all the termes that it salhappin the 
 samin till indur . . . The entre of the said Johne and Jonat, thair 
 aires and assignais, salbe, God willing, in and to the said halfnettis fisching, 
 vith the pertinence at the vigill of Sanct Andrew, in the yeir of God j m 
 v c twenty and five yeris, quhilk salbe the entre of our next generall asse- 
 datioun, and fra thinfurth to continew in peciable josin and bruikin the 
 samin, for all the termes of the said five yeiris, and forthir during the 
 termes of our next generall assedatioun, be compleit and fullelie runnin . . 
 The said Johne or Jonat, the langest levar of tham tua, his aires or as- 
 signaies, payand to wss, our successouris or factouris, yeirlie, the soume 
 of tua merkis vsual mony of Scotland, at tua termes vsit within burgh, 
 allanarlie for all vthir thingis that may be askit or requirit of the said half 
 nettis fisching, with the pertinence, during the termes of this our present 
 assedatioun. And atour, we the saidis provest, baillies, counsell, and com- 
 munitie, bindis and oblesis wss, our ayres, and successouris, to warrand, 
 keip, and defend, all and haill the said half nettis fisching of the furd, with the 
 pertinence, to the said Johne and Jonat .... In witnes of the quhilk, 
 we haue causit our commond seill to be appensit to this present assedatioun, 
 togidder with the subscriptioun manuel of our commissaris handis, at 
 Aberden, the xxvii day of Maij, the yeir of God j m v c twenty and tua 
 yeris. 
 
 June, 1522. 
 
 The said day, Johne Tullideff wes in amerciament of the curt for the 
 cruell strublance of Wat Wod, he beand in the townis seruice, ane of thair 
 wachis for the commond weill of the samyn. And the said Wat quit of all 
 strublance doyne to him, quhairfor the balzeis chargit thair officiaris that 
 thai said tak sourte of him to compeir befor the prouest and baillies on 
 Mononday that nixt cummis till amend to the party, at the command of the 
 saidis provest and baillies. 
 
 1th July, 1522. 
 
 The said day, the haill toun, warnit be the handbell, all in ane voce, 
 
 o
 
 102 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 7th July. grantit and consentit that thair suld be ane commond tent and palzeon maide 
 for the lugeing of the nychtbouris of the samyn now in tyme of weir ; 
 and quhat guyd way that the provest and counsall may find for the samin 
 thai assent thairto all in ane voce. 
 
 IQth July, 1522. 
 
 The said day, the haill toun, gaderit be thair hand bell, and warnit in 
 speciall be thair officiaris, convenit within the tolbuitht of the samin, re- 
 presentand the body of the toun for the time, all in ane voce, considerand 
 the gret expression and cruell displeasure doyne to thame, in the taking of 
 thar nichtbour, Thomas Chalmour, burgess of the said burgh, vnder silence 
 of nycht, he beand in the kingis seruice, and presoning and withhalding 
 of the samyn be James Forbes of Auchintouill, Maister Wilzeame Forbes, 
 Maister Alexander Strachin, and Johne of Ruthirfurd, with thar complesis, 
 hes diuisit thair nychtbour, Duncan Mar, to pass to the gouernor and 
 lordis of the realme, to impetrat letteris of justice and aggenis the said 
 complaints ; and inlikwyse till labour for ane liscience to the toune and 
 nychtbouris of the samyne, to remayne at hame for defence of the said 
 towne, baitht fra thair auld ennemeis of Ingland and ewill nychtboris of the 
 cuntry. And failzeand at the said Duncan can nocht labour ane liscience 
 to the hail toun, that he will labour to se and find quhat nomer the said 
 toun may furneiss, sua that ane pairt ma remayne at hayme for the defence 
 of the said toun, and ane vthir pairt may be providit to pass at the plesour 
 of the gouernour and lordis of counsell. And thai ordanit Duncane Coli- 
 sone, bailze, to deliuer x merkis of the rediast mony, beand in his handis, 
 to the said Duncan, for his furnessing other of taxt wattir malis, or ony 
 vther mony. And inlikwise the haill toun has maid the said Duncan thair 
 commissar in that part, to compone for any certaine sovme of mony, for 
 thair liscence to remayne at hayme, and ordanit ane commissione to be 
 maid till him thairapone, vnder the commond seill, gif neid be, promittand 
 thame till keip ferme and stable, and to releif the said Duncan of the 
 soomes promittand be him, to the effect aboue writtin. 
 
 And inlikwise it wes statut and ordanit be the hail toun aboue writtin, 
 all in one voce, na man opponand nor sayand in the contrar, that na nycht- 
 bour within this toun duelland, suld house, harbry, nor resett nayne of the 
 personis aboue writtin, tbameselff, thair horsis, nor thair servandis, nor sail
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 103 
 
 sell nor gif to tharae meit nor drink, noyther for horse nor man, nor haue loth July. 
 
 vther coramounicatioun with thame of na maner of kind of merchandice, 
 
 nor with nayne of thair coraplesis quhilks were at the committing of the 
 
 said cryme. Nor inlikwise with the lard of Abirgeldy, nor his complesis, 
 
 quhilkis hes maisterfullie spulzeit and away taken the nychtbouris horses 
 
 furth of the fredome of the said burgh, vnto the tyme that thai haue maid 
 
 ane sufficient and conding amendis to the guid toun and nichtbouris of the 
 
 samyn, and at thai be liscence be the provest and counsell of the samyn 
 
 till haue commounicatioun with the nychtbouris of the samyn, vnder the 
 
 payne of tynsell of thair fredome within the said burgh, and all other 
 
 priuileges or proffitis, takis or roomis, that thai haue or may haue within 
 
 the samyn, and to be deprivit of the samyn incontinent efter thai be con- 
 
 vikit of the said cryme. 
 
 And inlikwise it was commandit and chargit Normond Leslie and Dauid 
 Herroun, officiaris, be the bailzies, at command of the provest, counsell, 
 and haill communite, at thai suld pass, forse, and seik John of Rurthirfurd, 
 within the boundis of thair fredome, and gif thai culd nocht apprehend him 
 thairin, that thai suld pass to his lugeing within the said burgh, afor suffi- 
 cient witnessing, and warne him to compeir afor thame on Fredday the xi 
 day of this moneth of July, to heir and see himself declarit to haue tynt his 
 fredome within this burgh, and to haue forfaltit all and sindrie his takis 
 within the samyn. And inlikwise to [be] maid inhable in his persoun to 
 bruik euermair, tak or rovme, within the said fredome, for and because he 
 wes principall takar of Thomas Charner, nychtbour of the samyn, and of 
 the presoning and withhalding of him. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the haill toun, all in ane voce, 
 that all maner of man within this towne duelland, baith burgessis of gild 
 and vther craftismen, quhilkis his buthis or office houses, that thai remayne 
 commondlie in, that thai haue besid thame, in thair said offise howses, ane 
 sufficient fensable wapyne, sic as ax, halbert, gedward staf, or siclik, for 
 the defence of thair personis, gudes, and commond weill of the said burgh. 
 And at the officiaris pas throw the said burgh, and vise and see gif this 
 statut be fulfyllit ; and quha that failzies heirin to pay viij s. vnforgevin, 
 to be applyit be the prowest and bailies at thair wull, to quhat commond
 
 104 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 loth July, operatioun thai think expedient. And to releif to the provest and baillies 
 incontinent, efter thai heir ony trubill or debait rysing in the said burgh. 
 
 15th August, 1522. 
 
 The xv day of August, and yeir afor writtin, the haill toun gadderit be 
 thair hand bell, and conuenit for the maist pairt for thair commond weill, 
 for the outred of ane somne of money extending to vij lib. Scottis, for ane 
 liscence to be haid to byd at hayme fra this oist now set to conueyne the 
 first day of September on Rosling Muyr. The quhilk personis beand cir- 
 cualie inquerit be the officiar, all in ane voce that wes present for the tyme, 
 accept thir names that efter sail follow, grantit to the paiment of the said 
 sovme, gif that thai culd do na bettyr, and inlikwise consentit and grantit 
 to mak ane commissioun vnder thair commond seill, with power to Johne 
 Mar and Maister Dauid Nicholsone, thair commissaris in that part, to pass 
 to my lord gouernour, and se quhat thai mycht get downe of the said soume, 
 and to compone for the samyn, and als to se quhow lang liscence thai suld 
 haue for the said mony paying, and gif this oist now sturit zeid nocht 
 furhtt to na set fedill, thai to haue thair mony againe, and this with the 
 consent of all thir personis efter following that wes present for the tyme : 
 that is to say, Johne Colisone, provest, Gilbert Menzes, Andro Cullan, 
 James Colasoun, Thomas Chavmer, Robert Moyses, Willzeam Rolland, 
 Dauid Anderson, Alex. Gray, J. Ruthirfurd, Walter Cullan, Johne 
 Cheyne, Mr. Andro Tulidef, Gavuen Murra, Dauid Lambe, Mathew 
 Branche, Johne Arthpur, Wilzeam Chesolme, J. Murra, Andro Craw- 
 fuird, John Murra, Thorn Craufuird, Rechert Vause, Johne Andersoun, 
 Andro Stratoun, Alex. Kintor, Sandy Gray, Nichol Baxster, James Fen- 
 tonn, Adam Weir, Duncan Mar, Johne Kennerty, Andro Andersonn, 
 Wilzeam Abirdoir, Gilbert Litster, Dauid Paip, Johne Mair, Wm. Annan, 
 Andro Lousoun, Wm. Kemp, Andro Gray, Ranald Andersoun, Johne 
 Sevin, Johne Brabner, Robert Cultis, Johne Rethe, Andro Tailzeoir, 
 Johne Ross, Johne Brabray, James Noyne, George Crag, Johne Walkar, 
 Johne Vschir, Wm. King, Sande TulidefF, William Buchan, William 
 Smyth, Wm. Blinseill, Duncan Andersoun, Johne Cristeson, Duncan 
 Bisschop, Johne Leslie, cuper, Dauid Crommy, Sande Anderson, Sande 
 Anderson, saulter, Dauid Brvce, Dauid Mar, James Johnston, Johne 
 Elleiss, Sande Scot, William Mathow, Wm. Gray, riddell, Wm. Wat-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 105 
 
 soun, Nichol Cussing, Sande Barnys, Sande Barbour, Johne Huntar, 15th August, 
 Adam Valcer, Thorn Breichin, James Pantoun, Sande Nory, Johne Graim, 
 Dauid Bannerman, Wat Craufuird, Andro Tailzeour, Dauid Murra, Johne 
 Blak, Robert Blak, Johne Hay, Johne Andersonn, George Bissat, Robert 
 Wod, Wat Ancroft, Alex. Nicholsoun, Duncan Porter, Androw Craufurd, 
 Johne Murra in the Castelget, Johne Kintor, Sande Andersoun, Sande 
 Tulidef, Wm. Jakis, Symond Flesser, Johne Senzeour, Thorn Blak, Will. 
 Andersoun, Thorn Andersoun, and Thoni Watsoun. And thir ar the 
 names that refused to pay thair part of the said taxt, but said thai wauld 
 pass furtht to the said oist : that is to say, Johne Malisone, Johne Craik, 
 Robert Smyth, Jo, Wilzeamsone, Patrik Wod, and Dauid Criste. And 
 inlikwise the haill toun chesit thir personis efter following to set and extent 
 the said taxt efter thair sawll and conscience : that is to say, Dauid Ander- 
 soun, Walter Cullan, Gawan Murra, Johne Arthour, and Andro Stra- 
 toun. 
 
 15th September, 1522. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the baillies and counsell, 
 present for the tyme, that whatsomever nichtbour disobeit the command 
 menstrallis in the gevin of them thair meit and wagis, as thar fee to thame, 
 efter the forme of the auld lowable wss of this burch, that thai suld pay 
 to the bailleis, unlaw viii sh. unforgevin, and tua shillings to the said men- 
 strallis for thair dais cost ; and gif ther be ony puyr folks at ar not abill 
 till gif thame meit, that thai gif thame ii d. to thair fee and costis. 
 
 19M September, 1522. 
 
 The said day, ane rycht worschipfull clerk, Maister Alex. Galloway, per- 
 son of Kinkell, exponit to the prouest and bailzeis quhow Gelis Monro and 
 his complecis tuk one hand to vphaue the sentrice of the brig to the samyn, 
 quhilk the spat haid brocht dovne incontinent, quhow sovne he mycht gudly, 
 for ane France crovne of gold promest to him be the said persone ; and that, 
 in the said Gelis defalt, the said sentrice ar broking, spylt, and away to the 
 see haid, in gret skayth and damag of that noble wark ; the quhilk skayth 
 extendis to ane hundreth pundis, with the mair ; quhilk conditioun the said 
 Gelis denyit, and the bailzeis assignit Monunday that nixt cumis to the for- 
 said persone to preif his said allegeance, &c.
 
 106 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 15th January, \5th January, 1523. 
 
 The saide day, the prouest, bailzeis, and consaill, being present for the 
 tyme, grantit in jugraent that thai haid causit Dauid Andersone, thair 
 raaister of kirkwark and dayne of gild for this instant yeir, to cause be 
 bocht be the saycht of William Cristell, burges of Deip, factour to this gud 
 toun in a pairt, and to the said David of Alex. Nicholsone, and Alex. 
 Andersone, burges of the said gud toun, ane pece of artellery of brass, of 
 xxiiij futt, with fifty irne bowlis, according to the samyn, and ane barrel of 
 powder, to be send hame and anentourit one the tounis awentour ham in 
 the said Dauid schip, callit the Nicholles ; and the said pice of artillery, with 
 the furnesing of the samyn, and the berrell of povder forsaid, to be boucht 
 with the radiest siluer that the said maister of kirkwark had in Deip, that is 
 to say Sanct Nicholes siluer, and quhar it wanttis that thair is nocht of the 
 said siluer to furness the samyn, the said Dauid to cause his said factouris 
 William Crystell to furness the samyn of the said Dauid awne propyr gudis ; 
 for the quhilkis, the saidis prouest, bailzeis, and consaill present for the 
 tyme, in name and behalf of this gud tovne, and for the commont weill of 
 the samyn, bindis and oblegis thame and thair successouris to frie, relief, 
 and discharge the said Dauid of samekle as he debursis of Sanct Nicholes 
 thar patronis money, at the handis of all men havand entres thairto ; and 
 inlikwise to content and thankfully pay to the said Dauid his ayris, or as- 
 signays, the sovme that beis debursit of his awne propyr gudis, to the effect 
 abovne writtin, within xx dayis efter certificatioun cumis ham in Aberdein 
 of the pament and neid of the saminyn. 
 
 11th April, 1523. 
 
 The said day, the provest'and consaill chargit thair officiaris to pass throcht 
 all the said burght, and charge all maner of nychtbouris and fremen of the 
 samyn to pass and repair and mend thair pairt of the bastale, and thai that 
 hes nocht begit to big thair pairt of new, vnder the pane of tinsell of thair 
 fredoum, and that betuix this and the nixt wapinschawingis. 
 
 October, 1523. 
 
 The said day, all the toun, warnit be the handbell to convein within the 
 tolbuith of the said burghe, for the commont weill of the saim, and the 
 maist pairt beand convenit for the tyme, and thair it was schavin to thame
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 107 
 
 be ane honorabill man, Johne Collisone, quhow thair provest wes trublit 31st October. 
 
 and chargit to remayne in Edinburgh for tb.e furnessing of thair carris, 
 
 horsis, and men, vnder the payne of tynsell lif, land, and guyd ; and at 
 
 thair wantit ane great pairt of the said carris, horsis, and the laif inlaikit 
 
 expenssis, the quhilk the said provest behuyid to furnish the hail nomer 
 
 furtht, and gif thaim expenssis that wantet, to his gret skaitht. Quharfor 
 
 the said Johne producit in jugraent our souerane lordis letteris, chargand 
 
 the taxtaris chosyne and suorne afor to convein agane and filfurtht the 
 
 hail nomer of their carris, horsis, and caus euerilk man that had horsis 
 
 thair to send sufficient furnessing and expensis to thaim for the releving 
 
 of thair said provest, vnder the panys contenit in the said letteris. And 
 
 thairefter the said Johne requirit all the foure baillies to cause the said 
 
 taxtaris to convein incontinent to the said effect, as they wald ansuer 
 
 in the execution of their office. And incontinent the bailzeis chargit al 
 
 the said taxtaris to pass incontinent and mak ane end or thai depairtit, 
 
 of thair said taxt, certefeand thame, that and ony skaitht come throw the 
 
 want of the said furnessing, that it suld come on thame, and nocht on the 
 
 said baillies, in tyme to cum. And the said Johne requirit the said baillies 
 
 to indorse the said letteris, and deliuer thame him agane, befor witnes, 
 
 honorable men, Schir Androw Scherar, vicar of Nig ; Mr. Gilbert 
 
 Straichin ; Schir Dauid Leis ; Schir Johne Buchane ; and Schir Dauid 
 
 Lorimer, notar public, with vtheris diuerse. 
 
 21th November, 1523. 
 
 The said day, Master Johne Marschel, master of the gramar skull of 
 Abirden, grantit in jugment that he had offendit to his masteris of the 
 towne, and besoucht tham to pardone him, and confessit thaim that he 
 haid the schoull of thame, and suld hald the samyn lik as his predicessouris 
 haid downe in tyme bigane ; and the prouest, in nayme of the haile 
 toune, ressauit him thankfully, permittand to be him a gud master in 
 tyme cuming, he being than a gud seruand, as accordis him to do. 
 
 16th March, 1524. 
 
 The xvi of Marche, anno quo supra, it was thocht expedient be prouest, 
 bailzes, and sa mony of the consaill as was present for the time, because 
 thai war informit that my lord of Aberdeen was nocht to cum afor the 
 sanze, and that thar kirk had stand lang desolet of diuyne service, and this
 
 108 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 16th March, haly tyme of Pasche quhilk now approchis, to send Thomas Menzeis of 
 Petfoddellis, and with him .thre horse in company, to my said lord of 
 Abirden, to gett a commissioun from him to sum vther bischop to cum 
 and reconseil the said kirk ; and requirit the prouest to mak expensis thar 
 one, and quhat expensis beis maid thar one, to be allowit to the saide 
 prouest in his first comptis, notheles the suspendaris of the said kirk being 
 charply persewit for the said expensis, and the gret iniuris dovne to the 
 said communite, quhow soone -and incontinent it be fund quha was the 
 cause of the said kirkis suspending. 
 
 4th April, 1524. 
 
 The said day, the haill toune, all in ane voce, chesit thir five personis : 
 that is to say, Gilbert Menzes, provest, Schir Johne Ruthyrfurd, Andro 
 Cullane, Johne Collisone, and James Collisone, commissaris to the haill 
 toun, to prouid and considder quhar money sail be gotten to outred and 
 pay my lord Arskyn of his pentioun, and to outred and pay Patre Barroun, 
 of the soume taxt on the said toun for wanting of thair carriagis, for the 
 quhilk soomis our souerane lordis letteris ar direct, quhilkis hes beyne 
 diuerse [tymes] present in jugment, to put the provest, baillies, and in- 
 duellaris of the said guyd toun to the home, gevand to thaim thair powar 
 to set and prolong thar takis quhar they can be fund waikand for the 
 outred of the samyn. And ordanis ane commissioune to be maid to thaim 
 thairupone in the largest forme, chargand the keparis of thar commond 
 seill to seill the samyn in dew forme. 
 
 The said day, the haill toun, all in one voce, ordanit and commandit 
 the counsell of the samyn, present for the tyme, to pass and modefy the 
 provest and Johne Colisonis expensis maid in their passing to Edinburgh, 
 to enter and manteyne their carriagis, horsis, and futmen, furneist to the 
 last oist. Quhilkis ryply avisit in the counsall house of the samyn, land 
 and ordand xl pundis to be gevin to thair said provestis expensis, and 
 tene pundis to the said Johne Collisonis expensis, quhilk they ordand the 
 commissioneris aboue writin to provyd for. 
 
 2Qtk April, 1524. 
 
 Colinus Comes de Ergyill Dominus Campbell et Lorn etc. Justiciarius 
 supremi domini nostri regis ex parte boreali aque de Forth generaliter
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 109 
 
 constitutes Vicecomiti de Abirdeine et balliuis suis salutem quia indicta- 20th April, 
 menta regia deo duce sunt capienda de tota ballia vestra apud burgum de 
 Aberdene die xi et xii die mensis Mai proxime futura cum continuacione 
 dierura vobis igitur precipimus et mandamus quatenus summoniatis seu 
 summoneri faciatis legittime et coram testibus legalibus sex vel quattuor 
 personas fide dignas et minus suspectas de qualibet parochia qui comperiant 
 coram clerico justicie supremi domini nostri regis uel eius deputatis pluribus 
 aut vno dictis die et loco cum dicta continuatione dierum ad sursum redendi 
 indictamenta regia de personis qui remanserunt ab exercitu regio per 
 eundem dominum gubernatorem ducto apud Saluay in mense Septem- 
 bris anno Domini j m v c xii et ab excersitu regio per eundem domi- 
 num nostrum gubernatorem directo apud Vark in Anglia in mense 
 Octobris anno Domini j m v c xxiij et ad faciendum determinandum 
 id quod in hac parte juris ordo requirit et setis vos vicecomes vel ministri 
 vestri ibidem dictis die et loco cum dicta continuacione dierum babentes 
 vobiscum summonitionis vestri testimonium et hoc preceptum prouideatis 
 etc. pro expensis dictorum clericorum quas vobis imprimis compotis de 
 exitibus justiciarie reddendas faciemus plenarie allocari et hoc nullo modo 
 omittas sub omni pena que competere poterit in hac parte Datum sub sigillo 
 officii justicie domini nostri regis apud Edinburgh vicesimo die mensis 
 Aprilis anno Domini j m v c xxiiij to - 
 
 I3tk May, 1524. 
 
 The said day, it was thocht expedient, and commandit and chargit be 
 the prouest and conseill present for the time, that ilk bailze pass throcht 
 his quarter, and cerse and seik all vnlauchtful nychtbouris, and cause all 
 sic be remowit the towne ; inlikwise all begaris excep tham that ar natif 
 borne within this tovne. 
 
 October, 1524. 
 
 The said day, the baillies chargit thair officiar to pass and charge all 
 the pynouris that vsis till leid fulze to pass and clenge the kingis get and 
 commond myddingis within the said burgh incontinent or euer thai do 
 ony vthyr labour ; and failzeing thairof, that thai tak thair horse and cartis, 
 and cause the samin be donn on thair awin expensis, and thai to pay the 
 baillies vnlaw, vnforgevin.
 
 110 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 20th June, 2Qth June, 1525. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, counsell, and communite, present 
 for the tyme, consentit to the ewynning of thair Castelhill, and dyking the 
 same about. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, counsell, and communite of the said 
 burgh, present for the tyme, consentit and ordanit Wilzeam, bonatmakar, 
 to pass with thair hand bell throicht the toun yerlie, and to haue the samyn 
 in office vnder Dauid Colp, for al the dais of his life, but ony impediment. 
 
 21 st July, 1525. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovne, being warnit be thar hand bell, and pre- 
 sent in the tolbuitht of the samyn, for the mest, and the auld statut maid 
 for the ressayt and luging of strangaris, quhilk is contenit at lenght in 
 thar buk of statuttis, being oppenly red in presens of thame, thai all, in 
 ane woice, ratifeit and apprevit the samyn, and the pannis contenit tharin 
 requirand the prouest and balzeis to put the samyn to dew executioun, as 
 thai wald ansuir to God and to the king thar apone. 
 
 14th August, 1525. 
 
 James, be the grace of God king of Scottis, to our shireff of Aberdene 
 and his deputis, and to our louittis Schyr Jhone Ruderfurd, knycht, and 
 Thomas Menzeis of Petfothellis, oure shireffis in that pairt, coniunctlie and 
 seueralie, specialie constitut, greting : Forsamekill as it is humelie meynit 
 and schewin to ws be ane reuerend fader in God, and our traist consalour, 
 Gawyne bischop of Aberdene, that quhare syndry strangearis and otheris 
 within his diocesy of Aberdene, has bukis of that heretik Luthyr, and 
 favoris his arrorys and fals opinionys incontar oure act of Parliament laitlie 
 maid in our last Parliament : oure will is heirfor, and we charge you 
 straitlie, and commandis that incontinent thir our lettres seyne, ye publise 
 the saide act at all places iieydfull, and tak inquisitione gyf ony persons 
 be fundin within the sayde diocesy of Aberdene that hes sic bukys, or 
 fauoris sic arorys of the sayd Luthyr ; and that ye confisk thair gudis 
 and inbryng the samyn to our wse and profitt, efter the forme of the said 
 act, as ye will ansuer tharapoun : the quhilk to do, we commyt to vow, con- 
 iunctlie and seuerallie, oure full power be thir our lettres, deliuering thame
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABERDEEN. Ill 
 
 be yow deulie execut and indorsit agane to the berar. Gewin vnder our 14th August, 
 
 signet, at Edinburgh the sevint day of August, and of our regnne the xii 
 
 yeyr. 
 
 Ex deliberatione dominorura consilii. J. Chepman. 
 
 In the parlyament haldyne at Edinburgh the xvii day of Julij, the yer 
 of God ane thousand, v c and xxv yeris, the quhilk day it was statut and 
 ordanit that forsamekle as the dampnable opinzeons of herecy ar spred 
 in diuerse contreis be the heretik Luther, and his disciples ; and this 
 realme and leigis hes fermly persistit in the halie faith sen the samyn was 
 first ressauit be thame, and nevir, as yit, admittit ony opinzounes contrar 
 the Christan faith, bot evyr has beyne cleyne of all sic filth and vice, 
 therfor, that na manner of persone strengear, nor other that hapnys to 
 arrife with thair schippys within ony port of this realme, bring with thame 
 ony bukys or verkys of the saide Lutheris, his disciplis or seruandis, 
 desput or rehers his hereseys or opunzeounes, bot gyfe it be to the con- 
 fusione thairof, vndyr the paine of escheting of thair schippis and gudis, 
 and putting of thair personnys in presone. And that this act be publist 
 and proclamit out throw this realme, at all portis and burrowis of the 
 samyn, sa that thai may allege na ignorance thairof. Extractum tie libro 
 actorum parliament! per me Gawinum Episcopum Abirdonensem clericum 
 rotulorum registri ac consilii supremi domini nostri sub meis signo et sub- 
 scriptione manualibus. 
 
 Id October, 1525. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, bailies, and counsell, with consent and assent 
 of all the haill communite, thei beand circualie inquirit be the officiaris, na 
 maner of person opponand nor sayand in the contrar, maid, creat, and or- 
 danit rycht honourable men, that is to say, Thomas Menzes of Pitfoddellis, 
 thar prowest for the tyme, Gilbert Menzes of Fyndoun, Sir lohnne Ruther- 
 ford, Andro Cullan, and William Holland, thair verie lauchfull and undoutit 
 commissaris, to set and prolong all and syndrie their fischings and takis, baitht 
 to burgh and to land, now waikind and beand in thair handis, to burges and 
 induellars the said burgh now actuallie, and to nane uthers, and to nae maner 
 of person quhilks wes art or part of the cruell murther, slauchter, mutila- 
 toun, and hurting of their nychtbours, prowest, baillies, and officiaris, maid 
 on thame under silence of nycht, be Alexr. Setoun of Meldrum, lohnne
 
 112 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 2d October, Leslie of Wardors, Willzeame Leslie of Bognhane, Alexr. Leslie of that 
 ilk, thair sonns and ayris, complecis and pairt takaris, to the nomer of iiii xx 
 speris, or thereby, be solstation of lohnne Collison eldar, and his com- 
 plesces, with power to the saids commissaris to set the said tacks and 
 tisching for five years immediat followand the vigill of Sanct Andrew nixt to 
 cum, and thair commissoun to be maid under thair commund seill to the 
 saids commissaris, in the largest forme, to this effect : Promittand thame 
 and ilk ane of thame to keip firme and staple be the fathis in thair bodeis. 
 Witnes, Mr. lohnne Merschell, Mr. Wm. Meldrum, Mr. Wm. Philpson, 
 and Sir Dauid Lorimar, notar, with utheris and syndrie. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, bailies, counsell, and communite, ratifeit, ap- 
 prewit, and confermit the statut made be thame the last day of September 
 immediat gangand befor the dait heirof, promittand faithfullie to keip the 
 samyn fernie and stable and inviolat in all tymes cummyng, be the treutht 
 and faitht in thair bodies. 
 
 6th October, 1525. 
 
 The said day, the haill toun, warnit personalie be the officiaris, on the 
 gild curt day, all in ane voce, baitht fre and unfre, obleist thame and ilkane 
 of thame, be the faithis in thair bodeis, euerie ilk man be him self tuechand 
 the haly croce, and inquirit to obserwe and keip lelelie and trwelie all and 
 syndrie the statutis maid at thair command be the prowest and counsell 
 aboune writtin, that is to say, for the reparatioun and upbiging thair portis, 
 wennallis, bak dykes, and for zetts, witht all vther necessar waist placis, 
 throw the quhilk thai may incur ony danger. And sicklik chargand Dauid 
 Andersoun, thair maister of Sanct Nicholace wark, to deliuer all money 
 he hes or ma get perteining to the Patroun, togidder witht stanis, lyme, 
 tymmer, and uthir thing that he hes queir of, to the wpbiging of the said 
 portis, and uthir places necessar. Secundlie, to haue [ ] personis to 
 
 waitht therto baitht nychtlie, and that to be gottin amangis the haill 
 toun, euerie ilk man his nycht about, and to ring the commond bell quhen 
 thai ar persewit. And atoure to haue the stepill of the tolbuitht and Sanct 
 Nicholace stepill daylie wachit, and to ring the bell quhen thai se ony per- 
 sonis cummand ridand to the toun. Item, to fe tua or thre gunnars for 
 tua or thre monetht, to thair artailzerie, and young and able men, to get 
 culwerings, cors bowis, and hand bowis, and wss schitting witht the samyn,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 113 
 
 and siclik all that may furneiss to thame mak speris that wantis. And 6th October. 
 
 atoure to hald wappinschawingis euerie ilk wolk or raonetht tuyss, as the 
 
 prowest and counsell thinks maist expedient. And sicklik the prowest and 
 
 his weil awisit counsell to mak billis of complaint to the kingis grace and 
 
 lordis of counsell, for the cruell slauchteris, mutilatiounis, and hurts doyne 
 
 atnang thame under silence of nycht, be thair neychbours about, and to 
 
 mak large expensis on the samyn, and to mak writtings in the best forme 
 
 thai can to the lordis and men of gud in the cuntra bout thaim, to sey and 
 
 feill thair minds to thaim and se quhome in thai ma lippin in. Thirdly, 
 
 that na maner of person within this toun dwelland ressat or lugis ony maner 
 
 of personis without the prowest lischence ; and quhat sumeuer personis that 
 
 beis suspekit to have ony suspek person within thaim, to have thair zettis and 
 
 douris reddy oppin to the prowest and bailies to exerss the samyn and sic 
 
 like, to keip the counsell of this guid toun, and warne otheris of otheris 
 
 skaitht, and to be leill trew ilk ane to otheris, and riss with thair prowest 
 
 at all tyme, for the defence of thaim self and guid toun, under the painis 
 
 contanit in the said statituts, quhilk is contanit in thair books of statuts at 
 
 mair lynth, in all and sindrie the pontis and artikillis forsaid, and this statut 
 
 maid be all thair consents, and hes band and oblest thaim to obserue and 
 
 keip the samyn, under all payne and chargis contanit thairin, befor thair 
 
 witnes, honorable men, Alexr. Stratoun of Lowrastown, Gilbert Myddel- 
 
 town of that ilk, George Gordoun in Byrnes, Andro Stratoun of Wagy, 
 
 James Ogilvy of Mathers, Mr. Win. Cheyne, and Sir Wm. Cup. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, counsell, and comm unite, all in ane 
 voce, chargit Dauid Andersoun, maister of Sanct Nicholace wark, to de- 
 liuer all mony, tymmir, stanis, lyme, and all other thing necessar perteining 
 to the Patroun quhilk he hes quarof, and that to the reparatoun and upbig- 
 ing of thair portis, and all necessar things within the toun for thair defence, 
 offerin thame to keip him skaithles at al tyme ; on the quhilk the said Dauid 
 tuik instrument, that he wes chargit be the haill toun to deliuer the samyn, 
 and that it suld nocht turne him nor his ayris till na preiudice in tymes 
 cumming befor the forsaid witnes, and Maister Coppin Scheres, and Sir 
 Dauid Lorimer, notaris public. 
 
 The said day, the haill toun hes continuit the said Dauid Andersoun to 
 ramayne maister of Sanct Nicholace wark for this nixt year, and denis of
 
 114 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 eth October, gild, fless pilsars, and other office that wes the last year to be continewit 
 thair in this year into cum, and to be leill and trew thairto aifter the te- 
 nour of thair aitht. 
 
 The said day, Dauid Andersoun, maister of Sanct Nicholace wark, re- 
 quir the prowest and counsell to sit down and resaue his comp of Sanct 
 Nicholace wark of the five yeris bigane, protestand that gif thai did nocht, 
 that he wes quit of the clame thairof in tyme cumming, and that thai suld 
 haue na thingis to say to him nor his barnis anence the samyn in tymes 
 cumming ; and that becauss he had requirit thaim oft and diuerss tymes 
 
 therto And the haill toun chesit the personis wnderurit- 
 
 ting to sit doun incontinent and ressaue his compt and dischargis him therof : 
 that is to say, the prowest, Gilbert Menzes, Andro Cullan, Alex. Gray, 
 George Bissat, Wilzeum Holland, and Johnne Blak ; the quhilk personis 
 wes suorne into inquerit to the samyn. 
 
 2lst March, 1526. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn, varnit be the handbell, and be the offi- 
 ciaris of the same, conuenit for the maist pairt in the tolbuith of the same, 
 representand the body of the tovne for the tyme, all in ane voce com- 
 mandit and chargit the prouest and consall to cloise the tovnn, and bred 
 the portis of the same, and oupmak all wydis and waistis, to gar grant 
 thair artailzere and gunnaris to the same, one the tovnis expensis ; to set 
 wechis baith within the tovne and without, to dellut thame fra thair 
 ennemyes ; and ordand the rediest of the tovnes gudis to be exponit one 
 the same. 
 
 16th April, 1526. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn, beand oppinlie warnit be the handbell, 
 passand throw all the toun, and circualie warnit be the officiaris, for the 
 maist pairt all, in ane voce, consentit, ratefeit, and apprevit and ordanit 
 the prowest and counsell of the said toun, or the maist pairt therof, to 
 prowyd for ane honest propyne to oure souerane lord the kingis grace, now 
 to his first commyng to this guyd toun. And to the lords and nobillis of 
 his counsell, and for all other necessaris, according to the honour of the 
 guyd toun, and to provid for expensiss thairof of the radiest of the townis 
 gudis, that the guyd nayme and honour of this guyd toune, wone be ther 
 noble progenitors, decad nocht in thair tyme.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 115 
 
 The said day, it is diuyisit and thocht expedient be the prowest, baillies, 16th April, 
 and counsell of this guyd toun, that thar be propynit to the kingis grace, 
 now at his first intress, in the first, sax potionis of wyne, or the awall of 
 the samyn, in stark mychty wynes and small wynnis. Item, sax stayne of 
 wax, xxxiiii lib. of scorcheatis, tua sed mettis, foure chaldyr of collis. 
 Item, to the lordis of consale ; inprimis to the justice, ane potioun of 
 wyne ; item, to my lord chancellar, ane potioun of wyne ; to my lord of 
 Anguss, ane potioun of wyne ; and [ ] all wther in smallis, ane 
 potioun of wyne. 
 
 13th January, 1527. 
 
 The said day, the haill townn beand gaderit and conuenit within the 
 tolbuith for the maist part, the prouest exponit and schew to thame quhow 
 that the kingis grace with his lordis of counsaill ar to cum incontinent to 
 this guid townn, to the haldin of ane justice ay re. Quhairfor he chargit 
 all and sundry the nychtbours of the said guid townn, that nayne of tham 
 satt thair luggenis and husis to na maner of man quhill the kingis suriouris 
 cum, that the townn may knaw quhat lordis and men of guid cumis with 
 him, and thairefter the luggenis and innis ma be sett to tham, be the awiss 
 of the prowest and consall, to ilk man efter his awin estat. And alsuay 
 chargit the stabillaris that thai graitht thair stabillis in the honestest 
 fasaun thai can ; and that thai haue corne and fodder to sell to furniss the 
 said stabillis sa mony horss as thai will ressaue. And in likwiss he chargit 
 the baxteris, flescharis, and brostaris to furneiss and decoir the said tovnn, 
 ilk ane for thair awin craft, as wald ansuer to the guid tounn thairin ; and 
 gif thai war negligent in ony thing, thai suld nocht say that it was his fait, 
 becaus he warnit thame in dew tyme, one the whilk he desirit instruments 
 witness, Andro Cullane, Thomas Menzeis, lohne Collisone elder, Maister 
 Andro Tulidef, and Alexander Rutherfuird, with wtheris, duerss and 
 sundry, acta in pretorio. 
 
 \%th February, 1527. 
 
 Apud Abirdene xii Februarii anno 1527. The quhilk day, in presens 
 of our souerane lordis justice, and componitouris Willeame Leslie of Buch- 
 quhane, and Jhone Leslie of Wardens, obleist thame conjunctlie and seue- 
 ralie to our souerane lordis the kingis grace for thame selfis, thair kyne 
 frendis, men tenentis, seruandis, adherentis, and part-takaris, and all that
 
 116 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 12th February, thai may lat, that thai nor nane of thame sail nocht molest, wex, inquiett, 
 nor trouble the prouest, bailzeis, counsaill, communite, and inhabitaris the 
 burgh of Abirden, or ony ane of thame, ony manner of way in tyme cum- 
 ming in thair personis, landis, or gudis, utherwais than law will, vnder the 
 pane of twa thousand pundis, to be aplyit to our souerane lordis use ; and 
 gif it sal happen ony of the forsaid lairdis of Buchquhane and Warderis, 
 thair kyne frendis, men seruandis, adherentis, and pairt-takaris, to mak ony 
 truble or molestatioun to ony of the inhabitaris of the said burgh, ether 
 within the samyn or outwith, the saidis lairdis of Buchquhane and War- 
 deris deliuerand the persone or personis makand the said brak or truble to the 
 prouest or bailleis of the said burgh, to the effect that justice may be done 
 one tham, sail nocht incur the panis forsaidis. Extractum de libro adjor- 
 nalis S.D.N. regis per me Nicolaum Craufurd de Oxen gangis clericum 
 justiciarie ejusdem generalem sub meis signo et subscriptione manualibus. 
 
 [On the same day, a similar obligation was come under by John Lord 
 Forbes.] 
 
 1st April, 1527. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovne, bayth marchandis and craftismen, beand 
 in the tolbuith, for the maist part consent and ordinit that the prouest and 
 consall sett dovne and avisit with my lord of Aberdenis petitioun anent the 
 intermeling with the brig, and gaif ane sufficient ansuere to him of the 
 same, except Johne Anderson elder, quhilk said he wad nocht mell with 
 sik materis. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovne, all in ane voce, thankit gretly thar lord 
 and bischop of Aberden for the gret plesour and proffeit done to thame in 
 the biging of the brig of Dee, and of the gret offeris promittit to tham be 
 his lordschip, for the vphald of the samyn, and ressauit glaidly the saidis 
 offeret, and promest to ane rycht worschipful clerk, Maister Alexander 
 Hay, parsone of Turref, and commissar generall to the said lord, to awise 
 with the said offeris to thar lawday efter Pesche, and then to give a finell 
 ansuir to the said lord. 
 
 30th April, 1527. 
 The said day, the prowest, bailzeis, consall, and communite ordanit that
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 117 
 
 the Lord of Bonnaccord and his fallow be ansuerit of x merks of the fyrst 30th April, 
 fremen that hapynnis to be frathinfurht, becauss it is the auld wes, and hes 1527 - 
 bene usit a lang tyme of befor within this guid toune. 
 
 8tk May, 1527. 
 
 The said day, it was sufficientlie provin afor the baillies and a pairt of 
 counsall, present for the tyme, be famouss diuerss witnes, that the Egip- 
 tiens tuk out of Thomas Watsouns houss tua siluer spounis, Hand in the 
 locker of ane schryne, quhilkis contenit ilk ane a wnce of siluer, quhairfor 
 thai chargit Eken Jaks, maister of the said Egiptiens, to deliuer the said 
 spovniss agane, or thane thair awaill, within xxiiii houris, becauss he an- 
 suerit and come guid for his cumpany in jugement ; and as to the money 
 the said Thomas allagit tane away be thame, the bailzeis continewit the 
 same, quhilk thai got na witnes to preif mair cleirlie. And atoure, John 
 Watsoun, and his mother and serwand, was maid quit of all strublance of the 
 said Egiptiens, and that was gevin for dovin. 
 
 3d June, 1527. 
 This is the ansuer of the tovnn of Abirden gevin to my lord of Abirdene 
 
 anent the brig of Dee. 
 
 My lord, we your seruandis, prouest, bailzeis, consull, and comunite of 
 Abirdene, hes ressauit your l[ordschipis] guid mynd, exponit to vs be your 
 commissar, Maister Alexander Hay, persoun of Turref, tuching of your 
 l[ordschipis] brig of Dee, fundit, biget, and endit one your grit, hie, and 
 exorbitand expensis, for the perpetuall commond weill of the cuntra and of 
 ws ; of the quhilkis guid deid and mynd God eternall revard yow, for we 
 ma nocht ; and quhar your lordschip desiris ws and our successouris to be 
 bundin to the ouphaldin of the said brig, it beand completit one your ex- 
 pensis, in the maist souer wise cane be devisit be wismen and men of craft 
 in all thingis necessaris ; and at your lordschip will infeft ws and our suc- 
 cessouris in your landis of Ardlar, to be haldin of yow and your succes- 
 souris in few, we ar hartlie contentit of the same, makand ws souer thairof 
 be the pape, the prince, your chartour, and all wther handis necessar, for 
 we desyir na inconuenient, bot to be maid souer ; quhilk we vnderstand is 
 your l[ordschipis] guid mynd. Nochtwithstanding, gif your l[ordschip] may 
 eislie infeft ws in ony of your landis Hand mair evnse to ws, or interchange 
 the saidis landis with wtheris haiffand landis Hand mair ewnse to ws, lik as 
 
 Q
 
 118 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 3d June, Rudrestoun, or ony vther sik lik, it var profetable for the conseruacioun of 
 your said l[ordschipis] vark, and plesand, and ewnse ; quhilk we refer haill 
 to your l[ordschipis] plesour, besaikand yow to labour the same gif ye ma 
 guidlie. And atour, we considerand the mony guid turnis done be your 
 l[ordschip] within your diocy to your cathedral and vther places, and wn- 
 derstanden at your l[ordschip] hes na kyrk within your diocy appropriat to 
 your mitar except our mother kyrk, we vald exort your l[ordship] to help 
 to sum notable turne to be done thairto ; to the quhilk we sail put our handis 
 in the largeist forme be the sycht of your l[ordschip], that sum remembrance 
 ma reman thairin of yow, lik as is of mony of your reuerend predecessouris, 
 Bischop Thomas Spens, and Bischop Wm. Elphinstoun. In this cause, 
 and all wtheris, referrand ws to your l[ordschipis] plesour, to the quhilkis 
 we ar gritlie indettit, as knowis the grit God eternall, quhome mot conserue 
 your l[ordschip] in sawill and body at your noble desyir. 
 
 Your l[ordschipis] seruandis, 
 Prouest, bailzeis, consail, and comunite of your burght of Abirdene. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, consaill, and communitie of Abirden, 
 being present in the tovnn for the tyme, personalie varnit be thair officeris 
 for the naaist pairt, and generalie be thair hand bell opynlie passand thro all 
 the rewis of the said burght, quhilk was sufficientlie provin in iugment, and 
 thai being conuenit within the tolbuith of the samyn, for the maist part re- 
 presentand the haill body of the tovne for the tyme, all in ane voce, thai 
 beand circulie inquirit be Dauid Andersoun, ane of the bailzeis of this 
 burght, except the persounis of the quhilkis, the namis sail follow efteruart, 
 consentit and assentit to indenter with my lord of Abirdene for the keping, 
 ouphaldin, and conseruacioun of his brig of Dee for thame and thair suc- 
 cessouris, sa lang as thai and thair successouris brukis, or ma bruik, peciablie 
 the landis of Ardlar, gevin and assignit to thame be his lordschip; and gif 
 the said land beis ouptenit fra thame or thair successouris, of law and res- 
 soun, that thai sail be na langer indettit to the ouphaldin of the said brig bot 
 of thair guid will and beneuolence, and with this conditioun that the mony 
 and proffeit of the said land be put in ferme keping, to the effect of the oup- 
 haldin of the said brig, and nocht to be exponit in vothir vssis, and at thair 
 be iij keyis of the samyn, the chaptour of Auld Aberdene to haue the tane 
 in keiping, the prouest and guid toun the tother, and ane of the principal! s 
 dekynnis of the craftis of Abirdene the thrid, and this band to be maid in
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 119 
 
 the souerest forme to the effect within writtin. Thir ar the narais of thame 3d June. 
 that dissentit to the making of this band : Alex. Ruthirfuird, Jhone Blak, 
 Jhone Andersoun, Jhone Craik, Georg Bissat yovnger, Jhone Crau- 
 furd, Jhone Ratray, Androv Cosin, Androv Smang, Daue Bruce, Jhone 
 Breching, and Sanderis Gray youngar. 
 
 The said day, Gilbert Menzeis desirit instrument that the haill tovnn 
 assentit to my Lord Abirdenis band tuching his brig of Dee, except the 
 persounis aboun writin, in the consenting to the same. And Alex. Ruthyr- 
 furd and Jhone Ratray desirit instrumentis that tha and certane wtheris 
 dissentit to the said band. Witnes, the haill court. 
 
 8th November, 1527. 
 
 The said day, the provest, bailzeis, consaill, and communite of Abirden, 
 beand present in the tovnn for the tyme, personaliter varnit be the officeris, 
 and generaly be the hand bell passand throw all the rewis of the said brught, 
 quhilk vas sufficientlie provin in iugment, conuenit within the tolbuith of 
 the same, for the maist part representand the haill body of the tovnn, all in 
 ane voce, thai beand circulye inquirit be that somera officiar, consent yit as 
 abefor to bind thame, thair ayres and successouris, for the keiping, ouphald- 
 ing, and conseruacioun of the brig of Dee, bigit be ane reuerend father in 
 God, Gavane Bischop of Aberdene, salang as thai and thar successouris 
 bruikis, or may bruik, peciabilly the landis of Ardlar, gevin and assignit to 
 thame be his l[ordschip] for the ouphald of the said brig ; and gif the sadis 
 landis beis ouptenit fra thame be the law, that this band salbe of nayn availl 
 frathinfurth, and thai sail nocht be indettit langar to ouphald the same. 
 
 llth October, 1527. 
 
 The said day, all thir personis vnder writin, of thair awin fre motiwe, 
 will, one coakit or compellit be ony maner of persone, gaif, grantit, and 
 promest the sovmis of money efter following, ilk man for ilk self, to the fur- 
 nessing and bying of tua haill standis of clayth of gold : that is to say, tua 
 chesopis, four tunnekillis, with vther small thingis efferand thairto, to the 
 tua capis of claith thai haue gottin and bocht ellis, to the decoracioun and 
 honoring of God, our lady, and thair gloriuss patrovn Sanct Nicholas, and 
 all diwyne seruice within thair paireis kyrk : that is to say, in the first, Gil- 
 bert Menzeis, provest, tua lib. grit ; Andro Cullan, ane lib. grit ; Thomas 
 Menzeis, ane lib. grit ; William Rolland, ane lib. grit ; Dauide Andersoun,
 
 120 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 nth October, ane lib. grit ; Duncane Mar, v s. grit ; Duncane Collisoun, v s. grit ; Georg 
 Bisset elder, ane lib. grit ; Alexander Ruthirfurd, v s. grit ; Jhone Col- 
 lisoun yovngar, v s. grit ; Jhone Collisoun elder, ane barrell of grylse, &c. 
 
 October, 1527. 
 
 The said day, the maister of the grammar schuill exponit to the town 
 that thair grammar schuill was decaden and abill to fall down. And ther- 
 efter the provest, bailzeis, consail, and communitie, commandit and chargit 
 thair maister of kyrk wark to big and mend the same one the tovnnis ex- 
 pensis, and that incontinent. 
 
 December, 1527. 
 
 The said day, it was devisit and thocht expedient be the provost, 
 bailzeis, and consail of this guid town, that thar be takin ii tovnis of the 
 best of the new wynnis, and put in ane sellar be thame self, to propin the 
 kingis grace at his fyrst cumming to this burcht, and the laif of the lordis 
 of his consaill, as for wax and wyn geir according thairto, tha continow 
 quhill thai be forthyr avisit quhat sail be done- in all sic thingis tuiching 
 the saidis propinis. 
 
 The said day, the consaill ordinit that the provest suld pay the Lord 
 Forbes his tovnn of wyne of this new wyn laitlie cummin, whilk tovnn thai 
 promest yeirlie to him afore for the keping of the radis of salmont fische 
 of Dee and Done within his bovndis, and that incontinent, and chargit the 
 said provest to tak samekle of the readiest of thair commond gudis as wald 
 set up the same agane. 
 
 February, 1528. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordinit be the haill counsaill present for 
 the tyme, that gif Wille Lorimar, George Saidlar, Robert Cochrane, or 
 ony wthir craftismen, beis fuddin gangand one the gait fra tene howris at 
 ewin furth without lauchtfull besyness and erandis considerit to be resson- 
 able to the counsaill, and beis conuiket thairof, to be bannest the townn one 
 the morne for yeir and day, and that was gewin for dowme. 
 
 6tk June, 1528. 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis commandit and chargit all and sindrie the huk- 
 staris within this burgh t, presentlie in iugment, that nayne of tham tak one
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 121 
 
 hand to by butter, cheis, nor eggis, quhill it be present to the merkat, nor 6th June, 
 yit in the merkat quhill a xi owns afore noone, wnder the pane of escheet- 
 ing of the samyn efter thai haue bocht it. And chargit all thair officiaris 
 to wait on tham and the merkat frathinfurth, for the samyn effect, and gif 
 tha se ony of tham brak ony of the thingis aboun writin, to tak it fra thatne 
 incontinent that tha by, and dispone the tane half to the puir folkis, and the 
 tother half to thame self for thair laueris. 
 
 3d August, 1528. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and counsaill gaif, grantit, and as- 
 signit to thair lovits, Jhone Ratray and Gilbert Malisoun, thair Abbatis, 
 out of ressoun of this instant year for thair feis, the nyxt twa fremen that 
 hapins to be maid and desirit be thame. 
 
 5th September, 1528. 
 
 The said day, the personis aboun writin consentit to propin Maister 
 Hector Boyis to his maister ack in theologie, with ane townn of wyne, gif 
 he will bid quhill new wynnis cum hayme, or thane with tuenty lib. Scottis, 
 to help to by him bonatis, quhilk of thame he thinkis maist expedient, at 
 his awin plesour. And the said counsail to conuein this day efter nowne, 
 in the prowest innis, to se and devise quhar this mony salbe esiast gottin. 
 
 9tk September, 1528. 
 
 The said day, all the quhit fischaris, in ane consent, beand warnit to this 
 day and conwenit for the maist part, consentit to gif to thair chaplane and 
 ortour, Schir Alexr. Rossell, baith maisteris, skiparis, and seruandis of 
 euery lyne, xii d. in the yeir, to be pait to him at tua termis, Witsonday 
 and Mertimes, in wyntar, be ewinlie percionis. And the skiparis and 
 maisters to ansuer the said Schir Alexr. of the said xii d. of euery lyne, 
 for himself and the seruandis that ar in the houiss with thame, and for the 
 wthir seruandis that ar in thair awin houiss be thame self to ansuer and 
 pay the same thair self to the said Schir Alexr. For the quhilkis the said 
 Sir Alexr. sail do dywine seruice wse and wont within the said kyrk of 
 Sanct Clement, that is to say, tua messis euery owik, ane one Sonday, and 
 ane one the Friday, lik as his antecessouris hes done in tymis bigane. 
 
 10th January, 1529. 
 The saide day, the hale toyne being convenit in the tolbuith one thair
 
 122 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 loth January, Jigjd court, consentit and grantit, all in ane voce, to the seilling of Maister 
 Johne Bissatis pensioun of ten merkis, gevin to him be the said tovn, for the 
 weill of thair grammar skuill and thair barnis, lik as is contenit in thair band 
 maid to him one the said pencione at lynth ; and ordanit the keiparis of 
 thair commone seill to seill the samyn band, in the best sort, with the 
 tovnis commond seill, on the quhilk the said Maister lohne tuik instru- 
 ment. Vitnes, Andro Wod, Robert Wood, Gilbert Tulidef, Schir Dauid 
 Lorimar, and Maister Johne Nicholsoun, notar publick, with wtheris 
 diuerse. 
 
 25th February, 1529. 
 
 The said day, Jhone Ratray promest in iugment to cause warkmen 
 enter to the Castell hill one Monnonday nyxt cumis, to grayth and dyik 
 the samyn, the tovnn furstand him expensis to do the samyn, and Maister 
 Androv Tulidef promest him xx s. of vnlawis to do the samyn. 
 
 1th May, 1529. 
 
 The saide day, the haill townn being convenit within the tolbuith, for the 
 maist part be thair hand bell passand throw all the rowis of the toune, for 
 certane actionis concerning thair commond weill, and tha being circularie 
 inquirit be Duncane Mar, bailze, consentit and grantit, ilk man for thame 
 self, and alse all in ane voce, to gif Maister Johne Bissat, maister of the 
 grammar skuill, yeirlie and termelie, at tua termis in the yeir, be ewinlie 
 porcionis, the sowme of tene lib. Scottis, to help to pay his burd aye 
 and quhill tha prowid him ane benefice, peccable, of tene merkis Scottis, 
 for all the dais of his liwe, for the rewill and gydin of thair skuill, teching 
 of thara, because now thair said skuill is desert and destitut of barnis, 
 and wilbe ane lang tyme or it cum to perfectioun, that he ma get 
 mekle proffeit thairof, and ordinit thair band to be maid to hym thair- 
 one in the maist sour wise, in the prowest, balzeis, counsall, and com- 
 muniteis behaffis, wnder thair secreit seill, hawand the strynth of thair 
 commond seill. 
 
 1th June, 1529. 
 
 The samyn day, considering the hawy murmour one the belrnan be the 
 landuart men, it is thocht expedient and ordinit be the counsaill, that Dauid 
 Colp be warnit agane Furisday afor the counsaill, and at tbair be ane 
 mesour of irine maid to the belman, to tak his dwitie of the landuart men
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 123 
 
 of quantitie, as beis thocht expedient be the said counsaill, and he to tak 7th June, 
 na mair of thame than the said mesour. 
 
 20*A July, 1529. 
 
 The said day, the haill toun, present for the tyme, grantit and consentit, 
 all in ane voce, to the walling of thair toun, and ordinit that thair said be 
 four raarchandis of euery quartar, togidder with the dekynnis of the craft of 
 the said quartaris, quhilkis said pass this efternovne with the prouest and ane 
 venerable clerk, Maister Alex. Gallaway, persoun of Kynkell, to pass and 
 vesy the circumstance of the said toun, and devise quhar it mycht be maist 
 speidfull and esy to begyne to fowse and waw the said towne, and to de- 
 vise maisteris of wark bursouris, and quhar mony and furnesing mycht be 
 gottin to the same. Thir ar the namis of the merchandis ordanit to pas as 
 said is : in the ewin quartar, Jhone Collisoun, Androw Cullan, Thomas 
 Menzes, Patre Leslie, with Dauid Andersoun, bailzie ; in the cruikit quar- 
 tar, Duncan Collisoune, Alex. Rutherfurd, Jhone Arthour, and Robert 
 Cultis, with Duncane Mar, bailze ; in the Grene quarter, Jhone Ruthyr- 
 furd, Mathow Branche, Alex. Gray, and Georg Bissait, with Patrik For- 
 bes, oailze ; in the Futy quarter, Maister Androw Tulideff, Jhone Rattray, 
 Jhone Malisoun, and Thomas Waus, with Willeam Rolland, bailze of the 
 same. 
 
 And that efter novne the said personis, for the mast part, passit, vesyit, 
 and considerit the ourgangand boundis of the said toun, and thair efter con- 
 venit in the provestis, and all in ane voce, except Androw Cullan, thocht 
 expedient and uecessar to begyne incontinent to the wawing of the same, 
 and thocht expedient that the vicar of Nigg and Schir Willeame Couper 
 said be bursouris to ressaue and deliuer the mony to the effect forsaid, and 
 that Thomas Menzeis and Maister Androw Tulideff, with thair guid wil- 
 laris thay wald cheise to assist to thame, suld be maisteris of wark for thir 
 tua moneth of August and September nyxt to cum, with the awyse and 
 counsaill of the forsaid persoun of Kynkell, as principall directour and 
 grydar thairof. 
 
 23d July, 1529. 
 
 The said day, the provest, bailzeis, consaill, and communite, present for 
 the tyme, al in ane wouce, except thir personis, Patrick Leslie, Johne Blak,
 
 124 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 SM July, Thome Blak, Jhone Chamer, Johne Andersone, Richert Waus, Andro 
 Craufurd elder, Gilbert Hay, and Georg Crag, assentit and consentit 
 that thair comment seill suld be affixit to the band and procuratory diuisit 
 be the persone of Kinkell, for the wawing and fowsane of this towne, and 
 ratifeit and apprevit the procuratouris, masteris of wark, and thresaureris 
 schoschin to that effect, quhilkis accept and tak one thame the said office, 
 proviand all ways that the saidis procuratouris and masteris of wark haue 
 na powar to taxt the nychtbouris of the towne forthir thane thir plesour, to 
 the effect forsaid. 
 
 21th July, 1529. 
 
 It is statut alikwyse, that na maner of nychtbour, within this towne 
 duelland, berbery nor luge ony maner of strangear, of quhat degre or 
 faculte thai be, except thai cum to the prouest or bailze and ask and vptene 
 leif to luge the samyn. 
 
 And inlikwise if thai sail happin, ony maner of person, to be seik in this 
 gude tovne, that thai send incontinent and auertise the provest and balzeis 
 thairof, and that na maner of persone enter in this toune bot at the said 
 portis, quhilkis salbe stekit at nyne houris at ewin, and opynnit at four 
 houris in the mornyng during the symmer sesson ; and quha sa hapynnis 
 to be fundin in the calsay efter ix houris, that ar nocht to the vatchis of 
 honest conuersatioun, that thay be takin and put in prisone quhill on the 
 morne thay be deliuerit to the prouest and counsall. 
 
 And that all thir statutis aboue writtin be inviolably kepit, vnder the 
 pane of banesing of the tovne, and ane byrne jrne to be put vpone thair 
 chekis that brekis ony of the saidis statutis, na request to be heard in 
 the contrar. 
 
 And for the furthfilling and keping of thir statutis aboune wrytin, and 
 of this gude towne, because the baillies may nocht ourtak nor suffer the 
 haile labouris to be continuallye present, the toune hes ordanit that thair 
 be four habill wyse yong men in euery quarter, to help and suppley the 
 bailze of the sarnyn, and to haue siclik jurisdictioun in the bailzeis absens 
 as the said bailzeis has in this gude tovne, that is to say, in the ewin 
 quarter, Johne Hay, Johne Murray, Dauid Errot, and Alexr. Nicholsoun,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 125 
 
 and Valter Leslie ; in the crukit quarter, Alexr. Gray, Johne Collison 27th July, 
 younger, Gilbert Malyson, and Robert Wod ; in the Grene quarter, Johne 
 Rutherfurd, Richard Wause, Mathow Branche, and Andrew Durtye; 
 in Futty quarter, Johne Rattre, Duncane Mar, Alexr. Menzes, and 
 Johne Chalmer. 
 
 The said day, the hail towne, warnit be thair officiaris in speciall, and in 
 generall be thair hand bell, and convenit within the tolbouth of the same, for 
 the maist pairt consentit and grantit, all in ane woce, to affix thair comont 
 seill to the cotnmissioun afore writtin, and inlikwise to the procuratory 
 maid be thame for the wawing of thair towne ; and ordanis the keiparis of 
 the said seill to cause thar comont clerk seill the same, because thai thocht 
 the same for the commont weill. 
 
 And attour all the nychtbouris of the said burtht present, in ane awoce 
 consentit and grantit that every nichtbour within this toune duelling, suld 
 fyne a man to laubour at the fowsseis of this towne anys ilk xx ty dayis, 
 quhen they ar requirit be the officiars, and failzeand that thai send nocht 
 a sufficient man to the said labour, to pay viij d. for a seruandis fee, to 
 the quhilk thai oblegit thame of thar awne fre wil and deliueryt mynd. 
 
 October, 1529. 
 
 The said day, it is devisit and ordanit be the provest and counsaill, pre- 
 sent for the tyme, that Wm. Cuik, officiar, begyne this nycht at the nycht- 
 bouris quhar he left at the clangein of the locht, and warne ane of ilk house 
 of merchandis and craftismen duelland within this burght, that is to say 
 dalie, tua personis sufficient, that beis thocht sufficient and lauchtfull to the 
 bailzes, to pas dalie to the brig of De, and ramane thair continualie fray vj 
 houris in the morning quhill vj houris at ewin, during all the tym it hapnis 
 this contagius plaige and pestilance to ring, for keiping of this guid tovne 
 fra the samyn, and to lat nane our the said brig without testimoniall quhat 
 place thai come fra, and that the officiaris present the said personis dalie 
 one the nycht afor to the said bailzes, to consider quhidder thai be sufficient 
 or nocht, and sua proceden throcht all the said contrai, and all the lafe of 
 the said tone alse of as neid beis, and quha that be is warnit be the officiar 
 and sendis nocht ane sufficient man, and beis conuik thairof, the bailzeis to 
 fee ane man on his expensis, and alse to the bailzeis vnlaw vnforgevin. 
 
 R
 
 126 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 loth Dec., 10M December, 1529. 
 
 Curia balliuorum burgi de Abirden tenta in pretorio eiusdem decimo die 
 mensis Decembris anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo xxix per ho- 
 norabiles viros magistrum Andream Tulidef et Alexandrum Ruthyrfurd. 
 The said day, the haill tovne, varnit be the hand bell in general, and in 
 speciall be the officeris, to convein within the tolbuith of the sarayn for 
 sindry and diuerse accionis concerning the comound veill of the said burght, 
 and thai being conuenit, for the maist representand the haill body of the 
 tovne for the tyme, the bell man and officeris varningis being lauchtfullie 
 provin in iugment, the provest presant in iugment the copy of the obliga- 
 tioun and band, desirit be my Lord of Abirden of the haill tovne, for the 
 ouphaldin, mentening, and biging of new, gif neid beis, of the brig of Dee, 
 quhilk band was opinlie red in iugment at grit lynth, in presens of the haill 
 communite ; and efter diuerse and sindry consultationis at this time maid, and 
 at diuerse wthyr tymis afor, it was fundin and concludit be the haill commu- 
 nite, all in ane voce, being present for the tyme, circularlie and personalie 
 inquirit be Alexander Ruthyrfurd, bailze, that the said band vas ressonable, 
 and that tha vald bind thame and thair successouris for the ouphalding of 
 the said brig, conforme to the said band in all punctis : quhilk thai ordinit 
 to be seillit with thair comment seill, and subscriuit with the handis of the 
 maist part of the consaill, and oblegit thame and thair successouris to keip 
 the samyn one filit in all maner of tymis to cum. And atour the haill tovne 
 ordanit that thair suld be ane kyst, denit in the souerest sort, quhilk said 
 haue four lokis and four keyis, in the quhilk the mony and proffeit that 
 mycht be had of the landis of Ardlar, geuin to thame be ane reuerend father, 
 Gauane Bischop of Abirden, for the ouphald of the said brig, said be put 
 and kepit in all tymmis to cum, to be appliet to the ouphald of the samyn, 
 and to na wthir vse ; of the quhilk, the provest sail haue ane in keiping, 
 and the merchandis ane wthir, the maisteris of the kyrk wark the thrid, and 
 the deikynnis of craftis the ferd. And atour the haill tovne chesit Wm. Rol- 
 land, Dauid Andersoun, and Sir Alex. Scherar, vicar of Nigg, maisteris 
 to the said brigwark, and the guid man, Androw Cullan, to be bursour, to 
 ressaue the mony to be deliuerit be my Lord Abirden to thame for the finale 
 end of the samyn brigvark, and to outgif the samyn agane, conforme to the 
 saidis maisteris of warkis tikatis, as salbe thocht be thame expedient, with 
 powar to the said maisteris and bursour to gif ane acquittance one the sovrae 
 of thair ressat to my Lord Abirden or his factouris.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 127 
 
 And onlikwise, the provest, Andrew Cullan, Jhone Collisoun, bailzeis, and loth Dec., 
 counsaill, being present for the tyme, sueir in iugment the grit bodelie ayth, 
 the crucifixt being tuiching be thame, and ilk ane of thame, that thai suld 
 neuer intromit with the mony nor proffeit of the said landis of Ardlar, noy- 
 thir in all nor in part, nor yit apply the sarayn to na maner of uthir vse ex- 
 cept the reparing of the said brig, or to by land to be applyit to the biging 
 and ouphalding of the samyn. And the haill tovne statut and ordinit that 
 euery yeir, in the chesing of provest or bailzeis, that thai, and ilk ane of 
 thame that sail hapin to be chosin for that yeir, sail sweir inlikvise the grit 
 ayth, neuer to raell nor introraeit with the said mony but to the effect aboun 
 writin. 
 
 \lth December, 1529. 
 
 The said day, in the bailze court of the said burght, halden in the tol- 
 buith of the samyn, be the bailzeis aboun writin, in presence of ane part of 
 the counsaill and nychtbouris of the samyn burgh, comperit worschipfull 
 clerkis, Maister Robert Elphinstoun, parsone of Kyncardin, and Maister 
 Alexr. Galloway, parsone of Kynkell, in name and behalf of ane reuerend 
 father in God, Gawane bischop of Abirden, and exponit and schew opin- 
 lie, in plane court, how the said reuerend father, one his grit, exorbitant, 
 and sumptiuiss expensis, had bigit of new ane nobill and substantius brig, 
 dotit and finseit with all necessaris, our the watter and rywer of Dee, 
 rynnand one the sovth syd of the said burght, for the commond weill, and 
 specialie for the weill of the burgh of Abirden ; quhilk brig and noble wark, 
 completit and endit substantiuslie in all necessaris, for perpetualitie of the 
 samyn, he, with express consent and assent of his deyne and chaptour of 
 the cathedrall kyrk of Abirden, all in ane voce and consent, he had gewin 
 to the provest, bailzeis, counsall, and comunitie of Abirden, togidder with 
 the landis of Ardlar, with thair pertinente, Hand in the schire of Clat, 
 lordschip of Garreaucht, and shirefdome of Abirden, and infeft thame the 
 saidis provest, bailzeis, counsaill, and communite, and thair successouris, 
 in the samyn landis, with thair pertinente, be chartour and precept of 
 sesing, in dew forme, vnder his avtentick seill and subscriptioun manuall of 
 his hand, commound seill of his said chaptour, togidder with the subscrip- 
 tionis manualis of the maist part of the channownis of the said cathedrall 
 kyrk of Abirden, for the perpetuall mentening, reparing, mending, oup- 
 halding, and gif neid beis, biging of new of the said brig, als oft as it sail
 
 128 EXTKACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 17th Dec., hapin it to faill or decaid, in all or in part, in all tyrais to cum, sa lang 
 as tha or thair successouris, provest, bailzeis, counsaill, and communite, 
 peciablie bruikis the said landis of Ardlar, one recouerit and ouptenit fray 
 tham be the law ; to the quhilkis the saidis provest, bailyeis, counsaill, and 
 communite, had bundin and oblest tham and thair successouris, present 
 and to cum for the tyme, be ane attentik band and obligatioun, wnder 
 thair commond seill and subscriptionis of the maist partis of thair handis 
 for the tyme, togidder with the subscriptionis of diuerse famouse notaris 
 in the souerest forme. And thairefter, the said Maister Alexr. Galloway, 
 parsoun of Kynkell, deliuerit and our gaif the said brig frelie, with the 
 pertinente, to ane honorable man, Alexr. Ruthirfurd, ane of the bailzeis of 
 the said burght, sitand in iugment for the tyme, togidder with the attentik 
 chartour and precept of seising of the said landis of Ardlar, with thair 
 pertinente, seilit and subscriuit attentiklie, as is afor writin, and ressauit 
 be the handis of the said Alexr. Rurthirfurd the attentik band and obliga- 
 tioun of the said provest, bailzeis, counsaill, and communite, seillit and 
 subscriuit in dew forme, as said is, for the perpetuall mending, repairing, 
 ouphalding, and biging of new of the said brig, als oft as neid beis, as 
 said is. And thairefter, the saidis Maister Robert Elphinston and Alexr. 
 Galloway, in name and behalf of the said reuerend father, dene, and chap- 
 tour forsaid, oblegit thame, that gif the saidis chartour and precept of 
 sesing war nocht sufficientle maid and ditit at this tyme, to reforme and 
 mak of new the same, aye and quhill tha war fundin and considerit suffi- 
 cient be men of wisdome and vnderstariding ; and olikwise, the saidis pro- 
 vest, bailzeis, counsaill, and communite forsaid, oblegit tham and succes- 
 souris present and to cum, gif thair said band and obligatioun be nocht 
 sufficient, to reforme, mend, and mak of new the samyn, aye and quhill it 
 be considerit sufficient be men of law and vnderstanding, als oft as neid 
 beis. And forther, the saidis Maisteris Robert Elphinstoun and Alexr. 
 Galloway, oblegit tham, in name and behalf of the said reuerend father, 
 dene, and chaptour, to deliuer to the saidis provest, bailzeis, counsaill, and 
 communite, the haill process of the recognitioun of the saidis landis of 
 Ardlar, quhow tha war recognest fra wmquhil Androw Elphinstoun, &c., 
 togidder with all instrumentis maid to the said reuerend father or his pre- 
 decessouris of the said landis, and all wther euidentis and documentis con- 
 cerning the samyn landis, without ony langer delay.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 129 
 
 9th January, 1530. 9th January, 
 
 The said [day,] Sir William Ray, vmquhyle chaplane to our lady chappell 
 of the brig of Dee, deliuerit in augment to the bailzeis and counsaill ane 
 chaleis of siluer, ane ymage of siluer of our lady, baicht ouir guilt ; thre 
 naipkingis, ane broodin and tua quhyt ; ane altare towell, togidder with the 
 key of the offerand stok, to be kepit to the vtilite and proffite of the said 
 chappell. 
 
 12th Januury, 1530. 
 
 The said day, the provest and consaill ordinit thair thesaureris and 
 deinis of gild, to cause, big, and niak an goif againe on the towne sid, as 
 it was afor ; and als ordinit Maister Andro Tulidef to ansuer Sande 
 Tailzeour in all necessar thingis concerning thair knok and tolbuith ; and 
 ordinit the samyn to be alowit to tham be the auditouris of compt in thair 
 nixt compts. 
 
 Penult February, 1530. 
 
 James Cheyne, procuratour to the lard of Abirgeldie, requirit Dauid 
 Andersoun and Maister Androwe Tulydef, bailzeis, sittand in iugement, 
 to mak ane esy gait and passage betuix the brig of Dee and chapell of the 
 samyn, quhairthrow thai may eselye, without impediment, wyrk and law- 
 hour thair watteris, protestand alwayis quhat damnage or skaith thai sus- 
 tenit thairthrow suld cum on the toune and nocht on thame, and that in 
 name and behalf of his master, the tard of Abirgildy, quhilk send with him 
 seruand to that same effect. 
 
 13th March, 1530. 
 
 The said day, the haile toune, all in ane voce, chesit and ordanit Gilbert 
 Menzeis, prouest, and Androw Cullan, thair commissaris to pass to oure 
 souerane lordis parliament, to be begunin at Edinburgh the xxiijj day of 
 Aprile nixtocum, and ordanit ane sufficient commissioun to be maid to 
 thame vndir thair commoune seile. And attour ordanit and procuratory 
 to be maid, vndir the samyn seile, to Robert Leslye, burgess of Edinburgh, 
 and vthir tua or thre sicklik, salbe thocht expedient in the consall, con- 
 iunctlie and seueralie, with powar to substitut, to persewe the summondis 
 rasit on the lard of Abirgeldy and his complicis, for the hewing of the 
 bulwark of the brig of Dee, with cautioun to keipe stane and stabill, and
 
 130 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th Mrch, this to be extendit in the largest forme ; and ordanit the keparis of the 
 said seile to seile the forsaid comissionis. 
 
 16th March, 1530. 
 
 The said day, James Cheine exponit to the prouest and bailzeis that he 
 was insert in our souerane lordis lettres of summondis as assistar and pairt 
 takkar with the lard of Abirgelde, in the cutting of the bulwark of the brig 
 of Dee, maid for sawite of the cheppale of the samyn, offerand him reddy 
 in iugement to vndirlye ane assise of his nichtbouris, burgessis of this said 
 burgh, and to mak ane richt large mendis be the sycht of the counsall, gif 
 he had failit in ony poynt tharof. On the quhilk he tuke instrument at 
 Maister Dauid Nicholsoun, scribe of our court. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, counsall, and commonite, present for 
 the tyme, ordanit ane procuratory to be maid to Robert Leslye, with powar 
 to substitut and persew the lard of Abergelde and his complicis, for the 
 doune casting of thair bulwark, to be extendit in the largest forme, and 
 selit with thair secreit seile. 
 
 July, 1530. 
 
 The said day, the towne haile beand warnit be the officiaris of the samyn 
 to compeir within thair tolbuyth, for gude reule to be made to euade this 
 contagious pestilence rengand in the centre, and they, conuenit for the 
 For the maist part, statut and ordanit all in ane voce, as efter followis : in 
 the first, that ther be alanerlie thre portis kepit opyn in this gude tovne, 
 that is to say, the northest port of the Castelhill, the port of the Ower- 
 kirkgait, and the port of the Netherkirkgait, and that thair be put to euery 
 port twa honest, treu, hable men to watche the samyn on day licht, ilkane 
 abilzeit with jak and knapscall dense, aix or halbart, the quhilk sell stope 
 euery strangear quhill they haue leif of the provest and baillies ; and in- 
 lykwyse that thair salbe sex vther hable honest men to walk this gude 
 towne euerye nicht in all the partis of the samyn, that na strangearis nor 
 gangerallis cum within the samyn, and to quietlye auert quhair they heir 
 noyis of strangearis or seiknes, and to auert the prouest and bailzes thairof ; 
 and that euerye nychtbour within this tovne duelland byg his awin bak 
 dyk and cloise himself, and gif he faylzeis thairin, the baillies to cause it 
 to be done on his large expensis, and all other waistis and opynnis to be
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 131 
 
 closit on the townis expensis, and ordanis the master of wark to do the 27th July 
 samyn in continent, and the expensis to be allowit in his comptis. 
 
 29th July, 1530. 
 
 The said day, the counsall and communite of this gud tovn, present for 
 the tyme, coramandit and chargit the provest and baillies to graithe, clenge, 
 and mak reddy all the artailzery of this gude tovn, and lay the samyn to 
 the portis and vther places necessar, and that pulder, and al thingis ac- 
 cording thiarto, be furnist and -made reddy incontinent for the defence of 
 this gude town ; and gif it suld hapyn the Lord Forbes or his friendis to 
 cum to the said tovn, with conuocatioun of the kingis leigis in ony greit 
 nummyr vthyr thane thair dailye tryne, that the common bell be rung ther 
 incontinent, and all the nychtbouris conveine, and stope thame to haue 
 entress within this said burgh, except they leif their multitude, and cum 
 with thair daily tryne forsaid ; and quhat nychtbour that beis fundin absent 
 efter it cum to thar knowlege the ringing of the commont bell, all excuse 
 . by put, except cruell and notabill infirmite, to be pvnist conforme to the 
 statute maid thairupon abefor. 
 
 The town has ordinit this commissioun to be maid to Thomas Menzes, 
 selit with the commone seile, of the quhilk the tenour followis heirefter : 
 Be it kend till all men be thir present letteris, wss, prouest, bailies, 
 counsell, and commonitie of Abirdene, to haue maid, constitut, and or- 
 danit, and, be the tenour of thir present letteris, makis, constitutis, and or- 
 danis, ane richt honorabill man, and our weile belovit nychtbour, Thomas 
 Menzes of Petfoddelis, our werray lauchtful and vndoutit commissar, actor, 
 and procurator, with power to substitute ane or maa hawand siclike power 
 as himself, gewand, grantand, and committand to our said commissar and 
 his substitute our full, fre and plane power for wss, and in our name to pass 
 to the preseus of our souerane lord the kingis grace, to his lordis of coun- 
 sel), and to all vtheris to quhom they sail think expedient, quhatsumeuer 
 day and place, and thair to complene and regrait the cruell oppressioun, 
 thocht felloun and slauchter, committit on diuerse and sindry nichtbouris 
 of this gude toun, be Alexr. Forbes of Burghis and his complicis, the 
 penult day of Julij, the yeir of God ane thousand five hundreth and xxx 
 yeiris, and to persew justice of the samyn in the charpest forme ; to delait 
 and agrege the said mater in the charpast inaner ; to produce abefor our
 
 132 EXTRACTS FKOM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 29th July, soueran lord forsaid and lordis of consall the act of jornall quhair Johne 
 Lord Forbess was actit for his kin and friends, gif ony of thame suld happyn 
 to commit ony offence aganis this gude tovn, or ony nichtbours of the 
 samyn, that he suld deliuer the committar thairof to the provest and baillies, 
 vnder the pane of twa thousand pundis, and to persew justice thairof in 
 the charpest maner, and generalie and sindry vthir thingis to do, exerce, 
 and wse that we mycht do and we wer present in propir persoun, haldand, 
 and for to hald, ferme, and stable all and quhatsuraever thing our said 
 commissar or his substitute, ane or maa, coniunctlie and seueralie, in the 
 premisses ledis to be done. In witness of the quhilk to this our com- 
 missioun, subscriuit with the handis of our provest, counsell, and ane greit 
 part of our communite, we haue appensit our commone sele, at Aberdene, 
 the last day of Julij, the yeir of God ane thousand fiwe hundreth and xxx 
 yeris. 
 
 llth August, 1530. 
 
 The said day, Audrow Cullan, vmquhill provest of Aberdene, dissasentit 
 that thar suld be ony of the tovnis takkis formalit for the defens of the sum- 
 mondis now cumin on the toune, be the Lord Forbes, the laird of Brukkis, 
 and thair friendis, offerand him reddy to pay his part of ony resonable con- 
 tributioun to the defense of the samyn, protestand what was done atour 
 suld turne him to na pregiteise. 
 
 12th August, 1530. 
 
 Be it kend till all men, be thir present letteris, wss, prouest, bailies, coun- 
 sal, and commonitie of the burgh of Aberdene, specialie and generalie warnit 
 be the officiaris and the hand bell of the said burgh, and gaderit within the 
 tolbuitht of the samyn, the commone weil of the said burgh be wss hard, 
 seen, considerit, and vnderstand, in the defense of this gude tovne and 
 nychtbouris of the samyn, cruelly inuactit at thair awin housis be Alex. 
 Forbess of Brukkis, and the maist part of suyrname of Forbess, inuading 
 the nichtbouris within the said burgh for thair cruell slauchter at thair awin 
 housis, and atour .... wrang sinister informatioun hes impetrat 
 letteris to call the provest, baillies, and ane greit part of nychtbouris of the 
 said samyn burgh to vnderly our souerane lordis lawis in Linlithgow, the 
 xvij day of August instant, for slauchter and mutilatioun maid on thame, 
 as thai allege, for thir causes and diuerse vtheris conserning the commone
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABERDEEN. 133 
 
 weile, your vniuersiteis sail, wit wss provest, baillies, counsall, and commo- 12th August, 
 nite forsaid, representand the haill tovne for the tyme, to haue maid, consti- 
 tut, and ordanit richt honorabill men, and our trew nichtbouris, Thomas 
 Menzes of Petfoddalis, Maister Androw Tulydef of Ranystoun, Alex. 
 Ruthirfurd, and Henry Irwin, thre of our baillies for this instant yeir, and 
 Duncane of Mar, burgess of the samyn, our uerray lauchtful and vndoutit 
 commissaris, geuand, grantand, and committand to thame, and to the maist 
 part of thame, our full, fre, and plaine power to set and formaile our takkis, 
 baith of watteris and landis, and in speciale ane half net of the myd chingill 
 of Done, now in the handis of Jhone Blak, to quhatsumeuer burgess and 
 actuel induellar oure said burgh, one or maa, for the termes of xix yeris, or 
 within, at the vigill of Sanct Androw immediat folloving the dait heirof, 
 and that for the vptaking and inbringing of the sovme of twa hundreth 
 pundis vsuale money of this realme, deuisit and ordanit to the furnising of 
 the commissaris to pass to Linlithgow to defend and persew the truble and 
 oppressions forsaid haldand, and for to hald ferme and stabile all and quhat- 
 sumeuer thingis our saidis commissaris, or the maist pairt of tharne, in thir 
 premisses bedis lauchtfullie to be done. In witnes of the quhilk to this oure 
 commissioun we haue ordanit oure commone sele to be appensit, day and 
 place abefor exprimit, befor thir witnesis, Maister James Menzes, persoun 
 of Dunnat, Maister Robert Menzeis, and Maister Dauid Nicholsoun, no- 
 taris publik ; providing all wayis that our said commissaris provyd and find 
 the esyast way the said sovme of money may be had with leist skaith and 
 damnage to the said burgh, on the quhilk thay haue maid faitht in iugement 
 in oure presens. The commissaris aboue writtin has set to Robert Blak, 
 and to Johne Blak his fader, the halfnit of Done, quhilk the said Johne hes 
 in assedatioun for the sovme of six scoir pundis, and to Johne Babner ane 
 halfnet on the mydschingkill, for the sovrae of four scoir pvndis ; the entress 
 of Robert and John Blak at the wigill of Sanct Androw, and sownar gif it 
 sail happyn any halfnet on mydschingkill to wayk, and that for the termes 
 of xix yeris immediat following the dait of thair entress. 
 
 29th August, 1530. 
 
 The said day, Johne Senzour, accusit for the breking of commond ordi- 
 nance and disobeying of the officiaris, as he that was warnit to the watche 
 and keping of the tovne the xxviij day of this moneth instant, ansuerit, the 
 actioun was greit, and desyrit ane lauchtfull day to ansuer to the samyn, 
 
 s
 
 134 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 :#th August, protestand quhat the bailzeis did procedand forthir in that mater suld turne 
 him to na preuigiteis. 
 
 The baillies chargit Thomas Blair, official*, to requyr and charge Johne 
 Senzour, be his wand of office of our souerane lord the kingis name, provest, 
 and bailzeis of this guid towne, to answeir for the breking of commond or- 
 dinance, because thay fand it suld haue nay day, and the pvnitioun of the 
 samyn belangit to the commond weile of this guid tovne, in preseruing of 
 the samyn fra plage of pestilence and fra the townis enymeis, quhilkis ar 
 the kingis rebellis at the present tyme ; and the said Johne being requerit 
 anis, twise, thrise be the said officiar to deny or grant the said crime, and 
 twichit be the said officiaris wand of office anis, twise, thrise, and peremp- 
 torily he wald noyther grant nor deny, the bailzeis chargit the said officiar 
 to brek his wand in iugement on the said Johne, in taiknyng of his inobej- 
 dience and hye contemptioun of our souerane lordis auctoritie, quhilk he 
 did in presens of the haile court. 
 
 And inlikwise Alex. Rutherfurd, bailzie, complenzeit in iugment that he 
 was disobeyit, strublit, and mispersonit in the executioun of his office in 
 iugement, of the quhilk the said Johne was accusit, quhilk ansuerit he wald 
 noythir deny nor grant the said strublance, because he allegit that baith the 
 bailzeis forsaid, and the haile court present for the tyme, had put wiolent 
 handis on him, and strublit him hewalye, quharfor thay mycht nocht be nay 
 competand iugis ; and Alex. Menzeis, bailze, allegand that bot wordis of 
 na verite, requerit Walter Sawany, officiar, to charge the said Johne be his 
 wand of office aniss, tuise, thrise, and peremptourlye in our souerane lord 
 the kingis name, provest, and bailzies of this guid tovne, to ansuer for the 
 recent strublance, myspersonyng, and dissobeyng of the said Alex. Ruther- 
 furd, bailzie, in the executioun of his office and in iugement, quhilk he re- 
 fusit, and said he wald byd at his protestatioun ; quharfor the said bailzie 
 commandit and chargit the said officiar to brek his wand of office in iuge- 
 ment on the said Johne, in taiknyng of inobediense and hye contemptioun. 
 And atour Alex. Ruthirfurd requirit the said Johne, in iugement, gif he was 
 plentouse on him that he had offendit him in word or deid, by the ordour of 
 justyce, oflPerand him thair reddy to vnderly the law, and the said Johne 
 ansuerit he wald nocht complene at that tyrae, bot protestit for remeid of 
 law quhen tyme and place requirit ; quharfor the bailzeis ordanit the said
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABEKDEEN. 135 
 
 Johne to be put in the stokkis, and kepit fast in the kingis waird vnto the 29th August. 
 tyme thai war awysit quhat punitioun said be put to the said crymes. 
 
 6th September, 1530. 
 
 Robertus bartonus de Ouirbartoune justiciarius et thesaurarius supremi 
 domini nostri regis vniuersis et singulis ad quorum noticias presentes 
 literae peruenerint salutem noueritis quod comparentes coram nobis in 
 curia justiciarie supremi domini nostri regis tenta et inchoata apud burgum 
 de Linlithgow die Mercurii decimo septimo die mensis Augusti anno 
 Domini m quingentesimo trigesimo Gilbertus Menzes prepositus de 
 Abirdene Thomas Menzes Alexander Menzes Andreas Menzes Dauid 
 Menzes filii dicti Gilbert! Menzes Georgeus Leslie Johannes Cunning- 
 ahame Alexr. Birse Alexr. Nicholsoun Johannes Wod Dauid Harot 
 junior Alexander Menzes frater dicti Gilberti Menzes Wilhelmus Walcar 
 Johannes Andersoun Jacobus Andersoun filius Dauidis Andersouii Alexr. 
 Andersoun frater dicti Dauidis Andersoun Georgius Bissat Robertus 
 Edindiaucht Johannes Vobstor alias Jamesoun Johannes Crystesoun 
 Thomas Huntar Dauid Andersoun Willelmus Kemp et Alexr. Bisset 
 indictati et per rotulos regios calumpnati de arte et parte conuocationis 
 ligeorum supremi domini nostri regis ad numerum quingentarum per- 
 sonarum ex precogitata felonia venientes super Alexandrum Forbes filium 
 et heredem apparentem domini de Brux die sabbato penultimo die mensis 
 lulii vltimo elapsi in villam de Abirdeine vbi dictus Alexander Forbes 
 solus cum quinque personis existabat et cum fugando ad locum fratrurn 
 et ibidem ipsum per spatium xxiiij horarum obsidiendo Item de arte et 
 parte crudelis interfectionis quondam Willelmi Muyr seruitoris dicti Alex- 
 andri Item de arte et parte demembrationis Willelmi Forbes sui brachii 
 Item de arte et parte demembrationis et mutilationis dicti Alexandri 
 Forbes sui digiti Item de arte et parte demembrationis et mutilationis 
 Willelmi Forbess suorum duorum digitorum tempore supradicto ex pre- 
 rognitata felonia commissarum Item de arte et parte rapine equorum 
 dicti Alexandri Forbes eodem tempore Quasquidem calumpnas prefate 
 persone in facie iudicii omnino denegarunt et per condignam assisara 
 quieti facti fuerunt penitus et irnunes Et hoc omnibus quorum interest 
 notesceamus per presentes In c*uius rei testimonium sigillum officii jus- 
 ticiarie supremi domini nostri regis presentibus est appensum anno mense 
 die et loco supradictus
 
 136 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 i 
 
 6th Sept, The said day, Faukland Harrot commandit and chargit, in our souerane 
 lord the kingis name and auctorite, and be the vertew of his gracis letteris 
 directit to him thairupoun, all and sindry nichtbouris and fremen induelling 
 this gude tovne, to obserue and keepe all and sindry statutis and ordi- 
 nances maid be the prouest and counsall, and with consent of the said 
 nichtbouris, for the wetching and keping of this gude tovne baitht be nicht 
 and day, fray this contagious pestilence, and fra all vther inconvenientis 
 for the resetting and lugeing of strangearis, but lycence of prouest or 
 bailzeis ; and that euery nychtbour, baitht merchand and craftisman, haue 
 within thair buthis thair vapynnis, reddy for the defens of thair personis 
 and of this gude tovne, vnder the panis contenit in the saidis statutis, certifie- 
 ing them that it is the kingis grace will that thai be put to cherpe executioun. 
 
 The said day, the haile tovne present for the tyme, all in ane voce dis- 
 assentit that thar be ony pensioun in tyme cummand gevin to the Lord 
 Forbess, or till ony vtheris for the keping of thair vatteris, becauss thai 
 ar informit that thai that suld be keparis of the samyn, are principale de- 
 stroyars and feschars of thame in vndew tyme ; protestand solemptlie, that 
 gif ony sic pensioun be takin in tyme cuming, that it be haldin as reif and 
 blak mail, and for remeide of law, quhen tyme and place may be fundin 
 oportune. 
 
 9tk September, 1530. 
 
 The said day, ane worschipfull clerk, Sir Andro Scherar, vicar of Nig, 
 exponit the prowest and bailleis in iugement, how that he had the kirk of 
 Birss in tak of the chancelleir of Abirdene, and that Johne Rutherfurd 
 had intromettit with the fruits of the samyn, and that for payment of the 
 saidis frutis he had assignit to him the gudis send in Flanderis be the said 
 Johne, extending to the sovme of fourty pundis greit Flanderis money, and 
 in likwiss he had assignit and deliuerit to him the gudis, now being in the 
 greit busche of Abirdene, for the sovme of thre scoir of crovnis of the 
 same, to be payit Johne Meldrum in Deipe, on the behalf of the said vicar ; 
 protestand solempnitly, that gif ony man trublis the saidis gudis, quhair- 
 throucht he gettis nocht thankfull payment of the summes forsaid, that he 
 ma haue xvi s. for euerie frank, and x crovnis for euery pvndis greit, on 
 thame that makis stopt or impediment to the saidis gudis, other in France 
 or Flanderis.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 137 
 
 14th November, 1530. 14th Nov.. 
 
 The said day, Johne Andersoun was convickit in ane lacht of vj scillingis 1530> 
 iiij d. to be doublit, because he was found in the vedding kirk dur with his 
 bonat on his heid, quhilk was hallowit place and kirk, eftir the decernyng of 
 the balzeis and the haile courte. 
 
 November, 1530. 
 
 The said day, Dauid Anderson, bailze, requirit the counsall and maist 
 pairt of the communite of Abirdene, being conuenit within the tolbuitht 
 of the samyn, gif thai war content that thar suld be ane wryting maid and 
 send to thair provest, Gilbert Menzeis, exhortand him to proceid and solist 
 the band deuisit be the kingis grace for thair securite betuix tharae and 
 my Lord Forbes, to be had on the tovnis expenss. To the quhilk thai 
 assentit, and ordanit it to be subscrivit in Maister Dauid Nicholsouns hand, 
 clerk of thair court, and thair commone seile to [be] affixit to the samyn ; 
 on the quhilk Dauid Andersoun, bailze forsaide, tuik note and instrument 
 in the hands of the said Maister Dauid, present for the tyme. 
 
 19th December, 1530. 
 
 James, be grace of God king of Scottis, to our schiref of Abirdenie, and 
 his deputis, and to our louittis falkland pursewant [ 
 
 messingeris, our schirreffis in that part, coniunctlye and seueralye, specialye 
 constitut, greting : Forsamekill as it is humelie menit and complenit be 
 our louittis, the provest, bailzeis, counsall, and communitie of our burgh of 
 Abirdeine, vpone the personis vnder wrytin, quhilkis, with thair complices, 
 daylie inuadis, boistis, and persewis thame, thair freindis, and seruandis, 
 for thair bodely harme and slauchter, to thair greit apperand skaitht, in 
 contemptioun of our auctorite and lawis, and aganis justice ; gif sa be, our 
 will is heirfor, and we charge yow straitlie and commandis, that incontinent 
 thir our letteris seine, ye pass and tak sicker souertie and lauborrowis 
 of the saidis personis and thair complicis, samony as the saidis provest, 
 bailzeis, counsall, and commonite, thair freindis and seruandis, will mak 
 faitht to yow that thai dreid bodely harme, and gevis thair names to yow 
 in bill, that thai salbe harmeless and skaithless of thame, and {ill that thai 
 may lett in tyme cuming, but fraude or gyle, hot as law will ; that is to say, 
 of Johne Forbess of Petslegow, for him, his sonnis, and all that he or thai
 
 138 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 19th Dec., may lett, vnder the pane of ij m pvndis ; of Wm. Forbes of Toquhone, for 
 him, his sone, freindis, and all that he or thai may lett, ij lib. ; of William 
 Forbes of Corssinday, for him, his sonnis, and all that he or thai ma lett, 
 j lib. ; of Alexander Forbess of Brux, ij m markis ; of Alexr. Forbes of 
 Towes, j m markis ; of Maister John Forbes, portioner of Barness, j m 
 markis ; of William Forbes, his bruthir, v c markis ; of Duncane Forbes, 
 v markis ; of the remnant of ilkane of his brethir, ij c markis ; of the lard 
 of Echt, v c lib., for him self and all that he may lett ; of Henry Forbes of 
 Kinellar, v c markis, for him self, his sone, and all that thai may latt; of James 
 Forbes of Auchintoile, v c markis ; of Ewill Wille Forbess, his bruthyr, 
 ij c markis ; of Johne Forbess of Tuligony, v c markis ; of Malcome Forbess, 
 for him self, his sonnis, and all that he may latt, v c markis ; of Duncane 
 Forbess of Quyltis, iiij c markis ; of Maister William Forbes in Abirdeine, 
 iij c markis ; of Patrik Forbes thair, iij c markis ; of George Forbes, his 
 brothir, ij c markis ; of James Forbes, at the brig of Balgony, ij c markis > 
 of Andrew Forbes, his brothir, j c markis ; of Johne Strathachin, sone and 
 apperand air to Thomas Straquhen of Lenturk, v c lib. ; of ilkane of his 
 fader brethir, iij c markis ; of James Caldell, portioner of Achintovle, 
 v* markis ; of Thomas Dauidsoun of Auchinhamperis, v c lib. ; of the 
 laird of Portarstoun, iij c markis ; of Alexr. Forbes, in Abirdeine, j c lib. ; of 
 Duncane Forbes, iij c markis ; of Donald Makky, Johne Caldaile, Niniane 
 Forbes, Johne Forbes, his brothir, ilkane of thame ij c markis ; of Dauid 
 Dauidsoun, iij c markis ; of Alexr. Forbes, in Strathdee, iij c markis ; of 
 ilkane of his sonnis, ij c markis ; of Wm. Forbes, ij c markis ; and of thair 
 complices, ilk gentilman landit ij c lib., ilk gentilman vnlandit ij c markis, 
 and ilk yemen j c markis. And at ye charge the saidis personis and thair 
 complices personalye, gif thai can be apprehendit, and failyeing thairof 
 be opin proclamatioun at the mercat croce of our said burght of our schire 
 quhair thai duell, to cum and find the said souerte and lawborrowis to yow, 
 in maner forsaid, within sax dais nixt efter thai be chargit be yow thairto, 
 vnder the pane of rebellioun and putting of thame to our home ; the quhilkis 
 sex dais being bipast, and the said souerte and lawborrowis nocht fundin, 
 that ye incontinent thaireftyr denunce thame our rebellis, and put thame 
 to our home, and eschaiet and inbring all thair movabill gudis to our wse, 
 for thair contemptioun, as ye will ansuer to wss thairwpoun ; the quhilk 
 to do we committ to yow, coniuntlie and seueralye, our full powar, be thir
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 139 
 
 our letteris, deliuering thame, be you dewlie execut and indorsat, agane to 19th Dec. 
 the berar. Gevin vnder our signet, at Pertht, the xiij day of December, 
 and of our regne the xviij yeir. 
 
 Ex deliberatione dominorum consilii. 
 
 Memorandum, the xxii day of this instant monetht, the principale of thir 
 letteris aboue wrytin war put in the commone kist of the tolbutht of Abir- 
 deine, at command of the consall of the samyn. 
 
 At Perth, the xij day of December, the yeir of God j m v c xxx yeiris, in 
 presens of the lordis of counsall vndirwrytin : that is to say, ane maist re- 
 uerend and reuerend faderis in God, Gawane Archbischope of Glasgow, 
 chancellar, George Bischop of Dunkeld, Gavin Bischope of Abirdine, 
 Alex. Bischope of Murray, Andrew Bischope of Caithness ; venerabill 
 faderis in God, Robert Abbot of Kinloss, Johne Prior of Pettniveime ; 
 nobill lordis, Johne Lord Erskin, Patrik Lord Gray* Henry Lord Meth- 
 wen ; Maister Richard Bothuill, Channovn of Glasgow ; comperit Johne 
 Lord Forbes, and gaif in his band, subscrivit with his hand, and desyrit the 
 sainyn to be put in the bukis of counsall, and to haue the strenth of ane 
 decreit of the saidis lordis ; the quhilk desyr the lordis thocht resonabill, 
 and thairfor ordanis the samyn to be registrat in the saidis bukis, and to 
 haue effect of thair act and decreit in tyme to cum, and letteris to be direct 
 to command, and charge, compel, and distrenze the said lord for the fulfil- 
 ling of the samyn in forme as efferis ; of the quhilk the tenour followis : I 
 Johne Lord Forbes, be the tenour heirof, becummiss souerte and lawborgh 
 for myself, Johne Maister of Forbes, my sone, and the remanent of my 
 sonnis, that Gilbert Menzeis, provest of Abirdeine, Alexander Fraser of 
 Philorth, Thomas Menzeis, Androw Menzeis, and all vther the said Gil- 
 bertis sonnis, Wm. Lyonn, and the bailzeis, counsall, and cornmunite of the 
 burgh of Abirdeine, salbe harmeless and skaithless of me, and my saidis 
 sonnis, and our seruandis, and all that we ma latt in tyme cuming, hot 
 fraude or gyle, hot as law will, vnder the pane of fuve thousand pundis, to 
 be pait be me to the kingis grace and his successouris, in caise I, my saidis 
 sonnis, or our seruandis, or ony that we ma latt, happin to brek the said 
 lawborrowiss in tyme to cum ; and to the obseruing and fulfilling heirof 
 lelelye and trewlye in maner forsaid, I bynd and obleisse me faithfullye, my 
 airis, executouris, and assignais, to our souerane lord and his successoris, in
 
 140 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 19th Dec., the maist strait forme and sickar style of obligatioun that can be deuisit, 
 but fraude or gyle ; and for raair securite, I am contint that this my obliga- 
 tioun be registrat and insert in the bukis of counsall, and to haue the strentht 
 of ane dicreit of the lordis of counsall. In vitniss of the quhilk thing I 
 haue subscriuit this my obligatioun with my hand, in presens of the saidis 
 lordis, at the burgh of Pertht, the xij day of December, in the yeir of God 
 jm v c xxx y er i 8 ; a nd gif the remanent of the saidis lordis freindis findis 
 sufficient sourte and lawborrowiss conforme to the deliuerance of the lordis 
 of counsall now gevin in that behalf, the lordis dischargis the souerteis tane 
 of thame obbefoir, and ordanis the last souerte to haif effect as said is. Ex- 
 tractum de libro actorum per me Gavinum episcopum Abirdonensem cleri- 
 cum rotulorum registre ac consilii supremi domini nostri regis sub meis 
 signo et subscriptione manualibus. 
 
 Memorandum, the xxij day of December, this letteris of band war put 
 in the commone kist of the tolbutht of Abirdene, at the command of the 
 consall of the samyn. 
 
 16th April, 1531. 
 
 The said day, Sandris Gray opponit iugement to the prouist and bailzeis 
 how he and Sandris Knolls was chosen be thame lords of Bonacord, to do 
 plesour and blythnes to the toune in this sessoun of symmir incumming, 
 offerand alwais reddy to the samyn effect, for his part, to do all plesour to 
 the toune efter his guidlye powar, thai findand ane marrow sufficient furth 
 filland his part in the samyn effect ; protestand alwais, gif thai did nocht, 
 that he wald nocht except the said office on him, nor na part tharof, for this 
 instant year, on the quhilk he tuke note and instrument. 
 
 The prouest exponit to the communite, present for the tyme, how he 
 had the kings grace letteres under his signet, impetrat be thair awiss, 
 chargand the neichbours of this burgh, that nane of thame suld refuss what- 
 someuer office of honor thai happin to be chosin to the said communite, 
 under the panis of tinsall of all and sindry thair takkis, and roums they had 
 on the samyn ; and inlikwiss how the prouest and counsall had chosen 
 Alexr. Gray and Alexander Knollis to be lords of Bonacord for this instant 
 year, quhilks has been an office of honor this tymes bygane, and inquirit 
 at the coramunite gif they thocht expedient that gin ony of the saids
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 141 
 
 parteis refusit the said office, that our soureigns lords lettres suld be execut 16th April, 
 on thame in the charpest maner, quhilk the said counsall and commonitie 
 thocht expedient to be done. 
 
 The said day, Sandris Knollis exponit to the baillies and comonite, pre- 
 sent for the tyme, how that he was chosin by the prouest, counsall, and 
 pairt of the commonitie, as thai allegit, to be ane of the lords of Bonacord 
 for this instant zear, to the quhilk office he was not able, as he allegit, for 
 diuerse caussis ; ane, because he was not present at the said election ; ane 
 other, because thair were mony others mair abil for sic office in the toune, 
 and had greater proffite therof ; thridly, because he had the kings lettres 
 dischargand him of all sic thingis ; nocht the less, he was yet redy to except 
 the said office, gif the toun wald gif him the auld fee quhilk thai had wont 
 to pay for the samyn, and other wiss nocht, protestand quhat beis done be 
 the toune heirintill turn him to na progiteis. 
 
 llth May, 1531. 
 Decimo septimo die mensis Maij anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo 
 
 tricesimo primo. 
 
 Be it kend till all men, be thir present lettres, wss, provest, bailzeis, 
 counsaile, and commonite of Abirdene, to haue gevin, grantit, and assignit, 
 and be the tennour of thir present lettres gevis, grauntis, and assignis to 
 oure louit familiar seruitour, Alexander Monypeny, masoun, fiwe merkis 
 vsual money of Scotland of yeirlye pensioun for all the dais of the said 
 Alexanderis lyf, to be pait to him at tua vsuale termes in the yeir, Wit- 
 sonday and Mertymes, in vinter, be ewinlie portionis, togidder with all and 
 sindry commone warkis of this toune pertening to the said Alexanderis 
 craft, he completand and doing the samyn alsweile and alsgude schaipe as 
 ony vthir craftis men in the toune. And inlikuise, gif it sail happin ws 
 to gif ony fee for the lufting and raising of the paithment of our kirk, we 
 sail offir the samyn to the said Alexander afore ony vther. For the 
 quhilkis the said Alexander sail daylye intend and aduert to oure brig of 
 Dee bulwarkis and chappell of the samyn, and sail reforme all small faltis 
 that sail happin in the said varkis ; and gif thai be faltis that may be endit 
 with less nor tva dais labour, he sail labour and mend the samyn on his 
 awin expensis, how oft that thai sal happin in the saidis warkis ; and gif 
 
 T
 
 142 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 17th May, thair hapynnis ony gretar faltis in the said warkis, quhilkis may nocht be 
 endit with less than tua haile dais labour or aboue, than the said Alexander 
 sail aduert oure raaisteris of brigvark and ws of the saidis faltis, and sail 
 mend the samyn on oure expensis. And atour we sail labour at all hawand 
 entres to get an house and yard to the said Alexander to remane daylye 
 and duell alse ewise to the said brig wark as may be gudlye found, the said 
 Alexander payand yeirlie the maile thairof ; and the said Alexander sail 
 nocht depart nor pass away fra the said wark at anay tyme, without 
 speciale lycence [askit] and vptenit of ws or oure maisteris of brig wark for 
 the tyme, quhatsumeuir. And gif it sal happin him to faile in daylie at- 
 tendance, auertence, correking, or mending of the said wark quhen neid 
 sail happin, then this oure band to be of na strenth, force, nor effect, the 
 said Alexander being thrise convickit for the said inaduertence and non 
 reparing of the saidis faltis. And to the obseruing and keping of all thir 
 premisses the said Alexander is oblegit be the faith in his body, and we 
 siclick to him. And for the mair securite, we haue causit our secreit [seil] 
 to be affixit to thir presentis, at Abirdene, the xvij day of Aprile, the yeir 
 of God j m v 6 and xxxi yens. 
 
 4th August, 1531. 
 
 The said day, it was deuisit be the prouest and counsaile present for the 
 tyme, that thair maisteris of warke suld gar amend the prame of the brig, 
 and gif hir in keping to sum traist hand, and lat hir and the prouestis greit 
 keile to fraucht to the losing and laidnyng of schippis, and to the hame 
 bringing of elding, and the proffite to be equalie deuidit betuix thame, hir 
 part cummand to the tovnis vtilitie. 
 
 \3th October, 1531. 
 Anent the reuill of the kirk to be had in tyme to cum, it is statut and 
 
 ordinit, and for act perpetuall ratifeit and approuit, as efter followis : 
 Item, in the fyrst, anent the curat, quhar he trow neglegence in tyme of 
 mariage causis nocht the personis being mareit to gif part of deuocioun to 
 thair patroun Sanct Nicholass, as vse vas euer bigane, quhilk cumis nocht 
 in yeir last by past hot iij s., quhar it had wont be mair than xx or xxx s. 
 And it was that the sobirest person that beis mareit pay iiij d. ; craftismen 
 that beis baddin, viij d., or ony wthir persoun that hes to pay ; all wther
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 143 
 
 men of guid at thair awin discretioun ; and quhat personis that beis mareit 13th October, 
 be the curat, or his deputis, that he sail ansuer to the maister of wark 
 thairfor, because the auld livable consuetud suld be ouphalding. 
 
 Secundlie, anent the segstar, that he nor his deputis oppin nor raise 
 nocht na pathtment for na liaris within the kirk, of thame that suld com- 
 pone for thair layer, without licence of the maisteris of vark, vnder the 
 pane of paying of the layre him self, and that the pathtment that tha raise 
 be laid as weill agane as tha fund it. 
 
 Alsuay that the segstar raise na paithment to na lyaris, of thame that hes 
 festhment in the kirk, without licence of the maisteris of vark, vnder this pane? 
 that is to say, to raise the paithment and lay it agane als weill tha fund it. 
 
 Alsuay, anent keiping of the kirk zard fra horse, ky, kuaffis, scheip, and 
 swyne, and all wther beistis, the kirk dikis and stilis being sufficient that 
 the beistis cane nocht haue entress, hot input be folkis other nycht or day. 
 That the segstar or his deputis sail tak thame incontinent efter thai cum in 
 the kirk zard, and put thame in a sicker houiss. And to tak of ilk horse or 
 kow, or siclik beist, iiij d. for the first fait, and ilk sow or grice, iiij d. ; all 
 kynd of scheip, cawis, or wther siclik bestis, for the first fait, ij d. And 
 the secund tyme that thai be fundin thar to pay ilk best dobble, and the 
 thrid time siclik. And the segstar and his seruand to ansuer for the keip- 
 ing of the kirk zard to the maisteris of kirk vark, and for his labour he sail 
 ressaue the panis forsaid to his awin proffeit. 
 
 January^ 1532. 
 
 Item, the hale tovnn being conuenit as said is, all in ane voce, dischargit 
 all thair singaris in thair queir, that hes feis of thame and thair common d 
 guid, fray the purificacioun of our lady, callit Candilmess, nixt cumis, and of 
 all proffetis tha haue of thame, for thair demeritis bigane done to God and 
 tham, during the tovnis will, except Sir Andro Coupar, that is an agit 
 man, and hes bene ane aid seruand to the tovnn, on the quhilkis the provest 
 tuik instrument. 
 
 The said day, the haile towne being conuenit and gaderit within the tol-
 
 144 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th January, hutht, in thair held court, considering the truble and ueris that is able now 
 to cum be our auld enneraeis of Ingland, for the defence of the guyd tovne 
 and commond veill of the same, all in ane voce, na raaner of persoun oppin- 
 and nor saying in the contrar, chesit thir personis vnderwritin : that is to 
 say, Jhonne Leslie of Vardris, Andro Cullan, Thomas Menzeis, Johnne 
 Collisoun elder, Maister Andrew Tulidef, Dauid Andersoun, Patre Leslie, 
 Willeam Broun, Alex. Knollis, and Alex. Gray, with Gilbert Menzeis, 
 provest, and Henry Irvein, Alex. Rutherfurd, Andrew Menzeis, and Alex. 
 Menzeis, bailzeis for the tyme, to provyd all necessar defences for the veill 
 and defence of the tovnn, and to big ane bustailze, as thai think maist expe- 
 dient ; and to serse and vesy the townis artailzery, and se quhar tha ar 
 quha intrometit with tham, or ony part therof, and quhais handis thai ar in, 
 and to collect tham togidder, and to cause, clenge, and graith thame, and 
 mak tham redy quhen euer the tovnn hes ado ; and to se quhar the tovnis 
 povder is, quhayis handis it is in, and gif thair be nocht aneocht to furneise 
 the tovnn, to provid and by mair on the tovnis expensis, for the commond 
 veill of the same. 
 
 llth January, 1532. 
 
 The said day, the counsale, in name of the haile toun, ordanit and com- 
 mandit Maister Androw Tulidef, Dauid Andersoun, and Sandris Knollis, 
 to pas and se quhar thair artailzerie is, quhais handis it is in, and consider 
 quhat vantis baith of thair artailzery and pulder, and caus reforme, mend, 
 graith, and mak redy, ony thingis that is neidfull for the veill of the same, 
 on the tovnis expensis, for defence and keiping of the same. 
 
 2lst January, 1532. 
 
 The said day, the haile tovnn being conuenit and gaderit in thair tol- 
 buitht, chesit Maister Thomas Menzeis, Maister Andro Tulidef, Dauid 
 Andersoun elder, Sandris Gray, and Sandris Kintor, thair taxtaris, to 
 stent, sett, and tax the sovme of iiij" iiij lib. Scottis mone, monethtlie, to 
 be rasit of this gude tovne, for the furnesing of certane waegeris to conuoy 
 our souerane lordis artailzery, with his luftenant, aganis our auld ennimies 
 of Ingland, efter the tennour of our souerane lordis letteris direct hier- 
 upoun, and at command of the samen, and causit tham some be the grit 
 ayth thairto.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 145 
 
 1th February, 1532. 7th February, 
 
 The said day, the provest and counsale, present for the tyme, assignit all 
 the dettis awand to thair patrovnn, Sanct Nicholace, to be tane oup incon- 
 tinent be the maisteris of the kirk wark, and varit vpon artailzery, povder, 
 fortalissis, blokhouse, and wther instrumentis requirit for weir, for the de- 
 fence of the guid tovne, and resisting of our auld ennemies of Ingland ; and 
 will and ordinis that all wther the tovnis commond warkis rest quhill that 
 be done ; and commandit the said maisteris of kirk wark to be diligent in the 
 ouptaking of the said dettis, with povar to gif acquittance therof to the ef- 
 fect for said. 
 
 February, 1532. 
 
 The said day, Andro Losoun and Villeam Annand war content afor 
 the counsale to tak and ressaue the sax barrell of sape bocht be the tovnn 
 fra ane fremmit man, and als bocht the same at the tovnn egane, and oblegit 
 thame to pay the fremmit man for the said saip as the tovnn conditionit 
 him incontinent, and atour to gif the tovnn xvj lib. Scottis mone, quhilk 
 the tovnn assignit to the biging of thair blokhouse, and ordinit thame to pay 
 the same to the maisteris of wark therof, and commandit thair officiaris to 
 pas to euery persoun that bed intromettit with ony of the said saip, and 
 cause thame deliuer the same to the saidis Andro and Villaim, or ellis siclik 
 parte, as thay man pay for the same, and the saidis Andro and Willeam war 
 content that ony nychtbour that plesit to haue ony of the said saip that thai 
 held, the same payand thame therfor incontenent, as thai said pay for the 
 same. 
 
 February, 1532. 
 
 The said day, the haill counsale, with ane pairt of the communite, pre- 
 sent for the tyme, thocht expedient and ordinit, considerint the grit ap- 
 perand wer and truble apperand to be be our auld ennemeis of Ingland, 
 and for sauete and defense of the guid tovne, that thair be ane blokhouise 
 bigit on the sand ness of stane and lyme, contening xxxvi fuit of lynth, 
 xviij fuit of breid, and vj fuit thik in the wall ; of heicht, as beis thocht 
 expedient be the maisteris of vark, with gunhollis and duiris of aistlar ; 
 and ordinit Thomas Menzeis and Alexr. Gray to agre with masonis, with 
 the auise of the consale, for the biging of the same in all guidlie haist ; 
 and ordinit Dauid Andersoun, Master Andro Tulidef, Alexr. Rutherfurd,
 
 146 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 20th February, and Duncane Mar, coadiutouris and masteris of wark to the biging of the 
 
 same. 
 
 At Abirdein the xx day of Februarr, the yeir of God ane thousand 
 v c xxxii yeris, it is appunctit, agreit, and finalie endit, betuex honorabill 
 men, Thomas Menzeis of Petfoddellis and Alexr. Gray, maisteris of wark 
 to the toun of Abirden, on that ane part, and Pate Franche and Sanderis 
 Monypenny, masonis, on that wther part, in maner, forme, and effect 
 as efter followis : that is to say, the said Pate and Sanderis sail big ane 
 blokhouse of lyme and stane on the sandness, of xxxvi fuit of lynth, xviii 
 fuit of breid, and vi fuit of thikness in the vail, and of heicht as beis thocht 
 expedient be the said maisteris of wark and masonis, with gun hollis and 
 dur of aistlar, as beis thocht expedient be the said maisteris ; and the 
 houisse to be bigit in the maist souer vise for sauete of the raid and hevin, 
 as beis thocht expedient be the said maisteris of wark and masonis ; for 
 the quhilkis the said maisteris of wark sail deliuer and pay the said 
 masonis for euery raid thre lib. Scottis mone, and payand for the hewin 
 wark, the said maisteris of wark findand tham all maner of stuf neidful 
 thairto, except sand and waiter ; and the said masonis to find all maner of 
 wark men thame self, and to begine this vark in all guidlie haist. In 
 vitnes heirof, the saidis maisteris of wark hes subscriuit this writ with thair 
 handis, and the said maisonis hes sett thair markis to the same day, yeir, 
 and place forsaid. And forthir, tha sail woit the said houise quhen euer 
 the said maisteris of wark requiris tham tharto. 
 
 IStk March, 1532. 
 
 The said day, the counsale, present for the tyme, deuisit and ordinit 
 that the halff of all the malis perteining to the tovnn, except the kingis 
 malis, be takin oup incontinent, and deliuerit to the tovnis maisteris of 
 vark, to be deburssit be thame in the biging of thair blokhowise, to the 
 bying of powdar and govnnis, grathing, stoking, and carting of the same, 
 in defence of this guid tovnn aganis our auld innemeis of Ingland, and all 
 wther dettis pertening to the tovnn, sic as lib. gritis, restis of malis, and all 
 wther maner of dettis perteining and aving to the tovnn, tha ordanit Henry 
 Irvein, bailze, to pas and tak oup the same incontinent ; and, gif neid beis, 
 to cause puind for the same, and mak pament therof to the maisteris of 
 vark, to the effect aboun writin.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 147 
 
 lih April* 1532. 7th April, 
 
 The said day, the haill counsale, present for the tyme, commandit and 
 ordinit Gilbert Menzeis, thair prouest, considering the grit veir and truble 
 now apperand, for defence of this guid tovnn, to writ away incontinent to 
 Leith or Edinburgh, and by the tovnn tua barrell of guid powldar, quhat 
 euer it cost, laboring all wais the best chaip he mycht get it, and gif his 
 obligatioun theairone for payment of the same, and quhat euer he pro- 
 inittit tharfor, tha suld releif him at his dai of paiment ; and ordinit him 
 send ane boy away therfor with his writingis on thair expensis ; and or- 
 dinit ane act to be maid heirupoun in our court bulk. 
 
 30th September, 1532. 
 
 The said day, our souerane lordis letteris direct to the provest and 
 bailzeis for vappinschawingis, war red opinlie in iugment, in presens of the 
 haill tovnn, and the provest chargit all personis within this fredom and 
 tovn to conuein on the Vomanhill the xv day of October instant nixt cumis, 
 furnest with vappiniss and harnese, conforme to the said letteris, vnder the 
 panis contenit in the samyn. 
 
 2lst October, 1532. 
 
 The said day, the counsaile statutis and ordanis that, fra thinfurtht, na 
 maner of persoun cast faill or devat in the tovnis Linkis and Insche, nor 
 beir ony sand fra thair Castellhill nor Vomanhill, under the pane of ban- 
 nesing of tham of the tovnn that beis conuik heirof ; and causit opin pro- 
 clamatioun to be maid heirupoun at the merkat corce, that na man suld 
 allege ignorance on the samyn. 
 
 4t/i April, 1533. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale conducit and feit 
 Villiam Vallace to reule, set, gid, and keip thair knok of the tolbuith, for 
 the quhilkis tha promittit him yeirlie, during thar vill, four merkis Scottis 
 mone ; for pament of the quhilkis, tha assignit the malis of the buithis 
 wnder the tolbuith, quhilk Maister Andro Tulydef, Patre Leslie, and John 
 Chalmer hes in tak, quhilkis to iij markis, that is to say, ilk buith ane 
 merk ; and ordinit the maister of vark to pay him yeirlie ane vther 
 mark, in compleit pament of tha said iiij markis. And the said William 
 oblegit him to mend the said knok, and mak her sufficient, and als sufficient
 
 148 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 4th April, as ony man in Scotland can mak hir, for the quhilkis the tovnn sail pay 
 him xx s. : that is to say, x s. now in hand, and the uther tene quhen the 
 knok beis sufficient lie mendit, and strikis iust as sche suld do. 
 
 24th April, 1533. 
 
 The said day, Gilbert Menzeis, provest, Andro Cullan, Thomas Men- 
 zeis, Johnn Collisoun elder, Dauid Andersoun, M. Andro Tulidef, Henry 
 Irvein, Andro Menzeis, Duncane Mar, Patre Lesle, commissaris chosin 
 afor be the haill townn to provid all necessaris thingis for the tovnis de- 
 fense, hes concludit and ordinit that thir takis vnder writtin pay to the 
 said effect the sowmes vnderwrittin, and ordinis the said sowmes to be 
 allocat in thair nixt first grissumes. And gif thair be ony takkismen of 
 the tovne that dissentis to the paiment of thir settis, that thai salbe dis- 
 chargit of thair takkis, and neuer haue tak of this guid towne in tyme to 
 cum, and this to be extendit in the largiest forme, be the tovnis avise. 
 
 That is to say, euery half nettis fisching of the raik, . xxx s. 
 
 Euery half net of the midsching[le], . . . xx s. 
 
 Euery half net of the pott . . . . xx s. 
 
 Euery half nett of the furdis, . . . x s. 
 
 Euery half of Done, ..... xxx s. 
 
 Euery saxt part of the cruffis, . . . . xx s. 
 
 Euery auchtand part of the cruffis, . . . xiij s. iiij d. 
 
 v LAND TAKIS. 
 
 Rubislaw, . . . . . xx s. 
 
 Hessilheid, ...... xiij s. iiij d. 
 
 Henry Irvein, for the tane half of Schedeslie, . x s. 
 
 Gardin, ..... xxxiii s. iiij d. 
 
 Bogferlay, ..... xxvi s. viij d. 
 
 Frosterhill, ..... vi s. viij d. 
 
 Tullowcht, . . . xiij s. iiij d. 
 
 Cruffis, . . . . . xx s. 
 
 Kingis Vallis, . . . . . x s. 
 
 Summa, Ixx lib. vj s. viij d. 
 
 3d May, 1533. 
 
 The said day, thir personis vnder writin : that is to say, Gilbert Menzeis, 
 prouest, Andro Cullan, Thomas Menzeis, Dauid Andersoun, Alex. Ruther-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 149 
 
 furd, and Johnn Blak, ar content to gif thair louit seruitour, Andro Lame, 3d May, 
 for his dalie guid seruice within thair quere at all diuine seruice, ilk ane of 
 thame ane dais meit in the owik, on to the tyme he be better prouidit : that 
 is to say, the prouest, Sonday ; Thomas Menzeis, Monnonday ; Dauid An- 
 dersoun, Tuisday ; Andro Cullane, Vedinsday ; Watt Cullan, Fruisday ; 
 Johnn Blak, Friday ; and Andro Durty, Setterday. 
 
 26th May, 1533. 
 
 The prouest, bailzeis, and consaill, present for the tyme, maid, constitut, 
 and ordanit Georg Annan pvndler of thar kirk yard, and ordanit the pund- 
 lene of euery best to be four d. ; and gif he thollis ony bestis to cum in the 
 kyrkyerd frathinfurtht vnpundyt, his crag to be put in the gouchf at the 
 will of prouest and consaill. 
 
 llth October, 1533. 
 
 The said day, the prouest and counsale consented to give the lordis of 
 Bonaccord of the year bygane tene merkis for thair feis, of the first 
 mone the tovnn gettis in and ma guidlie forder, how sune it ma be 
 gotin. 
 
 15th December, 1533. 
 
 The said day, the counsale, present for the tym, all in ane voce con- 
 cordand, deuisit and ordand all the takismen of the watteris of this guid 
 townn to pay and deliuer yeirlie at the natiuite of our Lord, callit zowill, the 
 lithis of wax, to the honour of God, our lady, and thair patroun Sanct Ni- 
 cholace, conforme to thair auld vse and consuetud ; that is to say, euery 
 takisman of the raik and Done, thre lithis ; euery takisman of the mult- 
 singill, tua lithis ; euery takisman of the pot, firdis, and authard part, and 
 saxt part of the cruffiis, ane licht, weyane ilk licht half ane lib., with thair 
 avin mark on the same, to be gevin to the lichis of our altaris of our lady 
 croce, in the loft, and Sanct Nicholace, and to ressaue thair [ ] agane 
 yeirlie, and mak and gif thair candill at zowell, as said is, in all times cum- 
 ing, conforme to the auld vse and consuetud. 
 
 10th January, 1535. 
 The said day, the counsale, present for the tyme, commandid and ordinit
 
 160 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 loth January, thair prouest, Andro Cullane, to send thair tolbuith knok in Flanderis, and 
 cause mend the same, and gif it can nocht be mendit, to by tharae ane new 
 knok on the tovnis expensis ; and als to big oup the tovnis beikynnis, and to 
 tak oup the radiest of the tovnis dettis, and rnalis of the Donn and crewis, 
 and spend thairvpoun, and the tovnis wther necessar commond varkis, and 
 quhat expensis he makis thairupoun thai sail thankfullie alow to him in his 
 nixt comptis. 
 
 30th April, 1535. 
 
 The said day, it is thocht expedient, and ordanit by the counsale, that all 
 the zoung abil men within this guid [toune] haue thair grene cottis, and agit 
 men honest cottis, efferand to thame, and obey and decor the lordis of Bon- 
 accord, conforme to the auld lovable use of this guid toune, under the pains 
 of braking of command and statuts of the guid tovne that beis conwickit 
 thairof, and to be punnest conforme thairto. 
 
 12th January, 1536. 
 
 The said day, the prouest and counsale present for the tyme ordinit 
 Andro Cullane to writ for the man that makis the tovnis knok, and cause 
 him cum hame with the samyn, and sett hir oup on the tovnis expensis ; and 
 quhat expensis he makis thairon he salbe thankfullie pait of same agane. 
 
 2'3d July, 1537. 
 
 The sayd day, the prowest and conseill present for the tyme, thocht ex- 
 pedient and ordanit that thair awin knok, quhilk wes reformit and mendit 
 be freir Alexander Lyndsay, suld be set and imput agane in the maist con- 
 venient place of thair tolbuitht, quhar sche mycht be seurlyast keipit ; and 
 that to be done incontinent, be the awyse of the correkar of the same, on 
 the tovnis expensis. 
 
 Item, the said prowest and conseill findis and deliueris, that Androw 
 Cullane aucht to be thankfully payit of the expensis mayd be hyme on the 
 hame bringing and bying of the knok out of Flanderis, at thair commandis. 
 And gyf the said Androw can find or get ane competent pryce for the said 
 knok, thai ordane hym to sell the same, be the awyse of the prowest and 
 conseill, to the vtilite and profeyit of this gud toun.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 151 
 
 October, 1537. 12th October. 
 
 Thir are the names chosin be the toun to procur with Sanct Nicolace braid 1537 - 
 
 for this instant yeir : 
 
 Item, in the first, the prowest and the four baizes on solemp dayse, &c. 
 The prowest, balzeyse, and consell statutis and ordanis, that thir personis 
 aboun wrytin pass vith Sanct Nicolace breid quhen thai ar warnit be the 
 secrestanis seruand, or him self, at thair housis, thai beand at hame and 
 nocht seyk. And quhat that dissobeyse, the secrastane prewand his warn- 
 nyng, he sail pay als mekill to Sanct Nicolace wark as the breid siluer 
 drew to the last Sonday afor ; and gyf the secrastan prewis nocht his warn- 
 ing, he sail pay als mekill siclik as the bred to the Sonday forrow. 
 
 13th October, 1537. 
 
 The sayd day> the consell dewysit and ordanit that thair suld be fyw 
 merkis gewin to frier Alexander Lyndsay for the completing of thair knok, 
 quhilk thai ordane to be takin oup of the rediest of thair mailis of Done. 
 
 \1th January, 1538. 
 
 The said day, the haill towne, present for the tyme, geff thair fre 
 electioun to the chesing of thair maister of thair gramer skoull, to the pro- 
 vest, baizes, and consale, quhilkis var present for the tyme, and inclosit 
 in the consalhous, quhilkis for the maist part chesit Maister Hew Manro, 
 on his gud bering, and ordanit him to pas to the chanselar of Aberdene, 
 and desyre his admissioun tharvpoun, conforme to our souerane lordis 
 request maid to the forsaid prowest, baizes, and consale, wnder his graces 
 signet and subscriptioun, on the quhilk the said Master Hew tuk nott and 
 instrument. 
 
 The said day, Maister Laurens Chene, scribe of the consisterie of Aber- 
 dene, in name and behalf of ane rycht virschipfull dark, Maister Johne 
 Reid, cancellar of Abirdene, and commissar generall of Abirden, exponit 
 to the prowest and consale how he had chosin ane abill, conwenyent, dis- 
 creit man, to be maister of thair gramer skoull, callit Maister Robert 
 Skeyne, beseikand thair maisterschipis and the haill towne to ressaue hym 
 thankfully, for sic steid and plesur he mycht do thaira in tym cumyng, be- 
 caus the admissioun and presentatioun of the said maister pertenit to hym, 
 as he allegit ; and, gif the said Maister Robert vas nocht abill thairfor, nor
 
 152 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 17th January, vsit hym nocht for the commond veill of thair barnis, he said remoif him 
 and iraput ane wther in his rowme mair abill thairfor be thair awyse ; quhilk, 
 gif thai refusit, he protestit solempnitly, that quhat thai did in the said mater 
 suld nocht hurt his rycht, and for remeid of law quhene tym and place re- 
 quirit. On the quhilk he tuk not, vytnes the provest and baizes, except 
 Vm. Holland, with the maist pairt of consale. 
 
 1th February, 1538. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, in presens of the baizes and haill consall pre- 
 sent for the tyme, red opinly in the consalhous this ansur wnder wrytin, 
 quhilk thai deuysit obefor to be gewin to our souerane lord as response to 
 his graces supplicatioun, send for Patrik Forbes for the landis of Ardler ; 
 quhilk beyng red the haill baizes and consale forsaid thocht the same verray 
 weill dewesit, and ordanit the same to be closit wnder thair commond signet, 
 and deliuerit agane to the said Patrik, conforme to the charge of the said 
 requeist, quhilk wes closit in thair presens and deliuerit to the commoun 
 dark, to be reddy to the said Patrik quhen he requirit the same ; of the 
 quhilk ansur the tennour followis : Schir, vnto your grace our humill 
 seruice ve comend, and hes ressauit your graces wryting supplicatour for 
 setting of the landis of Ardler, pertenyng to the ouphald of the brig of Dee, 
 to Patrik Forbes, quha hes maid your grace to wnderstand that he suld hef 
 thai landis of wss, wnder forme of instrument, quhilk is nocht of verite. 
 Schir, the verite heirof is, that the landis of Ardler war gewin for the 
 ouphald and mantenyng of the said brig, quhilk is the commoun weill of 
 the haill cuntre ; and thai landis ar circuit betuix the landis of the For- 
 bessis and the Lesleyis, quhilkis of auld hes bene in greyt innimite, and 
 thai bayth desiris to hef entres to the saidis landis. And schir, gif ather 
 of thaim gettis entres thairto, thai sell in schort tyme thairefter appropir 
 the samyn to tham and thairis, and suld be accasioun of renewyng of the 
 auld displesur done amangis thame, and we callit the occasioneris thairof. 
 Quharfor, schir, your graces haill toune of Aberdene, beyng conuenit in 
 the tolbuith of the samyn, and circulary inquirit, all in ane voce, dissentit 
 that thai landis suld be sett to other Forbes or Lesley, or to ony vther 
 gentillman, for the causis forsaid ; but allanerlie, to husband men, laboraris 
 of the ground, that wald gif maist thairfor, to the vttermost profyt of that 
 commoun wark ; and instantly thai chesit certane commissaris to sett the 
 saidis landis, quhilkis hes sett the sarayn to husband men, laboraris of the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 153 
 
 ground, for fywe yeiris ; and this wes done afor your nobill graces vryting 7thFebruan. 
 com till ws ane lang tyrae. Schir, our haill beleif is, ye will hef mair re- 
 spect and desir to the raantenyng of the comraoun weill of sic ane commoun 
 werk, then to ony ane of ws particulary. Forthir, Schir, our self and all 
 that we heff ar reddy to fulfill quhat it sell playse your nobill grace to 
 charge, as knawis God, quhome be keipar of your grace, at your maist 
 nobill hartes desir. At Abirdene, the sewint day of Februar. Sic sub- 
 scribitur, ve your graces puir and humill seruandis prowest, baizes, and 
 consale of your burgh of Abirdene. 
 
 13M February, 1538. 
 
 The said day, it wes dewisit and ordanitbe the baizes and consale wnder 
 wrytin, that thair prowest pas to Edinburgh, for the defense of the gryt 
 sklander and fals narratioun maid on diuerse nychtbouris of the same, and 
 on the haill towne, be Maister Valtir Stewart, and to inforrae the kingis 
 grace and lordis, and in speciall the bischope of Abirdene, of the verite, 
 tweching the away passing of freir Kelour, quhora inlikwyse thai maid, 
 constitut, and ordanit thair procuratour, to defend the summondis rasit 
 vpon the towne be Mr. Andro Lesly, and ordanit hym to mak ane pro- 
 curatory in Edinburgh, and gaif hym power to substitut quhatsumever 
 procuratouris he thocht expedient, promittand thame, be the fayth in thair 
 bodeis, to keip ferme and stabill quhat he or his substitutis did in the said 
 mater. And inlykwyse thai ordane hym to tak thair ansur with hym, that 
 thai hef maid to the kingis letteris supplicatouris rasit be Patrik Forbes 
 for thair landis of Ardlar, and to informe his nobill grace of the verite of 
 that mater ; and ordanis that thair be borrowit and ouptakin fra Valtyr 
 Cullane and George Bisset, keparis of thair girsurames, the sowme of xx" 
 merkis, of that ten lib. to be gewin to the prowestis expenses, and fywe 
 merkis to James Andersoue and Johne Mudy, quhilkis ar summoned be 
 ressone of the wrang narratioun forsaid ; and chargit Andrew Durty to 
 deliuer xx u merkis of the mallis of Done to the said Walter and George 
 at Wytsonday nixt cumis, for the said xx li merkis mone borrowit, quhilk he 
 oblegit hym to do be the fayth in his body. In vytnes of the quhilk, the 
 maist part of the consale present for the tym subsrcyuit this ordinans aboue 
 vrytine. Heir followis the names of the consale present for the tyme : 
 Thomas Menzes, provest, Gilbert Menzes, Johne Collisone, Dauid An-
 
 154 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th February, dersone, Andrew Menzes, Alexr. Rutherfurd, William Rolland, Mr. An- 
 drow Tulidef, Valter Cullane, Alexr. Menzess, Johne Collisone, Andrew 
 Durty, Gilbert Malisone, Alexr. Kyntoir, and Mathow Branche. Sic sub- 
 scribitur : Johne Collisone, Mr. Andrew Tulidaf, Villiara Rolland, Dauid 
 Andersone, Mathow Branche, vith my hand, Johne Collisone, Alexr. 
 Menzes, Gilbert Malisone, Alexr. Kyntoir, with my hand. 
 
 14th February, 1538. 
 
 The said day, Thorn Dauidsone wes conwickit and put in amerciament 
 of court, for the hawely and malicious strublyng and myspersonyng of 
 Jonat Barbour, his moder of law, to forbeir in tym cumyng, and amend as 
 law will. And the prowest and baizes ordanis hym to cum on Sunday nixt 
 cumis, in tym of hiemes, with ane vax candill of ane lib., and thair, bair 
 heid, to sit downe on his kneis and beseik the prowest and gud men of the 
 toune to requeist his gud moder forsaid to forgyf hym, and to reuok the 
 saidis vordis he said on her, and that thai var verray false, and said hot in 
 his ire and crabitness ; and, gif euer he did the lyk in tym cumyng, to 
 pay fywe merkis to Sanct Nicolaus vark on forgyffin, togidder with the ex- 
 penssis of court : and that wes gewin for dome be the mouth of Johne 
 Scheras, dempster of court for the tym. And the said Jonat Barbour 
 ves maid quyt of all strublens of the said Dauidsone ; and that ues gewin 
 for dome siclyk, be said dempster. 
 
 25th February, 1538. 
 
 The said day, the baizes and consall present for the tyme commandit and 
 chargit all thair nichtbouris within this towne, that thai nor nane of thair 
 seruandis cast thair assis nor fulze on the gait within the portis of this 
 towne in tyme curning, wnder the pane of viij s. for thair wnlaw ; and als 
 chargit tham to tak away thair myddyngis quhilkis hes muk on the gait 
 betuix this and Freday nixt cumis, and failzeing thairof, that ony persone 
 that pleissis to tak away the same but ony perrell. And gif ony be fundin 
 castand or layng thair asse on the gait in tym cuming, that it selbe lesum 
 to ony man fyndand thar doyng the same to tak away thair pannis or lumiss 
 and present the same to the baizes for thair wnlaw. 
 
 The said day, the haill towne beyng warnit be thair hand bell passand
 
 OF THE BUBGH OF ABERDEEN. 155 
 
 throcht the rewis and straittis of this towne, on the quhilk the doar thairof 25th February, 
 maid fayth in iugment, and the maist pairt of thame conwenit within thair 
 tolbuytht, and the provest, balzeis, and counsall present for the tyme, 
 commandit and chargit ilkane of thaira generally to cum on thair lynkis on 
 Furisday the xi day of March nixt to cum, to thair wapyn schawis, furneist 
 in thair harness vith jak, speir, swerd, and knapskaw, and vtheris geir, as 
 is contenit in our souerane lordis letteris direct to thaim thairopone, to be 
 in thair best deray, ilk persone vnder the pane contenit in the said letteris, 
 and als thai vald ansur to the kingis grace thairwpoun, and vndir all panes 
 and charges that efter may follow. 
 
 25th February, 1538. 
 Nomina Assise. 
 
 Gilbert Menzes, Mr. Andro Tulidaf, Duncane Mar, Alex. Kyntoir, 
 Androw Lowsone, Alex. Gray, Gilbert Malisone, James Fentone, Dauid 
 Arrott, Gilbert Tulidaff, Gilbert Mar, Johne Collisone, James Litstar, 
 Thorn Hay yonger, Johne Brabner, Williame Andersone, Henry Collisone. 
 
 The said day, Besse Dempster, the spous of Dauid Spilyelaucht, wes 
 conuik and put in amerciament of court by the sworne assyse aboue vrytin, 
 all in ane voce, for the hawy and gryt strublens, and myspersonyng of Dauid 
 Reid, bayth in word and deid, and als the said Dauid, for lycht and hot 
 sobyr strublens of the said Besse in his awin defense, to forbeir in tym 
 cumyng, and amend as law will ; and als thai ordane the said Besse, for the 
 amendis of the said strublens done be hir to the forsaid Dauid, to stand in 
 the Gowistair, be the awyse of the provest and baizes, and to cum in the 
 hie kirk on Sunday nixt cumis, and to gang, sark alane, afore the proces- 
 sioun, vith ane vax candill in hir hand of ane pound, to be offerit to the 
 haly blud lycht, and thairefter to sitt downe on hir kneis and beseik the 
 prowest, baizes, and gud men of the toune to requeist and caus the said 
 Dauid to forgyf hir, and to reuok and agane say the vordis said be hir to 
 the said Dauid ; and gif euer scho did or said sic vordis or strublens to him, 
 or ony vther nychtbour of this towne, in tyme cumying, to be baneist thairof 
 for euer ; and the baizes chargit hir to pay the said Dauid the expenssis of 
 the court, and that wes gewin for dome, be the mouth of Johne Scherar, 
 dempstar of court, for the tyme, and baith the said parteis oblegit thame 
 in jugment, to stand, fulfill, and abyd at the deliuerance of the forsaid as- 
 syse.
 
 156 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 ihh April. llth April, 1538. 
 
 The said day, it wes statut and ordanit be the prowest, baizes, consall, 
 and communitie, present for the tym, that na raaner of nychtbour within 
 this toun duelland suld lay ony fulze or filtht in the maist oppin place of 
 the Gallowgat, quhilk is afor Johnn Mairis zet, and umquhill Johnn Cul- 
 lanuis hous, bot at the cassay thairof be anis clengit, and gif it sell hapin 
 ony maner of persoun to lay ony maner of fulze thair in tymmis curnming, 
 thai sell pay the baizes vnlaw of viij s. vnforgewin, and it selbe lesum to 
 quhatsumeuer nychtbour that reprehendis the layaris of the said fulze in the 
 place forsayd, to tak the veschell that it sell happin to be brocht in, to be 
 keipit quhill thai be punyst for the braking of this statut. 
 
 May, 1538. 
 
 The said day, Robert Arthur and Johnn Arthur, sonis to Johnn Arthur, 
 war accusit for the strublens of my lordis of Bonacordis, and of this guid 
 toune, in judgement ; and sic like, for this strublens of Dauid Arrot, and for 
 wrangeous takin of his hors and quhynggar, denyit ; and sic like, the sayd 
 Dauid wes accust for the strublens of the saydis Robert and Jonn ; 
 and sic like, for the strublens of Margrait Urquhart thair moder, for the 
 casting of draff on her throw malyce, in special in tyme of Ewin sang, and 
 sic like, denyit ; qnhilks actions of strublens, with consent of the forsayd 
 partis, wes present to the decisioun and knawledge of the assyss afor ex- 
 ponit, quhilks war chosen and sworne tharto, and accepit the samand on 
 thame furth of court, remolvit and ryply awisit, with the depositions of di- 
 werse and sindrie famos personis enterit in court, fand and deliuerit, all and 
 in ane voce, Gilbert Menzes, chanslor, that the forsaydis Robert and Johnn 
 hed strublit the said Dauid ; and sic lik, the said Dauid for the strublens of 
 the saidis Johnn and Robert, but the protestatoun wes fundin in thame ; and 
 als the saydis Robert and Johnn hed strublit the lordis of Bonacord, and 
 this guid towne, in stoping of dansing, and plesure dewisit, to the plesure of 
 the samyn, quherfor thai, and ilk ane of them, was in amerciament of the 
 court to forbere in tyme cumning, and the amendis tharof continuit to be 
 maid be the awiss of the prouest and counsale, and the said Dauid maid 
 faitht in judgement, at the command of the said assyss, that he kest na draf 
 on the forsayd Margrait for malice or envy, and sa ves maid quit of all stru- 
 blens of her, and the sayd John Arthur chargit to deliuer the quhingar 
 again quhilk he hes pertaining to Dauid Arrot.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 157 
 
 The sayd day, the prouest and bailzies, present for the tyme, at command 21st May, 
 of the assyss afor writin, and of thair awn authorite, commandit and chargit 
 Robert Arthur, Johnn Arthur, Sanderis Forbes, and William Holland 
 youngar, on that ane part, to set sufficient cautioun and lauborrouis or thai 
 dupart of the tolbutht, that Dauid Arrot and Henre Collisoun, on that 
 oder part, (quhilks maid faitht thai dred bodely harm of thame,) suld be 
 harmles and skaithles, and sic lik, the toune, and induellaris tharof, of 
 thame, and all that thai ma lat forther thame, by order of law ; and sic 
 like chargit the sayds Dauid and Henre to set cautioun and lauborrouis, 
 that the sayds Robert, Johnn, Sanderis, and Villiame suld be harmles of 
 thame, and all that thai ma lat forther thame, be order of law. 
 
 25th May, 1538. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzies, and counsell, present for the tyme, 
 ordanit and chargit Robert Arthur, and Johnn Arthur youngar, sonis to 
 Johnn Arthur, to cum the morne within the queyre of Sanct Nicholace 
 keyrke, in tyme of the hemes, barheyd, ilk ane of thame with ane candill of 
 vax of ane pound in thair hand, and syt downe on thair kneis and beseyk 
 the prouest, in the tounis name, to forgyf thame for the strublens don thair- 
 to be thame, in tyme of thair solace and play ; and in lykwyss to beseyk the 
 said prouest and guid men of the toune to mak request to the lordis of Bon- 
 acord to forgyf thame the fait and strublens done to them ; and gif thai, or 
 ony of thame, committs ony sic like fait, to pay v merkis to Sanct Nicholace 
 wark, the committar tharof on forgewin. 
 
 4th October, 1538. 
 
 The sayd day, the consell forsaid assignis fyw merkis to be gewin to 
 Dauid Bruce zeirly be the dene of gild for his gud seruice to be done in 
 keiping and tempering of thair knok within the tolbutht, for his fee. 
 
 16th October, 1538. 
 
 The sayd day, the vyffis of Gilbert Malysone, Androw Craufurd, Dauid 
 Arrot, Williame Lowsone, Henre Collisone, Edwart Innes, Johne Reyd, 
 Robert Rattre, Mathow Branche, Androw Blycht, Gilbert Skeyne, 
 Thome Fynne, Wille Schiphird, Thome Trowp, thai, and ilkane of 
 thame in amerciament of court for the brewing of xvi d. aill, of thair awin 
 grant maid in jugment ; and inlikvyse, the vyffis of Dauid Reche, Michell
 
 158 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 16th October. Wyll, William Sande, and Dougall and Thome Mayr, thai, and ilkane 
 of thame, in in amerciament of court for brewing of xii d. aill, beyng vn- 
 fremennis viffiis in braking of common ordinans, to forbeyr in tym cuming, 
 and amend as law wyll, and that wes given for dome. 
 
 8tk November, 1538. 
 
 The said day, comperit in jugment ane venerabill clerk, Mr. Alexander 
 Spittall, persone of Clait, and exponit to the provest and bailzes how his 
 freind Henry Levinstoune, Johne Makhe, and Sande Towcht war chargit 
 to find caution to ansuir at the instance of certane vachis of thir gude 
 towne for strubling of thame on the nycht, and offerit tham reddy in jug- 
 ment to ansuyr ony thing that ony man had to say to thame, and als re- 
 quirit the baizes to inquir and speir at the saidis vachis gif thai war plen- 
 teous or had ony thing to say to thame, quhilkis vachis ansuirit that thai 
 var nocht plenteous apoun nane of thame, and the baizes maid thame quyt 
 thairof in iugment ; on the quhilk the said Mr. Alexander tuik nott and 
 instrument, and the baizes chargit the forsaid Lewinstoune, Makhe, and 
 Towcht to compeir this day aucht dais, to beir suithfast wytnessing in the 
 actionn of strublens mowit be the said wachis, aganis [ ] Straquhene 
 
 with intimatioun as efferis. 
 
 4t/i December, 1538. 
 
 My lord prowest and bailzes of this nobill burght of Abirdene, vnto 
 your M[ ], humely menis, schawis, and, be the way of reconuentioune, 
 complenis, I, Alexr. Moyr younger, vpoun Dauid Bruce, burges of Aber- 
 dene, that quhar the said Dauid, the aucht day of Januar, in the zeir of 
 God m v c thretty sex yeiris, promittit to pay me the soume of thretty 
 poundis, in penny and pennywortht Scottis, at thir termis following, that 
 is to say, tene poundis at Witsounday, in the yeir of God m v c thretty sex 
 yeiris, and vderis tene poundis at Witsonday nixt thairefter, and the vderis 
 tene poundis at the fest of Witsounday in the yeir of God v c and thretty 
 aucht yeiris, and that in tochir gud for the mareage to bene than con- 
 trackit and solempnizat in face of haly kirk, betuix me and Merzeoure 
 Bruce, dochter to the said Dauid, betuix the aucht day of Januar forsaid 
 and fastern ewin nixt thairefter following, quhilk mareage is contract, and 
 in face of haly kyrk solempnizat, betuix me and the said Merzeour, be the 
 space of thre zeyris or thairby bygane ; and as yit the said Dauid Bruce
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 159 
 
 wrangouslie, and aganis the law, postponis and deferris to pay to me the 4th Dec., 
 sowme of thretty poundis, in penny and pennyworthis, for the caussis 
 abefoir exprimitt, without he be compellit be justice thairto. Quharfor 
 I beseik your M[ ] ye wald compell, be justice, the said Dauid Bruce 
 to the forsaid xxx lib., in pennie and pennie worthis, with my expenssis 
 mayd and to be mayd in the persute of the samyn ; and this my petitioune, 
 be way of reconuentioune, to haf the stryntht of ane borght, gyf neid beis, 
 and your ansuir heirvpoune humely I beseyk, &c. 
 
 9th March, 1539. 
 
 The said day, it was funden and deliuerit be the provest and bailzes 
 aboue writtin, with the awise, consent, and deliuerance of the conseill 
 vndervrittin : that is to say, Gilbert Menzes of Fyndoun, Androw Cullane, 
 John Colisone, vmquhill provestis, Valtir Cullane, Duncane Mar, Alexr. 
 Nicholsone, and Gilbert Malysone, tuyching the debaitt of the byggyng 
 of schelis on the vattir bank of the Cruvis, betuix Johne Hay, Dauid 
 Menzes, Gilbert Fressor, and the laif of the taxman of the tovnis vatteris 
 of the Cruvis, and Maister Johne Vatsone and Alexr. Forbes, occupiaris 
 of the landis and toun of Cruvis, pertening to the said burgh, the forsaidis 
 provest, balzeis and conseill all in ane voce fand and deliuerit, in presens 
 of the saidis partiis, that it suld be lesum to all and syndre the tovnis tax- 
 men of thair vatteris of Cruvis, to byg scheill or schelis, sa mony as 
 thai thocht expedient, on the vattir bank of Cruvis forsaid, to eise thame 
 self for keiping of thair fische and clayis during the season of thair fisching, 
 and commandis, chargis and ordanis that thair be na impediment nor stop 
 maid to thame in bygging of the said schelis in tyme to cum, noyther be 
 thair tenentis forsaid, thair seruandis, nor vtheris quhatsumevir, vnder all 
 pane and charge that efter ma follow. 
 
 12th March, 1539. 
 
 The sayd day, Margaret Porter, the vyif of Alexr. Kayne, wes convict 
 for the strublens and myspersonyng of Jonat Chesame, the vyff of Johne 
 Valcar, in calling of hir commond vyld freris hvyr, that scho wes that hes 
 ane pek of lyiss betuix thi shoulderis ; I sell leid the to the place for the 
 freir swewyt the, quhar you tynt the pendace of thi belt in the hie publict 
 gett ; quhairfor scho was put in amerciament of court, to forbeir in tyme 
 cuming, and amend as law will. And the said Jonat Chesame wes maid
 
 160 EXTIIACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 12th March, quyt of ony strublens or myspersonyng of the said Margaret Porter, and 
 that wes gevin for dome. And thairefter the provest and bailzeis, beyng 
 consultit and awisit with ane parte of the consall, present for the tyme, 
 modefiit ane mendis for the said myspersonyng, as efter followis : that is to 
 say, thai ordanit that the said Margaret cum on Sunday nixt, within Sanct 
 Nicolace hie kirk in tyme of hiemes, cled in lynning claythis, with ane 
 torche byrnand in hir hand, of thre pound of vax, bair lyg, and thair, afor 
 the powpytt, and the provest and gude men of this toune, reuoke and agane 
 say the fbrsaid vordis, and vtheris said be her of the sayd Jonat, and con- 
 fess thame verray false and vntrew, and sayd hot of malice and in ire ; and 
 to syt downe on hir kneyse, as said is, and ask the said Jonat forgyffance, 
 and request the gud men of the towne to caus the said Jonat to forgyf 
 hir ; and gif euer scho dois the maik in tyme cumyng, and beis convickit 
 thairfor, to pay x lib., vnforgyffin, to Sanct Nicholace vark, and als to 
 fynd cautioun for the fulfilling of the said mendis or scho duparte of the 
 tolbuith. 
 
 4th April, 1539. 
 Heir followis the lordis of Bonacordis desyr : 
 
 My lord prowest, baizes, and consall of this guid towne, on to your 
 M[ ], humelymenis andschawis, we, Waltir Hay and Thomas Scherar, 
 lordis of Bonacord, that quhar your M[ ] put ws in the said office this 
 instant yeir, albeit we ar nocht conwenient thairfor, nochttheless we sail, 
 God willand, do the best we may to your M[ ] honour and the gud 
 townes. Quharfor we exhort your M[ ] that we hef the auld lowable 
 vse, lang vsit and kepit within this guid tovne, now in our tyme, lyk as it 
 hes bene in our predecessoris tymes : that is to say, all the yong able men 
 within this guid towne to conwey ws euery Sunday and halyday, and wther 
 neidfull tymes, aboulzeit as your M[ ] hes deuisit, and agit men to 
 meit ws at the crabstane or kirkyard ; and thai that compeiris nocht, that 
 we may poynd thame, conforme to the auld vse, or ellis mony of thame will 
 nocht obey, &c. And als, at your M[ ] pleysse, rattefy and afferme 
 the saying ye promest ws the tyme of our chesing in office : that is to say, 
 ane of the first fremen that begud at our chesing, that we hef securite in 
 your bukis thairof ; and your M[ ] ansur heirvpoune maist humely we 
 beseik, &c. The quhilk petitioun forsaid, the provest, bailzes, consale, 
 and communite, present for the tym, ratefeit, apprewit, and affermit, and
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 161 
 
 ordanis the same to be kepit and obseruit in all poyntis thairof, wnder the 4th April, 
 panis contenit in the same, to be ouptakin and poyndit be the forsaid lordis 
 at thair plesar, &c. 
 
 18th April, 1539. 
 
 The said day, the court wardis and schawis for law, and it vas gewyn 
 for dome, that the takysmen of the townis millis within the towne hes prowyn 
 sufficiently that thai aucht to hef the xxiiij pek of malt that thai grynd, and 
 that thai var in vyse of payment of the samyn this lang tyme bygane, and 
 als to heff ane pek of knaschip of ilk vj bollis of malt thai grynd ; quharfor 
 the prowest and baizes ordanis thaim to be obeyit of the said multur, and 
 keipit in vse of payment of the same, conforme to the auld lowabill vse lang 
 obseruit within this burght obefoir. 
 
 The said day, compeirit in iugment, Johnn Dauidson, indueler in Banff, 
 and complanit unto the prouest and baizes apoun the personis underwritin : 
 that is to say, Williame Holland elder, Dauid Holland, Williame Holland 
 younger, Alex. Bisset, Johnn Larayntone, Alex. Nicholsone, and Johnn 
 Chalmer, quhilks, as he allegit, wrangously, and againis the law, took away 
 frae him this gair efter followin : to wit, ane swerd and ane bucklar, vurtht 
 xx s., and ane bag, and belt, ane phingar, and within the bag the soume of 
 xxx s. of small silvar ; and mair, attour, that the personis forsayd had him 
 to the tolbuitht, and put him in the stokes ; and als that the forsayd William 
 Holland eldar, and his complices, tuk away frae hym wrangously ane coitt 
 of grene kendilling, quhilk cost in all thingis iiii merks ; and ane gal coit, 
 vurtht xiiii s. ; ane blak bonat, with ane typpat of taphite, cost xvii s. iiii d. ; 
 ane blak hatt, and ane typat, cost viii s. ; ane pare of double solit schone, 
 cost xl d. ; ane pare of spuris, cost xii d. ; and in likwiss, that quhen thai 
 had put hym in the stokkes, that thai tuk out of his sleyff, in ane purss, xi lib. 
 xii s. of gould ; and als strak hym, and tuk him be the hair and rappit his 
 heid to the wall ; and als that thai vrangously passit to Alex. Bards stabil, 
 and tuk ane gray horss quhilks he had poynded fra Edward Drum for 
 ] of the lard of Wauchtoun, as he allegit; and beseikit the prouest 
 and baizes for remeid of law. And therefter the forsayd personis, and ilk 
 ane of thame, being accusit in gugement be the prouest and baizes for the 
 wrangis forsayds, thai denyit the same ; quhilks wrang and strublens the 
 prouest and baizes present to the decisoun and knawlege of the assyss
 
 162 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 18th April, underwriter!, of baith the parteis consentis : that is to say, Gilbert Menzes, 
 Henry Erwin, Duncan Mar, Williame Lyoun, George Bisset, Johnn 
 Arthur, Gilbert Malisoun, Gilbert Tullidef, Walter Hay, Will. Quhyt, 
 Rob. Blak, Alex. Kintoir, Johnn Brabner, Williame Andersone, and An- 
 drou Crauford, quhilks beyng sworn and admitted in gugment, furtht of 
 court remouit, and accepand the forsayd matteris on thame, enterit in court 
 agane, fand and deliurit, all and in ane voce, that the forsayd Johnn Dauid- 
 son, beyng ane mair deput of Abirdene for the tyme, disobeyit the forsayd 
 Williame Holland eldar, shiref deput of Abirdene for the tyme, and mys- 
 personet hym with mony ewil wordis said to him be the sayd Johnn, and 
 boistit the said shiref with ane knyff at his awn buitht dur ; for the quhilks, 
 the said shiref, be way of correctioun in executioun of his office, put the 
 sayd Johnn in the stokkes, and fand that he did nae wrang thairof, and als 
 thai mak him quit, and Dauid Holland, Villiame Holland youngar, Alex. 
 Nicholsoun, Johnn Chalmer, Alex. Bisset, and Johnn Lamyntoun, of all 
 wrang dun to the sayd Johnn Dauidsoun be the said Williame Holland elder, 
 and als be ony of thame to him, and sic lik of the claine of gair and gudis 
 forsaid, becauss he preuit naething of the sayd clame, neier be vitnes nor 
 writ ; quherfore the prouest and baizes forsayd dischargit and absouit the 
 sayd personis of the forsaydis strublens and gair, and accepit the sayd de- 
 liuerauce, and ordanis the same to be keipit in all pointis and partis thairof, 
 under quhilk the sayd personis tuik nocht. 
 
 28th April, 1539. 
 
 The said day, the haill towne beyng varnit to this day be thair bell man 
 passand throcht thair rewis, and the maist parte thairof beyng conwenit 
 within the tolbuitht, and thai beyng circuly inquirit be Dauid Andersone 
 baize, gaif, grantit, and assignit the altarage of Sanct Peter, within thair 
 paroche kirk of Sanct Nicholace, vacand in thair handis be the deceise of 
 vmquhile Schir Willeame Coupar, to ane venerable dark, Maister James 
 Menzes, persone of Dunnotter, for all the dais of his lyftyme, for the repa- 
 ratioun and byggyng of the tenementis and landis pertening to the said 
 altarage, and for to wesy and se thair daily seruice dewyne within thair 
 queyr, and caus the same be ordourit and keipit to the honour and plesur of 
 God in the best sort he can dewyse, and ordanit Thomas Menzeis, thair 
 provest, to present him to the same, and seill his presentatioun and gyft 
 with thair commound seill ; on the quhilkis Mr. Robert Menzes, his procura-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 163 
 
 tour, tuk nott and instrument, vytnes, Mr. Andrew Tulidaf, Mr. Johne 28th April, 
 
 Gordone, Johne Arthur, and Maisteris Johne Nicholsone and Johne 1539 - 
 
 Hay, notaris publik. And the prowest, of his benevolence, promittit 
 
 to the town that he suld caus the said Mr. James to refund and pay 
 
 yeirlie the soume of ten pundis to ane syngar for daly seruice within thair 
 
 queyr. 
 
 19th May, 1539. 
 
 The said day, Ellene Rannaldsone wes convict of hir awin toung grant 
 maid in jugment, for the oppynnyng of nychtbouris durris with wrang 
 keyis, and steling as of thair stuff, wnder silence of nycht ; and als Elspet 
 Meldrum, hir modir, wes convict for the braking of our souerane lordis vard, 
 vnder silens of nycht, siclyk ; quhairfor ilkane of thaim vas put in amer- 
 ciatnent of court, to forbeir in tyme cuming, and amend as law will ; and 
 the consall and baizes present for the tyme ordanit thame to be banist of 
 of this gud towne thairfor for euer ; and gif euer ony of thame var fundin 
 within this toune, ane hait irne to be laid on thair cheyk. And that wes 
 gyffin for dome, be the moucht of Johne Scherar, dempstar of court for the 
 tyme. And als the baizes passit to the mercat croce, with thair dark and 
 officiar, and thair, be oppin proclamatioun, banyst the saidis personis, as 
 said is, for thair demeritis. 
 
 23d May, 1539. 
 
 The said day, Johne Vatsone and Valter Stewart, seruandis to my 
 Lord Abirdene, exponit to the bailzeis in jugment, how they hed diuerse 
 and syndrie tymes, in thair maisteris name, plenzeit to thaim on the 
 fyscheris of Futy, quhilkis, as thai allegit, hed syndrie tymes schewit the 
 fysche to cum to thair vattir of Done in the auld vatter gang, and specially 
 this day instantly hed done the samyn, and that they culd get na remeyd 
 thairfor. Quharfor thay protestit for tym and place to persew the said 
 fyscheris afor ony juge or jugis thai think expedient, on the quhilk thai 
 tuk instrument. And the baizes chargit thair officiaris to pass to the said 
 vatter gang incontinent, and fesche the saidis personis that thai find thair- 
 on, or varne thaim, on the whilkis the saidis personis are plenteous on, and 
 put tham in the tolbuith on to the tym thai ansur to the said lordis instance, 
 and fynd cautioun for the skayth.
 
 164 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 2dJune. 2d June, 1539. 
 
 The sayd day, the prowest and baizes consentis and ordanis, wytht the 
 awse of the hayll towne, that thair be ane cassay makar feyit and conducit 
 for daly wagis, to raak, reforme, and mend all the streyttis and calsayis of 
 the sayd burght, and to gett ane dayse mett of euerilk nychtbour thair 
 tyme about, sa lang as he beis making the said calsayis, with ane penne of 
 euerilk housse haldar within this burght, to be gewin corresponding ilk day 
 to his wagis. 
 
 June, 1539. 
 
 The said day, the provest, baizes, and haill consall present for the tyme, 
 weill gadderit within thair consal hous of thair tolbuith of Abirdene, all in 
 ane voce feitt and conducit John Collisone zonger, son to vmquhill James 
 Collisone, thair weill beluffit nychtbour, quhom God assolze, and ordanis 
 thair dene of gild to ansur him of ten merkis yeirly vsuall money of Scot- 
 land, at twa vsuall termes in the yeir, Mertimes and Vytsonday, be ewynly 
 portionis, and that for his guid, leill, and trew seruice, and continuall resi- 
 dence to be maid within thair paroche kirk in mess, mattynnis, and ewin- 
 sang, and all vther devyne seruice, festuall day and feriall day, quhill God 
 and thay provyd him to a largear fee, eftir his gud bering and conditionis, 
 quhilk thay beleyf selbe better wortht in tyme cumyng. 
 
 23d June, 1539. 
 
 The sayd day, the prowest, balzess, and haill towne, consentis and as- 
 sentis that the gray freiris of this burght get the barne pertenyng to 
 Androw Cullane, lyand at the eist syd of the said burght nixt adiacent to 
 thair yard, to thair profyt and wse as thai think expedient, to dispone 
 thairupoun for suffrage to be done be thaim in all tym to cum ; and that 
 the said Androw get als mekill rowme of the townis commonty, besyd the 
 aid hattis behind the gray freiris, besyd the said Androwis croft, to byg 
 hym ane vder barne vpoun of the sam lynth and breid. 
 
 The balzeis and prowest assignit to the lordis of Bonacord, of this in- 
 stant year, to wit, Tohmas Scherar and Valter Hay, John Micchelsonis 
 compositioun of fremenschip, to be takin oup be thame, conforme to the act 
 maid by the haill consall of befor.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 165 
 
 June, 1539. 27th June, 
 
 The said day, the consall ordanit Mr. Andrew Tulidaf, dene of gild, to 
 pay William Purwass fywe merkis Scottis for the mending of thair knok 
 in the tolbuith, the quhilk he deliuerit to hym at command of the prowest 
 this day, and was discbargit thairof, on the quhilk he tuk nott. 
 
 4tk July, 1539. 
 
 The baizes ordanit Mr. Andrew Tulidaf, dene of gild, to pay Robert 
 Vyschert x s., for the paynting of the tolbuith horrelage, within viij dais. 
 
 September, 1539. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baizes, and maist parte of the consall, beyng 
 presently convenit, to the effect wnder wrytin, within the consal hous of the 
 tolbuith of Abirdene, hawand respect to the trublous passagis now beyng 
 presently within this realme, throw occasioun of the contagius iufeckand 
 pest, callit the boiche, quhilk ryngis in diuerse partis of the same now in- 
 stantly : Thai, efter detfull consultatioun and consideratioun, beyng riply 
 and at gryt lynth awysit, all in ane voce statut and ordanit, that the baizes 
 pas euery ane of thame throw thair awin quarter, within the boundis of 
 the haill toune, and cerse, vesy, and se all maner of codderaris, vagaboundis, 
 and puyr boddeis, quhilkis ar nocht natiue of this towne borne, that hes 
 nocht to leif gudly on thair awin, and command and charge thame and 
 ilkane of thaim that thai incontinent remoif tham selfis, thair ffudis, o-if 
 
 7 O ' C 
 
 thai ony heff, furth of this toun, within xlviij houris efter thai be chargit 
 be thame thairto, vnder the payne of layng of ane halt irne on thair cheik ; 
 and gif thai failze and disobeyis the same, thai ordane that the bailzes lay 
 the said jrne on thair cheik. And inlykwyse thai ordane that the belman 
 pas throcht all the stretis and vnydis of this toun, commanding and charg- 
 ing, in the kingis name, and townis, provest, and baizes of the same, that 
 no induellar within the toun, of quhat degre that euer thai be of, tak on 
 hand to hous nor harbre na maner of strangear, vagabound, nor codderar, 
 without licence and leif askit and obtenit be thame of the provest and 
 bailzes. And gif ony ane of thame failzeis heirintill, that it ma be verefiit 
 on thaim, the doaris thairof to be banyst of the toun for yeir and day ; and 
 this statut aboue vrytin to be inuiolably obseruit and kepit within this 
 burgh, and oppynly proclamit at the mercat croce.
 
 166 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 loth October, IQtk October, 1539. 
 
 The said day, the haill counsall present for the tyme consentit and as- 
 sentit, all in ane voce, that certane of thair artelzery and pulder be lennit 
 to Patrik Erie Bothwall, he fyndand sufficient strenzeabill cautioun and 
 and souerty to deliuer, restoir, and pay the samyn agane, als guid as he 
 introraettis with the samyn, in the first schippis that cummis betuix, and 
 that the said cautioun be incertit in the court bukis. 
 
 \3th October, 1539. 
 
 The said day, it wes statut and ordanit be the provest, baizes, and haill 
 consall, all in ane voce, that because of the gryt multitude of strangearis 
 that ar of new cumin to this burgh till remane in the same, quhilkis hes 
 nocht of thair awin to leif apoun, quharfore thai ordane that the balzeis pas 
 throcht thair quarteris, and tak inquisitioun and knawlege of euery persone 
 duelland within this toun, quha is lauchtfull nychtbour, and qubat thai hef 
 to leif apoun, and quhow and quharbe thai leif, and gif thai be sufficient 
 to remane within burght ; and thai that ar on sufficient nychtbouris, and 
 fundin nocht lauchtfull be ane vnsuspect and condigne assise, that thai 
 be remowit and expellit of the towne within xlviij houris nixt efter thai be 
 chargit thairto ; and quha that beis fundin within this toun thairefter, thai 
 ordane ane bait jrne to be laid on thair cheik for thair inobediens, and than 
 to be put out of the toun. And thai ordane that na cautioun selbe tane 
 of sic on abill personis in tyme cumyng, noder be provest nor baize, for na 
 request or supplicatioun that may be maid thairfor, &c. 
 
 The said day, the consall forsaid assignis fourty sillingis to be gewyn 
 to Androw Feildlar yeirly, be thair denis of gild, for his guid seruice to 
 be done in keipyng and temporing of thare knok within the tolbuitht, for 
 his fee ; and als ordanis the denes of gild to mak payment to Dauid Bruce 
 executouris of his fee, sa lang as he maid seruice on payit for. 
 
 1 4th January, 1540. 
 
 The haill toune, present for the tyme, except Maister Androw Tullidef, 
 Wm. Holland, Alexr. Forbes, Gilbert Tullidef, Walter Lesley, Alex. 
 Tullydef, and William Holland zoungar, consentis and assentis, all in ane 
 voce, that Andro Lausone and Jame Lausone, his broder, thair commound
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN 167 
 
 menstrallis for the tyme, selbe fey it and conduycit for thair actuall and 14th January, 
 continual! gud seruice to be done be thaim, as ws wes be the menstrailis 154 
 afor thaim, thair predecessouris, at ewin and morne, and vder tymmis neyd- 
 full, concerning the toune, for all the days of thair lyf, and sell haif thair 
 daily vaigis and meyt of the nychtbouris of this gud towne circularie, con- 
 forme to the auld lovabill wse and consuetud of this nobill burght obseruyt 
 in tymmis bygane. 
 
 22d January, 1540. 
 
 The said day, in the actioun and caus movit be Andro Chalmer, in 
 Westar Fintra, upon Barbara Dya Baptista and Helen Andree, thair 
 complices, to the number of ten personis, frends and servands to Erie 
 George, callit of Egipt, makand raentioun that in the monyth of October 
 last bypast, come to his houses in Wester Fintra, and thair thiftiusly staw 
 and tuik fra hym out of his kyst, in his chalmer, the sowm of twenty four 
 marks money of the realme, and will mak him na restitution thairof wythout 
 thai be compellit. 
 
 Nomina Assise. Patrik Forbes, Duncane Mar, Walter Cullan, Maister 
 John Fress, Gilbert Fress, Walter Hay, Androw Crawfurd younger, 
 Androw Durtty, Alexr. Nicholsone, Alexr. Forbes, David Menzies, Johne 
 Rattre, Henry Collisone, Thomas Hay, William Carnis. 
 
 The sayd day, Barbara Baptista and Helen Andree, Egiptians, war 
 accusit in jugment be the prowest for the wrangous waytaking of xxiiij 
 marks money of Scotland fra Androw Chalmer in Wester Fyntra, out of 
 his kyst, quhilk thai denyit be George Faw, thair capitane and forspeikar, 
 and Maister Thomas Annand, thair procuratour. And thairefter, with 
 consent of bayth the said partiis, the said action was put to the decisione 
 and knawlege of the assyss aboun wrytine, quhilk was chosin and sworne 
 in jugment, in presens of partiis, and admittit be thaim furtht of court re- 
 mowit, and at lyntht awysit wytht the depositionis of the wytnes producit 
 be the said Androw Chalmer, enterit in court, fand and deliuerit, all in 
 ane voce, that the said Androw Chalmer bed failit in his preyf twyching 
 waytaking of the forsaid money, and maid the said Barbara and Helene, 
 Egiptians forsaid, quyt of the clame of the same claimit at thaim be the 
 said Androw, and dischargit thaim thairof be the haill assyss forsaid. And 
 the said Egiptianis protestit for thair expensis againe the said Androw
 
 168 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 22d January. Chalmer, and desyrit caution of the said Andrew to answer at thair instans, 
 as law will, quhilk fand John Chalmer cautioner, to Alexander Hay, officiar. 
 
 The said day, Alexander Chalmer, procurator for the said Andrew Chal- 
 mer, protestit for tyme and place to persew the laif of the Egiptianis for 
 the said money, and tuk not that the said Barbara and Helene allanarly 
 ar made quyt of the said claim, as he allegit. 
 
 The said day, Maister Thomas Annand, procuratour for the Egiptianis, 
 and George Faw, thair capitaine, requirit Androw Chalmer in jugment to 
 nayme or nott samony of thair company as he wes plenteus on for the thift- 
 ouss waytaking of his money, quhilk accepit allanarlie at that tyme hot twa, 
 that is to say, Barbara Dya Baptista and Helen Andree ; and the forsaid 
 procuratour protestit that he said hef na place in tyme cuming to persew 
 nane of the company, becaus thai war all present in jugment. 
 
 28th January, 1540. 
 
 The said day, George Faw and Johnne Faw, Egiptianis, ware convict 
 be the sworne assys aboune wrytine for the blud drawing of Sande Bar- 
 rowne, and the said Barrowne convict for the strublens of thaim and the 
 prouocatioune fundin in hym; quharfor thai and ilk ane of thaim war 
 in amerciament of court, to forbeir in tym cumming, and amend as law will, 
 and ordanit the saids Egiptianis to pay the harbour for the leyching of the 
 said Barrowne, and to gyf him a crowne of the sone for the amends of the 
 said blud within viii days. 
 
 llth February, 1540. 
 
 The balzess chargit Gilbert Malisone, maister of the brig wark, to pass 
 and vesy the brig of Dee, and tak alse mony seruandis with hym as he 
 thinkis necessar to prowyd remeid for saifty of the said bryg fra the dan- 
 geir of the spayt apperand to be, and to eschew the samyn, and pay the 
 said seruandis for thair labouris. 
 
 2lst February, 1540. 
 
 The bailzeis charged George Faw, Egiptian, and his brother, to remoif 
 thameself, their cumpany, and gudis of this toun, betuix this and Sonday 
 nixt cummis, under all pane and charge that aftir ma follow ; and in the 
 myntime, that nane of thair cumpany cum in ony houss or cloiss in this
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 169 
 
 toun, hot gif thai be sent about, and gif ony dois quhat beis away in tbe 21st February, 
 same houss, that the said George and his brother sal refound sayme. 
 
 4th March, 1540. 
 
 The said day, the Egiptianis quhilks wer maid quytt obefor of Androw 
 Chalmeris clame maid Joh Faw thar capitanis procurators for thaime, to 
 persew thair expensiss, and the bailzie geff him power to follow the same, 
 on the queilks they tuk nott. 
 
 April, 1540. 
 
 The said day, the provest and bailies decernyt and ordanyt Maister 
 Thomas Chalmer, curat of Abirdene, cheplene of Sanct Katherenis altar, 
 to be obeyit and ansurit, and his successoris, cheplanis of the said altar, 
 of ane annuell rent of v s. Scottis, to be optakin yeirly of the landis lyand 
 in the Grene, pertening the quhyt freiris, betuix the Denburn on the 
 west, the kingis gayttis on the est and northt partis, and the said freris 
 yard on the southt, to the quhilk the prior of the saidis freiris consentit 
 and assentit, for stoping of the dome of property persewit be him of ane 
 vast land within the saidis merchis, and ordanis him to be payit of thre 
 termis bygane onpayit, and mair gif he ma preyf it. 
 
 April, 1540. 
 
 The said day, the prowest and baizes, togyder with the maist pairt of 
 the consell, present for the tyme, wycht ane consent chesit Dauid An- 
 dersoun, Alexr. Nicholson, and Gilbert Malysoun, maisteris of wark, to 
 se the prepairing of Robert Cultis and Thorn Breqhynis schip, and caus 
 the samen to be furnist with all necessaris neydfull to ane schip of weyr, 
 as the counsell thinkis, expending conforme to the kingis charge direct 
 heirupoun, quhilkis sail resaif money, and mak compt thairof to the towne, 
 in sa far as they weir vpoun the said schip, and chargit Walter Cullane 
 and George Bysset to deliuer the said Dauid Aridersoun tuenty povndis 
 of the dowbill gersummis quhilk thai haf in keiping in thair handis. 
 
 1st May, 1540. 
 
 The said day, the haill toune beyng warnit be thair hand bell and offi- 
 ciaris passand throw all the rewis of the towne, to the effect wnder wrytine, 
 gaderit and conuenit within the tolbuitht for the maist pairt, wyth ane voce
 
 170 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1st May, assent and consent chesit thir personis wnder wrytine, that is to say, 
 Thomas Menzeis, provest, Maister Andro Tullideff, Alexr. Menzes, 
 Andrew Menzes, and Alexander Gray, baizes ; Gilbert Menzes, Andro 
 Cullane, Johne Colleson, Alexr. Ruderfurd, Dauid Andersone, Williame 
 Holland, Walter Cullane, Duncane Mar, Johne Chalmer, and Johne 
 Rutherfurd, factouris and commissionaris in that part, to se, consult, and 
 considder quhat the towne hes reddy to weir and deburse to the preparatioune 
 of the schip to be send to the kingis grace, of the men and vitteilis accord- 
 ing thairto, and be quhat maner the samyn salbe spendit ; and gyf thai haf 
 nocht so mekill as wil extend to the repairing of the said schip, to calcul 
 the excess necessar to be spendit, and to se and considder and find the 
 esiast way quhar the same salbe gottine, with powar to thame to gif dis- 
 chargis and acquyttans thairupoune. 
 
 The said day, the prowest commandit and chargit opinlie all and sindry 
 nychtbouris of this toun, that nane of thaim way put nor dispone vpoun 
 the necessaris requirit to the said schip as ane schip of weir, sic as gunnis, 
 culuernigis, pulder, harnes, pyk and vapnis, wyth all vder premunitionis 
 conuenient for ane schip of veir, vnto the tyme the forsaid schip be sted 
 and furnyst with all necessaris, vnder all the hiast pane that thai ma incur 
 heirupoune at our souerane lordis handis. 
 
 8th May, 1540. 
 
 The said day, the haill towne being warnit be the officiaris, and be thair 
 hand bell passand thro all the rewes and stretis of the same, one the 
 quhilkis the officiaris and belman maid faith in jugment, and the nychtbouris 
 of the samyn beinge weill convenit in the said tolbouth, representand the 
 haill body of the towne for the tyme, it was oppinlie exponit to thaim be 
 the provest forsaid, quhow the auditouris of covnptis haid extremlie ex- 
 eminyt the covmptis of the said burght, in presens of our lord bischop of 
 Abirden, and quhow the comont guid of the samyn mycht nocht furneise 
 the schip and personis that thai wer chargit to furneise to the kingis grace, 
 and quhow attour the haill commont guid restand, thair behuffyt a gret 
 sowrae to be furnest to the neid of the said schip and personagis ; quharfor 
 the haill toune consentit and assentit all in ane voce, except Gilbert 
 Tulidef, that thair suld be certane nychtbouris schessin and suorne to sett a 
 generall taxt amang all the nychtbouris of the said burght for the rest of
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 171 
 
 the furnessing of the said schip, quhilkis all, and in ane voce, scheschit 8th May, 
 
 thair nychtbouris, Master Andro Tulidef, Master Johne Gordoun, Johne 
 
 Collisone yonger, George Bissett, and Sanderis Keyme, to set the said 
 
 taxt equalie, euery man efter his substance and faculty, quhilkis personis 
 
 wer suorne the gret aytht in jugment, in presens of the haill communite, to 
 
 sett the samyn, as thai wald answer to the gret God, noyther for fauour, 
 
 priar, nor price, moy nor hatrance, but efter thair saull and conscience, as 
 
 thai wald ansuyr to the gret God, to the kingis grace, and towne of Abir- 
 
 dene, tharvpone. 
 
 Uth May, 1540. 
 
 The court wardis and schawis for law, and it wes gewine for dome, that 
 James Gordoun sell content, refound, and pay to Robert Logy thir sowmis of 
 money vnder wrytin : that is to say, four pound xiij s. iiij d., quhilk the said 
 Robert payit to the cheplanis of the cathedrall kirk of Aid Abirdene ; item, 
 xvi d. of letter syluer ; item, x s., quhilk he payit to the cheplane of Sanct 
 Annis altar ; item, xl d., payit to the cheplane of the halyblud altar ; item, 
 xxvj d. for twa yeiris rud malis ; item, xxvj s. ij d., quhilk he payit to Alex. 
 Gray, as souerty for the said James. Summa of the haill is vj lib. xvj s. 
 iiij d., quhilk the baizes chargit him to pay within terme of law, togidder 
 with expenssis of court, to be taxit be thame efterwart. 
 
 15th May, 1540. 
 
 The said day, the haill commissaris, beyng present for the tyme, ordanis 
 the personis chosine taxtaris of the nychtbouris of this toune to sett the 
 said taxt that it extend to the sowme of fyw bunder merkis, to furnyss, re- 
 pair, and sustene the schip of weir to pass to the kingis grace, and the per- 
 sonis and marenaris to be send thairintill, efter the tenuour of the kingis 
 charge direct heirupoune, ilk nychtbour ane competent part of the sam, 
 according to thair faculte and reches, as the said taxtaris wald ansuyr to 
 God thairupoune. 
 
 The haill counsell present for the tym chesit Dauid Andersone, Maister 
 Andro Tullidef, and William Rolland, auditouris of Gilbert Malysonis 
 compt and expenssis, and vpoune the schip grathit be the toune to the 
 kingis grace, with power to allow and dissallow, gif acquittances and dis- 
 chargis ; quhilkis comptis the said auditouris hes sene and subscrywit, and
 
 172 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 15th May, dischargit the said Gilbert of the sowm of Ix lib. and v lib., vairit and de- 
 bursit be him for the reparing of the said schip. 
 
 16th May, 1540. 
 
 The said day, the haill consell and comraissaris, being present for the 
 tyrae, dewysit, ordanit, and war content that the personis vnder wrytine 
 pass in the schip of war preparit be the haill townne to serff the kingis 
 grace, because thai ar maist abill personis, and convenient thairfor be thair 
 wnderstand and knawlege : Andro Menzes, Henry Irwyne, Maister John 
 Gordoune, Dauid Menzes, Henry Collisoun, James Anderson, Alex. 
 Knollis, William Anderson, George Guthrie, James Ruderford, Robert 
 Blak, Thomas Hayeter, Thomas Hay younger, Henry Hay, Duncan 
 Thelly, Gilbert Kyntoir elder, George Leslye, John Kilgour, John Lesly, 
 Richard Irwyn, Sanderis Chalmer, Dauid Chalmer, Allaster Gordoune, 
 Sanderis Duff, Thomas Barbour. 
 
 The said day, the counsell and commissaris chesyt Gilbert Menzes, An- 
 drow Cullane, John Collisoun, Maister Andrew Tullidef, Dauid Ander- 
 soun, and Thomas Chalmer, to considder and dewyse quhat the personis 
 aboune wrytine, that passis in the kingis seruice, sail haf to thair expenssis, 
 ilk man according to his degre, because thair is better and war, and aucht 
 nocht all to be equally furnyst with expenssis, quhais expenssis sal be modi- 
 feit be the prouest and wtheris that he plessis to tak to him, efter that he 
 haue seyne and considerit the samyn personis. 
 
 \1th May, 1540. 
 
 The said day, the consell ordanis to deliuer Johnne Rutherfurd xl s. for 
 careyng of ane bill to the king.anens the somoning of Alex. Ruthyrfurd and 
 his barnyss, for the allegit slauchter of Bruce, of the fyrst accedens that 
 cumis in the den of gildis handis. 
 
 3lst May, 1540. 
 
 The said day, the haill counsell present for the tyme : that is to say, the 
 prowest, Gilbert Menzes, Andrew Cullane, Johne Collisoune, Dauid An- 
 dersoun, Maister Andro Tulidef, Alex. Menzes, Thomas Chalmer, Henry 
 Irwyne, Walter Lesly, Gilbert Malysone, Alex. Nicholsoun, Walter Hay, 
 Walter Cullane, Duncan Mar, Johne Collisone younger, Johne Collisone,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 173 
 
 son to James Collisone, and Gilbert Menzes younger, consentis and ordanis 3ist May. 
 that the young men that passis in the schip to the kingis seruice be re- 
 wardit for thair expenssis be the sycht of the prowest and ony thre per- 
 sonis with him that he pleissis to tak. 
 
 2d June, 1540. 
 
 The sayd day, the provest, baizes, and consell, present for the tym, 
 chesit Androv Menzes, baize, collectour and factour to resaif the taxatioune 
 dewysit to the prepairing of the schip of veir to the kingis grace, and to de- 
 liuer the marenellis thair feis, and to furnyss the vittellis of the said schip 
 conforme to the tylkyt of hir furnyssing maid thairupoun. 
 
 The said day, the prouest and balzeis ordanis the officiaris to pass and 
 poind the personis for the rest of the taxt dewysit for the furnissing of the 
 kingis schip of thame that hes vnpayit the samen, ilk officiar in his awin 
 quartar, and to poind the rediast of thair geir for the same. 
 
 1th June, 1540. 
 
 The said day, the consell and toune ordanis Thomas Brechine and Ro- 
 bert Cultis to be payit of als mekill fraucht for thair schip, conducit and 
 frauchtyt be thaim to pass in the kingis seruice, as the towne of Dundee 
 pais for thair schip, and mair according to hir byrtth, and the expenssi? 
 and coist maid vpoun hir, and feis of the marenallis, maid and debursit be 
 thame, quhilk pertenit to the awnar to do and the said schip hed passit in 
 merchandice, to be allowit in the said fraucht, and to deliuer thair schip 
 agane, with hir pertinentis, safand awentour of see, to the saidis Thomas 
 and Robert, and to do in all thingis as the toune of Dundee dois, according 
 to the said schipis brytht. 
 
 July, 1540. 
 
 Rex. Prowest, baizes, and merchandis of our burght of Abirdene, we 
 greyt yow weill : Forsamekill as we causit Androw Buk, skipper of the 
 Nicolace of Abirdene, and certane vderis inhabitaris of our said burgh, 
 to pass with ws in our seruice presently in the ills with thair schip callit 
 the Martine ; quharfor it is our will, and we charge yow, that na maner of 
 schip, strengearis nor wderis, passand furth of our realme, in merchanderis 
 of our said burght, be ladyne vnto the tym the said Nicolas be first seruyt. 
 
 z
 
 174 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 *>th July, and that na strengearis be ladin quhill the remanent of the schippis of the 
 toune be first staykit, as ye will ansuyr to ws thairupoune, and vnder the 
 payne of escheting of all your movabill gudis to our wse. Subscrywit with 
 our hand, at Kirkwall, in Orknay, the xix day of June, and of our regne 
 the xxvij yeir. Sic subscribitur, James R. 
 
 19th August, 1540. 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis, Androw Menzeis, Maister Androw Tulidef, 
 and conseill, Gilbert Menzeis, Androw Cullane, Alexr. Rutherfurd, Dauid 
 Andersone, Duncane Mar, Williame Rolland, Robert Cullane, Gilbert 
 Malisone, Gilbert Freser, Valtir Cullane, John Collisone zonger, and 
 Valtir Hay, ordanis thair prowest to pas to the kingis grace, and labour at 
 his vtyr power for a discharge to the haill toun for the slauchter of Wille 
 Bruce ; and gif he can nocht get discharge, to get continuatioun to the 
 third day of the nixt justice ayr, and to expone to his grace quhow the 
 townis ewillaris intendis to recompense the pane layd vpoun thame, that 
 now [ ] his grace, bailzie on the toun, quhilk defendit your gracis 
 
 authoritie, wyth wther gud wordis and solistatioun ; and the said prowest 
 desynit na expensis of the toun quhill hes hame cumyng, and than to re- 
 cumpanse him as he seruis be the conseillis awyise. 
 
 3d February, 1541. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, bailies, and consell, with consent, and at 
 the desyr, of the maisteris of kirkwark, feit and conducit thair seruitour, 
 Robert Wischertt, for the mending of all the holis of thair kirk vindois 
 yeirlie during all the dais of his lyf, and promyttit hym thairfor yeirlie thre 
 merkis, to be payit be the said maisteris of wark at Vitsounday and Mer- 
 timess be equall portionis, sua that the said vindois be nocht brokin, ex- 
 tending attour ane futt of glace ; and gif it beis mair nor a fut of glace in 
 ane place, to be payit thairfor by his fe, extending to his laubouris, the 
 said maisteris of vark findand hym ledderis, jrn, and lym to the mending 
 thairof. And als thai ordane to gyf hym iiij merkis for this yeir, becaus 
 thai considderit his gryt lauborrowis mad thairupoune. 
 
 llth February, 1541. 
 
 My lord prowest and baillies of this nobill burtght of Aberdeine, onne 
 to your M[ ], humely menis and complenis, I, your nychtbour Alexr.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 175 
 
 Melvyng, burges of the said burght, vpoune Agnes Forbes, servant woman 17th February, 
 in the same, that quhar the said Agnes wes servand to me fra Witsonday 
 to Martimes last bypast, in m v c fourtty ane yeiris, and hed the cair of my 
 howse and geir thairin for the tyme, vnder me and my wiffe, and had hir 
 meite and fee thairfor, as wthyr servandis in the towne ; nochttheless I was 
 skaythit and wanttyt in hir defalt and sleutht, this yeir efter following : in 
 the first, the said Agnes rotht to me ane nop seke on hir defalt, quhilk scho 
 lay vpoune ; item, I wanttyt out of my hous in hir defult and sleutht 3 ane 
 plaid of ix elln, the price xxiiij s. ; item, ane blanket of tua eln, the price 
 viij s., quhilk scho hed at evyn and away in the mornyng ; item, ane kort 
 sleif of colour the roy, contenand ane eln, the price v s. ; item, ane galkoit 
 of stenyng, the price x s. ; item, twa hewing aixis, the price vj s. vij d. ; 
 item, ane brassin pott, the price x s. ; item, certane trinscheounis, pewter 
 discheis, and towellis, and wther small geir quhilk scho hed in cair, ex- 
 tending to xx s. ; item, thre young fowlis, the price xii d. ; item, the said 
 Agnes resauit fra my wife ay 11 to sail on Lammes evyn last bypast, ex- 
 tending to xxii s., to hefe payit her quhow sone it had bene sallyt, quhilk 
 ayle siluer the said Agnes refuisyt to deliuer to my said wife and me, and 
 als yit refusis, and wrangously postponis and deferris to mak na compt, 
 raiknyng and deliuerance of ony geir abowne wryttin, and intendis to mak 
 me na payment nor deliuerans thairof, without scho be compellit be justis 
 thairto, beseiking heirfor your M[ ] prowest and balzeis forsaid, to 
 decerne and compell, be justis, the said Agnes to mak me payment and 
 deliuerance of the geir aboune wrytin for pricis forsaid, to giff the said ale 
 siluer to my said wife and me, as said is, be the ressonis and cawsis for- 
 said, together with my expenssis rnaid and to be maid in the persute of the 
 samyn, and, gyff neid beis, this my petitioune to hafe the stryntht of ane 
 brocht. 
 
 Heir followis the airschip gudis that I, William Igrame, askis at Jonat 
 
 Bissett, the relict of vmquhill Cristofer Igrame, my broder freman of 
 
 this burght of Abirdene, and at Robert Barbour, now hir husband, 
 
 for his entres, as I that is seruit as narrest and lauchtfull air to hym. 
 
 Item, in the first, ane gown of Scotis blak, lynit with blak gray ; item, 
 
 ane sakot, coytt and doblait, a sark, a pair of hois, a hat, a bonat ; item, 
 
 ane sword and quhyngar, ane leyth aix, ane jak, and ane steil bonat ; item, 
 
 ane standand bed, ane nop bed, ane pair of scheittis, with twa blankattis,
 
 176 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 17th February, tua coddis, ane covering to the bed ; item, ane press, ane alraery, ane pott, 
 ane pan, ane playt, a dische, a salsar, ane chandlar of brace, ane tangis, 
 ane spyt, with ane lanterene, ane brew fatt, ane kymmeoun, ane geilfatt, 
 ane stand, and a bukatt ; item, ane standand buird, with trestis, burdclayth, 
 tua formis, ane cheir, ane quart, ane poynt, and ane choppin ; item, ane 
 shaiping knyf, ane schawing irne, ane pair of buyt treis, ane schaiping buird, 
 ane trinkaild, wyth the steill to scherp the schawing jrne ; item, ane kyst 
 lokit fast, ane scherp rak for ledder, ane blunt rank, tua settis, with feit 
 uecessar thairto ; item, a blek tub furnyst, ane vly barrell, with ane vly 
 chopiu ; item, ane resp, ane turcas, and four cuchin nailis of jrne ; item, 
 ane traschor, ane stuffin sclyise, with ane yeirning sclyise, ane conze, ane 
 camroll with ane obiuse ; item, ane kestrel and hand ledder, with ane 
 elson ; item, ane pryse, with ane turning staf ; item, solis exemplis over 
 ledderis exemplis, with a wanpa for a buytt ; item, a pair of grytt lastis, 
 ane myddil pair of lastis, and ane less pair of lastis ; item, ane stark to 
 vork the ledder vpoun, with thair feytt ; item, ane clock, &c. And thir 
 gudis following belangis to the kirk yeird : item, ane flesching buird, with 
 ane fuyt and ane flesching jrne ; item, ane cleik and bramskin of ledder, 
 with ane bark pok ; item, ane skep, ane schod schuill, with ane lym tub. 
 
 23d February, 1541. 
 
 The said day, the provest, baillies, and counsell, present for the tyme, 
 gaif, grantytt, and consentytt, and assignitt to the craftismen vnder wry tin, 
 that is to say, wrychtis and masonis of the said burght frely lycence to re- 
 pair and byg thar altar, callit Sanct Johne the Baptistis alter, wythin the 
 parroche kirk of Aberdene, and to decoir the samyn in the maist honest 
 maner, with all maner of accidentis that may be had of the said craft in 
 tyme cumminge, providing always that the gift of the said altar remaine 
 with the tovne nochtwithstanding this gift. 
 
 1th March, 1541. 
 
 The said day, the haill consell, present for the tyme, ordanis John 
 Chalmer to be stoppyt of the bigging of the Vennell and passage that 
 gangis to Sanct Katherenis hill ; and ordanis the prowest, baillies, and 
 thair officiaris charge hym to desyst and ceyse fra bygging thairupoun 
 quhill thai be forther awysytt, nocht the les thai lycent the said Johnn to 
 byg alse heycht as the calsay, for saifty of his land and of his nychtbouris
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 177 
 
 land, swa the passage be nocht stoppyt ; and protestit that this lycens hurt 7th March 
 nocht the townis rycht. 154L 
 
 The haill consell ordanis the maisteris of the brig wark to byg ane bryg 
 of tre our the pot burne, on this syd of the brig of Dee, and to gett and 
 by al thing necessar thairfor ; and ordanis him to cause raise ane granatour 
 to course for all stuf, sic as lyra, stanis, tymmer, and jrn, takin away fra the 
 brig wark. 
 
 llth April, 1541. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baizes, and consell consignis and gyffis to 
 Allexr. Gray and Dauid Kintoir, thair lordis of Bonacord chosin this in- 
 stant yeir, the compositioun of ane freman and burges of gild, ,to help to 
 the decoratioun and plesour to be done be thaim to this guid towne ; and 
 ordanis the officiaris to povnd thairfor, gif neid be. 
 
 2d May, 1541. 
 
 The said day, the prowest and balles chargit the officiaris to pass and 
 poind all and sindry thir personis wnder wrytin, for the commond men- 
 stralis feis and vagis, ilk persoun eifering to his degre, conforme to the old 
 wse of this burgh, and mak payment to thame thairof within viij [dayis], 
 safar as thai will grant, or the saidis menstrailis ma sufficientlie preif : that 
 is to say, Johnn Moreson, Androw Brabner, Andro Murray, Thom 
 Reid, Alexr. Wentoun, Sanderis Donaldson, Johnn -Hercules, and his 
 broder, Thom Andersone, Johnn Finne, Vill Schippert, Wm. Senzeour, 
 John Robertsoun, Alexr. Jafray, John Fruily. 
 
 6tk May, 1541. 
 
 The said day, the hall consell, present for the tym, assignis to Robe 
 Portair and Robe Nicholsoun, ilkane of thame, fourtty s., to help to by 
 thame clayse, to be gewin thame yeirly, sua thai continew the sang scuilis 
 and serf in thair queir, as thai do now induring thair will. 
 
 25th May, 1541. 
 
 The said day, the four officiaris maid fayth in jugment, that, at command 
 of the provest and bailzeis, thai passit to all and syndrie the nychtbouris of 
 the toun, induellaris, the four quarteris of the same, and chargit thaim cum
 
 178 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 25th May, this day, and tak euery ane of thaim thair part of the heir quhilk wes bocht 
 for the comraond weill of the haill toun, and mak payment thairof within 
 tene dayis heireftir, that the fremmit men, fra the quhilkis the said beir wes 
 bocht, ma be outred, swa that the provest and balzeis, quhilkis at command 
 of the haill toun bocht the said beyr for thair protfeitt, be nocht sklanderit 
 and murmovrit be the said fremmit men, nor be nane vtheris ; certifeing 
 thame, and euere ane of thame, that and thai cum nocht thir day to resaif 
 the said beyr, that frathinfurtht thai vill gett nane of the same ; and sa 
 mony as cummis this day said be staikit for thair money, paying within tene 
 dayis heirefter ; and failzeing of thair cuming to resaif the said beyr, the 
 provest and bailzeis vald dispone and gif the samyn to ony persone or per- 
 sonis for thair money, and leif and licence thame to tak thair vantage thair- 
 one, swa that the fremmit men suld be outred. And alswa the bellman 
 maid fayth that he passit, at command of the provest and bailzeis, throw all 
 the rewis and stretis of the toune, chargeand samony nychtbouris as vald 
 heff ony of the forsaid beyr, to cum to the tolbuyth incontinent, certefying 
 thame as is forsaid. And thaireftir, the bailzeis aboune vrittin being sit- 
 tand jugement, nane of the nychtbouris compering hot ane certane [few] 
 thairof, quharfor thai tuik nott and act of court, that it wes nocht in thair 
 defalt gif the toun wer skatht in selling of the said beir, for the causis for- 
 said, becaus thai bed varnit the toune to cum and resaif the same, and thai 
 comperit nocht, and thairfor thai decretit to pas, and dispone, and gif the 
 the said beyr to ony maner of persone or personis vald pay thairfor vithin 
 the tyme forsaid, and leif thame to tak thair vantage thairone, swa the frem- 
 mit men mycht be outred, as said is. 
 
 \1th June, 1541. 
 
 The said day, it wes convenit and aggreit betwix Henry Mowtray, fac- 
 tour and seruand to my Lord of Abirdene, on that ane part, and the prin- 
 cipallis of the quhytfischeris of Futty : that is to say, Geilis Monro, Dauid 
 Monro, Johnn Collie [ ] for thaimself and the laif of thair 
 
 nychtbouris, on that oder part, as after followis : that is to say, the said 
 fisheris ar content, and oblegis thame and thair complices, that thair sail 
 cum nane of them, nor thair seruandis, to gadder thair bait in the watter 
 mouth of Donne, except thair be ane of the maisteris with thame, quhilk sell 
 se that nane of thaim cum neir the watter moutht on the south sid with- 
 in a pair of but lynthis, nor on the north syd within twa pair of but lynchtis,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 179 
 
 and that outwith the flud mark ; and that, quhan they veyd the waiter, thai 17th June, 
 
 sell weid all attanis at ane tyme, and mak no tary in the watter moutht ; and 
 
 the conveyer of thaira sell se and consydder gif thair be ony fysche swomand 
 
 thair for the tyrae, and gyf swa beis, thai sell cause thaim pass about to the 
 
 brig, and nocht to veid the watter, nor pass throw the saraen, for that 
 
 tym, flud mark. This done, with bayth thair consentis, afor thir wytnes, 
 
 George [ ] of Fywe, Gilbert Menzeis, vmqubill prowest of Aberdeen, 
 
 Androw Menzes, Maister Johnn Gordoun, baizes, George Lesly, John 
 
 Menzes, and Maister Dauid Nicholsone, notar publict, with vder diuerse ; 
 
 and this to be obseruit and keipit vnder all paine and charge that efter ma 
 
 follow. 
 
 3d October, 1541. 
 
 The said day, the hail toune, present for the tyme, chesit thir presonis 
 vnder wrytine : that is to say, Thomas Menzes, prowest, Dauid Andersoun, 
 Maister Johnn Gordounn, Alex. Rutherfurd, thre of the bailies of the said 
 burght, Gilbert Menzes, Androw Cullane, John Collisoune, Thomas Cbal- 
 mer, and Maister Androw Tullidef, thair commissaris in that part, to 
 dewyse ane certane sowme of money for the decoryng and preparing of this 
 guid toune agane the quenis cuming, and to propyne hir efter thair power, 
 as the aid wss hes bene within the burght at the first cuming of princis, and 
 to consult and considder the maist eisy way qwhow the said soum of money 
 ma be gottin, and quhow, and be quhat maner, it selbe distribuit ; with 
 power to the saidis commissaris, or the maist part of thame, to sett of new, 
 prolong and formaill, all and syndry the landis of the community of the 
 said burght, and fyschingis of the watteris of Dee and Done, to the nycht- 
 bouris burgessis that ar actuall induellaris this guid toun, and to na vderis, 
 for all the days and termes of threttene yeiris immediat following thair entre 
 thairto, quhilk selbe on the vigill of Sanct Androw nixt to cum, and frathin- 
 furth to induir during the space of xiij yeiris forsaid, provyding that the 
 thre yeiris that ar to ryn of the last generall assedatioun be comptit and 
 numerat in the first end of the said threttene yeiris ; and ordanis ane com- 
 missioune and ane generall assedatioun to be maid thairupoun, and seilit 
 with the commound seill of the said burght ; and chesit George Bisset and 
 Walter Cullane collectouris and resauaris of the said soum of money, and 
 to distribuit the samyn at the townis command, and to gif compt and rakning 
 thairof.
 
 180 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 21st Nov. 21 st November, 1541. 
 
 The consell ordanis the denis of gild to pay sklaitter and wrycht for the 
 mending of Sanct Ninianis cheppell, vpon the Castellhill, and it to be al- 
 lowit in thair nixt compt. 
 
 \tth April, 1542. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, baizes, and counsale consignis and giffs to 
 Alex. Gray and Dauid Kintoir, thair lordis of Bonacord chosen this in- 
 stant year, the corapositioun of ane freman and burges of gyld, to help to 
 the decoratioun and plesour to be dun by thame to this guid toune, and or- 
 danis the officiaris to pound thairfor gif nede be. 
 
 24th April, 1542. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and counsell, present for the tyme, 
 feit and conducit thair servitour, Robert Wischart, glasinwrycht, to mend 
 and vphald the glasinwark of thair windois of thair parroche kirk of Abir- 
 dene, cleynging and dychting of the samyn, and of the presbiter and stallis 
 of thair queir of the said kirk, yeirlie, for all the dais and termes of the said 
 Roberttis liftyme ; and promittit him thairfor yeirlie the soume of thre 
 merkis vsuall money of Scotland of yeirlie pensioun, to be pait to hym be 
 the maisteris of the said kirkwark for the tyme, at tua termes in the yeir, 
 Witsonday and Martymes, be tua equall portiounis. The said maisteris 
 findand him ledderis, irn, and lyme, to the mending of the said wyndois. 
 And forther, gif the saidis windois, or ony of thame, happynnis to be brakin, 
 be chaunce of wynd or evill weddyer, attour ane futte of wark to giddyr in 
 ane place, the said Robert to be payt thairfor by his fee, equaliter to his 
 laubouris and stuff, as vtheris craftismen suld hawe ; and becaus the coun- 
 sell hes considerit his laboris mair this yeir nor ony vther yeir bigane, thai 
 ordane the said maisteris of wark to gif him now iiij merkis for his laubouris 
 bigane, he makyng gud service in tyme cuming. 
 
 The sayd day, Alex. Kayn, accusit in gugment for his wyff (becauss he 
 oblegit him to ansuer for her deids), for the hawy strublens and vile misper- 
 soning of Alex. Gray and Dauid Kintoir, lordis of Bonacord, and thair 
 company present with thame for the tyme, sayand common beggaris and 
 skafferis, thair meltyd wes bot small for all thair cuttit out hoyss, with 
 mony oder inurious vordis, unleful to be expremit, quhilk the sayd Alex.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 181 
 
 denyit ; and thairefter it was funden be the haill counsale, present for the 24th April, 
 
 tyme, that the sayd Alexirs wyff hed hevily strubled and mispersonit the 
 
 saydis Alexr. and Dauid, and the remanent of thair company for the tyme, 
 
 in maner abown wrytin, quherfor he wes convict and put in amerciament of 
 
 court, to forbeir in tyme cumming, and amend as law will, and that wes 
 
 geivin for dome, and the amendis tharof continuit to be modifyit eftirwart 
 
 be the counsale. 
 
 5th June, 1542. 
 
 The said day, in the actioune and caus of cognitioune movit and persewit 
 be Sir Johnne Cuming, chaplane of Sanct Katherinis chapel, within the 
 burght of Abirdene, aganes Johnne Chalmer, burgess of the said burght, 
 be vertew of our souerane lordis letteris, impetrait be the said Sir Johnne, 
 direct to the prowest and baillies of the said burght, and presentit be him 
 to the prowest and baillies forsaid, makand mentioune : That quhair the 
 said chapell was foundit and biggytt iij c yeir syne be the constabill of Abir- 
 dene for the tyme, for decoratioune in honour of Sanct Katheryne, to the 
 quhilk thair lyis ane commoune venneyll and passage within the said burght 
 to our souerane lordis liegis that wald repair thairto, within the boundis 
 following, that is to say, the said vynell Hand betuix the land and tenement 
 of Johnne Chalmer on the northt part, and the land of Thomas Scherar 
 on the southt part ; and the said Sir Johnnis predecessouris and he, chap- 
 lanis of the said chepell, and siclike all our souerane lordis liegis that plesit 
 to repair thairto, hes bene in continuale vse and possessioune of the said 
 vynell, within the boundis forsadis, as ane commoune passage to the said 
 chapell, and reput and haldin past memour of man ; quhill now laitlie that 
 Johne Chalmer, burgess of the said burght, be him selfe, his servandis, and 
 complices, in his name, of his causing, command, assistens, and ratihabi- 
 tioune, wrangowslie molestis and trowbilis the said Sir Johnne in his pos- 
 sessioune and vse of passage throw the said vynell, and wald byg and 
 stop the commoune passage quhilk he suld hafe be the samyn to the said 
 chapell, and will nocht desist and ceis thairfra without he be compellit, 
 as is allegit : chargeing the prowest and bailzeis forsaid to call baith the 
 saidis parteis befor thame, and tak cognitioune in the said rnater ; and gif 
 it war fundin that the said Sir Johnnis predecessouris and he, chaplanis of 
 the said chapell, hes bene in continuale vse and possessioune of the said 
 vynell, within the boundis forsaidis, as ane commoune passage to the said 
 
 2 A
 
 182 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 5th June, chapell, and sa vsit be our souerane lordis liegis that plesit to repair thair- 
 to past memour of man, as said is ; and that the said Johnne Chalmer now 
 wrangouslie molestis and trublis him in his possessioune of the said vynell, 
 and stopis him thairby to haue passage to the said chapell, to cause and 
 compell the said Johnne to desist and ceise thairfra, and keip and defend 
 the said Sir Johnne in his possessioune of the said vynell, as commoune 
 passage to the said chapell, ay and quhill he be lauchtfullie callit and 
 ordourlie put thairfra, as at mair lyncht is contenit in the saidis letteris. 
 Be vertu of the quhilkis lettres, the saidis parteis var warnit to this day, to 
 heir and se cognitioune takin in the said mater, and thai compeyring per- 
 sonaly in jugment, with thair procuratouris, thair rychtis, ressownis, and 
 alligatiounis of bayth the saidis partiis, hard, sene, considerit, and wnder- 
 stand, and diuerse exceptionis being be thaim proponit, and syndry famovse 
 wytnes, producit be the said Sir Johnne, the said mater and actioune of 
 cognitioune wes put to the decisioun and knawlege of the assyse aboune 
 wrytin, chosin, sworne, and admittit in jugment, in presence of the saidis 
 pairtiis, quhilkis acceptit the mater on thame, and furth of courtt remowit 
 and consultand and considerand the rychtis and defenssis of the saidis 
 partiis, and the depositionis of the forsaidis vytnes exeminit diligentlie 
 be thaim of the eldest and mayst famowse personis of the said burght, 
 and thai being ryplie awysit thairwith, enterit in court, and deliuerit 
 all in ane voce, that the said Sir Johnne Cuming and his predeces- 
 souris, cheplanis of Sanct Katherinis chepell forsaid, hes bene in continuall 
 wse and possessioun of the said vennall and passage to the said chepell, 
 and all our souerane lordis liegis that plesit to repair thairto, within the 
 boundis folloving, that is to say, betuix the land of Johnn Chalmer on the 
 norcht and the land of Thomas Scherar on the soucht, and as ane corn- 
 mound passage haldin, reputt, and vsit in all tymmis bypast, past memour 
 of man ; and that the said Johnne Chalmer nov wrangovslie molestis and 
 trublis him in his possessioun of the said vennell, and stoppis hym thairby 
 to half [passage] to the said cheppell as ws wes obefor : quharfor the pro- 
 west and baillies forsaid aucht to caus and compell the said John Chalmer 
 to desist and ceis thairfra in tym cuming, and to keip and defend the said 
 Sir John Cuming and his successouris, cheplanis of the said cheppell, in 
 possessioun of the said vennell, as ane commound passage to the said 
 cheppell in all tymmis cuming, ay and quhill he be lauchtfullie callit and 
 ordourlie put thairfra, conforme to our souerane lordis lettres forsaid in all
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 183 
 
 pointis. Quhilk deliuerans and decreit the provest and baillies forsaid ad- 5th June, 
 mittit, and interput thair authoritie to the samyn, and ordanis it to be ob- 1542 - 
 seruit and keipit in all tymrais to cum, and put to dew executioun in al 
 pointis, vpoun the quhilk the said Sir John tak ait and instrument. 
 
 August, 1542. 
 
 The said day, the prowest and bailies chargit all the nychtbouris and 
 fremen of this gude towne, of thair awne granting and consent maid in 
 jugment, thai being convenit all for the maist part be the handbell and 
 officiaris, to remane continualy and mak actuall residens within this burght, 
 to keip and defend the samin fra our auld innemeis ; and gif ony of thame 
 beis fundin xxiiij houris togidder without the samyn but speciall lycens of 
 the prowest gewin and grantit therto, that he sell tyn his fredome and 
 liberty of this burght, and all takis and profyttis that he hes of the samin, 
 but ony request to be hard or admittit in the contrar. 
 
 \\th September^ 1542. 
 
 James, be the grace of God king of Scottis, to oure louittis Archibald 
 Herrot [ ] messingeris, oure schireffis in that pairt, coniunctlie 
 
 and seueraly, specialy constitut, greting : Forsamekill as certan borrowis 
 of our realme ar taxt for furnissing of fitmen to pass to oure bordouris for 
 defens of our realme, our will is heirfor, and we charge yow straitly and 
 commandis, that incontinent thir our letteris sene, ye pass and in our name 
 and authorite command and charge the prowest and bailies of the burght of 
 Abirdein to rayse, ouplyft, and inbryng thair partt of the said taxt, extend- 
 ing to the sowme of ane hundreyth threttene poundis, efter the forme of the 
 taxt roll, and deliuer the said sowme to Wm. Sym, burgesse of our burght 
 of Edinburght, or sic vderis as he sell deputt to resaif the samyn, within 
 xlviij houris nixt efter thai be chargit be yow thairto, wnder the pane of 
 rebellioun and putting of thame to our home ; and gyf thai falze thairin, the 
 saidis xlviij houris being bypast, that ye incontinent thairefter denunce 
 thame our rebellis, and put thame to our home, and escheytt and inbring 
 all thair movabill gudis to our wss, for thair contemptioun, as ye will an- 
 suer to ws vpoun the executioun of your office, deliuering thir our letteris, 
 be yow duely execut and indorsat, agane to the bairar. Gewin under our 
 signett at Edinburght, the xxii day of August, yeir of God, m. v c fourtty 
 and twa yeris, and of our regnne the xxix yeir.
 
 184 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 22d September, 22rf September, 1542. 
 
 Heir followis the prowisioun and ordinans dewysit be the consell present 
 for the tyrae, for the defens of this burght fra the Inglismen, our aid 
 innerneis. 
 
 In the fyrst, thai ordane to byg ane bastailze incontinent be the haill 
 comraonitie, and chesit Alexr. Gray, Robert Cullan, Dauid Menzes, Gilbert 
 Malison, Walter Lesly, and Robert Blakhall, to be maisteris of vark to the 
 samyn, in the best wyse thai can devyse. And als ordanis to held the blok- 
 house with faill, and put ane fulse rief thairon, thykit with faill ; and to se, 
 considder, reforme, and mend the artillery, and to mak carttis, boolis, 
 vagis, and all vder necessaris belangand thairto, be the sicht of Dauid An- 
 dersoun, baize, and Alexr. Rattre and Johne Mathason with him ; and to 
 send till our maister the kingis [grace] ane abill expert man, for twa barrell 
 of pulder, wytht the townis wryting wnder the secreit seill for payment 
 thairof, oder with wyth pulder or money, as it pleissis the kingis grace to 
 charge. Siclik thai ordane the hawin to be chenzit attour the watter, in 
 maist sicker maner, with irne chenzys and maistis, lokit on euere syd of 
 the watter, be the sycht of Dauid Andersonn forsaid ; and that thair salbe 
 ane nychtlie vache, to the numer of xii personis, to vache the toun, to be 
 sett in diuerse partis, as it sell pleyse the baize of the quarter to sett thaim, 
 and that euerie nychtbour of this burght vache in propir persoune, quhat 
 euer he be (sa he be abill), for himself, but exceptioune of personis, ilk 
 quarter thair tym abowtt, begynning at Futty quarter, and thairefter in or- 
 dour the Grene quarter, the ewin quarter, and the crukit quarter ; and that 
 thair be sett ane bell in the aid belhouse beyound the watter. And ordanis 
 ane taxt to be set be the provest and the four bailies, and ouptakin incon- 
 tinent, for the preparing, completting, and fulfilling of the premisses on 
 euere nycht, be the induellaris within this burght, efter thair substans and 
 faculte, and this to be done in all competent haist and expeditioun. 
 
 6th October, 1542. 
 
 The said day, the haill consell present for the tym ordanit to byg ane 
 commound hailis vpoun the tovnis pece rayst ground, lyand in the rattoun 
 raw ; and ordanis ane partt of the mailis of Ardlar to be tane oup and byg 
 the samyn how sone fair vedder cumis ; and ordanis the profyttis thairof to 
 be annexat to the bryg of Dee in all tym to cum, except ij merk to be 
 gewin to the cheplainis of Aid Abirdene, for the annuell of the said pece
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABERDEEN. 185 
 
 ground ; and chesit Andrew Menzes, Wm. Holland, Johnn Chalmer, and 6th October, 
 Walter Hay, maisteris of vark to the byging of the said hailis. 
 
 llth October, 1542. 
 
 The said day, the haill consell present for the tyme chesit Andrew 
 Menzes and Alexr. Nicholsoune to be maisteris of the artillierie, and to 
 provyd boolis, slottis, and all vder munitionis requirit thairto, and to pro- 
 vyd for all vder raunitionis and thingis necessar for defens of this burght 
 fra the Inglis men, and to tak the rediast of the townis money, quhais 
 handis that euer it be in, to furnis the samen, oder of the Mertimes maill, 
 and ony vder vay ; and ordanis Andrew Luk to be gyder of the said ar- 
 tillierie, be thair awyse, and promyst to reward him thairfor. 
 
 October, 1542. 
 
 The sayd day, the haill towne, all in ane voce, consentit and ordanit, 
 that gyf the hundreyth personis chosin be the prowest to pass to the bor- 
 douris passis nocht ouer the watter of Fortht, bot hapnis to returne hame 
 agane haistely on past to the tryst to Gladismoir, or quhar the kingis grace 
 pleisis, that thai sell refound agane samekill money as restis our the ex- 
 penssis maid be thaim at thair hame cuming ; and gyf thai pass our the 
 said watter, to dispon on the money they gett to thair awin wss as thai 
 pleise. 
 
 10th November, 1542. 
 
 The said day, the consell ordanit Androw Menzes and Alexr. Nichol- 
 soun, maisteris of the artilliery, to deliuer and pay to Androw Luk thre 
 pound x s. Scottis, for vij stane of takkillis, gewin be hym for bynding of 
 the gunnis, and v s. for ane stane of pyk, of the first and rediast money that 
 may be gottin of the townis. 
 
 13th November, 1542. 
 
 The said day, the prowest and haill consell, present for the tym, ordanis 
 that the haill townis maillis and profyttis, baith of watteris and landis, ex- 
 cept the kingis few, be takin oup, to the furnissing and preparing of the ar- 
 tillery in all thingis necessar, be the maisteris of the said artillzery ; and 
 that thai tak the irne chenzeis of the towne, and chenze the hawin with 
 mastis bandit and bound with jrne, as wes devysit obefor for defens of the
 
 186 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th NOV., towne, wyth all vder munitionis and strynthis, be maid for defens of the 
 toun, be sycht of the said maisteris of vark, with the money forsaid, and 
 that thair singaris tak partt and partt of thair feis quhill the towne ma 
 guidly pay thaim. 
 
 llth November, 1542. 
 
 The baizes forsayd and the haill towne, beyng convenit with the hand- 
 bell in the tolbucht of Abirdene, chesit William Holland, Walter Cullan, 
 Gilbert Freser, Alexr. Kyntoir, and Alexr. Forbes, taxtaris, to sett and 
 extent the nychtbouris of this burght efter thair substance, to the sowme 
 of xxxvii lib. xiij s. iiij d., to be send to the collectouris of the kingis taxtt, 
 for the furnissing of the expenssis of certane vageouris on the bordour, 
 conforme to our souerane lordis letteris direct thairupoun. 
 
 21th November, 1542. 
 
 The sayd day, the haill consell, present for the tyme, all in ane voce, or- 
 danit that the maister of thair grammar scuyll sell haf iiij s. Scottis, of the 
 sobirest persoun that resauis him and the bischop at Sanct Nicolace day 
 till his vage, at the leyst, and euere vder honest men to gif him at thair pla- 
 sour ; and gif ony honest man of ony reputatioune, oder craftisman or 
 vder, haldis furth the bischop and giflfis hym nocht entres, he sell pay iiij s. 
 to the maister, and viij s. to the baillies onforgewin for thair wnlaw, and 
 ordanis the officiaris to pound and distrenze for the samin ; and that be- 
 cause it ves considerit be thaim that he hes na vder fee to leif on, lyk as 
 his predecessouris bed afor him, and vder maisteris of vder scuiles. 
 
 9th January, 1543. 
 
 My lord prouest and balzeis of this nobill burghe of Abirdene, on to 
 your M[ ], humilie menis and complenis your M[ ] seruitour and 
 nychtbour, Johnn Brabaner, burgis of the said burgh, on Alex. Freser, 
 litster, an burgis of the said burghe : That quhar Alex. Freser, the forsaid 
 Alexanderis brother sone, resauit fra me in Abirdour thrie scoir and iiij 
 lambis, the price of the pece, ij s., the soume of the haill, vj lib. viij s. ; 
 with the quhilkis lambis the said Alexander intromittit and disponit the 
 samin to his vtilite and proffeit, and causit to put thame in Carnbrogy 
 to keip thair to his vse ; item, deliuerit to ane of the said Alexanderis 
 seruandis, at his command, four doussoun of alme, the price of the dossoun,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 187 
 
 xiij s. ; item, thairefter deliuerit to ane of the forsaid Alexanders seruandis 9th January. 
 xxix lib. of alrae, the price of the lib. xiiij d. ; item, the said Alexander re- 
 sauit furth of my loft in this toun xv stane of vald, the price of the stane, 
 vj s. viij d. ; item, the said Alexander bocht and resauit fra me ane half 
 pak of vad, the price, v lib. ; item, my vif, at my command, deliuerit to the 
 forsaid Alexander vj dossoun of madder, the price of the dossoun, xij s. ; 
 item, deliuerit to the said Alexander, at his awin leid, ane hundreth Flemis 
 lib. of aim, contening vij doussoun viij lib. Scottis, the price of the Scottis 
 doussoun, xiiij s. ; item, ane servand of the said Alexanderis, at his com- 
 mand, resauit fra me, furth of Monkegy, xx lambis, price of the pece, ij s. ; 
 item, I and Johnn Freser, laxfyschar, my seruand for the tyme, deliuerit to 
 the said Alexander vj barrallis of salmond, full reid and sueit, of the rychtus 
 kynd of this toun, price of the barrall, iij lib. x s. vsuall mony of Scotland ; 
 with the quhilkis guidis and geir, of the price aboue vrettin, the said Alex- 
 ander Freser, litster, as said is, intromittit and wranguslie withhaldis the 
 samin fra me as yit, and postponis and refusis to pay to me the prece of the 
 samyn, as is aboun exprimit, wranguslie, and agains the law, without he be 
 compellit be your M[ ] thairto ; besiking heirfoir your M[ ] to cause 
 and compell the said Alexander, litster, to refund, content, and pay to me, 
 the forsaid Johnn Brabner, the soumis aboun vrettin ; protesting that quhow- 
 mekill I ma preif, to vptene the samyn, and to discend or ascend tueching 
 the sommiss ; and this my petition to haif the stryncht of ane brocht, and to 
 eik, ampill, change, or correct the samyn als oft as neid beis, and is lesum 
 of the law ; and your M[ ] ansuer heirupoune humilie I beseik, for the 
 luf of God and zeill of justice, togidder vyth my expenssis of court maid, 
 and to be maid, in the persut of the premissis. 
 
 8th February, 1543. 
 
 The said day, the court wardis and schawis for law, and it ves gewin for 
 dom, that Maister Dauid Nicholsone sell restoir and delyuer to James 
 Litster ane gryt litting leid, price twenty poundis, ane litill litting leid, 
 price sax poundis, ane masar of siluer, ane spwne of syluer, ane bassing, 
 ane lawar, ane sasar, a saltsar, a cod, and ane gryt pott, giff the said James 
 prewis ther wes ane gretar pott nor he hes gottin, as guidis of airschip per- 
 tening to hym be deceis of Allan Litster his fader ; with the quhilkis guidis 
 the said Maister Dauid intromittit with efter the deceis of his fader, and or- 
 danis the officiaris to pound James Fentoun thairof, as cautioner to the said
 
 188 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 8th February, Maister Dauid, of all vder gudis of airschip that the said James ma clame 
 at hym be any way, at that wess gewin for doin. And the said Maister 
 Dauid allegit him hurtt be the baillies throw the gewin of this decreyt abown 
 writtin, quhairfore he appelit thirfra to the lordis of consell. 
 
 24th March, 1543. 
 
 Marie, be the grace of God quene of Scottis, to oure louittis James 
 Collison, [ ] oure shirreffis in that part coniunctlie and seueralie, 
 
 specialie constitute, greting : Forsamekill as it is humely menit and schewin 
 to ws be our louit Robert Nicholsoun, sone naturale of vmquhill Maister 
 Dauid Nicholsoun, that quhair laitlie befoir the deces of his said fader, he 
 wes reibillit and legitimat to that effect, that he mycht be air, and succeid 
 to the said Maister Dauid, in all his landis, rentis, heretageis, and airschip 
 gudis pertening to him within oure realme, as the lettres of legitimatioun 
 maid to the said Robert tharwpoun mair fullelie proportis. Neueryeles 
 his said fader now being decessit, the prowest and baillies of our burgh of 
 Abirdene, within quhais boundis his landis and heretage lyis, postponis 
 and differris to enter the said Robert his air thairto, as wse is of our said 
 burgh, and to deliuer to him the airschip gudis perteniug to him throw his 
 deceis, without thay be compellit, as is allegit. Our will is heirfoir, and 
 we charge yow straitlie and commandis, that incontinent thir oure letteris 
 sene, ye pas, and in oure name and auctorite command and charge the 
 saidis baillies, gif the said fader forsaid be decessit, and gif the said Robert 
 be legitimat, and maid habill to succeed as air to him, that thai serve him 
 as air to his said fader, and ken and enter him to all his landis, rentis, he- 
 retagiis, and possessionis, within thair boundis, as vse is of our said burgh, 
 and deliuer to the said Robert all airschip gudis pertening to him throw 
 his said faderis deces. And we, with avise and consent of the lordis of 
 oure consale, will and grantis that the serving of the said Robert as air 
 to his said fader, and entering of him to his landis and heretage, and de- 
 liuering to him of his said faderis airschip gudis, salbe imput na fait to the 
 saidis prowest and baillies, and inquest, and that thay sail nocht be callit 
 nor accusit thairfore, nor incur ony skaitht or danger thairthrow, in thair 
 personis, landis, or gudis, in ony vyse in tyme cuming, efter the forme 
 of the said Robertis legitimatioun forsaid, and according to justice, as ye 
 will ansuer to ws thairwpoun. The quhilk to do we commit to yow con- 
 iunctlie and seueralie our full power, be thir oure lettres, deliuering thame
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 189 
 
 be yow deulie execut and indorsat agane to the berar, vndir our signet, 24th March, 
 at Edinburgh, the xii day of Marche, and of our regnne the secund yeir. 
 
 13th May, 1543. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baizes, and consell, conuenit for the maist 
 pairt within the cheptour of thair parrise kirk of Aberden, all in ane voce 
 grantit and consentit that our lord the gouernouris request, to gif to the 
 religiouse men frer Johnne Roger, and to frer Waltir Thorasoun, his 
 marrow, to their honest sustentacioun, daylie, induring thair will, thre s., 
 with ane honest chalmer, and ordanis the rediest of thair mailis to be 
 taking oup of thair wattir of Downe and croftis, and thair expensis to fur- 
 nest them with, and that for thair leill and trew lawtaful seruice to be 
 done in preching and teching of the trew Vord of God, and thair daylie 
 prearis for the estait of the lord gouernouris grace, the commont weill of 
 this realme, and of this guid towne ; and ordanis, siclik, that Alexander 
 Rutherfurd, baize, be ansueriit of the said mailis correspondand to the 
 diattis that thai haue bene wyth him of the price forsaid, that is to say, 
 ilk day thre s. 
 
 llth June, 1543. 
 
 The said day, the haill consell, present for the tyme, considering our 
 Maister, James Erll of Errane, Lord Hamiltoun, and protectour and 
 governour of this realm, and tutour to our souerane lady the quenis grace, 
 is to cum heir within schort tym to the burght, quhairthro na prouisioun 
 for making of triumphe at his first entre can be hed nor provydit, and 
 thairfor thocht it expedient, all in ane voce, to propyne his lordschip with 
 ane twne of wyne, ane last of beir, thre stane of vax, iij dossand of cuinfey- 
 this ; and this money thai ordane to be gottin and ouptakin as efter followis : 
 in the first, fra Androw Menzes, in partt of payment of the sovm of money 
 that he suld pay the toune for the landis of Cunyngstounis seytt, ane twn 
 of wyne, for fourtty four pundis ; fra Dauid Wschart, for his composicioune 
 of fremanship, four pound ; and fra Andro Lesk, for his composicioun, 
 xl s. ; and the rest to be takin oup of the rediast of the townis commond 
 guid, to furniss the remanand of the said propyne. 
 
 The said day, the haill consell, present for the tyme, gaif and grantytt 
 to thair lowyt seruitour, Maister Edward Menzes, thair cheplanre, and 
 
 2 B
 
 190 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 lith June, altar of the haly ruid in the organe loft, now vacand in thair handis, be the 
 deces of wmquhill Schir John Fyf, last possessour thairof, for his guid, 
 thankfull, and devyn seruice to be done at the said altar, for the fundatouris 
 saull, conforrae to the foundation ; and ordanis Andrew Menzes, bailze, 
 pas and gyf hym institution thairof. 
 
 22</ June, 1543. 
 
 The sayd day, Wm. Mathesoune, fyscher, wes convict be ane sworne 
 assise, for the strublens of John Valcar, and cutting of his lynis, and 
 strublens of all his bottis schipping, and the sayd Johnn Valcar maid quytt 
 of all strublens of the said Wm. Mathesoune ; quharfor the said Mathe- 
 soun was put in amerciament of court, to forbear in tym cuming, and wes 
 chargit be the bailies to amend the skayth don be hym in cutting of the 
 said lynis, and to compeir on Monunday nixt cummis, to se the amendis 
 modifiit for the said strublens. 
 
 20th August, 1543. 
 Responsio cedule misse a Domino ab Huntlie. 
 
 My lord, we recommend our hartlie and humil seruice vnto your lord- 
 schip. Pleis wyt, we haf resauit your writing fra your lordschipis seruand, 
 Maister Johnne Gordoune, our bailze, desyrand ws to furnis your 1[ 
 ane honest cumpany of able zong men, to pass southtwarht with your lord- 
 schip, for actionie concerning the commoun weil and liberalitie of this 
 realme, and weill of our maistres the quenis grace in hir lefc aige. My lord, 
 we beseik your 1[ ], as our maist speciall protectour and defendar 
 
 wnder the crown, lyk as all your maist noble progenitouris hes bene in all 
 tymmis bygane, in quhom we put our hoip and ferine beleif to be mentenit 
 and defendit, and to quhom we will obey and serf at our wtter power at this 
 tym, your 1[ ] pleise consider our inhabilitie, for diuerse caussis, fyrst, 
 
 the gryt skaith that we haf gottin be se, in tynsel of our men, geir, and 
 schippis, and of this lang weir that we haf hed na chenge in merchandis, 
 quhilk is our lewing, and the grit dartht and skantnes in the contray, that we 
 ma nocht guidlie furnis ony cumpany plesant to your lordschip nor accord- 
 ing to our honestie ; and mair attour, my lord, thair is ane charge cumin to 
 ws fra the governour, afoir your 1[ ] charge, quhilk we may nocht 
 
 fulfill for the caussis aboun exprimit ; quherfor we beleif your lordschip 
 wilbe so graciuss to pardon ws to remane at hame at this tym, and quhen
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 191 
 
 your lordschip hes acht ado, ve vill serf your lordschip at our vtter power, 20th August, 
 be Goddis grace, quha mot preservf your lyrdschip in saull and body, at 
 your noble harttis desyir. Of Abirdein, this xviij day of Agust, m 
 v c xliij. Be your lordschipis humil seruitouris at power, provest, baillies, 
 and consell of Abirdene. 
 
 30th August, 1543. 
 
 The sayd day, the hail towne being warnit be thair officiaris and the 
 hand bell, and convenit, for the maist partt, within the tolbuitht, repre- 
 sentand the haill body of the toune, it wes exponit to thaim be Thomas 
 Menzes of Petfodellis, comptrollar to the quenis grace, thair prowest, how 
 he is send heir be our maister, the governour, to inquyr the nychtbouris 
 of this burght, gif thai vald fortify and menteyne his authorite aganis cer- 
 tane conspiratouris, and to wyt thair myndis in that behalf, sua that he 
 may defend thame and thair liberteis and fredomis in tyme cuming ; and 
 thai being opinlie requirit heirto, gran tit, all in ane voce, nane allegiand 
 nor sayand in the contrar, to serf him at thair wtter power at all tym, and 
 to defend and mentaine his authorite sa far as is in thaim ; on the quhilk the 
 said comptrollar tuk act and instrument. 
 
 The said day, the hail toune, being convenit as said is, ordanit, dewisit, 
 and thocht it expedient and necessar to haf ane nychtlie vache in this toun, 
 becaus of the brokining of this realme, as is daly sene, and that the portis 
 be mendytt and lokit, and reformit as mister is, with boumis, catbundis, 
 and chenzes, as thai bed vont to be, and this to be guid wyth in all guidlie 
 haist. 
 
 I9tk October, 1543. 
 
 Alsua, becaus the toune is hauely murmurit be the landmen, that the 
 vittell byaris of the merkat, scattis thame grytlie in taking of sampillis, 
 scheytschakkingis, and sic oder ewill vsit custurn, and be the belman in 
 taking ondiscrytlie for this dwety, sua that na vittell cumis to the merkatt ; 
 it is thocht expedient be the consell that thair tollar, Wm. Holland, cause 
 mak ane mesour, to mett and resaif the malt, of alse gryt quantitie as the 
 haipit firlott extendis to, and ane pek corresponding thairto, be straikit 
 with ane just straik, as the meill is ; and that na sampill nor scheytschakin 
 be gewin nor takin thairof, wnder paine of escheting of the haill vittell ; and
 
 192 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 19th October, that thair be ane mesour of competent quantite maid of jrn to the belman, 
 with the quhilk he sell resaif his dwetyce of the bell, and na mair, and this 
 thai ordane to be maid incontinent, and obserwytt in all tym to cum. 
 
 The sayd day, the consell ordanis to byg and mend all the porttis of this 
 towne, and ane new port of stane to be maid in the Nedderkirkgett, qnhar 
 the aid port wes, and to be lokit nychtlie fra x houris furtht, and to be 
 wachit and keypit be the four quarteris of this burght, and bake therof, 
 ilkane thair tyrae about ; and that euerie nychtbour keyp his awin bak yett, 
 and ansuer thairfor, that nane gett entres thairat, wnder the pane of tynsell of 
 thair fredome. And ordanit Alexr. Ruthirfurd, den of gild, to be maister 
 of vark thairto, and to begin and end the samin with diligens and all com- 
 petent haist, for certane caussis mowing thame, of the quhilk thai ar laitlie 
 aduertisit. 
 
 9th November, 1543. 
 
 The said day, the consell ordanis the pynouris to help to dycht and 
 clenge al the calsais of this guid toune, euery pynour his day aboutt. 
 
 \9th January, 1544. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn being varnit to this day, be thair hand bell 
 passand throcht all the rewis and stretis of. this guid townn, on the quhilk 
 the berar thairof maid fayth in iugment, to gif ansuer to the quenis grace 
 letteris vnder writin, and comperand for the maist pairt, representand the 
 haill body of the toun, comperit Carrik pursephant, and presentit thir 
 letteris vnderwritin to the said bailzes, requyrand thame, in the quenis 
 name, to put the same to dew execution, and caus the sowmes of money 
 contenit thairintill to be pait, vnder the panis contenit in the same. 
 Quhilkis letteris beyng red opinlie in iugment, in presens of the said townn, 
 Dauid Andersoun, bailze, requirit the said townn, convenit as said is, to 
 cheise thair taxtaris to stent and taxt the sowmes contenit in the saidis 
 letteris on the nychtbouris and inhabitants of the said burgh, protestand 
 solemplie, in name of the saidis bailzies, becaus thai postponit to do the 
 same, that quhat skaythis and dampnage hapnis to cum on the prouest and 
 bailzeis for non paiment of the sovmes contenit in the letteris vnder writtin, 
 the tane of the dait the tent day of Januar, and the tother of the dait the 
 xxix day of December, and of our souerane ladyis regne the thrid yeir, suld
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABEEDEEN. 193 
 
 cum on the said townn and nocht on thaim, becaus tha offerit thame redy 19th January, 
 to do to the said letteris the aucht of ressoun, and the said toun postponit 
 to fulfill the same. 
 
 My lord prowest and bailzeis of this noble burgh of Abirdene, vnto your 
 worschipis, humelie menis, shavis, and complanis, I, Catherin Melwin, 
 dochtir to vmquhill Alexander Melwin, burges of the said burgh, and 
 Andro Barre, my spouse, for his interes, one Thomas Ross and Issabell 
 Melwin, his spouse, duelland at the Myll of Balnacrag, now apprehendit 
 within your iurisdictioun and vnder your ward, in ane townn of iustice, and 
 be the preuelge of the same, aucht to ansuer afor your w[ ] at our in- 
 stance. That quhar the said Thomas and Isabell intrometit with xvj 
 yowiss, price of the pece, vj s., viij d. ; xiij hogis, price of the pece, v s., in 
 the yeir of God j m v c xxxv yeiris ; item, tua young oxin, price of the pece 
 fifty s. ; item, ane kow, price xl s., in the yeir of God j m v c xxxvi yeris, or 
 thairby ; and therefter, in the yeir of God j m v c xxxviij yeris, intrometit 
 with ane young ox of tua yer auld, price xl s., and ane cow, price xl s. ; 
 and thairefter, in the yeir of God j m v c xxxix yeris, intrometit with ane 
 yovng ox, price xl s. ; and in the yeir of God j m v c xl yeris, intrometit 
 with ane young kow of tua yeir auld, price xxvi s. viij d. ; and thairefter, 
 in the yeris of God, xxxvj, xxxvij, xxxviij xxxix, and xl yeris, respec- 
 tiue, intrometit with tua young oxin of thrie yeir auld, price pece xx s., 
 tua young oxin of tua yeir auld, price pece, xxvi s. viij d., deliuerit to 
 thame be vmquhill the said Alexander, my fader, and his seruandis, in his 
 name, to be keipit to my vtilite and proffeit, pertening to me be ressoun of 
 gift maid to me thairupoun be the said Alexander, &c. 
 
 26th January, 1544. 
 
 The sayd day, the hayll tovnn beyng varnit to this day be thair hand bell 
 passand throcht all the rewis and stretis of this said toun be the berar 
 therof, on the quhilk he maid fayth in iugment, and in speciale be the 
 officiaris of the said burghe, on the quhilks inlikwyise thai maid fayth in 
 iugment, and comperand for the maist part, representand the haill body of 
 the townn, thar was presentit to tham the quenis grace lettres afor writtin : 
 ane one the sowme of four hundreth lib. xiiij lib. vj s. viij d. of taxt, for 
 furnesing of ane thowsand horse to remain with the locumtenant on the 
 bordouris, for resisting of our auld ennimeis of Ingland, during the space
 
 194 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 JtJth January, of thre monethis ; and als thair was presentit in iugment twa writingis of 
 the Erie of Huntlie, locumtenent generale of the north of Scotland, be his 
 seruandis, vpoun the said toun, for the furnesing of ane hundreth men out 
 of the said townn in feir of weir, with all necessaris as efferit, with tuenty 
 dais vitelling, to pas with the said locumtenent for resisting of Donald 
 His, quhilk, with his complicis, is cumand, as is allegit, vpoun the quenis 
 landis of Ross for inuasion thairof and conquesing of the same, and to meit 
 the said locumtenent the last day of Januar instant, at Elgen, in thair maist 
 honest maner, togidder with ane precept of the said locumtenentis direct 
 vpon the haill fensabill men within the boundis of his locumtenendry, ass weill 
 of spirituale mennis landis and wtheris, to the effect forsaid ; quhilkis letteris, 
 writingis, and precept being opinlie red in iugment, in presens of the said 
 tounn, and publeist to thame at lynth, lik as in the same mair fullilie is 
 contenit, the said townn, efter lang auisament heirwpoun, considderit and 
 thocht that thay mycht not satisfy and fulfill bayth the saidis chargis, becaus 
 the townn is decavit and puir ; thairfor thay concludit and thocht it neces- 
 sar to writ to the gouernour, and schaw his grace thair locumtenentis 
 chargis cumyng one thame for the causis forsaid, with the copyis of the 
 said chargis, that his grace, of his guidnes, may consider that the said puir 
 towne ma nocht obtempir to the said quenis grace taxatioun forsaid, and 
 that, for the causis aboun writin, thai wald furness iij xx , or fifty men at the 
 lest, to pas to the said locumtenent, to the effect aboun writtin ; and therfor, 
 all in ane voce, chesit Dauid Andersoun, William Holland elder, Gilbert 
 Malisoun, Sanderis Forbes, and Gilbert Brabaner, taxtaris, to taxt and 
 stent the inhabitaris of the said burgh to the furnesing of the said personis ; 
 and forder, the baill townn conuenit, as said is, all in ane voce, na maner 
 of persone opponand in the contrar, consentit, war content, and ordinit, 
 that all the fre mone the towne hes afordale, bayth of thair commound 
 gudis, mails of Ardlar, denys of gild siluer, and all wther maner of fre 
 mone thai haue afor hand, be tane oup incontinent to the furnesing of the 
 said personis ; and gif the said rnone will nocht furneiss the forsaidis for ane 
 moneth, or, at the lest, for the space aboun writin, the said taxtaris to taxt 
 and stent the remanent necessar for thair furnesing, be the avise of the 
 prouest, vpoun the nichtbouris df the said towne and inhabitantis thairof, 
 efter thair sawlis and conscience, but feid or fauour ; to the quhilkis, thai 
 and ilk ane of thame is some the gryt ayth in iugment, and hes accepit the 
 said mater one thame, in presens of the said tounn, abefor thir vitnis, Wil-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN 195 
 
 liame Lesly of Balquhane, John Lesly of the Syid, Maisteris Thomas 26th January 
 Annand, Johnn Hay, and John Kennedy, notaris publik. 1544 - 
 
 1st Feburary, 1544. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, Thomas Menzies, and Maister Johne Gor- 
 doune become souerteis to the towne of Abirdene for deliuerance agane to 
 the said towne of thair artailzarie efter following : that is to say, ane fal- 
 cown, kilis pece, hollis pece, and thre serpentinis, with tene chalineris, five 
 wagis, and tene jrne nalis, cartit and quhelit, with half ane barrell of 
 powder, quhilk was lent for the tyme to the locumtenant of the north, the 
 Erie of Huntlie, and put in Sanderis Ratrais schip that passit to Inuernes, 
 for the tyme, to serue the said locumtenent for resisting of the His men, as 
 was allegit, or thane the avale of the same, within xl dais nixt heirefter. 
 
 The said day, Maister Johnn Gordoun and Andro Menzies become 
 souerteis to Alexr. Ratraye for ane noble and mychty lord, George Erie 
 of Huntlie, locumtenent of the north, to pay the said Alexander thretty 
 pundis of the rest of the hundreth lib. promittit him for the fraucht of his 
 schip to the north partis of Scotland ; and the said Alexr. grantit him pait 
 of thre scoir and tene lib. of the said hundreth pundis, for the causis for- 
 said ; and the said thretty pundis to be pait conforme to the contract maid 
 the tyme of the frauching of the said schip. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale, present for the tyme, 
 alovit to Johnn Chalmer thretty s. Scottis mone for the pair of cart quhelis, 
 shod with jrne, bocht fray [him] be Gilbert Malisoun and William Rolland, 
 in the townis name, in compleit paiment of the said Johnis intromissioun 
 with the mails of the landis of Ardlar, becaus he had maid compleit paiment 
 of the remanent thairof abefor, and decernit him ane acquittance of the said 
 inalis, vnder thair seill of cause, and ordanit the keipar thairof to seill the 
 same. 
 
 5th February, 1544. 
 
 The said day, Alexr. Ratray protestit that quhat hapin woid of the ar- 
 tailzerie and pouder put in his schip be the towne to serue the Erie of 
 Huntlie, locumtenent of the north, that he be nocht indettit to ansuyr ther-
 
 196 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 >th February, for, becaus he resauit the same hot in the erlis name ; on the quhilk he tuik 
 instrument afor thir vitnes, the tua bailzeis forsaid, Gilbert Tulidef, Gil- 
 bert Malisoun, and John Crawfurd. 
 
 20M February, 1544. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn, baith fremen and vnfremen, being varnit 
 be the hand bell passand throcht all the rewis and stretis of this guid town, 
 on the quhilk the berar maid faith in iugment, and conuenit for the maist 
 pairt, representand the haill body of the townn, the prouest causit reid 
 opinlie the quenis grace letteris vpoun iiij c xiiij lib. vj s. viij d. Scottis 
 mone of taxt of this burgh for furnesing of horsemen at the bordouris, 
 quhilkis war presentit lang afor to the said town be Carrik pursephant, 
 togidder with ane vther letter of the said quenis graces, be deliuerance of 
 the lordis, chargeand the inhabitantis, nychtbouris, and induellaris the said 
 burgh to pay respectiue thair pairt of the said taxt, conforme to the stent- 
 ing and rolling thairof, within thre dais nixt efter tha be chargit, vnder the 
 pain of rebellion, and putting of thame to our souerane ladyis home ; and, 
 gif thai failzeit thairin, the said thre dais being bypast, to denunce thame 
 our souerane ladyis rebellis, and put tham to hir home, and escheit and 
 inbring all thair mowabill gudis to hir vse, for thair contemptioun, lik as 
 in the said letteris at mair lynth is contenit. Quhilk letteris beyng red in 
 presens of the said townn, the prouest requirit the said townn, conuenit 
 as said is, to name and cheise taxtaris to taxt and stent the said sowme on 
 the nychtbouris and inhabitaris of the said burgh, as tha wald ansuer to 
 the quenis grace and gouernour thairwpoune ; and thairefter tha nemmit 
 thir persons following, viz. : Valter Cullane, Gilbert Tulidef, Walter Hay, 
 George Bissat, and Andro Losone, and becaus tha war nocht present 
 to accept the said mater one thame, the prouest and bailzeis ordanit thair 
 officiaris to varne thame to Mononday nixt cumis to accept the said mater 
 one thame, and be some thairto, as vse is, as tha wald answer to the 
 quenis grace and gouernour thairwpoun. And thaireftir, the vj day of 
 Marche, and yeir forsaid, the haill consell, present for the tyme, elect 
 and chesit Alexr. Rudirfurd and Gilbert Malysoun taxtaris to the v per- 
 sonis forsaid, and ordinit the haill vjj personis forsaid to be varnit to the 
 vij day of Marche nixt cumis, to accept the said mater on thame, and be 
 some thairto.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 197 
 
 1st April, 1544. 1st April, 
 
 The sayd day, the consell, present for the tyrae, conducit Andrew 
 Mowat, gunnar, to serf the toune towart the defens of the same fra our 
 aid innemeis of Ingland, in clengin and repairing of the artilzery, and vsing 
 the samin in tyrarais requirit for defens of this burgh, for the space of twa 
 monetht immediat following the 15 day of Marche last by past, for four 
 pound Scottis ilk raoneth induring the said space, and forthir, ,sa lang as 
 the toune pleissis to hald him in seruice of the samen price : to the quhilk 
 he oblegit him faythfully, and to serf na vder within the realme nor with- 
 out, salang as the toune pleissis to hald him for the sowme forsaid. 
 
 30th April, 1544. 
 
 Heir followis the ordinans of the consell, convenit for the maist pairt in 
 the consell hous the penult day of Aprill, in the yeir of God m 
 v c xliiij yeiris, for the defens of this toune fra the Inglismen, quhilkis 
 ar purposit to aryw in this hawin, as thai vnderstand be suir aduer- 
 teisment. 
 
 Item, the consell ordanit to lok and chenze the hawin mowcht wytht 
 maystis and rakkillis of irne, in the maist suwir maner, be the ingyne of 
 craftismen, and men of experiens that hes vesijt vder partis. Secundly, 
 to prepar the artilzery, and to get all necessaris requirit to thaim, and, 
 specialy, certane chalmeris, stokkis, waggis, powlder, carttis, quheilis, and 
 bowlattis, with all vder thingis concerning thair reparatioun. Thirdly, to 
 byg ane stark bastalze, with rauchteris or dailis, and sic vder tymmir, and 
 sand cassin to the bak of the tymmir, for eschewing of shoit of gwn, with 
 passagis to ische furth betuix ilk xxx ty fut, be the sycht and devyse of 
 craftismen, and to batall the heyd of the blokhouse abown with ane dyk of 
 xii fut thyk. 
 
 And, for the furnyssing and compleytting of the premissis, and getting 
 of money thairto, the consell thinkis expedient that thair be tuelf scoir 
 merkis takin of the mailis of Ardlar, becaus thair is na money aforhand 
 pertening to the towne, noder of commound guid nor accedent, and thai 
 can find na vder way at this tym for getting of money to furnyss the pre- 
 missis. And becaus the said money pertenis to the ouphald of the bryg 
 of Dee, and the toune may nocht dispone the samen, nor na pairt thairof, 
 
 2 c
 
 198 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 soth April, by the wse and vark of the said bryg, thay think it expedient to gyf and 
 appropriat the mailis of ane half nettis fysching of Done, extending yeirly 
 to tuelf merk of maile, to the ouphald of the sayd bryg, and to be ouptakin, 
 and keipit, and disponit be the collectouris of the maylis of Ardlar forsaid, 
 to the profyt of the said bryg, and to be annexat to the forsaid bryg, 
 and ouphald thairof with the said mailis of Ardlar ay and quhill the said 
 sowme of tuelf scoir merkis be refoundit to the raaister of the bryg for the 
 tym, and collectouris of the profyttis thairof ; and ordanis chartour instru- 
 ment, precept of sesing, and reuersione, to be maid in the sickerest sort 
 heirvpoune, and ordanit William Holland and Gilbert Malysoun, maisteris 
 of the artilzery and varkis forsaid, to resaif the said sowme of money, and 
 deburss the samen to the effect abowne exprimyt, and the vast and ex- 
 crescens thairof to be [ ], and salbe sufficient discharge to the 
 
 said William and Gilbert, sa far as thai deburse ; and quhat less beis tane 
 to the furnyssing of the said wark, the reuersioun to be maid on less and 
 mair, gif it requyris. 
 
 3lst April, 1544. 
 
 The sayd day, the haill toune being warnyt be the hand bell passand 
 throw all the rewis of the. toune, and convenit, for the maist pairt, within 
 the tolbuyth, consentit, all in ane voce, to the ordinans of consell anens the 
 munitionis to be maid for defens of this guid toune fra the Inglismen, and 
 to the getting of the money for furnessing and compleyting thairof in all 
 thingis, as is content in the act abowne wrytin, quhilk act and ordinans 
 thai ratifiit, apprewytt, and affermytt in jugment. 
 
 2d May, 1544. 
 
 The sayd day, the baillies and consall, present for the tyme, coramandit 
 and ordanyt Mage Durtty, quhilk ves convict twise obefor, for the strublens 
 and mispersonyng of Jonet Lesly, to cum on Sonday nixt to cum, with ane 
 candill of vax of ij lib. in hir hand birnand, and syt down on hir knees and 
 ask the said Jonat forgifnis, and request the gudmen of the toune to cause 
 the said Jonat forgife hir ; and gyf euer scho commyttis sic faltis agane, 
 thai ordan hir crag to be put in the gof, and to pay baith the sowmis of 
 money contenit in the actis- maid abefoir, viz., xv merkis, to be apply it to 
 Sanct Nicolass vark.
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABERDEEN. 199 
 
 lltk May, 1544. ilthMay, 
 
 The sayd day, the hail consell and ane pairt of the tovne, being convenit 
 within the chepdour of Sanct Nicolass kirk, ordanit Thomas Menzeis, thair 
 provest, to ryd to Dundy to the lordis, for consultatioun to be maid for the 
 commound weill, and adressing of thair wther purpos, to be maid for the 
 Inglismen that ar now presentlie within the realm, and ordanit to gif hym 
 xx poundis for his expenssis of the money of Ardlar, now asignyt for ad- 
 dressing of the townis bissines. 
 
 Item, the consell ordanis thair chartour keyst, with the euidentis contenit 
 thairin, to be put in suir fermans for keping in secreit manir, be the awyse 
 of Dauid Andersoune, George Bissett, and Walter Cullan, and thai to 
 schaw the provest thairof in secreit, and ordanit thame to mak ane inuen- 
 tour of the haill euidentis contenit in the said kyst. 
 
 Item, the consell ordanis the maisteris of artilzery to pas with the mayster 
 of kirkwark, and serss quhar ony irn may be gottin pertening the kyrk, or 
 quhar euer it ma be gottin within this burght, and tak the samen for com- 
 pleytting of the townis ordinans of defens, and that thai vey and vryt the 
 quantite thairof, sua it be pait and recompensit efterwards; and Alexr. 
 Ruthirfurd allegit he bed four gryt chandlaris of irn pertening to him, now 
 lyand in the luge, quhilkis he gaif to the said wark. 
 
 Item, the consell conducit Alexr. Rattray as ane gunnar, and ordanit to 
 gif him alse mekill in the moneth as the toder gunnar gettis, viz., ilk moneth 
 iiij lib. ^Scottis, and ordanis the maisteris of the artilzery to ansuer thame 
 of thair feis. 
 
 \3th May, 1544. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn beyng as is afor writin, comperit in iug- 
 ment Robert Ratray yovngar, and thair puirlie and simpillie resignit and 
 our gaif in the prouestis handis, in name of the haill tovnn, the haly dais 
 fische of Dee, and syise boll, with the pertinence vse and wont, quhilk he 
 had afor in tak of the said tovne, and all rycht, and titile of rycht, he had, 
 or mycht haue, thairto, in fauoris of Alexander Ruderfurd, burges of the 
 said burgh, hes ares and assignais ; and thairefter, the haill tovnn beyng 
 conuenit, as said is, and circularie inquirit be Andro Menzeis, bailze, ad-
 
 200 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th May, mittit and ressauit the said Alexander Ruderfurd thair tennent and takis- 
 raan to the said haly dais fische and syise boll, vse and wont ; and ordanit 
 ane assedatioun to be maid to him, his ares and assignais, malis, burgessis, 
 and actuale iuduellaris the said burgh thairupoun, for all the dais and termes 
 of tene yeris nixt, and immediatlie following his enteres thairwith, quhilk 
 enteres salbe at the day and dait heirof ; the said Alexander, his ares or 
 assignais forsaid, payand thairfor yeirlie to the tovnis maister of kirkwark 
 for the tyme thre barrellis of salmond, full reid and sueit, sufficient mer- 
 chand guid of the richtus bind of Abirdene yeirlie, at the letter Mary day, 
 or ellis nyne lib. Scottis mone ilk yeir for the same, at the said terme ; and 
 als ordanit the keiparis of thair commend seill to seill him ane assedatioun 
 thairupoun ; on the quhilk the said Alexander tuik act of court and instru- 
 ment, afor thir vitnes, Maisteris Thomas Annand, John Kennedy, and 
 Patrik Gray, with wtheris diuerse. 
 
 26th May, 1544. 
 Heir follows the wryting send be my Lord Huntlie to the baillies, consell, 
 
 and communite of this guid towne : 
 
 Rycht treist cousingis, I commend me hartlie to yow : Ye sail vnder- 
 stand I am informit of the gryt feir ye wndirly daly, and continouall 
 dreddour quhilkis the communite and peple of your burgh daly wndirlyis, 
 and gryt pairt of your selffis and guidis fled to landvard, quharthrow ap- 
 peris that thair is nane that intendis to provyd your necessite now in 
 this trublis tym ; thairfor, hawand consideratioun on the premisses, it is 
 my will, and I command yow, and euerilkan of yow, of the burght, con- 
 sell, and communite of Abirdene, during my absens, in my name, to ansuer 
 and obey in all behalffis concerning the veill of your towne to my cousingis 
 and seruitouris, Maister Johne Gordoun, Henry Irwyn, Alex. Ruthyfurd, 
 and Wm. Rolland, and to nane vderis, as ye, and euerilkan of yow, will an- 
 swer to me thairvpoun ; and this, becaus I haf gewin command and charge 
 to my freindis and folkis maist ewous yow, at command of the saidis 
 Maisteris Johnn, Henry Irwyn, Alexr. Ruthirfurd, and Wm. Rolland, to 
 rise and assist in support of yow, as thai be chargit forther in all behalffis. 
 I haf schawin to the said Maister Johnne, to quhom ye sell gif crydenis, 
 God keip yow, at Stireling, the xviij day of May, subscrywit with my hand, 
 and your ansuer on the premisses, sua I may prowid remeid according 
 thairto as efferis. Sic subscribitur, youris, George Erll off" Huntlye.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 201 
 
 Heir followis the ansyr of the said wryting mayd and send be the baillies 26th May, 
 
 and consell of Abirdene. 
 
 My lord, efter maist hartlie recommendatioun of our seruice, pleis your 
 lordschip wyt : We resauit your lordschipis wryting the xxvj day of May 
 instant, makand mentioun that your lordschip is inforrnyt of the gryt feir 
 and continuail dreddour led be ws and the inhabitantis of this burghe, and 
 that ane gryt pairt of our selffis and guidis var fled and remowit to land- 
 ward, and that we had prowydit na defenssis for our said toune. My lord, 
 trew it wes ane pairt of our nychtbouris remowit thair gudis, bot nane . 
 that remowit thame selffis vder than thai that ar past wycht thair mer- 
 chandis to saill ; and as for our preparing for resistens, my lord of Aber- 
 dene vill testify, quhom with we concurrit, and hes done at our pouar, as 
 your lordschip sail knaw at your hame cuming, vil God. My lord, quhar 
 your lordschip hes writin, hawand respect that the narratioune bed bene 
 trew maid to your lordschip of ws, thairfor commandand ws, during your 
 lordschipis absens, to ansuer and obey in all behalffis to your lordschipis 
 seruitouris, Maister Johne Gordoune, Henrik Irwyne, Alexr. Ruthirfurd, 
 and Wm. Holland, and to nane vderis, your lordschip be rememberit ye 
 haf our band as protectour to wss, and belevis treuly in na vder, sen we 
 wantit our maister the kingis grace, and sail depend on na vder to our 
 maistres, the quenis grace, perfyt aige. Heirfor we belief your lord- 
 schip, of your guidnes, vill nocht, for na particular mannis desyir, hurt 
 our liberte and priuelege that we haf bed of auld, quhilkis is wnder the 
 quenis grace, and your lordschip her place haldar to wss, our provest and 
 baillies, to quhom we ar sworne ; and gif ony of thaim hes failit aganes 
 the veill of this realm, and in special of this burgh, that being verifiit, at 
 command and sycht of your lordschip, we sell remoif them and elect vderis 
 in thair places, to serf the quenis grace and your lordschip, and the corn- 
 mound weill of this toun. Beseikand heirfor, your lordschip, for our 
 seruice that we ma do your lordschip baycht with our bodyis and guidis, 
 that your lordschip will stand our guid lord and protectour, lyk as we salbe 
 reddy at all houris to serf your lordschip quhen it sail pleis your lordschip 
 charge wss, day or nycht. Thankand your lordschip, in our maist humill 
 maner, of your lordschipis beneuolous rnynd hed towartis wss in causing of 
 your folkis that ar maist ewiss wss to be in reddenes in our support, 
 quhilkis we can nocht acquyt nor desert, bot salbe reddy, as forsaid is, 
 at the wttermaist of our powar, as knawis God, quha mot be your lord-
 
 202 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 -6th May. schipis keipar in saull and body. Of Abirdene, the xxvj day of May for- 
 said, be your lordschipis huinill seruandis, 
 
 BailKes and Consell of Aberdene. 
 
 8th July, 1544. 
 
 The said day, the haill townn, beyng warnit be thair hand bell passand 
 throcht all the stretis of the said town, on the quhilk the berar thairof 
 maid faith in iugment, and in speciale be the officiaris elikwise passand 
 throcht all the quartaris of the said towne, on the quhilkis siclik thai maid 
 fayth in iugment, and conuenand for the maist pairt representand the haill 
 body of the tounn, it is statut and ordinit be thame, all in ane voce, that 
 all maner of takismen of this burgh, bayth of watteris and landis, and 
 siclik all fremen brether of gild of the said burgh, that now ar remanand 
 to landuart, cum to the said burgh within xlviij houris, and dispone and 
 prepaire thame selffis to serue the towne with thair personis and gudis in 
 the quenis grace and gouernouris seruice, now in this tyme of osting, with 
 the laif of the tovn, lyk as wther nychtbouris thairof dois, vnder the panis 
 of tinsale of thair takis, tha that hes takis of the toune, and of tinsall of 
 thair fredome of the said burgh, tha that hes na takis, and of all wther 
 priuileges tha haue of the said toune, without any request to be hard in 
 the contrar, and ordinis oppin proclamatioun to be maid heirof at the 
 mercat corce of the said burgh. 
 
 14th July, 1544. 
 
 The said day, the haill consell present for the tyme, all in ane voce 
 ansignyt, grantit, and gaif to thair servitour, Maister Hew Monro, maister 
 of the gramar scuyll, ane yeirly pensioun of tene merkis vsuall money of 
 Scotland, to be payt to him yeirly be the denis of gyld, at tua termes in 
 the yeir, Mertimes and Wytsounday, be equall portionis, during all the 
 days of his lyf, or ay and quhyll thai provyd him to sum vder leving, tak, 
 or steading of the toun, alse mekill profyt yeirly as the said sowme extendis 
 to, and that for his diligent laubouris and curis to be maid be hym in tym 
 cuming, for the instructioun and learnyng of the barnis of the scuill, bayth 
 in sciens, maners, vrytingis, and sic vder vertewis concerning thaim, lik as 
 the said Mr Hew promytit in his bill gewin in to the consell to do and ful- 
 fill at his wtter power.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 203 
 
 I8tk Jul } 1544. 
 
 In the presens of the provest and baillies forsaids, sitand in jugement, 
 comperit dene Robert Stevinsoun, for himself, and in name and behalf of 
 the abbot of Deir and convent of the samyn, and geve in this procuratorie 
 vnderwrittin, subscriuit with thair handis and vnder thair commoun seilis, 
 and desirit the samin to be registrat in the bukis of the actis. The quhilk 
 desyre the saidis provest and baillies thocht resinable, and hes ordanit the 
 samyn to be registrat in the saidis bukis, of the quhilk the tennour followis : 
 Be it kend till all men, be thir present letteris, ws, Robert, postulat abbot, 
 priour, and convent of the Abbay of Deir, chepturlie gadderit and riplie 
 avisit, with consent of our yconimouse, Maister George Myddiltoun and Mr 
 Andrew Kyd, to haif maid, constitute, and ordanit, and be the tenour of 
 thir presentis, makis, constitutis, and ordanis our welbelouitis dene, Robert 
 Stevinsoun, priour of Deir, Alexr. Menzeis, Mr. Robert Lummisden, our 
 lawfull procutouris, actouris, factouris, and speciale erand beraris, gefand, 
 grantand, and committand to our saidis procuratouris, and ilkane of thame 
 coniunctlie and seueralie, our werray full plane power and speciale mand- 
 ment for ws, and in our name, to comper befor the prouest and baillies of 
 Aberdene, and thair to persew our just richt, titill, and possessionis of 
 certain landis pertening to our said abbay, within the said burgh, and 
 speciale of ane land beside the trinite freris, merchand and boundand with 
 Sanct Katerins hill and vther landis, as our auld charter, euidentis, and 
 possessionis at mair lenth specifeis, and of ane vther land Hand in the 
 Gallowgait of Abirdene, vmquhill inhabit with the heredis of Robert Ewert 
 and Johnne Andersoun, burges of the said burgh, quhilkis landis belangand 
 to our said abbay of Deir possessionis, to follow, persew, and defend, 
 quhair neidfull salbe to our saidis procutouris, in the tolbuith of Abir- 
 dene, or any vther place quhair justice salbe ministrat, to ilkane of thairn 
 our generate and speciale pouer we geve, and be thir presentis concedis, 
 as our selfis personaly wer assistant, haldand, and for to hald, all and 
 quhatsumeuer thingis our saidis procutouris, or ony ane of thaim, in our 
 names, in the premisses rychtuuslie leidis to be done, vnder the pain of in- 
 famie and periurie. Gifin vnder our hand writtis and commoun sele, at 
 Deir, the [ ] day of July, anno xliiij. Here followis the subscriptionis : 
 Robertus, postulatus abbas ; Robertus Stevinsoun, priour ; Frater Thomas 
 Kerr, suppriour ; Johannes Anderson ; Alexr. Scherer ; Johannes Cullane ; 
 Willhelmus Bell ; Frater Duncanus ; Frater Willelmus Pendreicht ; Gil-
 
 204 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 18th July, bertus Innes ; Gilbertus Chissera ; Joannes Masoun ; Magister George 
 Myddiltoun, jconimus ; Magister Andreas Kyd, jconimus. 
 
 I9tk July, 1544. 
 
 Marie, be the grace of God quene of Scottis, to our louittis Carrick 
 pursevant, messingeris, our schirefis in that parte, coniunctlie and seueralie, 
 specialie constitut, greting : Forsamekle as our governour and lordis of our 
 counsell hes ordanit the prowest, balzeis, counsell, and coramunite of our 
 burgh of Edinburgh, to awance, in the name and behalf of the haill burrowis 
 of our realme, the sowme of aucht hundreth frankis, ilk frank xij s., for the 
 furnessing of the ambassatour that passis to the emperour in Flandris, be 
 Fraus, for comprehensioune of our realrae and the lieges thairof, in the 
 peax takin betuix the king of Frans and the emperour ; quhilk soume salbe 
 allowit and defalkit to the haill burrowis, in part of payment of the sowme 
 awing to ws for the downgetting of the xij deneris. And inlikwyis hes 
 ordanit thame to furneis ane honest merchand, and our haill burrowis to 
 pay amangis thame his furneissing, extending to ij c frankis, to pass with 
 our said ambassatour to the effect forsaid, and for desyring of, thair guidis 
 takin be the jmperouris subiectis in Flandris : and our burrowis vnder writ- 
 tin, for thair pairts, ar taxt to pay the sowmes following respectiue, that is to 
 say : Abirdene, Ivj lib. x s. ; Dundee, iij" xvi lib. ; Perth, xlv lib. ; Banff, 
 iiij lib. xij d. ; Dunfermling, vi lib. ii s. ; Crale, iiij lib. xij d. ; Forfar, 
 iij lib. xviij d. ; Breching, x lib. iiij s. ; Montrose, xvi lib. iiij s. ; Elgin, vj 
 lib. ij s. ; Inuerness, x lib. iiij s. ; Arbrocht, viij lib. ij s. ; Santandrowis, 
 xviij lib. ; Couper, xiij lib. ; Cullane, xl s. vj d. ; Fores, v lib. xviij d. ; 
 Name, xl s. vj d. ; Thane, iij lib. xviij d. ; Dysart, vj lib. xij s. ; Kirk- 
 caldy, vj lib. xij s., lykas the taxt roll maid be the saidis prowest and 
 bailzeis of Edinburgh thairwpoun beris. Oure will is heirfor, and we 
 charge yow straytlie, and commandis that incontinent thir our letteris sene 
 ye pass in our name and au thorite, command and charge the provest and 
 balzeis, counsell, and communite of ilk burgh aboue wryttin to mak pay- 
 ment of the said furnessing of the said soume of ane thowsand merks, avancit 
 in maner forsaid, to the said provest and balzeis of Edinburgh, conforme to 
 the stent and taxt maid thairwpoun, within xlviij houris nixt, efter thai be 
 chargit be yow tharto, for thair awin partis, vnder the paine of rebellioun 
 and putting of thame to our home ; quhilks xlviij houris being bypast, that 
 ye denunce thame our rebellis, and put thame to our home, for the caussis
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 205 
 
 forsaid, efter the forme of the act maid be our said governour and lordis 19th July, 
 of our counsell tharwpoun. The quhilk to do we committ to yow, con- 
 iunctlie and seuerlie, our full power, be thir oure letteris, deliuering tharae, 
 be yow dewlie execut and indorsat, againe to the bearer. Gewin vnder 
 our signett, at Edinburgh, the xxix day of December, and of our regne 
 the thrid yeir. Per dominos consilii, &c. 
 
 1st September, 1544. 
 
 The baillies ordanis ane testimoniale to be gifin to Robert Patersoun, 
 capitane of ane were schip of Dundee, and his colligis and parttismen, 
 certifieing that it is deponit be the maryneris of Stokholme befor ws, that 
 thai war nocht hurt in thair personis, molestit, trublit, nor zete spulzeit, 
 in ony of thair gudis being in ane schip, allegit be the said Robert to be 
 his just prise, saifand thay tuik the said schip, with all the geir being 
 thairin allanerlie, samekle as pertenit to thaim that wer marineris, schip- 
 peris, and sterismen, quhilk was their geir, and portage being exceptit ; 
 and als to declare that thay depone that the Inglismen quha tuik thaim 
 last, knawand that thair schip was lek, geve thaim thair leif, and bad thaim 
 pass and saif thaim selfis quhair they mycht best ; with extentioun of all 
 vther generale claussis necessar. 
 
 The said day, Thomas Menzeis, provest of Aberdene for the tyme, 
 hes lowsit the arrestment maid vpoun ane scheip, and certane tymmer 
 being thairin, allegit pertening to Robert Patersoune and vtheris, quhilk 
 arrestment was maid at the instance of the haill towne and commonite 
 thairof, becaus Wm. Kinlocht, burges of Dunde, is become souertie to 
 kepe the tovnschip of Aberdene scathles thairof, as law will, at all handis 
 quhome it efferis. 
 
 This is the gudis eftir following cum in ane schip, the maryneris of 
 Stokholum, tane as ane prise be Robert Patersoune, Thomas Ross, Henry 
 Couthbert, and Alexander Wallace, capitanis, quhilkis schippis pertenit 
 ane to Dundee, ane to Kirkcaldy, and twa to Leith, quhilk com in the 
 havyn of Aberdene, in the moneth of August, in the yere of God 1544 
 yeris ; for the quhilkis gudis William Kinlocht is become souertie to kepe 
 the towneschip of Aberdene scathles, as law will, at all handis quhome it 
 efferis, and this befor Thomas Menzeis for the tyme. Item, in the first, 
 ane schip of fyr, quhilk wes storit as vraik in hir cumin in the havyn, with 
 
 2 D
 
 206 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1st September, hir hale salis of wadmale claith, and thrie ankeris, ane cabill, and ane auld 
 cabill, and cross, with the schrouddis and taikallis, and in the said schip 
 xiiij c sparris, ij xxiiij rauchteris, xxv hydis dry and salt, viij" xviij goit- 
 skinnis, and xiij mair, fyfte aucht pik schaftis, aucht barrellis tar, vij treis 
 of aik and fir. 
 
 5th September, 1544. 
 
 The quhilk day, it is thocht expedient be the hale consale for ane con- 
 ding raendis to be maid to the breder of the blakfreris, for the injuries 
 done to thaim be thir personis under writtin : that is to say, Alexr. Men- 
 zeis, Patrik Gray, Alexr. Tulydef, Maister Johne Kennedy, Thomas 
 Burrale, baxter, Collene Porterfeild, Michell Andersone, and the rema- 
 nent of thair colligis quha was present at the committing of the said wrang, 
 that all the saidis personis sail cum on ane Sunday, or other festuale haly 
 day, to Sanct Nicholace kyrk, and thair in the quere of the samin, in time 
 of the hie mess, and sitt doune on thair kneyis bareheid, and offer euery 
 ane of thaim ane sarge of new walx to God, in presens of the commissar 
 of Aberdene, in name and behalf of my lord of Aberdeene, thair prelait, 
 the priour of the said place, in name and behalf of his brother, and the 
 provest, baillies, and consale of this gude toune, and thair confess that thai 
 haif failzeit to the said religiouse men, askand the said priour, in name and 
 behalf of the hale brother, forgevenes of the said fait, oblisand thameselffis, 
 geve ever thai be convict in ony siclyke cryme in tym cuming to ony re- 
 ligiouse men, never to haif interes in this towne, and vnder the pane of 
 tinsale of all that thay haif within the samin, and to vnderly the penence 
 iniungit to thaim be thair ordiner. 
 
 12th September, 1544. 
 
 My lord provest and baillies : Vnto your worschipis humelie menis and 
 complenis, I, your seruitour, Alexr. Guthrie, als Suawdoune harrold, vpoun 
 Wm. Pactoun, schipper of ane schip of Dunde : that quhair in the moneth 
 of Junij bipast, it was convenit betuix me and the said Wm. that he sould 
 haif had ane brother sone of myne to Denmark in his schip, for the quhilk he 
 ressauit fra me x s. of money, half ane barrell of aile, price x s., ane nycht 
 mantile, and viij s. wourth of quhite breid ; and thairefter, I being absent 
 of the towne, send away my said brother sone to Monross his erandis, and 
 past away or his hame cuming, nocht fulfilling his condicioun and promess,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 207 
 
 as said is. Beseikand herefor your worschipis to cause the said William 12th Sept, 
 restoir to me the money and geir forsaid, deliuerit to him as said is, becaus 1544t 
 he hes nocht fulfillit his condicioun and promiss, and your ansuer humelie I 
 beseik. 
 
 18th September, 1544. 
 
 The said day, the hale consale being convenit togidder, hes feit Sir 
 Jhone Fethy to be one of the prebendaris of their queir, and to haif thair 
 organis and sang schole for instructioun of the men of gudis barnis, and 
 keping of thaim in gude ordour, and he to mak continuale residence in the 
 said queir ; ffor the quhilk thai haf gifin him xx lib. yeirlie of fee, to be 
 thankfullie payit to him yeirlie sa lang as he remanis and makkis gude 
 service to the towne, and that of the reddiest of thair commoun gude. 
 
 6th October, 1544. 
 
 The said day, compeirit Mr. George Young, procutour for the cheplauis 
 of the haile queir of the cathedrall kirk of Abirdene, and producit ane pro- 
 ces of recognitioun, ordourlie led at thrie sindry heid courtis, of ane annuale 
 rent of v s. yeirlie, aucht to the saidis chaplanis of ane waist land, perten- 
 ing to vmquhile Robert Smyth, burges of this burgh ; and siclyke of ane 
 vther annuale rent of xij s. of ane vther waist land in Futie, and conform 
 thairto, desirit heretable possessioun of the propertie. The saidis provest 
 and baillies, for certane considerationis moving thame, continewis the said 
 mater vnto this day xv dayis, and ordanis to warne all partyis, be oppin 
 proclamatioun, haifand intires in this mater, to compeir the said day for the 
 said possessioun gifin, or ellis to schaw ane resonable cause quhy : with cer- 
 tification to thame, and they failze, the saidis provest and bailzies will give 
 the saidis prebendaris or thair procutouris, in thair names, possessioun of 
 the saidis landis conforme to justice. 
 
 IQth October, 1544. 
 
 The said day, the consale ratifies and affermes all actis and statutis maid 
 of befoir, of spilling of the market of girnalis, balding of wappinnis to be 
 had in euery merchandis buith, of ressetouris, of strengeris, of selling of 
 tauch, sine, flesche, fische, penny caikis, and all vther statutis and actis maid 
 of befor, for actionis concerning the commoun wele of this gude towne, and 
 ordanit thame to be keipit and obseruit in all poyntis in tyme cuming.
 
 208 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 uth October, 14th October, 1544. 
 
 1544. The quhilk day, in presens of the saidis provest and baillies, sittand in 
 
 jugement for the tyme, compeirit Mr Thomas Annane, procuratour, and 
 in name and behalf of ane nobill and mychtie lord, George erle of Huntlie, 
 Lord Gordoun and Baidzenochk, &c, and geve in his acquittance and dis- 
 charge vnderwrittin, quhilk was subscriuit be the personis vnder specifeit 
 in jugement, this instant day, in presens of ws, and desirit the samin to be 
 registrat in the court bukis, and that he mycht haif the extract of the samin 
 vnder the tovnis testimoniale, and vnder the secrete sele ; the quhilk desire 
 the saidis provest and baillies thocht resinable, and thairfor ordanis the 
 samin to be insert in the saidis bukis, and to be given furth autentiklie 
 agane, vnder thair testimoniale and secrete sele, to the said procutour, in 
 name and behalf forsaid, in dew forme as efferis. Of the quhilk acquittance 
 and discharge the tenour followes : Be it kend till all men, be thir present 
 letteris, ws, Guilliame Hodierim and Christofer Lasingzert, Britoneris, to 
 haif resauit, be the handis of ane nobill and methy lord, George erle of 
 Huntlie, Lord Gordoun and Banzenocht, &c., in name and behalff of ane 
 nobill and excellent lady, lady Marie, moder to ane maist excellent princes, 
 Marie quene of Scotland, &c., the sovm of twelf hundreth thre skorr alevin 
 pundis and xiiij d. vsuale monye of Scotland, in cur-sabill and vsuall pennijs, 
 and sufficient merchandice and penneworthis, deliuerit and payit to ws, 
 within the toune of Abirdene, be vertew and eftir the tennour of hir grace 
 charge and writting, direct and send with ws to his lordschip, of the date, 
 at Stritieling, the fyrst day of September, in the yeir of God, v c xliij yeris, 
 subscriuit and signet be hir grace, as the samin propirtis at mair lynth in 
 the self, for the hame bringing of certane wynis and munitionis of ar- 
 tailzerie furth of the parte of France to Alloway in Scotland, &c., of the 
 quhilk soum of xij c Ixxi lib. xiiij d. we hald ws wele content and thank- 
 fullie payit, be the said nobill and mychty lord and vtheris his seruitouris 
 in his name ; and thairfor, be the tenour heirof, dischargis, exoneris, and 
 quitclamis the saidis nobill and excellent lady and lord forsaid, thair airis, 
 executoris, and assignais, and all vtheris quhome it efferis, in vberiore 
 juris forma. In witnesse of the quhilk thing we haif subscriuit this our ac- 
 quittance and discharge -with our handis, at Abirdene, in jugement, in the 
 tolbuith of the samyn, the xiiij day of October, anno xliij yeris, befor thir 
 witnessis, honorable men, Thomas Menzeis of Petfoddellis, provest of the 
 said burgh ; Dauid Andersone, ane of the baillies of the same ; Mr Johne
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 209 
 
 Gordoun, William Holland, Alexr. Menzeis, Johne Ruthirfurd, and Mr 14th October, 
 Robert Lumraisden, burgessis of the said burghe, with vtheris diuerse. 
 
 The said day, comperit Gilliam Odiarne and Cristofer Lasenzear, Bre- 
 toneris, and exponit how thai had gifin the samin day, in presens of the 
 saidis provest and baillies, ane cleir acquittance and discharge of the 
 sovmes of xij c Ixxi lib. xiiij d. to George Erie of Huntlie, in name and 
 behalf of Mary quene of Scotland, quhilk the said lady wes awin thaim for 
 the furing of certaine wyne and munition furth of France to hir grace, 
 and nocht withstanding that thai haif gifin ane cleir acquittance of the hale 
 sowme, nochttheles that thair restis vnpayit to thame, be the handis of Wil- 
 liam Adamson, [ ] lastis of salmound, [ ] daker of hydis, vnpayit, 
 
 quhilk the saidis provest and baillies affermes that the samin restis be the 
 said Wm. Adamsoun, vnpayit, as yite to the saidis Bretoneris, vpoun the 
 quhilkis affirmatioun and testificatioun the saidis Bratonaris askit not of 
 court. 
 
 The said day, Gilliam Ordiarne and Cristopher Lasenzear, Bretoneris, 
 grantit in jugement the ressett of this woll vnderwrittin, fra the personis 
 vnderspecifeit, in name and behalf of George erle of Huntlie, and inlik- 
 maner grantit thaim thankfullie payit thairof, that is to say, fra Maister 
 Johnne Gordoun, ane hundreth li. stane of woll ; fra Dauid Andersoun, 
 five scoir stane of woll ; and fra Wm. Rolland, xl stane of woll ; vpon the 
 quhilkis confessionis the saidis Maisteris Johne, Dauid, and William askit 
 note of court. 
 
 October, 1544. 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis commandit and ordinit all four the officiaris, 
 in iugment, to pas throcht all the rewis and streitis of the tovnn, als oft as 
 neid beis, and vesy and seik all caik baxteris that bakis ony cakis to sell, 
 and tak all thair girdilis thai apprehend baikand siclik cakis, and present 
 the said girdillis to thame, and verefy that thai tuik the same fray caik 
 baxteris, baikand caikis to sell, and thai sail haue the said escheit to thaim 
 for thair travell ; and causit the officiaris suer the gryt aith to exerce the 
 same lelilie and trewlie, without feid or fauour, and to present the saidis 
 girdillis as oft as thai culd apprehend thame.
 
 210 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 2ist October, The said day, all the four bailzeis of this guid tounn, conuenit in iug- 
 ment, exponit and schew to all the brostaris within this guid tovnn, ilkane 
 for thair avin quarter respectiue, that tha had broken the statutis gevin 
 to thame be the protest, baillies, and counsale, in selling of aill derrar 
 thane xvi d. the gallovnn, be fremennis viffis, and derrar than xii d. be vri- 
 fremennis viffis, quhilk yei culd nocht deny, for the quhilkis thai mycht 
 haue pundit the saidis brostaris thairfor ; nochttheles thai remittit all faltis 
 bigane sene Mychtelmes bigane to this day, anent the said aill, and com- 
 mandit and chargit all the said brostaris, ilkane within thair quarteris re- 
 spectiue, as thai var callit, that nane of tham sell ony aill derrar in tymes 
 cumyng, quhill the tovnn be forder avisit, be thame selffis nor thair ser- 
 uandis, in thair houissis, nor without thair houissis, than xvj d. the gallown of 
 fremennis, and xii d. per the gallown of vnfremennis viffis, vnder the panis 
 of viij s. vnforgevin, for the first fait ; and viij s. and the daling of their 
 aill, for the secund fault ; and viij s. and daling of thair aill, and striking 
 out of thair caddioum bodoum, for the third fait ; without any fauour or re- 
 quest to be haid or vsit in the contrar. 
 
 31 st October, 1544. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn, being varnit to this day be thair hand bell, 
 be the berar tharof passand throw the streitis of the said tovnn, and con- 
 venit be the maist pairt within the tolbuith of the same, representand the 
 haill townn, on the quhilk varning the said bellman maid faith in iugment, 
 it was schawin and denuncit to thame be Gilbert Menzes, ane of the balzeis 
 of the said burgh, that thair was tua preceptis of parliament cuming to the 
 said tovnn, and presentit to the bailzeis of the said burgh, and be the 
 quenis grace, with the avise and counsale of the gouernour to the parlia- 
 ment to be haldin in Edinburgh, and to begyne the sax day of Nouember 
 instant, with continuacioun of dais. Ane wther precept of the said quenis, 
 with the avise of the lordis of counsale, to be haldin in Striveling, and to 
 begyne the xii day of Nouember instant nixt cumis, with continuacioun of 
 dais, togidder with ane supplicatioun of the Erie of Huntlie, leutenent 
 generate of the north, requerand the said tovnn to send thair commissioners 
 to the said parliament to be haldin in Striveling, requirand the said tounn 
 quidder thai wald ansuer to the said preceptis thame selffis, or gif tha 
 wald refer the ansuer thairof to the counsale, quhilk ansuerit, sayand,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 211 
 
 tha referrit the same to the counsale to gif ansuer thairto, as tha thoeM 3ist October, 
 expedient, quhilk thre bailzeis aforwrittin, with thir persons following, 
 Maister John Gordoun, William Holland elder, &c., convenit within thair 
 counsale houisse, and tha beyng circularlie inquerit be the said Gilbert 
 Menzes, baillie, ansuerit, all sayand tha wald send thair commissaris to the 
 quenis parliament sett, with the avise of hir gouernour, to be haldin in 
 Edenburgh, and to begyn the vj day of Nouember instant nixt cumis, and 
 chesit Thomas Menzeis, thair provest, Andro Menzes, thane absent, as 
 present, and Maister John Gordon, thair commissaris to the said par- 
 liament, and ordinit ane commissioun to be maid to thame and to the maist 
 pairt of thaim thairto, vnder thair commond seill, and ordinit the keiparis 
 thairof to seill the same, except Dauid Andersone, William Holland elder, 
 Maister Robert Lummisdale, and John Ruderfurd, quhilk ansuerit tha 
 wald nocht consent to send ony commissaris to ony of the said parliamentis, 
 and Maister John Gordoun, quhilk said, he vald consent to send com- 
 missaris to the quenis parliament, with avise of the lordis to be haldin in 
 Stirveling, conforme to my lord locumtenentis writin, and desirit the coun- 
 sale of the said locumtenentis writin, quhilkis ansuerit as is afor writin. 
 
 1st December, 1544. 
 
 The said day, Maister Johnne Gordoun allegit in jugement that he hed 
 ane commissioun of his maister, the lietennentis, to tak cognitioun vpoun 
 the hinging of the image of Sant Franceis, and quhome he fand calpabile 
 thairof, to put thame in the baizes handis in keiping, on to the tyme that 
 justice wer don vpoun thame therfor as the law requirit ; and that he, be 
 vertu thairof, hed takin cognitioun in the said mater ; and that it wes vere- 
 fyt and knawin to him that Thomas Branche and Thomas Cussing wes tua 
 of thame that wes hingaris of the said image, and therfor deliuerit thame in 
 jugement to the bailies forsaid, and requirit thame, in the luetennentis name, 
 to keip thame in ferine securite and ward, quhill justice mycht be done on 
 thame therfor, be the said leutenent or his deputis, as thai wald ansuer to 
 the leutennent thairupoun ; and thairefter the said baizes requirit all the four 
 officiaris in jugement to intromett with the said tua personis, and deliuerit 
 thame to the said officiaris in jugement, and requirit thame to keip the said 
 personis in ward in the tolbuyth, as thai wald ansuer to thame and the 
 toune thairupoun ; and gif thai misterit ony mair help, thai said be sup-
 
 212 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1st December, portit as thai misterit and requirit ; on the quhilkis thai tuik instruments 
 1544. an( j act j s O f court. 
 
 \2th December, 1544. 
 
 The said day, Symsoun Terwes and Ammo wro use Tailzour ar conuikit 
 be the some assise aboun writin, Maister Robert Lummisdale chancelar 
 thairof, for the cuming to Sanderis Jaffrayis duelling howse one Sanct Ni- 
 cholace day at evin at last was, vnder silence of nycht, at xij houris of the 
 nycht, or thairby, and seiking of the said Alexander for his grit skaith, 
 with ane aix and stanis, and casting of stanis at the said Alexanderis house 
 in grit nummer, and bluid dravin of the said Alexanderis vife in grit 
 quantite, quharfor thai, and ilk ane of thame, is in amerciament of the court, 
 to forbeir in tyme to cum, and mend as law will, and that is gevin for 
 dowme, be the mouth of Thomas Blaw, dempster of the court for the tyme> 
 and the mendis heirof modifeit be the said assise, as efter folio wis : that is 
 to say, the said assise ordanis the said Symsonis Terwes and Ammorouse 
 Tailzours cragis to be put instantlie in the gowife, and incontinent thairefter 
 tane out agane, and thane to cum to the kirk and pass afor the processioun, 
 sark alane, afor the hie mess, with ane candill of ane pund of wax in thair 
 handis, and efter the said processioun to offer the said tua candillis to Sanct 
 Nicholace wark, and ask the said Alexander and his vif forgiffnes, and beseik 
 the bailzies and men of guid of the tovne to solist thame to forgif tharae, 
 and alse to fynd cautioun one Sonday, or thai be takin out of the tolbuith, 
 for the townis vnlawis. 
 
 2Qth December, 1544. 
 
 The said day, the counsale vnder writin hes requistit my lord locum- 
 tenent to be freman of this burgh, to that effect that he may be abill to 
 accept the office of prouestry of this burgh, presentlie vacand be renuncia- 
 tioun, and our givin of the said office be the prowest, or ellis thai sail, be 
 his lordschipis counsale, cheis ane competent man to the said office, viz., 
 ane burges and freman of this burgh, and actuale induellar of the same, al- 
 waise prouiding that Jhe priuelege of the same be obseruit and nocht hurt ; 
 and, in the meintyme, that thai sail nocht cheis the said prowest without 
 the said lordis consale thairto. Thir ar the namis of the counsale present 
 for the tyme : Andro Cullane, Alexr. Rudirfurd, Dauid Andersoun, Andro
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN 213 
 
 Menzeis, Maister Robert Lummisdale, William Holland elder, and Johnn 20th Dec, 
 Rudirfurd. i***- 
 
 1st January, 1545. 
 
 My lord prouost and bailzeis of this nobill guid townn of Abirdene, on 
 to your w[ ], huraelie meins and complenis, I, your daly oratour and 
 
 seruand, Maister Edward Menzeis, chaplane, vpoun Gilbert Mar, burges 
 of the said burgh : That quhair in the moneth of Junij, or thairby, in the 
 yeir of God j m v c xxxviij yeris, I maid the said Gilbert Mar factour and 
 merchand to me, to the selling of four barrellis of salmond, sufficient mer- 
 chand guid of the richtuus bind of Abirdene, pertening to me, schipit in 
 the said Gilbertis schip, that passit in Tranche in the moneth aboun writin, or 
 thairby, and to haue warit the fre mone thairof for my proffeit vpon cer- 
 tane hemp, bonnatis, bukrame, marekyn, skynnis, filkis, poyntis, and wther 
 small geir, conforme to my merchand bill, deliuerit to the said Gilbert by 
 me thairwpoun, quhilk four barrellis of salmond the said Gilbert intromettit 
 with, and said in Franche as merchand to me, at the tyme forsaid, and 
 warit the fre mone thairof on hempe, bonnatis, bukrame, marekyn, skynnis, 
 silkin poyntis, and wther small varing, conforme to my merchand bill, and 
 pakit the samin in ane puncioun ; and in the hayme cuming of the said 
 schip sche chancit, be storme and tempest of see, to brak at Danis in Py- 
 cardy, and the said puncioun of dry gudis cum saifly and dry vpoun land 
 with the said merchandreis, in presens of the said Gilbert my merchand. 
 Nochttheless, the said Gilbert, wrangusly and aganis the law, postponis 
 and deferris to mak me cornpt and rakning, deliuerance, and paiment of my 
 said four barrellis of salmound, price of the barrell four pund Scottis, nor 
 yit will deliuer me the said puncioun of dry wair, with the merchandreis 
 aboun writin, bocht be him to me, conforme to my merchand bill, quhilk 
 cum saifly and dry vpoun land as said is, howbeit I haue requirit him diuerse 
 tymes thairfor, nor yit intendis to do, without he be compellit be iustice 
 thairto. Beseiking heirfor your worschipis, provest and bail/eis forsaid, to 
 decerne and compell be iustice the said Gilbert Mar to mak me compt 
 rakning, deliuerance, and paiment of the said four barrellis of salrnond, 
 price of the barrell four lib. Scottis, or than to deliuer me the said pun- 
 cioun of dry vair, conforme to my merchand bill, quhilk come saifly and 
 dry to land, in presens of the said Gilbert, for the ressonis and causis 
 forsaid, togidder with my expensis maid, and to be maid, in the persuit 
 
 2 E
 
 214 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1st January, thairofj and, gif neid beis, this ray petitioun to haue the strynth of ane 
 1548 borgh. 
 
 14 th January, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the haill townn being warnit to thair tolbuith be thair 
 hand bell passand throcht all the rewis and stretis of the townn, on the 
 quhilk the berar thairof maid faith in iugment, and convenit for the raaist 
 pairt, representand the haill body of the tovnn, Thomas Menzeis of Pet- 
 foddellis, prouest of the said burghe, for certane causis moving him for 
 the time, renunciat and ourgaif his office of prouestry quhilk he had of the 
 said tovnn, in the said tovnnis handis, als frelie as tha gaif him the same 
 obefor ; and thairefter, the said tovnn, being convenit as said is, namit 
 and chesit ane nobill and mychty lord, George Erie of Huntlie, Lord 
 Gordoun and of Bangzenocht, and Iccumtencnt generale of the northt of 
 Scotlandt for the tyme, thair superiour, protectour, and prouest, quhill 
 the fest of Sanct Mychaell nixt to cum, quhilk lord acceptit the said office 
 on him, and sueir the grit [aith] to exerce the said office lelilie and trewlie 
 quhill Mychelmess next cumis, and to keip and defend the auld priuilegiis 
 of the said burgh, and thair liberties, vse and wont ; and that he sail do 
 nathing concerning the said townes actionis, besynes, querellis, and prof- 
 fitis, without the expresse counsale and consent of the said townis some 
 counsale had thairto, and to do iustice to riche and puir equalie, without 
 feid or fauour, during the said tyme. And, thairefter, because the said 
 lord mycht not guidlie remain in the said townn continualie, to exerce the 
 said office, conforme to his said ayth, therfor the said lord, with expresse 
 consent and assent of the said toun, conuenit as said is, deput and surrogat 
 the said Thomas Menzeis in his place of the said office, and committit and 
 gaif the said Thomas Menzies the same povar, richt, and auctorite he hes 
 of the said office during the tyme forsaid, and to exerce, do, hant, and 
 vse al maner of thingis concerning the said office, as he did abefor, and 
 that the said lord mycht do and he war present in propir persoun, without 
 ony maner of exceptioun, reclamatioun, or appellatioun to be allegit or 
 proponit in the contrar fray the said Thomas, for quhatsumeuer cause, 
 during the time forsaid. Quhilk Thomas Menzeis accepit the said office 
 on him, in presens of the said lord and town, and is sorn the gryt aith 
 thairto, as is aboun writin ; on the quhilkis the said lord tuik instrument 
 and act of court afor thir vimes, Maisteris Alexr. Ogilwy of Glassaucht,
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABERDEEN. 215 
 
 Patrik Ogistoun, Thomas Annand, John Kennedy, notaris publik, Patrik 14th January, 
 Gray, and Thomas Blair, with vtheris diuerse. 1545 - 
 
 28th January, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the haill towne beyng conuenit, as said is, chesit Walter 
 Cullane and Andro Losoun, thair collectouris to resaue the mone and 
 taxt devisit be the townn, for the furnesing of the fifty men that suld pas 
 to the locumtenent to Elgene, for resisting of the Ilismen, quhilk personis 
 accepit the said office on tham in iugment. 
 
 The said day, Alexr. Ratray, skipar of ane schip callit the [ ], ex- 
 
 ponit and schew in iugment how he wes chargit and causit to pas with his 
 said schip in the northt land, to serue the locumtenent in his besynes for 
 the tyme, throcht the quhilk he mycht nocht fulfill and keip his promise 
 to his Franchis men. Protestand therfor, that he incur na danger thair- 
 throw, and that he ma haue his promise and condicioun of his Franchis 
 keipit to him efteruart, nochtwithstanding the premissis, becaus the fait 
 standis nocht in him ; and Gilbert Tulidef, for himself and the laif of the 
 Franchismen of the said schip, protestis that tha be fre of all condicioun 
 maid be thame to the said Alexr. anent the said schip, becaus he keipis 
 nocht his condicioun to tham, and tha all reddy, as he allegit, to fulfill and 
 keip thair conditioun to the said Alexr. 
 
 llth February, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn beyng varnit to this day, the said bailzeis 
 intimat, proponit, and schew the townn and nychtbouris thairof how the 
 quenis grace letteris, gevin be decreit and act of parlyament, of the dait, at 
 Lynlythgow, the fift day of October, and of hir regnne the thrid yeir, vnder 
 hir signet, to taxt and stent the nychtbouris of the said burgh, conforme to 
 the auld taxacionis efferand, to the sowme of xvj thousand pundis, grantit 
 be the thre estatis of the realme, to be taxit and devidit on the said realm, 
 conforme to the auld taxacionis, extending to the said burghis part to the 
 sowme of four hundreth merkis xiij merkis iiij s. vj d. Scottis money, or 
 thairby, to haue bene taxit and inbrocht to the collectouris thairof at tua 
 termes : that is to say, the half thairof at all Hallowmess, and the wther half 
 of the same at new yeris day bigane ; and als our souerane lady is wther 
 letteris, of the dait at Edinburgh, the xxviij day of Januar, and of hir
 
 216 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 nth February, regnne the ferd yeir, chargiand the prouest and bailzeis of the said burgh 
 to collect, inbring, and deliuer the said taxt to the collectouris thairof, viz., 
 Maister John Daluestoun, persoun of Disart, and Maister John Scrym- 
 geour, of the Myris, thair factouris or deputis, in thair names, havand thair 
 povar thairto, within four dais nixt efter tha war chargit thairto, vnder the 
 pane of rebellioun, and putting of thame to our souerane ladyis home, lyk as 
 in the said letteris at mair lynth is contenit. 
 
 19th March, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the haill town being warnit to this day be thair hand bell 
 passand throw all the rewis and stretis of this guid town, on the quhilk the 
 berar thairof maid fayth in iugment, and conuenand within the tolbuith of 
 the same for the maist part, representand the haill townn, compeirit Alexr. 
 Menzeis elder, and thair resignit and our gaif in the said townis handis, in 
 iugment, his office of the hand bell of the said burgh, with all proffetis, emo- 
 lumentis, and accidentis pertening or that ma pertene thairto vse and wont, 
 in fauouris of Walter Lesly, burges of the said burgh, for certane proffetis, 
 emolumentis, and accidentis to the said Alexr. for his lyftyme ; and thair- 
 efter the said tovne, conuenit as said is, all in ane voce, na maner of per- 
 soun opponand nor sayand in the contrar, frely gaif the said office of thair 
 hand bell, with all maner of proffetis, emolumentis, and accidentis pertening 
 or that ma pertene thairto vse and vont, to the said Walter Lesly for all 
 the dais of his lyftyme to him and his deputies, he, or his deputis in his 
 name, doand and keipand the seruice and duyteis pertening to the same vse 
 and wont allanerly, without ony wther thing that ma be askit or requirit 
 thairof during his lyftym, and reseruand alvaise the proffetis, emolumentis, 
 and accidentis thairof to the said Alexander during all the dais of his lyf- 
 tyme, and dovind the seruice and duyteis thairof during the said tyme ; and 
 ordinit ane gift to be maid heirvpoun to the said Walter for all the dais of 
 his lif, vnder the commond seill, and ordinit the keiparis thairof to seill the 
 same thairwith ; on the quhilkis the said Walter tuik act of court and in- 
 strument, afor thir witnes, Alexr. Ruderfurd, Alexr. Gray elder, James 
 Allirdes, Patre Gray, and Maister John Kennedy, notar publik, with 
 wtheris diuerse. 
 
 The said day, the balzeis decernit and ordinit the said Walter Leslie to 
 cause clenge and hald clein the mercat and cawsay about the corce, and to
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 217 
 
 do all wtheir duyteis efferand to the office aboun writin, how sone he enteris 19th March. 
 with the proffetis thairof ; and failzeing thairof, it salbe lesum to the officeris 
 of the said burgh for the tyme to caus do the same on his expensis, and he 
 to refund and pay the same incontinent thairefter als oft as neid beis. 
 
 Sequitur assensus prepositi ad premissa. 
 
 Traist cousingis, after hartly commendatioun : Forsamekle as we ar infor- 
 mit that Alexr. Menzies elder, your nychtbour, is of mynd and vill to re- 
 singe in our handis and youris the gift and titile quhilk he hes of the town 
 of Abirdene in and to the bell of the same office, proffetis and commoditeis 
 pertening thairto, in fauouris of Walter Leslie, your nychtbour, to the ef- 
 fect the said Walter ma be ordurlie prouidit thairto for all the dais of his 
 lif, quhar our guide veill, consent, and authorite is desirit be the said 
 Walter in the resignatioun and his admissioun forsaidis, quharfor our vill 
 and mynd is, gif the said Alexr. will resing, as said is, in fauoris of the said 
 Walter, and als gif ye be of mynd and will to ressaue the said Walter, that 
 ye ressaue and admitt the samyn conforme to the cousuetudis of the said 
 burgh, and the said Walter doand therfor as vse and wont ; to the quhilk, 
 be thir presentis, we absent as present, interponis our consent, will, and 
 auctorite, and committis to yow our powar in that part to admitt and pro- 
 wid the said Walter in the premisses, vnder your commond seill, as vse. 
 Subscrivit with our hand, and gevin vnder our signit, within the cite of 
 Abirdene, the xviij day of Marche, the yeir of God ane thousand fiyve 
 hundreth fourty and five yeiris. Et sic subscribitur, George Erie of 
 Huntly. To our louittis cousingis, bailzeis, counsale, and communitie of 
 Abirdene. 
 
 29th March, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the counsale, present for the tyme, remittit James Man- 
 chanis vnlaw of tuenty pundis, at request of my [lord] Huntly, prouest, 
 subscriuit with his awin hand, of the quhilk the tennour followis : Traist 
 cousingis, efter hartlie commendatioun, ye be rememberit I requestit yow 
 to remitt James Manchane, and his cautioneris, the paine and vnlaw quhilk 
 he was adjugit in for his forstalling, quhilk I pray yow and requestis yit to 
 do, and nocht to pund nor distrenze him nor his cautioneris, nor thair 
 gudis thairfor, assurand yow it salbe the henmest request that I sail
 
 218 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 29th March, charge yow of in sic behalffis, hot to mentene and defend the liberte and 
 fredome of your townn ; and is content that na wther requestis of myne be 
 admittit be yow in tyme cuming in sic materis. And gif ye pleis nocht 
 to be content of this, I oblege me to satisfe and content yow of the said 
 vnlaw, quhilk is xx lib., as is shavin me ; praying yow effectusly nocht to 
 dissobey this my desyir, and God keip yow. Of Abirdene, the xxiiij day 
 of March, subscriuit, &c. Et sic subscribitur, youris, George Erie of 
 Huntly. And thaireftir the said counsale dischargit the said James Man- 
 chane, and his cautioneris, of the said vnlaw of xx lib., at the said prouestis 
 request forsaid. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn, beyng conuenit as said is, grantit and gaif 
 licence to thair seruitour and singar, lohn Kilstaris, to pas to the college 
 in Auld Abirdene, to study and lerning of letteris ; and ordanit him to 
 haue paiment of his pentioun and fee of fourty schillingis yerly, as he had 
 abefor allanerlie, he keipand seruice in thair queir all Sondais and haly dais 
 in the yeir allanerly, salang as he keipis the said seruice and continevis 
 thairintill. 
 
 4th April, 1545. 
 
 The said day, Walter Hay oblegit him faithfullie to deliuer to the priour 
 and conuent of the quhit freris of Abirdene, ane maid siluer challeis of 
 tuenty vncis of siluer, guid siluer and fre maid to thame, betuix this and 
 Vitsonday nixt cummis ; and alse the said Walter grantit him avand the 
 said pryour and conuent tuenty tua merkis Scottis mone, to pay at thir 
 termes following : that is to say, v merkis and ane half at Lammes nixt 
 cumis, vther v merkis and ane half at Candilmess nixt cumis, the third 
 v merkis and ane half at Lammes nixt thaireftir, and the ferd v merkis and 
 ane half at Candilmess nixt thaireftir, in compleit paiment of the said xxij 
 merkis. And for deliuerance of the said challeis, and paiment of the said 
 mone, at the termes forsaid, Dauid Andersoun, baillie, Alexander Chal- 
 mer elder, and Richert Watsoun, ar becumin souerteis, coniuntlie and 
 seueralie, to the said priour and conuent, be thair faythis in thair bodeis ; 
 and the saidis Walter oblegit him to releife his said souerteis thairof, at 
 the termis forsaid, afoir thir witnes : James Andersoun, Maister Robert 
 Andersoun, and Thomas Andersoun.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABEEDEEN. 219 
 
 8th April, 1545. 8th April. 
 
 The said day, Sande Kemp, baxter, is conuikit be the counsale for the 
 offering of the France capitane of tene dosoun of iij d. braid of quhit, for 
 the boll of quhit, contrar the commond weill of the town, and hindering the 
 proffeit thairof, and he and all wther baxteris of the guid toun ordinit to 
 decest fra doyng of sic thingis in tymes cumyng, vnder the pane of expell- 
 ing of thame of thair craft within the said burgh, for yeir and day, and 
 paying of xl s. to Sanct Nicholace wark vnforgevin. And als ordinit the 
 said Sanderis to pay viij s. to the sustentatioune of the seik folkis, for the 
 fait bigane unforgevin. 
 
 13th April, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the haill townn being conuenit in thair heid court, within 
 the tolbuyth, as tha that aucht of the law soit and presens thairto, repre- 
 sentand the haill body of the townn, it wes exponit and schavin to thame 
 be thair provest, Thomas Menzeis, how the quenis grace letteris war 
 cumin vpoun this guid townn a lang tyme by gane syne, to stent, taxt, and 
 raise, on the nychtbouris and inhabitantis of the said burgh, the sowme of 
 iiij c xiiij lib. vj s. viij d. Scottis mone, for the defense of our bordouris 
 aganis our auld ennimies of Ingland, and na prouisioun maid thairfor, quhilk 
 he belevit suld be to the tounis gryt skayth, and the same war nocht pro- 
 uidit and maid redy ; and siclik, schew thame how the said toun hed ane gift 
 of vmquhill king James the Ferd, of guid mynd, to be fre of the paiment of 
 custom of salmond of townis watteris ; and siclik, had gottin this gouernouris 
 gift of the doun getting of tua s. of custum of ilk barrell of salmond, quhilk 
 giftis he beleuit wald nocht be admittit be the lordis of chakar, now haistilie 
 to sit doun on the quenis comptis, without the same war laborit and dressit 
 abefor, quhilk wald nocht be done without grit laboris and revardis thar- 
 for ; heirfor exortand the said townn and nychbouris to prouid reraeid 
 heirintill, and to find the esiest way how mone mycht be gottin heirto. 
 Quhilkis, eftir lang auisament and consultatioun had heirvpoun, thocht ex- 
 pedient, concludit, and ordinit commissaris to be chosin, to few takis for 
 maill takis, prolong takis of the townis watteris or landis, and to sett ony 
 rovmes or takis of new tha can find vaccand to ony nochtbour of the guid 
 towne, thair aires or assignais, malis, burgessis, and actuall induellaris the 
 said burghe, and to nane vtheris, that will gif redy mone therfor, as the 
 said commissaris sail think expedient to the said townis besynes forsaid ;
 
 220 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th April, and to that effect chesit Thomas Menzies, Alexr. Rudirfurd, Dauid An- 
 dersoun, Thomas Chalmer, and Maister John Gordoun, thair comraissaris 
 to the said effect, and ordinit [ ] to be maid to thame- 
 
 thairwpoun, vnder thair commond seill, and ordinit the keiparis thairof to 
 seill to thame ane commissioun thairvpoun, gevand thame, and the maist 
 pairt of thame, thair full power thairto ; on the quhilkis the said prouest 
 tuik instrument and act of court. 
 
 19th April, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale, present for the tyme, 
 within the chaptour of thair kirk, ordinit Alexr. Ratray, gunnar, to remaine 
 and perseueir still in the tovnis seruice, as he did afor, to the end of the 
 moneth of May nixt cumis, and to haue for his lauboris as he had of befor ; 
 and ordinit him to be pait of his hail lauboris he hes seruit bigane, and siclik 
 in tyme to cum, to the end of the said moneth of May, and ordinit the denis 
 of gild to pay him the same of the tovnis rediest mone. 
 
 \<2th May, 1545. 
 
 The said day, John Tulidef is conuikit for the strublance of Andro 
 Lawsoun, and James Lawsoun, his brother, menstrallis, in this sort fol- 
 lowing, viz. : for mannesing, bosting, and inuading of thame twa sindry 
 tymes, the tane tyme with ane quhingar, and the tother tyme with ane tre, 
 quherfor he is in ane amerciament of court to forbeir in tyme to cum, and 
 mend as law will, and that is gevin for dovme, be the movth of Thorn 
 Blair, dempster of the court for the tyme, and the mendis heirof continew 
 to be modifeit be the consale. 
 
 15th June, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the haill tounn beyng varnit be thair hand bell passand 
 throw all the stretis of the guid townn, on the quhilk the berar thairof 
 maid faith in iugraent, and convenit within thair tolbuith for the maist 
 pairt, representand the haill body of the townn, tha being circualie inquirit 
 be Alexr. Rudirfurd, ane of the bailzeis of the said burgh, consentit, all 
 in ane voce, na maner of persone opponand nor sayand in the contrar, and 
 for thame and thair successouris, statut and ordinit that all maner of schip 
 and schipis that hapnis to cum to this guid tovnn to sell be strangeris, be 
 bocht be the provest and baillies, or the maist pairt of thame for the tyme,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 221 
 
 with ane pairt of the counsale of the said burgh for the tyme, ; and gif isthJune, 
 
 the prouest beis absent, be the bailzes and counsale present for the tyme, 
 
 or maist pairt thairof, and be nane vtheris ; and howeuer the said schip or 
 
 schipis hapnnes to be bocht be tharae for the time, euery burgez of gild of 
 
 the said burgh to haue his pairt thairof, efferand to his estait of the same 
 
 price ; and quhat brother of gild refusis to tak his part of the said schip 
 
 or schipis, sua bocht as said is, for the commond veill, baith of guid and 
 
 evill proffeit and disproffeit, efferand to his estait, he being lawfullie re- 
 
 quirit thairto, sail tyne his fredome and all proffat he hes of the said burgh 
 
 frathinfurth, his refusale beyng provin and verefiit, and he conuikit thairof. 
 
 24M July, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale, present for the tyme, 
 assignais David Marr and Mr. James Torre, thair lordis of Bonnacord, 
 the first freemanis compositioun siluer that hapnis to be maid within this 
 gud toun fra thin furtht within this burgh, at thair desir, and gettis and 
 producis the men thameself to be free men. 
 
 Nth July, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis, with avise and consent of the counsale and 
 nychtbouris present for the tyme, conducit and feit Sanderis Ratray thair 
 wache nychtlie, and he to find fiue personis nychtlie with him to vaiche 
 thair blokhouise, linkis, and havin nychtlie, and to aduerteis the town as 
 tha se danger ; and siclik, to wait on the havin one day lycht, that na stran- 
 geres haue enteres thairat without licence of the bailzes. And the said 
 Alexr. accepit the same one him for ane moneth, he gettand guid paiment, 
 for the quhilkis the said Alexander sail haue himself nychtlie xij d., and 
 ilkane of the vther personis that vachis with him vj d., to be deliuerit to 
 thame nychtlie be the officiaris ; and als thai ordanit that thair be ane 
 port maid incontinent with all diligence on the south end of the brig of 
 Dee with tymmer, to be fast lokit in the nycht, and weill keipit one day 
 lycht, and euery nychtbour of the toun, of honest men, to gif xij d. thairto, 
 and sobir folkis to gif viij d., or sax d. at the leist ; and, in the mentyme, 
 quhill the said port be bigit, that thair be tua" trew honest fellowis keipand 
 the same bayth day and nycht, and ilk ane of thame to haue for thair law- 
 bouris xij d. one the day and the nycht ; and siclik, that thair be wther twa 
 guid fellowis at the bow brig at the town end, keipand the same bayth day 
 
 2 F
 
 222 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 27th July, and nycht ; and euery nychtbour and induellar the said burgh, bayth fre- 
 raen and vnfremen, to furneis the same ilkane as it curais about to thame, 
 and as thai be chargit be the officiaris in the bailzeis names ; and quhasa- 
 euer dissobeis in thair rowme, the officiar to pund thame, and tak tua penny- 
 worth of thair geir for ane d. to furneise the same ; and als tha ordand 
 Alexr. Ruderfurd, deyne of gild, to cause the Hamburght man sok the 
 gwne at the blokhouise sufficientlie with ane guid soun sok, one the townis 
 expensis ; and ordinis the said dene of gild to pay the same of the tounis 
 rediest mone he hes in his handis, or may get, with all diligence. 
 
 6th August, 1545. 
 
 The said day, Andro Menzies, bailzie, deliuerit Gilbert Mar, and the laif 
 of the merchandis of the boyart, thair cundeit for thair saif passage in Flan- 
 deris, and ordinit thame to feche tua vnce of fyne brint siluer [ ] gudis 
 in the said schip, for the furnesing of the quenis grace and gouernouris ne- 
 cessaris, to be deliuerit to thair thesaurar, and he to deliuer thame or the 
 avale thairof agane ; and for the hame bringing heirof, Gilbert Mar, Johne 
 Menzeis, Robert Nicholsoun, Wm. Farquharsoun, and Dauid Low, oble- 
 git tbame for thair avin partis for thame selffis ; and als Dauid Low come 
 souertie for Alexr. Fraser, John Jameson, and Henry Hay ; and John 
 Menzies com souertie for Johne Cargile ; and Gilbert Mar come souerte 
 for Wm. Garreaucht, that tha suld de siclik for thair partis ; and als Gil- 
 bert Mar oblegit him to bring hame with him ane attentik tykat of the 
 setting of the said gudis of the said haill schip, and how many sekis the 
 same extendis in the haill furthwart. 
 
 IQtk September, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the counsale, present for the tyme, convenit within the 
 counsale house of thair tolbuyth, considering the grit danger the tovnn now 
 apperandlie standis of this pest now ragand in certane partis of this realme, 
 and for euasioun of the same and schanging thairof, deuisis and ordinis that 
 the denis of gild sail deburse mone, be the sycht of the bailzies, to sustene 
 the suspect personis that ar inclusit, and hapnis to be inclusit, quhil Mon- 
 onday nixt cumis exclusiue ; and als ordinis four portis : that is to say, the 
 Gallowgait, Ouerkirkgaitt, and Nedderkirkgait, and Thewis portis to be 
 oppin allanerlie one the day lycht, and ane guid honest sufficient [man] to be 
 at euery ane of thame, to keip the same ; and tua siclike men to be ilk day
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 223 
 
 at the bow brig at the towne end to keip the same ; and sax siclik men to lt h Sept., 
 
 1 ^A*! 
 
 wache the towne euery nicht, and to cum to the bailze of thair quarter and 
 resaue thair directioun, euery man in thair avin rovme, as thay be warnit 
 be the officiar ; and euery man, as he beis warnit in his rovme, to wache 
 and keip the portis himself, or ellis send ane sufficient man for him ; and 
 quhay that dissobeis to pay the mannis waige that hapnis to be feit in his 
 roume, and viij s. of vnlaw vnforgevin ; and at na keiparis of the portis res- 
 saue ony testimonialis ; bot quhen ony strangear cumis with testimoniale, to 
 cum and aduerteis the bailze that sic an strangear is at the port with testi- 
 moniale, and cloise the port quhill the bailze cum, and than that the bailze 
 ressaue or repell, as he will ansuer thairopoun ; and quhen the bailzies hes 
 ado concerning the townn, the nychtbouris to ryise as tha ar requyrit, and 
 concur with them for fortificatioun of tham in the executioun of the tovnis 
 besynes, vnder the pane of tinsale of thair fredome ; and alse ordinis the 
 deinys of gild to cause cloise all entres, vynnales, and passages, baith heid 
 and vtheris quhar ony entres may be had in the towne by the forsaid four 
 portis, one the townis expenssis ; and ordinis the same to be alowit to thame 
 in thair nixt comptis. 
 
 11 th September, 1545. 
 
 My lord prouest and bailzies of this noble burgh of Abirdene, to your 
 worschipis, humelie menis and complanis, I, your nychtbour and seruand, 
 Thomas Branche, burges of the said burgh, vpon Johnne Arthour, induel- 
 lar in Leyth, and now presentlie in this guid townn : That quhar be the 
 space of twenty dais bygane, or thairby, the said John Arthour come to 
 my houise in Abirdene, and thair maid conditioun with rne anent the ran- 
 soum of ane Inglisman presoner, callit John William, now beand in my 
 possessioun in this towne, for the said Johnnis ransoum in maner efter fol- 
 lowing : that is to say, how mekle or quhat sowme of mone the said John 
 William war content to pay to me for his ransoum, the said John Arthour 
 oblegit him faythfullie to pay me the same in penny and penny worth instant- 
 lie on the said Johne Willeamis behalf; and thar efter, the said John Wil- 
 liam conuenit and agreit with me for five lib. stirveling mone for his ran- 
 soum, and his expenssis maid and to be maid sene the tyme of his cumyng 
 to Abirdene one to his departing fra me, to be payit to me with the said 
 five lib. stirveling. Nochtwithstanding the said John Arthour postponis
 
 224 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 iith Sept, and deferris to pay the said sourae, with the expenssis afor exprimit, wrang- 
 uslie and aganis the law, to my hawy damnage and skayth, and aganis 
 iustice. Beseiking your worschipis for remeid heirof, and to cause and 
 compell the said Johne Arthour to pay me the sowmes aboun writin, sa far 
 as the said John will grant, or I ma sufficientlie preife, conforme to iustice ; 
 and your w[ ] ansuer agane heirwpoun humelie I beseik ; and this my 
 petitioun to haue the strinth of ane borgh, gif neid beis. 
 
 16 th September, 1545. 
 
 The said day, in the terme assignit to John Arthur to answer to the 
 petitioun and clame of Tomas Branche, tuching the clame of five lib. 
 stirveling mone, clamit at him be the said Thomas, for the ransoum of 
 John William, Ingliss man, presoner, as in the said Thomas clame is con- 
 tenit at mair lynth, the said John denyit the same, and thaireftir is maid 
 quit tharof and absoluit fray the said Thomas clame ; and that is gevin for 
 doome be the mouth of Thomas Blair, dempster of the court for the tyme ; 
 and the said John protestit for his expenssis and skaythis sustenit be him 
 in the said mater, becaus the said Thomas hes provin na thing one him. 
 
 2d November, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the bailzies, with the avise of the men of guid of this guid 
 town, present for the tyme, conducit and feit Sande Tailzeour to keip the 
 brig of Dee, that na suspect personis of the contagius pest haue enteres 
 thairat, to enter ilk day at v houris in the morning and remaine continualy 
 thairat quhill vi houris at evin, and to haue thairfoir ilk day viij d. ; quhilk 
 Alexander accepit the said mater on him, and oblegit him faythfullie to 
 keip the same lelilie and treulie, and this keiping to indur during the 
 bailzies will, and to enter thairto this instant day. 
 
 The said day, the bailzies, with auise of the nychtbouris present for the 
 tyme, thocht expedient and ordinit that thair be ane precept of the locum- 
 tenentis rasit, chargeand all nychtbouris, fremen of this guid town, that ar 
 passit of the towne, to returne agane to the same, and to reraane to skot 
 and lott with thair nychtbouris be thameselffis, or ellis caus ane nychtbour 
 answeir for thair duyte in thair rovme, as it fallis within vj dais, vnder the 
 paine of horning.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 225 
 
 19 th February, 1546. 19th February, 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis assignit Mononday nixt efter the law day efter 
 Pasche nixt cumis, gif it be lauchtfull, and failzeing thairof the nixt lauch- 
 full day thaireftir, to the prioir and conuent of the freris predicatouris of 
 the said burgh, to exhibeit and produce afor thame peremptourlie in iug- 
 ment thair rychtis, gif ony they haue, quhy tha aucht not to cum to the 
 townis millis within the burgh with thair cornis that grovis vpon thair 
 croftis, lyand on the north est syid of the said burgh, and pay thair mul- 
 turis thairfor, as wther nychtbouris dois, at the instance of John Brabaner, 
 takisman of the said millis persevand the same, with intimatioun and tha 
 produce na thing therfor to evaid the same, the said day, thai will decerne 
 thame simpliciter to feche thair said cornis to the said millis, and grynd 
 thame thairat, and pay multuris thairfor, as wther nychtbouris dois, con- 
 forme to the statut of the guid tovn maid thairvpoun, in presens of the 
 the said priour and freir John Myln, desirand the same in name of the 
 said freris. 
 
 1th March, 1546. 
 
 Vniuersis et singulis ad quorum noticias presentes litere peruenerint 
 Gilbertus Menzies Alexr. Rudirfurd et Dauid Andersoun tres balliuorum 
 burgi de Abirdene in Scotia situati salutem in eo qui est omnium vera 
 salus Cum pium sit et meretorium fidele testimonium perhibere veritati 
 ne ipsius occultatio enotendo preiudicium generet hinc est quod nos bal- 
 liui antedicti tenore presentium attestamur et fidem facimus per presentes 
 quod quedam nauis Gallicana de Deip vocata ly Katherine cuius sub deo 
 rector Garolus Michell vocitatur surrepta et capt'a fuit per Anglos ex aquis 
 nostris de Abirdene decimo octauo die mensis Decembris anno Domini 
 millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo sexto et per eosdem abducta et ad 
 certum tempus possessa fuerat Et quod tandem Willelmus Holland senior 
 noster convicinus burgensis et sui complicis et dictus Carolus Michell 
 quandam nauem Flemingorum oppidi de Stissing infra porticum nostrum 
 Abirdonensem pro tempore existentem ad manus proprias attextarunt 
 et prefatos Anglos maretenus prosequebantur et prefatam nauem Galli- 
 canum cum bonis eiusdem de nauibus dictorum Anglorum videntibus nobis 
 recuperarunt Que quedam nauis Flemingorum post recupcrationem me- 
 morata nauis Gallicanc infortuna et aeris tempestate suarn arichornm 
 amisit et illius occasione super arenis usque terram aridam apud Now-
 
 226 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 7th March, burgh prope burgum nostrum de Abirdene violentia transportata fuerat 
 et ibidem diu remansit et baud minimis sumptibus et expensis saluata et 
 vsque porticum nostrum Aberdonense reducta fuit Quamobrem dicta 
 nauis Gallicana cum vniuersis Gallorum bonis in eadem pro tempore ex- 
 istentibus ad instantiam dicti Villelmi Holland et suorutn complicium nec- 
 non inagni admorelli regni nostri Scotie arrestata fuit semper et quousque 
 prefatus Carolus sufficientem cautionem ad respondendum et parendum 
 eidem Villelmo et suis complicibus pro huiusmodi naue et bonis Gallorum 
 in eadem pro tempore existentibus ut de iure tenetur pro recuperacione 
 eiusdem de nauibus dictorum Anglorum prestaret vnacum dampnis et ex- 
 pensis factis et sustinendis super dicta naue Flemingorum et bonis eiusdem 
 qui huiusmodi nauem Gallicanam de nauibus dictorum Anglorum recu- 
 perauit et vlterius ad respondendum ad instanciam dicti magni admirelli 
 regni nostri in premissis ut iura volunt Quequidem Carolus huiusmodi 
 cautionem prestare nequiuerat et illius occasione dicta nauis Gallicana cum 
 bonis Gallorum eiusdem sub prefata arrestatione diu remansit et bona 
 Gallorum eiusdem in custodia dicti Villelmi Holland et officiarium dicti 
 nostri burgi Abirdonensis permanserunt Et lis in premissis inter pre- 
 dictas partes continuauit et prefatus Carolus ad supremum nostrum gu- 
 bernatorem necnon ad dictum magnum regni nostri admirellum premis- 
 sorum occasione accessit et literas dicti magni nostri admirelli eidem Vil- 
 lelmo Holland pro appunctuamento cum prefato Carolo in premissis repor- 
 tauit Et tandem premissis ad longum tempus in lite inter dictas partes 
 pendentibus prefate partes viz. dictus Villelmus Holland pro se et nomine 
 suorum complicium et prefatus Carolus Michell pro se et nomine suorum 
 marenellorum et prefate nauis Gallicane et bonorum Gallorum eiusdem 
 possessorum quorumcunque mediantibus auisamento et consultatione hono- 
 rabilium virorum viz. Thome Menzies prepositi de Abirdene Roberto 
 Myln prepositi de Dunde Villelmi Andersoun burgensis de Edinburgh 
 et nonnullorum aliorum comburgensium burgi nostri de Abirdene penes 
 clameum dicti Villelmi Holland et suorum complicium prefate nauis Galli- 
 cane et bonorum Gallorum in eadem pro tempore existentium per dictum 
 Villelmum et suos complices de nauibus dictorum Anglorum ut premittitur 
 recuperatorum et pro dampnis dicte nauis Flemingorum et expensis super 
 eadem et bonis eiusdem et suis marenellis factis dictum Carolum et suos 
 complices prefatos concernentibus quantum eisdem in premissis incumbit 
 Et notanter occasione et mandate dictarum literarum prefati magni nostri
 
 OF THE BUEGH OF ABERDEEN. 227 
 
 admirelli finaliter appunctuarunt et concordarunt in hunc qui sequitur 7th March, 
 modum viz. dictus Carolus Michell pro se et nomine suorura complicium 1546 - 
 marenellorum et prefate nauis Gallicane et bonorum Gallorum eiusdem 
 possessorum quorumcunque soluet eidem Villelmo Holland et suis com- 
 plicibus summam centum et viginti quinque scutorum anneorum de sole 
 iusti ponderis aut eorundem verum valorem pro manibus ad suum recessum 
 ex opido Abirdonensi Quamobrem dictus Villelmus Rolland pro se et 
 suis complicibus antedictis exonerabit dictum Carolum et suos complices 
 superius expressatos de eorundem integro clameo dicte nauis Gallicane 
 et singulorum bonorum Gallorum eiusdem imperpetuum Et idem Vil- 
 lelmus Rolland preseruabit eundem Carolum et suos complices antedictos 
 indempnes ad manus omnium Flemingorum possessorum memorate nauis 
 et bonorum eiusdem et aliorum omnium interesse habentium de omnibus 
 dampnis et expensis dicte nauis Flemingorum et bonorum eiusdem Et 
 dictus Carolus habebit naulum integrorum bonorum Scotorum in memo- 
 rata naui Gallicana existentium et in eadem in opido de Deip cartatorum 
 et vsque porticum Abirdonense in eadem transportatorum et huiusmodi 
 naulum per manus dicti Villelmi Rolland et nullius alterius percipiet aut 
 saltern eidem Villelmo in partem solutionis summe suprascripte pro pre- 
 missis locabit Prouiso tamen quod dictus Carolus et eius nauis scriba 
 iustum inuentarium integrorum bonorum Scotorum in dicta naui Gallicana 
 in oppido de Deip in huiusmodi naue cartatorum ac iustum compotum deli nis 
 eorundem mediis eorum juramentis eidem Willelmo Rolland deliberabunt 
 ad effectum quod praefatus Willelmus ratiocinium et compotum de eisdem 
 habere poterit Et dictus Willelmus Rolland obligauit se corpusque suum 
 et bona sua ad preseruandum dictum Carolum et complices suos ante- 
 dictos indempnes de premissis ad manus omnium Scotorum et Flemin- 
 gorum interesse babentium Et similiter dictus Carolus obligauit se cor- 
 pusque suum et bona sua omnia ad preseruandum et indempnes seruandum 
 dictum Villielmum Rolland et suos complices antedictos de premissis ad 
 manus omnium Gallorum in premissis interesse habentium imperpetuum 
 Quodquidem appunctuamentum prefatus Willelmus et Carolus pro seipsis 
 et suis complicibus antedictis obligarunt seipsos hinc inde fide media in 
 omnibus suis punctis et partibus ut premittitur prout singulis eorum in- 
 cumbit tempore confectionis memorati appunctuamenti inuiolabiliter ob- 
 seruare Tandem prefatus Willelmus Rolland pro se et suis complicibu.s 
 antedictis Et dictus Carolus et Johannes Durant Johannes Dumefuill
 
 228 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 7th March, Martinus Pitart Michaell Prennet et Johannes le Cok marenelli dicte 
 nauis pro seipsis et eorum complicibus possessoribus dicte nauis Gallicane 
 et Gallorum bonorum eiusdem quorumcunque comparuerunt coram nobis 
 in pretorio dicti burgi nostri de Abirdene pro tribunali sedentibus septimo 
 die mensis Martii anno Domini millesiino quingentesimo quadragesimo sexto 
 et ibidem suprascriptum appunctuamentum in omnibus suis punctis et 
 partibus ratificarunt et approbarunt et idem in nostre curie libris inseri 
 sumptibus eorum petierunt Postremo dictus Willelmus Holland pro se 
 et nomine suorum complicium antedictorum fatebatur judicialiter coram 
 nobis ut premittitur sedentibus se recepisse per manus dicti Caroli Michell 
 suprascriptam summam centum et viginti quinque scutorum aureorum de 
 sole iusti ponderis superius expressatorum pro causis superius specificatis 
 Et exonerauit eundem Carolum et suos complices antedictos pro se et suis 
 complicibus memoratis et similiter de suo et suorum complicium clameo 
 dicte nauis Gallicane et bonorum Gallorum eiusdem pure et simpliciter 
 imperpetuum Super quibus prefate partes nostras literas testimoniales 
 in premissis hinc inde humiliter petierunt quas eosdem benigne concessimus 
 et sub nostri sigilli ad causas testimonio muniendas annuimus A pud 
 dictum burgum nostrum de Abirdene septimo die mensis Martii anno Do- 
 mini millesimo quingentesimo quadragesimo sexto secundum cursum et 
 computationem ecclesie nostre Scoticane. 
 
 \9th March, 1546. 
 
 The said day, Maister Jerome Chene, and James Chene, his broder, 
 war accusit in iugment be the bailzeis, in name of the haill toune, for the 
 strublance of this guid towne and bluid dravin, committit be thame within 
 the same and fredome thairof, tha beyng dotit with priuilege of bluidweik 
 and vnlaw thairof, and askit tham to deny or grant; and the said Maister 
 Jerome and James allegit that tha aucht not to ansuer in this court, nor 
 yit the bailzeis ar nocht iugis competent to tham, becaus tha ar clerkis and 
 within ordouris, and T>e that priuilege is nocht astrikit to ansueir bot afor 
 thair iuge ordinar. Nochttheles, vnder protestatioun, that it be nocht 
 preiudiciale to thame nor thair priuilege, desirit ane lauchfull day, and tha 
 suld ansuer in the said matter as law vald ; and the bailzeis decernit that 
 thai aucht nocht to haue ane day to ansuyr in the said mater, becaus the 
 bluid wes recently committit within ane priuilegit towne, and the actioun 
 is priuilegit in the self, and the commond practik and consuetud of this
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 229 
 
 town in sic casis, in all tymes bygane, wes and is, that the committer of sic 19th March, 
 
 recent crimes of bluid wes instantly, but postposition, causit ansuir for 
 
 his offensis, and thairfor chargit the said Maister Jerome and James, be 
 
 John Crag, thair officiar, to consult with thair procutouris, James Ogilwy 
 
 and Maister Thomas Annand, and wtheris, thair freyndis now present, and 
 
 to deny or grant the said cryme. And because the saidis Maisteris Jerome 
 
 and James wald nather deny nor grant, beand oft and syndry tymes chargit 
 
 thairto be the said officiar, bot contempnandly refuisit and dissobeyit the 
 
 said charge, the said officiar brak his vand of office vpoun the said Maister 
 
 Jerome and James, and tha war instantly convikit for the makin of the said 
 
 deforciament, and contemptioun of the bailzeis and officeris in executioun 
 
 of thair office, and chargit to remaine in vard, quhill tha set cautioun for 
 
 the vnlaw of deforciament with all that may follow thairupoun ; and for to 
 
 compeir on Mononday nixt cumis, to ansuer for the said cryme of bluid 
 
 committit be tham, at the townis instance, as law vill ; and als to ansuer at 
 
 the instance of party for the said bluid, quhen and quhair it sail pleis him 
 
 persew the same ; and forder, that this guid towne and all the inhabitantis 
 
 thairof salbe harmles and skaythles of thame, and all that tha may let in 
 
 tyme cumyng, bot as law vill. And thairefter, Robert Cullane and John 
 
 Chene become cautioneris, souerteis, and lauboris, coniunctly, for the said 
 
 Maister Jerome and James, in forme and maner forsaid, and for all poyntis, 
 
 as is aboun writin, and the said Maister Jerome and James oblegit thame 
 
 to releif thair said souerteis. 
 
 21 st March, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis forsaid, for thameselffis and in name of the 
 hail towne of Abirdene, and Alexr. Ratray for himself, be Thomas 
 Menzies of Petfoddellis, oblesand for him de rato, and Amrouse Tailzeour 
 for him self one that ane part, and Maister Jerome Chene, and James 
 Chene, his brother, on that wther pairt, ar compromittit in iugment to 
 stand and abid at the decreit and ordinance of thir personis vndcrwritin, that 
 is to say, Maister John Gordoun, Mr Robert Lummisden, Gilbert Menzies, 
 bailzie, and William Rolland elder, or ony tua of thame, for the part of the 
 said towne of Abirdene, Alexr. Ratray, and Amroise Tailzeour ; and 
 James Gordoun of Methlik, Thomas Chene, zoung lard of Essilmont, Alexr. 
 Chene of Stralocht, and John Chene of Arnage, or any tua of thame, for 
 the part of the saidis Maisteris Jerome and James, with avise counsale of 
 
 2 G
 
 230 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 21st March. Thomas Menzeis of Petfoddellis, odman and ouerman, equaly nemmit and 
 chosin be bayth the saidis pairtiis, tuching the bluid dravin of the said 
 Alexr. Ratray, done and maid be the saidis Maisteris Jerome and James 
 the xix day of Marche instant, within the said burgh, and the strublance of 
 thame be the said Alexr., and the strublance of the said towne be the 
 saidis Maisteris Jerome and James thairthrow, and deforsing of John Crag, 
 officiar in iugment, and dissobeing of the bailzeis charge in iugment, sa 
 far as concernis the townn, and sa far as tha may proceid thairupoun be 
 thair auctoritie ; and tuching the hurting and bluid draving of the said 
 Amrouse Tailzeour, and mutilation of him of his left hand, allegit done be 
 the said Maister Jerome the xiij day of Aprile, the yeir of God ane thousand 
 five hundreth fourty five yeris, vnder silence of nycht, in the quenis grace 
 and tovnis vache, and the vrang done to the said towne thairthrow ; and 
 tuching all wther actionis and querelis that ather of the saidis pairtiis hes to 
 say to wtheris, afor the day and dait herof. Quhilk pairtiis, with tua of 
 the four arbiteris forsaid for ilk pairty, with the odman abounwrittin, sail 
 conuein in the grey freris of Abirdene, the secund day of Aprile nixt cumis, 
 at tene houris afor novne, and accept the said materis on thame, and be 
 some thairto, and to cognosce thairintill, and finaly to gif furth thair de- 
 creit and ordinance thairintill that same day or the sone ganging to, with 
 full powar to the said arbiteris to prorogat thair decreit and ordinance to 
 quhatsumeuer wther day or dais as thai sail think expedient ; and for the 
 obseruing, fulfilling, and keiping of all and sindry the premisses, ilkane for 
 thair avin part, ather of the said pairtyis, viz. the saidis Maister Jerome 
 and James and Amroise, for thame selffis, present in iugment, and the 
 bailzeis forsaid for the said towne, and the said Thomas Menzeis for the 
 said Alexr. Ratray, oblesand him de rato, in name of the said Alexr., as 
 said is, ar some the grit ayth in iugment, but appellatioun, reuocatioun, or 
 reclamatioun ; and forder, Robert Cullane is becumin cautioun for the 
 saidis Maisteris Jerome and James, that tha sail keip the day aboun 
 writtin, with tua of the arbiteris nemmit be tham, and als sail vnderly ful- 
 fill and keip the decreit and deliuerance of the said arbiteris and ouerman, 
 how euer tha deliuer in the premisses, and the said Thomas Menzies 
 cautioun for the said Alexr. Ratray that he sail do the same ; and forder, 
 the said Robert Cullane is becummin lawbouris for the saidis Maisteris 
 Jerome and James, that the said Alexr. Ratray salbe skaythles of thame 
 and all that tha lett in tymes cuming, bot as law vill, and Thomas Menzeis
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN 231 
 
 is becumin lawbouris for Alexr Ratray, that the saidis Maisteris Jerome 2ist March. 
 
 and James sal be skaythles of him and all that he may lett in tymes cum- 
 
 yng, bot as law vill ; and the said Maister Jerome and James oblegit thame 
 
 to releife the said Robert, on the quhilkis bayth the saidis pairtyis tuik act 
 
 of court and instruments afor thir vitnes, Maister John Bell, Maister 
 
 James Torre, John Malisoun, and Maister John Kennedy. 
 
 The said day, the counsale ordinis the haill gudis and geir beand in 
 Alexr. Scottis houiss to be clengit, and he to remaine cloise in quhill it be 
 clengit ; and his broderis sone to be sene be the officiaris nakit, gif he hes 
 or bed the pest ; and gif it beis fundin that he hes or hed the pest, he to be 
 expellit the towne, and to be punnest for conceling thairof ; and the wemen 
 that hes brokin commond ordinance to be put to the linkis ; and the vomau 
 vnder the stair to be inclusit, because of hir repair to the said Alexr. but 
 licence, and his voman to remain with him self, vnder the pain of birning of 
 his cheik. 
 
 24th March, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the haill townn being varnit be thair hand bell, and con- 
 venit for the maist pairt, representand the haill body of the townn, con- 
 sentit that Alexr. Ratray, thair gunnar, suld be pait for his lawbouris by- 
 gane, conforme to promise maid to him the tyme he was conducit ; and als 
 war content that the counsale deuisit and prouidit quharwith he suld be 
 pait quhairintill and quhat sort, oblesand thame to hald ferme and stabill 
 quhat the counsale did thairintill. 
 
 25th March, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the counsale, present for the tyme, consentit, all in ane 
 voce, that Maister Hew Monro, maister of the grammar skuilhill of the 
 said burgh, haue guid and thankfull paiment of the tovnn of his yeirly pen- 
 tioun of tene merkis Scottis mone, conforme to the act maid thairupoun 
 obefoir, sa lang as he remanis continevaly and techis in the said skuilhill as 
 he aucht and suld do of ressoun. And als that euery honest man, freman 
 within the said burgh, baith merchandis and craftismen, ressaue him and 
 the bischop at Sanct Nicholace mess within thair houissis, conforme to the 
 auld lovabill vse of the said burgh, and gif him thair wagis of the auld 
 maner, efferand to thair estatis, as tha think expedient. And gif ony
 
 232 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 25th March, honest man, merchand or craftisman, that ma guidly gif his wagis, ressauis 
 him nocht and the bischop at the same tyme, that he sail complane on the 
 dissobeyaris to the bailzeis that hapnis to be in office for the tyme, and tha 
 to caus him to haue his duyte of thame, be the avise of the consale, con- 
 forme to the auld vse of this said burgh. 
 
 12th April, 1546. 
 
 The said day, it was deuisit and ordinit be the haill counsall, present for 
 the tyme, considdering the grit danger the town now apperandly standis 
 intill in this trubluss time of weir, be our aid ennimeis of Ingland, that all 
 nychtbouris thairof, bayth merchandis and craftismen, that ar now without 
 the town, reteir thameselffis, viffis, and houshaldis within the same, within 
 ix dais, for walkin, and warding, and bering of wther chargis necessar, 
 and defense of the same, vnder the pane of tinsale of thair fredovmes, and 
 all takis and proffitis tha haue of the townne ; and ordinit oppin procla- 
 matioun to be maid heirupoun at the merkat corce of the said burgh .... 
 
 18th April, 1546. 
 
 I, Nicholace Reaule, capitane of ane schip of Deip callit the Litill 
 ], grantis me to haue ressauit be the handis of ane honorabill man, 
 Thomas Menzeis of Petfoddellis, full contentatioun and thankfull paiment 
 of the haill charge and laiding of tua Ingliss prysis takin be me and my com- 
 plices, and sellit to the said Thomas laidnit with quhit, malt, and aittis, ex- 
 tending in the haill to ane hundreth tua bollis of quhit, tua hundreth saxtene 
 bollis of malt, and twenty sax bollis of aittis, of the quhilk I grant me veill 
 content and pait, and quitclames and discharges the said Thomas, and 
 the toun and inhabitantis of Abirdene, and all wtheris whom it efferis 
 thairof, be thir presentis, for now and euer, be this my acquittance sub- 
 scriuit with my hand, at Abirdene the xvii day of Aprile, the yeir of God 
 ane thousand five hundreth fourty sax yeris ; and forder is content that 
 this my acquitance be insert in the commond buikis of the toun of Abir- 
 dene, and haue the strenth of ane act tharof, befor thir witnes, Wm. An- 
 dersoun, John Malysoun, burgessis of Abirdene, Maister Johne Michel- 
 soun and Maister John Kennedy, notaris publik, with wtheris diuerse. 
 
 19 th April, 1546. 
 The said day, it is deuisit and ordinit be the bailzeis and counsale pre-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 233 
 
 sent for the tyme, in presens of the haill baxsteris of the said burgh, warnit 19th April, 
 
 herto, havand consideratioun and respect to the prisis of quhytis bocht be 
 
 the said baxsteris, bayth of Scottis quhit, and als of the quhittis tha gat 
 
 of the tua Inglis prysis laitly, of the same price it was cost be the tounn, 
 
 all preheid togidder, that the said baxsteris sail baik xiij vnces of guid 
 
 clene and weill bakin breid of quhit, for tua pennies at the lest, and quha- 
 
 saeuer dois in the contrar, and beis conuict thairof, the haill breid fundin 
 
 with him for the time to be escheit and destrinit, be the avise of the bailzeis 
 
 and counsale as tha think expedient for the time, without ony request to 
 
 be hard in the contrar ; and this ordinance to indur ay and quhill it be dis- 
 
 soluit be the bailzeis and counsale. 
 
 9th May, 1546. 
 
 I, Willeame Mwirhead, ane of the bailzies of Edinburgh, and collectour 
 deput be the prouest, bailzes, counsale, and communite of the said burgh, 
 for the gaddering and ressaving of the taxt avancit be the said provest and 
 bailzeis, of the sowme of j m frankis, ilk frank xii s., for the furnessing of 
 the ambassiatour that passis to the emperour in Flanderis be Franche, for 
 the comprehencioun of this realme and lieges thairof, in the pece takin be- 
 tuix the king of France and the emperour, as at mair lynth is contenit in 
 our souerane ladyis letteris direct to Peter Thomson, alias Buit pursephant, 
 thairupon, be the tenour heirof gevis and grantis to the said Peter my 
 full power to ressaue the taxt of thir burrowis vnderwrittin : that is to say, 
 Stirling, Linlythquhow, Abirdene, Dunde, Perth, Banf, Dunfermling, 
 Caraill, Forfar, Breching, Montrose, Elgin, Inuernes, Abirbrothok, Sanct- 
 androis, Cowper, Cullane, Fores, Name, Thain, Dysart, Kirkcaldy, ilk 
 burgh for thair avin pairt and sowme, as is contenit in our souerane ladyis 
 letteris ; and the said Peter to gif his acquittance of his ressait of the taxt 
 of ilk burgh, quhilk acquittance salbe als sufficient discharge to thame as 
 and tha had my avin discharge or acquittance, becaus the tym is schorl, 
 and grit relief to euery burgh of expensis ; and quhen euer ony of the 
 said burrowis bringis or sendis to me the said acquitance of the receipt of 
 the said taxt, I, be the tenour heirof, oblegis me to gif to thame, or ony 
 of thame, my avin acquittance, be this my full powar and charge, subscriuit 
 with my hand, at Edinburgh the penult day of Aprile, the yeir of God 
 jm v c an( i fourty five yeiris, befor thir vitnes, Patrik Barroun of Spitalfeild,
 
 234 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 9th May. William Craik, and William Car, bailzeis of Edinburgh, with wther 
 diuerse. 
 
 My lord prouest and baizes of this guid towne of Aberdene, onto your 
 1[ ], humelie menis and complenis, I, Gilbert Mar, burges of the 
 
 said burgh, vpon James Melvin, Andro Durty, Walter Reid, and Cor- 
 nelius Potter, now beyng apprehendit afor your lordschipis, within ane 
 towne of iustice, that vpon the xxvij day of Aprile last bypast, in the yeir 
 of God ane thousand v c xlvj yeris, I, beand vpoun the se, for feir of our 
 enniraeis of Ingland, put in ane schip boit thir gudis vnderwrittin, per- 
 tening to me as my avin proper geir : that is to say, ane cloik, worth tene 
 lib. Scottis, ane freise clock, worth five pundis, four sarkis of Holand 
 lynning, vorth iiij lib., ane ledderane coit, worth tua crovnis of the sone, 
 ane Flemis ell of welwet, cost xi s. grit, xlij Flemis ell of sandeill, the 
 price sax lib., and ane stik of colyne silk for beltis and gartanis, the price 
 viij s. grit ; in. the quhilk boit thare war present the personis aboun writin, 
 quhom I direkit to keip my said claise and gudis aboune writtin, and to 
 bring thame in Scotland, how sone tha hapnit to cum hayme thame selffis, 
 vpoun my expenssis, with the quhilkis claise and geir pertening to me 
 aboun writin tha intromettit with, and in part of thair expensis I deliuerit 
 to Jame Andersoun alias Cockcall, ane croun of the sone, and tua grottis, 
 in name of the persounis aboun writin. Neuertheles the forsaid James, 
 Andro, Walter, and Cornelius, vrangusly, and aganis the law, postponis, 
 refusis, and deferris to deliuer me my said claise and geir aboun exprimit, 
 howbeit tha intrometit thairwith, and tha ar cumm saiflie thameselffis in 
 Scotland, albeit I haue requirit thame diueris tymes tharfor, nor yet in- 
 tendis to do, without tha be compellit : beseiking heirfor your 1[ ], 
 
 prouest and bailzeis forsaid, to decerne and compel be iustice James Mel- 
 win, &c. 
 
 18th May, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the counsale present for the tyme, deuisit and ordinit the 
 bailzeis, and certane of the counsale with thame, to pas this day at tua 
 efternoone to the kirk yard, and thair exerce and vesy all the begaris 
 within this burgh, and considder quhay is natiue within the toune, and 
 quhay nocht, and sa mony as tha find natiue, and admittis, to gif thame
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 235 
 
 the tounis takyn, as tha sail think expedient ; and ordinit all wther begaris isth May, 
 to be chargit to dewoid the towne within twenty four hours nixt efter thair 
 charge, vnder the pane of laying of ane hait irne on their cheik, and quhay 
 that dissobeis, the said xxiiij houris being passit, the said pane to be ex- 
 ecut on tharae ; and als ordinit dekynnis to be chosin for giding and 
 rewling of the said begaris efteruart, as salbe deuisit be the counsale, and 
 als ordinit that all personis within this townn, havand ony landis and 
 houssis to sett, that tha sett nane in tymraes cuming to na maner of per- 
 sonis, but to tham that tha answer for as sufficient nychtbouris ; and gif 
 ony of the said tenentis committis ony crymes of resetting of geir, or vn- 
 lauchfull personis, the ownaris of the said landis to ansuer tharfor, sa far 
 as tha ar insufficient tenentis ; and ordinis oppin proclamatioun to be maid 
 heirwpoun at the raercat corce in generale, and als the hand bell to pas 
 throw the townn thairwpoun. 
 
 24tk May, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the baillies requirit and solistit all the nychtbouris of this 
 guid townn that bes nocht cumin at Pasche to thair vicar, for paying of 
 thair dwety, conforme to the auld louabill vse of this guid toun, lykas 
 thai haif requestit the saidis nychtbouris thairto obefor, that thai cum to 
 the said vicar and pay thair said dwety, within xlviij houris, sua that he haf 
 na cause to complane on thame in spirituall court ; and failzeing therof, 
 the bailzeis ar content, and ordanit the said vicar to persew the saidis per- 
 sonis that lyis avak in contemptioun afor the spirituall jurisdiction, and 
 thai sell assist and concur with him towart the persute of them ; on the 
 quhilk he tuk act of court. 
 
 1st June, 1546. 
 
 My lord prouest and bailzeis of this nobill burgh of Abirdene, vnto your 
 1[ ] humelie menis and complenis, I, your 1[ ] seruitour, 
 
 Thomas Philpson, burges of the said burgh, vpoun Gilbert Tulidef and 
 Thomas Myln, comburgessis of the same burgh, that quhair, in the moneth 
 of May, in the yeir of God j m v c xliiij yeris, at my departing of this town 
 of Abirdene to Danskin, in Pattonis schip of Dunde, I left and committit 
 to the said Gilbert and Thomas my mandament and full powar to intromet 
 with all and sindry gudis, movabill and vnmovabill, pertening or richtuus 
 mycht pertene to me, and dettis that was avand to me in the cuntra be ony
 
 236 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1st June, inaner of persoun or personis, and maid and constitut thame my procutouris 
 and factouris, till ouptak, intromet, and ressaue the same to my vtilite and 
 proffeit. And the saidis Gilbert and Thomas, be ressoun forsaid, intro- 
 metit, ouptuik, and ressauit thir gudis, geir, dettis, and sowmes of mone 
 vnder writtin, that was in my houise and buyth within the said burgh of 
 Abirdene, and ressauit thir dettis fray the creditours vnder writtin, sen my 
 departing in the said moneth of May. In the first, the said Thomas Myln, 
 be himself and wtheris of his name, of his causing, command, assistance, 
 and ratificatioun, the xi day of May, or thairby, in the yeir of God j m v c 
 xliiij yeris, ressauit furth of my buyth thir gudis efter following : Thre 
 dosoun hemp, price dosoun xxiiij s. ; item, thre dosoun silkin poyntis, the 
 price of the dosoun ij s. ; item, any grit buyst, and certane kemmis, wor- 
 settis, spectikyllis, and wther small geir in it, worth xl s. ; item, five dosoun 
 vj worset poyntis, price dosoun viij d. ; item, ane lib. half ane quarter of 
 ane pinch of quhit wax, the price v s. ; item, xv ellis half ell of Scottis wor- 
 settis, price ell vi d. ; item, iiij caise of kemmis, the price of the caise 
 xviij d. ; item, viij bykyris, the price of the pece, iij d. ; item, ane dosoun of 
 arrowhedis, the price ij s. ; item, ane pakin creill lokit, with certane mer- 
 chand geir in it, worth xl s. ; item, ane wther pakin creill, worth xviij d. ; 
 item, ane vob of tartane, contenand x ellis, the price of ell iiij s. ; item, ane 
 pece of new tow that wes in ane kist contenand vij fawdoum, the price of 
 the fawdoum viij d. ; item, ane denis aix, the price vi s. viij d. ; item, vi 
 pekis of small salt, the price of the pek, xii d. Item, the xxii day of Junij, 
 or thairby, the yeir forsaid, the said Thomas Myln ressauit furth of my 
 buyth of my howse in the Gallogat thir gudis vndirwritin, viz. : ane dow- 
 blet of new blak chamlet, the price, 1 s. ; item, tua Marekyne cotis, ane 
 reid, the price, xx s., ane wther blak, the price, x s. ; item, ane pair of 
 dobbill blankatis, the price, vj s. viij d. ; item, ane blankat of tartane, the 
 price, iij s. ; item, ane hewin aix, the price, ij s. ; item, ane burdclayth, the 
 price, xxx d. Item, the said Gilbert Tulidef be himself, his seruandis and 
 complices, in his name, of his causing, and command, the said xxij day of 
 Junij or thairby, intrometit and ressauit furth of my said buyth thir gudis 
 efter following : that is to say, ane stuf sak, the price, xviij s. ; ane kna- 
 piscaw, the price xiiij s. ; item, ane blak bonnat, the price, xij s. ; item, ane 
 feirkin, with certane saip restand in it, extending to iij dousoun, the price 
 dousoun, xxxij s. ; item, ane irne pot, the price, x s. ; item, viij pekis small 
 salt, the price pek, xij d. ; item, xix wemen schetis, the price of the pece,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 237 
 
 vj d. ; item, ane stik of tartane contenand xxiij ellis, the p rice of the ell, lst June > 
 xl d. ; item, ane stik of hardin contenand xviij ellis, the price of the ell, 
 xviij d. ; item, ane throcht lok, the price, xl d. ; item, thre ryme of paper, 
 the price of the ryme, xx s. Attour the said Gilbert and Thomas intro- 
 mettit and ressauit furth of my said buythis and houissis thir guidis and 
 merchandreis eftir following sen the moneth of May aboun writin, or my 
 returning to Aberdene agane : that is to say, xi dosoun vj schetis, the 
 price dosoun, vj s. ; item, ix pennaris, the price, vj d. ; item, xviij quair 
 of paper, the price of the quair, xx d. ; item, iij ellis of small quhit, the 
 price of the ell, iij s. ; ane pair of gray hoise, the price, x s. ; item, vii 
 pursis, the price of the pece, vj d. ; item, vij bagis, the price pece, viij d. ; 
 item, xvj small pursis, the price pece, iij d. ; item ane knapschaw bonat, 
 with ane wther bonnat, price of the pece, xl d. ; item, ane clut of nedillis, 
 the price, viij s. ; item, vj blak hattis, the price of the pece, ij s. ; item, tua 
 blew hattis, the price of the pece, v s. ; item, ane blak thrumit hat, the 
 price, viij s. ; item, tua ellis thre quarteris of narrow blak, the price of the 
 ell, viij s. ; item, ane pair of tailzeour scheris, the price, ij s. vj d. ; item, 
 tua irne handis of ane caddroun, the price vj s. viij d. ; item, xviij ellis of 
 blak bukrame, the price of the ell, v s. ; item, thre quarteris of reid buk- 
 rame, the price iiij s. ; item, iij bykniffis, the price of the pece, viij .d. ; 
 item, iij scheip skynnis, the price of the pece, ij s. ; item, vj pair of glassis, 
 the price of the pair, vj d. ; item, half ane gross of poyntis, the price, 
 xviij d. ; item vj quartaris of grit carsay, the price, vj s. ; item, ij ellis of 
 colour the kersey, the price of the ell, x s. ; item, half ane cow hide, the 
 price, viij s. ; item, ane bow, the price, v s. ; item, ane fut spaid, the 
 price, ii s. ; item, ane schwill, the price viij d. ; item, ane wallett of ledder, 
 the price, xvj d. ; item, ane pair of small ballandis, the price, v s. ; item, 
 ane pair of butis, the price, v s. ; item, thre bollis iij pekis of small salt, 
 the price of the boll, xvj s. ; item, vj pece of pewter veschell, the price, 
 x s. ; item, twa twin poyntis that Thomas Myln intromettit with, the price 
 of the pece, viij s. ; item, ane twin quart, the price xii s., and ane twin 
 poynt, the price viij s., that the said Gilbert intromettit with ; item, tua 
 twyse pundis half pund of brass, the price viii s. ; item, ane grit burd, 
 the price, iij lib. ; item, ane pair of pepper quernis, the price, xii d. ; 
 item, v pece of leddin pundis, the price of the pece, viij d. ; item, ane 
 litill lok, the price, xii d. ; item, ane pair of boullis, the price, xii d. ; 
 item, ane grit chandelar, the price, xx s. ; half ane twine barrell, the 
 
 2 H
 
 238 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 price, ii s. ; item, ane lang sadill bed of aik, the price, iij lib. ; item, ane 
 cheir of aik, xviij s. ; item, ane new press, the price, xviij s. ; item, 
 ean veschell bynk, the price, viij s. ; item, iij pair of blak spurris of 
 the Tranche fasoun, the price of the pair, iij s. ; item, ane compter 
 clayth, price x s. Item, the said Gilbert and Thomas ressauit thir 
 sowmes and dettis vnder writtin in my name, fra diuerse my credi- 
 touris that war avand me the same, viz. : fra Andro Crawfurd yovnger, 
 as souertie for John Menzies, xxx s. for tua ellis blak ; item, fra Rob 
 Crag, laxfischar, half ane barrell of salmond, the price, xl s. ; item, fra 
 Sande Fergussoun, xlvj s. ; item, fra Eduard Robertsoun, for maill of my 
 house in the Gallowgait, xxxii s. ; item, fra Sande Still in Murcour, xii s. 
 for ane blak bonat ; item, fray Edward Brow, for ane irne pot, ix s. ; 
 item, fra John Roger yownger, for the rest of ane jrne pot, vj s. ; item, 
 fra Sande Banerman in Auld Abirdene, ix s. ; item, fra Mege Neilsoun, 
 for tua yeris maill of my house in the Guestraw, xliiij s. ; item, fra Cunne 
 Malcome, xvj s. for ane yeris maill of my house forsaid ; item, fra Sande 
 Vrquhart, xvj s. of maill of ane buyth of my land in the Gallowgait ; item, 
 thre dense aikisis, tua in the house and ane in my buith, the price of the 
 pece, vj s. viij d. ; item, ane vob of tartane contenand x ellis, the price ij s. ; 
 item, half ane hundreth laid of elding, the price xx s. ; item, ane grene 
 kirtill, the price xxiiij s. Quhilkis gudis and geir aboun writtin, of the 
 price and valour forsaid sowmes, and money aboun expremit, the saidis 
 Gilbert and Thomas Myln vrangusly, and aganis the law, postponis and 
 deferris to refund, &c. 
 
 1th June, 1546. 
 
 My lord prouest and bailzies of this noble burgh of Abirdene, to your 
 1[ ], humelie menis and complanis, I, Wm. Mair, vpoun Andro Dirty, 
 James Melwin, and Walter Reid, marinellis, now beand within your iuris- 
 dictioun in Abirdene : That quhar in the Pasche owk last bypast, or thair- 
 by, in the yeir of God j m v c and xlvj, I deliuerit to the said Andro Dirty, 
 James Melwin, and Walter Reid, beyng in ane boit of Gilbert Marris schip, 
 in the see, one the cost of Berwik or thairby, ane bulget of blak ledder, 
 lokit with tua lokis, ane of ilk syde, to haue bene saiffit and keipit be thame, 
 and brocht hame to me in Scotland ; for the quhilk I gaif thame amangis 
 thame ane crown of the soun ; the quhilk croun was ressauit amang thame. 
 Within the quhilk bulget was contenit this geir following belangand to me :
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 239 
 
 half ane ell of red weluet ; four ellis of Holland clayth ; tua beltis of variant 7th June, 
 silk, knapit with gold ; half ane pund of blak pastment silk ; ane pair of schort 
 blak hoise ; ane blak bonnet ; thre dosoun of menekin stringis, for lutis ; thre 
 dosoun of grene ribbanes, silk ; tua losin sarkis ; ane spunge of birse ; tua 
 pair of tapheit gartanes, ane blak, ane wther blew, contenand ane ellene. 
 Neuertheless the said Andro, James, and Walter, vrangusly, and aganis 
 the law, withhaldis fra me the geir aboun writtin. 
 
 25M June, 1546. 
 Sequitur tenor commissionis Dauidis Andersoun. 
 
 Bailzeis, counsale, and communite of Abirdene, we greit yow weill : For- 
 samekle as it is desirit of ws our guid vill and mynd, as your prouest, for 
 makin of burgessis sonns fremen and burgessis, be the tennour heirof, I gif 
 my powar of prouestry to Dauid Andersoun, or ony ane of thame, and makis 
 thame my deputis in the said office, to ressaue Andro Scherar, James Hol- 
 land, to be fremen and burgessis, nochtwithstanding thair youthheid, and to 
 joise and bruik thair priuileges of burgessis. Forder to do thairin as I war 
 present in propir persoun, haldand and for to hald firme and stabill all and 
 quhatsumeuer my said deputis to the saidis Andro and James, be vse and 
 consuetud of the said burgh, be this writ, subscriuit with my hand at 
 Huntly, the xxij day of Junij, 1546. Et sic subscribitur, George Erie of 
 Huntly. 
 
 I3tk July, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis and counsale, present for the tyme, agreit Sir 
 John Futhe, maister of thair sang skuill, and John Blak, singar, of all falis 
 and faltis betuix thame in tymes bigane ; and forder, the said Sir John was 
 content for the tyme, and gaif his guid will and licence to the said John 
 Blak, as deput vnder him, to teche and lerne all the barnis of the said sang 
 skuill singing, and therfor to ressaue and ouptak the haill proffeit the said 
 John mycht get of the said skuill to his awin vtilite and proffeit, sa lang as 
 he makis guid seruice thairintill without ony fait, induring the said Sir 
 Johnis will. And, in the mentyme, the said John to have power to puneis 
 and correc his avin tua brother, Alexr. Grayis tua sonis, ane Skeyne, and 
 ane Lummisdan, barnis of the said skuill, reseruand the punyisment of the 
 remanent barnis therof to the said Sir John himself, as superior thairof ; 
 and forder, the said John Blak was content, in presens of the said bailzeis
 
 240 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th July, and counsale, gif euer he falit agane to the said Sir John, in his defalt in 
 tymes cuming, in ony thing concerning the said skuill, to be dischargit of 
 all proffetis he hes of the townn of Abirdene for his service within thair 
 queir and kirk thairof, during the vill of the bailzeis and counsale for the 
 tyrae. 
 
 19th July, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis ordinit the officiaris to pas and varne all maner 
 of personis avand ony malis or dettis to the brig of the Dee, to cum this 
 day xv dais afore the counsale, and mak compt, rakening, and paiment 
 thairof, with intiraatioun, and thai do nocht, tha will gar puind and dis- 
 trenze thame for the same. And als the bailzeis and counsale ordinit thair 
 maister of thair brig wark to pas and tak tua or thre of the counsale with 
 him, and wesy, with ane masoun and wrycht, all faltis of the said brig, and 
 enter craftismen thairto, to reforme the same with all diligence, be avise of 
 the forsaid personis, and mak expensis thairupoun, and ordinit the same to 
 be alovit to him in his nixt comptis. 
 
 6th August, 1546. 
 
 The said day, it is statut and ordinit be the bailzeis, counsale, and com- 
 munite of this guid townn, tha beyng varnit, &c., for the commond veill 
 of the same, and evading sa far as tha ma fray the contagius pest now latly 
 rising of new in certane partis of this realme, that all maner of mendicantis 
 and beggaris within this towne dewoyd the same, except sa mony as is 
 licent to remane be the bailzeis and counsale, and hes the townis taking, 
 within xxiiij houris nixt efter the tuelt hour of this day, vnder the pane of 
 burning of thame with ane hett jrne one the cheik that beis fundin within 
 this townn efter the said xxiiij houris ; and thaireftir tha beand brint that 
 remanis and contempnis the said charge to dewyid the said tounn within 
 wther xxiiij houris, vnder the pane of deid, viz. hanging or drovning. And 
 als that na maner of nychtbouris within this burgh ressaue nor harbour na 
 maner of mendicantis nor begaris, strangeris, without speciale licence of 
 the bailzeis or ane of thame thairto, vnder the said paine ; and gif ony 
 siclik cumis to this townn, that tha remane nocht aboun xxiiij houris within 
 the same, vnder the same pane. And als that the bailzeis, pas with certane 
 honest nychtbouris with thame, this instant day efter nowne, throcht all the 
 partis and rewis of this guid toun, and vesy the same, and remove and ex-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 241 
 
 pell all raendicantis and begaris of the same that ar nocht licent to remane, 6th Aug., 
 and charge thame to remove vnder the panes forsaid. And als that na 1546 - 
 maner of personis of botis nor crayaris that hapnis to cum out of the south 
 partis be ressauit, nor licent, nor tholit to cum out of thair crayaris nor 
 botis, nor ressauit in ony lugingis nor houssis within this guid town, nor 
 yit na metis nor drinkis nor wther necessaris ministrat to thame, nor yit 
 that na personis mell with tham in na sort, without speciale licence of the 
 bailzeis, or ane of thame at the lest, had thairto, vnder the said panis. 
 And als that thair be ane honest seruand man at euery port of this guid 
 towne ilk day, to keip the same frathinfurth quhill the town be forder 
 auisit, as tha sail ressaue directioun of the bailzeis thairto, and euery nycht- 
 bour of the guid toun to furneis the same thair tyme about, as it fallis, and 
 tha varnit thairto, and als ordinit oppin proclamatioun to be maid heirof at 
 the mercat corce. 
 
 21th August, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis and counsale present for the tyme ordinit 
 Dauid Andersoun, thair maister of kirk wark, to send to Sanctandrowis 
 for ane plumbar, to reforme and mend the faltis of thair kirk ; and ordinis 
 that quhat expensis he gevis ane seruand to pass for the said plumbar, and 
 als quhat he gevis the said plumbar for his travell heir, gif he agreis nocht 
 with him one the wark, and gif he agreis, quhat expensis he makis thair 
 upoun to be alovit thankfully to him in his next comptis. 
 
 13th September, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn beyng varnit to this day, &c., it wes ex- 
 ponit and schavin to thame be the bailzeis, how that, in all tyme of weir 
 bygane sene the deceise of our maist nobill prince James the Fift, quhom 
 God asolze, this guid tounn and inhabitantis thairof hes keipit thair handis 
 clein, and done na vrang, hurt, nor trubill to na maner of schipis nor per- 
 sonis of Flanderis, Denmark, nor nane of the est partis, nor yit nane of 
 thame complentus on this towne as yit to this, and that ther is na weir 
 betuix ws and them, and elikvise apperand pace betuix ws and Ingland, and 
 proclamations maid thairvpoun, as is notabilly knavin, as in the letteris 
 direct thairwpoun mair fullely is contenit ; and at tha ar now latly informit 
 that Melchor Cullane and certane wtheris, his complices, are passit furth 
 laitly of the towne of Leyth with ane setup in veirsaw, without ony licence
 
 242 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th Sept., of the gouernour and lordis of counsale, expressly agains the charge of the 
 said letteris. Therfor, to ewaid damnage and skaythis that ma follow thair- 
 wpoun, and to hald and keip this toune in ane guid bruit and name, as it 
 hes bene in the tyme forsaid bygane, it is statut and ordinit be the haill 
 townn, &c., that na maner of persoun, within this towne duelland, freman 
 nor vnfreman, by ony maner of schipis or prisis, or ony maner of geir, fray 
 ony men of weir, of quhat natioun that euer tha be, nor yit pas vpoun burd 
 on ony schip, schipis, or prysis, without speciale licence of the bailzeis and 
 counsale askit and obtenit thairto, vnder the pane of tinsale of thair fre- 
 dome, and all takis and rowmes, and all wther maner of proffietis tha haue 
 of the toun, of thame that ar fremen, and bannesing thaim the towne that 
 ar vnfremen, without ony excuse or request to be hard in the contrar, and 
 this to indur during the townis vill. 
 
 The said day, it is statut and ordinit be the haill townn, convenit in thair 
 tolbuyth as said is, &c., for the commond veill of this guid towne, and pre- 
 seruing and keiping of the same fra the contagius pest now laitly brokin 
 oup and ringand in certane partis of this realme, sa far as the craft and 
 ingine of man ma do, referrand the laif to the Eternale God, keipar of all, 
 &c. : that ther remane tua men daylie at the boll brig, keipand the same, 
 thairof ane to remane continualy thairat, and the wther of thame to cum 
 and aduerteis the bailzeis quhen ony strangear cumis or he get enteres in the 
 townn ; and at na maner of persoun of Edinburght, Leyth, Dunde, nor na 
 wther suspect place, be ressauit without sufficient testimoniale presentit to 
 ane of the bailzeis at the lest, and admitt be thame ; and gif ony personis 
 of the said townis or places, of quhat degre that euer tha be, hapnis to cum 
 without testimoniale, that tha be nocht ressauit in na sort without licence of 
 the bailzeis and ane part of counsale obtenit thairto ; and als ane man to 
 keip the Gallowgait port, and ane wther the Thewis port, and at Futeist 
 port and the Trinite port be lokit and keipit close ; and als that all oppin 
 passagis, yardis, and wther places quhair ony enteres may be had, be closit 
 and bigit oup be the avnaris thairof that ar propir, and be the denis of gild 
 that ar commond, with all diligence ; and that euery nichtbour and induellar 
 the said burgh keip, or ellis cause keip be ane sufficient seruand, the said 
 boll brig, Gallowgait and Futeis portis, thair tyme about as it fallis to 
 thame, and as tha be varnit nychtly thairto be the officiaris ; and quhay that 
 beis varnit and cumis nocht himself, nor sendis nocht ane sufficient seruand
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 243 
 
 thairto in dew tyme, the officiar of that quarter quhair he duellis to fee ane 13th Sept., 
 sufficient man in his place, and gif him xij d. in the day thairfor, and the 
 persoun that sould haue kepit the said brig or port to pay the same agane ; 
 and the officiar to pund therfor als oft as neid beis ; and all the portis of the 
 townn to be closit and lokit nychtly at viij houris at evin, and remain fast 
 quhile vj houris in the morning, that the keiparis thairof enter thairto ; and 
 that na nychtbouris duelland without the portis of the said burgh ressaue, 
 houise, nor herbir, na maner of strangear, pure nor riche, in thair houissis 
 without speciale licence of ane of the bailzeis for the tyme, askit and obtenit 
 thairto, vnder the pane of tinsale of thair fredome that ar fre, and bannes- 
 ing tham the towne that ar vnfre ; and als that the induellaris in Futy, ilk 
 ane of thame thair tyme about, vait one the havin and keip that na maner 
 of personis that hapnis to cum out of south partis in ony schipis, crayaris, 
 or botis cum vpon land on ony part of the fredome of this burgh without 
 speciale licence of the bailzeis and counsale, vnder the pane of confiscatioun, 
 and eschaeting of thair schip and haill guidis beyng in the same for the 
 tym ; and that the said keipar aduerteis euery crayar, schip, or boat, of the 
 said statut and pane, at thair heir cuming, with intimatioun as efferis ; and 
 at na maner of persoun in this towne nor Futy ressaue, houise, nor herbre, 
 ony sic personis cumand in sic schipis, crayaris, or botis, vnder the pane of 
 tinsale of thair fredome, takis, rowmes, and all wther proffettis tha haue of 
 the towne, that ar fre, and bannesing thame the towne that ar vnfre, with- 
 out ony excuse or request to be hard in the contrar ; and this statut to in- 
 dur during the townes will. 
 
 2d October, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn beyng varnit, &c., chesit Gilbert Fraser, 
 Robert Cullane, Thomas Scherar, Johnne Baine, Robert Arthour, Andro 
 Murdo, and Alexr. Jafiray, taxtaris, to taxt and stent the sowme of tua 
 hundreth pundis Scottis mone one the nychtbouris and inhabitantis of this 
 burgh, to be pait incontinent to the gouernour, for the saidis townis licence 
 to remaine at hayme fray this quartar of the sege of Sanctandrowis, con- 
 forme to the thesaureris writing of licence tharfor direct thairupoun, quhilk 
 personis accepit the said mater vpon thame, and ar sorn the grit ayth 
 tharto, to taxt the same lelile and treuly, but feid or fauour of ony personis, 
 efter the faculte of the inhabitantis of the said burgh, &c. Of the quhilk 
 the tennour followis :
 
 244 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 2d October, Traist freindis, efter hartlie commendatioun, ye sail witt that we ressauit 
 your writing fra your nychtbour, William Holland, berar heirof, and hes 
 tain consideracioun off the cummeris ye haue, and schawin the samyn to 
 my lord gouernour at lyntht, and at your plesour at this tyme, that ye 
 may remaine at haym fra this armye and assige heir off Sanct Androwis, 
 hes ordanit him bring incontinent, or send heir, for you and your towne 
 of Aberdene, the sowme of twa hundreth pundis, quhilk being pait fra 
 hand, as we haue schavin to this berar, ye sail incure na danger, nor be 
 callit nor accusit fray biding fra the said assige ; wtherwaise, gyff ye do 
 nocht, that ye cum heir yourselffis, conform to the proclamatioun past 
 thairwpoun, as farder the berar will declair, and God keip yow. At 
 Sanctandrois, this last day of September. 
 
 Stk October, 1546. 
 
 The said day, it is statut and ordinit be the bailzeis and counsale that 
 na maner of botis nor crayaris that hapnis to cum out of the south partis, 
 be ressauit within this havin during the tyme of the pest, now ringand in 
 certane partis of this realme, and at na maner of persoun, freman nor vn- 
 freman, duelland in this toune nor Futy, ressaue, houise, nor herbre, nor 
 sell ony metis nor drinkis to sic personis, without speciale licence of the 
 bailzeis and ane part of the consale, had and obtenit thairto, vnder the pane 
 of tinsale of their fredome that ar fre, and bannesing thame the towne that 
 ar vnfrie. 
 
 llth October, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis and counsale present for the tyme, with avise 
 of the nychtbouris present for the tyme, decernit and ordinit that Sanct 
 Nicholace braid siluer be given to the sustentatioun of the seik folkis of the 
 pest, during the tyme thairof, and the townis will ; and als ordinit Andro 
 Losoun to gif the braid siluer he gat one Sonday last was, to be distribuit 
 to the seik folkis ; and als consentit, all in ane voce, that the rest of the 
 last taxt siluer aboun the ij c vj lib. xiij s. iiij d., quhilk is ellis pait for 
 the same, and bering and deliuering thairof, be takin and gevin to the 
 sustentatioun of the said seik folkis, and Robert Cullane deliuerit instantly 
 xxxii thairof to John Bruise, officiar, to the effect forsaid. 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis grantit that thay had ressauit fray Robert
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 245 
 
 Cullane the sowme of ij c lib. for the principal! taxt of the sage of Sanct- nth October, 
 androwis, togidder with vj lib. xiij s. iiij d. gevin to Maister Robert Lum- 
 raisdane, for the bering thairof to Sanct Androwis, and deliuering of the 
 same, quhilk the said Maister Robert grantit him ressauit, and oblegit him 
 to report ane sufficient acquittance to the said towne of the said ij c lib., 
 for the causis forsaid, or ellis the said mone agane to thame. 
 
 25th October, 1546. 
 
 The said day, it is statut and ordinit be the bailzeis and counsale pre- 
 sent for the tyme, all in ane voce, that the officiaris pas with diligence 
 and requyr all thame that hes nocht pait thair pairt of the last taxt, as 
 tha war taxt for the townis licence to remaine at hayme fra the sege of 
 Sanctandrouis, to pay the same, and specially thir personis, Andro Lesly, 
 Martyne Hoveson, &c., burgessis of the said burgh ; and gif tha, or ony 
 of thame, refusis to pay the same, that tha varne the refusaris to ane day 
 afor the bailzeis and counsale, to heir and see thame that hes ony takis 
 of the towne decernit to haue tint thair takis tha haue of the said towne, 
 and tha that hes na takis, to heir and see tham decernit to haue tint thair 
 fredome of the said burgh, with intimatioun that quhidder tha compeir or 
 nocht the dais tha happin to be varnit to, the bailzeis and counsale will 
 proceid and decerne conforme to thir said statut ; and forder ordinit the 
 said statut to be keipit and obseruit vpoun paiment of all taxtis that hapnis 
 to cum on the said towne in tyme cumyng. 
 
 The said day, Maister Robert Lummisdan presentit and deliuerit in 
 iugment ane discharge of our souerane lady the quenis grace, with consent 
 of my lord gouernour, vnder hir graces signet and my lord gouernouris 
 subscriptioun, of the dait the tent day of October, the yeir of God ane 
 thousand five hundreth fourty sax yeriis, and of hir regne the ferd yeir, to 
 the towne, for thair remaning at hame fra the sege of Sanct Androwis, 
 the thrid quartar of the northland, ordinit to haue conuenit at Sanct 
 Androwis the ferd day of October instant, because he had deliuerit, in the 
 said tovnis name, the sowme of tua hundreth lib. Scottis mone to our 
 souerane ladyis thesaurar therfor, and als ane acquittance to the said the- 
 saurar, vnder his signet and subscriptioun manuale, of the dait at Sanct 
 Androvis, the xv day of October, the yeir of God j m v c ^xlvi yeris, 
 grauntand him to haue ressauit the said sovme fray the said Mr. Robert, in 
 
 2 i
 
 246 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 25th October, name and behalf of the said towne ; quhilk discharge and acquittance the 
 bailzeis and counsale admit to be put in the chartour kist. 
 
 We, Johnne, bischop of Dunkeld, &c., thesaurer to our souerane lady 
 the quenis grace, grantis ws to haue resauit fra Maister Robert Lumisdane, 
 in name and behalf of the prowest, baillies, counsale, and communite of the 
 burght of Abirdene, the sowm of tua hundreth poundis Scottis, in full 
 contentacioun and compleyt payment for thair compositioun to remain at 
 hame and abyd fray the oist and armye ordinit presentlie to cum to the 
 assegeing of the castell of Sanct Androwis, the ferd day of October instant ; 
 of the quhilk sowm, for^the cause aboun exprimit, we hald ws weill content 
 and pait ; and in our souerane ladyis name, and all vtheris quhome it 
 efferis, dischargeis thame and euerith ane of thame, at this tyme, for the 
 samin, be this wryt, subscriwit with our hand, at Sanct Androwis, the 
 xv day of October, the yeir of God m. v c fourty sax yeris. 
 
 J. Dunkeld, Thesaurarius. 
 
 llth December, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the counsale present for the tyme decernit and ordinit 
 Dauid Spilyelaucht, quhilk brak command ordinance and statutis, in non 
 schaving the bailzeis the seiknes of his barne, quhilk was seik in the pest, 
 in dew tyme, conforme to the statut and * ordinance maid thairwpoun, to 
 be brint on the left hand with ane het irne. And forder statutis and or- 
 dinis of new agane, that gif he or ony nichtbour, induellar in this burgh, 
 concelis sic thingis in tymes cumyng, and cumis nocht incontinent efter 
 that ony maner of person, young or auld, hapnis to be seik in thair housse, 
 quhat kind of seiknes that euer it be, to ane of the bailzes of the said 
 burgh, and reuele and schaw the same to ane of the said bailzeis, that the 
 concelaris thairof be puneist to the deid, man or woman, quhat euer tha be, 
 without ony request to be hard in the contrar. 
 
 3d February, 1547. 
 
 The said day, the haill toune beyng varnit, &c., grantit and promittit 
 to gif William Lord Forbes ane tounn of wyne yeirlie, Pasche and Lam- 
 mes, for keiping of thair watteris and fischingis of Done and Dee, with 
 thair pertinence, in raid tyme fra all maner of nettis, cobillis, wawsperis, 
 heryvalteris, and all wther instrumentis, fra the natiuite of our Ladye
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 247 
 
 yeirlie to the fest of Sanct Androw, he causand keip the same at his vter 3d February, 
 power ; and gif he failis thairintill, he to haue na paiment of the said wyne. 1547 - 
 And ordinit ane band to be maid to his lordschip heirwpon, vnder thair 
 commond seill, and ordinit the keiparis thairof to seill the said band thair- 
 with, thai gettand his lordschipis band agane vnder his seill and hand 
 writ, to keip the said vatteris and fischingis lelilie and treulie during the 
 said tyme, at his vter povar, as said is, and vder wais nocht ; quhilk band 
 George Meldrum of Five, knicht, and John Lesly of Bolquhane, resauit 
 this day in the said lordis name, selit with the commond seill, and promittit 
 faythfullie to deliuer the said townn the said lordis band heirupoun, vnder 
 his seall and hand writ, within viij dais, or ellis thair avin band agane 
 within the said terme. 
 
 13th April, 1547. 
 Licentia et acquittancia hie inserte deberent postea inseri in mense Julii 
 
 quamuis ob loci penuria hoc inseruntur. 
 
 Regina. We, with avise, consent, and auctorite of our derrest cousing 
 and tutour, James Erll of Arrane, Lord Hamyltoun, &c., protectour and 
 gouernour of our realme, for diuerse ressonabill caussis and consideratioun 
 moving him thairto, be the tenour heirof, grantis and gevis licence to our 
 louittis the baillies, counsall, and communite of our burgh of Aberdene, 
 to remane and byd at hame fra ony ost, raid, and army dewisit to convene 
 at Peblis, the tent day of Julij nixt to cum, and fra thyne to pas ford- 
 wart to our bordouris of our realme, for assegeing and recovering of the 
 castell of Langholme furth of our auld innemeis handis, and for stuncheing 
 and repressing of commoun thewis and tratouris of Esdaill, Ewisdaill, 
 Lidderdaill, and Annanderdaill ; and vill and grantis that the saidis 
 baillies, consall, and communite, nor nane of thame, sail nocht incur ony 
 skayth or danger thairthrow in thair personis, landis, or gudis, nor sail 
 nocht be callit nor accusit thairfor, criminalie nor ciuilie, be ony maner 
 of way in tyme cuming, nochtwitstanding ony actis, statutis, ordinances, 
 letteris, proclamationis, chargeis, or dischargeis maid or to be maid in the 
 contrar, and panis contenit thairin. Anent the quhilkis we dispence with 
 the saidis baillies, counsall, and communite, and ilkan of thame, be thir 
 our letteris, gevin vnder our signet, and subscriuit be our said gorernour, 
 at Linlichgow, the aucht day of Julij, and of our regnne the fyft yeir. 
 James.
 
 248 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th April, I, Maister James Forester, clerk of our souerane ladyis thesawrarie, 
 grantis me to haf resauit fra the handis of Johne Kelso, in name and be- 
 half of the prowest, baillies, counsall, and communite of the burgh of 
 Abirdene, the sowme of twa hundreth poundis, and that for the licence 
 grantit to the saidis prowest, baillies, counsall, and communitie to remaine 
 and byd at harae fra the oist and army ordanit to convein at Peblis with 
 my lord governour, the tent day of Julij instant, of the quhilk sowme of 
 tua hundreth poundis I hald me weill content aud payit, quitclaims and 
 dischargeis the said provest, baillies, caunsall, and communite, and all 
 vtheris quhome it efferis, for now and euer, be this my present discharge, 
 subscryuit with my hand, at Edinburgh, the xi day of July, the yeir of 
 God m v c xlvii yeiris, befor thir witnes, John Young, burgis in Edin- 
 burgh, Alexr. Guthre, and James Allane, with vtheris diuerse. 
 
 I, Maister James Forstar, with my hand. 
 
 18th April, 1547. 
 
 The said day, William Holland elder, in name of himself and Alexr. 
 Knowis, and thair complices, presentit in iugment to the bailzeis ane sup- 
 plicatioun of Patrik Erie Boithiuele, Lord Halis, Creichtoun, and Liddis- 
 dale, and grit admirale of Scotland, direct to the prouest and bailzeis of the 
 said burgh, to call certane vitnes duelland in the said burgh afor thame, and 
 examine thame be thair aythis in ane cause depending, afor the said ad- 
 mirale and his deputis, betuix the said William Holland, Alexr. Knowis, 
 and thair complices, and Maister Robert Lummisdan, Maister James Torre, 
 Welleame Quhit, and thair complices, vpoun the contentis of the precept 
 rasit be the said William and his complices aganis the said Maister Robert 
 and his complices forsaid, lyk as in the said supplicatioun at mair lynth is 
 contenit ; quhilk supplicatioun the said bailzeis ressauit, and the same being 
 red in iugment, tha ordinit the said Wm. and his complices to cause varne 
 the vitnes tha vald produce in the said mater to Friday nixt cumis, to testife 
 in the same ; and als to cause warne thair party to the said day to heir the 
 said vitnes ressauit, admittit, and some, or thane to schaw ane ressonabill 
 cause quhy, with intimatioun as efferis. 
 
 The said day, it is deuisit and ordinit be the counsale that tha pas with 
 thair curat and chaplane of Sanct Michaelis altar of the said burgh to the 
 said altar one Sonday nixt cumis, and consider the vestmentis and orna-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 249 
 
 mentis thairof, and quhat it wantis necessar thairto tha ordand the same to 18th April, 
 be maid thairto one the townis expensis. 
 
 The said day, it is deuisit and ordinit be the bailzeis and counsale, for 
 keiping of the glassin vindokis of thair kirk, and the sklatis of thair luge, 
 that quhatsumeuer personis, yovng men, seruandis, barnis, or craftismen, 
 brakis ony of the said vyndokis of the kirk or queir, or sclatis, that thair 
 faderis or maisteris sail ansuer therfor, and reforme and mend the same 
 agane on thair avin expensis ; on the quhilk Dauid Andersoun, maister of 
 the kirk wark, tuik act of court. 
 
 30th April, 1547- 
 
 The said day, in the terme assignit to the priour and conuent of the 
 freris predicatouris of Abirdene to produce and exhibeit perempturlie thair 
 rychtis, gif tha ony had, quhy tha suld nocht cause bring the cornis that 
 growis on thar croftis, lyand on the north est syid of the said burgh, 
 to the townis millis, within the said burgh, and grind the same thairat, and 
 pay thair multuris and wther dwiteis thairfor as wther nichtbouris within 
 the said burgh dvis, conforme to the townis auld statutis maid thairupoun, 
 the said freris comperand be freir John Myln and freir John Blak, in thair 
 names, and John Brabaner, takisman of the said millis, comperand for 
 himself, to the effect forsaid, the saidis priour and conuent, nor nane wtheris 
 in thair names, producit na thing, tha beyng oft tymes callit thairto, quher- 
 for the said John Brabaner protestit solemplie, in presens of the said freir 
 John Myln, and freir John Blak, that it suld stand thame for ane terme 
 peremptour, and at tha suld haue [na] place to produce ony thing in tyme 
 cuming in the said mater, for the causis forsaid ; and the saidis freir John and 
 freir John allegit thair priour was absent furth of the towne, and tha culd 
 vse na defensis in his absence, and therfor protestit that quhat beis done 
 this day in the said mater suld nocht preiuge nor hurt the said priour and 
 conuent, nor thair rycht in the said mater, and for remeid of law aganis the 
 same quhen tyme and place requyrit ; on the quhilkis bayth the saidis partyis 
 tuik actis of court and instruments ; and thairefter the bailzeis chargit 
 Sanderis King, officiar, in iugment, to requir the saidis freir John and freir 
 John, in name of the said priour and conuent, quhilk he did instantly in 
 iugment ; and als to requir the said priour and conuent agane at thair place 
 of the said burgh, to compeir this day xv dais, gif it be lauchtfull, and falze-
 
 250 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 30th April, ing thairof, the nixt lauchtfull day thairefter, in the houre of cause, to heir 
 and se thame self decernit, be decreit of court simpliciter, to cause feche 
 the cornis of thair said croftis to the tovnis forsaid raillis, and grind the 
 same thairat, and pay thair multuris and duyteis tharfor as wther nycht- 
 bouris pais, conforme to the statutis of the said burgh, with intiraatioun as 
 efferis. 
 
 13th May, 1547. 
 
 The said day, Maister Thomas Dauesoun, prolucutour for the freris pre- 
 dicatouris of the said burgh, gaif in this protestatioun efter following in 
 writ : We, priour and conuent of the predicatouris of the freris of Abir- 
 dene, protestis before your w[ ], bailzeis of the same, that quhat beis 
 done or is done bigane in the pretendit actioun and cause, movit and in- 
 tendit be John Brabaner, burges of the said burgh, in name of the haile 
 towne of Abirdene, aganis ws, tuching the multuris of the cornis that grew 
 vpoun our croftis, of the terretour of the est part of the said burgh, preiuge 
 nor hurt ws nocht, nor our place in rycht and priuilege, that is grantit and 
 gevin to ws be the nobill and excellent princes of the realme, be vertew of 
 the quhilkis it is lesum to ws to grind and multur our cornis, quharsoeuer tha 
 grow, at the mill of Gilcamstoun, multur fre ; in the quhilk priuilege and in- 
 dult we and our predecessouris is and hes bene in vse and possessioun of, past 
 all mannis memore levand, as is lauchtfully prescriuit in vsage therof, and ther- 
 for aucht and suld be the law be callit before the quenis grace and hir lordis 
 of counsale, or thane be hir grace letteris and commissioun befor the schirref 
 of the schire, or wtheris our iugis competent of the law, for cognitioun takin 
 in the said mater, or we be put thairfra, and depriuit of our priulege ; of 
 the quhilk your m[ ] is nocht iugis competent thairto, as the actioun 
 is intentit ; and gif ye do in the contrar, for remeid of law, tyme and place, 
 and protestit efter the forme of the same, on the quhilk he tuik act of court 
 and instrument. 
 
 The said day, Maister Thomas Dauesoun, prolucatour for the said freris, 
 allegit that the said John Brabaner had askit nathing in speciale in his 
 clame, and therfor protestit that the said freris haue ane absoluitour of the 
 said Johnis clame, on the quhilk he tuik instrument. 
 
 The said day, John Brabaner tuik act of court and instrument, that the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 251 
 
 said freris, nor nane wtheris in thair names, producit, allegit, nor said na 13th May 
 wther sayingis nor allegeance, nor wald nocht say nor allege na wther thing 
 thane is afor proponit and allegit this day. 
 
 23d May, 1547. 
 
 The said day, the court vardit and schew for law, that the priour and 
 conuent of the freris predicatouris besyid the burghe of Abirdene, hes pro- 
 ducit nor shavin nathing in the terme assignit to thame perempturlie of 
 thair avin desir be the bailzeis of the said burgh, to exhibit and produce 
 afor the said bailzeis thair rychtis, gif tha ony had, quhy tha aucht nocht 
 nor suld nocht cause feche thair cornis that grovis on thair croftis, lyand one 
 the northt est terretour of the croftis of the said burgh, to the townis millis 
 within the said burgh, and grind the same thairat, and pay thair multerris 
 and wther duiteis thairfor, as wther nychtbouris pais, conforme to the said 
 statutis of the guid towne maid thairwpoun, at the instance of John Braba- 
 ner, takisman of the saidis millis, desirand the same of the said freris. The 
 said John, comperand personalie in iugment, desirand pronunciation heir- 
 wpoun, and the saidis priour and conuent beyng requirit at thair said place 
 to compeir the said day, and als freir John Blak and freir Johne Auld- 
 corne beyng requirit afor in iugrnent to compeir the said day, to hear and 
 se the said pronunciation, with intimatioun as efferit, and nocht compeirand 
 lauchtfull tyme of day biddin, the bailzeis forsaid decernit and ordinit the 
 saidis priour and conuent, and thair successouris, to cause feche and bring 
 the cornis that growis on that thair said croftis yeirlie, in tyrnes cumyng, 
 to the said townis millis within burgh, and grind the same thairat, and pay 
 thair multuris and duyteis therfor to the millaris thairof, in all tymes cum- 
 yng, as wther nychtbouris pais, conforme to the statutis of the guid towne 
 maid thairwpoun, and that is gevin for dovme be the mouth of James 
 Pentland, dempster of the court for the tyme, and condampnit the said 
 freris in the expensis of the court, to be taxt be thame efteruart, on the 
 quhilk the said John Brabaner tuik act of court and instrument. 
 
 1st July, 1547. 
 
 The said day, the haill towne, beyng varnit, &c., chesit Andro Menzeis, 
 Dauid Mar, James Allerdes, Maister James Torre, and Robert Arthour, 
 taxtaris to taxt and stent the sowme of tua hundreth pundis Scottis mone 
 of the nychtbouris, fremen, and inhabitantis of the said burgh, to be takin
 
 252 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1st July, oup and payit incontinent to my lord gouernour and his grace factouris, for 
 the said townis licence to remain at hayme fray this hoist and raid of Lang- 
 hope, conforme to the townis licence to be gottin thairupoun, quhilk per- 
 sonsis accepit the said mater on thame, and ar some the grit aythis to taxt 
 and stent the same lelile and treuly, but feid or fauour of ony personis, as 
 tha vald ansuer to God thairupoun, vpon the fremen and inhabitantis of 
 the said burgh for the causis forsaid. 
 
 6th July, 1547. 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis decernit Maister James Torre to haue pai- 
 ment of xxx s. Scottis mone of Wille Duncane, within xx dais, quhilk he 
 pait this day for the said Willeamis taxt of the raid of Langop, in the said 
 Willeamis absence, and [gif] he pais nocht the same to the said Maister 
 James within the said terme, the bailzies and counsale decernis the said 
 William to haue tint his fredome ; and ordinis that he joise nor vse nocht 
 na priuilege of the said burgh frathatfurth, quhill he compone of new agane 
 for his fredorae, and assignis the haill proffeit tharof to the said Maister 
 James, for the causis forsaid. 
 
 2-2d August, 1547. 
 
 The said day, the haill townn beyng varnit, &c., consentit that the haill ar- 
 tailzerie, with the pulder and bullatis of the Franche schip now beand within 
 the bavin of Abirdene, the skipar thairof callit [ ], be tane out 
 
 and vsit for defence of this guid towne aganes our ennimeis of Ingland and 
 Holland, and oblegit thame, all in ane voce, as said is, ilk ane for thair 
 avin pairt efferand to thair estatis, to scot and lot for the same and releif 
 thairof, as neid beis, quhen and quhair it sail happin the same to be 
 persevit. 
 
 August, 1547. 
 
 The said day, the haill townn beyng varnit, &c., consentit and war con- 
 tent that Alexr. Ruderfurd and Dauid Andersoun, bailzeis, remainitr at 
 hayme fra this present oist and army of Follamwir, for giding and rewling 
 of this guid towne, for defending the same bayth fray our auld ennimeis of 
 Ingland and lymmaris of this realme, and wther guid causis moving tham 
 for the tyme ; and oblegit thame that the said Alexr. and Dauid suld incur 
 na skayth throw thair remaining at hayme, tha fursefand and sendand furth
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 253 
 
 tbair eldest sonnis with the laif of the towne. And gif the said Alexr. 29th August, 
 and Dauid hapnis to be put at therfor, the haill towne, conuenit as said is, 
 oblegit tharae to be part takaris of thair skaythis therfor, and to scot and 
 lot, part [and] part lik, for thair releif, for the causis forsaid. 
 
 31 A* August, 1547. 
 
 The said day, the bailzeis and counsale, present for the tyme, consentit 
 and war content that Andrew Buk, Alexr. Ratray, Gilbert Tulidef, James 
 Collisoun, Andro Durty, Gibbe Menzeis, William Garreaucht, and Jerome 
 Blak, remanit at hay me fray this instant oist and army of Fallomwir, for 
 defence of this guid towne, bayth fray our auld ennimies of Ingland and 
 lymmaris of this cuntra, and oblegit thame to do that was in thame, and in 
 thair powar and labouris, to keip tham skaythles for thair said remaining, 
 and gif neid war to tak part with thame thairintill. 
 
 9th September, 1547. 
 
 The said day, the haill toune that ar remanit presentlie at hame fra this 
 oist, beand varnit opinlie be hand bell to compeir this day, to awyse, con- 
 sult, assist, and concur, with the bailies, for the defens of this guid toune 
 and ordinans of the same, and vder bissenes concerning the commond weill 
 of the same, and thai beand conuenit for the maist pairt, oblegit thame, all 
 in ane voce, in name and behalf of the haill toune, bayth absent and pre- 
 sent, to pay and recompans the laird of Drummis falconne with hir graith, 
 in cace the said pece happin be chance to be tane be Inglismen (as God 
 forbeid), or beis broken, tynt, or spilt, and to releif Thomas Menzes thair- 
 of and the baillies, and siclik of all vder artilzerie, pulder, and munitionis, 
 that thai sail happin to get or borrow for defens of the toune and commond 
 weill of the samen. And siclik oblegit thame to pay Alexr. Ruthyrfurd 
 and Dauid Andersoun, bailies, the expensis mayd and to be maid be thame 
 in bigging of the bastailze for defens of the toune, and ordanis the auditouris 
 of the townis comptis to allow the same to thame. And thaireftyr the bailies 
 presentit ane writing to the toune that is laitlie cumin out of Striuelyng fra the 
 nychtbouris of this toune that past to the oist, and eftir the tennour thairof 
 thai chargit all the saidis nychtbouris that war present to remane still within 
 the toune, for defens of the samen, vnder the pane of tynsell of thair fredomes, 
 and geir, and gudis ; and ordanit the officiaris to pas to the mercat croce, 
 and thair, be oppin proclamatioun, charge all maner of fremen and burgis 
 
 2 K
 
 254 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 9th Sept, man, beand absent of the toune and nocht past ford ward to the army, to 
 compeir and mak residens in the toune, for defens of the same, within 
 xxiiij houris, vnder the paine forsaid. 
 
 1th October, 1547. 
 
 The said day, the haill brether of gild, conuenit as said is, deuisis and 
 ordinis tua barrellis of poulder to be bocht on the townis expensis, for the 
 defense of this guid towne aganis our auld ennimeis of Ingland in thir 
 troublouse tyme of weir, and ordinis the auditouris of the townis comptis to 
 find and prouid mone, quhairwith the same salbe bocht, with all diligence ; 
 and als ordinis Andro Buk and Alexr. Ratray to haue the care, giding, 
 and keiping of the townis artailzerie and poulder to the towne, and to mak 
 compt of the saidis artailzerie and poulder to the towne, and ordinis thame 
 to haue thair ressonabill feis and vageis of the tovnn thairfor during the 
 said tyme of weir, induring the tovnis vill. 
 
 8th October, 1547. 
 
 The said day, the prouest and bailzeis dischargit all thair feallis within 
 thair queir of all feis tha haue of the tovne during the tovnis vill, and ordi- 
 nit thair denis of gild that tha pay nane of tham ony fee in tyme cumyng 
 quhill tha gif tham new command thairto agane. 
 
 2Qth December, 1547. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn and inhabitaris thairof, bayth fre and vn- 
 fre, beyng varnit be the officiaris, &c., consentit that thair be writingis send 
 to the quenis grace and gouernour, schavand how our auld ennimeis of Ing- 
 land hes inuadit the tovnn and burgh of Dunde, and hes causit thame de- 
 cline fra the quenis grace authorite to thairis, and at tha ar inlikmaner to 
 invaid our said burgh of Abirdene within tyme vncertane to ws, as the tovne 
 is suirlie informit ; therfor desirand thair counsale and suple how the tovnn 
 sail vse thame in thair behalffis, and to borrow certane poulder fra the gouer- 
 nour to the defence of the said tovnn, with promeis to rander the same agane 
 to his grace how soun schipis ma guidlie travell ; and als to desir the quenis 
 grace letteris, direct to the inhabitantis of the haill schire of Abirdene, to be 
 in radines, bodin in feir of veir, and to cum in to the said tovnn of Abirdene 
 within xxiiij houris nixt efter thair charge, for suport of the same, vnder 
 the pane of tinsale of lif, landis, and gudis, with powar to the schiref of
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 255 
 
 Abirdene, and his deputis and schireffis in that part, to charge them thairto, 20th Dec., 
 and confisk thair gudis, gif thai faill thairiutill, to the quenis grace vtilite ; 
 and ordinit ane scharpe man to convoye the said writingis ; quhilkis deuisit 
 Snavdown Hariot to convoy the same, and to report ansuer thairof, and to 
 haue for his lawbouris twenty merkis ; and als the said haill townn, con- 
 uenit as said is, consentit and grantit that the townis haile takis, baith of 
 watteris and landis, be set and prolongat to the takismen thairof for tene 
 yeris nixt and immediat follovand the ische and outrunin of thair last ge- 
 nerale assedatioun, viz., for xvj yeris nixt followand the vigill of Sanct An- 
 drow last bypast, tha and euery ane of tham payand dowbill gressummes 
 thairfor incontinent to the tovnis vtilite and commond veill, for the furnesing 
 of poulder, bullatis, and municioun, and wageouris, for defens of this guid 
 towne aganis our auld ennemeis of Ingland, now maist cruelly inuadand this 
 realme, and purposit schortlie, within tyme incertaine, to inuaid this burgh, 
 as thai ar suirlie aduertest ; and ordinis ane commissioun to be maid to the 
 tovnis commissaris for setting of the same, vnder the townis commond seill, 
 to thair said takismen, thair airis and assignais, malis, burgessis, and actuale 
 induellaris the said burgh, and to nane wtheris, during the tyme forsaid, 
 for the causis aboun writin, and ordinis the keiparis of thair commond seill 
 to seill the same thairwith ; and alsuay consentis and grantis all in ane 
 voce, as said is, that thair be ane generale taxt stentit and rasit vpoun all 
 and sindry the inhabitaris of the said burgh, bayth fre and vnfre, efter thair 
 pischane and power, for support to the furnesing of the premisses ; and tax- 
 taris to be some to taxt and stent the same efter thair sawllis and con- 
 science ; and als ordinis that thair be oppin proclamationis maid at the mer- 
 cat corce of the said burgh, chargeand all maner of fremen of this burgh 
 that presentlie duellis without the same to cum incontinent with all diligence 
 within thre dais nixt efter thair charge, and mak continuall residence with- 
 in the said burgh, with thair honshaldis, for fulfilling and keiping of the 
 premisses, vnder the panis of tinsale of thair takis, samony as hes takis of 
 the tovnn, and tinsale of thair fredome that hes na takis ; and als that euery 
 nychtbour that hes ony takis of the guid tovnn, other of watteris or landis, 
 that thay pay thair malis avand of all termes bygane within thre dais, and 
 als termelie in tyme cumyng, conforme to thair assedationis, vnder the pane 
 of tinsale of thair takis ; and quhasumeuer dois in the contrar, that it salbe 
 lesum to the townn to dispone on thair takis to the tovnis vtilite and proffeit,
 
 256 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 without ony request to be hard in the contrar : on the quhilkis Thomas 
 Menzeis, prouest for the tyme, tuik act and instrument, afor thir vitnes, 
 Dauid Kintor, Maister Thomas Fynne, James Pentland, and Maister 
 John Kennedy, notar publik, with wther diuerse. 
 
 9th April, 1548. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn beyng convenit in thair heid court, all in 
 ane voce grantit and gaif the keiping of thair blokhouise to Gilbert 
 Menzeis, sone and apperand air to Thomas Menzeis of Petfoddellis, quhilk 
 accepit the same on him, and oblegit him to keip the same lelilie and treulie, 
 the tovnn gevand him seruandis and expensis to thame to vait thairupoun, 
 and for himself he desirit nor vald haue na thing, hot as the tovnn efteruart 
 plesit revard him, and nemmit Andro Buk, Thomas Cristale, Alexr. 
 Ratray, Gibbe Menzeis, and Andro Durty, quhilk the tovnn admittit ; and 
 the counsale ordinit euery ane of the said five personis to haue iiij lib. in 
 the moneth, during the tovnis vill, and thai to wait and keip the said blok- 
 houise bayth day and nycht, as the said Gilbert commandis thame ; and 
 ordinit Walter Cullane and Andro Losoun, ressaueris of the tovnis doubill 
 gressummis, to deliuer the said Gilbert tuenty lib. monethly, to be distribuit 
 to the said personis, during the tovnis vill, for thair vagis, and to begyne 
 paiment thairof incontinent. 
 
 13th April, 1548. 
 
 The said day, the haill brethir of gild, beyng conuenit for the maist pairt 
 in thair gild court, consentit, deuisit, and ordinit, all in ane voce, na maner 
 of persoun opponand nor sayand in the contrar, for defens of this guid 
 tovnn agains our auld ennimeis, now maist cruelly inuadand this realme, 
 and makand residens in sindry partis thairof, and in purpos haistly to inuaid 
 this guid townn, and the same is suirly aduertest, and therfor for resistance 
 of thame, that na maner of persoun within this burgh, freman nor vnfre- 
 man, saill out of the same to na wther partis, for na maner of besines, nor 
 yit pas furth of the townn to landuard to remain quhill Lammes nixt cumis, 
 and forder during the tovnis will, vnder the paine of tinsale of thair fre- 
 dome and confiscatioun of thair haill landis, takis, and guidis within the 
 said town, to the tovnis vse. And at na maner of persoun haue povar to 
 gif ony licence to ony inhabitant of the said burgh to pas furth of the same
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 257 
 
 for ony raaner of besines, except Thomas Menzies prouest, and gif he gevis 13th April, 
 ony sic licence he sail ansuer to the towne therfor, conforme to the paine 
 abounwrittin, efferand to the personis landis and gudis he hapnis to gif 
 licence to, gif he ony gevis. Item, that all maner of fremen of this burgh 
 now duelland to landuard come to the towne with thair vim's, barnis, and 
 houshaldis, within viij dais nixt heirefter, and frathinfurth mak continuale 
 residence thairintill, and scot, lot, walk, and ward with thair nychtbouris, 
 during the tyme forsaid, vnder the panis aboun writin ; and ordinit opin 
 proclamation to be maid heirof at the mercat croce of the said burgh, with 
 intimatioun of the same to all personis as efferis. 
 
 16th April, 1548. 
 
 The said day, it is deuisit and ordinit be the counsale present for the 
 tyme, for defence of this guid townn aganis our auld ennimeis of Ingland, 
 that the maister gunnar of John Hwmis schip, callit Maister John Maister- 
 toun, and Dauid Colweill, now beand within this havin, be conducit to 
 serue the toune for ane moneth to cum, and ordinit Andro Losoun to com- 
 pone with them thairfor, and als as he appoyntis with tham to pay the same 
 of the townis doubill gressumes, and quhat he pais to tham tha ordand the 
 same to be alovit to the said Andro in his comptis thairof. 
 
 Item, tha ordand the said Andro to gif the Duchman, thair gunnar, 
 fourty s. to by him ane garmond, and ordinis the same to be alovit to the 
 said Andro in his comptis. 
 
 Item, the consale ordinis Thomas Cristale to haue iiij lib. in the moneth, 
 with his houis maill fre, and als Andro Buk to haue iiij in the moneth, 
 with his houise maill fre, during the space of thre moneth to cum, for thair 
 guid and trew seruice to be done be tharne as gunnaris, for defence of the 
 guid tovnn, and wther besines concerning the same, during the said thre 
 moneth, and conducit thame, to the effect forsaid, for the said vagis, during 
 the said thre moneth. 
 
 Item, the counsale accepit Thomas Menzeis, prouest, in the place of 
 Gilbert Menzeis his sone, to the preparatioun and conseruation of the blok- 
 house, to the said Gilbertis returning agane fra Edinburgh, quhair he is 
 now instantly purposit to pas.
 
 258 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 aoth April. 2<M April, 1548. 
 
 1548. The said day, the counsale assignit and gif the xii merkis Scottis pro- 
 
 raettit for Andro Huntaris fremanschip, to Maister Patre Ruderfurd and 
 John Losoun, thair lordis of Bonaccord of this instant yeir, and ordanit 
 thanie to be thankfully obeit of the same, to help to mak thair expensis in 
 the said office. 
 
 18M May, 1548. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale, present for the tyme, 
 ordinit Alexr. Ruderfurd to deliuer to the men of weir, in part paiment of 
 thair secund monethis wagis, ane hundreth and v lib. vij s. viij d. of the 
 mone he resauit fra channownes, and ordinit the same to be alouit to him 
 in his nixt comptis thairof. 
 
 May, 1548. 
 
 The said day, Robert Hovesoun, valcar, is conuikit be the some assise 
 aboun writin for the spilling of the townis knok of thair tolbuyth, and als 
 for the strublance of the guid tovnn, in making of insurrectioun, with cer- 
 tane craftismen, aganis the burgessis of the said tovnn, and thar feit men of 
 weir. And als [ ] Hervy is conuikit be the said some assise for the 
 
 saying of inpertinat langege on the men of guid of the tovnn, and of thair 
 feit men of weir and capitane, quherfor ilk ane of thame is in ane amercia- 
 ment of the court to forber in tym to cum, and mend as law vill, and that is 
 gevin for dovm ; and the said Hovesoun is ordinit to reforme and mend the 
 said knok, be the sycht of craftismen, sa far as he hes skaythit her in ony 
 sort ; and for the offence done be him and Hervy to the towne, the assise or- 
 dinis thame bayth to cum on Sonday cum viij dais, and gang sark alane, bar 
 fuit, and bair leg, afor the processioun, with ane candill of vax of ane lib. 
 weycht in thair handis, ilkane of thame, and thairefter to ask the prouest 
 and bailzeis forgiffens one thair kneis, in the tovnis name ; and gif euer ony 
 of thame committis ony siclike faltis in tymes cumyng, to be brint one the 
 cheik, and bannest the towne, during the tovnis vill ; and ather of thame 
 ordinit to sett cautioun heirfor or tha depairt of the tolbuth. 
 
 28th May, 1548. 
 
 My lord prouest and bailzeis of this guid tovnn of Abirdene, vnto your 
 m[ ], humelie menis and complanis John Cristesoun, litster, vpoun my
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 259 
 
 sone of law, Andro Chalmer : That quhair I depairtit of this realrae in 28th May, 
 
 ray lesum besines, in the moneth of Marche or tharby, in the yeir of God 1548t 
 
 ane m v c xlij yeris, and left the said Andro as my seruand in my house to 
 
 mentene and keip my dochtir, his vif, my vif, my houise, geir, and guidis, 
 
 to my returning agane in Scotland. Nochtheless the said Andro, sin my 
 
 depairting, in the yeir of God ane m v c xliij yeris, xliiij, xlv, xlvj, and 
 
 xlvij yeiris respectiue, hes intrometit, disponit, and avay takin, distroyit, 
 
 delapidat, and withhaldin the writingis, euidentis, geir, guidis, and vark- 
 
 lummis vnder writin, pertening to me as my avin propir gudis, and beyng 
 
 in ray possessioun within my said house the tym of my departing forsaid : 
 
 that is to say, the said Andro hes intrometit with ane Franche gardewiat, 
 
 worth thre pundis, full of my writingis and euidentis, sic as acquittances, 
 
 contractis, obligationis, comptis, buikis, actis, absolutionis, reuersionis, 
 
 chartis, instruments, and euidentis of my landis and tenement forsaid, and 
 
 wtheris small necessar writingis and documentis concerning me, extending 
 
 in valour to me, be iust estimatioun, to the some of foir hundreth merkis ; 
 
 item, ane comptour, the price, xl s. ; item, out of my varkhouse, ane litfat, 
 
 girthit with jrne, the price v lib. ; item, thre dosoun of Heland sparris, the 
 
 price of the dosoun, xviij s. ; item, ane colraik of irne, the price, x s. ; item, 
 
 perkis and perk treis, xxx s. ; item, colour staffis and luyttis, price viij s. ; 
 
 with certane wther varklummes, sic as spowttis, spowtheouris, and cruikis, 
 
 worth xxx s. ; item, ane grit burd of aik, of xxx feit of lynth, and thre quar- 
 
 teris of breid, the price, xl s. ; item, iij xx pece of sawin tymmer, for sattis, 
 
 price, vj lib. ; item, thre meill girnalis, out of my loft, price, xxx s. ; item, 
 
 vij platis of twne, price, xxij s. ; item, tua grit pottis, the price, v lib. ; 
 
 item, iij quartis of twne, the price, xviij s. ; item, tua poyntis of twne, the 
 
 price, viij s. ; item, tua siluer spvnis, the price, ij merkis ; item, viij barrell 
 
 of ass, the price of the barrell, xxxij s. ; item, xviij keling barrellis, the 
 
 price, xl s. ; item, iij dosoun of Suadin and foran burdis, the price, xxxvj 
 
 s. ; item, ane zetling, the price, v lib. ; item, iiij Denishe aixkis, the price, 
 
 ij merkis ; item, tua buklar suerdis, with buklaris, price, xl s. ; item, ane 
 
 halflang swerd, price, xl s. ; ane speir, v s. ; item, tua pair of horse pleuchis, 
 
 with irnis, and all graitht concerning thairto, price, xx s. ; item, ane siluer 
 
 croce, the price, ij merkis ; item, ane pair of ballandis of brass, price, xiij s. 
 
 iiij d. ; item, ane brew fat, with iiij standis, xij s. ; item, viij ass barrell treis, 
 
 price, viij s. ; item, vj grit canvessis coueringis to fattis, price, xxiiij s. ; 
 
 item, ane grit staik of vandis on the leid, x s. ; item, ane burd of aik the
 
 260 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 28th May, clayth wes cutit out one, x s. ; item, iij and half quartar of blankat yarne, 
 price 1 s. ; item, tua strenzouris, and iiij nettis, xvj s. ; item, ij spaddis, vith 
 heidis, iij but heidis, and iij schwlis, price, iiij s. ; item, tua vemennis govnis, 
 the price, x lib. ; item, ane blak kirtile, the price, iiij lib. ; item, ane grene 
 kirtile, iiij lib. ; item, ane doublit of blew clayth, xx s. ; item, ane pair of 
 blew hoise, xij s. ; item, tua cottis of broun clayth, iij lib. ; thre blankatis, 
 iij merkis ; item, tua pair of schetis, xx s. ; item, the said Andro hes vsit, 
 distroyit, and vorne ane wther litfat of myne, price xl s. ; item, he hes vsit, 
 distroyit, and vorne viij pair of lynning schettis, price, iiij lib. ; item, he hes 
 vsit and occupeit my inland and warkhouse, with my wark and lummes, and 
 graytht yeirlie be the space of v yeiris last bypast, extending to maill yeirly 
 to tene merkis ; item, sic lik he hes occupeit my loft and forbuith of my 
 forland induring the said space, extending yeirlie to xl s. ; item, he hes cas- 
 sin done, lattin fall, and distroyit iiij mwd houissis in my cloise and fald, 
 and put away the cuppillis and tymmer of ane part of thir houssis, and the 
 durris, vyndokis, insicht, and plenising of ane wther part of tham, the skayth 
 therof iii xx lib. ; item, he hes brokin and distroyit the forwall of my vark- 
 huise, extending the skayth to xl s. ; item, his burd and his viffis, be the 
 space of ane yeir, or my departing, xx lib ; item, I left in my huise certane 
 stuff, sic as meill, malt, beif, cheise, geyise, and my vif hes haldin him and 
 his vif in burding thir v yeris last by past, extending to v xx merkis ; item, 
 he hes intromettit with tua ky and ane yowng ox, vj lib. ; item, he hes 
 intrometit with iij lib. vj s. fray the Lady Essilmont, quhilk sche wes avand to 
 me ; and siclik with ane barrell of salraond fra Cannow Furd, quhilk he wes 
 avand me, price iij lib. ; item, ane grit kist of fyre, xx s. ; item, ane sadle, 
 price viij s. ; item, sindry wther small geir and gudis, insicht, and plennis- 
 ing, sic as fedder bed, bouster, cod covering, burdclayth, towale, napry, 
 veschell, and wther geir, as I sail specife in my articlis, price x lib. 
 Quhilkis geir, gudis, writingis, and euidentis, aboun writin and specifeit, 
 the said Andro vrangusly and aganis the law withhaldis the same fra me, 
 and postponis and deferris to deliuer and restoir the same agane to me, &c. 
 
 15th June, 1548. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale ordinit thair feit 
 vageouris to be vagit still and pait yit for ane moneth to cum, begynnand 
 this instant day, and to haue thair vagis in hand, conforme to thair first 
 conducing to that effect, that gif the towne beis chargit to pas furth to the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 261 
 
 nixt hoist and raid, that the said vageouris sail pas for the towne, gif the isth June. 
 same may be labourit for the towne, at the handis of the quene and gouer- 154a 
 nour ; and how lang the said vageouris remainis, efter the said moneth, in 
 the said tovnis seruice, tha ordinit thame to be recompansit and pait therfor, 
 sa lang as thai remaine, according to thair first conducing and feying. 
 
 llth June, 1548. 
 
 The said day, the counsale, present for the tyme, chesit Alexr. Ruder- 
 furd and Dauid Andersoun, the townis collectouris and ressauris of the 
 said townis instant taxt, of ane thousand lib. Scottis mone, ordinit to be 
 taxit on this guid tovnn, for the defence of the same aganis our auld 
 ennimeis of Ingland ; and als ordinit the said ressaueris to ansuer and pay 
 the tovnis severale gunnaris, viz., Maister John Maistertoun, Gilbert 
 Menzeis, Alexr. Ratray, and Dauid Colwell, thair wagis frathinfurth, dur- 
 ing the townis vill, of the said taxatioun siluer, and to tak thair acquittance 
 thairwpoun, quhilk salbe alovit to thame in thair comptis thairof ; quhilk 
 Alexr. and Dauid accepit the said office one thame. 
 
 June, 1548. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale ordinit Androw Lo- 
 soun, resauer of thair instant doubill grissummes, to pay thair gunnar, 
 Hanse Gunnar, Duchman, tuelf pundis Scottis mone, for thre monethis 
 wagis bigane, within xlviij houris, and ordinit the same to be alovit to 
 him in his nixt comptis of the said grissummes. 
 
 The said day, the tovne, conuenit as said is, war contentt that the coun- 
 sale limitt certane personis to saill now in the Danskein, and nane wtheris 
 to saill bot tha that the counsale admittis and limittis, providing allwaise 
 that tha tak sicker securite of all tharae that salis for paiment of this pre- 
 sent taxt, and all wtheris that hapnis to cum one the towne to thair return- 
 ing, and for scotting, lotting, valking, and varding, as wther nychtbouris 
 dois in the towne, of the quhilkis the namis followis, admittit be the coun- 
 sale : that is to say, James Lesly, James Walcar, Gilbert Knowis, Andro 
 Brabaner, Richart Vatsoun, Mawnis Murray, John Cargile, William 
 Craufurd, Willeam Forbes, Dauid Vischart, Andro Huntar, and Wm. 
 Vod. And thairefter the prouest, with express consent of the bailzeis and 
 counsale, licent the personis to saill in Danskin at this tyme, and nane 
 
 2 L
 
 262 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 23d June, wtheris, providand allwaise that nane of thame saill, nor pass on schip burd 
 to saill, vnto the tyme ilk ane of the said personis for thame self act ane 
 sufficient burges man of the said burgh, in the townis court buikis, to 
 ansuer for thair instant taxatioun, and all wtheris taxationis and chargis, 
 walkis and wardis, in thair places respectiue, as tha war present thame 
 selfis. And the bailzeis and counsale dischargis the said provest of the 
 act for this part maid abefoir, tuching the personis to haue licence to 
 saill furth of the realme, and dispensis with him thairwpoun be thir pre- 
 sentis. 
 
 \3th August, 1548. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn beyng varnit, &c., consentit to ane taxa- 
 tioun to be liftit, raisit, and ouptakin of the haill inhabitantis the said 
 burgh and fredome thairof, for thair licence to remaine at hayme fra the 
 oist and army laitly proclameit to be at Gladismuir, besyd Haddintoun, 
 the xx day of this instant moneth of August, and chesit Walter Cullan, 
 George Bissat, Alexr. Gray, Dauid Kintor, and Gilbert Brabaner, to 
 taxt and stent the soume deuisit be the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale 
 thairfor, and gevin to tham thairupoun, iustlie and treulie, on the inhabi- 
 tantis the said burgh and fredome thairof, quhilkis personis accepit the 
 said office one thame, and ar some the grit ayth therto in iugment. 
 
 22</ August, 1548. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn beyng varnit, &c., it was deuisit and or- 
 dinit be thame, all in ane voce, that becaus the haill townn consentit to ane 
 taxatioun, for licence to the tovnn to remane at hayme fray the army and 
 oist, ordinit to haue conuenit on Glaudsmwir, besid Haddintoun, the xx 
 day of August instant, quhilk compositioun wes maid for xii" lib. Scottis 
 mune, and the same taxit and stentit on the inhabitantis of the said tovnn 
 and fredome thairof, of thair avin consent, that tha will nocht pay thair 
 pairt of the said taxatioun, as tha ar stentit with diligence, that the bailzeis 
 pund and distrenze the rediest of thair guidis and geir, quhair euer tha 
 may apprehend the same, and apprise and sell the same, four pennyis worth 
 for ane d., and mak paiment of the said taxt ; and at the said bailzeis sail 
 nocht be indettit to ansuer nane of the said personis for the gudis and geir 
 pundit, and apprisit, and sellit be thame for the causis forsaid, in maner 
 aboun writin, in na tymes cuming.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 263 
 
 15th October, 1548. 15th October. 
 
 The said day, the counsale, present for the tyme, ordinit ane puncioun of 
 guid wyne to be frely proponit and gevin to Robert Carnegy and Maister 
 Thomas Mariorebankis, one the tovnis expensis, and that for thair guid 
 dedis and plesouris done to the guid towne in thair besines diuerse tymes 
 bigane ; and als ordinit that the prouest and bailzeis, with certane wther 
 men of guid of the said tovnn, pas to tham and thank thame of thair guid 
 dedis and plesouris forsaid, and offer thame sic humaniteis therfor as tha 
 think expedient, and ordinit the said puntioun of wyne to be pait with the 
 rediest of the tovnis mone that ma be gottin in. 
 
 2d January, 1549. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn beyng varnit to this day, &c., the said 
 prouest presentit our souerane ladyis letteris, vnder hir signet, be deliuer- 
 ance of the gouernour and lordis of counsale secreit, direct vpoun the burgh 
 of new and auld Abirdene, for the furnesing of ane hundreth pyoniris, bayth 
 men and vagis, for the space of ane moneth, for performing of the assege 
 and trynchyng for the recouering and wynning of the fortht and castele of 
 Bruchty, to enter the viij day of Januar instant, lik as in the said letteris 
 of the dait at Stirveling the xxvj day of December, and of our souerane 
 ladyis regne the viij yeir, direct thairupoun mair fullely is contenit ; quhilkis 
 lettiris beyng red opinly in iugment, the said prouest requirit the said tovnn, 
 conuenit as said is, to devyise the rediest way to provid the said pyonaris 
 and mone to furneise tham for this guid tovnis part therof, quhilk ansuerit 
 and consentit to furneis iiij xx pyoneris for this tovnis part of the nummer 
 forsaid ; and ordinit samony abill pyoneris as ma be apprehendit within the 
 tovnn to be chosin and writin thairto ; and quha beis writin and disobeis, to 
 be bannest the tovnn ; and as to the furnesing of thame, tha ordand the 
 rest of thair last grit generale taxt to be tane oup incontinent to the furnes- 
 ing thairof ; and gif the same vill nocht extend sufficient thairto, tha con- 
 sentit to ane new taxt to be stentit and rasit one the haill tovnn for the fur- 
 nesing of the remanent therof, with all diligence, as efferis, and the rema- 
 nent of the said pyonaris to be furnest be auld Abirdene, as tha vill ansuer 
 thame self tharupoun. 
 
 \1th January, 1549. 
 The said day, the tovnn beyng convenit in the gild court, all in ane voce,
 
 264 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 17th January, na maner of persoun opponand nor sayand in the contrar, sett the office of 
 the hand bell of the said burgh, with all proffetis, emolumentis, and acci- 
 dentis pertening or that ma pertene thairto vse and vont, to Patrik Lesly, 
 sone and air to vmquhile Walter Lesly, burges of the said burgh, for all 
 the dais of his liftyme, now cumyng in thair handis throw deceise of the 
 said Valter, last possessour thairof, quhilk had the said office of the said 
 tovne of Abirdene, vnder thair comment! seill, reservand allvaise all prof- 
 fetis, emolumentis, and accidentis of the said office to Alexr. Menzeis elder, 
 during all the dais of his liftyme, to be vsit, josit, and possedit be the said 
 Patrik and his deputis, he and his deputis doand and keipaud the seruice in 
 his name pertening to the same vse and vont allanerlie during his liftyme, 
 efter the deceise of the said Alexr. Menzes allanerlie, reseruand allwayise 
 the haill proffetis, emolumentis, and accidentis thairof to the said Alexander 
 during his liftyme, he or his deputis doand and kepiand the seruice and 
 duyteis thairof during his liftyme ; and ordinit ane gift to be maid to the 
 said Patre thairwpoun for his liftyme, vnder the tovnis commond seill, and 
 ordinit the keparis therof to seill the said gift thairwith ; on the quhilkis 
 Maister Robert Lumisden, in name of the said Patrik, tuk act of court and 
 instrument, afor thir vitnes, John Lesly of Bolquhane, Mr. Duncane For- 
 bes, Maister Thomas Dauesoun, Gilbert Malysoun, Patre Menzes, Thomas 
 Branche, and Maister Gilbert Murray. 
 
 The said day, it is deuisit, statut, and ordinit, &c., bayth for the com- 
 mond veill of the inhabitantis of the said burgh, and of the nychtbouris to 
 landvart fechand thair victuallis to thair guid towne to sell, that frathin- 
 furth na maner of malt nor beir that cumis to the guid tovnn to sell be mett 
 in tymes cumyng hot with ane straik mesour, and the byaris to haue thair 
 mesour strakit allanerlie samekill as tha by, vnder the paine of eschaeting 
 of the haill stuf that beis fundin vthirvaise mettene and deliuerane in the 
 said burgh ; and to that effect ordinis the possessouris of thair tolhouise to 
 cause mak incontinent xij firlettis and xij pekis of the straik mett to the 
 effect forsaid, be the sycht of the counsale, to serue the fecharis of the said 
 victualis in tymes cumyng. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn, beyng convenit as said is in thair gild court, 
 consentit and war content that the personis that hes thair partis of the 
 Fleming schip that come last to this guid tovnn sail haue na part of the
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABEKDEEN. 265 
 
 nixt schip that hapnis to be bocht be the tovne in tyme to cum, bot the 17th January, 
 
 same to be partit amangis the remanent of the nychtbouris of the townn 
 
 that gat na part of the geir of this schip ; and euery nychtbour to ressaue 
 
 his part therof as beis deuisit to thame be the prouest and bailzeis for the 
 
 tyme, and pay therfor as tha beis bocht for the tyme ; and the act of bying 
 
 of sic geir to remaine in sic forme, strinth, and effect as it bed abefor. 
 
 The said day, freir John Blak, collectour and procutour for the freris 
 predicatouris of Abirdene, producit in iugment ane chartour maid to the 
 said freris of five pundis Scottis mone of yeirly annuell rent, aucht to tham 
 of ane land lyand on the vest syid of the Schipraw of the said burgh, per- 
 tening now to the aires of vmquhill William Annand, of the dait vigesimo 
 die mensis Junii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo septuagesimo 
 quarto, desirand paiment of the said annuall rent at Elspet Annand, now 
 possessour of the said land ; and thairefter the said Elspet producit ane few 
 chartour of the said land, sett furth be the said freris predicatouris for 
 fourty schillingis Scottis mone of yeirly few allanerlie to thame, of the dait 
 nono Novembris anno Domini millesimo quingentesimo tertio ; quhilkis fourty 
 s. mone forsaid, the prouest and bailzeis ordinit the said Elspet to pay to 
 the said freris for the last tua termes immediatly preceden the dait heirof, 
 within viij dais, and siclik yeirlie in tymes cumyng fourty s. conforme to 
 the said chartour allanerly to the said freris, dischargeand the said land of 
 ony mair paiment to the said freris thane the said xl s. yeirly as said is, 
 payand all wayise the wther annuellis aucht of the said landis to the awnaris 
 therof vse and wont. 
 
 20th January, 1549. 
 
 The said day, the counsall, present for the tyme, ordinit the bailzeis to 
 compt and rakin iustly with Alexr. Ratray and Gilbert Menzeis, thair 
 gunnaris, and quhat thay find restand avand thame of thair seruice bigane, 
 iustly to mak thame and euery ane of thame paiment of thair restis re- 
 spectiue, of the rediest of the mone tha haif in thair handis of the tovnis 
 taxt, and tak thair acquittances thairwpoun ; and quhat tha deliuer thame, 
 thai ordand the same to be thankfully allovit to the said bailzeis respectiue, 
 in thair nixt comptis of thair said taxtis. 
 
 January, 1549. 
 The said day, Gilbert Kintor is conuikit be the some assise aboun
 
 266 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 24th January, writin, Maister Robert Lumisdan thair chancelar, for inuading Daue 
 Andersoun, doctour in the gramraer skuhill of the said burgh, in Sanct 
 Nicholace kirk of the said burgh, villand to haue strikin him ; and als 
 the said Daue Andersoun and John Robertsoun ar conuikit be the said 
 some assise, be the mouth of the said chancelar, for the out feching of 
 the barnis of the said grammar skuhill, and the invading of the said 
 Gilbert Kintor, and Dauid Kintor, his brother ; throw the quhilk invad- 
 ing, the said Dauid Kintor was strikin and strublit be ane scholar, callit 
 Skeyne, with ane tre ; quherfor ather of thame is in ane amerciament of 
 court, and that is gevin for dome, and the mendis heirof continewit to be 
 inodifeit be the counsale; and the said Dauid Kintor and Master Hew 
 Monro ar quit of all strublance be the said assise, and Dauid Kintor 
 is becumin lauburrowis for his brother, Gilbert Kintor ; and als the said 
 Gilbert is becumin law rU for the said Dauid, and Wm. Farquharsoun 
 for Maister Hew Monro, and Maister Robert Lumisden for the said 
 Daue Andersoun, and Richart Vatsoun for the said John Robertsoun, 
 that the tovnn and partys respectiue, salbe harmeles and skaythles of thame, 
 and all that tha ma let in tymes cumyng, hot as law vill, vnder the pane 
 of law. 
 
 January, 1549. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn, being varnit, &c., chesit Maister Patre 
 Ruderfurd, Alexr. Gray, Gilbert Collysoun, Gilbert Brabaner, and Alexr. 
 Scot, taxtaris, to taxt and stent vpoun the nychtbouris and inhabitants 
 the said burgh the sowme of sevintene scoir of pundis, Scottis mone, in- 
 cludand thairintill the restis of the last general taxt : that is to say, to 
 consider and find quhat restis vnpait of the said last taxt, and to alow 
 the same in the first end of the said sevintene scoir lib., and to taxt the 
 remanent thairof, equalie and iustly, vpoun the nychtbouris of the said 
 burgh, efter thair saulis and consciences, and for the furnessing of four 
 scoir of pyonaris, to pas to Bruchty Crag, at command of our souerane 
 ladyis letteris direct thairupoun ; and als to propyne the gouernour now 
 at his first cumyng to this guid townn, quhilk is to cum heir hastely ; 
 quhilk personis accepit the said office one thame, and ar some the grit 
 ayth thairto in iugment, in presens of the haill tovnn, conuenit as said is. 
 
 5th April, 1549. 
 The said day, it is stetut and ordinit be the haill towne, conuenit, as
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 267 
 
 said is, considering the prices of the quhit laitly bocht be the tovnn, and 5th April, 
 deliuerit to thair baxsteris, and als the prices of the quhit bocht be tharae 1549> 
 in the cuntra, that euery baxster within this burgh baik xx vnces of guid, 
 clein, and weill bakin breid of quhit for tua penneis, and ten vnces weycht 
 for ane penny, and at the lest xviij vnces weycht of guid, fyne, and pleway 
 breid of quhit for tua penneis, and nyne vnces weycht for ane penny, 
 becaus it was considerit be the tovnn that the baxsteris mycht weill gif 
 xx vnces for tua pennies, and tene vnces for ane penny, nochtwithstanding 
 tha makand guid breid of xviii for twa penneis, and ix vnces for ane 
 penny, and na less the tovnn wald ouer se thame, quhill tha war forder 
 auisit. And quhasumeuer dois in the contrar, and his breid be fundin 
 of less paise thane xviij vnce for tua d., and nyne vnce for ane penny, 
 the haill breid sua fundin to be eschatit and delt be the bailzeis, as tha 
 sail think expedient for the tyme ; and als, that na bread of quhit be 
 sellit nor disponit to na maner of persoun within the burgh, nor with- 
 out the same, quhill it first be weyit be the bailzie of the quarter, gif he 
 ma be apprehendit for the tyme, and gif he ma nocht be apprehendit, be 
 ane wther bailze, or at the lest be the officiar of the quarter where the 
 said baxster duellis, vnder the same paine. 
 
 The said day, it is statut and ordinit be the haill townn, conuenit as 
 said is, that na maner of fischis, keling, nor salmond, be maid in grit, saltit 
 nor pelit, in tyme cumyng, be na maner of persoun within this burgh, bot 
 be fremen of the gild allanerlie, and quhair ony keling or salmond beis 
 fundin saltit or pelit in the contrar, the haill sua fundin to be eschait to 
 the tovnis vtilite and vse ; and als, that na salmond fische be bocht in 
 tyme cumyng be na maner of persoun within this burgh, quhill tha be 
 presentit to the mercat corce of the said burgh, and thair opinlie sellit and 
 bocht ; and at na fische be presentit to the said mercat be coparis, bot 
 be avnaris thairof and thair avin seruandis allanerly. And quhatsumeuer 
 person apprehendis ony salmond fische sellit in the contrar heirof, the 
 haill fische sua apprehendit to be eschaitit, and the apprehendar thairof to 
 haue the thrid of the same to his avin vtilite and vse, and the wther tua 
 pairt to be applyit and disponit to the tovnis vtilite and vse, but ony re- 
 quest to be hard in the contrar. 
 
 30th April, 1549. 
 The said day, the haill tovnn, being conuenit, &c., consentit and or-
 
 268 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 aoth April, dinit that the four bailzeis pas this day efter novn with his officiar, euery 
 1549. ane throw his avin quartar, and consider and wesy euery nychtbour thair- 
 of quhay hes fensabill geir and vappynnis for thair defence aganis our auld 
 ennemeis of Ingland, and cause writ sa mony as tha find boddin in maner 
 forsaid ; and quhay tha find vantand that ma furneis the same, to charge 
 thame to prouid and furneis the same within tene dais nixt heirefter, and 
 failzeing thairof, that the said bailzeis cause prouid the same one the said 
 personis expensis, sa mony as ma furneiss the same, ilk ane efferand to 
 thair avin estait and substance. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, counsale, and communite of Abir- 
 dene, conuenit, &c., deuisit, statut, and ordinit, for defence of this guid 
 town aganis our auld ennemies of Ingland, considdering the present danger 
 the same now presently standis in till, that all maner of fremen of this guid 
 town, now presently remanand to landvart, cum to this guid townn and 
 enter thairintill the first day of May nixt cumis, and thaireftir to remaine 
 continualy thairintill, and scot, lot, walk, and ward, and beir chargis thair- 
 of as wther nychtbouris, quhill Mychtelmes nixt cumis, as danger apperis. 
 And quhay nocht [apperis] the said day, to the effect for said, tha ordand 
 the bailzie of the quarter quhair tha duell, to tak samekle of the rediest of 
 thair geir, other of thair gudis, malis of thair landis or fischingis, or ony 
 wther maner of proffieit tha haue within the said burgh, and fee and 
 vageor in thair rowme, on thair expensis that cumis nocht and remainis 
 nocht as said is, for ane moneth nixt thaireftir, and sua furth monethly, aye 
 and quhill tha cum and mak the said residence, as said is, during the tyme 
 forsaid, as danger apperis, and ordinis oppin proclamatioun to be maid 
 heirof at the mercat corce of the said burght, quhilk wes done opinlie this 
 day thairat, in presens of the maist part of the said tovnn. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn, conuenit for the maist pairt in the heid 
 court, as said is, deuisit and ordinit ane vaiche of tuenty personis to enter 
 this nycht, and thairefter to continew nychtly during the tovnis vill, and 
 ordinit the bailzeis to cast cavillis quhair the same sail begyne ; and at 
 euery man vaiche himself as he beis varnit, and na wtheris to be admittit nor 
 ressauit for him, except it salbe lesum to thame that ar agit and vnabill to 
 send thair eldest sone, quhen it fallis to thame, in thair place, and nane 
 wtheris that hes ony sonnis to send. And ordinis this ordinance to be 
 obseruit and keipit, vnder the panis contenit in the statut maid heirupoun
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 269 
 
 abefor, viz., xx s. of ilk persone that trangressis the same, to be applyit as 30th April, 
 is contenit in the statut maid heirupoun abefor. 1549 - 
 
 llth June, 1549. 
 
 The said day, the counsale, present for the tyme, chesit Andro Buk 
 maister and cair berar of the tovnis artailzerie and graytht thairof, and 
 giding of the same, and to provid furnesing and all necessaris thairto, one 
 the townis expenssis, vnder Gilbert Menzeis, younger, bailze, quhilk salbe 
 principale maister thairof during the tovnis vill ; and ordinis the said Andro 
 to provid all necessaris for the said artailzere, sic as stokkis, cartis, bullatis, 
 bandis, weggis, and fesnyngis, and to put the said four gunnaris diligently 
 in lawbouris thairto, as the said Gilbert and he sail think expedient, be the 
 sycht of the counsale ; and als ordinit the said Andro to haue for his law- 
 bouris done to the towne in tymes bygane, and for this instant symmer, 
 quhill Mertimes nixt cumis, fourty crownis of the sone of weycht ; and or- 
 dinis the tovnis ressaueris of thair taxtis to pay him the same of the first 
 end thairof, and the same to be thankfully alovit to tham in thair nixt 
 comptis tharof. 
 
 2lst June, 1549. 
 
 The said day, the counsale, present for the tyme, ordinit and gaif com- 
 mand to Thomas Menzeis, thair prouest, to conduce and tak one ane capi- 
 tane, with ane hundreth men of weir thairof, fifty halkbutaris, and fifty speir 
 men, of the sobirest and maist conuenient price he mycht apprehend thame, 
 for the tovnis veill, for tua monethis to cum, begynnand one the first day of 
 July that nixt cumis ; and obleigit that quhat he promittis and dois thairin- 
 till, to releif him thairof, in the haill tovnis name, and to hald ferme and 
 stabill quhat euer he dois thairintill. 
 
 9th August, 1549. 
 
 The said day, it is statut and ordinit be the prouest, bailzies, and coun- 
 sale, present for the tyme, in presens of the maist pairt of the baxsteris of 
 this guid tovnn, havand respect to the prices that the quhit gevis for the 
 tyme in this tovnn, viz., xxxij s., or xxxiiij s. at the maist, that thair be na 
 manner of iiij d.breidbakin within this tovnn frathinfurth, vnder the pane of 
 eschaeting of the same, hot allanerly tua penny breid and penny breid, that 
 be guid stuf, fresche, veill bouttit, and without mixtiour, and ueill bakin ; 
 
 2 M
 
 270 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 9th Aug.. the prise of the tua penny breid xiij vnce, and penny breid vij vnces ; and 
 gif ony breid beis fundin incontrar heirof quhen it is weyit be the bailzie, 
 thane and in that caise it salbe lesura to the said bailzeis that apprehendit it 
 to eschait and daill the same to the purale for thair contentioun, without 
 ony forder calling, accusing, or conuikit of thame ; and als tha statut and or- 
 dinit that all maner of flower, quhit, ry, and ry meill that hapnis to cum to 
 the tovn frathinfurth one the avin auentour, that the baxsteris of this guid 
 tovne sail haue the same, of the same price the towne hapnis to by the same, 
 sa far as tha ma loise amangis thame, and pay the fremmit men thankfully, 
 and na wther man to haue ony part tharof quhill the said baxsteris re- 
 fuise it. 
 
 4th October, 1549. 
 
 The said day, it is deuisit, statut, and ordinit be the haill counsale, pre- 
 sent for the tyme, that thair be [na] stuff met with the tovnis commond met 
 frathinfurth within this burgh, except the gudis and geir of fremmit men 
 cummand to the tovn of thair auentour, and bocht be the nychtbouris of the 
 towne ; and ordinis the prouest, quhilk hes the cair of the said mesour as 
 takisman to the townn, to cause the same to be obseruit and keipit in tymes 
 cuming, as he will ansuer thairupoun to the said town. 
 
 The said day, the counsale, present for the tyme, ordanit thair four gun- 
 naris to be obey it and pait of thair vagis bigane vnpait of the rediest of the 
 tovnis last taxt restand vnpait or in the bailzeis handis, and dischargis 
 euery ane of thame of monethly wagis frathinfurth ; and samony of thame as 
 vill serue for tuenty pundis be yeir, tha ordinit thame to be conducit, and 
 to haue guid paiment of the said xx lib. for the said yeris seruice, and to 
 enter instantly in the said seruice, and to haue thair first paiment therof at 
 Mertimes nixt cumis ; and thaireftir Alex. Ratray, ane of the said gun- 
 naris, instantly accepit the said fee, and oblegit him to serue the said tovnn 
 lelilie and treulie in the said office tharfor during the said yeir. 
 
 1th October, 1549. 
 
 The said day, Cloyse Wan Holing, skipar of ane schip of Hamburgh, 
 Henry Smyth, botisman thairof, Cloisse Fultmeir, Benedict Tymmerman, 
 and Clement Tekay, wer conuikit in iugment be the some assise aboun writin, 
 admittit be thame in ingment, and some in thair presens be the pronuncia-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 271 
 
 tion of Dauid Andersoun, thair chancelar, for the violent and vranguss 7th October, 
 takin, handling, strubling, bluid dravin, and binding of William Portuuss, 
 vnder silence [of nycht,] and at tha had offendit thairthrow, fyrst, to the 
 quenis grace of Scotland, in the taking, handling, and binding of the said 
 William at thair avin hand with ony ordour of law or iustice, he beand hir 
 fre liege and subdict ; secondly, to the guid tovnn of Abirdene, doand sic 
 offensis at thair awin hand within the fredome and iurisdictioun thairof ; 
 thirdly, to the said Wm. himself, doand sic strublance and offensis to him 
 in maner forsaid, quharfor tha and ilkane of thame is in ane amerciament of 
 court to forbeir in tyme to cum, and mend as law vill, and that is gevin for 
 dovme, and the mendis heirof continewit to the morne to be modefeit be 
 the prouest, bailzeis, and consale, sa far as concernis thame ; and Andro 
 Craufurd yovnger, and Alexr. Galloway, ar becumin souerte for the en- 
 teres of the said skipar and personis forsaid ; and the bailzeis continewit the 
 pronunciation! of the allegit strublance done be the said Scottismen to the 
 said Hamburgh men to the morne ; and ordinit the said Scottismen elikvise 
 for thair enteres the said day, to sett cautioun or tha departit of the tol- 
 buyth ; and thairefter the saidis Andro Crawfurd and Alexr. Galloway be- 
 come sourteis for the said Hamburgh men for making of thair mendis for 
 the premisses as hapnis to be modifeit and deuisit be the prouest, bailzeis, 
 and counsale for the tyme. 
 
 The said day, it is deuisit, statut, and ordinit be the prouest, bailzeis, 
 counsale, and communite present for the tyme, for the veill of landuart men 
 that cumis with thair victuallis to the guid tovnn to sell thairat, thair be na 
 maner of sampillis nor scheit schakkynnis tane fray thame in tymes cumyng 
 of thair victuallis, and at the sellar be nocht indettit to deliuer his victuale 
 sellit be him to na wther maner of persoun bot to the byar thairof allaner- 
 lie with the selit mesour of the towne, with ane pek to ilk he selis allanerlie, 
 and wther maner of thing, and ordinis proclamatioun to be maid heirof at 
 the mercat croce of the said burgh. 
 
 8tk October, 1549. 
 
 The said day, Thomas Quhit was conuikit abefor for the strublance of 
 Dauid Reid, officiar, in the executioun of his office, and for the strublance 
 of Duncane Freser, and ryving of his tirleise of his vyndok, and strik oup 
 of the same, vnder silence of nycht, is maid and ordinit be the provest,
 
 272 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 8th October, hailzeis, and counsale, to cum on Sonday cum viij dais, in the tyrae of the 
 hie mess, within the queir of the said burgh, bair feit and bair heid, with 
 ane candill of ane lib. of vax in his hand, and thair to sit done on his bair 
 kneis, and thair first to ask the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale forgifens, 
 and secundly the said David Reid, officiar, and thirdly the said Duncane 
 Fresser, of the said offensis, and offer the said candill to Sanct Nicholace 
 lycht, and to sett cautioun for tene lib. Scottis mone to Sanct Nicholace 
 vark, gif euer he committis siclik fait to ony officiar or nychtbour within 
 this burgh ; and als to satisfe and pleis the said officiar and harbour for 
 curing of him ; and als to mend the skayth done be him to the said Freseris 
 tirleis and vindak, and to set cautioun for the same or he departit of the 
 tolbuith, and John Tulidef zovnger is becumin souerte for the said Quhit 
 for fulfilling of all the premisses. 
 
 llth October, 1549. 
 
 The said day, Cloise Van Holing, skipar of the Hamburgh schip, re- 
 ferrit the amendis of the offensis done be him and his marenellis and childer 
 to William Pertuuss, in the takin and burding of him, and the amendis of 
 the offence done to the tovn of Abirdene, to the modificatioun of the coun- 
 sale present for the tyme, and wes content, how euer the said counsale 
 modefeit therfor, to pay the same. And thaireftir the counsale modi- 
 feit the said amendis to the said William Portuuss, in all thingis, to xx 
 merkis, and the amendis to the towne to tene pundis Scottis mone, and 
 ordinit Andro Crawfurd and Alexr. Galloway, cautioneris for the said 
 Hamburgh men, to pay the said sovmes to the party and the tovnis denis 
 of gild, in thair names respectiue, within viij dais, and remittit the laif 
 thairof for luf and kindnes of the tovne of Hamburgh and inhabitantis 
 thairof, and for thair saik allanerlie. 
 
 14 th October, 1549. 
 
 Marie, be the grace of God quene of Scottis, to the prouest and bailzeis 
 of our burgh of Abirdene, greting : Forsamekle as we, with avise and 
 consent of our derrest cousing and tutour, James Erie of Arrane, Lord 
 Hammyltoun, &c., protectour and gouernour of our realme, hes dispensit, and 
 be thir our letteris dispensis, with our louit Thomas Nicholsoun, vpoun hes 
 minorite and less aige, to the effect that he ma be enterit, be cursable brewis 
 of our chapell, as nerrest tutour of law to Dauid Arrot, sone and air of vm-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 273 
 
 quhill Dauid Arrot, burges of our said burgh, siclik and als lauchtfully in uth October, 
 
 all thingis as and he war of lauchtfull aige of xxv yeris, notwithstanding 
 
 that he is yit of less aige ; quhairwpoun we dispense with him as said is, 
 
 and siclik with yow and with the personis that sal hapin to be and pas vpon 
 
 the inquest for serving of the breuis of our chapell, rasit or to be rasit be 
 
 him. Our vill is herfor, and we charge yow straitly and commandis that in- 
 
 continent thir our letteris sene, ye mak the breif or breuis of tutorie of our 
 
 chapell, purchest or to be purchest be the said Thomas, direkit to yow in 
 
 his less aige forsaid, to be lauchtfullie proclamit and dewlie seruit, siclik 
 
 and als lauchtfully in all poyntis, be vertew of this our dispensacioun, as he 
 
 wer of lauchtfull aige ; anent quhais non aige we haif dispensit, and be thir 
 
 presentis dispensis with yow and personis of inquest, as said is, and will 
 
 that nane of tham salbe summond, callit, or accusit for vilfull or ignorant 
 
 errour therfor, renunciand all actioun that we may haue or move aganis 
 
 thame thairthrow for euer be thir our letteris. Subscriuit be our said 
 
 derrest gouernour, and gevin vnder our signet, at Edinburgh, the aucht 
 
 day of September, and of our regne the sevint yeir. James, G r 
 
 October, 1549. 
 
 The said day, it is deuisit, statut, and ordinit be the prouest, bailzeis, 
 and counsale present for the tyme, for eschewing of the contagius pest now 
 ringand burgeand in diuerse partis, that gif ony maner of persoun or per- 
 sonis hapnis to tak ony maner of seiknes frathinfurth that the guidman or guid 
 vif of that house cause reveill the same to the prouest or ane bailze, or at 
 the lest to ane officiar, within vj houris nixt efter tha be seik, vnder the paine 
 of bannesing of the concelaris thairof the tovnn, and eschaeting of thair haill 
 geir to the tovnis vse, without request to be hard in the contrar ; and that 
 thaireftir, quhair ony seiknes beis fundin, that the haill houshald quhair it 
 is fundin be inclusit, and thaireftir remaine inclusit, sa lang as tha get 
 charg thairto, vnder the same paine. 
 
 Item, that na maner of persoun within this tovnn, of quhat degre that 
 euer tha be, pas to vessy, speik, or commond with ony inclusit personis, or 
 ony folkis in the linkis, or minister thame ony wyueris or necessaris, with- 
 out tha haue licence of the prouest or ane bailzie tharto, and ane officiar of 
 the tovnn with thame, vnder the paine of inclusing of thame with the same 
 personis to quhom tha pas.
 
 274 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 17th October, Item, that how soun ony persoun, zovng or auld, dels in ony house, that 
 the haill houise be removit, viz. the personis duelland thairintill, to sic 
 places as the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale sail think expedient, and that 
 within xxiiij houris efter the deceise of the said persoun. 
 
 Item, that the personis that hapnis to be put to the linkis that ar ser- 
 uandis, that thair maisteris sail susteine thame in the linkis, gif tha haue 
 geir to sustein thame vpoun. 
 
 Item, that all the swyne within this tovnn be removid and devidit of the 
 tovnne, or ellis haldin and kepit fast in houssis, within xlviij houris efter, 
 vnder the pane of eschaeting of thame that beis fundin gangand one the 
 gait thairefter, to be disponit to the folkis in the Linkis, as the bailzeis 
 and counsale sail think expedient ; and at all thame that hes any dogis 
 keip thame cloise in band in thair houssis. And gif dogis beis fundin 
 gangand one the gait, it salbe lesum to ony persoun to slay thame, quhair 
 euer tha may apprehend thame. 
 
 Item, at thair be bot ane kirk dur of the parroche kirk oppin ilk day 
 frathinfurth, during the tyme of this pest, and that the segrestar keep the 
 same, and that he lat na maner of purale enter in the kirk, bot to remane 
 at the kirk dur, and seik thair almous, vnder the pane of bannessing him 
 the tovnn ; and that all the puralis within this tovnn be conuenit be the 
 hand bell the morne in the kirk yard, and the bailzeis to pas and vesy and 
 consider thame, and samony as tha find natiue to the tovnn, to gif thame 
 ane takin of the tovnis armes to veir on thair breist, and charge all the 
 laif that beis nocht admittit be the bailzeis, to remove them within xxiiij 
 houris thairefter, vnder the pane of burning of thame with ane hett jrne 
 of the cheik that beis fundit thairefter. 
 
 The said day, it is statut and ordinit be the prouest, baillies, and coun- 
 sale, present for the tyme, that na maner of takismen of the tovnis land 
 takis, birne, ryif out, wyne of new, ony landis within the fredotne, and saw 
 cornis thairon, without thair teill ryge of auld, without licence of the 
 prouest, baillies, counsale, and communite requirit and obtenit thairto, 
 vnder the pane of tinsale of thair takis that dois in the contrar, and beis 
 conuikit thairof.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 275 
 
 4th November, 1549. 4th November, 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale, present for the tyme, 
 licent Maister Hew Monro to pas to his luging quhair he dwelt afor, with 
 his vif, seruandis, and barnis, sua tha remanit viij dais nixt heirefter in- 
 clusit, and come nocht furth nor ressaue nane of his guid moderis hous- 
 hald in thair houise, and als handlit and vsit all the geir in the houise and 
 biging, and mak fayth thairupoun. And forder, to remane quhill tha gat 
 licence of the counsale to pas furth in braid. And als licent Jonat Anand, 
 his guid modir, and hir seruandis and barnis, to pas furth to kirk and 
 raerkat to thair lesum besines, sua that nane of thame pas to the said 
 Maister Hewis, nor yit ressaue nane of his in her houise. And als tha 
 licent Gilbert Kintor to put in his seruandis and barnis in his houise 
 sua tha remane still inclusit for viij dais, and handill and vse the geir that 
 is thairin ; and siclik licent Jonat Moyses, and hir seruandis and barnis, 
 to pas to hir house, and to remane inclusit for viij dais, and forder, in- 
 during the counsalis vill, and that tha handill and vse all the geir thair- 
 intill as tha vill mak fayth thairwpoun. 
 
 15th November, 1549. 
 
 My lord prouest and bailzeis of this guid tovnn of Abirdene, onto your 
 1[ ], humelie menis and complanis, I, your nychtbour and corn- 
 
 burges, Dauid Low, vpoun Janis Lame, relict and intromettour with the 
 geir and gudis of vmquhile Alexr. Duncane, that quhair the said Alexr. 
 the tyme of his deceise, quhilk wes in the moneth of May last by past, in 
 anno xlix yeris, beand avand to me viij lib. of mone vsuale of Scotland, 
 for certane colwering, pulder, and velwet bocht and ressauit be him fray 
 tyme afor his deceise, I send Jonat Lesly, my wif, to the said Janis, im- 
 mediatly efter the said Alexanderis deceise, for the said sovme of mone, 
 to Jonat Annandis house, moder to the said Janis, quhair my said vif 
 apprehendit the said Janis, and requirit the said mone that the said 
 Alexr. was avand to me, and the said Janis ansuerit, as efter followis : 
 Dame, I ame gritly behaldin to Dauid Low, your hisband, and I thank 
 him gritly that is nocht sa extreme to me as wtheris is that hes causit 
 arrest my geir, and lok my durris ; grit ressoun war that he war thankfully 
 pait. I know my hisband aucht him tene lib. for velvet and poulder, and 
 I sail outred him and pay him thankfully, for my hisband hes left aneucht 
 to pay all his dettis. And the said Jonat, my spouse, ansuerit, that he
 
 276 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 15th NOV., was avand bot viij lib. to me, and I vald not craif nor tak mair nor it was, 
 for all the geir I had ; and this confessioun and promeis of payment ves 
 maid befor diuerse famous vitnes in the said moneth of May or thairby. 
 And thairefter the said Janis desirit part of the said sovme to be remittit 
 forgevin and dischargit to hir, and sche vald mak me thankfull paiment ; 
 and, becaus I refusit to remitt ony tharof, the said Janis, nochtwithstanding 
 of hir promeise aboun writin, refusis, postponis, and deferris vrangusly, 
 to mak me paiment of the said sovme, albeit sche grantit diuerse tymes to 
 mak me paiment therof, nor yet intendis to do, without sche be compellit 
 be iustice herto. Beseikand your 1[ ], &c. 
 
 16th December, 1549. 
 
 The said day, Alexr. Jaffray, John Foullis, Charle Dauesoun, Duncane 
 Colle, George Andersoun, and Jonat Ancroft, baxstaris, tha and ilk ane 
 of thame is conuikit be the some assise aboun writin, for the brakin of 
 commond ordinance and statutis of this guid tovne, in selling of breid of 
 quhit of less prise thane the statutis maid thairwpoun, and of insufficient 
 stuf, quherfor ilk ane of thame is in ane amerciament of the court, and 
 that is gevin for dovme. And the bailzeis ordinit the officiaris to pas in- 
 continent and pund every ane of thame therfor, and als thame all in iug- 
 ment to keip the said statutis, and to baik and sell xiiij vnce of guid, clein, 
 dry, and veill bakin fresche stuf for ij d., and to haue breid rady at all 
 tyme to serue the tovne sa lang as tha haue stuf, vnder the pane of es- 
 chaeting of the haill braid fundin with tharae for the tyme. 
 
 I4tk April, 1550. 
 
 The said day, Maister Hew Monro, maister of the grammer skuilhill of 
 Abirden, resignit, renuncit, and ouer gaif, puirlie and simplile, in the pro- 
 uestis handis in iugment, in name of the haill towne, the office of the gram- 
 mer skuilhill of the said burgh, with all proffetis, casualiteis, and accidentis 
 thairof for euer, to be disponit be the said town as thai thocht expedient ; 
 for the quhilkis the haill tovnn, conuenit as said is, grantit, gaif, and as- 
 signit fourty pundis Scottis mone to the said Maister Hew, to be pait to 
 him at thir termes folloving : that is to say, tuenty pundis at Vitsounday 
 nixt cumis, tene pundis at Mertimes nixt cumis, and vther tene at Vitson- 
 day nixt therefter, in the yeir of God j m fifty ane yeiris, in compleit pai- 
 ment of the said fourty pundis ; and ordinit Dauid Mar, ane of thair denis
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 277 
 
 of gild, to pay him the same of the radiest of the tovnis mone intrometit 14th April, 
 with be him, and ordinit the same to be alovit to him in his nixt comptis. 155 - 
 
 18th April, 1550. 
 
 The said day, the townn beyng convenit in thair gild court for the maist 
 part, representand the haill tovnn, nemmit and elekit Maister James Chal- 
 mer, all except vij or [viij] personis, to be maister of thair grammer skuil- 
 hill, now vacand in thair handis be renunciatioun and dimissioun thairof be 
 Maister Hew Monro, last maister of the same, and gaif thair guid villis 
 tharof to the said Maister James induring the townis vill, and presentit him 
 as abill therto to the chancelar of Abirdene to be admittit be him therto as 
 vse hes bene tharrof in tymes bigane ; one the quhilkis the prouest tuik act 
 of court and instrument. 
 
 The said day, the counsale ordinit all the chaplanis of the tovnis funda- 
 tionis to be varnit to comper afor thame the morne in the chaptour of thair 
 parroche kirk, and bring with thame euery ane for thame self the challesis, 
 vestimentis, and ornamentis thairof, to be sane be thame that tha may caus 
 mak inuintour thairof to be keipit to the vsis of the altaragis thairof in tymes 
 cuming. 
 
 8th August, 1550. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn beyng varnit, &c., chesit Thomas Menzeis? 
 thair prouest, and Gilbert Menzeis elder, ane of thair bailzeis for the tyme, 
 thair commissaris to convein with the laif the commissaris of burrovis at 
 Edinburgh, the xiiij day of August instant, with continuatioun of dais, to 
 consult and determine with thame for the liberte and fredome of burrovis of 
 this realme, and preuileges thairof, and als anent the direking of sum com- 
 missar for the burrovis to Flandris, with the ambassatouris that passis thair 
 for treting of pece for the veill of the said burrovis, and ordinis ane com- 
 missioun to be maid to tham thairwpoun, vnder the tovnis commond seill 5 
 and alse ordinis the counsale to devise [quhat] tha suld haue to mak thair 
 expensis thair, and quhair and how the same suld be gottin to thame with 
 diligence ; and als tha ordand the said Gilbert Menzeis to mak the townis 
 compt in this present chakar, as he that is the tovnis collectour for the tyme. 
 
 The said day, the tovnn beyng conuenit as said is, Maister John 
 
 2 N
 
 278 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 8th August. Kennedy, resignit and ouergaif his office of the bellis of the tovn, in the 
 said tonnis handis, in fauouris of Andro Malysoun, sone to Gilbert Mali- 
 sone, burges of the said burgh, condicionaly, that is to say, the promeise 
 and prouisioun of Sanct John the Evangelist altar, within the paroche 
 kirk of Abirdene, maid to him abefor be the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale 
 of this guid tovnn, quhen it hapnit to vaik, being obseruit and keipit to him ; 
 and for that cause he resignit the said office of secrastary and bellis in the 
 said tovnis handis, and vthervais nocht. And thairefter, the tovnn beyng 
 conuenit as said is, gaif the said office of bellis and secrastary to the said 
 Andro during his liftym, with all proffetis and emolumentis pertening thairto 
 vse and vont, he doand or causand do the seruice thairof efferand to the same 
 vse and vont ; on the quhilk the said Gilbert, his fader, tuik act of court 
 and instrument in his name. Vitnes, Thomas Nicholsoun, Alexr. Menzeis 
 zovnger, and Patre Gray. 
 
 5th September, 1550. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovnn, beyng varnit, &c., chesit Thomas Nichol- 
 soun yovnger, James Collisoun, Andro Crawfurd yovnger, Thomas 
 Murray, and Dauid Low, the tovnis taxtaris, to taxt and stent vpon the 
 fremen and inhabitants of the said tounn the sovme of tua hundreth and 
 tuenty sax crovnis of the sone of weycht, for this guid tovnis part of ane 
 gritar sovme of mone, deuisit be the gouernour and lordis of secreit coun- 
 sale to be raisit and ouptakin of the haill burrovis of this realme, for fur- 
 nesing of ambassiatouris to pas to the emperour for treting of pace betuix 
 him and his subditis and this realme, efter the forme and tennour of our 
 souerane ladyis letteris direct heirwpoun ; quhilk personis accepit the said 
 mater one thaim, and ar some to tax the same lelile and treuly with all 
 diligence, on the quhilk the prouest tuik act of court and instrument. 
 
 IQth October, 1550. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale, present for the tyme, 
 grantit, gaif, and assignit to thair louit Maister James Chalmer, maister of 
 thair grammar skuill, tene merkis Scottis mone of yeirly pentioun, to be 
 pait to him yeirly, in the tovnis name, be thair denis of gild, at tua vsuale 
 termes in the yeir, viz., Mertiraes and Vitsonday, be tua evinly portionis, 
 and begynnand the first paiment thairof at Mertimes nixt cumis, and 
 therefter to induir and continew during the said tovnis vill, and that for the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 279 
 
 said Maister James guid seruice, to be maid be him in the said skuill, loth October, 
 in teching, lerning, giding, and revling the barnis thairof, for the commond 
 veill of the said burgh. 
 
 The said day, it is statut and ordinit be the said counsale, that euery 
 nychtbour of this guid tounn, that hapnis to be varnit be thair secrestar 
 lauchtfully to pas with Sanct Nicholace braid, thair patroun, and passis 
 nocht with the same the day he is varnit to pas thairwith, [nocht] haiffand 
 lauchfull impediment, that he sail pay als mekle to Sanct Nicholace verk as 
 the braid was on the Sonday immediat preceden the Sonday he beis 
 varnit to pas thairwith, vnforgevin. 
 
 Item, it is statut and ordinit be the said counsale, that na maner of bro- 
 star within this tovnn sell ony aill derrar in tymes cumyng, quhill tha be 
 forder auisit, thane xx d. or ij s. at the maist the gallown of fremennis 
 viffis, and xvj d. the galloun of vnfremennis, vnder the pane of eschaeting 
 of the same that beis fundin sellit in the contrar. 
 
 November, 1550. 
 
 The said day, the counsale, present for the tyme, consentit to propyne 
 the gouernouris grace, now at first cuming to this guid tovnn, with ane 
 hundreth merkis Scottis, to be gevin to his grace at his cumyng to this guid 
 townn, in wyne, wax, and spisareis ; and becaus tha had na mony for the 
 tyme to do the same, the prouest, Thomas Menzeis, oblegit him to gif 
 twenty pundis of the mail of his tak of Bogfarlo, in formaling ; and Alexr. 
 Ruderfurd twenty pundis of the maill of his tak of Rubislaw, in formaling ; 
 and Thomas Chalmer twenty of the maill of his tak of Gardyne, in forma- 
 ling, to the furnesing of the said propine, to be alovit to thame yeirly in the 
 malis of thair said takis respectiue, quhill the said soumes be compleitly 
 furth runin, yeirly alovand to euery ane of thame and thair aires the malis 
 thairof as tha pay now ; quhilk the counsale ordinit to be done, and thankit 
 thame for kindness schavin and done to the tovnn thairintill. 
 
 14M April, 1552. 
 
 The said day, the counsell, all in ane voce, havand respect and consider- 
 atioune that the lordis of Bonnacord in tymes bygane hase maid our mony 
 grit, sumpteous, and superfluous banketing induring the tyme of thair
 
 280 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 14th April, regnn, and specialie in May, quhilks wes thocht nother profitabill nor godlie, 
 and did hurt to sundry young men that wer elekit in the said office, becaus 
 the last elekit did aye pretent to surmont in thair predecessouris in thair 
 ryetouss and sumpteous banketing, and the causs principal and gud institu- 
 tioun thairof, quhilk wes in halding of the gud toun in glaidnes and blythtnes, 
 witht danssis, farsiis, playis, and gamis, in tymes convenient, necleckit and 
 abusit ; and thairfor ordinis that in tyme cummin all sic sumpteous banketing 
 be laid doun aluterlie except thre sobir and honest, vizt, upoun the senze 
 day, the first Sonday of May, and ane [ ] upoun Tuisday efter 
 
 Pasche day, and na honest man to pass to ony of thair banketis except on 
 the said thre dais allanerlie ; and in ane place of the forsaid superfleouss 
 banketing to be had and maid yeirly to generall plais, or ane at the lest, 
 with danssis and gammes usit and wont ; and quha souer refuisis to accept 
 the said office in tyme cuming, beand elekit thairto be the toun, to tyne his 
 fredome, priuelege, takis, and profit he hes or ma haf of the toun, and neuer 
 to be admittit frathinfurtht to office, honour, nor dingnete. 
 
 May, 1552. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailies, and counsel, present for the tyme, 
 ordanit the sax pound of Johnne Robertsons compositioun for his freman- 
 schip, and the nixt compositioune of ony burgess of gild that hapinis to be 
 maide, of grit or small degre, to be gewin to Patre Menzes and Thomas 
 Nicholsoune, lordis of Bonnacord of this instant yeir, to help to mak mair 
 expensis, be ressoune that thai ar put to grytar coist this yeir nor utheris 
 that bar office before thaim hes bene put to, and that be ressoune of cum- 
 myng of the quenis grace, my lord governor, and the maist of the lords and 
 grit men of this realme, presently to this toun. 
 
 24th March, 1544. 
 
 The said day, the four baillies and the maist pairt of the counsel! being 
 conwenit in the cheptour of Sanct Nicolace kirk of Aberdene, the saidis 
 baillies exponit, in presens of the said counsell, qhow thai were chargit 
 laitly, vpone the xxiij day of Merche instant, be Thomas Nicolsoune, schiref 
 in that pairt, be vertew of our souerane ladyis letteris, gewin be deliuerance 
 of the lordis of counsell, directit thairwpone, to tak and apprehend Johnne 
 Chalmer, burges of the said burgh, quha presently, as is allegit, is in ane 
 fury and raige of wodnes, and dailie molestand and perturband this toune
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABEEDEEN. 281 
 
 and the inhabitants thairof, and to fesin and keip him in jrnis, gyf neid 24th March, 
 war, the said Johne, quhill he com to his awin wit, lyk as in the saidis 
 letteris at mair lynth is contenit, and desyrit the consultatioune and adwys- 
 ment of the said consell thairanent, with thair concurrence and assistance, 
 gif thai think the same ressonable to be done ; quhilk consell, all in ane voce, 
 except Gilbert Collisoune, eftir ripe advysement, declairit and thocht expe- 
 dient that the saidis baillies suld tak and apprehend the said John Chal- 
 mer, and put him in custodie in stark lokfast hows, with vyttaris and vaych- 
 earis to awyt and keip him fra doing of skayth and forther perturbatioune, 
 and thaireftir, gyf neid were, to fesin and keip him in irnis quhile he re- 
 turne to his wit, and offerit to assist and concur with the saidis bailies to 
 execute the same in caice ony wald resist the doing therof, and that for 
 eschewing of appeirand skaith, danger, harme, and inconvenientis to be 
 done be the said Johnne in tytne cumyng. 
 
 The said day, Gilbert Collisoune, bailzie, tuik act and instrumentis that 
 he disassentit to the taking and fesnyng of Johnne Chalmer, and protestit 
 that he be nocht haldin as participant of the doing therof. 
 
 18th June, 1554. 
 
 The said day, the haill toun, beand convenit for the maist part, consentit 
 to the obseruatioune and contract maid betuix Patrik Menzes, den of gild, 
 one the ane part, and Wm. Jamesone, masoun, one the other part, anent 
 the bigging, beyting, and mending of the battelling and alering of the tol- 
 buith, and reforming and mending of tua vindowis therof, the said Williame 
 findand sufficient hewyn stanes to the haill wark, with the tabill stane of the 
 gavillis, and makand the said tolbuith vattirthicht, sa far as concernis the 
 mason craft ; for the quhilkis the said den of gild sell gif him xl poundis, he 
 findand souertie for compleiting of the said wark sufficiently, efter the 
 forme and tennour of the said contract maid betuix the saidis parties ther- 
 upoun. 
 
 9th July, 1554. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailies, and consall, present for the tyme, ra- 
 tifiit and apprewit the contract maid betuix Patrik Menzes, den of gild, and 
 Williame Jamesone, masone, anent the mending of the tolbuith for the 
 sowme of fourty poundis, as the said contract beiris. Nochtwithstanding
 
 282 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 9th July, the said Patrik be bound and oblist to the said Williame for payment of the 
 said sowme, thai oblesis thame that he sell nocht deburse nane of his 
 awin proper money, bot samekle as he intromettis with and is addettit to 
 mak compt of induring the tyme of his office ; and gif he inlaikis ony of the 
 said fourty lib., and vngettable of his office, thai oblissis thame inlykmaner 
 faythfullie to releiff him therof, at the handis of the said Williame, and all 
 vtheris quhome it efferis, prowyding that he allow to the said Williame in 
 payment of his lawbour fywe pound in part of payment of nyne pound, 
 quhilk the said Williame is acht for obefor to the toune ; and forther, quhat 
 expenssis the said Patrik makis, attour the said forty poundis, vpoune lym, 
 sand, and vther necessaris for the compleiting of the said contract, the saidis 
 provest, baillies, and counsell, in name of the haill toune, obleigis thame to 
 refound and pay the samin to the said Patrik eftir the heiring of his compt. 
 
 24M February, 1555. 
 
 The said day, Johnn Sandris, cowper, and Margarett Johnstoune, his 
 spous, wes convickit in judgement, [by] the depositiounes of diuerse famose 
 witnes, for the strublens, stryking, and bluidrawing of Thomas Gellane and 
 Katherine Blaklawis, his wyfe ; quharfor thai war in amerciament of court 
 to forbeir in tyme cuming and amend as law will, and that wes gewin for 
 dome, and the saidis Thomas and Katherine wer maid quit in judgement 
 of all strublens of the saidis personis. And thaireftir the baillies modifiit 
 the emendis of the said strublens as efter following : that is to say, thai 
 ordanit the said Johnne and his spous forsaid to pay to the said Thomas 
 Gellane xx s. Scottis, and to pay the barbour for the mending and curing 
 of his woundis, within viij dayse ; and alse to cum on Sonday nixt cuming 
 to Sanct Nicholace parroche kirk, in the queir therof, in the tyme of hie 
 mess, with ane candill of vax in euerie ane of thair handis, and thair to sit 
 doune on thair kneis, in presens of the guid men of the toun, and ask the 
 said Thomas and his wyf forgifnes ; and gif euer thai be conuickit for siclyk 
 in tyme cumyng, to pay tene markis to be applyit to Sanct Nicholace wark 
 oneforgewin. 
 
 23c? March, 1555. 
 
 The said day, James Mwllok grantit and confessit and judgement, him 
 to haf sauld to Johnne Masone ane hors, blak-broune mowitt, with ane bell 
 in the forrett, for the sowme of fywe merkis vj s. viij d. Scottis mone, of
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 283 
 
 the quhilk sowme he grantit him to haf resauit fra the said Johnn xx s. in 23d March, 
 part of payment ; and becaus the said Johnne desyrit brocht and hamball 1555> 
 of the said James for the said horse, he wes content that the rest of the 
 said fywe merk vj s. viij d., viz. four mark, suld remane in the said Johnnis 
 handis for the space of ane yeir eftir the dait herof, in caice the said horse 
 be challangit fra him, and gif sua beis, he to warrand him the said hors, pro- 
 wyding alwaise that the said Johnn Masone find the said James sufficient 
 souertie that the said sowme salbe be furthcumand to him at the said yeris 
 end ; quha fand Andrew Huntar, cautioner and souerte for the samen, and 
 Gilbert Menzeis elder, become souerte, and oblist him to releif the said 
 Andrew of the said souertie in caice forsaid. 
 
 10th April, 1555. 
 
 The said day, comperit in judgment Johne Clerk, induellar in the toune 
 of Hull, in Ingland, and exponit to the bailzeis, in presens of Androw Buk, 
 beand lauchtfullie varnit to this day, how, in the moneth of December, in 
 the yeir of God j m v c fourty and sax yeris, or thairby, the said Androw, 
 beand captywe and presonar, incarcerat in the said toune of Hull as fyane 
 and enemy to Ingliss natioune, and put thar in cair and kepyng of the said 
 Johne, be his crafty subtility brek the presone and eschewit, and tharthrow 
 come in Scotland, fre of all ransome, without vitting or knawledge of the 
 said Johnne, keiper of the said presone, quhairthrow the said John hes in- 
 currit grit damnage and skaith of his gudis and fame, for thai of quhome 
 he had the said cair and keping imput the vyit of the said Androwis 
 escheving and away passing to the said Johnne, albeit he wes inocent ther- 
 of, as he allegit ; and thairfor desyrit the baillies forsaid to cause the said 
 Androw be sworne the gryt ayth to testifie befoir thame the treuth and 
 veritie of the said mater. Quha being sworne the gryt aith, the haly evan- 
 gelistis tuichit, and diligently being exeminit be the saidis baillies, deponit 
 and testifyit opinlie in jugement, vpoune his saull and consciens, that the 
 said Johne Clerk knew nocht nor yit vnderstuyd of his away cuming, nor 
 neuer wes participant therof, nor in the counsell of the same, hot ves all 
 uterly ignorant and inocent therof; vpon the quhilk depositioune and testi- 
 ficatioune the said Johne desyirit ane testimoniall to be gewin him, under 
 the secreit seill, quhilk desyir the baillies thocht ressonable, and decernit 
 him the same, and ordinit the keiparis of thair said secreit seill to append 
 the same thairto.
 
 284 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 thMay. 10M May, 1555. 
 
 Eodem die comparuit religiosus vir frater Joannes Allardes subprior ac 
 procurator prioris et conuentus fratrum Carmelitarum de Abirdene et 
 produxit judicialiter tres processus judicales legittime per eum coram 
 balliuis in tribus curiis capitalibus deductos de et super recuperatione pro- 
 prietatis eiusdera terre vaste jacentis infra oppidum Aberdonense in vico 
 viridi ex parte boreali eiusdem inter terras quondam Johannis Reid ex 
 occidental! ex vna et ex oriental! partibus ab altera cornmunem viam regiam 
 versus austrum in defectu solutionis vnius annui redditus decem solidorum 
 monete Scotie de dicta terra annuatim debiti et longo tempore preterito 
 non soluti quibus processibus palam et publice visis perlectis et intellects 
 ac legittime prolatus prefatus frater Joannes procuratorio nomine dictorum 
 prioris et conuentis- illis fieri petiit secundum vim formam et effectum dic- 
 torum processuum et aliarum euidentiarum judicialiter productarum exhibi- 
 tarum et presentatarum coram preposito et balliuis in curia capitali proxima 
 immediate diem et datam presentiam precedent! de dicta terra vasta cum 
 pertinentiis iuris et iusticie complementum ac proprietatis iudicium vnde 
 hora diei legitime expectata et omnibus interesse habentibus vocatis et 
 nulla parte aduersa comparente nee contradicente prefatus frater Joannes 
 porrexit plegium in manibus Thome Pattoune sergiandi quod ipse causam 
 suam obtinuit in recuperatione proprietatis dicte terre vaste cum pertinen- 
 tiis quare decretum fuit per discretum virum Gilbertum Collisoun vnum 
 balliuorum pro tribunale sedentem et datum pro judicio per os Jacobi Pent- 
 land judicatoris curie pro tempore quod prefatus frater Joannes procura- 
 torio nomine dictorum prioris et conuentus proprietatem et possessionem pre- 
 fate terre vaste cum pertinentiis legitime recuperauit ob et propter defectum 
 solutionis annui redditus x s. ante dicti quare prefatus frater Johannes no- 
 mine dictorum prioris et conuentus inducendus est in realem actualem et 
 corporalem possessionem predicte terre cum pertinentiis. 
 
 2Qth May, 1555. 
 
 The said day, the counsell for the maist pairt, beand convenit within the 
 counselhous, all in ane voce, nemmit, electit, and chesit Thomas Menzes, 
 prouest, and Dauid Mar, bailzie, thair commissioneris, coniunctly and 
 seueralie, to ryid to Edinburght to the next parliament, to be haldin thair 
 be our souerane lady Marie, quene drowrear of Scotland, and regent of the 
 same, and be the thre estatis therof, in name of our maist gracious quene
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 285 
 
 moderne, to begyne vpoune the xxviij day of May instant, and thair to 20th May, 
 consult, awyse, treat, decerne, and concluid vpoune sic thingis as concernis 
 the publict welth of this realme, and liberties therof, as salbe thocht ganand 
 and convenient be the saidis thre estaitis ; and ordinis ane commissioune 
 vnder the townis seall to be maid to thame thairwpoune, with power alse 
 to the saidis commissioneris to compeir and convene in the said toune of 
 Edinburgh with the remanent commissioneris of the burrowis of this realme, 
 to awyse and consult vpon sic thingis as concernis the commound weill of 
 the estait of burgessis, and the libertie and priuileges of burrowis, and to 
 concluid therwpoune, and to desyir in the said parliament sic wrangis, 
 hurtis, and enormiteis, as is done to the saidis burrowis and inhabitants 
 therof, to be reformit, and ther auld priuileges and liberties to be renewit, 
 restoirit, apprewit, and coufermit; and specialy anent the hurtis done to 
 this burgh of Abirdene, to be reformit, and thair auld infeftmentis and 
 priuilegis, grantit and gewin to thame be our souerane ladyis maist noble 
 progenitouris, to be ratifiit and confermit, lyk as salbe contenit and speci- 
 fiit at mair lynth in the articles to be maid and send with the saidis com- 
 missioneris thairopon ; and gyf neid beis, to consent to gif ane honest and 
 decent propyne, gratitud, and contributioune to our said souerane lady and 
 regent forsaid, and ratificatioune and confirmatioune of thair auld infeft- 
 mentis and priuileges forsaid, lykas salbe contenit and specifiit in the gene- 
 rall articalis to be maid be the saidis haill commissioneris of burrowis, or 
 the maist pairt of thame, and presentit in the said parliament heirvpoune. 
 
 The said day, the counsell ordanis to be gewin Thomas Menzes, prowest, 
 the sowme of twenty poundis, and to Dauid Mar tene pound, to mak thair 
 expenssis in ryding to Edinburght, as commissioneris for the toune to this 
 nixt parliament ; and ordanis the same to be pait to thame with the first 
 accedence of the toune that beis gottin in of the compositionis of fremen 
 to be maid, escheittis or vnlawis quhatsumeuir that first fallis. 
 
 14th June, 1555. 
 
 The said day, Jonatt Portar and Jonett Bailzert, hir seruand, war con- 
 vickit in judgement, be the depositiones of diuerse famose witnes, for the 
 defaming and myspersoning of James Andersone and Elspett Baldy, his 
 spowse, with veray ewill and injurious langaige, vndvordy of heiring. 
 Quhairfor thay, and ilkane of thame, war in amerciament of court, and the 
 
 2 o
 
 286 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 wth June, bailzies forsaid ordanit the saidis Portar and Bailzeirt, hir seruatid, to cum 
 one Sonday nixt cumis, within Sanct Nicholace parroche kirk, in tyme of 
 the hie mess, with ane candill of valx in thair hand, and sit doune on thair 
 kneis in the queir, afoir the guid men of the toune, and aske the said James 
 and his spows forgyfhes, and thair to revock the vordis said be thame 
 vpoune him and his said spowse fals and vntrewe, and requeist the guid 
 men of the toune to cause thame be forgewin ; and gyf euer the said Jonett 
 Bailzert beis foundin in the making of sic offencis in tyme cuming, and beis 
 convict thairfor, to be banist of this guid toune. 
 
 30th June, 1555. 
 
 The said day, Gilbert Collisone, Patrik Menzes, and Gilbert Maly- 
 soune, baillies, with awyse of the haill counsell, ordanis fourty poundis to 
 be gewin to Thomas Menzeis, prouest, and Dauid Mar, bailzie, of the 
 rediast and first accidentis and casualiteis of the toune that euer first hap- 
 pynnis to be gottin, and na man to mell thairwith, nor gett part nor profyt 
 thairof, quhill the said fourty poundis be pait compleitly to thame, and that 
 to mak thair expenssis in passing to this present rayd till Sanct Johnstoune, 
 anent the townis bessenes and commound weill therof, and in recompensa- 
 tioune of thair expenssis of the last rayd thai maid, at command of the 
 counsell, to the last parliament haldin in Edinburght, for the quhilkis as yit 
 thai gat na recompensatioune nor reward, bot of thair awin guidnes hes 
 remittit the same for paiment of the sowme aboue wryttin. 
 
 8th July, 1555. 
 
 The said day, anent the complaynt gewin in iugement to the baillies be 
 Gilbert Knowis, Duncan Forbes, Gilbert Kyntoir, Alexr. Hay, and 
 Maister Johnne Watsoune, for thame selffis and the remanent heretouris, 
 takkismen, tenentis, and occupiaris of the fysching of the cruwis, vpoun 
 Maister Johnne Chawmer, duelland in Grandoum, for the wrangouss vsing 
 and balding of ane cobill vpoun the said watter, within the boundis of thair 
 fysching, to thair gryt hurt and skayth, quhar neuer na cobill wes vsit nor 
 occupiit obefoir, and tharthrow making new innovatioune by the aid louable 
 vse and consuetude, obseruit in all tymes bygane past memor of man, in 
 hurt and preiudice of the priuilege of this guid toune, as in the said bill 
 of complaynt at mair lyntht is contenit. Quhilk wes remittit and referrit 
 to the sensment and ordinans of the counsell, quhilkis being conuenit for
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 287 
 
 the maist pairt within the consalhous, all in ane voce, fand and decernit 8th July, 
 that the said Maister Johnne aucht not to hauld nor vse the said cobill as 
 he dois, and that thair aucht hot ane generawll and comraond coble to be 
 vpoun the said fysching, to serff all the possessouris, tenentis, and occu- 
 pyaris thairof, in tym cumyng, to transport thame selffis, thair seruandis, 
 and thair fysche, als oft as thai haf ado, and that the said new cobill aucht 
 to be removit, destroy it, and away put, in all tyraes to cum. And attour 
 it is provydit be the said consell, with consent and assent of the haill posses- 
 sours, takkismen, and tenentis of the said fysching, that gif the said gene- 
 rall commound cobill beis haldyn or stopput fra ony ane of thame, or thair 
 subtenentis, or seruandis, quhen thai haf ado in tyme to cum, that the 
 haldar or stoppar of the said cobill sail refound and pay to the complenar 
 samekill as he or his serwand will mak faytht thai ar skaythtit at that tyme, 
 throcht wanting of the vse and service of the said cobill, and siclik to be 
 done in all tymes cumyng, without any vder probatioune to be socht hot 
 allanerly the depositioune of the complenar or his serwand. 
 
 August, 1555. 
 
 The said day, Alexr. Joffray, Duncane Fraser, Williame Congiltoun, 
 Dauid Saidlar, Johnne Fowlis, Charles Dauidsone, Reche Myln, Alexr. 
 Kemp elder, Alexr. Kemp youngar, Alexr. Kay, and Duncane Colly, 
 baxteris, and ilkane of thame were conuickit in judgement, and put in amer- 
 ciament of court, for the braking of the commound ordinance and statutis of 
 this guid toune in selling of quhyt breid of less mesour and price nor wes 
 gewin and dewisit be the counsell to thame of befoir to obserf and fulfill ; 
 quhairfor thai war in amerciament of court to forbeir in tyme cumyng and 
 amend as law vill, and that wes gewin for dome, and the baillies continewit 
 thair vnlawis to be modifiit be thame eftirwart. 
 
 The said day, the haill counsell statut and ordanit that the baxteris of 
 this guid toune sail baik and sell twenty tua vnce of quhyt breid, sufficient 
 stuf, and weill bakin, for four penneis, and tuenty aucht vnce of ry breid, 
 sufficient stuf, and weill bakin, for four d. ; and that na breid be sauld be 
 thame quhill thai be considderit and vesit be ane of the baillies ; and quhow- 
 sone the breid beis takin out of the owne, that ane of the baillies salbe ad- 
 uertist and requirit to do the same; and that na baxter sail baik ony breid 
 vpoune Settirday befoir tua eftir none ; and quha beis fundin cumand in
 
 288 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 12th August, the contrar heirof, the haill baikin stuf beand fundin and gottin in his pos- 
 sessioune to be escheit and delt ; and gyf ony baxter hawand stuf beis 
 fundin wantand baikin breid, and nocht vsand his craft to serf the toune 
 and nightbouris therof in contemptioune of this ordinance, the sam beand 
 knawin and vnderstand, the haill victuall and stuf beand fundin in his pos- 
 sessioune to be escheit and delt to the puir folkis. And this statut to in- 
 duir and haf stryntht quhill the fest of Michaelmes nixt cumis, and further 
 induiring the counsellis will. 
 
 26 th August, 1555. 
 
 The said day, Alexr. Reid younger, being accusit be the baillies in 
 judgement for inobedience of Patrik Menzes, bailzie, in executioune of his 
 office, and siclyk for the braking of ward, he being put thairintill be the 
 said bailzie, for the quhilkis he put him in the tounis will, and the prouest 
 and maist pairt of the counsell ordanit him to cum on Sonday nixt cumis 
 within Sanct Nicholace kirk, in the queir therof, with ane candill of ane lib. 
 of wax in his hand, in the tyme of the hie mess, and thair sit doune on his 
 kneis and ask the said Patrik forgyfnes, and requeist the guid men of the 
 toune to cause and solist the said Patrik forgyf him ; and gyf euer he beis 
 convickit making sic faill and offence in tyme curayng, to tyne his fredome 
 and be banyst of the toune. 
 
 3d September, 1555. 
 
 The said day, Agnes Lowsoune and Johne Abircromy, hir spows, for his 
 interes, beand lauchtfullie warnit to this day for the third and last dyat of 
 proces be Johnne Jenour, officiar, vpoun the quhilkis he maid faith in judge- 
 ment, to haf ansuerit at the instance of ane rycht venerabill mane, Robert, 
 minister of the Trinite ordour of Faythfurd and Abirdene, anent the claim 
 of ane chalice of siluer, contening fourtene vnces of wecht, quhilk the said 
 Agnes, as is allegit, intromettit with, deliuerit to hir be freir Johne Quhyt- 
 cors, pertening to the Trinite kirk of Abirdene, with intimatioune gif thai 
 compeirit nocht, the baillies wald proceid and minister iustice in the said 
 mater ; and the saidis Agnes and Johnne, hir spous, for his interes, beand 
 oft tymes callit, compeirit nocht, quhairfor the baillie resauit and admittit 
 the said Robertis probatioune ; be the quhilk it wes fundin that the said 
 Agnes intromettit with the said chalice, contening fourtene vnce of siluer, 
 and therfor the bailzie forsaid decernit and ordanit the said Agnes and
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN 289 
 
 Johnne, hir spous, for his interes, to delyuer and restoir to the said minister 3d September, 
 
 and kirk forsaid the forsaid chalice of fourtene vnce of siluer alse guid as it 
 
 wes quhen scho intromettit thairwith within terme of law ; and gyf the same 
 
 be destroyit or brokin, nocht gettabill in the sam forme as it ves, that the 
 
 said Agnes and Johnne, hir spows forsaid, for his interes, sail caus mak ane 
 
 wther chalice of new, of the samin vecht of siluer, alse guid as the vther 
 
 wes, and deliuer the same to the said minister and place forsaid. And at- 
 
 tour the bailzie decernit and ordanit the said Robert, minister aforsaid, of 
 
 his awin confessioune, to pay to the said Agnes the sowme of sax lib. Scottis 
 
 for the said freir Johnne Quhytcors quhilk he wes awand to hir ; and the 
 
 said Robert attour oblist him of his awin guidnes to delyuer to the said 
 
 Agnes fourtie s. mair nor the said sowme of sax lib. at the restitutioun of 
 
 the said chalice in maner aboune writtin, sua the same be deliuerit to him 
 
 with plesour and thankfulnes but ony forthir of cumyr or coist. 
 
 The said day, Robert Cunynghame, minister of the Trinite freiris of 
 Failfurd and Abirdene, maid and constitut Maister Robert Lumisden his 
 procuratour and factour, to vptak the mailis, fermes, annuelrentis, pro- 
 fyttis, emolumentis, and deuties, pertenyng to the saidis freiris of the or- 
 dour of the religioune in Abirdene, of all termes bygane and to cum, with 
 power to substitute procuratouris to persew the same in the law, gyf neid 
 beis ; with power also to the said Maister Robert to beit, mend, and re- 
 perell the Trinite kirk and place of Abirdene, and quhat he debursis thair- 
 vpoune to be thankfully allowit to him ; and alse to sustene the brether 
 of the said religioune in thair cleuthyng and ordinar expenssis, and vther 
 thingis neidfull to thame, takand their acquyttances therof, quhilk salbe 
 alse sufficient as it war deliuerit to the said minister himself, conforme to 
 his directioune and ordinance gevin to the said Mr. Robert theranent, 
 quhilkis siclyke salbe allowit thankfully to the said Mr. Robert, pro- 
 mittand faythfullie to hald ferine and stabill quhat the said Mr. Robert 
 and his substitutis in the premissis lauchtfullie leidis to be done. And 
 this present procuratorie to induir and haf effect ay and quhill the said 
 minister renunce and discharge the same. 
 
 4th October, 1555. 
 
 The said day, the counsell hawand consideratioune that Sir Robert 
 Bynne, cheplane and singar in thair queir, is vesiit be the hand of God
 
 290 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 4th October, with infirmitie in his ene, quhairthrow he is becum blynd, and that he maid 
 gude and continuell seruice in tymis bigan, sa lang as he wes habill. 
 Thairfor, thai all in ane voce consentis and assentis that he haf his auld 
 fee, that is to say, aucht markis wsuaill money of Scotland, togidder with 
 his clerkship, quhilkis he had for his fee and seruice abefor, for all the 
 dais of his lif, but ony impediment or gane calling. And forther, that the 
 nobill and honest men of the toune support him of thair awin guidnes, at 
 thair plesour and discretioune, quhill God restoir him to his sycht and 
 habilite. 
 
 Item, it is statut and ordanit, with consent of the haill craft of cordon- 
 aris, that na schone be sauld darrer bot the best dowbill scholit schone 
 for men xxxii penneis, mennis singill solit schone tua s. ; wemmenis 
 dowbill solit schone ii s., thair singill solit schone xviij d. and xvj d. ; 
 barnis schone for xii d., x d., and viij d., efferand to thair quantitie and 
 aige, wnder the paine of escheiting of all schone beand in the possessioune 
 of the braker of this present statut. 
 
 Item, that na man gaddir nor hald ony carnis or stanis to ly vpoun the 
 calsay, except thame that ar to big allanerly, wnder the pane of eschaeting 
 therof ; and gif ony biggar haldis ane came of stanis one the streit or 
 calsay attour ane yeir and ane day, the samin to be escheit inlykwyse. 
 
 Item, that euerie craft within this guid toune haf ane visitour amang 
 thame selfis, chosin euere yeir anis, quha sell accept the same, and be 
 suorne therto befor the prouest and baillies in judgement, to se that all 
 statutis and ordinans maid one the craftismen of this guid toune be ob- 
 seruit and keipit ; and that, in tyme cuming, thair be na craftisman maid 
 fre man to vse his craft, except he haf seruit as prentise under ane maister 
 thre yeiris, and be found sufficient and qualifeit in his craft to be ane 
 maister. 
 
 Item, it is statut and ordanit, with consent of the haill baxteris, beand 
 convenit, that nane of thame pass in the contray to by quhit, of darrer 
 prices bot as tha ma keip and obserf the statut and ordinance gewin 
 thame be the counsale for this present yeir ; and alse that nane of the 
 saidis baxsteris by quhit attour his nychtbouris heyd : that is to say, quhair
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 291 
 
 his nychtbour hes bene to mak ony bying or bergane of quhyt, and bidden 4th October, 
 ony money thairfor, that his nychtbour bid na mair nor is offerit, nor mak 1555> 
 him to by thair, wnder the pane of fourty s. for the first fait, and tynsell 
 of fredome for yeir and day for the secund fait, gif he beis convickit for 
 the same. 
 
 Item, that na tailzeour sell ony clayth bot allanerly maid breikis and 
 boxis of tartane or grose claith and lynningis for cleything ; and gif ony 
 tailzeour dois in the contrar, to be punist therfor, as forstallaris and re- 
 grataris of this guid towne. 
 
 Item, that all burgessis remanyng in landwart, and all wtheris hawand 
 takkis, rowmes, steddingis, and protfeittis of this guid towne, cum betwixt 
 this and Mertimes nixt to cum, with thair wyffis, barnis, and howshaldis, 
 and duell, remayne, and abyde within this toune, scoit, loit, walk, and ward 
 with the samin, and be reddy all houris for the defens thairof, and con- 
 curring and assisting with the superiouris and ministers of justice tharof 
 for the tym, wnder the pane of tinsell of thair fredomes, takkis, priuilegis, 
 and profyttis that thai haf or ma haf of this guid toune, of the quhilkis 
 thair names followis, viz. : Archebald Rayt, Andrew Thomsone in Rattre, 
 Williame Duncan, Johnne Lausoune, Johnne Colle, Thomas Buchane, 
 Johnne King, James Strauquhyn in Innerowry, and George Johnstoune, 
 and ordanit thir names forsaidis to be proclamit opinlie at the mercat croce 
 of Aberdene to the effect forsaid. 
 
 The said day, the counsell grantit to thair seruitour, James Nory, 
 singar in thair queir, twenty s., to be augmentit tuenty s. of his fee, mak- 
 and in the haill four poundis, for his guid seruice to be done in their queir ; 
 and ordanis the den of gild to mak him paiment therof, ay and quhill he 
 be dischargit therof. 
 
 The said day, Alexr. Rattre dischargit the towne of the sowme of twelff 
 poundis, allegit awand be thame to him of the rest of ane gritar sowme, for 
 his seruice and wagis in passing with the kingis grace to the ilis, at com- 
 mand of the counsell, and of sewin lib., allegit awand to him be the toune 
 for tua monethis wagis, in the tyme that he wes gunnar in thair blokhowse,
 
 292 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 4th October, and of all sowmes of money that he may clame or creif at the toune in 
 tymmes bigane ; and the counsell remittit and dischargit the said Alexr. 
 of his guid sone John Ewynnis compositione of fremanschip, for the quhilk 
 he com souertie. 
 
 1 4th October, 1555. 
 
 The said day, the prouest and baillies ordanis Gilbert Colisoun, maister 
 of Sanct Nicholace wark, to delyuer to Patrik Menzeis and Alexander 
 Chawmer, denis of gild, the grit jrne kirk styile to be applyit to the irne 
 wark necessar of the tolbuith ; and the saidis prouest and baillies oblist 
 tham in name of the toune that the denis of gild for the tyrne sell rander 
 and gyf agane samekill jrne wark to the said maister of kirk wark for the 
 tyme to the necessar beitment of the said kirk quhat tyme and quhow sone 
 it sell hapin thame to haf ado thairwith, be the sycht of the guid men of the 
 toune. 
 
 25th October, 1555. 
 
 The said day, the maist pairt of the consell ordanis Thomas Menzeis, 
 thair prouest, to ryd to Edinburght for defence of the sommondis rasit be 
 Dauid Kintor, Gilbert Kintoir, and Patre Gray, aganis the prouest and 
 baillies of this guid toun, and certane vderis nychtbouris thairof, for the re- 
 ductione of thair fewis, and the productione of the townis aid infeftmentis ; 
 and ordanis the den of gild to deliuer him xx lib. to help to mak his ex- 
 penssis. 
 
 6th November, 1555. 
 
 The said day, Johnne Chalmer wes accusit in judgement for the myssay- 
 ing and myspersoning of Dauid Mar, ane of the baillies of the said burgh, 
 with maist wyile and injurious detractioune, say and that he had takin ane 
 hundreth lib. of money furth of his bag, quhilk wes ane commound theyffis 
 stik, and that he had gewin ane false testimoniall one him to the quenis 
 grace, wnder the townis seill ; quhik actioun wes put to the knawlege of the 
 assise aboune writtin, and be the depositiones of diuerse famose witnes, and 
 be the said Johnnis awin confessioune, he wes convickit be the said assise 
 for the myspersoning of the said Dauid in maner aboun writtin, quhairfor 
 he wes put in amerciament of court, and that wes gewin for dome.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 293 
 
 13th December, 1555. i3thDec. ; 
 
 The said day, the baillies ordanit Maister Thomas Annand, chaiplane 1555> 
 of Sanctiohnne the Ewangellist alter, situate within thair parroche kirk of 
 Abirdene, to the quhilk the toune ar patronis, of his awin grant and con- 
 sent in judgment, to bring and exhibit befor the counsel!, in thair nixt heid 
 court, to be haldin the xiij of Januar, ane litill chalice and ane mekill new 
 chalice of siluer, pertening to the said chaplanrie, to be vesiit be the con- 
 sell, and to remayne for seruing of the said alter within the said kirk in 
 firmance and keipyng, becaus he hes absentit the same thir diuerse yeiris 
 bygane. 
 
 December, 1555. 
 
 The said day, the haill towne beand conuenit for the maist part, chesit 
 and electit Thomas Menzeis, prouest, Maister Robert Lumisden, and 
 Gilbert Collisoune, or ony tua of thame coniunctly, thair commissionaris, 
 lauchtfull and irrevocabill, to compeir and conuene with the remanent com- 
 missionaris of the fre burghis of Scotland in Edinburgh, vpoun the xv day 
 of Januar nixt to cum, conforme to ane writting of our souerane lady, 
 Marie, quene drowrear of Scotland, and regent of the same, directit and 
 send to the prouest, baillies, and communite of the said burgh, or quhat- 
 suraeuer vder day or dayis, place or places conuenient, quhen and quhair 
 the quenis grace and commissionaris forsaid thinkis expedient, for dressing 
 of appountment, stancheyng of all debait and contrauersie betuix the fre 
 marchandis and craftismen of all burrowis of this realme, for vnite and 
 concord to be amangis thame perpetualie in tyme cumyng. And alsua to 
 consult, awyse, dispute, and ressoune vpoune all sic thingis as concernis 
 the fredome, liberte, preuelege, and publict weltht, of all borrowis of the 
 realme, and for to do, traitt, determe, and conclud thairupoune, for the 
 commond weill of the samin. And forthir, to compleyne and expoyne 
 the hurtis, dampnage, and skaith done in tymes bygane by the burrowis 
 forsaid, and specialy to this burght of Abirden, aganis the strynth of thair 
 aid priuelegis and infeftmentis, and for to laubour remeid thairin, sa far 
 as ma be had ; and for to grant to gif ane compositioune, propyne, and 
 gratitud to our said souerane lady, as vtheris commissionaris of burrowis 
 dois and grantis, for reformatioune, in tyme cumyng, of the hurtis, damp- 
 nagis, and skaithis don to the burrowis in tymes bygane, restitutione of 
 
 2 P
 
 294 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 16th Dec., thame to their aid irnrawniteis and liberteis, and apprewing, and ratefying, 
 and confermyng of thair aid priuilegis and infeftmentis ; and generaly to 
 do all thingis concernyng the premissis that the haill coramunite forsaid 
 raycht do, gif thai war all present in propir personis : promittand faith- 
 fullie to hald firme and stabill all and quhatsumeuer thingis thair saidis 
 thre commissioneris, or ony tua of tharae coniunctly, lauchfully ledis to be 
 done in the premisses ; and ordanis ane commission to be maid to thame 
 vnder the townis commond seill thairupoun. 
 
 2</ January, 1556. 
 
 The said day, the haill toun, being convenit within the tolbuitht, thocht 
 neidfull and expedient to big ane brig vpoun the Den burne, at the south- 
 wast entre of the toune, as thai cum thairto fra the brig of Dee ; and or- 
 danis Maister Robert Lumisden, maister of vark of the brig of Dee, to 
 big the said brig of tua bowis, sufficiently with stane and lyme, with the 
 reddiest of the money that he hes of the mailis of Ardlar, and to by stanis, 
 lyme, and all materiallis neidfull therto ; and quhat he debursis on the 
 biging of the said brig to be thankfully allowit to him in his nixt compt ; 
 vpoun the quhilkis the said Maister Robert desyrit act of court, in pre- 
 sens of the haill toun forsaid. 
 
 21th January, 1556. 
 
 The said day, the counsell dewysit and ordanit that Alexr. Ruderfurd, 
 Gilbert Collisoune, Patrik Menzes, Walter Cullane, Gilbert Malisoune, 
 and Andrew Lowsoune suld pass to Edinburght to the prouest Thomas 
 Menzeis, as commissionaris for the haill toune, to defend the actioun and 
 pley mowit aganis this toun and communite thairof, be Maister Henry 
 Lauder and Maister Johnne Spens, aduocattis to our souerane lady the 
 quenis grace, for productioun befoir the lordis of counsell of the townis 
 infeftment and chartour of thair fischingis of the watteris of Dee and 
 Doyne, efter the forme and tenour of our souerane ladyis letteris of sum- 
 mondis directit aganis thame thairupoune, and thair to consult with men 
 of law, experience, and knawledge, the best way for defence of the said 
 actioune, and to constitut procuratouris, ane or ma, to that effect, and to 
 mak expensis thairupoune honestly as accordis ; and the forsaidis expensis 
 to be vptakin of the possessouris of the tounis fyschingis and landis, ef-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 295 
 
 fering to the valour therof, and, gyf neid beis, to exhibit and produce the 27th January, 
 said chartour and infeftment. The quhilk ordinance of the covnsell, the 1556- 
 haill toune, being warnit to this day, and convenit for the maist pairt, af- 
 fermit, apprevit, and consentit therto ; and siclyke the saidis commission- 
 eris grantit to pass to address the said bissenes frelie and glaidly, vpon 
 thair awin expenssis, for the weill of the toune, conforme to the townis 
 ordinance and power gevin to thame ; and the haill toune ordanis ane 
 commissioun to be given to thame, vnder thair commond seill, to the effect 
 forsaid. 
 
 The said day, Patrik Leslie, in name and behalf of the nychtbouris and 
 puir inhabitantis of this toun, quhilk hes na takkis nor heretagiis of the 
 tounis landis, requyrit the baillies in jugement, in presens of the haill 
 toune, for the copy of the townis commission grantit to the commissionaris 
 to sett the saidis landis in few, allegeand that the saidis puir inhabitantis 
 ar hewilie oppressit and hurt be the possessouris of the saidis landis, 
 quhilkis stoppis and makis impediment to thame to cast, win, and leid 
 fewall, faill, and dewatt, vpoun the commounty of the towne, quhar thai 
 had wont to cast in tymmes bigane, past memour of man, contrar the 
 tennour and stryncht of the said commissioune, and thair few chartouris 
 grantit and gevin thairvpoun, and express aganis the commoun weill of 
 this guid toune, and theirfore protestit solemplie for obseruatioune and 
 executioune of the claussis and restrictionis contenit in the saidis few char- 
 teris, and for remeyd of law, quhen tym and place requyris. 
 
 19th March, 1556. 
 
 The said day, Dauid Mar, bailye, with consent, awyise, ordinance, and 
 authorite of Thomas Menzeis of Petfoddellis, prouest of the said burght, 
 and Gilbert Menzeis his bruder, narrest kynnismen and frendis to Androw 
 Menzeis youngar, pupill, sone, and air to vinquhile Androw Menzeis, 
 burges of Aberdene, his fader, and als air to vmquhile Thomas Menzeis 
 youngar, his bruther, ordanit and decernit Thomas Menzeis, tutour of law 
 to the said Androw, to content and pay to Besse Leslie, moder to the said 
 Androw, for his burd, and ordinar expenssis, and cleithing, tene lib. yeirlie, 
 sa lang as he is with his said moder, fra the entre of the said Dauid to the 
 office of tutourie forsaid, and the samin to be allowit to him in his compt.
 
 296 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 27th March, 21th March, 1556. 
 
 The said day, the court wardis and schawis for law, and it wes gewin for 
 dome, that Andro Forbes, duelland at Keythokis mill, hes prowin suffi- 
 ciently that in the moneth of August or thairby, in the yeir of God j m v c 
 fyftie and four yeris, Duncane Colle, baxter, at his awin hand, without any 
 licens of the said Androw, intromettit with ane blak horse pertening to the 
 said Androw, worth tene merkis, at the myll forsaid, and put ane heivy 
 laid of flour one him to be cariit fra the said myll, and in the careing thairof 
 brak his bak wnder Tullidronis hill, throcht weycht and hewynes of the 
 laid, and ewill gyding of the horse, in the said Duncanis defalt, quharfor 
 the baillies decernit the said Duncane to content, refund, and pay to the 
 said Androw the forsaid sowme of tene merkis, ffor the walour and pryce of 
 the said horse, for the caussis forsaid, within the terme of law, and condamp- 
 nis the said Duncane in the expenssis of court to be taxit eftirwart. 
 
 26*A April, 1556. 
 
 The said day, the court wardis and schavis for law, and it wes gewin for 
 dome, that Maister Edward Menzeis, cheplane of the ruid alter in the organ 
 loft, situat within the parroche kirk of Abirdene, hes provin sufficientlie 
 that he and Schir Johnne Fyff, his predecessour as cheplanis of the said 
 cheplanrie, war in vse, and possessioun of paiment, and vptaking of ane 
 yeirlie annuel rent of xl d. wsuall money of Scotlande off ane land Hand in 
 the Grene, on the south part therof, merchand with the land of the quyt 
 freiris on the eist part, and the land of [ ] one the west pairt, per- 
 
 tening sum tyme to Margaret Low, and now pertening to Johnne Barre, 
 quharfor the prouest and baillies forsaid decernit and ordanit the said Johnne 
 Barre, as heretour theroff, to refound, content and pay to the said Edward, 
 as cheplane forsaid, the said annuel rent of xl d. money forsaid, of the termes 
 immediatlie bigane, within viij dayes, and siclyke yeirlie and termelie in all 
 tyme cuming, ay and quhile he be lauchtfullie callit and ordourlie put thair- 
 fra be the law ; wpoun the quhilk the said Maister Edward tuik act of court 
 and instrument. 
 
 5th May, 1556. 
 
 I, James Kennedy, broder germane to Gilbert Erie of Cassillis, and 
 collectour of the taxt of fywe thousand poundis grantit at Edinburgh, the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 297 
 
 xiij day of November, be the lordis of the secreit counsell, for furnessing of 5th May, 
 certane horsemen vpoun the west bordouris, grantis me to haf resauit fra 1556- 
 Alexr. M'Cullocht, pursewand, for the haill taxt of the towne of Abirdene, 
 the sowme of thre scoir auchten lib. fyftene s., in haile and compleit pay- 
 ment of thair part of the sowme of the forsaid taxt ; off the quhilk sowme I 
 bald me weill content, and pait quyt clames, and dischargis the said Alexr., 
 in name of the prouest and baillies of the said toune forsaid. In witnes 
 herof, I, the said James, lies subscriuit this present acquittance with my 
 hand, at Ed% the third day of Februar, anno 1556 yeris. Sic subscribitur, 
 James Kennedy. 
 
 The said day, compeyrit in jugement Gilbert Kyntour, admiral deput to 
 ane nobill lord, James Erie Bothtwall, gryt admirall of Scotland, and ex- 
 hibit ane commissioun gewin and direckit to him be the said principale 
 admirall, vnder his seall and subscriptioune manuall, of the dayt at Creych- 
 toune, the xx day of Februar, yeir of God j m v c fyfty and vj yeris, to 
 cognoss and decerne in all thingis concerning his office and jurisdictioun of 
 admiralitie in the north partis of Scotland, fra the north watter of Esk to 
 Ross inclusive, contening power to the prowest and baillies of Abirdein to 
 resaif the aitht of the said Gilbert Kyntoir for trew exercitioun of the said 
 office, quhilk aith the baillies forsaid resauit in iugement, conforme to the 
 said commissioune. 
 
 9th May, 1556. 
 
 1, Sir Johnne Maitland of Lythyngton, knycht, collector deput to the 
 ressait of the taxt of the burrowis of this realme, grantit in the yeir of God 
 jm v c fyfty an( i f our yeiris, be the the tennour heirof, grantis to haf resauid 
 fra Barbara Wdward, spowse of Maister Alexr. Grahame, burgis of Edin- 
 burght, in name and behalf of the prouest and baillies of Abirdein, the 
 sowme of thre scoir xviij lib. xv s. wsuall money of this realme as for the 
 first quarter paiment of thair part of the forsaid taxt ; off the quhilk sowme 
 of iij" xviij lib. xv s. money forsaid I hald me weill content and pait, and 
 quyt clames and discharges the saidis prouest and baillies, and all wtheris 
 quhome it effeiris thairof, for now and euer be thir presentis. Subscriuit 
 with our hand at Edinburght, the xxij day of Aprile, the yeir of God m v c 
 fyfty and fywe yeiris, befoir thir witnessis, Sir Win. Makdowell, Wm. Pur-
 
 298 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 9th May, vess, and James Causour. Sic subscribitur, Rechert Maitland off Leth- 
 yngtoune. 
 
 I, Rechert Maitland of Lythngtoune, knycht, grantis me to hafe resauit 
 fra Dauid Mar, bailzie of Abirdene, the sowme of fyftie poundis guid and 
 wsuall money of Scotland, in part of payment of the taxt of the said toun ; 
 off the quhilk sowme forsaid I grant me weill content, satisfiit, and pait, 
 and quyt clames, and dischargis the said bailzie and tonne, and all wtheris 
 quhome it efferis therof, ffor now and euer, be this my acquyttance. Sub- 
 scriuit with my hand at Edinburght, the fyft day of Februar, the yeir of 
 God m v c fyfty and fywe yeris. Sic subscribitur, Rechert Maitland of 
 Lethyntoune. 
 
 I, Rechert Maytland of Lethtingtoune, knycht, collectour to the taxa- 
 tioune grantit be the thre estaitis for bigging of certane fortis vpoune the 
 bordour, grantis me to haf resauit fra Walter Cant in Leyth, in name and 
 behalfe of Gilbert Collisoune, ane of the bailiies of the burgh of Abirdene, 
 the sowme of twenty poundis wsuall money of Scotland in part of payment 
 of thair part of the said taxt grantit be the said burgh of Abirdene to our 
 souerane lady, to the effect forsaid, and be the tenour heirof quyt clames 
 and dischargis the said Gilbert and the remanent bailiies off the said toune 
 for euer. Subscriuit with my hand at Edinburgh, the vj day of Februar, 
 anno 1555. Sic subscribitur, Rechert Maitland of Lythingtoun. 
 
 29th May, 1556. 
 
 The said day, the counsell dewisit and ordanit ane propyne to be gewin 
 to the quenis grace, regent of the realme, vyn, spyc, and wax, extending in 
 walour to the soum of twa hundreth merkis ; and ordanis that the haill 
 toune be warnit agane the moro, viz. the penult day of May instant, to the 
 effect that ane taxatioun may be sett upon the haill nychtbouris of this toune, 
 burgessis, and craftismen, for furnesing of the said soume, and that taxtars 
 may be chosin for stenting and setting of the same, conforme to the faculte 
 and substance of ilk persone. 
 
 30tk May, 1556. 
 The said day, the haill toun beyng convenit, &c., approwit and affermit
 
 OF THE BUEGH OF ABERDEEN. 299 
 
 the act and ordinance maid be the counsell for gewyng of ane propyne to 30th May, 
 the quenis grace, at her cumyng to this nixt justice air of Aberdeine, ex- 1556> 
 tending in walour to the sowme of twa hundreth merkis, and consentit that 
 thair be ane taxatioun optakin, to furniss the sum, of the haill nychtbouris 
 of the toune, and chesit Thomas Menzeis, prouest, Dauid Mar, Gilbert 
 Collisoun, Alexr. Gray, and Maister George Myddiltoun, baillies of the 
 said burghe, taxtaris, to sett and stent the said taxatioune vpoune all the 
 nychtbouris and inhabitantis of this burgh, efferand to thair faculte and 
 substance ; quhilkis acceppit the same, and war suorne therto in judge- 
 ment. 
 
 8th June, 1556. 
 
 I, Rechert Maitland of Lethyngtoun, grantis me to haf resauit be the 
 handis of Walter Cant, induellar of Leytht, the sowme of thre scoir sex 
 pundis fywe schillingis, and that in name and behalf of the provest, baillies, 
 counsell, and communitie of the toune of Aberdene, in haill and compleit 
 payment off the sowm of thre hundreth fyfteyne poundis, for thair haill 
 taxt that the said toune wes sett to, in the yeir of God m v c liij yeris, for 
 the bigging of certane forthis vpoun our souerane ladyis bordouris, off the 
 quhilk sowm of thre scoir sex lib. xv s. forsaid, in haill and compleit pay- 
 ment, as said is, I hald me weyll content and pait of the rasset therof, and 
 dischargis the said prouest, baillies, and communitie of the said toune of 
 Abirdene off thair haill taxatioune befoir writtin, extendand to the sowm 
 of thre hundreith fyfteine poundis, for now and euer, be this my acquit- 
 tance, subscriuit with my hand at Edinburgh, the last day of May, the yeir 
 of God m v c fyfty and sax yeris. Sic subscribitur, 
 
 Rechert Maitland of Lethyngtoune. 
 
 llth July, 1556. 
 
 The said day, the counsell, beand convenit within the consel hovs, de- 
 cernit and ordanit that Alexander Rutherfurd aucht and suld be obeyit 
 and ansarit in tyme cumyng, induring the yeiris of his assedatioune off 
 Sanct Nicholace mett, baith of strengearis and nychtbouris of this toune, 
 lyk as he hes bene in tyme bygane, vse and vont obefor, conform to the aid 
 statut maid thairwpoun. 
 
 18th July, 1556. 
 The said day, the baillies ordanit William Cargyll, in jugement, to pay
 
 300 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 18th July, Alexr. Ruderfurd the dwety of Sanct Nicholas mett, of the quhyt that com 
 hame laytly furth of Danskyn, in ane schip callyt Ly be the Fyir, within 
 xxiiij houris, becaus he confessit that he com souerty for the merchandis 
 thairof to do to the said Alexr., anent the said dwety, all that law wald. 
 
 1th August, 1556. 
 
 The said day, the counsell, being convenit, chesit Gilbert Collisoun col- 
 lector and disponar of the taxatioun of twa hundreth merkis, stentit amang 
 the nychtbouris of this guid townn, and ordains to be gewin ane propyne to 
 the quenis grace, regint and gubernatrice of the realme, at this nixt justice 
 air, twa tonnis of wyne, with spycerie and wax, extending to the sowme of 
 tuenty poundis ; to Monsor Doysy half ane twn of wyne, ane dossain of 
 torchis, and twa dossund bustis of scorchettis ; to the composite uris ane 
 twne of wyne ; to the justice clerk ane punsione of wyne. 
 
 20th September, 1556. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and haill counsell of this guid toune 
 of Aberdene, being convenit in the chepdour of the gray freiris of the said 
 burght, awysand for the wielfair of the same and liberteis therof, and in 
 speciale tovard the frequenting of strangearis, nocht beand fremen of the 
 said burgh, cumand with thair pakkis of Fransche and Flandris wayris to 
 cut and sell in any day, all in ane voce, hes ordanit and ordanis the 
 prouest and bailies to mak presentlie proclamation at the mercat croce, 
 to inhibit all strangearis nocht being fremen of the said burght, that nane 
 of thame tak on hand to cut, sell, or lay furtht any merchandrices of 
 Fransche, Flandris, or Ingland wayris, bot to sell the same in grit to 
 fremen and breither off gild, vnder the pane of fywe lib. the first fait, ten 
 lib. the secund fait, and escheiting of his geir for the third fait, quha beis 
 fundin doand in the contrar, and that the denis of gild to put thir presentis 
 to dew executioun. And as for Scottis wairis, sic as claith, lynning, and 
 woone, and vder smale cremary, to be said and vsit be the hawaris therof 
 on the twa mercat dayis, Veddinsday and Settirday only, conforme to the 
 aid louable statutis of this burgh, maid of befoir and obseruit in all tymes 
 bygane. 
 
 19th October, 1556. 
 The said day, the haill toun being convenit for the maist part, repre-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 301 
 
 sentand the haill body of the toune, grantit and consentit to gyf the quenis 19th October 
 grace and lordis componitouris, at this present iustice air, the sowme of 
 thre hundreth and tuenty markis, for thair componitour to the haill nycht- 
 bouris and inhabitantis of this toune, for small oppressiounis and lycht 
 offencis allanerlie, becaus thai vnderstand thai ar nocht gilty of slauchteris, 
 oppressionis, nor grit crymes, and that thai suld nocht incur the quenis 
 grace vnkyndnes ; and ordanis the sarain to be stentit and tane vp off the 
 inhabitantis within this burght and fredome therof, and to that effect chesit 
 Andrew Lowsoune, Maister Patrik Rutherfurd, Alexr. Menzeis, Thomas 
 Nicholsoun, Alexr. Andersoun, Williame Forbes, and Mr. James Bur- 
 nett, taxtaris, to stent and tax the saidis nychtbouris and inhabitantis, ilkane 
 efferand to thair faculte, pussance, profiit, and substance, quhilkis var 
 sworne therto to do efter thair vnderstanding and knowlege. 
 
 November, 1556. 
 
 The said day, Johnne Blak, cheplane in the queir of the paroche kirk of 
 Abirdeine, and maister of the sang scuyll thairof, exponit to the baillies 
 and ane part of the counsell present for the tym, in jugement, quhow that 
 the haill brethir of the queir and college forsaid, being chepdourlie con- 
 uenit, affermit obefoir, in presens of the prouest, baillies, and haill consell, 
 that thair is certane rowmes and places vacand amangis thame for qualifeit 
 personis, to be resauit and admittit therto be the awyse of the saidis pro- 
 west, baillies, and consell. And the said Schir Johne, in name of the haill 
 brother forsaid, presentit in jugement to the baillies, in name of the towne, 
 Maister Andrew Gray, as ane cunning and qualefeit perseune, to be ad- 
 mittit be thame to ane place amangis the said brethir of the college forsaid, 
 quhome the saidis baillies and consell present for the tyme admittit therto, 
 he keipand dayly and continuall seruice in the said queir, conforme to the 
 first erectioune and institutioune tharof. 
 
 23d November, 1556. 
 
 The said day, the baillies, with consent of the consell present for the 
 tyme, statut and ordanit, that gif ony persoun or party defendar resauis ony 
 articalis of his party aduersar, to mak interrogatouris thairwpoune, and 
 deliueris nocht the same agane to the covrt clerk within xxiiij houris thair- 
 eftir, that the baillies sell exera the witnes producit be the party persewar 
 
 2 Q
 
 302 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 23d November, vpoun the dovble of the articalis, without ony interrogatouris of the party 
 1556. defendar. 
 
 2d January, 1557. 
 
 The said day, the haill taxismen quhilkis hes fischingis and land takkis 
 in few of this guid towne, being lauchtfullie warnit to this day be the 
 officiaris, personale apprehendit, and at thair duelling places, respectiue, 
 and being convenit within the counselhous of the tolbuith for the maist 
 pairt, it wes exponit to thame be Thomas Menzeis, prowest, quhow thair 
 is ane actioun and pley dependand befor the lordis of counsell betuixt cer- 
 tane nychtbouris of this toune, anent certane fyschingis sett be the toun 
 to vtheris personis thane the aid possessoris therof, and that the prouest 
 and baillies ar summoned for thair interes in the said mater, and to produce 
 the townis aid infeftmentis that thai haf of the saidis fyschingis, as the 
 sommondis raisit therupoune at mair lyncht proportis. Quhilk pley hes 
 bene surnteous and werray coistlie ellis to the toune and to the particular 
 partiis, and the pley as yit takin litill effect, quharthrow standis vnkyndnes 
 and inimitie betuix the saidis nychtbouris and thair assistaris, and grit ap- 
 peirance cummeris and dampnageis to succeyd and follow thairupoun, aganis 
 the commoun weill of this guid toune and inhabitantis therof ; and thairfor 
 inquyrit thaim gif thai wald, for extinction of the said pley, ewading of ap- 
 perance, damnagis, cummeris, and expenssis, and for vnioun, concord, and 
 tranquilite to be amangis the saidis nychtbouris and thair assistaris in tyme 
 cuming, obtempir and fulfill the ordinans of the counsell deuysit for the 
 appoynting and finissing of the premisses : that is to say, that euery aid 
 possessour of fyschingis or land, quhome fra the same is sett in few ferme 
 to wtheris, sell haf thair awin agane haldin heretably of the toune, and the 
 new heretabill possessouris therof to renunce the same in the townis handis, 
 to the effect forsaid ; and the saidis new heretabill possessouris to haf and 
 resawe thair awin money, debursit be thame respectiue obefoir, for thair 
 compositioune and interes siluer, fra the aid possessouris forsaid, ac- 
 cepand the same of new heretably in few ferme. And ane compositioun 
 and contributioun to be collectit and wpliftit of the haill wateris and land 
 takkis pertening to the toune, to be disponit and gevin to the resignaris 
 and ourgewaris forsaidis, in recompensatioun of thair skaithis and ex- 
 penssis offering to the rait of the same be the discretioun of the counsell.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 303 
 
 Quhilkis takkismen and possessouris quhais names eftir followis, that is to 2<i January, 
 say, Thomas Menzeis, Alex. Ruderfuird, Gilbert Collisoun, Dauid Mar, 
 Gilbert Menzeis zoungar, Thomas Chawmer, Gilbert Menzeis elder, 
 Maister Patrik Rutherfurd, Alexr. Knowis, Patrik Menzeis, Walter Cul- 
 lane, Gilbert Malisoune, Andrew Lowsoune, Dauid Menzeis, Maister 
 Thomas Menzeis, George Bisset, Thomas Nicholsoun, Alexr. Menzeis, 
 Johnn Lowsoune, Gilbert Knowis, Johnne Knowis, Alexr. Collisoune, 
 Maister Robert Andersoun, Gilbert Kintor zounger, Patrik Leslie, Gil- 
 bert Mar, Alexr. Hay, Alexr. Lowsoune, Alexr. Howesoune, and Andrew 
 Lowsoune younger, as the maist pairt of the saidis takkismen and posses- 
 souris, grantit and consentit to the said ordinance and payment of the said 
 compositioun and contributioun, sua that the same exceyd nocht the sowm 
 of sex scoir poundis, and the forsaid sowme to be stentit and disponit be 
 the maist pairt of the counsell. 
 
 14th Feburary, 1557. 
 
 I do you to wit that this burgh of Abirdene and inhabitantis therof ar 
 lauchtfullie infeft to vmquhile King Robert Bruce, of guid mynd, quhome 
 God assoilzie, and affermit and ratifiit be wmquhile King James the Third, 
 of ane commond fair and fre market, to begyne vpoune the xv day of 
 October, and to induir and continew for xv dais immediatlie thaireftir, 
 quhairfore the prowest, baillies, and counsell hes ordanit to denunce and 
 proclame the said fair ane fre market to be haldyne yeirlie and perpetuallie 
 frathinfurth, to begine vpoune the said xv day of October, and to continew 
 induring xv dais thairefter, conforme to the infeftment forsaid ; quhilkis be 
 thir presentis we deuulgat to be knawin to all and sindrie quhome it efferis. 
 
 2 Is* May, 1557. 
 
 The said day, the secreit counsell vnder writtin dewysit and ordanit Gil- 
 bert Menzeis youngar, to ryde to Edinburgh and meyne to the quenis grace 
 and lordis of secreit counsell the grit exhorbitant chargis, taxatiounes, 
 dampnages, and skaithis, be se and wtherwaise, sustenit be this puir toune 
 of Abirdene and inhabitantis tharof within thir quheyne last immediat yeiris, 
 and of the indigence and powerte thairthrow of the puir commonis therof, 
 and to lawbour and solist to gett reraytt and discharge of ane pairt of this 
 grytt last taxatioune, of the sowme of nyne liundreth fourty fywe lib., gif 
 ony pairt therof, be laubouris and solistatioun, may be gottin remittit be the
 
 304 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 3ist May. occationis forsaid ; and ordanis the said Gilbert to haf for his expenssis the 
 sowme of twenty lib., and the sarain to be debursit and awancit to him be 
 the said secreit counsell in maner following : that is to say, Thomas Men- 
 zeis, prouest, fourty s. ; Gilbert Collisoun, four lib. ; Dauid Mar, fourty 
 s. ; Gilbert Malysoune, fourty m[ ]; George Myddiltoun, xl s. ; Alexr. 
 Ruderfurd, xl s. ; Walter Cullane, xl s. ; Andrew Lowsoune, xl s. ; Alexr. 
 Chawmer, for his fader and himself, xl s. ; quhilk sowmes salbe allocat 
 to thame in the first end, and payment of the said greit taxatioun, with 
 thankfulnes and greit fauour because thai debursit the same for the weill of 
 the toune. 
 
 16th July, 1557. 
 
 The said day, anent the supplicatioune and petitioune gevin be Johnne 
 Ictill and Nicolas Watsoune, Inglismen, for thameselfis and the remanent 
 thair collegis and peirtinaris in jugement, aganis Gilbert Menzeis and cer- 
 tane vtheris his coleggis, for the wrangous staying, retening, and halding 
 of thame selffis and thair two Inglis schippis, off the toune of Whytby, in 
 the quhilkis thai arryvit chargit with fischis to the raid of Abirdene, without 
 ony just querrell or caus, as thai allegit, lyk as in thair said peticioune and 
 bill of complaynt exhibit thairupoune at mair lyntht is contenit ; the saidis 
 Gilbert Menzeis being personalie present, warnit at the instance of the saidis 
 complenaris, and being inquyrit oppinlie in jugement gif he tuik, stayit, and 
 retenit the said Inglismen and thair schippis forsaid, and desyrit his ansuer 
 thairupoune, and the said Gilbert allegit that the saidis prouest and baillies 
 ar nocht iugis compitent to him in this caus, be ressoune it concernis onlie 
 the jurisdictioun of the admiralitie ; and attour, becaus the said Gilbert, as 
 he allegit, tuik and apprehendit the saidis Inglismen within his awin propir 
 landis of Torre, quherof the saidis prouest and baillies hes na jurisdictioune 
 nor power bot him self only, and therfor ar nocht judgis competent to him 
 in this caus ; and protestit tharfor quhat the saidis prouest and baillies de- 
 cernit or decreittit heirintill be nocht prejudiciall nor hurtfull to him ; and 
 vnder the protestatioune forsaid, grantit and confessit the staying, arresting, 
 and taking of the saidis schippis and Inglismen as just prysses and preson- 
 eiris for thir caussis following : In the first, becaus thair is weir presentlie 
 standing betuix this realme and the realme of Ingland, concludit be the 
 quenis grace and the lordis of Scotland, and recentlie deuulgat ; secondlie, 
 gewand and nocht grantand that the weris betuix the realmes of Scotland
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN 305 
 
 and Ingland as yit is nocht deuulgat nor proclamyt of new, nochttheles the 16th July, 
 veir betuix the two realmes standis realie and in effect, becaus this realme 1557 - 
 of Scotland hes contrackit na peace with Ingland sen the proclamatioun of 
 the last weiris, hot ar comprehendit wnder the contract of peace maid be- 
 tuix France and Ingland as frendis and assistaris to the king of France, 
 quhilk band and contract is dissoluit and weir proclamit betuix France and 
 Ingland, and sua our pax, becaus it followit thairupoune, is dissoluit and 
 expirat, and we in the same place we war obefor the contracking of the 
 said peace ; and to the verification!! heirof, euer sen the last proclamatioun 
 of weir betuix France and Ingland thair is sindrie Scottismen and thair 
 schippis, sic as Androw Buik in Aberdene, Duncan Levingstoune and 
 Williame Car in Edinburgh, Williame Trayne in Irvyne, and vtheris, 
 stayit, haldin, spowlzeit, and pillest in Ingland be Inglismen, hawand na 
 vther respect nor caus bot onlie the dissolution of the said contract ; thirdly, 
 the said Gilbert allegis and offeris him to preif that the samin personis of 
 thir Inglis schippis, or at the leist the principallis of thame, tuik his broder, 
 Maister Thomas Menzeis, furth of ane Flemyng schip of Flesing, being in 
 the raid of Harrowage, in the moneth of Merche, in the yeir of God m v c 
 li yeiris, in tyme of peace standing betuix ws and Ingland, he hawand ane 
 sufficient sauf conduct, and tuik and spoilzett the haill guidis of the said 
 schip pertening to him, extending to the valour of nyne hundreith lib. 
 Scottis, and held him selfe in presoune, in the countour callit the Powtrey, 
 in Londone, be the space of xij owlkis, to his vttir heirschip, without ony 
 recompens of redress of geir or expenssis. And for thir caussis afoir reher- 
 sit, and diuerse vtheris ressonable, to be allegit and schawin be him quhen 
 tyme requiris, affermit and grantit the staying, taking, and arresting of the 
 saidis Inglismen, as fyanis and innemeis, and thair schippis forsaid ; vpoun 
 the quhilkis granting and confessioun, maid oppinlie in jugement be the 
 said Gilbert, the saidis prouest and baillies tuik act of court and instrument ; 
 and thai, togidder with the haill nychtbouris and merchandis of this towne 
 that war present, protestit that thai incur na dampnage, dangeir, nor skaith 
 throw the occasioun forsaid ; and gif ony dampnage cumis thairthrow in ony 
 tyme, to cum vpoun the inhabitants of this burgh, that the said Gilbert bo 
 adettit and obleist to vpsett the same, becaus the saidis schippis ar violentlie 
 haldin and stayit be the said Gilbert and his colleggis without ony commis- 
 sioune of the authorite of Scotland, or of ony juge compitent, and na weir 
 as yit proclamit nor denuncit, as the saidis prouest and baillies allegit, and
 
 306 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 ith July, insafar as thai had power and jurisdictioun, gaif fre licence ta the saidis 
 Inglismen to pass and repass with thair schippis and guidis at thair awin 
 plesour. 
 
 5tk November, 1557. 
 
 The said day, the consell dischargit Maister James Chawmer of his 
 stall and place quhilkis he hes atnang the breither and college of the queir 
 of thair parroche kirk of Abirden, because he wes presentit thairto to 
 teyche the barnis of thair grammar scuill as mayster thairof, and hes vo- 
 luntarily left the said cuir, and past in seruice in the new college of Aid 
 Abirden, to be ane regent thairin, and sua hes tint and left the said 
 place, and aucht to haf na rowme, place, nor profit therof in tym cuming, 
 to the quhilkis the haill breithir of the said college consentit and grantit, 
 for the caussis forsaid, being chepdourlie conuenit vpoun the vij [?] day 
 of Nouember instant. 
 
 The said day, the counsell being present for the tym ordanis the soum 
 of four hundreyth merkis, quhilk Walter Cant is obleist and ackit for to 
 the toune, to be applyit and disponit vpon gunnis, pulder, bullatis, and vder 
 munitionis, for defence of this guid toune and reparatioune of thair blok- 
 hows, to resist (gif occasioune occur) the inuasioune of our aid innemeis 
 of Ingland in this trubulowse tym of weir; and the haill counsell war 
 suorne the gryt ayth, be thar handis wphaldin, the holie evangell tuechit, 
 neuer to consent to apply the forsaid soume of momey to na vther vse bot 
 to the effect afoir wrytyn. 
 
 23d November, 1557. 
 
 The said day, the haill counsell, with ane gryt part of the communitie, 
 being present for the tyme, nemmit and chesit Thomas Mengzes, prowest, 
 and Dauid Mar, bailze, commissionaris to ryd to Edinburght, to the par- 
 liament to begyne vpoune the xxix day of Nouember instant ; and ordanis 
 thame to haue commissioune of the toune, to conclud, treit, and appoynt 
 vpoun the mariage of our young quenis grace, and as the maist part of the 
 thre estaitis concludis in parliament to be done for the weill of the realme, 
 and forthir, to conclud vpoun all thingis necessar and neidfull for the corn- 
 mound weill of burrowis and of the haill realme.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 307 
 
 28th November, 1557. 28th Nov. 
 
 The said day, the counsall ordanis ane wryting to be maid and send to 
 the toune of Dundy, that thai cum nocht heir with thair cremary and mer- 
 chandoyce at Sanct Nicolace day, becaus it is nocht fair, bot aganis the 
 prevelege and infeftment of the toune, sua that thai mak nocht trawell heir ; 
 and to be stoppit, with certificatioun that thai sail nocht be sufferit ; and thai 
 to be permittit at the fairis, proclamit, and na wther wais. 
 
 29th November, 1557. 
 
 The said day, the counsell ordanis Walter Cant to delyuer Thomas 
 Menzes, prowest, and Dauid Mar, bailzie, the sowme of thre hundreyth 
 merkis, to be disponit vpoun gunnis, pulder, and bullatis, be thair awise, 
 in Leyth, and to tak thair acquittance theroff, quhilk salbe sufficient dis- 
 charge to him, in payment of the four hundreytht markis that he is actit 
 for the tyme to this toune obefoir ; and als ordanis the said Thomas and 
 Dauid to by fra Martene Balfwir sax picis of arteilzery, vpoun ressonable 
 pricis as thai cane appunct thairupone. 
 
 9th January, 1558. 
 
 The said day, in presens of the haill toune, being warnit, &c., it wes 
 exponit to thame opinlie in jugement, be ane honorable man, Maister Ro- 
 bert Lumisden, quhow that my Lord Erll of Huntly hes direckit him to 
 raak requeist to the provest, bailies, counsell, and haill communite of this 
 gud toune, to suffir and tollerat Wm. Lesly, sone and apperand air to ane 
 honorabil man, Johnne Lesly of Balquhane, to occupy the townis landis of 
 Ardlar, without premunitioune to be mayd to him, and the occupyars 
 thairof to remuif thairfra induring the townis will, the said William makand 
 to thaim guid and thankfull payment of the aid maill tharof, yeirlie and 
 termly, in tym cumyng, sa lang as he occupyis the same ; and findan re- 
 sponsall burgess men of this burght cautionars and souerteis thairfor, and 
 for pament of the sowme of [ ], restand awand to 
 
 the toune of byrun mailis thairof, at sic resonabill termes and dais as the 
 counsell will assing to him for payment tharof. And the haill communite 
 of the said burght being particularlie, euery man be himself, votit and in- 
 quyrit thairupoun, be the ordour of the suit rol, all maneir of persone re- 
 fusit allanerlie to gif the said William Leslie ony tytill, tak, tolleranss, or 
 intres to the saidis landis ; bot the same to be sett in tak to tennonts, lau-
 
 308 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 9th January, borars of the ground, haldan and followand the pleucht with thair awin 
 hands, to be haldyn immediatlie of the toune, for payment of sic raayll 
 and dwety as the toune as thai sell condiscend and appunct thairupoune ; 
 and na lord, laird, nor burgess to haf ony tak nor intres thairto, bot onlie 
 the laborars of the ground with thair awyne hands, as said is, conforme to 
 the act and ordinance raayd be the haill toune thairupoune obefoir, quhilk 
 thai var suorn and oblist to obserff, as the said act purports, of the dayt 
 the sevint day of October, the yeir of God j m v c xlvij yeirs : and of new 
 affirmit, ratifeit, approvit the said act and ordinans, and the contentis 
 thairof to stand in effect and valour perpetualie in all tyme to cum, and 
 neuer to violat nor abrogat the samen, be coverit craft, ingin, nor color, 
 frathinfurtht, under the paine of periurie, infamite, and inhabilite. Neuer- 
 theles Thomas Menzes, prouest, Maister Robert Lumysden, Alexr. Ru- 
 therfurd, Alexr. Lyoune, and James Leslie, grantit and consentit that the 
 tennentis that presentlie laubowris the saids lands be sufferit occupy the 
 samen (without premunitioune to be maid) induring the towniss will, thai 
 findan cautionars in this toune for thankfull payment of thair maill, yeirlie 
 and termlie, sa lang as thai sell be sufferit occupy the same, and siclik for 
 payment of the byrun maylis, restand awand to the toune alwais ; the said 
 act and ordinans neuer to be violat nor brokin, bot to stand in effect per- 
 petualie in all tym cuming. 
 
 26th January, 1558. 
 
 The said day, the belmane, &c., warnit all the haill toune to conveyne 
 this day in the tolbuith for sic affairis as accurrit for taxatioun of the 
 taxt now set therwpoune be our souerane lady, and thairefter the prouest 
 and baillie, with the maist pairt of the towne, being convenit, nominat the 
 fywe personis vnder wrytine to set the taxatioun forsaid, and requyrit thame 
 to ressaue the aytht, and to taxt the inhabitantis of this burght. And the 
 provest and baillies causit the officiaris to gif thame charge to accept the 
 samyne ; and gif thai did nocht, that the danger that followis thairupone 
 be imput to thame. And the saidis personis refuisit and wald nocht accept 
 the said charge on thame, and thairfor the saidis prowest and baillies pro- 
 testit that thai incur the danger and skayth that followis thairupoune. 
 Taxtaris: Alexander Rutherfurd, Gilbert Malysone, Thomas Branche, 
 Gilbert Collysone, Walter Cullane.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 309 
 
 2lst April, 1558. 2ist April, 
 
 Thir ar the personis nemmit be the haill toune to stent, ilk man of walour 
 of xl lib. in guidis to be wnder the said stent, to furneis vageris extranearis 
 to the nummer of ane hundreytht men, to be haldyne be the inhabitantis of 
 this burght, viz., ilk man eftir his substans : Maister Patrik Rutherfurd, 
 Johnne Lowsoun, Johnne Tullideff, Maister Thomas Synne, Alexander 
 Knowis ; quhilkis personis war all sworne to the effect forsaid, except 
 Alexr. Knowis, vpone quhome the provest and baillies ..... 
 
 May, 1558. 
 
 The said day, James Allane and Mariorie Bryane, his spous, wer con- 
 vickit, and put in amerciament of court, for the strublens, striking, and bla 
 making of Mariorie Pattoun, induellar of Monymusk, vnder sylens of nycht, 
 within the toune of Futte, and for the wrangous reiffing and away taking 
 fra hir of ane plyd, ane pettioitt, twa curclus, ane collar, ane bukram ap- 
 prowne, ane stomak, ane preyne cod, and xvj d. thairin ; and the baillies 
 ordanit thame to restoir the said geir within xxiiij houris, and thair feit to 
 be fetterit and haldine in the goif stoikis xxiiij houris, and thairefter the 
 amendis to be modifeit be the consell. 
 
 1st July, 1558. 
 
 The said day, the baillies decernit and decreittit that Mr. Johnne Reid, 
 cheplane of Sanct Katherinis cheppell, situat within the burght of Abir- 
 dene, vpoun Sanct Katherinis hill, hes provin sufficientlie that the passage 
 and commond vennall that passis to the said cheppell, furtht of the Schip- 
 raw at the eist part, be aid vse and wont, vnto the Grene at the wast pairt ; 
 vpoune the quhilkis his predecessouris obtenit ane decreit obefor aganis 
 Johnne Chalmer, extendit be aid vse and wont to fywe fuittis, quhairby tua 
 men gangand togider mycht easaly pas and repass to and fra the said 
 cheppell, and siclyk ane horse with ane laid at the narrowest pairt of the 
 said passage, and was oppine and patent aboun and vndernetht, redy to all 
 our soverane ladeis leigis that wald resort and hant to the said cheppell and 
 (be that passage fra the Shipraw) to the Grene in tymis bygane, past 
 memour of man ; quhill the said Johnne Chalmer maid impediment thairto, 
 conforme to the decreit geivin thairupoune obefoir, of the dait the fyft day 
 of Junii, the yeir of God j v c xlij yeiris ; and ordanis the officiaris to put 
 the said decreit to dew executioune, conforme to our soverane ladyis lettres 
 
 2 R
 
 310 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1st July, direct to the provest and baillies thairvpoune, the said Johnne Chalmer 
 being lauchtfully warnit to all the dyettis and tennis of the process of this 
 pley. 
 
 6th September, 1558. 
 
 The said day, in presens of Thomas Nicolsoune, ane of the bailies of 
 the burt of Aberdeen, and witnes vnder wrytten, compeirit Martyne 
 Michaelsoune and Herman Geriesoun, indwellaris of the toune of Fleshing, 
 in Zeland, and obleist thame selffs, coniunctlie and seallie, and for bay*, 
 and bay 1 , forane, thair bodies, landis, guids, to content and thankfullie pay 
 to Johne Tullidaf, burgis of Abirden, or his factours within the toune of 
 Campheir, in Zeland, the soume of twa hundryt four scoir and fywe cronis 
 of the sonne, or thane the wallow thairof, betuix the dait of thir presents 
 and the fest of Sanct Martyne nyxt to cum, and that for the ransoume of 
 Halbert Jansoen, duelland in grit bruik, in Holland, quha layas pledge 
 to the said Jhonne for the said soume, for the said Halbart and his colleggs, 
 quhilk Halbart the said Marten and Herman grantit thayme instantlie to 
 haf resauit, intromettit, and accepit in guid haill, prowiding alwayis that 
 gif the saidis Martyne and Herman bringis and delyueris to the said Jhonne 
 or his factours, at the day forsaid, ane sufficient testemonie of the toune of 
 Hamburt, under the seall thairof, that Jacop Selmor or Dauid Maill, burgis of 
 Hamburt, or any ane of thame, hes gottin and resauit payment of the forsaid 
 sowme of fourten scoir and fywe cronis of the soune, or the wallow thairof, 
 in name and behalf of the said Jhone Tullydaf, to be furtcumand to hyme, 
 in that case the saids Martyne and Herman to be fre and exonerat of pay- 
 ment of the said soume, notwithstanding this obligatioune. And falzeing 
 of payment of the soume forsaid at the day afoir reheirsit, or thane deluiuir 
 the said testemonie at the samyn day, the said Martyne and Herman obliss 
 thame, coniunctlie and seallie, in maner forsaid, to restoir and delyuer the 
 said Halbert to the said Jhonne Tullydaff, in als guid haill as he is now, 
 within the toune of Abirden, betuix this and Zule nixt to cum ; and failzeing 
 thairof, to stand dettor to hyme for the said sowme afoir reheirsit, befor 
 thir witnes : William Forbes, Patrik Gray, George Kenadie, with utheris 
 dyueris. 
 
 The said day, in presens of Thomas Nicolson, baize, Martyn Michael- 
 sone, skipper of the Flissing schip, grantit and confessit that he resauit in
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 311 
 
 his said ship, in Zeland, tua punseonis of alme, with certane uther mer- 6th September, 
 
 chandrises fra Jhone Smyt, to be deliuerit to Andrew Buk in Abirdene, 1558 - 
 
 and that the said Andrew hes gottin and resauit hot ane punseoune of the 
 
 said alme and tenne pound weicht of the wther punseoun, and xlix bollis 
 
 and ane half boll of gryt salt allauerly, with tua pounds of wat saifroune, 
 
 and spilt with salt watt, and ane hot of wyne seek, quhilk inlaykit the third 
 
 pairt thairof ; and siclik Zegyr Jansoun, seruand to the said Jhone Smyt, 
 
 affermit and grantit the same, upoune the quhilkis the said Andrew tuk act 
 
 of court and instrument. 
 
 The said day, Martyn Michaelsoune, skipper of the Flissin ship, grantit 
 and confessit him to haf resauit in his said ship, fra Androw Buk, four lasts 
 of salmond, and the rest of his said shippis laidning in skynnis, to be de- 
 liuerit to Johnne Smyt, in Flissing, in presens of Thomas Nicolson, baize. 
 
 1st October, 1558. 
 
 The said day, the counsell ordanis the thesaurar to deliuer Maister 
 George Myddiltoun, baize, tene pounds for his expensess in ryding to Edin- 
 burt, to convene witht the remanent commissionars of burrowis, conform 
 to his commissioune gawyn hym thairupoune. 
 
 3d October, 1558. 
 
 The said day, Maister George Myddiltoun presentit our souerane ladyis 
 letters impetrat be hym, and be virtu of the quhilkis William Barclay, 
 messinger and shiref in that pairt, dischargit the prowest and bailies, coun- 
 sell and communitie of Abirdene, of all chesing of the said Maister 
 George in the office of balzerie, or ony wther office within the said burght, 
 during the space of thre yeirs immediately folloving the fest of Sanct 
 Michaell, in the yeir of God j m v c fyfty and aucht yeirs, and of thair offices 
 in that pairt, in the meyntyme, for certane causis contenit in the saids 
 lettres. And the prowest, bailies, counsell, and communite soliscit the 
 said Maister George to accept the said office of balzerie for this ane yeir, 
 and grantit and consentit that his saids letters be obeyt and obtemperat at 
 the nixt fest of Sanct Michaell, and haf wynt for thre yeirs thaireftir fol- 
 lowing, of the quhilks letters the tenor eftir followis. 
 
 Marie, be the grace of God, queyne of Scottis, to our louitts William
 
 312 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 3d October, Barclay, Jhone Bessat, [ ] our shireffs in that pairt, conuinctlie 
 
 and sealie specialie constitut gretting : Forsaraekil as be the informatione 
 of our louit Maister George Myddiltoune, ane of the bailies of our burght 
 of Abirden, it is understandit to wit, that the prowest, bailies, counsell, and 
 communite thairof hes chosin hyme in ane of the baillies of the samyn thir 
 thre syndrye yeiris last bypast, quhair throw he hes bene subiect to con- 
 tinuall depending upoune the serwis in the said office within the said burght 
 during the said space, [ ] and grit charge and expensis, and doand 
 
 na proffiet to hyme selff be his industre and cheng, quhilk he myt have usit 
 outwith our said burght in the meyne tyme, quhar, bye the actis of our par- 
 liament it is expreslie providit that all our officiaris within our burrowis 
 salbe chengit yeirle, and swa he aucht not to be contenuit in the said office 
 langar nor the space of ane yeir ; and the said Maister George hes nocht 
 land rents within our said burght, but lewis be his industrie furtht of the 
 samyn ; and thair is not sic lak of qualifiet men within our said burght, that 
 of necessitie the said Maister George behauit to be contenwit samonye 
 yeris in the said office, quhar thro it appeiris that his contenwance hes pro- 
 cedit mair of his skaytht nor ony zeill of the comand weil ; in respect of the 
 quhilks premisses, we exem and discharge the said Maister George all beir- 
 ing of the office of ballierie, or ony uthir office within our said burght, for 
 als monye yeiris nixt, eftir the fest of Mechelmes nixt to cum, as he buir 
 the said office of ballierie within the saym, in tymes precedand the said fest, 
 vizt., be the space of thre yeiris. Our will is heirfor, and we charge you 
 stratlie, and commandis, that incontinent thir our letters zene, ye pass, and 
 in our nayme and auctorite, discharge the prowest, bailies, counsell, and 
 communite of our said burght of Abirden, of all chessing of the said Maister 
 George, in bailie or ony uthir office within our said burght, during the said 
 space of thre yers nixt following the said fest of Mechalmes nixt to cum, 
 and of thair office in that pairt in the raeyne tyme. The quhilk to do we 
 commit to you, conuinctlie and severallie, our full power be thir our letters, 
 delyuering thaim be you duelie execut, and indorsat agan to the berrer. 
 Gewin under our signet, and subscrivit be our derrest ^moder the quene 
 dourrar and regent of our realme, at Edenburght, the xix of Julij, and of 
 our regne the saxtene yer. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, bailies, counsell, and communite, eleckit and 
 nominat Maister George Myddiltoune, baize, thair commissionar, to ryd to
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 313 
 
 Edinburgh!, and thair to coneyne with the remanent commissionars of the 3d October. 
 burrovis of Scotland, conforme to the wryting send to this toun fra the 1558 - 
 prowest, bailies, and counsell of Edinburght, to consult and advyiss in fynd- 
 ing of the maist easy way and remeid anent the hurt imput on the bur- 
 rowis to pay the taxatioune of viij pounds usuall money of Scotland to our 
 soverane lady the quenis grace, (quhom God comfort and preserff,) grantit 
 to hir maieste be the mowther estaytis, without adwyiss, calling, or consent 
 of the estayt of burgesses, to the hurt of thair antient liberte and priuelege, 
 quhilk thai haf had past memore of man, and to prowyd reformatioune and 
 remeid thairintill, gif the samen may be had with the adwiss of the rema- 
 nent commissionars forsaid ; and ordanis ane commissioun to be gewin the 
 said Maister George thairupoun, under the townis commoun seill. 
 
 1th October, 1558. 
 
 The said day, the counsell consentit and grantit to Mr. Johnne Blak, 
 maister of thair sang scuile, ane yeirlie pensioune of tuenty tua merkis usuall 
 money of Scotland for his guid and continuall seruice to be done daily in the 
 queir of thair proche kirk, in the menteinning of Godds [service], and for the 
 lernning and instructioune of the barinss of thir sang scuill, induring all the 
 daiss of his lyftyme, as selbe contenit in his gyft to be maid thairupoun, 
 under the tovnis common seall at mair lyntht ; of the quhilk the tenur eftir 
 followis : Be it kend till all men be thir present letters, vs prowest, bailies, 
 counsell, and communite of the burght of Abirdene : Forsamekill as we 
 wnderstand the gud and continuall seruice done till ws be our louit seruitor 
 Sir Johnne Blak, choristar in our queir of our proche kirk of Abirdene, and 
 raaister of the myd lettroun thairof, and of our sang scuill, in the mentein- 
 ing and uphalding of Goddis seruice in our said proche kirk, to the honor 
 and gloir of God ; and siclik understanding his diligent cair and laubours 
 tane be hym in the instructioune and lernyng of the barins of our said sang 
 scuill, sua that his laubowris ar be the fruit thairof notovrlie knawin till us. 
 Thairfor, and for wthir ressonabill caussis and considerationis mowing us, 
 we haf gewin, grantit, and disponit, and be thir presentis gewis, grantis, 
 and disponis to the said Sir Johnne ane yeirlie pensioune of tuenty tua 
 merks usuall money of Scotland, to be payt to hym of our comound gud 
 be our thesaurar or den of gild for the tyme, at tua usuall termes in the 
 yeir, Wytsonday and Mertimes, be tua equall portionis yeirlie, induring all
 
 314 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 7th October, the dais and termes of the said Sir Johnnis lyftyra, his entre thairto to be 
 and begin at the fest of Sanct Mertyn nixt to cum, in the yeir of God j m v c 
 fyfty and aucht yeirs, and thaireftir to continew in peciabill josing and 
 bruiking of the same, but interuptioune or impediment induring the space 
 forsaid, provyding alwyss that the said Sir Johnne remanent personaly with 
 us in our said seruice of queir and scuyll, and continew in his diligentt at- 
 tendans and cair thairof as he dois presentlie (saiffand the impediment of 
 intirmite or inhabilite of person) induring all the dais of his lyf ; and we 
 bind and obleiss ws and our successors to warrand the said yeirlie pensioune 
 of tuenty tuo merks money forsaid to the said Sir Johnne, for the causses 
 abowne exprimyt, induring all the daiss and termes of his lyftyme. Be this 
 our letter of gyft and donatioune, to the quhilks we haf affixit our commound 
 seall at Abd., the sewint day of October, the yeir of God j m v c fyfty and 
 aucht yeirs. 
 
 8th October, 1558. 
 
 The said day, in presens of the prowest, bailies, and counsell of 
 Abirdene, conuenit in the chepdour howss within the proche kirk of 
 the said burght, the hayll cheplanis of the said kirk consentit and 
 grantit to gyf to Rechert Reid, singar, the commounds of the stall now 
 vacand, quhilk Maister James Chowmer had obefor the tym he wes 
 maister of thair grammar scuill, and ordanis Maister Eduard Menzes, 
 collector, to ansuer the said Rechert thairof of all termes bygane, sen the 
 said stall and place was found vacand ; and the counsell forsaid obleist 
 thaim to stand, concur, and assist with the saids cheplaniss in the defens 
 of the pley mowit be the said Maister James for his pretendit tytill of the 
 said stall, befor quhatsumeuer juge, spirituall and temporall. 
 
 October, 1558. 
 
 The sayd day, the prowest, baillies, and counsell devysit and ordanit 
 that all personis that ar mayd fremeand i burgessis of this gud toune, 
 remaning in landward and wder wais quher, sell cum at the fest of Wyt- 
 sounday nixt cumis, with thair wiffis, bairnis, and howshald, gif thai ony 
 haf, to this burght, and mak actuall residens thairin, and scott, lot, walk, 
 and ward, conforme to thair aith, wnder the pane of tynsell of thair fre- 
 dome, and all takkis, fewis, profytts, and priuileges that thai haf of this
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABEEDEEN. 315 
 
 gud toune ; and ordanit the samin to be deuulgat and proclamit the morne, 2ist October. 
 quhilk is principall mercat day of the oulk, opinly at the mercat croce, sua 1558 - 
 nane pretend ignorans of this statut, with certification as effers. 
 
 4th January, 1559. 
 
 The said day, the haill toune being warnit, &c., it wes exponit to thame 
 be the baillies, be the speche of Dauid Mar, and of the baillies forsaid, and 
 thesaurar of this guid toune, eleckit for this present yeir, quhow that 
 certane strangearis, and sura nichtbours and induellaris of this burght, 
 hes enterit to the blak freiris and quhyt freiris of this town, and spulzeit 
 thair places, and takin away the gere and gudis of the samen, witht the 
 tyramar wark and insicht, togidder with the leid of the kirkis, and now 
 ar enterit upoun the ruiffis of the kirkis and biggings, and takand away 
 the sklayttis, tymrair, and stanis thairof, applyand the samen to thair awin 
 particular uses ; and inquirit the toune gif thai thocht it expedient to pre- 
 serue the saidis tymmir, sklattis, and stanis, and the samen to be intro- 
 mittit and applyit to the commond warkis of the toune, for the comond 
 weill and utilitie thairof, togidder with the croftis, landis, and emolimentis 
 that belangit the saidis freiris, and the profyttis thairof to be applyit to 
 the commond weill of the toune, and specialy for the furthsettin of Goddis 
 glory, and his trew word and prechours thairof, and that the toune ma 
 be the moir habill to concur and assist for the defence of the libertie of 
 the realme, expelling of strangeris, and suppressing of ydolatrye, and 
 requyrit thaim opinly to declair thair myndis, and conclud quhat thai 
 thocht expedient to be done heirintill. Quhilkis all in ane voce, that war 
 present, except Gilbert Collisone, consentit and assentit that the said 
 Dauid Mar, baize and thesaurar of the toun, suld intromet with the saidis 
 sklayttis, tymmer, and stanis, in name and behalf of the toun, and siclyk 
 to intromett, eir, laubour, and occupy the croftis that belangit the saidis 
 freirs, or sett the sam to lauboraris in tak and assedatioune in the townis 
 name, and the haill profittis of the sam to be applyit in the townis uses, 
 for the commond weill thairof, furth setting of Goddis glorie, and men- 
 tening of his word, and defens of the liberte of the realme, ; and that no 
 particular persone nor personis be sufferit to intromett with the same, nor 
 na part thairof, frathefurtht ; and ordanis publict proclamationis to be 
 maid opinly at the mercat cors heirupone as effeirs, and oblist thaim to 
 releif the said Dauid Mar of all dangeir and damnage that ma follow heir-
 
 316 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 4th January, upone. Extract de libro actorum curie balliuorum burgi de Abd. per me 
 scribam eiusdem subscript. 
 
 8th January, 1559. 
 
 The sayd day, Dauid Mar, baize and thesaurar of this gud toun, eleckyt 
 for this instant yeir, exponit to the haill toune opynlie in jugement, quhow 
 thai obefor thocht expedient, and devysit that the sklayttis, tymmir, and 
 stanis of the blak freirs and the quhit freirs that ar in place onspoulzet, 
 suld be introtnettit witht be him, and applyit to the commound warkis of 
 the toune, upoun the quhilks he culd nocht continewally await, quharthrow 
 thair wald inlayk mekill thairof, without diligent attendance war takin 
 thairto, and requyrit the toune to cheis four personis to awayt on the doun 
 taking and keyping of the samen on the townis expensiss, qubilt thai all 
 thocht expedient to be done ; and alsua ordanit the said thesaurer to intro- 
 raett with the croftis and howsiss belangand to the saids freirs, and apply 
 the mailis and profyttis thairof in the use of the toun, for the commound 
 weyll thairof. 
 
 The said day, Gilbert Menzes, youngar, procurator for Thomas Menzes 
 of Petfodellis, prouest of this gud toune, his father, and for him selff, 
 Gilbert Menzes eldar, Maister Thomas Menzes, Gilbert Collisone, Alexr. 
 Chawmer, and Symon Burnat, dissentit to the doun taking of the said 
 religiovs places, and applying of ony part in the townis effeyrs, becaus the 
 same is contrar the mynd of the authorite and manifest tressoune ; and 
 protestit for tham selffis and thair adherentis, that quhat dangeir and 
 damnage cumis thair throw on this burght and inhabitants thairof, that thai 
 be saythles and mair no preiudice, bot that the committaris of the cryme 
 ansuer for the deid. 
 
 The said day, the bailies protestit in jugement that the protestatioune 
 aboune wrytin be of na effect nor valor, becaus the saids personis maid no 
 resistance at the begynning, nor requyrit the bailies to concur with thaim 
 for resisting, and protestit gif ony accusatioune cumis for the distroing 
 of ony kirk or place in tym cuming, that all thai quhom thai ma proff to 
 haf intromettit witht ony part tharof be accusabill for the same, and ansuer 
 thairfor as participant thairof, nochtwithtstanding ony protestatioun maid be 
 thaim in the contrar, be ressoun the provest is principall of the toun, and
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 317 
 
 maid no resistens, nor yit did requyr thaim to concur witht hym thairto as 8th January. 
 thai allegit. 1559 - 
 
 The said day, the haill toune ordanis the four personis, quhilkis war 
 nominat be the counsell obefor, that is to say, Gilbert Collison, Maister 
 George Myddiltoune, Gilbert Menzes eldar, and Gilbert Malysoune, to 
 intromett and resayf in thair keiping the chalices, siluer wark, and orna- 
 ments of thair proche kirk, quhill the toune consultit quhat war expedient 
 to be done thairwitht, to be warnit to compeir befor the toune on Fredday 
 nixt cumis in thair gild court, to exhibit the said siluer wark, and restoir 
 the same to the toune, to be applyit in the uses of the toun, for the corn- 
 mound weill thairof, witht dew intimatioune, gif thai compeyrit nocht, the 
 baillies, with the adwiss of the toune, wald decerne heirintill, for the weill 
 of the toune, as thai thocht expedient, and presentlie warnit in jugement 
 apud acta Gilbert Menzes, Gilbert Collisone, and Gilbert Malison, per- 
 sonalie to compeir the said day, with certificatioune as effeiris. 
 
 12th January, 1559. 
 
 The said day, Dauid Mar, baize and thesaurar of this guid toune, in 
 name and behalf of the haill toune, being conuenit in thair gild court, de- 
 syrit Gilbert Menzes eldar, Gilbert Collisoun, Maister George Myddil- 
 toune, and Gilbert Malyson, quhilkis war eleckit and nominat be the coun- 
 sell obefor to intromett and keyp the siluer wark and ornamentis of thair 
 proche kirk obefor, to restoir and deliuer the same to the toune, that thai 
 mycht do thairwitht as thai thocht expedient for the commond weill of the 
 toune ; quhilkis personis confessit and grantit that thai resauit be deliuerans 
 of the counsell the siluer wark, kapis, and ornamentis of the said proche 
 kirk in keyping, contenit in ane inuitor subscrywit be Maister Robert 
 Lumysden and be Maister Johnn Kennedy, scrib of the toun, and gyff the 
 counsell, in semlabill way conuenit, wald decerne thaim to restoir the same 
 to thame quhom fra thai resauit the cuir and keiping thairof, thai offeirit 
 thaim glaidlie to obey the ordinans of the counsell ; and the prowest and 
 bailies ordanit the haill counsall to be warnyt to be conuenit in the coun- 
 sell hous the morne at nyne hours, to consult and conclud in the premisses, 
 and warnyt so mony of the counsell as war present in jugement, with inti- 
 matioun as effers. 
 
 2 s
 
 318 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 12th January, The said day, Thomas Menzes, pro west, exponit opinlie in jugement, in 
 presens of the haill toune, quhow in thair last heid court, haldin the viij day 
 of Januar instant, he being absent of the toune excersing his lesum bessenes, 
 quhilk necessite of tym requyrit him to do, the bailies and maist part of the 
 toune hes maid certane publict ordinances contrar the commound weill of 
 this burght, and repugnand to the will of the authorite, specialy anent the 
 dvune taking of the religiows places, and applying of the sklayttis, tymmir, 
 and stanis thairof in the commound usis of the toune, and siclik to bestow 
 and employ the townis commound guid on the sustentatioun of certane 
 prechers ; quhilkis ordinances, as he allegit, ar direct contrar the commound 
 weill of this guid toune, and contrarius to the will of the authorite : first, in 
 respect that the begynning of the said distructioune and dissipatioun of the 
 saidis places wes done be certan particular personis, sum extranears and 
 sum dwelling within the toune, quharof the haill communite wes nocht par- 
 ticipant, bot for the maist part war innocent and fre of the said cryme ; and 
 gyff the bailies and toune wald continew and compleit the distructioune be- 
 gun by wthers, and employ the residew of the saidis places in the towniss 
 usis, the haill toun vald be reput art and part, and participant of the said 
 crym, and stand wnder the accusatioune of the authorite thairfor, to the 
 gryt hurt, damnage, and detriment of this burght, and the puir innocent 
 burgessis thairof; secundlie, the sayds prechers war tollerat be permis- 
 sioune of the authorite, quhar and quhow thai plesit, quhill the tent day of 
 Januar instant, be ane contract and appunctment maid betuix the quenis 
 grace and the principalis of the congregatioun, eftir the said tent day is dis- 
 soluit and expyrit, and that the toune aucht nocht to mak expenssis on the 
 sustentatioun of precheors, bot the bischop aucht to mak the same, and find 
 us sufficient precheors quha resauis his duety thairfor, and sua to employ 
 the townis commound gude in sic waiss is contrar the commond weill of the 
 toune, and aucht nocht to be allowit to the auditors of the townis compts ; 
 thairfor the said Thomas Menzes, prowest, for himself and his adherentis, 
 dissentit to all distructioune and dissipatioun of the saids kirks and places, 
 and applying of the same or ony part thairof in the uses of the toune, and 
 siclik of employing or bestowing of the townis commound gud or ony part 
 thairof on the saids precheors ; and he, as prowest, inhibit Dauid Mar, 
 thesaurar, to deliuer ony money or mak expenssis on the said precheors of 
 the emoluments of the toune ; and protestit solemptly that he and his ad-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 319 
 
 herentis be nocht reput art, part, nor participant of the saidis crymes, nor 12th January, 
 incur danger, damnage, nor skayth thairfor in tym cuming; upoun the 
 quhilks he tuk act and instrument, in presens of the haill toune. 
 
 The said day, Gilbert Menzes youngar, Gilbert Menzes elder, Gilbert 
 Collysoune, Maister George Myddiltoune, Maister Thomas Menzes, Alexr. 
 Chalvmer, Andrew Lesly, Andrew Buk, Patre Lesly, Androw Huntar, 
 Dauid Collisoune, Maister James Burnat, Maister Robert Chawmer, and 
 Maister Androw Mathow, and Walter Cullan elder, allegit thaimselfs, for 
 the maist part, was absent fra the last heid court doyng thair lesum bisse- 
 nes, and knew nocht of the publict ordinances anent the doun taking of ony 
 kirks or places, and thairfor adherit to the protestatioun maid be the pro- 
 west and affermyt the same, protestand in lyk maneyr for thaimselfs parti- 
 cularly ; on the quhilks thai and ilka of thaim tuk act and instrument, in 
 presens of the haill toune. And attour, the saids Gilbert Menzes youngar, 
 Maister George Myddiltoune, and Alexr. Chamer, allegit thai had 
 certan crofts in tak and assedatioune pertening to blak freirs and quhyt 
 freirs of this burght respectiue, as thair assedationis bairis ; and protestit 
 quhat ordinans beis maid or hes beine maid be the commonis or be the coun- 
 sell of this burght in thair absens, anent the saids crofts, be nocht hurtfull 
 nor preiudiciall to thair rychts, and that thai ma haf remeid of law of quhat- 
 sumeuir personis that mellis or intrometts thairwitht induring thar taks ; 
 apoun the quhilks thai tuk act of court and instruments. 
 
 13th January, 1559. 
 
 The said day, the haill toune, being conuenit togider in the counsell 
 houss, (except Patre Menzes being absent,) all in ane voce, deuysit and or- 
 danit that Gilbert Menzes elder, Gilbert Collison, Maister George Myddil- 
 toune, and Gilbert Malyson, keipars of the siluer wark, kaipis, and orna- 
 mentis of the proche kirk, quhilk thai resauit in keyping obefor be deliuerans 
 of the provest and counsell, to restoir the samen agane to the saids pro- 
 west and counsell, quha of new nominat Maister Patre Ruderfurd, Alexr. 
 Knowis, Johnne Lowsoun, and Gilbert Malyson to haf the keiping of the 
 said siluer wark and ornamentis, conform to the inuitour subscry wit obefor ; 
 quhilkis personis accepit the cuir and keyping thairof on tham, ay and quhill 
 thai be decernit be the provest and counsell to restoir the same, and band 
 and obleist thaim, and ilka of thaim, thair airs, executors, and assignaiss,
 
 320 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th January, conjunctlie and seueralie, to restoir the same, conforme to the inuitor, at 
 the ordinans of the prowest and counsell, quhen thai think tyme, and obleissis 
 thaim to gif ane just inuitor of thair ressait, subscrywit witht thair handis, 
 quhilks being deliuerit to thaim, the said four first keiparis ar dischargit 
 thairof be the counsell frathynfurtht. 
 
 We, Maister Patre Ruderfurd, Alexr. Knowis, Johnne Lowson, and 
 Gilbert Malyson, burgessis of Abirdene, grantis to haf resawit, be the 
 handis of Gilbert Menzeis eldar, Gilbert Collison, Maister George Myddil- 
 toune, and the said Gilbert Malyson, burgessis of the said burght, at com- 
 mand and ordinans of the prowest and haill counsell, the gryt eucharist 
 chalices and siluer wark, togidder witht the kappis and ornamentis wnder 
 specifit of Sanct Nicolas kirk of Abirdene, in keyping ; quhilk we obleissis 
 ws to restoir to the saidis prowest and counsell, convenit in sameabill 
 maneir as thai war be thar ordinans, quhen thai requyre us thairfor, to the 
 quhilk we bind and obleissis our airs, executoris, and assignais, coniunctlie 
 and seueralie, lelye and treuly, but fraud or gyill. Heir followis the in- 
 uitor of the said siluer wark and ornamentis : Item, inprimis, the eucharyst, 
 of four pound and two unce of siluer ; item, ane chalice of our lady of pity 
 in the wowlt, nyntene unce ; item, our lady chalice of the sowth yill, nyn- 
 tene vnce and ane quart vnce ; item, Sanct P3teris chalice, fyftene vnce 
 and ane half wnce : item, tuo pair of censuris, of tretty aucht wnce, togidder 
 witht four crowattis and ane litill schip of saxtene vnce and ane half; item, 
 ane chalice of Sanct Johnne the Ewangelist, thretty unce and ane half 
 vnce; item, the hospitall chalice, sewintene vnce and ane half; item, our 
 lady chalice of brig cheppell, tuenty unce ; item, Sanct Duthakis chalice, 
 twelf wnce and ane quarter wnce ; item, Sanct Nicolas chalice, thretty 
 nyne vnce and ane half vnce ; item, Sanct dementis chalice, tene vnce 
 and ane quart vnce ; item, the Ruid chalice, saxten vnce, all of siluer ; item, 
 ane keipe, ane chesabill, witht two tynnakillis, haill fournist with reid weluet, 
 flourit and indentit with gold ; item, ane kaip of fyne claytht of gold ; 
 item, ane kaip of claytht of gold, fresit with reid veluott ; item, ane kaip 
 and chesapill, witht tynnakillis, haill furnist of gold, fresit on grene veluott ; 
 item, two keipis of reid veluott, orpheist with gold. At Abd., the xv 
 day of Januar, the yeir of God ane thowsand fywe hundretht fyfty and 
 nyne yeirs, befor thir witnes : Maister Thomas Menzeis, Alexr. Chaw- 
 mer, William Robertson, goldsmycht, Wm. Barclay, Sir Johnne Collison,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABEEDEEN. 321 
 
 Dauid Collison, Sir William Walcar, and Maister Johnne Kennedy, notar 13th January, 
 publict, witht vder diuerss. 
 
 19 th January ) 1559. 
 
 The said day, the proves! and bailies ordanit the four officiars to pass 
 with Sir Johnn Collisoun, cheplane of our lady altar, situate within the 
 proche kirk of Abirdene, quhais gift and donatioune thairof perteins to 
 the patronage and dispositioune of this gud toune as patrons thairto, and 
 poynd and distrenze for all annuell rents awand to the said cheplane of thre 
 termes immediatly bygane, conforme to his rentall, and to mak him to be 
 payit thairof incontinent, sa far as restis awand, without forther delay. 
 
 23d January i 1559. 
 
 The said day, the haill counsell ordanis Gilbert Menzes zoungar, maister 
 of the blokhous and keipar of the townis artilzerie, to make the samen 
 reddy and patent to the thesaurar of this gud toune, to the effect that the 
 artilzery ma be sene, clengit, and preparit in all necessaris, to be in reddines 
 quhen the toune hapins to haf ado thairwitht ; and ordanis the said the- 
 saurar to prepair the samen on the townis expenssis, quhilk sell be allowit 
 in his compts. 
 
 The said day, the counsell concludit, all in ane voce, to wphald and 
 menteyine the gray freirs place within this burght, and to suffer no hurt, 
 violence, nor distructioun be don thairto, to defend the samen at thair 
 wtter pover fra all distructioun and iniur, of quhatsumeuer persone or 
 personis, and ordanit the thesaurar to produce four honest personis to re- 
 mane thairin and awayt diligently thairupoun on the townis expenssis, be- 
 caus the saids freirs hes resignit all thair tytill and interes of the said place 
 in fauors of the toune, to be wnder thair menteinans and protectioune, on 
 distroyit or castin doun ; and conforme to the counsellis ordinance, thai or- 
 dane to gyf ansuer to my Lord Huntlyis missiue bill send to the prowest 
 and bailies. 
 
 20th February, 1559. 
 
 The said day, the prowest and bailies ordanit the four officiars to pass 
 with the cheplanis of Sanct Nicolas proche kirk, or thair collector, and 
 assist, fortify, and concur witht thaim in poynding -and distrenzeing of all
 
 322 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 aoth February, personis that ar restand awand to thaim of their annuell rentis, mailis, and 
 duetie of thre termes immediatly bygane, and to corapryiss the sam and 
 mak thaim payment incontinent conforme to thair infeftments; and gif ony 
 persone or personis deforsis, to warne thaim to ane court to be haldin on 
 the ground, to heir and se, and recent deforss prowyn on thaim, conform to 
 the consuetud vsit obefor in sic caycis. 
 
 8th March, 1559. 
 
 The sayd day, the prowest, bailies, and counsell, that war present for 
 the tym, grantit and gayff licens to Patric Menzes to occupy and use Sanct 
 Clements chapel in Futty induring thar vyll, he wphaldand the same 
 watterthect, and quhen thai sail haf ado thairwith, and requiris the same 
 agane, to be randerit to thame at thair will and plesure. 
 
 Uth March, 1559. 
 
 The said day, the haill communite of this guid toune, beyng warnit to 
 this day, and compeyrand for the maist part, grantit and consentit to sup- 
 port the congregatioun, as the counsell sail think expedient, effering to 
 thair pussans and faculte, be sending to thame of certane men of this toune 
 for to stent ane taxatioun to furniss certane men of weir, to be wnder the 
 charge of ane capitane, for defens of the liberty of this realme, and com- 
 mond weill of this burgh, alwais nocht granting to the said support to in- 
 terpryss ony purpos aganis the authorite ; and thairefter the counsell, being 
 conuenit in the counsell hows, modifyt the said support to the sowme of 
 four hundreth pondis, to be stentit on the haill communite of this burgh, 
 for furnessing of fourtty men of weir to be send to the congregatioun for 
 defens of the liberte of the realm, provyding, as said is, that it be nocht 
 to interpryis ony porposs contrar the quenis grace and hir authorite, and 
 nemyt Gilbert Malysoun, Johnn Tullideff, Wm. Forbes, Androw Huntar, 
 and Patre Gray, taxtaris, to stent the said taxatioun. 
 
 The said day, Gilbert Collysoune, in special for himself, tuk act and 
 instrument that he dissentit to sending or furnessing of ony support contrar 
 the authorite of Scotland, bot allanerly refusit the same. 
 
 The said day, the haill toune affermit and apprewit the act and ordinans 
 maid be thaim obefor, upon the twenty third day of Januar last bypast,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 323 
 
 anent the croftis, howssis, and place and biggings of the blak freirs and the nth March, 
 quhyt frers, quhilk act wes opynly red in jugeraent, nochtwithstanding the 
 personis quha dissentit thairto obefor, inlykwyss of new dissentit thairto ; 
 and attour, Gilbert Menzes elder, Gilbert Menzes younger, Alexander 
 Chawmer, and Maister George Myddiltoune, for thaim selffs in speciale, 
 allegit thame to haf tytill and takks respectiue to certane crofts perteining 
 to the saids frers for certane yers to ryn, as thair assedationis bairis, and 
 protestit quhat act or ordinans be maid be the toun be nocht prejudiciall 
 to thair rycht. And Maister Duncan Forbes allegit in likwyiss, that he 
 had ane tytill to the saids crofts ; and protestit, that in cace ony particular 
 person or personis mell witht the saids crofts (except the toun and haill 
 communite to bene applyit to the comraond weyll thairof), that he ma haf 
 place for his interes, and that his tytill ma be sayf to hym, upoun the 
 quhilks he tuk act and instrument. 
 
 June, 1559. 
 
 The said day, the cheplanis of Sanct Nicolass proche kirk of Abirdene 
 compeirit for the maist pairt befoir the prouest and baillies of the said 
 burght, within the tolbuitht, and presentit ane bill and supplication in wryt, 
 makand mentione that quhair thai ar suirly aduertist, and is notowrly 
 knawin, that certane personis in to the southt partis of Scotland hes inter- 
 pryssit at thair awin hands, without ony ordor or consent of the authorite, 
 to distroy kirks, religious places, and the ornaments and polacie of the 
 same, thairfor desyrand the prouest, baillies, and counsell to provyd the 
 esiast way of remeid, as thai sell think guid, for defending and mentening 
 of thair said proche kirk, and preserving of the chalices, siluer wark, 
 kaippis, and ornaments of the same, and to put the same in suir firmance 
 and keiping quhill the said uproir and tumilt war put to tranquilite be 
 the antient and wyse counsell of the realme. Quhilk bill being red, and 
 the contents thairof understand and considderit, the haill counsell thocht 
 expedient to transport the townis euidents furth of the kirk, and siclyk the 
 the grit occryst, chalices, siluer wark, and the maist coistly ornaments of 
 the kirk, and to put the same in suir firmance and keiping, and ane invitor 
 to be maid thairupoune, and to intromett, preserue, and keip the townis 
 euidentis, nemit and chesit Thomas Menzeis, prouest, Dauid Mar, Maister 
 Patrick Ruyerfurd, and Walter Cullane, quhilkis accepit the said cuir and 
 charge upoun thame. And to intromett with the said siluer wark, kaippis,
 
 324 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 16th June, and ornamentis, nemit and cbesit Gilbert Menzeis elder, Gilbert Collisone, 
 Maister George Myddiltoune, and Gilbert Malysone, quhilkis accepit the 
 said cuir and charge upone tharae, to be randerit and restoirit agane, 
 quhen the prouest, baillies, and counsel! thinks expedient the same be 
 done. 
 
 The said day, the prouest and baillies decernit and ordanit the four of- 
 ficiaris, or ony ane of thame that beis requirit, heirto to pass with the col- 
 lector of the cheplanis of Sanct Nicholace proche kirk of Abirdene, and 
 assist, concur, poynd, and distrenze all landis and bousses within this 
 burght, quhais possessors and occupiars ar restand to tharae thair few 
 maills, or annuel rents of the Witsonday terme in anno Lviij yeirs, and of 
 the Mertimes and Witsonday terraes last bypast, conforme to the euidents 
 and infeftments maid to thame thairupoune ; and to compryiss the geir 
 and guids poyndit be thame, and mak penny thairof and paiment to the 
 saids cheplanis within thre dayess thairefter ; and, gif ony persone or per- 
 sonis resists or deforces, to warne thame instantly to ane court of fresche 
 and recent deforce to heir the samyn provin, and Justice ministrat as 
 effears. 
 
 3d July, 1559. 
 
 The said day, the provest, bailies, and counsell admyttit Maister 
 Johnne Hennerson, maister of thar grammar scuill, to the cheplanry of 
 Sanct Michaelis altar, vithin the proche kirk of Abd., being at the dis- 
 poune and donacioun as patronis thairto, and being in thar hands throw 
 the deces of Maister Johnn Watson, last possessor and cheplane thairof, 
 he making seruice at the said altar, conforme to the foundatioune, and 
 vsyng the office as maister of the said scuill, and no uder wyss, and ordinis 
 ane presentatioune to be gewin him thairupoun under the tovnis secreit 
 seall. 
 
 14M July, 1559. 
 
 The bailies ordanis the officiars to pass with Mayster Hector Myrtoune, 
 cheplan of the Magdalin altar, situate within the proche kirk of Abirdene, 
 and assist and concur with him in poynding and distrenzeing of ane tene- 
 ment of land within the yard and lichowss thairof, lyand in the Greyne, in 
 the rew passand fra Sanct Nicolas kirk to the quhyt freirs on the eyst syd
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 325 
 
 thairof, perteining to wmquhill Patre Johnnson, litster, now occupyt be 14th July. 
 Alexr. Gray, mason, for ane yeirly annuel rent of elevin shillings usuall 
 money of Scotland, awand to the said Maister Hector, as cheplan forsaid, 
 of tua termes immediatly bygane. 
 
 18th August, 1559. 
 
 The sayd day, the bailies decernyt Johnne Durty, of his awin confessioun 
 maid in jugement, to pay Maister Eduard Menzes, collector to the chep- 
 lanis of Sanct Nicolas parroche kirk of Abirdene, the sowme of sax merks 
 usuall money of Scotland, for the few mayll of the sayd Johns land, and 
 tenement yard, and pertinents lyand on the southt syd of the Castellgett, 
 betuix the land of Johnne Andersone on the east part, and the land of 
 Johnne Lesly on the wast part, restand awand to the saids cheplanis of the 
 Wytsounday terme last bypast, within viii dais. 
 
 October, 1559. 
 
 The said day, Sir Johnne Blak and Sir Johnne Collison, cheplanis, in 
 name of the remanent cheplanis, thair breithir of the college and queir of 
 the proche kirk of Abirdene, gaif and consentit to the bailies and counsell 
 present for the tyme ane bill of supplicatioune, desyring entre to be patent 
 to thaim to the said kirk and queir, offering thaimselffs to do the seruice 
 of God and obserwe thair fundationis according to thair vocatioune and 
 dwety, and desyrit thair ansueir in maist humil maneir, and thairupoun tuk 
 act of court. 
 
 22e? November, 1559. 
 
 The counsell ordanis Gilbert Collisoune, maister of the kirk wark, to 
 mend and reforme the kirk wyndois and the leid thak of the kirk, and to 
 find sum remeid to wphald the ruff of the northt yll with propis and scuttis 
 for this wyntir sessoun, quhill fair wedder cum, to mend the samen ; and 
 quhat he beis super expendit, the same to be allowit to him in the Mertimes 
 terme last bypast and Witsounday terme nixt to cum, of his half netts 
 fysching of the Mydchingill and his sonis half nettis fysching of the Raik, 
 sa far as he debursis and beis super expendit, quhill the toune may provyd 
 and mak forther reparatioune in the said kirk. 
 
 29th December, 1559. 
 
 The said day, the haill toune being warnit, &c., it wes opinlie exponit 
 
 2 T
 
 326 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 29th Dec., and declarit to thame be Thomas Menzes, thair prowest, quhow he is 
 suirly aduertisit that certane nychtbours of the Mernis men and Angouss 
 men, conuenit in congregatioune, ar to be in this toune this present day 
 to distroy and cast doune the kirkis and religiows places thairof, under 
 colour and pretence of godlie reformatioune ; and becaus this toune hes no 
 directioune of the authorite of Scotland to assist and concur with thaim in 
 that purpos, bot the same is express contrar the will and mynd of the autho- 
 rite, and thairthrow is manifest tressoun, the said prowest inqyrit the bailies 
 and hayll [ ] quhat wald be thair part thairin, and gif thai wald concur 
 
 with him and his assistars for resisting thairof, sua that eftirward this toune 
 aucht incur na indignatioune of the authorite, nor be reput culpabill and par- 
 ticipant of the said cry me, and protestit solemptlie gif thai wald nocht concur 
 with him and his adherentis to the effect fofsaid, that the accusatioun and 
 participatioun of the said cryme cum on thaim quha will nocht assist to 
 him. Upoun the quhilk aduertisment, requisitioune, and protestatioune 
 the said Thomas Menzes, provest, tuk act of court and instrument, in pre- 
 sens of the haill toun ; and, in the meyntym, thir personis following, Gil- 
 bert Menzes eldar, Gilbert Menzes youngar, Mayster Thomas Menzes, 
 Gilbert Collison, Maister George Myddiltoune, Walter Cullane eldar, 
 Alexr. Chawmer, Androw Lesly, and Androw Buk, adherit to the said 
 protestatioun, and protestit ilka for thaim selffs, in semlable maner, and 
 tuk acts and instruments respectiue thairupoune. 
 
 2lst March, 1560. 
 
 The said day, the baillies and counsall consentit and grantit to augment 
 Maister Johne Hendersoune maister of thair grammar scuillis pensiourie 
 quhilk he had obefoir witht the sowme of tuentye merkis, makand in the 
 haill the sowme of fyfty merkis vsuall money of Scotland, and ordanis his 
 interes thairof to be at the feist of Witsonday nixt to cum ; and obleissis 
 thame to caus him hawe payment of the annuell rentis and deutice of his 
 cheplanry of Sanct Michell, within thair parroche kirk of Abirdene, of all 
 termes restand bygane, he gewand in his rentale and restis awand to the 
 thesaurar, Dauid Mar ; and failzeing thairof, thay ordaine the said thesaurar 
 to ansuer and obey the said Maister Johnne of ten merkis for the said aug- 
 mentatioun of the Martimes terme last bypast, and the same to be alowit to 
 the said thesaurar in his nixt comptis.
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABERDEEN. 327 
 
 3d April, 1560. 3d April, 
 
 The said day, anent the bill of complent exhibeit in iugement in wret be 
 certane nychtbouris of the toune, exponand quhow diuerse personis hes 
 biggit and dalie biggis choppis wnder stairis vpoune the forgettis, and thair- 
 throw diminissis the passage of the streittis, to the great deformaty of this 
 guid toune and hurt of the commound weill thairof, aganis the auld statutis 
 and preuilege of the same, desyring thairfoir the prowest, baillies, consell, 
 and communite to put remeid thairto, quhilkis, all in ane voice, grantit and 
 consentit thairto, statut and ordanit that na sick choppis be sufferit ony way 
 to be biggit vpoune the forgettis in tyme curaing ; and gif ony be presentlie 
 bigand, the same to be stoppit, stayit, and distroyit ; and thai choppis 
 quhilk ar redey presentlie biggit, and the possessouris thairof in posses- 
 sioune of the same be certane space and yeris bygane, thay ordaine letters 
 of cognitioune to be rasit be delyuerance of the lordis of counsell, or quhat- 
 sumewer wther letters may be purchest to diminess and discipat the same, 
 with all wther howissis and biggingis biggit vpon the tounis groundis or 
 comound streittis of the said burght, without sufficient tytile recoverit thair- 
 vpoune. 
 
 1th April, 1560. 
 
 The said day, the baillies ordanit Johnne Lowsoun, thesaurer, to pay and 
 delyuer to Dauid Elleis xxxiij s. iiij d., for the keping of the knok of the 
 tolbuith fra the deceas of Williame Barclay quhill the feist of Witsounday 
 nixt to cum, that thaireftir the consell may tak ordour thairanent. 
 
 2lst June, 1560. 
 
 The said day, compeirit in judgement ane honorabill man, Maister 
 Johnne Forbes of Barns, quha being accusit for the wrangouss cutting of 
 ane nett of the pott, upoun the watir of Dee, be his seruandis in his name, 
 this instant moneth of Junii, as wes allegit, submittand himself, and in name 
 of his seruandis, gif ony wrang wes committit thairintill, to the ordinans of 
 the counsell of the guid toun, and oblist him to amend the skaitht and 
 wrang thairof done to quhatsumeuer persone, be the sycht of Maister Dun- 
 can Forbes and Mr. Robert Lumisden. And the said Maister Johnne re- 
 quyrit the baillies in iudgement to causs the maisters and seruands of the 
 forsaid pot water to desist and ceiss fra forther stelling and stenting of thair 
 netts athort the water, bot as thai aucht to do conforme to Justice, and pro- 
 testit, gif thai do nocht, for remeyd of law.
 
 328 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 30M September, 1560. 
 
 Be the lewing Lord, the eternal God, quha [made] hevin and erth and all 
 thing of nocht, and maid men to his awin jmage and sirailitud, to be just and 
 trew in all promises according to his godlie will, quha also serchis and 
 knawis the hartis and thochtis of men, and hes promesit to revenge falsat 
 and to reward the treutht, I do heir promise and sueir in his presens and 
 his holy angellis, that I sail lelie and treulie, after my wit and power, dewly 
 exerce the office of provestry of this burght for the space of this yeir nixt 
 following, and sail do equall iustice both to puir and rechee, without feid or 
 favour, nor sail nocht spair to exerce the same iustice for luff, hatrent, wyn- 
 ning, tyusell, nor na wther thing ma happin, bot sail treulie sett furtht and 
 meyntene the same, and libertie and priuilege of this burgh, for the corn- 
 mound weill and profytt therof, and also sail mentene and furthsett the fayth 
 and religioune of Jesus Cryst at my wtter power, and sail be innemy to all 
 thaim that resistis and ganestandis the samen. Also I sell assyst, concur, 
 fortify, and furthtsett all thingis ordanit and concludit to be done be the 
 nobile consell of this guid toune in all thingis concerning the avansment of 
 Goddis glory and the libertie and fredome of this burght and communitie 
 thairof, in equite and justice, as my wit, wnderstanding, puissans, and power 
 will serwe me to do, at the will and plesure of God ; quhilk I awow and 
 promise to obserwe in presens of God and this congregation ne. 
 
 6th December, 1560. 
 
 The said day, the counsell, present for the tyme, decernit and fand, for 
 the maist part, that thair suld be na commoune marcatt nor fair be haldin 
 in this toune at this tyme of Sanct Nicholace day, and that na strangearis 
 sell sell ony wairis this nixt Settirday bot Scottis wairis, and that quhill xij 
 houris of the day, except the vairis quhilk thai sell to fre burgesses of this 
 burght in gryt, vnder the pane of tene poundis of thaim that beis conuickit 
 thairin ; and this to be intimat to the strangearis be the thesauraris and 
 denis of gild, and that in respect of the commound marcat and publict fair 
 in October ; quhilk thai will and ordanis yeirlie to be obseruit. 
 
 1th December, 1560. 
 
 This dey, Dauid Mar and Gilbert Menzeis elder, grantit thame to haue 
 ressauit fra Gilbert Collisone xviij brassin chandlaris, quhilk stuid one the 
 lang herse in the queir of Sanct Nicholace parroche kirk ; tua gryt chand-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN 329 
 
 laris of Sanct Nicholass hie altar, with the Sacrament chandlar ; the gryt 7th December, 
 chandlar of brass, with the thre floueris ; ane pillar of brass, with the imagis 
 and thre cattis, and vther grayth thairof ; item, ane lawer of brass ; vj jrne 
 chandlaris, with the fuitt of brass of the myd lettrane ; sa mony lawaris and 
 throchtis of brass as war left vnsowin, and the water fatt of brass ; with the 
 quhilkis the said Gilbert intromettit with in keiping befor, and deliuerit the 
 same to the saidis Dauid and Gilbert, thesauraris of the toune, at command 
 of the counsell. 
 
 6th January, 1561. 
 
 The said day, the haill toun beand lauchtfully warnit to this day, to 
 heir and se the siluer wark, brasin wark, keippis, and ornaments of thair 
 parroche kirk ropit, and the same to be sauld and disponit to thame that 
 vill offer maist for the same ; and the money gottin for the samyn to be 
 applawdit to the commond weill and necessar adois of this guid toun. 
 Quhilkis being ropit conforme to the invitour registrat in the buikis 
 obefoir diuerse tymes be oppin proclamatioun, and diuerse and sindry of- 
 feraris for the same lauchfull tym of day being biddin, and detful ordour 
 vsit in sic caissis, being obseruit, the grytest sovme offerit for the same 
 wes ane hundreth fourtie tua pound be Patrik Menzeis for the keippis, 
 xxi s. for ilk vnce of siluer, xvj s. for ilk stane of brass, extending in the 
 haill to the sovme of fyw hundreth xl lib. money of Scotland. Quhairfor 
 the haill town consentit and assentit to deliuer the said siluer wark, keippis, 
 bres, and ornamentis, continit in the invitour forsaid, to the said Patrik 
 of the proces forsaid ; and ordanis the money thairof to be deliuerit to the 
 thesaurar to be applyit for the commond weill and necessar adois of this 
 guid toun, as the haill communite sail think expedient. 
 
 The said day, Gilbert Menzes and Gilbert Collysone dissentit to the 
 said roiping, selling, and disposicioun, for thame selffis and their adherans, 
 lyk as thai haue discentit and protestit in sic caicis ewer obefoir, as thai al- 
 leigit, and tuk act of court tharwpoun. 
 
 \3th January, 1561. 
 
 The said day, Thomas Menzeis, prowest, exponit in jugement how lie 
 and the baillies, in name of the toune, hes coft twa Frenche schippis of 
 wyne, and can nocht gett the same ressauit be the merchandis nychtbouris
 
 330 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 6th January, of the towne for the owtred of the strangearis, to the gryt hurt and 
 sclander of this toune, and requirit all the nychtbouris present to accept 
 and resaue the said wyne, ilkane ane pairt thairof, effering to his substance ; 
 and protestit, gif thai wald nocht, that it suld be lesum to the saidis pro- 
 west and baillie to dispone the wairis and merchandrices of quhatsumeuer 
 schip coft be thame eftirward to the resawaris and payaris of the said 
 wyne, and thai to be first seruit thairof befoir ony personis that refuissis 
 to resaue ane pairt of the said wyne. 
 
 9th February, 1561. 
 
 The said day, the counsell modifeit the expenssis of Thomas Menzeis, 
 prowest, and Dauid Mar, bailzie, in ryding to Edinburght to labour and 
 solist at the quenis hand and the lordis of secreit counsell, anent the freiris, 
 croftis, and places, to the sovme of thre scoir poundis : that is to say, fourtie 
 pound to the prowest and twentie pound to Dauid Mar ; and ordanis the 
 thesauraris to ansuer thame thairof, quhilk sail be allowit to thame in thair 
 nixt comptis. 
 
 23d February, 1561. 
 
 The said day, Patre Menzeis, thesaurar for this instant yeir, in name of 
 the toune, resauit fra Thomas Menzies, prowest, the obligatioun maid be 
 Maister Patre Rutherfurd, Alexr. Knowis, Johnne Lowsoun, and Gilbert 
 Malysoun, anent the receawing be thame in keiping of the gryt ewcharist, 
 challicis, and siluer wark, keipis, and ornamentis of thair parroche kirk of 
 Abirdene, lykas in the said obligatioun, of the dait the xv day of Januar, 
 the yer of God m. v c fyftie and nyne yeiris, quhilk wes deliuerit be the 
 ordinans of the consell, and thai dischargit the said prowest thairof. 
 
 16th March, 1561. 
 
 The baillies decernit Schir William Walcar to deliuer Patre Menzes, 
 as thesaurar in name of the haill toun of Abirden, the geir and guidis 
 vnder wrytin : that is to say, ane croce of siluer ; the forclayth of the hie 
 altar ; four coddis of welout, tua blak and tua reid ; ane arress bed ; ane 
 siluer spune ; the mort stand : and siclyk ordanit Gilbert Collysone to 
 deliuer the said Patre the beriall within xxiiij houris. 
 
 The baillies ordanis Hector Dolloquhy, quha wes convictit obefoir for
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 331 
 
 the striking and bluid drawing of Elspett Irving, to cum vpoun Sonday 23d February, 
 nixt curais to Sanct Nicolace kirk, and ther, in presens of God and his 
 holy congregatioun, ask the said Elspet forgifnes, and to revoik the in- 
 jurious wordis said be him as fals and vntrew, and to sett cautioun, that 
 gif ewer he beis fundyn in sic offens in tym cuming, to be baneist furth 
 of this guid toune. 
 
 18th March, 1561. 
 
 The said day, Johnn Lowsoun, bailze, in name and behalf of him self, 
 Mr. Patre Rutherfurd, Alexr. Knowis, and Gilbert Malysone, keiparis of 
 the siluer wark, keipis, and ornamentis of the paroche kirk of Abirdene, 
 continit in thair obligatioun maid thairvpoun, of the dait the xv day of 
 Januar, the yeir of God m v c fyfty nyne yeiris, deliuerit the said siluer 
 wark, extending to sexteine scoir of vnce and ane quarter of vnce of clene 
 siluer, togidder with the keipis and ornamentis foirsaid, at command of the 
 counsell, to Patrik Menzeis, thesaurar'of the said toun, quha had coft the 
 same be oppin ropping in jugeraent abefoir, as the act maid thairwpone 
 proportis, and wes dischargit thairof, and resauit the forsaid obligatioun 
 agan befoir thir witness : Gilbert Malysone, Johnne Tullidef, Mr. Thomas 
 Fynny, Mr Edward Menzes, William Robertsoun, and Patre Malyson, 
 goldsmythis, and Maister Johnne Kennedy, notar publict, with wther 
 diuerse. 
 
 \8th April, 1561. 
 
 The said day, the haill towne, being convenit for the maist pairt be 
 sound of the hand bell, ordanit Dauid Mar, thesaurar of this guid towne 
 to reseawe and vptak the maillis, fermis, proffittis, and dewiteis of the freiris 
 croftis, to be apply it to the townis vtilite and proffitt, aye and quhill he be 
 dischargit ; and Gilbert Menzeis and Gilbert Collisoune disassentit thairto, 
 lykas thai haue done in all sic actionis concerning the intromissioun of geir 
 belanging to the kirk, and protestit that thai be dischargit therof. 
 
 The said day, Johnne Dunce, skipper of the schipe callit the John, 
 quhilk brek in Ingland, presentit ane bill of complaint and petitioun in 
 jugement contrar Patre Menzeis, John Lowson, and Androw Buk, awnaris 
 of the forsaid schipe, of the quhilk the tennour followis : My lord prouest 
 and baillies of this noble burght of Abirdene, vnto your M[ ], humelie
 
 332 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 18th April, menis and complenis, I, John Dunce, indwellar of this noble burght of 
 
 Abirdene forsaid, vpoun Androw Buk, Patrik Menzeis, and Johnne 
 
 Lowsoun, burgessis of the samyne, and awnaris of ane schip callit the 
 
 John, that quhair in the moneth of September last wes or thairby, I beand 
 
 skipper of the schipe, for the time in the port and hawin of Danskin, for 
 
 the weill of the said schipe, saiffity of the raerchandis and marineris of the 
 
 samyn schipe, beand stowit onder bayth eftir and befoir, with merchandyce, 
 
 hawand bot ane ouerloft, and na [ ] onder, for saiffity of the saidis 
 
 raerchandis and marineris fra the cald the lang wyntir nicht, I biggit on 
 
 the said schipe ane fordyk for saiffity, as said is, the quhilk was necessar, 
 
 and the expenssis and tymmer thairof (by my awin labouris and biging 
 
 therof my selff, the quhilk tyme the tymmer men thairof wes deidlie seik), 
 
 extendit and was wortht four poundis Scottis or thairby, to the quhilk 
 
 bigging and mending of tymmer wark of the samyn, I wes nocht conducit 
 
 and hyrit. Quhairfor desyris your M[ ] to considder gif the awnaris 
 
 thairof aucht and suld pay me the said sowme for the biging of the said 
 
 fordyk, and gif sic necessar expenssis, maid in tyme of neid be the skipar, 
 
 aucht and suld be payit again be the awnaris, and to content me for my 
 
 lawbouris done thairin ; the quhilk thay wranguslie and aganis the law, 
 
 postponis and differis to mak me paiment thairof, without thai be compellit 
 
 be justice to the samyn. Beseikand you heirfore to decerne and compel, 
 
 be justice, the saidis awnaris to refound and content to me the foirsaid 
 
 sowme, in so far as thai will grant, or I may sufficiently preif, for the caussis 
 
 and ressonis forsaid, togidder with ony expenssis of court ; and is content 
 
 that this my petitioun pas to the knawlege of ane assise. Quhilk actioune 
 
 and clame, with consent of bayth the saidis parteis, and their procuratouris, 
 
 wes admittit to the decisioun and knawlege of the assyse aboun wrytin, 
 
 chosin, suorne, and admittit in jugement, quhilkis acceppit the matter on 
 
 thame, and out of court remowit and ryply awysit with the depositionis 
 
 of the witnes producit for the pairt of the said Johne Dunce, and 
 
 with the obligations and ressonis of bayth the saidis parteis enterit in 
 
 court, fand and deliuerit for the maist pairt, and pronuncit be the mouth 
 
 of Alexander Knowis, chancellor of the said assise, that the expenssis 
 
 maid be the said John Dunce, skipper forsaid, vpoun the making of the 
 
 said fordyk, wes necessar and expedient to haue bene done, and thairfor 
 
 ordanis the saidis Patre Menzes, Johnne Lowsoun, and Androw Buk, to 
 
 refound to him the same. Quhilk deliuerans the prowest and baillies ac-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 333 
 
 ceppit and interponit thair authorite thairto, and ordanis the same to be 18th April, 
 execut. 15 6!- 
 
 3d May, 1561. 
 
 The said day, compeirit in jugement Thomas Christall, burges of Abir- 
 den, and exponit to the baillies quhow that he wes informit that Joachin 
 Racho, steirsman of ane schipe of Trailsound, the skipper callit Henrik 
 Bodiger, now beand in Abirdene, presentlie had maid narratioun vpoun 
 the said Thomas to the king of Denmarkis captanis, and vtheris his grace 
 officiaris, that he had spulzeit and takyn furtht of ane schipe of Rosto, in 
 ane sound of Norway callit Skau Sound being for the tyme, vpoun the 
 space of alewin yeir bygane, the said Henrik beand skipper of the said 
 Rosto schipe for the tym, and Glaus Normond, boittis man of his schipe 
 for that samyne tyme, xv dayis befoir Witsonday, the sowme of thre 
 hundreth dolouris, or thairby, in victuallis and merchandryce ; quhilkis alle- 
 gations and narratioun the said Thomas Chrystall exponit quhow that 
 thairefter he had incurrit gryt skayth, trublis, and inconvenient throw the 
 said allegations, and als had fundyn cautioun to ansuer to all vtheris quha 
 had allegit ony wrang done to thame be the said Thomas in tyme of weir, 
 desyring the baillies in jugement to accuse and inquyir the said Joachin 
 Racho gif the said narratioun maid vpoun the said Thomas wes trew con- 
 cerning his awin pairt. Quhilkis accusatioun and allegens being exponit 
 in jugement to the said Joachin be Robert Jak, dwelland in Trailsound, 
 and interpreter of the said Joachim's language for the tyme, declarit and 
 maid oppin confessioun in jugement that he newir knew the said Thomas 
 nor saw him befoir, and wes newir skaythit be the said Thomas in ony gudis 
 and geir, the valour of ane dens quytt, hot that he had confessit that the 
 sarnyn tym thair wes takin furth of his said schipe hot thre barrell of beir 
 and tua barrell of flesche, hot nocht be the said Thomas. Vpoun the 
 quhilkis depositioun and confessioun, the baillies inquirit the said Joachin, 
 be the moutht of the said Robert Jak, interpretour forsaid, gif he wald 
 mak faythtgif his depositioun and confessioun wes trew, that he had schawin 
 and confessit in jugement to the baillies, and knew na thing to the said 
 Thomas bot all guid ; and als the baillies forsaid inquyrit of the said 
 Joachim gif he confessit the same for feir, or gif he wes compellit be ony 
 vtheris to confess the same ; quha maid fayth in jugement, in lykwayis, that 
 he wes newir tracht nor compellit thairto, bot maid the same confessioun 
 
 2 u
 
 334 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 3d May. for the zeill of justice. Vpoun the quhilkis confessioun of the premisses 
 the said Thomas desyrit testimoniall of the prowest and baillies, quha de- 
 cernit him the same vnder thair secreit seall, and this wes done in presens 
 of Henrik Bodiger, skipper ; Clause Medro, his clerk ; Hanse Wolf, 
 skipper of ane schipe of Grippis Wald ; James Gowan, in Trailsound ; 
 J <>h nne Ancroft, William Ancroft his brother, in Grippis Wald ; and 
 Robert Jak, in Trailsound ; with vther diuerse. 
 
 10*A October, 1561. 
 
 The sayd day, anent the bill of desyir exhibit to the counsell be Robert 
 Johnstoune, for makking of ane skaymlis of tre at the fysche cors, for 
 laying of the quhyt fysche tharupoune, and balding of the calsay clene con- 
 tigue thairabout, for ane small duety paying to him of euery fische creill 
 and hors laid of fysche in the xxiiij houris, the counsall, all in ane voce, 
 grantit to the said bill, and ordanis the said skaymlis to be maid honestly as 
 efferis be the said Robert, vpoune his expenssis, for the quhilkis he to haf 
 ane penny of euery creilfull of fysche, and tuo pennis of euere hors laid of 
 fysche that cumis to the mercat to be said euery xxiiij houris, and that na 
 quhyt fysche be said bot vpoun the said skaymlis, paying thairfor the said 
 duety ; and the said Robert paying thairfor yeirly to the toune and the- 
 saurar thairof the sowme of fourty schillingis vsuall money of Scotland, the 
 first terme of payment to be at the fest of Wytsonday nixt to cum, and 
 wphaldand the said skaymles vpoune his expenssis ; and ordanis ane asse- 
 datioune to be maid to him thairupoun, for the space of fywe yeiris imme- 
 diatly following the dayt of thir presentis. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, bailyeis, and counsall, hawand consideratioun 
 of the murmour and complaint of the nychtbouris and merchandis of this 
 burght, anent the bying of schippis arrywing to this port, and indiscreit 
 distributioune to the nychtbouris of the wairis and merchandrises thairof, 
 for the cummodite of certane particular personis, aganis the commoune 
 weill of the toune, it is dewysit, statut, and ordanit be the saidis prowest, 
 baillies and counsell, with consent of the haill merchandis and brethir of 
 gild, apprewing and affirming the same in jugement, convenit in thir gild 
 court, that quhatsumewir schip of gudis sellabill arrywis to the port, 
 hevin, or reyd of this burght, chargit with quhatsumeuer merchandrises, 
 the entre thairof salbe gewin to the townis customer, quha sail present the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABEKDEEN. 335 
 
 same to the prowest and baillies, and thai, or ony ane of thame, to by the loth October, 
 
 samyn fra the strangearis, and the samin being bocht to be distributed in ^ 561> 
 
 raaner following : that is to say, the haill brethir of gild, merchandis of the 
 
 toune, vsand trafique of merchandrise, to be dewydit in four quarteris, and 
 
 euerie quarter to haf ane schippis laydning thair tyrae about, of quhatsum- 
 
 sumeuer wares and merchandrises, without the respect to quantitie or gud- 
 
 nes, bot ilk quarter to haf the schip that chances to thame, and cavillis to 
 
 be castin quhat quarter sail begyn and quha sell fallow ; and the bailze of 
 
 the quarter that fallis to him be cavill to mak distributioune, be considera- 
 
 tioune and discretioun of him self and two or thre with him of the counsell 
 
 that beis in his quarter, for eschewing of murmour ; and na mercheand nor 
 
 burges to be obeyit of any pairt of the saidis merchandrises, bot thai that 
 
 duellis and remanis actually within this burght. And quhat quarter re- 
 
 fusis the schip bocht be the baillies, or quhat merchand refuissis to resaiff 
 
 his pairt calculat to him be the bailze, of ony schippes warres quhatsumeuer 
 
 that chancis to cum, and to pay therfor as is bocht, the refusar to haf na 
 
 pairt of ony merchandryce that chances to cum for the space of aue yeir 
 
 thaireftir. And gif ony persoun passis to the rayd or hewyn to cheup or 
 
 mak bergane, or quyat pactioun, with the strenger, he to pay tene poundis 
 
 for ane vnlaw, and the guiddis that he byis to be eschaittit, and he to haf 
 
 na pairt therof nor of na wther for a yeir thereftir. And this present 
 
 ordinans sail remaine and continew in effect for ane yeir eftir the dait of 
 
 thir presentis, and, gif it persistis and continewis langar, the quarter that 
 
 restis unseruit begin the nixt yeir, keipand the same ordour of this yeir. 
 
 llth October, 1561. 
 
 The said day, it is statut and ordanit be the prouest, baillies, and coun- 
 sell, that in tyme cuming, induring the space of ane yeir, that the malt and 
 meill cuming to the toune to be sauld sail be sett, sauld, mett, and mesourit 
 in the gray freiris place, and nocht put in na wther houssis, nor na skaiffry, 
 sic as sampill and scheit schakin, to be tane thairof in tym cuming, and the 
 samyn to be mesourit with ane straik mett corresponden to the hep mesour, to 
 be maid be the awyis of the baronnis and gentill men of the contra that hes 
 victuall to sell ; and siclyk ane ressonabill metsor to be maid to be takin for 
 the handfull takin be the belman, sua that na caus of complent ma be al- 
 leigit eftirwart of extorsioun done to wictuall sellaris, and alsua for the 
 eschewing of dartht of victuallis and wther inconvenientis considerit be the
 
 336 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 nth October, saidis consell appeiring to be ; and ordinis the officiaris and ane of the 
 baillies at the lest to be present ewerie mercat day, to se that ordour and 
 guid distributioun be maid to serf the nychtbouris of the toun. And 
 ordinis the thesaurar and his collectouris in his name to tak ane hard 
 heid of ewery laid of wictuall, and to charge himself thairwith in his 
 comptis, and that for eysing of the saidis wictuall sellaris, and relewing of 
 thame of the auld skaifrye ten obefor and panis tene in mentenyng of the 
 said ordour. 
 
 13th October, 1561. 
 
 The said day, the baillies decernit and decreittit that Alexr. Forbes, sone 
 
 and air to vmquhill Patrik Forbes, burges of Abirdene, hes sufficientlie 
 
 prowin and werifeit that the said wmquhill Patrik had thir geir and gudis 
 
 onder vrytin in his possessioun the tyme of his deceise, or at the leist the 
 
 yeir of his deceis, pertening to him as his awin proper gudis, and aucht 
 
 and suld pertene to the said Alexr. as air to his said wmquhill father : that 
 
 is to say, ane targat of gold, ane vop of gold, ane siluer spune, ane horse, 
 
 ane caldrone, ane mekile pot, ane litile pott, ane mekle pan, ane lytile pan, 
 
 ane charger of tun, ane plait of tun, ane dische of tun, ane sasar of tun, ane 
 
 mekyle spitt, ane lytile spitt, ane pair of vax, ane roist irne, ane taingis, ane 
 
 ewil cruik, ane pair of pot bulls, ane pair of peper curnis, ane girdile ; ane 
 
 furneist bed, with scheittis, blankattis, bowster, fedder bed and coddes, 
 
 covering, curteingis, and beid scheittis ; ane furneist buird, couerit with 
 
 neipry, with seruettis, and transchouris effeiring thairto ; ane gardnett of 
 
 tun, ane cunter, ane kist, ane coffer, ane press, ane almary, ane vairsta, ane 
 
 maill fatt, ane malt fatt, ane flesche fatt, ane fische fatt, ane knappiskua, ane 
 
 govne of Frensche blak ; ane blak bonnet, lynit with weluott ; ane pair of 
 
 hoise of blak Flemming, streikin owt, with blak tefetie ; ane belt, ane purse, 
 
 ane sark, ane nycht curche, ane basin of brace ; ane cort stop, ane poynt 
 
 stoip, ane chopin stoip, all three of tun ; ane wesching twell, twa chandelaris 
 
 of brass, ane salt fatt ; with the quhilkis Besse Lowsoun, spous to the said 
 
 wmquhile Patrik, and now spous to Patrik Menzeis, intromettit thairwith, 
 
 quhawfor the baillies decernis and ordanis the said Besse Lowsoun and the 
 
 said Patre Menzes, for his interes, to content, deliuer, and pay to the said 
 
 Alexr. the said airship geir and gudis, as air to his said vmquhill father, or 
 
 the just valour and pryce thairof, within terme of law, and condamnis the 
 
 said Besse and Patrik in the expenssis of pley to be taxit eftervard.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 337 
 
 22c? October, 1561. 22d October, 
 
 The said day, Johnne Myln, cordonar, wes convickit in jugement be the 1561> 
 haill assise afoir wrytin for the casting of fyir in his awin bed, and for ane 
 vnlauchtfull nychtbour, and ane commound ressayttur, quhairfor he wes in 
 amerciament of court to forbeir in tyme cuming, and amend as law will, and 
 that wes gewin for dome. 
 
 21th October, 1561. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and counsell, decernit and ordanit 
 Alexr. Cullane, thair nychtbour and comburges, to haue the keiping of the 
 half of thair commound seall, quhilk Andrew Cullan, his grandsir, and 
 Walter Cullan, his guidsyr, had in keipiug obefoir, to be observit and keipit 
 be him in tyme cumyng, and vsit as the counsell and communite thinkis ex- 
 pedient, and nocht to be takin fra him without ane notable fait be committit 
 be him in keiping therof, and the same be knawin to the haill toune, con- 
 forme to the last act maid be the counsell at the deliuering of the said half 
 seall to his said guidsyr, of the dayt the aucht day of October, the yeir of 
 God ane thowsand fywe hundreyth fourty and sax yeiris ; and that in re- 
 spect that it is considderit and knawin be the consell that the said Alexr. is 
 potent and strenzeabill in fyschingis, landis, and guidis to ansuir for the 
 same, and qualifeit to succeyd in offyce, cuyr, and dignytie in the place and 
 rowme of his saidis grandsir and gudsyr ; and decernit this act and ordi- 
 nans to be intimat to the haile communite of this burght on Fredday nixt 
 cumis, or in the nixt court quhen thai ar convenit for thair approbatioun 
 therof ; vpoun the quhilkis the said Alexr. askit act and instrumentis in 
 presens of the haill consell. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and consell ordanis Johnne Mylne, 
 quha wes convickit obefoir for ane onlauchfull nychtbour, and for putting 
 of fyir in his duelling hous in the Neddirkirkgett, to remowe furtht of the 
 same, with his geir and gudis, within xxiiij houris, and to remowe furtht of 
 the same quhill the consell prowyd vther reineid for the said offens. 
 
 10th November, 15G1. 
 
 The said day, the prowest and baillies hawand consideratioun that all the 
 stretis and gettis within this burght suld be keipit clene, without myddingis
 
 338 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER] 
 
 loth Nov., or ony sic fylthines, at all tymes, thairfore commandis and ordanis the four 
 officiaris to tak ane poynd wortht aucht schillingis, of ilk persoun within this 
 toun quha beis fundyn gadderand myddingis on the gett, or leis mwk, yird, 
 aise, or ony sic filthines, in ony pairt of the quenis gett, in ony tymes cura- 
 ing, and to be poyndit alse oft as thai be foundyn doyng the sarayn. And 
 the saidis prowest and baillies, for certane ressonabile causis mowing thame, 
 gifis and grantis all the said wnlawis and poyndis to the saidis four officiaris 
 to thair vtilite and proflytt, prowyding alwayis that gif in ony tymes cuming 
 myddingis, mwk, yeird, aise, or ony sic fylthines beis fundyn vpon ony pairt 
 of the quenis gett, in that cace the saidis officiaris to be poyndit for the 
 samyn, be warding of thair personis in the tolbuytht als oft as salbe thocht 
 expedient be the saidis prowest and baillies ; and ordanis the hand bell to 
 pass this day throcht all the streittis of the said toun, to mak aduerteisment 
 heirof to all the inhabitantis of the samyn. 
 
 14th November, 1561. 
 
 The baillies ordanis Robert Jak, tailzeour, alias Cleythaneucht, quha wes 
 convickit be ane swovne assise as ane briggan and ane commound nycht- 
 vakar, and for rubbing and spulzeing of certane personis, vnder sylens of 
 the nycht, to be baneist of this guid toune for his demeritis and crymes for- 
 said ; and Gilbert Menzeis elder, and Johnn Fraser, laxfischer, become 
 cautioneris and souerteis that the said Robert sail nocht be found within 
 this toun in tyme cuming, onder the pane of four hundreyth merkis. 
 
 November, 1561. 
 
 The said day, George Gardyn of Banquhorie, astrikand him to the iuris- 
 dictioun of Abirdene in this cace, become cautionar and souertie to the 
 prowest and baillies of the said burght, in name of the haill toun, for Peter 
 Howatt, quha wes found be the saidis prowest, baillies, and consell as a 
 saillar in brigacie, and that the said Petir in all tymes cuming sail abstene 
 fra all maner of sic cryme, and speciallie within this burght of Abirdene, 
 sail nocht be found committand the said cryme, or ony wther cryme crimi- 
 nall, vnder the pane of ane hundreytht merkis vsuall money of Scotland, to 
 be takin and luftit vp of the said George Gardyne as propir dett to the 
 said town and thair communite ; for the quhilkis the said George Gardyne 
 is obleist be the tenour heirof; and iulykwyis Nicol Gardinar, Alexr.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 339 
 
 Downy elder, Thomas Diksoun, Johnne Donald, Alexr. Smyth, and 18th NOV. 
 Michell Howat obleist thame and ilkane of thame for thair awin pairt, con- 156L 
 unctlie and seueralie, to releif the said George of all the premisses. 
 
 Stk December, 1561. 
 
 The said day, Mariory Rattrey, dochter to wmquhill Johnne Rattrey, 
 being sworne, grantit and approwit that George Scott in Auchery, within 
 the paroche of Crowdan, maid newer na appunctment nor contrak with 
 hir, nor scho with him, of mereage, nor yit ony promise thairanent, and 
 thairfoir renuncit, dischargit, and quietclamit him for ewer, and obleist 
 hir, be the fayth and trewth of her body, that scho sell newer call, persew, 
 nor molest the said George in tyme cuming for mereage, nor na wther 
 promeise, nor yit mak to him ony impediment, bot suffer him to marry, 
 without lat or stop, quhome ewer he pleissis, for the quhilk James Symsone 
 is become cautionar and souertie ; and ather of the saidis partiis dischargit 
 wtheris of all dettis and intromissionis that hes bene betuix thame in tyme 
 bigane, to the day and dait of thir presentis, except the sowme of fourty 
 merkis awand be the said George to the said Mariorie, therof the said Ma- 
 riorie hes resauit twenty merkis presentlie at the making of thir presentis, 
 and obleist him to pay hir the wther twentie merkis restand at the feist 
 of Witsonday nixt to cum, or within twentie dayis thaireftir, for payment 
 of the quhilk Johne Nicolsoun is become cautionar, souertie, and dettour, 
 to be payit at the terme forsaid ; and the said George obleist him to releif 
 the said Johnne Nicolsoun thairof at the terme forsaid, befoir thir witnes, 
 Johnne Parke elder, William Hay of Auchery, William Broun in Blak- 
 house, Johnne Pattoun in the Merniss, and Maister Johnne Kennedy, 
 notar publict, with wther diuerse. 
 
 12th January, 1562. 
 
 The said day, Thomas Menzeis exponit to the consell that he is suirlie 
 informit that the quenis grace is to cum to the north partis to vesy the 
 same, betuix this and Peace nixt to cum, or thairby, and that it is nocht 
 onknawin to thame of her grace honorabill resauing at her first entry, and 
 prencely propynis giffin to hir grace, in Edinburgh! and Dunde, and vther 
 townis that hir grace hes veseit, and inquirit thame quhat thai thocht expe- 
 dient to be done thairanent. Quha all in ane voce dewisit and ordanit the 
 sowme of twa thousand merkis to be vpliftit for the preparatioun and decor-
 
 340 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 12th January, ation of the toun, and to be propynit to hir grace, as vise hes bene in tymes 
 bypast to be done to kingis and princes of this realrae at thair first entre, 
 with consultation to be had quhair the said sovme may be best easalie col- 
 lekit and gottyn. 
 
 2Qth January, 1562. 
 
 The said day, in presens of the haill communite of this guid toun, being 
 varnit, &c., Thomas Menzeis, prowest, exponit opinlie in jugement, how 
 that thair nychtbour and guid friend, Maister Duncan Forbes, had pur- 
 chest at the handis of our souerane lady the quenis grace, ane letter of 
 factorie, to intromet with the mailis, fermes, and dewtice, of all and sindrie 
 the croftis, riggis, and ruidis pertening sumtyme to the freiris predi- 
 catouris, and carmelites of the said burght, of certane termes and yeiris 
 bygane, and siclyk yeirlie and termelie in tyme cuming, ay and quhill ane 
 generall ordour be maid thairanent, ; and hes purchest, and causit proclame 
 our souerane ladyis letteris vpoun all the tennentis, possessouris, and oc- 
 cupearis of the saidis croftis, to answer and obey the said Maister Duncane 
 of the said mailis, fermis, and duetyce, onder the pane of rebellioun and 
 putting of thame to the home. And alsua, as is allegit, the said Maister 
 Duncane hes purchest and obtinit ane heretabill tytill and gift of propertie 
 of the saidis croftis, with the freiris places and yardis thairof, and that in 
 recompensatioun of the seruice done to our souerane lady and hir grace 
 mother, quene drurear and regent of this realme, and requirit the counsell 
 and haill communite quhat thai thocht expedient to be done thairanent, in 
 presens of the said Mr. Duncane Forbes, quha effermit the declaratioun 
 forsaid maid be the prowest and baillies, and that he had acceppit the 
 saidis croftis be gift of our soverane lady, in recompensatioun of his fee 
 and service bipast, in respect that thair wes diuerse particular personis, as 
 he alleigit, laborand diligently for the recouering therof to thame selffis, for 
 thair awin singular veill. Nochtwithstanding, gif the communite of this 
 guid toun dois purches and recower be ony way the saidis croftis and places 
 at the handis of our soverane lady, for nocht or for ocht, to be applyit for 
 the commound weill of the haill toun, in that cace he is contentit to demit 
 his rycht, titill, and interes of the saidis croftis and places, and sell nocht 
 labour in thair contrar in obtening thairof, thai obtenand and purchesancl 
 the samyn betuix this and the feist of Pace nict to cum, and wes contentit 
 and obleist him that na executioun of his saidis letteris of horning suld be
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 341 
 
 maid nor vsit in the meyntyme quhill the said feist of Pace, and protestit 20th January, 
 gif the communite labouris nocht the same to be dun in maner forsaid 
 betuix this and the said terme of Pace, that it be lesum to him to stik 
 with his rycht and defend the same, and execut his saidis letteris with- 
 out thair gruige or indignatioun. Eftir the quhilkis declaratiouns the haill 
 communite that wer present, all in ane voce, consentit to send commis- 
 sionaris to the quenis grace, and to gif ane supplicatioun to hir grace, 
 delaittit with guid narratioun and trew report of the mater, for pur- 
 chessing of the saidis croftis and places to the communite and commound 
 veill of this burght, gif the same may be had at hir grace handis frelie of 
 hir grace guidnes and liberalitie ; and gif the same may nocht be purchest 
 frelie without gratitud and compositioun, to offer hir grace guid deid, 
 gratitud, and sic pecuniall compositioune as the saids commissionaris may 
 maist easaly appoynt and condescend thairanent. And to that effect obleist 
 thame selffis to contrabut and pay (or it saill) lergelie of their geir and 
 guidis, for the purchessing and obtening of the saidis croftis and places, sua 
 the samyn be applyit to the communite and commond veill of this burght ; 
 and to the effect aboun wrytin nominat and chesit Thomas Menzes and 
 Valter Cant commissionaris, and ordanis ane commissioun to be maid to 
 thame thairwpon, onder the townis commound seall, togidder with certane 
 articalis and informatioun to be gewin thame in vryt be the consell thair- 
 anent, and thai to ryd vpoun the townis expenssis, to be modifeit be the 
 consell. 
 
 6th April, 1562 
 
 The said day, James Leslie presentit and gaif in ane supplicatioun in 
 jugement to the prowest, baillies, counsell, and communite, desyrand ane 
 pece west ground lyand within the fredome of Abirdene, vpoun the northt 
 syd of the fuill cassy, merchand with the Spittell, heretable in few, to big 
 ane barne and barneyard thairopoun, for payment of sic few maill yeirlie 
 as the counsell wald devyise. And it wes thocht expedient that the coun- 
 sell and sa mony vtheris as plesit suld pass vpoun Settirday nixt cumis to 
 the said pece of west ground, and vesy and consider gif the setting of the 
 same in few be hurtfull to the inhabitantis of this toun and fredome thairof, 
 other in casting of fewall or pasturing of guidis, sua that thairefter ma be 
 gewin ane sufficient answer to the said James desyir and supplicatioun. 
 And alsua the saidis visitouris to consider the day forsaid all command ven- 
 
 2 Y
 
 342 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 6th April, nallis within the toun, and all commound gettis within and about the toun, gif 
 the same be onywayis stoppit, condamnit, distroyit, or deraineist aganis the 
 auld wse and consuetude had thairof at ony tymes bypast, in hurt of the in- 
 habitantis or quhatsumewer passingeris, sua that remeid may be put thairto 
 thaireftir be the awyise of the counsell. 
 
 The said day, comperit in jugement Thomas Nicolsoun, and producit 
 in presens of the haill communite of the said burght, convenit in thair heid 
 court, ane vryting subscrywit with the handis of the maist pairt of the 
 counsell of the said burgh, contening thair obligatioune and faithfull pro- 
 mise maid to him, of the nixt vacand profyt, other land or wattertak, that 
 happinnit to fall in the townis handis, at thair dispositioun, for sic caussis 
 as ar specifeit and continit in the said vryting. And because the said pro- 
 mise and obligatioun concernit the haill communite, the said Thomas desyrit 
 thame of thair gudnes, and for his seruice bigane, that thai wald ratify and 
 approve the same, and gif their wryttis and consentis thairto, and mak him 
 securite thairwpone, conforme to the contentis therof, of the quhilk the 
 tenour followis : We prowest, baillies, counsell, and commumtie of Abir- 
 dene, hawand respect that the peice west ground, lyand within the fredome 
 of Abirdene, besyd the Keppillhill, desyrit in few be our weilbelouit nycht- 
 bour, Thomas Nicolsoun, ane of the baillies of our said burght, is of small 
 valour, and yit the setting thairof in few may be hurtfull to our nychtbouris 
 hawand land adiacent contigue thairto, and thairfor hes solistit the said Tho- 
 mas to desist fra the persuit heirof ; quherfor, and for wther ressonabill caussis 
 mowing ws, and speciallie because the said Thomas hes done guid seruice 
 baith to the toune in tymes bypast, to his gryt expenssis (vnrecompensit as 
 yit), and hes borne office of dignitie and charge of this guid toune, and sustenit 
 ane honest rowme amangis ws, thairfor we bind and obleis ws and our succes- 
 souris to gif the said Thomas the nixt vattertak or land tak that hapnis to 
 vaik, and be thir presentis giffis him our voittis and consentis thairof, 
 he payand thairfor yeirlie sic maill and duetie as the same presentlie payis 
 allanerlie, without ony compositioun or interes siluer, and sell mak him suir 
 securitie thairupone, according to the vse of this burght ; to the quhilk we 
 bind ws faithfullie, but fraud, gyll, or contradictioun to be maid in the 
 contrar, be this vryt, subscriuit with our handis at Abirdene, the last day 
 of September, the yeir of God m v c and saxtie yeiris. Quhilk vryting 
 being opinlie red, in presens of the haill communitie, considerit and vnder-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN 343 
 
 stand be thame, thai thocht and declarit the same ressonabill, and ratifeit 6th April, 
 and apprewit the same in all poyntis, and grantit and gaue thair fre consent 
 and faithfull promise thairto, obleissing thame and thair successoris for ob- 
 serving and completing thairof, and decernit ane gift and securitie to be maid 
 to the said Thomas thairupoune, wnder thair commond seall, and ordanis 
 the keiparis thairof to seall the same, vpoun the quhilkis the said Thomas 
 desyrit act and instrument in presens of the haill toun. 
 
 4tk May, 1562. 
 
 The said day, John Kelo, belman, wes accusit in jugement for the passing 
 throw the rewis of the toune with the hand bell, be oppin voce, to convene 
 the haill communitie, or sa mony thairof as wald convene, to pass to the wood 
 to bring in symmer upoun the first Sonday of Mali, contravinand the actis 
 and statutis of the quenis grace and lordis of consell, eppeirandlie to raise 
 tumult and ingener discord betuix the craftismen and the fre burgessis of 
 gild, and the saidis craftismen to dissobey and adtempt aganis the superioris 
 of the toun, gif it stuid in thair power, as the saidis prowest and baillies 
 ar informit, the said Johnne hawing na command of the saidis prowest and 
 baillies to do the same ; and inlykwyise Alexr. Burnatt alias Potter wes 
 accusit for passing throw the toun with ane swech, to the effect and occa- 
 sioun aboun wryttin. Quhilkis Johnne and Alexander confessit the samyn, 
 allegiand thai did the samyn of na ewill mynd, bot conforme to the auld 
 vse, and be command of Johnne Grant, quha is ane fre burgess and brothir 
 of gild, and had done na wrang thairin, as thai alleigit. And the said 
 Johnne Grant inlykmaner beand accusit for giffing command to the saidis 
 Johnne and Alexander, as is aboun wrytin, and passing throw the toun 
 fortifeing and mentening thame as he mocht, to the effect forsaid, grantit 
 and apprewit the same, and denyit ony wrang done be him thairintill. 
 Quhilk mater wes put to the decisioun and knawledge of the assise aboun 
 wrytin, chosin, suorne, and admittit in jugement, quhilkis acceppit the 
 said mater on thame, and efter detfull consultatioun and consideration 
 ryplie awisit, enterit in court, fand and deliuerit, all in ane voce, be the 
 moutht of Gilbert Menzeis elder, chancellor of the said assise for the tyme, 
 that the saidis personis had grytlie wrangit in the committing of the said 
 enormitie and heycht atemptat, but the awise of the prowest, baillies, and 
 superioris of the toun, quhairfor thai and ilkane of thame wer in amer- 
 ciament of court, and that wes gewin for dome, and the modificatioun of
 
 344 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 4th May, the amendis referrit to the discretioun of the consell. Quhilkis thaireftir 
 beand deulie convenit, discernit and ordanit the saidis personis to compeir 
 vpoun Sonday nixt curais within the paroche kirk, and thair, immediatlie 
 aftir the preaching, in presens of the congregatioun, grant thair said offens, 
 as done throw ignorance, and vpon thair kneis ask God and the congrega- 
 tioun forgifnes, and obleist thameselffis thair, opinlie, that gif thai be con- 
 victit for sic offens in tym cuming, to tyn thair fredorae, proffit, and pre- 
 velege of this guid toun, and to be separat and exulat fra the societie 
 thairof frathinfurtht ; and quha of thame dissobeys the said ordinance, to 
 incur the samyn pane, but fauer or request to be hard in the contrar. 
 
 8th May, 1562. 
 
 The said day, the haill toune being convenit, &c., consentit, grantit, and 
 ordanit that the haill money gottin for the siluer wark, brassin wark, keipis, 
 and ornamentis of thair paroche kirk, being in the handis of Patrik Menzes, 
 thesaurar to the toune presentlie, be disponit and applyit vpoun the biging 
 and restaurectioun of the peir and key heid of the said burght, and of the 
 brig of Done, and of the arteilzery and munitioune pertening to the toune, 
 and the said mony nor na pairt thairof to be applyit to na wther wse ; and 
 chesit Maister Robert Lumisdene, maister of wark to the said brig, and 
 Thomas Nicolsoun and Androw Buk, maisteris of wark to the said key 
 heid, arteilzery, and munitioun, quha acceppit the samyn ; and ordanis thir 
 forsaidis to be done with all diligence, and the said thesaurer to answer and 
 obey thame of money for performing thairof, and the samyn to be allowit to 
 him in his nixt cornptis. 
 
 The sayd day, the haill toune being warnit, &c., grantit and consentit, 
 all in ane voce, nane opponanand in the contrar, to sett heritable in few 
 ferme, to Thomas Branche, his airis, and assignais, all and haill the sklayt- 
 hous, callit the kirkludge, lyand at the wast pairt of the north syd of Sanct 
 Nicolas kirkyard, betuix the land of Johnne Kennedy on the northt part, 
 the quenis commound gett on the vast part, and the said kirkyard on the 
 eist and southt partis, conforme to the said Thomas petitioune and suppli- 
 catioune gevin thairwpone ; and ordanis ane few chartour to be mayd to the 
 said Thomas, his airis and assignais, thairwpone, contening sic conditions 
 and clausis as the counsall sail think expedient, and referrit the modifica- 
 tioune of the yeirlie few maill to be payit thairfor to the discretioun of the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 345 
 
 counsel!, quha modifeit the same to the sowme of fyfty thre schillingis iiij d., 8th May, 
 to be payit at Wytsonday and Martimes, be two equall portionis as vse is, 
 prowyding alwais that thair be no entre in tym cuming to the said land on 
 the eyst syid therof, nixt the kirkyard, bot only in the wast syd therof. 
 
 16th June, 1562. 
 
 The said day, George Burnatt, in presens of Dauid Mar, bailze, and 
 witnes wnderwrytin, compeirit and obleist himself faythfullie to accept 
 Mariorie Mair, his spous, in his familiar cumpany and hartlie fauour, and 
 intreit hir in bed and buird, luf and kyndnes, godlie and fauourable, as it 
 becumis ane mareit man to do to his wyf, remittand all offenssis and elestis 
 done be hir in tymes bygane, quhidder the same wes trew or not, and 
 neuer to imput the same to hir charge in tyme cuming, nor yit sell moif ane 
 cause of diuorce aganis hir in tymes cuming, nor yit sell moif ane caus for 
 na occasioun bypast, afoir the dait of thir presentis ; to the quhilk the said 
 George obleist himself, vnder the pane of ane thousand pound vsuall money 
 of Scotland, to be payit to the said Mariorie, quhilk sowme the said George 
 grantit him to hawe resauit fra the said Mariory, provyding alvayis that gif 
 it beis sufficientlie verefyit and prowin that in tyme cuming the said Mariory 
 keip nocht hir body clene to hir said spous, bot chances to commit the cryme 
 of adultery, of the quhilk he hes bene vrangouslie informit in tymes bygane, 
 in that cace the said George to be fre of his band and obligatioun ; and it 
 sail be lesum to him to moif ane caus of diuorse aganis the said Mariory, 
 and scho neuer to haue ony pairt of his geir nor guidis thaireftir in tym 
 cuming, the said crym being notorlie knawin to the honest men and consell 
 of this toun ; to the quhilk the said George grantit and consentit befor thir 
 witnes, Gilbert Menzes elder, Thomas Branche, Vm. Menzes, and Mr. 
 John Kennedy. 
 
 \0th July, 1562. 
 
 The said day, the baillies decernit and decreittit that Mr. Eduard Men- 
 zes, cheplane of Sanct Androwis cheplanrie, within the paroche kirk of 
 Abirdene, fundit be vmquhile Johnne Mar, hes prowin sufficientlie that ho 
 is lauchtfullie infeft in ane annuell rent of ten schillingis vsuall money of 
 Scotland, of all and haill ane tenement of land pertening to the chaplanrie 
 of the Thre Kingis, lyand in the Gallovget, on the west syd therof, betuix 
 the land of vmquhill John Crag on the northt part, and the land of Andro
 
 346 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 loth July, Crafurd on the south part, and the quenis commond yettis on the eist and 
 vest pairtis, now pertening heretablie in few ferme to Dauid Vmfra and 
 Andro Hervy, and ordains him to be payit and obeyit therof in all tym 
 earning. 
 
 24th July, 1562. 
 
 The said day, Johnn Chalmer wes accusit in jugement, at the instance 
 of the thesaurar and dene of gild, and Dauid Mar, bailze, in name of the 
 haill toun, for the iniuring of diuerse nychtbouris and inhabitantis thairof 
 in deid, and sklandering of thame in word, and for mischawing of himself 
 in sic sindry wayis, sua that he is ane unlauchtfull nychtbour, and aucht 
 nocht to be sufferit to pas at liberte within this burght. Quhilk the said 
 Johne denyit, and offerit him to vnderly the censment of ane assise, gif 
 he be culpabile in the premissis ; quhilk actioun wes put to the decisioun 
 and knawledge of the assise aboun writin, chosin, suorne, and admittit in 
 jugement, in presens of the said Johnn, quhilk accepit the said mater vpon 
 thame, and out of court remowit, and efter lang and detfull consultatioun, 
 ryply awisit, enterit in court, fand and deliuerit all in ane voce, be the 
 mowtht of Gilbert Menzes, chancellar of the said assise for the tym, that 
 the said Johnn Chalmer is ane insufficient and vnlauchfull nychtbour, and 
 aucht nocht to be sufferit to pass at libertie in this toun, to commit sic 
 misordour and enormiteis as he daly committis and dois, for the quhilk the 
 said John wes convictit and put in amerciament of court. 
 
 llth August, 1562. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, baillies, and counsell ordanis Patre Menzes, 
 thesaurar, to send Maister Dauid Borthuik, procuratour for the toun in 
 the cause of varandice mowit aganis thame be Wm. Forbes, to defend the 
 said mater, sax pound Scottis, and to the man that bairis the samyn 
 to him with the townes informatioun, and to pas to Striveling with vryt- 
 ingis of the townes to the Erll of Marr, the sovme of threttie s., quhilk 
 sail be allowit to him in his nixt comptis. 
 
 26th August, 1562. 
 
 The said day, the haill toune being conuenit for the maist pairt, repre- 
 sentand the haill body of the communite, it wes exponit to thame be 
 Maister Robert Lumisden, in name of the haill counsell, quhow that the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 347 
 
 propyne devysit to be gevin to the quenis grace, and preparatioun of sic 26th August, 
 thingis as is devysit agane her first entre to this burght, will exceed in ex- 
 penssis the haill sowme devysit to that effect, or that ma be purchesit or 
 had, other of the common guid restand of forhand, or of the taxacioun and 
 contribution of the toun alreddy stentit and vpliftit of the nychtbouris and 
 inhabitants thairof, and that thair is diuerse and sindry personis sett and 
 stentit in the taxt roll, sum absent of the cuntrey, and otheris remaining 
 in landwart, quhais taxatioun can nocht be had to prepair the said de- 
 coratioun, in consideratioun of the schortnes of the tym, quhilkis personis 
 the counsell hes ordanit and decernit to haue tint thair fredome, and all 
 proffit and privilege of this burght in tyme cuming. And thir premissis, 
 and vtheris respectis considerit be the counsell, it is thocht be thame and 
 knawin to inlaik the sowme of tua hundreytht merkis and mair, to furneis 
 and performe the said decoratioun, as is necessar to be done for the honour 
 of the toun ; and that the said counsell hes bene diuerse tymes convenit 
 and consultand togidder quhair the said sovme mycht maist easelie be had, 
 and bed concludit the maist easiest and convenient way for hawing thairof 
 wes to sett the small custumis in formaling for the space of ten yeiris, and 
 the four mylnis of the toun in assedatioun for the space of nyntene yeris, 
 and that to Thomas Menzeis of Petfoddellis, thair prowest, he furnesand 
 the said sowme, and deliuering the same to the townis thesaurar, with all 
 diligens to prepair the premissis, because the time is schort. And inquirit 
 oppinlie the haill communite gif tha wald condiscend and assent to the said 
 consultatioun and devyce of the consell, or gif thai wald fynd ane vther 
 mair easie and convenient way to the effect forsaid. Quhilkis being op- 
 pinlie and particularly, every man be himself, inquyrit heirvpon, grantit 
 and consentit thairto, and thocht the same expedient all in ane voce, ex- 
 cept thir personis following : that is to say, Maister Duncane Forbes, 
 Thomas Holland, Walter Lowsoun, Johnne Tullydeff, Androw Brechin, 
 and Walter Cullan, quhilkis disassentit and opponit in the coritrar therof, 
 and the remanent of the haill communite ordanis ane commissioun to be 
 maid, vnder thair commond seall, to the commissionaris chosin for this 
 instant yeir, to sett the said small fewis in formaling to the said Thomas 
 Menzes and Gilbert Menzes his sone and appeirand air, for the said space 
 of ten yeiris nixt and imraediatlie following the dait of thir presently, 
 quhilk sell be thair interest thairto ; and alsua, the saidis four mylnis in 
 tak and assedatioun to the saidis Thomas and Gilbert for the said space
 
 348 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 26th August, of nyntene yeiris nixt and immediatly following the feist of Witsonday 
 nixt to cum, in the yeir of God m v c saxty and thre yeiris, quhilk sell 
 be thair interes thairto, for yeirlie payment of the sowme of threttie aucht 
 raarkis vsuall money of Scotland, for the saidis milnis, and that becaus 
 the said Thomas Menzes his father and predecessour had the said small 
 custurnis and mylnis in tak and assedatioun obefor, and yit the said Thomas 
 is in possessioun thairof, and villinglie to do for the same as vtheris nycht- 
 bouris of the said burght dois, and hes done, for thair natiwe takis and 
 kyndlie rowmis, offering to the rait and valour thairof. 
 
 2d September, 1562. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and counsell, being conuenit in the 
 conselhous within the tolbuytht, ratifeit and approvit of new the act and 
 ordinans maid obefoir be the counsell in fauouris of Gilbert Malysoune, 
 makand him sersour and visitour to considder and try gif all salmound bar- 
 rellis maid be the couperis that passis furth of Abirdene and fredome 
 thairof be sufficient and of the just masour of Abirdene : that is to say, 
 ellevin gallownis and half galloun to be mesurit with the commoun jrne 
 and gage of this burght, and brynt with the markyne jrne therof, as the 
 statut maid thair wpon of the dait the nynt day of Februar, 1536 yeiris, 
 proportis, and the haill counsell wes contentit and assentit that the said 
 Gilbert surrogat and deputt in his place, to wse the said office, Alexander 
 Malysone, his sone, the said Gilbert standand, as he is presentlie obleist be 
 his landis and guidis, for dew administratioun of the said cuyr and office, 
 confonne to the said statut in all punctis ; vpon the quhilk the said Gilbert 
 tuik act and instrument. 
 
 18th September, 1562. 
 
 The said day, the haill counsell, being convenit, hawand consideratioun 
 that Thomas Menzeis, prowest, hes debursit and deliwerit to the townis 
 thesaurar the sowme of fourtie poundis vsuall money of Scotland for the 
 girsum of the townis mylnis, set to him in assedatioune for the space of 
 nynteine yeiris, for payment of the auld maill, and forther hes debursit the 
 sowme of fourtie markis Scottis money, makand in the haill the sowme of 
 tua hundreyth markis for the weill of the toune, to be applyit for the deco- 
 ratioun thairof at our soverane ladyis first entres thairto, and hes na ganis 
 nor profit for the said sowme of fourtie merkis, quhairfor thai discharge him
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 
 
 of the malis of the said mylnis, extending to the sowrae of threttie aucht 18th Sept. 
 markis, for the space of ane yeir nixt following his entre to the saidis 
 mylnis, continit in his assedatioun forsaid, and ordanis the said thesaurar to 
 gif him ane sufficient acquittans thairvpon, and to deliuer him instantlie 
 tuentie sax s. viij d., in compleit payment of the foirsaid soume of xl markis. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, haillies, and counsell, with consent and assent 
 of the haill communitie, decernit that all personis that ar fremen and bur- 
 gessis of this burght, and remanis nocht actuallie within the same, nor yit 
 scottis, lottis, walkis, and wardis, nor payis nocht thair taxatiounis as the 
 remanent burgessis and nychtbouris of the toun dois, quhais names efter 
 followis, to haue tynt thair fredome, becaus thair hes bene diuerse statutis 
 and ordinances maid vpoun thame obefoir to hawe cum and remanit within 
 the said burght, and maid actuall residens thairintill, scottit, lottit, walkit, 
 and wardit, and payit thair contributionis and taxationis as said is, at ane 
 certane terme, of lang tym bygane, and diuerse publict proclamationis being 
 made thairopoun, and thay contempnandly heis disobeyit, and wald be na 
 way obey the saidis ordinancis, and speciallie hes nocht contrabutit with the 
 toun in paying of thair partis of the stent and taxatioun laitlie wptakin to 
 be gevin and disponit to the quenis grace in propyne, and decoratioun of 
 the toun at hir grace first entre thairto ; and ordanis William Barclay, 
 officiar, to pas the morne, quhilk is the mercat day of this burght, to the 
 mercat croce thairof, and thair be oppin proclamatioun mak oppin denuncia- 
 tioun of the said decreit, and dcnunce the saidis personis quhais names eftir 
 followis, to haue tint thair fredome in maner forsaid, quhilk the said officiar 
 did in presens of the prowest and baillies forsaid. Heir efter followis the 
 names of the personis that wes denuncit to have tint thair fredome : that is 
 to say, George Gardyne of Banquharie, James Pantoun of Tullymad, 
 Alexr. Hog, Wm. Farquharson, Dauid Chalmer of Bawithan, Wm. 
 Keytht, Alexr. Thomsoun, Win. Johnstoun in Keayis Mylne, Nicol Gar- 
 dinar, James Straquhin, Wm. Duncan, Alexr. Blinschell, and George 
 Spens. 
 
 The said day, the prowest and baillies decernit and decreittit that it is 
 sufficientlie prowin befoir thame that Christan Fynny and Allan Blair, hir 
 spous, for his interes, Besse Blair and Robert Knowis, hir spous, for his 
 interes, hes sufficientlie verifyit and prowin that vpoun the tuelt day of Junij 
 
 2 z
 
 350 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 isth Sept., last bipast or thairby, vmquhile Claris Mony Peny, spous of Alexr. Ro- 
 bertsoun, cordonar, befoir hir decease, left in legacie to the saidis Cristan 
 and Besse the cleything and abilzement of hir body, togidder with the haill 
 geir, gudis, sowmes of money, and dettis pertening or that mycht perten to 
 hir the tym of hir decess, be ressoun that scho wes his lauchfull spous, and 
 na barnis lauchfullie gottyn betuix tharae beand lewand, and that the said 
 Alexander and vmquhill Claris, his spous forsaid, the tym of hir decese had 
 thir guidis, geir, and sowmes of mony vnderwrytin pertening to thame as 
 thair awin propir geir and guidis movable, besyd the airschipe : that is to 
 say, sax dakir of barkit hydis in the pottis, pryce of the dakkir auchten 
 crovnnis ; item, tua dakkir and ane half dakkir of roche ledder in the lyme, 
 price of the dakkir saxtene crownis ; item, in the biytht, of brokin ledder, 
 wortht twentie s. ; item, in the loft, ane chalder and ane half of bark, pryce 
 of ilk boll tuelf s. ; item, ane stand, xxx d. ; tua pannis, sax s. : thre pottis, 
 threttene s. four d. ; thre plaittis, sax s. viij d. ; tua chandelaris, sax s. ; 
 tua dischis, thre s. ; ane Scottis couering, aucht s. ; tua pair of auld lynning 
 scheittis, tene s. ; tua pair of hardyn scheittis, ten s. ; ane pece blak claytht 
 of fywe elnis, pryce of the elne twentie s.; item, sewin ellis of quhyt carsay, 
 pryce of the elne xx d. ; nyne elnis of lynning claytht, price of the elne tua 
 s. ; item, of mony threttene ane poundis ; of the quhilkis haill geyr and 
 guidis and mony aboun wrytin (the dettis awand be the said Alexr. the 
 tym of his said wyffis decess being takin off) the iust half pertenis and suld 
 pertene to the said Cristane Fynny, Allan Blair, hir spous, for his interes, 
 and Besse Blair and Robert Knowis, hir said spous, for his interes, be res- 
 son the samin becumis to the deidis part as the half house, quha befoir hir 
 deces maid lauchfull dispositioun and legacie of hir rycht thairof to the 
 saidis Cristane and Besse in maner aboun wrytin, quhairfor the baillies de- 
 cernit and ordanit the said Alexander Robertsone to deliuer to the saidis 
 Cristane and Besse, and thair saidis spowssis, for thair interes, the halff of 
 the haill geir and gudis aboun wrytin, or the valour and pryces thairof 
 aboun exprimit, togider with the half of the mony aboun wrytin, within 
 terme of law, the dettis alwayis awand be the said Alexander the tyme of 
 his said wyfis decess being tane of the haill hous, sa far as he may iustlie 
 preif, within the said terme wes awand ; and als ordanis the said Alexander 
 to deliuer thame the abilzement of his wyfis body within the said terme, sa 
 far as thai ma sufficientlie preiff, and condamnis the said Alexr. in the ex- 
 penssis of pley to be taxit efterwart.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 351 
 
 llth October, 1562. 17th October, 
 
 The said day, the counsel! ordanis the thesaurar to mak zettis of tre 1562 - 
 vpoun the tua eist portis, and als to mak bomis at the west end of the 
 castelget, and wther places of the town neidfull ; and quhat expenssis he 
 makis vpon the same to be allowit to him in his nixt compt. 
 
 October, 1562. 
 
 The said day, it wes considerit be the haill counsell that the commound 
 guid of this burght, bayth propirtie and accidens, is of small importans, and 
 litill in respect of the gryt advis necessar, quhairvpoune the samyn aucht 
 to be applyit for the commound weill of this burght, and that thair ministir 
 hes gottyn yeirlie the sovm of thre hundreyth markis of thair said commoun 
 guid thir diuerse yeiris immediatlie bygane, to the gryt hurt of this burght, 
 quhome the toun ma nocht gudlie sustene in sic sort vpoun thair small 
 rentis, and quhome the bischope of Abirdene aucht to sustene vpoun his 
 expenssis, be ressoun that he ressauis of thame his stipendteyndis and 
 duetie thairfor ; and thairfor thai, all in ane voce, inhibit thair thesaurar 
 and den of gild to ansuer the said minister of the said yeirlie pensioun fra- 
 thinfurth, and thocht expedient that he be nocht ansuerit nor payit thairfor 
 in tyme cuming, for the caussis aboun wry tin. 
 
 The said day, the haill counsell being convenit within the gray freiris, 
 ordanit that Johnne Cowper sell hawe fywe s. for ewerie nycht that he hes 
 wachit bygane in the townis service, and siclyke to hawe fywe s. ilk nycht 
 in tyme cuming, sa lang as the townis watching induris, he thairfor con- 
 venand the wachemen be the sound of his swass throw the towne efter 
 supper, and siclyk to pley thairwpone at the depairting of the wache in the 
 morning, conforme to the ordinans of the counsell, and ordanis the the- 
 saurar to ansuer and obey him thairof, quhilk sell be allowit in his nixt 
 comptis. 
 
 The said day, the counsell ordanit that Thomas Nicolsoun sell be re- 
 compensit and payit of the skayth sustenit be him in braking of certane 
 chalmeris of his arteilzerie, quhilkis the toun borrowit fra him, and wes vsit 
 and schot with pulder in volie at the quenis first entre to this burght ; and 
 ordanis Androw Buk and Alexr. Rattre to considder the said skaytht, and 
 gif ane declaratioun thairof to the counsell.
 
 352 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 19th October, The said day, anent the supplicatioun exhibeit to the prowest, baillies, 
 and counsell be William Crafurd, officiar of this burght the yeir immedi- 
 atlie bypast, and is remowit thairfra without occasioun or saill doyn be him, 
 desyring support of the honest men of the toun to help him to ane craym, 
 that he may trawell to win his lifing in the cuntray, lyk as in the supplica- 
 tioun at mair lyntht is continit ; and the counsell ordinit Johime Tullydef, 
 or sum wther honest man, to pass to the houssis of maist honest men and 
 desyr the said support. 
 
 25th October, 1562. 
 
 The said day, Loke Traill, duelland in Petfoddellis, grantit and con- 
 fessit him awand to Alexr. Robertson and Johnn Robertsoun, his brother, 
 the soume of aucht pound xiij s. iiij d. vsuall money of Scotland, quhilk he 
 obleist him to pay to the saidis personis at thair termes eftir following, that 
 is to say, the ane iust half thairof at the feist and terme of Mertimes nixt 
 to cum, and the wther half thairof at the feist and terrne of Witsonday nixt 
 thaireftir following ; for the quhilk the said Alexander, for himself and all 
 vtheris, his kyn and freyndis, remittis and forgiffis the said Loke and all 
 vtheris, his kyn, freyndis, assisteris, complicis, faueraris, and part takaris 
 of the bluid drawing of him, and art and parte thairof; and als of the 
 slauchter of vmquhill Besse Chalmer, his spouse, allegit committit be the 
 said Loke of suddentie. And Androw Chalmer and Alexr. Oglay, litsteris, 
 become cautionaris and souerteis that the said Loke sail newer be callit, per- 
 sewit, trublit, nor molestit thairfor in the law, nor by the law, in na tymis 
 cuming, and the said Alexander and Johnn obleist thame to releif the saidis 
 cautionaris befoir thir witnes : Alexr. Howesoun, Androw Gareaucht, and 
 Eduard Donaldsoun, and wther diuerse. 
 
 25th Norwmber, 1562. 
 
 The said day, Thomas Menzeis, prowest, and Maister George Myddil- 
 toun, bailze, decernit and ordanit Margrat Forbes, servand to Maister 
 Robert Andersone, quha is convickit for the strubling, stryking, and bluid 
 drawing of Elizabeth Wood, to pay and recompens the barbour for the 
 curing and leyching of the said Elizabetht, and to gif her also for ane pe- 
 cuniall pane xxvj s. viij d. Scottis mony. And attour to compeir on Son- 
 day nixt cumis, irnmediatlie efter the preching, within the parroche kirk, 
 and thair, in presens of the congregatioun, ask God and the party offendit
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 353 
 
 forgifties, with a contreit and penitent mynd ; and gif ewer sche committis 25th Nov. 
 sic offence in tym cuming, to be baneist of this toun for ewer ; and the said 
 Maister Robert Andersone, hir maister, is becumin souertie and cautioun 
 for fulfilling of the premisses, in presence of the prowest and bailzies. 
 
 4tk December, 1562. 
 
 The said day, the haill merchandis of this burght, being varnit, &c., 
 chesit and nominat Thomas Menzes, prowest, and Maister Robert Lu- 
 misdene thair lauchtfull commissionaris, to pass to Edinburght, and cary 
 with thame sic euidentis and charteris of the townis liberteis and preue- 
 legis as thai think maist necessar to be confirmit be the quenis grace for 
 the commond weill of this burght, and speciallie the preuelege of the doyn 
 getting of the custum of certane skynnis, sic as hog, scherling, futfaill, 
 lamskyne, and wtheris, continit in the infeftraent thairof, and to labour and 
 solist to get ane confirmatioun thairwpoune in dew forme, according to the 
 deliuerans of the quenis grace, at hir last being in Aberdene, giffin vpoun 
 the supplicatioun exhibeit vnto hir grace in name of the haill toune thair- 
 anent. And generalie to do all vther thingis concerning the premissis that 
 the saidis merchandis mycht do, gif thai wer all present in propir personis, 
 promittand'to hald ferine and stabill, and obleist thame selffis, that quhat 
 expenssis the saidis commissionaris makis in the performing of the pre- 
 missis, to refound the same thankfullie to thame, togidder with thair reason- 
 abill expenssis that they spend the said reid, and in gratitud for thair panis 
 and trawell. 
 
 February, 1553. 
 
 The said day, the haill counsell beand convenit within the chepdour 
 hous of Sanct Nicolas kirk, decernit and ordinit Patre Menzeis, thesaurar 
 of this toun, to pay and recompans Thomas Nicolsoun the sowme of nyn- 
 tene lib. Scottis money, for the cost and expenssis maid be him vpoun the 
 makin of twa chalmeris of gunnis, quhilk tua chalmeris the said Thomas 
 lennit to the said toun, and wes brokin at the quenis first entre thairto, 
 quhilk sail be allowit to the said Patre in his nixt comptis. 
 
 12th March, 1563. 
 
 The said day, Thomas Andersoune become cautionar and souerte for 
 Marjory Andersoune, his sister, to mak thankfull payment induiring hir
 
 254 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 25th March, lyftyme yeirlie, to Maister Edward Menzeis, cheplane of Sanct Margratis 
 cheplanry, within the paroche kirk of Abirdene, of ane annuell rent of 
 fourtie schillingis vsuall money of Scotland, annaliit be wmquhill Androw 
 Crafurd, hir husband, to be vpliftit yeirlie of the land and tenement per- 
 tening to the said vmquhile Androw, hir spouse, and to the said Mariorie 
 in conjunct fee, lyand in the Gallowgett of the said burght, on the west 
 syid of the same, forganis the gray freiris place ; and siclyk, to content 
 and pay yeirlie, induring the space forsaid, to the cheplanis of the paroche 
 kirk of Aberdene ane annuell rent of twentie s. of the landis and tenementis 
 forsaid, at Witsonday and Mertimes, be equall portionis, without ony 
 puynding, comprising, or calling in the law for the samyne, becaus the 
 said Maister Edward and cheplanis forsaid hes bene guid and thankfull 
 to the said Mariorie, in remitting of ane part of the said annuell rentis 
 awand to thame respectiue of certane termes bigane ; and the said Mariorie 
 obleyst hir to releyff the said Thomas of all the premissis. 
 
 The baillies ordanis the four officiaris to pass with Schir Johnne Col- 
 lyson, collectour to the cheplanis of the paroche kirk of Aberdene, and 
 puynd and distrenze all the inhabitantis within this burght and fredome 
 thairof, for thair maillis, few maillis, and annuell rentis awand to thame 
 of all yeris and termes bygane, conforme to our souerane ladeis letteris 
 directit thairupoune, and mak the saidis cheplanis to be payit without ony 
 forther delay. 
 
 I5tk March, 1563. 
 
 The baillies chargit Elizabeth Annand, spouse to Johnne Maitland, to 
 pay Francis Degley, harbour, twentie s. Scottis mony, for the laubouris 
 bestowit be him vpoun the said Elizabeths dochter, in heling and mending 
 of hir ein, within terme of law. 
 
 22<f March, 1553. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and counsell, vnderstanding be daily 
 experiens, that this burght and the inhabitantis thairof, ar hurt and hevelie 
 skaitht in the selling of lyme and collis brocht within the hewin, quhilk ar 
 rissine to gryt dartht and exhorbitant pryce, be the occasioun that our 
 awin nychtbouris of this toun byis the same, nocht to thair awin wse, hot 
 to be sauld and disponit for wantage and proffit, to the gryt hurt of the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 355 
 
 commound weill of this burgh. Quhairfor thai statut and ordane that, in 22d March, 
 tyrae cuming, thair be na boyt of lyrae nor collis imbrocht nor coft be ony 
 indwellar of this burght, to be sauld and disponit to the remanent nycht- 
 bouris for vantage or proffit, vnder the pane of confiscatioun of the haill 
 lyme and collis pertenyng to thame that beis fundin culpabill thairin ; and 
 gif ony nychtbour bringis in sic stuff for his awin vse, and hes mair nor 
 sufficient to stack himself, he sail dispone the rest as he bocht the same, 
 vnder the pane forsaid. 
 
 The said day, the baillies decernit ane testimoniall to be gevin, vnder 
 the secreit seall, to Patre Hay, that quhair he hes servit ane honorabill 
 man, Maister Duncane Forbes of Monymusk, bailze of this toun, now pre- 
 sentlie be the space of seivin yeiris immediatlie bygane, and maid him guid 
 and trew seruice induring the said space, and is ane man of honest con- 
 uersatioun and fame, nocht convickit nor yit accusabill for ony notorious 
 cryme or offens, bot sua hes behed himself in tyme bygane, that he ma 
 lefully pass and repass to do and exerse his lesum bissines, quhair evir it 
 happynnis him to cum. 
 
 26th March, 1563. 
 
 The said day, William Kennedy, sone naturall and lauchtfull to wm- 
 quhill William Kennedy, constabill of Abirdene, electit and chesit Maister 
 Patre Rutherfurd and Alexr. Hay his lauchtfull curatouris, coniunctlie and 
 seueralie, to governe and gyd himself, his geir, and gudis, for his vtilitie 
 and proffit, to his lauchtfull and perfyte age, quhilkis accepit the said 
 [office] vpoun tham, and wer sworne to exercise the said office lelele and 
 treulie. And attour the said William, with consent and assent of his said 
 curatouris, maid and constitute Mr. Robert Lumisdene, Mr. John Ken- 
 nedy, and Mr. Olipher Pantoun, his procuratouris, coniunctly and se- 
 ueraly, in all his actionis and caussis. 
 
 15th April, 1563. 
 
 The said day, the haill toune beand lauchfully warnit, &c., it wes statut 
 and ordanit be the baillies and counsell for the tyme present, with consent 
 of the haill communite, that in tym cuming na freman nor inhabitant of this 
 burght by ony malt or meall in gryt to be sauld and disponit agane to 
 otheris for to regrait the toun and the nychtbouris thairof, bot that euery
 
 356 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 16th April, man by to sustene his awin house and familie allanerlie, vnder the pane of 
 escheting of the haill victuall that beis fund in the possessioun of thame 
 brakand this present statut. And inlykmaner that na beir be sauld within 
 this toun for this yeir darrer nor xij d. the quart, vnder the payne forsaid. 
 Attour, that na baxter baik ony eit breid to be sauld, nor na caik baxter 
 ony caikis to be sauld, vnder the pain foirsaid, and siclyk vnder the pane of 
 the caik baxteris girdile. Item, that all victuall that cumis to this toun to 
 be sauld be presentit in the mercat quhill pryce be maid, conforme to the 
 auld statutis maid obefoir ; and quhatsumeuer persone that happynnis to 
 comprehend ony victuall bocht in gryt, to be toppit and sauld to vtheris 
 nychtbouris for regraitting of the toune, the comprehender thairof sail haue 
 for his labouris the fourth part of the victuall comprehendit be him in maner 
 foirsaid. Item, it is statut that na fische be bocht to be brokin on the 
 skemlis be the flescheris, vnder the pane of escheting of the same. 
 
 2d July, 1563. 
 
 The said day, the counsall ordanis the thesaurer, Patre Menzeis, to an- 
 suer and obey John Lesly, ridar of the comoun prayeris, the sowme of ten 
 lib. vsuall money of Scotland for his stipend of his seruice bygane of the 
 Witsonday terme last bipast, in the yeir of God m v c saxtie and thre 
 yeiris, quhilk he hes ellis deseruit ; and als thai ordane that he sail haue ten 
 lib. yeirlie in tym cuming, at tua termis, Mertimes and Witsonday, be tua 
 equall portionis, for augmentatioun and suppliment of his yeirlie stipend 
 quhilk the comptrollar giffis him, and that induring thair villis vpoune his 
 guid bering and seruice. 
 
 5th July, 1563. 
 
 The baillies ordanit Patre Menzes, thesaurar, to deliuer to Dauid Elleis, 
 segster of the parroche kirk, the sowme of xl s. vsuall money of Scotland, 
 for the beireing of the puir folk, quhilk salbe allowit to him in his nixt 
 compt. 
 
 January, 1564. 
 
 The said day, the haill toune being warnit, &c., grantit and consentit to 
 persew furtht to the finall end the actioune and caus movit and persewit 
 be thame aganis Alexander Fraser of Phillorth, anent the preuilege vsurpit 
 be him of ane fre burght in the toune of Faythlie, contrar the libertie and
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 557 
 
 aid preuilegis of this burgh, presentlie dependand befoir the lordis of con- 18th January, 
 sell ; and siclyk to intend ane actioune for doune getting and abrogating of 
 the commoune mercat haldin ilk Sonday at the kirk of Inche, and to con- 
 tribut and raak expensis thairvpoune, vnto the finall end thairof ; and to 
 begyne to furneis the said pley, ordanis the sowme of threscoir poundis to be 
 collectit and vptakin, and chesit Alexander Forbes, Patrik Gray, Andrew 
 Huntar, Dauid Andersone, and Alexr. Barnis, taxtaris, to taxt and stent 
 the haill inhabitants of this burght, ilkane according to thair faculte and 
 substance, for collecting and getting of the said sowme ; quhilkis personis 
 war sworne in jugement to the effect forsaid. 
 
 5th May, 1564. 
 
 The said day, the counsall present for the tym ordanis that the secrestar 
 and keipar of thair parroche kirk sail haue yeirlie four merkis, besyd the 
 accidentis of baptysm and marreage, conforme to the act maid thairupone 
 obefoir ; and ordinis the thesaurar to ansuer him yeirlie at Mertimes and 
 Vitsonday of the said sowme of four merkis, be tuo equall portionis and 
 the said secrestar to hald the kirk fluir clene ; and this act to continew in- 
 during the consellis will. 
 
 \5th May, 1564. 
 
 The said day, anent the supplicatioun exhibeit to the consell be Dauid 
 Elleis, thair commound serwand and keipar of the kirk, to augment his fee 
 in respect of his ydane and continuall seruice, the counsell augmentit his fee 
 xiij s. iiij d., extending yeirlie in the haill to four markis ; and ordanis the 
 thesaurar to ansuer him thairof at tua termis in the yeir, Witsonday and 
 Mertimes, be tuo equall portionis. 
 
 23d January, 1565. 
 
 The said day, William Blak in Newburght was accusit be Dauid Car- 
 gile, dean of gild, as a forstaller, in bying of beir, meill, and aittis in smallis 
 athort the cuntrie, keiping thairof to a darth, and topping of the same agane, 
 aganis the luvabill lawis of this realme and actis of parliament. Compeirit 
 the said Willeam, and grantit the topping of victuall, and thairanent referrit 
 him in the will of the counsall, quhairfor he was convict and put in amercia- 
 ment of court to forbeir, &c. ; Gilbert Blak elder, cautioun for his unlaw. 
 
 3 A
 
 358 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 23d January, The said day, the haill toun, burgessis, and craftismen, being warnit, &c., 
 the mater concerning the prouisioun for the puir being opinlie declarit to 
 tharae be the baillies and minister, and the act of parliament maid thairanent 
 being publictlie red in all thair audience, and the puir being deuydit in four 
 rankis, to vit, in babis, decayit persones, houshaldaris, leamit and impotent 
 personis, and sic as war decrepit and auld, borne and bred within this 
 burght, at the leist that hes maid thair commoun resort and residence within 
 the same be the space of thir sevin yeris bypast, thay all in ane voce but ony 
 oppositioun or contradictioun, following first Goddis commandement, and 
 nixt the directioun of the said act of parliament, grantit, agreit, and con- 
 sentit, ilk man frielie and voluntarlie voting be him selff, according to the 
 ordour of the suit roll, sum to receave in thair houssis ane baib and lykwayis 
 to pay contributioun for help and support of the remanent puir of the rankis 
 forsaidis, borne and bred within this toun, or at the leist quha hes maid re- 
 sidence within the same be the space forsaid, vtheris to contribut ; and ilk 
 man voting be him selff, grantit to pay the contributioun sett doun in the 
 roll maid this day for ane yeir, to be payit quarterlie, with prouisioun that 
 the magistrates tak sic substantious ordour anent the expelling of extranear 
 beggaris, idill and vagabond persones, furth of this burght, as the said act 
 of parliament prescryvis, and that the purell of the rankis forsaids be con- 
 tenit within houssis, helpit be the commoun contributioun, and nocht sufferit 
 to cum to the streittis, houssis, or yettis of this burght to seik almous ; and 
 according to the said voting, ilk man speking be him selff as said is, the 
 roll was instantlie sett doun, and sic as everie man grantit be his awin 
 mouth wreittin, and the babis delyuerit to sic as was content to receawe 
 tham, the receaweris name with the babis name wreittin lykwayes. 
 
 2d March, 1565. 
 
 The said day, Capitane Hew Lawder presentit to the provest and baillies 
 ane gift of our souerane lord and lade the king and quenis graces, gewin 
 wnder the priuay seall, of the donatioun of the croftis pertening to the blak 
 freiris of Abirdene, and the quhyt freiris of the same, with biggingis, 
 howssis, and yardis perteining thairto, for certane yeiris, contenit in the said 
 gift, and intimat the same to the saidis prowest and baillies, and posses- 
 souris and occupearis of the saidis croftis, biggingis, and howssis ; of the 
 quhilk the tennour followis : Henrie and Marie, be the grace of God king
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 359 
 
 and quene of Scottis, to the lordis of our consell and sessioune greting : 2d March, 
 
 Wit ye ws, with ane awyse of comptrollar, to haue sett and for maill lattine, 1566< 
 
 and be thir our lettres settis and for maill lattis to our dalie seruitour, 
 
 Capitane Hew Lawder, his airis, assignais, and subtennentis, all and sindrie 
 
 landis, axeris, croftes, rowmes, possessionis, fruittis, rentis, males, fermes, 
 
 proffeittes, commoditeis, and deuiteis quhatsumeuir quhilkis pertenit to the 
 
 blak and quhyt freiris of Abirdene, with the ground quhair the plesis stude, 
 
 houssis, yardis, and biggingis thairof, togidder with all and sindre wther 
 
 houssis, annuel rentis, casualteis, and commoditeis belangand to the saidis 
 
 freiris, quhair ewir the same ly to burgh or land, for all the space, dais, and 
 
 termes of nyntene yeiris nixt and immediatlie following the dait heirof, 
 
 quhilk salbe the said Capitane Hew, his airis, and assignais forsaidis entres 
 
 thairto, and eftir to indure and be peciable bruikit, joissit, occupiit, set, 
 
 vsit, and disponit be thame at thair plesour, with power to thame to set 
 
 and rais, input and outpute the tennentis of quatsumeuir landis, aikeris, 
 
 croftis, houssis, and biggingis belangand to the saidis freiris, and to hald 
 
 courtis, and to mak baillies and substitutis vnder him for haldyne thairof, 
 
 and creat all officiaris and memberis of court neidfull for administratioun of 
 
 justice, with all and sindry wtheris commoditeis, fredomes, proffeittis, and 
 
 rychteouss pertinentis quhatsumeuir perteining or rychteouslie ma pertein 
 
 thairto, frielie, quietlie, weill, and in peice, but ony reuocatioun or agane 
 
 calling quhatsumeuir, pertening or rychteouslie ma pertene therto, payand 
 
 thairfor yeirlie the said Capitane Hew, his airis and assignais forsaidis, to 
 
 ws our comptrolleiris and factouris the sowme of ten lib. vsuall money of 
 
 our realme, at tua termes in the yeir, Witsonday and Martimes, be tua 
 
 equall portionis. Quhairfor we charge straitlie and commandis yow, the 
 
 forsaid lordis of our counsell and sessioune, that ye direct our vtheris letteris 
 
 in the four formes, and wtheris neidfull, and our said comptrollar present, 
 
 and to cum to consent thairto, to caus the said Capitane Hew, his airis and 
 
 assignais, be ansuerit and obeyit of the saidis freiris of all landis, aikeris, 
 
 croftis, howssis, biggingis, yardis, males, fermes, annuelrentis, proffeittis, 
 
 commoditeis, and deviteis pertening thairto in forme as effeiris. Gevin 
 
 vnder our priue seall at Edinburgh, the sevintene day of Februar, the yeir 
 
 of God j m v c thre scoir and fywe yeiris, and of our regnne the first and 
 
 tuentie four yeiris. Per signaturam manibus, S. D. N. regis et regine sub- 
 
 scriptum.
 
 360 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 15th June. \~itli June, 1565. 
 
 The said day, the consell ordanis Alexander Rattray to caus heir owt 
 the proppis that ar in the chalmeris of the arteilzery, to the effect that the 
 pulder thairon may be saiffit ; and ordanit him to clenge the saidis arteil- 
 zery and chalmeris, and see quhat faillis there is, and quhat inlaikis, to ad- 
 uerteis that the same be reformit and mendit ; and ordanis the thesaurar to 
 send to Flanderis in the errast schippis for ane barrell of pulder, in con- 
 sideration that thair is bot presently a fordell, only hot a barrell and a half 
 barrell. Alsua thai ordane the blokhous to be veseit, and the same to be 
 biggit and mendit with stane and lyme, or faill, as sell be thocht expedient 
 at the visitatioun thairof. 
 
 \\th August^ 1565. 
 
 The said day, the consell ordanis the xii lib. quhilk Maister George 
 Myddiltoune, thesaurar, hes debursit for tuelf hundreyth sklaitis to mend 
 the cheppell on the Castelhill, to be thankfullie allowit in his comptis ; and 
 als the thre lib. quhilk was gewin to the schipe brokyne men. 
 
 The said day, the counsall present for the tyrae ordanis the thesaurar to 
 by tuentie stanis of groff pulder, to mix thair awin pulder with quhilk thai 
 haue presentlie, becaus the same is ouer stark and vehement, and sindry 
 pecis of thair arteilzery brokyne thairwith, with tene stane of bulletis 
 effeiring thairto ; and inlykwyise ordanis to vesy the arteilzery, and se giff 
 the same be preparit, and quhat inlaikis to be had incontinent, and the 
 blokhous to be viseit and preparit as effeiris ; and for the viseing, preparing, 
 and performing heirof, chesit Gilbert Menzes, Mr. Robert Lumysdene, 
 Patrik Menzes, and Thomas Nicolsoune, and to collect the money as salbe 
 dewysit be the counsell, and to deburse the same in maner forsaid ; and 
 ordanis the thesaurar to giff in his comptis vpoun Furysday nixt to cum. 
 
 5th October, 1565. 
 
 The sayd day, the consell decernit that Dauid Elleis, ringar of the bellis 
 aud keypar of the parroche kirk, under Maister Johnne Kennedy, sacristar 
 of thair said kirk, is ane insufficient serwand, for certan enormiteis and 
 offencis committit be hym, and thairfor dischargit him of the said cuir ; and 
 becaus it is considerit be the counsell that the cuir and labour of the said
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 361 
 
 office is continuall and grit, thai ordanit the said Maister Johnne to find 5th October, 
 
 ane honest trew man, that he wald stand guid for, to serwe wnder him in 
 
 the said office, and thai wald augment his fee and accidentis. And ordanit 
 
 him to haf therfor yeirly of the toune tene merkis, to be payit and obeit be 
 
 the townis thesaurar at Mertimes and Witsonday, be tua equall portionis, 
 
 and to haf of accidentis, of euery mariage, xviij d. of honest or reche folkis, 
 
 and xij d. of sobir folkis ; and of baptysme, xii penneis of honest folkis, and 
 
 vi d. of sobir folkis ; and for making of gravis of the buriall, xviij penneis 
 
 of reche and honest folkis, and xii d. of the sobir estait (alwaise, in all ther 
 
 thre forsaidis, the puir and indegent to be fre). And the townis duety of 
 
 the buriall in the kirk to be wptakin neuertheles be the maister of the kirk 
 
 wark, as it wes obefoir, be reasson of the raising and laying of the payment 
 
 of the kirk. And the counsall nemmyt Schir William Walcar to serwe 
 
 and accept the said cuir, on the conditioun and promise of the stipend for- 
 
 said, and requyrit him personaly quha tuk to adwise thairupoune quhill 
 
 the morn. 
 
 12th February, 1566. 
 
 The said day, Maister George Myddiltoune, thesaurar, conducit Waltir 
 Straquhine to expell or slae all the sweyne fundyn on the commond streittis 
 within this burght, conforme to the act maid thairvpone obefoir be the 
 consell, and the said Waltir tuik the said office on hand, vnder the pane of 
 punischment be the awyse of the consell ; and the said Maister George 
 promest him thairfoir xx schillingis quhill Fasternewin nixt to cum. 
 
 16th April, 1566. 
 
 The said day, the prowest, baillies, and counsaill, with consent and adwyse 
 of the haill communitie, thocht expedient to mak, prepair, and wphald ane 
 gryt bowat or lamp quhair the same wes obefoir, on the east gawill of Sanct 
 Niniariis cheppell, vpone the Castelhill, with thre gryt flammand lychtis, 
 to byrne continewallie thairin in the winter seasoune, fra day lycht vnto 
 day lycht, and to begyn vpon the first day of September and continew vnto 
 the last day of Marche yeirlie, sua that the schippis arryving in the raid, or 
 saland by the cost of Abirdene, may be the said lamp haue jugement and 
 experiens quhair thai ar to eschew danger. And for the wphald and sus- 
 tentatioun thairof, and the keipar of the same, thai ordanit, with consent of 
 the haill merchandis of this burgh, being present for the maist part in thair
 
 362 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 16th April, gild court, that thair be takin wp of euerie sek of gudis that passis furtht 
 of this burght to Flanderis, tua sturis ; item, of ilk tune of gudis in France, 
 ane sowse ; and in England, or ony wther contray outward, vi d., and of 
 everie time haraewart, vj d. ; item, xij d. of everie last of gudis furtht of 
 Danskyne hameward, and this to be takin of the merchandis of this burgh 
 allanerlie ; item, of everie schip of this toune, being of the birtht of fourtie 
 tune, or quhatsumeuer quantitie aboun, arryving therto out of wther 
 contraise, fywe schillingis ilk weage ; and ilk schipe of strangaris of siclyk 
 byrtht, thre schillingis, and ewerie crear xviij penneis, and euery boit sax 
 penneis. And ordanis ane collectour to be chosin yeirlie to resaiff and wp- 
 tak the same, and to mak compt yeirlie therof in the moneth of Aprill ; and 
 ordanis the keipar of the said lamp to haue [ ] yeirlie 
 
 for his service and laubouris. And chesit Johnne Tullydeff collectour of 
 the said contributioune for this yeir, and Sir John Wrycht keipar of the 
 said lamp for this same yeir, and forther quhill he be dischargit. 
 
 26th April, 1566. 
 
 The said day, anent the supplicatioun gewin in and exhibeit to the con- 
 sell be Johnne Lesley, ridar in the parroche kirk of the said brught, desyr- 
 ing to his support sum yeirlie augmentation of his stipend, for his seruice 
 of the riding within the said parroche, in respect that his yeirlie stipend 
 quhilk he hes of the auctorite is restand awand to him of diuerse termes 
 bygane, and he incertane gif he is to get payment thairof in tyme cuming, 
 lyk as in the said supplicatioun at mair lyntht is contenit, the counsell hav- 
 ing consideratioun thairof augmentit to the said Johnnis stipend the sowme 
 of tene poundis, extending in the haill to tuenty poundis, to be payit to 
 him for the space of ane yeir nixt following the dait of thir presentis, sua 
 that, in the meyntym, thai will get suyr knaulege of the ordour to be maid 
 anent the paiment of the stipendis of ministeris and ridaris ; and ordanis the 
 first terme of payment thairof to be at Witsonday nixt cumis, in anno m v c 
 saxtie and sax yeiris. 
 
 3d September, 1566. 
 
 The said day, Robert Malysone, in presens of Gilbert Menzes, baize, 
 sett his halfnettis fisching of the fuyrdis vpoun the waiter of Dee, to 
 Thomas Knovs, for ane yeiris fisching into cum nixt following his entres 
 tharto, quhilk entres salbe, God villing, att Sanct Androwis day nixt
 
 OF THE BUEGH OF ABERDEEN. 363 
 
 and immediatlie folloving the dait of thir presentis, and to continew in 3d September, 
 joysing and bruking of the same quhill the letter Mareday nixt thaireftir 
 following, for the quhilk the said Robert haldis him weill content, satisfeit, 
 and payitt in hand at the making of thir presentis, and dischargis him 
 thairof for now and ewir. 
 
 19 th November, 1566. 
 
 The said day, in presens of the prowest, baillies, consell, and hayll com- 
 munite of this burght, being present for the maist part, representand the 
 haill body of the toun, being warnit to the effect under wrytin, comperit 
 Maister Patrik Ruderfurd, and of his awin fre will, for the sowm of money 
 wnder wrytin, renuncit, resignit, and our gaif in jugement his tak, asseda- 
 tioun, titill, andinteres that he had, hes, or ony way mahaffin tyme cuming, 
 to the haly dayse fische of Sanct Nicholas meytt, quhilk belangis to the wp- 
 hald of the parroche kirk of the said burgh, in the handis of the prouest, in 
 name of the haill toune, to be applyit in all tyrae cuming to the reparatioun 
 of the sayd parroche kirk, as it wes first devysit be the gewaris and gran- 
 taris thairof, and astrickit thame selffis perpetualy frathinfurtht, and to sett 
 the same to nychtbouris yeirly quha will gif maist profytt thairfor, to be ap- 
 plyit as said is, and na wther waise ; for the quhilkis the said communite 
 obleyst thame selffis to pay to the said Maister Patrik the sowme of ane 
 hundretht and nyne poundis vsuall money of Scotland, (as the consell ap- 
 punctit with him thairanent obefor,) and var all content to contribut and be 
 taxat for payment thairof ; and Johnne Lowson becom souertie and cautioune 
 for payment thairof to the said Maister Patrik, within fourtie daise eftir the 
 dayt heiroff, and the communite obleist thame to releif hyme thairoff. 
 
 3d June, 1567. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovne being warnit, &c., it was exponit and pro- 
 ponit be Thomas Menzes, prowest, quhow that thair parroche kirk in di- 
 uerse partis wes ruynovs and presentlie to decay, and schew tharne quhow 
 that it wes thair principall place of conventioune to recognosce thair God, 
 and to heir the teichement of his word, and in lik maner the sepulchre of 
 thair forbearis. And in respect heirof thai war addettit of the law to vp- 
 hald thair kirk and kirkyard, desyrand thame for the beitment and re- 
 formatioune thairof, that thai wald willinglie grant to ane contributioune 
 to be gevin for fulfilling of the same ; and to that effect, that thai suld
 
 364 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 3d June. elect and cheise certain honest, discreit nychtbouris, takand the avise of 
 craftisraan quhat vald do the same, and to be stentit, every man effeirand 
 to his valour, to sic ane sovme as salbe thocht expedient for doing of the 
 said wark, and completing thairof. Quha, being requirit circularie to the 
 premissis, grantit and consentit to the same but ony contradictioune, and 
 to that effect electit and chesit thir personis eftir following : Thomas 
 Menzes, Maister Robert Lumysden, Maister George Myddiltowne, 
 Maister Thomas Fynny, Johnne Tullydeff, Dauid Andersone, Dauid 
 Indraucht, Robert Menzes, and Androw Huntar, to be stentaris of the 
 haill tovne, on sic ane sovme as the saidis stentaris sail think gude and ex- 
 pedient for doing the same, quha wer sworne presentlie in jugement to stent 
 equalie the said contributioune and taxatioune vpone the haill indwellaris 
 of the said toune, and acceppit the same on thame. And the haill tovne 
 consentit that quhat persone or personis sal happin to dissobey to mak 
 payment of the said taxatioune as beis stentit, everie man for thair awin 
 pairt, the officiaris of the tovne to poynd and distreinze the rediest of thair 
 guidis for the same, the third penny dovne to mak reddy mony thairof. 
 
 4th June, 1567. 
 
 The said day, Thomas Menzeis, prowest, Maister Robert Lumysden, 
 Maister George Myddiltoune, Maister Thomas Finny, Robert Menzes, 
 Johnne Tullydeff, Dauid Andersone, Dauid Indearth, and Androw Hun- 
 tar, quhilkis wer chosyn taxtaris obefoir be the communite of this gude 
 tovne, to stent ane taxatioune vpon the nychtbouris and inhabitantis thair- 
 of, to be applyitt and disponitt on the belting, mending, and reforming, 
 and menteining of thair parroche kirk, and to considder and modify, be 
 the adwyse of maissonis, wrychtis, sklaitteris, and discreit craftismen, 
 quhat speciale sowme of money was necessar, and vald extend to performe 
 and compleitt the said wark. Being convenit within the counselhouse of 
 the tolbuytht of the said burght, consultand diligentlie thairvpone, with 
 consent and adwise of the said craftismen, modifiit and calculat the said 
 sovme of taxatioune to allevin hundreicht merkis, to be stentit in maner 
 forsaid, and applyitt as said is. 
 
 4th January, 1568. 
 
 The said day, the haill consell, for the maist pairt being convenit, grantit 
 and consentit to Richert Gardine, sumtyme ane of the carmelitis of this
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN 365 
 
 burght, his ordinar buird daily amangis the maist honest men of this 4th January, 
 
 burght, and specialie of the consell, in ordour, thair day about, ay and 
 
 quhill thai prowyd wther wayis for him, and quhill these acts be dis- 
 chargit, &c. 
 
 IQth January, 1568. 
 
 The said day, the halydayis fysche being rowpit in presens of the haill 
 toune, the quhilk was set to James Ewine for the sowme of fouftye nyne 
 merkis, and for payment of the quhilk, I, Gilbert Kintor elder, become 
 cautioune and souerte for the said James, coniunctly and seueralie, and 
 the [said] James obleist him to releif the [said] Gilbert of the premissis. 
 
 24 th January ) 1568. 
 
 The said day, the counsell for the tyme dewisit and ordanit James 
 Ewine, quha hes the hallydayis fische in tak of the toune for this instant 
 yeir to cum, and siclyk all wtheris takismen therof in tyme cuming sail 
 haif of the possessouris and occupearis of thair watteris of Dee and Doyne, 
 the hallidayis fische, small or gryt, as it fallis, being within the numer of 
 three, and gif thair beis mair nor thre, to haif the best fische nixt thair 
 teind fysche ; and quha withhaldis the said fische fra the said takismen, 
 and payis nocht the samyn in dew tyme, being requirit to pay for ilk 
 fische, withhaldine as said is, ten s. to the said takisman yeirlie, in all 
 tyme cuming. 
 
 IQth February, 1568. 
 
 The said day, the haill tovne being convenit, &c., it wes exponit be 
 the prouest thair electioune of the stentaris the third day of Junii, for 
 repairing of the kirk, quhilkis thai hed done be the adwise of craftismen 
 and thair awin iugementis, the sovme of the stem was allevin hundreth 
 and Ix merkis, of the quhilk the bulk of taxatioune wes producit in iug- 
 ment, subscryuitt with the taxtaris handis, desyrand thame to elect and 
 cheise tua faythfull nychtbouris to be collectouris and resawaris of the 
 said stent, to be distribut as the maisteris of wark of the kirk sail think 
 gude, and gif compt thairof. Quha, being circulary inquirit be the said 
 provest, quhom thai vald haf electit and chesitt to be collectouris of the 
 said taxatioun, and debursaris thairof, be adwise of the said maister of 
 kirk wark, the communite present, all with ane consent, chesit Alexr. 
 
 3 B
 
 366 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 loth February, Cullane and Johne Tullydeff collectouris and debursaris forsaid, quha ac- 
 ceppit on tbame the said cuyr, and ressauit the said buik of taxatioune, 
 and for diuerse caussis ordanit the saidis collectouris to resaiff na bard- 
 heidis in payment of this taxatioune. 
 
 9th January, 1569. 
 
 The said day, the consell ordanit that the sacrister of thair parroche 
 kirk sail caus jow the greit bell callit Nicolas, at four hours in the morn- 
 ing, and that the littill bell callit the Skellat, at aucht houris at evin, to 
 the effect that the seruandis and craft of childer may be warnit to enter 
 to thair seruice and leif the same in dew tyme, and quhill ane quheill may 
 de dewysit and maid for easy ringing of the said greyt bell, thai ordane 
 that the greyt bell callit Lowrens, in place thairof salbe knellit in the mein 
 tyme, quhill the said quheill be performit. 
 
 The said day, anent the supplicatioun presentit be epistill in Latin be 
 the scolars of the gramair scuill, anent the abrogatioune of thair awld 
 priuilegisis and libertie in remaining absent fra the scuill, and compellit be 
 Maister Johnne Hennersonne, thair maister, to conveine at sick tymes as 
 thai war in wse and preuelege of libertie and skaling obefoir. And siclyk, 
 anent the complent of thair said maister exhebet to the consell of the 
 enormitie of his saidis scollaris, and desirit that the counsell may commit 
 to him sic order as thay wald him to obserwe perpetualie in tymes cuming ; 
 and the consell being ryplie awysit thairwpoun, decernit and ordanit that 
 the bairnis and scollaris of the said scuill sail haf previlege and libertie to 
 remain fra the scuill, thai keipand guid ordour quhair thai pleise, fra Sanct 
 Thomas evin befor Youll quhill vpon the morne efter the Epiphanie day 
 allanerlie, and all wther preuilege of skaling quhilk was vsit at ony tyme 
 in the yeir of befoir, to be dischargit and abrogatit in all tyme cuming. 
 
 9th June, 1569. 
 
 The said day, the councell considdering that it was necessar for decore- 
 ment of this burgh that the tuo blank housines wpon the south syd of the 
 tolbooth sould be fillit wp in good ordour with his majesties armes in the 
 uppermost, and this burghs armes in the nethermost, and in respect the 
 kingis armes wpon the wtter part of the Gallogate port, in respect of the 
 antiquite therof was much obliterat, and stood in neid to be illuminat and
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 367 
 
 revivit, therfor recomends to the dean of gild to goe about the effectuating 9th June, 
 therof, and of the saidis houssines, with all diligence, and to agree with 
 wrichtis and measones theranent, and what he deburses theron the same to 
 be allowit in his accomptis. 
 
 22d January, 1570 
 
 The said day, the raaist pairt of the personis of the privay inquest 
 quhilkis war chosine and sworne obefoir to delait all syk personis as ar in- 
 sufficient and wnhabile to reraaine in this burght, comperit in presens of the 
 prowest, and baillies, and consell, and presentit ane buik contening the haill 
 numer of personis of thair delatioun, and maid fayth thairwpoun. And 
 thair efter the saidis prowest, and baillies, and consell being ryplie and at 
 lentht aduysit witht the said buik, and hawang consideratioune and respeck 
 to the personis contenit thairin, and qualetye of thair crytnis, tending pairt 
 grytar and pairt smaller, modefeyt and kenysit the emendis and puneshment 
 of the saidis crymis to be distinguet : that is to say, ane certaine numer to 
 be baneyst of this guid toune for euer, and ane wther certaine to sett cau- 
 tioun to absteine fra the enormateys of thair delatioune, and for guid rewell 
 in tyme cuming, wnder the paine of pamynt of ten poundis of euery per- 
 soune convick anes, and beis convickt againe to be baneyst in lykmaner of 
 the toun, and to sett souerteyis ilk persoune thairon. Of the quhilkis per- 
 sonis banest the names efter follouis, and inlykmaner way, the personis 
 quhilk sowld sett souerteis, with the names of thair souerteis, in maner 
 wnder wretin. 
 
 Heir followis the names of the banest personis : 
 Patre Stewart, his moder and brether, to be pwneist and baneyst. 
 Lokky Barrowman. 
 Robert Craby and his wyf. 
 Issobell Murray. 
 Johnne Browne, sowtar. 
 Dauid Kyntor, cordanar. 
 Alexr. Reidfurd. 
 Issobell Myll. 
 James Fodringham. 
 James Allan. 
 Heleyne Caddell and hir husband.
 
 368 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 >>d January. Oystian Crystye. 
 George Smyth. 
 
 Margrett Myrtoun, harlet to Wm. Cry sty. 
 Mansonis Wyff. 
 
 Sande Fraser, and Brumhill, his harlott. 
 Alexr. Philp. 
 
 Mage Dicky, harlat to Allan Bulfurd. 
 Wm. Gowny, 
 Jonet Hill, 
 Mage Irynsyd, 
 
 And Jonet Hay, all in ane howse. 
 Crukit Rob. 
 Mekill Maly. 
 Andrew Devynny. 
 Agnes Scott. 
 Johnne Job and his wyf. 
 Gilbert Burnet. 
 
 Alexr. Wodny, sklatter, and his wyf. 
 Jonet Tumour. 
 
 Dovpis Wyf and hir tua dochteris. 
 
 Watte Andersoun, to be punest and banyst 
 Skirling Tailzeour. 
 Hectour Dallowquhy. 
 Katte Eduard. 
 
 Crukit Alhowse and his sonne. 
 Elspett Mathy. 
 Dauid Bardame. 
 William Allan and his harlot. 
 George Smytht. 
 The auld smyth callit Huid. 
 
 Heir efter followis the namis of the personis that lies sett souerteis, and 
 the namis of ther souerteys : 
 
 Maister Robert Chamer souerte for Philp Moiris wyf. 
 Maister Robert Lumsden, for Alexr. Crysteys wyf, Maly Still, and her 
 dochter.
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABEKDEEN. 369 
 
 Gilbert Mengzes eldar, for Williame Snawy, Maggy Myll, alias Crystie, 22d January, 
 Johnne Sanderis, George Malace, and Andrew George and his wyf. 
 
 Williame Forbes, for Williame Crysty, conforme to the ordinans. 
 
 Gilbert Kyntor youngar, for Agnes Caird and Johnne Duquharis. 
 
 Maister Thomas Mengzes, for Androw Thomsonis wyf. 
 
 Robert Johnnstoune, for the relict of Alexr. Reid and Maly Oglay. 
 
 Maister Patrick Ruderford, for Heleine Broune, Johnne Forbes, Dauid 
 Macky, and Watsoune the pynnour, and Jane Stewart. 
 
 Gilbert Collysoune, for Johnne Macky, Heleyne Duncan, M'Roby, 
 and for his wyf, Androw Moreiss, Androw Catness and his wyf, Androw 
 Gawis wyf, and Isobell Buchane. 
 
 Gilbert Mengzes, for Issobell Morysoune. 
 
 Alexr. Malysoune and Alexr. Bairnis, for Margaret Schippert. 
 
 Johnne Baytht, for Elspett Cragmyll, Marebell Innes, and Girsall Fow- 
 lartowne. 
 
 Wille Oglay, for Crystanie Allane. 
 
 Patrick Mamwir, for Adame Fawsteris wyf, and Maly Scott and hir 
 dochter. 
 
 Robert Malysoune, for Elizabeth Philp. 
 
 Thomas Howey, for Johnne Rayis wyf. 
 
 Alexr. Cullen, for Thome Pirey, Johnnstoun, and John Reid. 
 
 Maister Patrick Ruderfurd and Gilbert Collisoun, for Johnne Huntaris 
 wyf. 
 
 Nicholl Chamer, for Ellesoune Still. 
 
 Williame Robertsoun, goldsmyth, for Helein Allan, Crystain Hill, and 
 Issobell Inglis, hir dochter. 
 
 James Ewin, for Elspet Fowlartown. 
 
 Gilbert Gray, for Margret Gray and hir sister, Wm. Brownis wyf, 
 Mage Dauidsoun and Issobell Dauidsoun, hir seruandis, and Elspett 
 Cuming. 
 
 Alexr. Malysoun, for Thomas Troup and his wyf. 
 
 Olmer Zoung and Wm. Car, for Crystaine Barbour. 
 
 Johnne Bairnis, for Dauid Cuttberd. 
 
 Alexr. Reid eldar, for Elspett Loremar, and Catte Fowlis, and Androw 
 Dauidsoun, Tailzeouris wyf. 
 
 Androw Gaw, for Johnne Millis wyf. 
 
 Maister George Johnnstoun, for Jonett Ramsay.
 
 370 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 22d January. .1 aines Spens, for Barcar and Robe Bennett. 
 Thomas Philip souerty for Thome Angowss. 
 Michaell Will, for Jonet Will his dochter. 
 Gawine Wischert, for Catty Findlay. 
 George Forbes, for Alexr. Hay in Futty. 
 Robert Akyne cautioim for Andrew Will and his wyf. 
 Johnne Burnet, for Thome Gilliame Walcar. 
 Alexr. Donaldsoun, for Elspett Rankeyne. 
 
 The said day, the consell dispensit with Johnne Duquharis, Wm. Crysty, 
 and Cristain Barbour, quhilkis war ordanit to be baneist of this toune, 
 vpoune this conditioun following : That in respeck thai ar delaittit for 
 adultrye, and ar cuesit be the kirk for thair inobediens, that gif thai will 
 submit thameselffis to the ordinans of the kirk, and schaw thair repentans as 
 the kirk sail devyse, in that caise thai salbe sufferit to remain in this towne 
 vpoun cautioun, and wtherwayis nocht ; quhilkis personnis fand the said 
 catioune as is aboun wretin. 
 
 6th October, 1570. 
 
 The said day, anent the supplicatioune exhibeit and presentit to the con- 
 sel be Androw Kempt anent the teycheing and instrucking of the childryne 
 and bairnis of the sang scoil, quhilk presentlie is destitut of all exercitioune, 
 (but prejudice of ony persoun haifand tytile and enteres thairto,) as in the 
 said supplicatioune at mair leyngth is contenit, the haill consaill, present for 
 the tyme, all in ane voice, in respeck that Schir Johnne Blak, quha was 
 anes maister of the said sang scoill, is presentlie absent of the realme, and 
 na exercitioun of musick vsit in the said scoill, lyk as thair hes beine, na ex- 
 ercitioune thairin thir diuerse yeris bygane, and for diuerse vther causis, 
 reyplie aduysit, acceptit, and admyttit (induring thair will) the said Androw 
 Kempt to the said office, to teiche and instruct thair youththeid and cheil- 
 dreine in the said facultay of mwseik, meaners, and wertew, for payment of 
 sic lesum dewetie as wse hes beine, and as he appoyntis witht the parentis 
 and freindis of the bairnis.
 
 [ADDITIONAL EXTRACTS.] 
 
 1th February, 1398. 7th February. 
 
 Willelmus Blindcele stans ad barram calumpniauit Willelum Cuk dicens 
 quod iniuste ab eo detinuit unum dubletum pretii viii s. et unam togam 
 longam pretii xx s. Johannes Crab prolocutor dicti Willelrai Cuk negauit 
 wrang et unlaw concedens quod habuit unum dubletum et unam togam datum 
 sibi in vadum per Johannem de Brechyn qui tenebatur sibi in xxviii s. et hoc 
 dixit quod probaret. postea Willelmus Blindcele e contrario dixit asserendo 
 quod dictus Willelmus Cuk dictam togam et dubletum ab eo replegiauit et 
 obligauit se illam togam et dubletum iterum sibi intrari ad suam voluntatem 
 et per plegium extendebat quod sibi dictam togam et dubletum debebat sibi 
 reintrari Johannes vero Crab antedictus dixit quod ex quo allegauit ad 
 suam probationem ilia probatio debetur procedere Willelmus Blyndcele 
 allegauit in contrarium dicens quod ex quo primum plegium extendebat 
 videlicet quod dictus Willelmus Cuke debebat sibi dicta bona reintrare ex 
 eo quod eadem a se replegiauit quod allegauit probare ilia probatio sit 
 subsita per plegium suum prius extenss. debetur procedere aliam proba- 
 tionem allegat. per dictum Johannem Crab unde ista actio propter debilita- 
 tem curie differtur ad diem lune proximo futuro 
 
 Memorand. quod ilia controuersia mota inter Thomam Spryng et 
 Johannem Wrycht tarn deuastationis cuiusdam terre quam dictus Johannes 
 de eodem Thoma tenuit in feodo ad declarationem et determinationem 
 communis consilii ex consensu et unanimi assensu dictorum Thome et 
 Johannis bona fide prestita data fuit et commissa et per idem consilium sic 
 extetit ordinaturn quod idem Johannes Wrycht ipsam terram quam sic 
 vastam et desolatam dimiserat reintraret et inhabitaret et in eodem statu 
 seruaret quo fuit in tempore ante suum recessum in edificiis et ceteris 
 Etiam quod idem Johannes firmam de eadem terra debitam ex terminis 
 retroactis eidem Thome ex nunc persolueret et idem Thomas dictum
 
 372 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 7th February, Johannem in eadem terra warandizaret et warandizare tenetur in forma 
 iuris Super aliis petitionibus et actionibus inter eosdem motis seu hinc 
 inde petendis eligerent ex utraque parte duos probos viros ad quorum 
 determinationem super premissis diet. Thomas et Johannes stabunt firmiter 
 et eorum decreta seruabunt in futuris. 
 
 [Ad iter Camerarii.] 
 
 Memorand. quod decimo tertio die mensis Martii Paulus Crab iuxta 
 tronum burgi de Abdene. in raanibus Willelmi Borthwyk tune unius balli- 
 uorum died burgi extendebat plegium ad iter camerarii quod ex quo falsi- 
 ficauit iudicium de actione mota inter ipsum et Thomam Spryng quod dictus 
 Thomas non debet se intromittere in terris pertinentibus dicto Paulo quous- 
 que falsificatio illius iudicii fuerit determinat. Ulterius etiam extendebat per 
 dictum plegium quod dictus Thomas debet restituere sibi omnes firmas 
 receptas post falsificationem dicti iudicii ex quo ut diet, est dicti judicii 
 falsificatio adhuc non est determinata testibus ad premissa vocatis per 
 dictum Willelmum tune balliuum quod amplius ab eo dictus Paulus per tune 
 non requirebat nee plegium uel ad premissa duo [ ] solutionis exten- 
 debat Adam Benyn Andr. Petr. et Willelmo Gleny 
 
 [Ad iter Camerarii.] 
 
 Meraorand. quod decimo septimo die eiusdem mensis Martii in pretorio 
 burgi de Abden. accedens coram preposito et communitate in presentia se- 
 dent. Alexr. Man commorans cum domino comite de Craufvird petiit ab al- 
 dirmano et communitate unam cartam perlegi de quodam annuo redditu per- 
 tinente quondam Willelmo de Dunbar de terra quam nunc inhabitat Willel- 
 mus Scherol ut dicta carta in se plenius continet nunc ut dictus Alexander 
 asseruit pertinente Johanne sponse dicti quondam Willelmi de Dunbar que 
 Johanna tradidit dicto Alexandro dictam cartam ut ipse de dicto annuo 
 redditu capiet sasinam hereditariam quod sibi concessit dictum annuum 
 redditum in sua pura viduitate et ex sua libera donatione propter cartam 
 factam sibi et etiam ratione consanguinitatis unde dictus Alexander dictam 
 sasinam petiit secundum copiam dicte carte sibi dari a balliuis Willelmus 
 Scherol in eodem pretorio et eodem die existens extendebat plegium ad 
 iter camerarium quod dictus Alexr. non potuit nee debuit capere sasinam 
 de dicto annuo redditu secundum quod hactenus res se habent et dictus 
 Alexander diet. pleg. recontrarauit
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 373 
 
 9th May, 1398. 9th May, 
 
 Johannes filius Walter! et Johannes Spryng accusati quod non tenent 
 pretium carnis et quod emunt pisces extra villam in preiudicium commu- 
 nitatis ville ceperunt se ad quitantiam suam in die lune proximo futuro. 
 
 Laur. campsi [ ] est ad quietanciam suam eodem die fiend, propter 
 dictas causas et ultimo acquietauit se quod non emit carnes post pascham. 
 
 Willelmo filio Ade et Johanni Gilbert! adiungitur ad suas quitantias 
 dicto die lune quod non emerunt pisces in preiudicium et dampnum 
 ville scilicet et Thomas Johannis Et isti tres sunt in amerciaraento quod 
 vendunt carnes sine pretio. 
 
 Adiungitur Willelmo filio Ade ad suam probationem die lune proximo 
 futuro quod Thomas Johannis percussit ipsum Et eidem adiungitur ad 
 suam quitantiam eodem die quod non perturbauit Thomam Johannis. 
 
 Uth July, 1398. 
 
 Eodem die Robertus Schirraff calumpniauit Willelmum filium Ade 
 carnificem quod iniuste occupauit quandam domum que sua erat et sine 
 licensia dictus vero Willelmus petiit legalem diem et legalem summo- 
 nitionem tanquam vicinus ad vicinum unde assignatur eis proprias dies 
 legales pro determinatione actionis predicte. 
 
 \7th July, 1398. 
 
 Eodem die Johannes Crab posuit se in voluntate balliuorum de acquie- 
 tantia sibi injuncta per balliuos videlicet de verberatione et maledic- 
 tione Jonete Nory ac etiam de perturbatione domus Andree Petr. et 
 sic in duobus amerciamentis. 
 
 4th August, 1398. 
 
 Johannes Ayncroft filius posuit se in voluntate balliuorum pro verbe- 
 ratione uxoris Robert! filii Colini Et ulterius se obtulit per visum vi- 
 cinorum suorum siue communis consilii ad satisfaciend. dicte mulicri de 
 dicta verberatione et ad hoc inuenit Willelmum Cryn pleg. 
 
 26th August, 1398. 
 
 Johannes Spryng calumpniauit Patricium Crane quod exquo fuit pleg. 
 de haymhald pro Henrico de Louthiane pro quodam equo ab eodem Hen- 
 rico per ipsum Johannem empto et ille equus fuit arestatus in viccco- 
 
 3 c
 
 374 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 26th August, initatu de Kyncardyn et ibidem ille equus a dicto Johanne judicatus fuit 
 per legem Item Patricius tenetur ei restituere pretium dicti equi vide- 
 licet xxiiii s. cum dampnis suis in eo tempore sublatis qui quidem Patricius 
 fatebatur se pleg. fuisse modo quo supra et diem petiit videlicet tempus 
 xl dieruin ut debitorem quereret et parti satisfaceret unde dicta dies sibi 
 data fuit ad satisfaciend. parti de pretio equi et de dampnis suis et ex- 
 pensis secundum quod probaret et ad hoc inuenit pleg. videlicet. 
 
 16th September, 1398. 
 
 Eodem die Thomas filius Johannis Carnifex posuit se in voluntate bal- 
 liuorum quod fuit rebellis serjiandis ville. 
 
 3d October, 1398. 
 
 Liber communitatis burgi de Abirdene est iste qui incipit die lune 
 proximo post festum beati Michaelis Archangeli anno Domini millesimo 
 trecentesimo nonagesimo nono Quo die electus fuit Adam de Benyn 
 cum consensu et assensu totius communitatis dicti burgi in officium aldir- 
 mani Et Willelmus Blyndcell Simon de Benyn Johannes Wormet et 
 Johannes filius Thome electi fuerunt in officium balliuorum et Maritius 
 filius Roberti Donaldus Ka Fergusius filius Ade et Johannes de Lucris 
 electi sunt in officium serjiandorum. 
 
 Eodem die electi sunt in communes consiliarios dicti burgi Willelmus de 
 Camera pater Laurentius de Leth Willelmus de Camera filius Alexander 
 Banerman Thomas Spryng Willelmus Andree Johannes Andree Johannes 
 de Ledale Dauid de Scrogis Johannes Scherar Robertus filius Dauid 
 Johannes Lottoun Hugo Abirbothnot Johannes Ruthirford Willelmus de 
 Crag Simone Lamb Ricardus de Lownan Willelmus Borthwyk Johannes 
 Strang et Ricardus Fichet 
 
 Willelmus Spaldyng 
 Johannes de Tulach Gilbertus de Kynros 
 
 Willelmus Sprout Robertus de Arnache 
 
 Johannes Sprout Willelmus Baxter Mykyl 
 
 Adam Strathekyn Mauritius Suerdslep 
 
 Johannes Lambyntoun Magr. Johannes Wrycht
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 375 
 
 Johannes Cristini 3d October. 
 
 Robertus Baxter 
 Thomas Lamb yhunger Simone Bayard 
 
 Johannes Yhule Adam Codlyn 
 
 Patricius Club 
 Johannes Lambyntoun JijtaQtStt 
 
 Dauid de Scrogis 
 
 <SJU0tattlteg Uittt. Willelmus Blyndcele 
 
 Gaufridus de Ramfru Johannes Scherar 
 
 Et Johannes Hervv Johannes Sprout 
 
 Bepostttnm 
 
 Adam Wrycht Johannes films Andree 
 
 Alanus Smyth Johannes Ruthirford 
 
 In prima tenta die Veneris immediate ante festum pentecostes ordinatum 
 est quod quicunque inuenerit porcos in blado suo capiet eos tanquam es- 
 caeta appropriando eos sibi tanquam proprios porcos. 
 
 29th October, 1398. 
 
 Memorand. quod eodem die controuersia mota inter Simonem Lamb 
 ex parte una et Johannem Crab filium ex parte altera de quodam annuo 
 redditu nouem solidorum exeunt, de ilia terra jacente infra burgum de 
 Abirdene in vico furcarum in occidental! parte eiusdem vici inter terrain 
 Johannis Strang ex parte australi et terram Nicolai Reginald ex parte 
 boreali quern annuum redditum dictus Johannes Crab habuit a fratre Jo- 
 hanne Bothwill ordinis fratrum predicatorum de Abirdene gerent. se 
 pro tune justum possessorem dicti annul redditus ut prius suam tra- 
 ditionem inde factam dicto Johanni Crab prout scriptum est in quo- 
 dam rotulamento inde confecto in libro communitatis burgi de Abirdene 
 de anno etc. nonagesimo sexto in curia per balliuos tenta tertio die mensis 
 Septembris eiusdem anni sexti quod rotulamentum ita dicit et in se pro- 
 portat. Memorand. quod vicesimo octauo die mensis Septembris anno etc. 
 nonagesimo septimo [ ? ] comparuit in pretorio frater Johannes Bothwill or- 
 dinis fratrum predicatorum burgi de Abirdene et palam tradidit Johanni 
 Crab filio imperpetuum sine animo reuocandi aut contradicendi in futu- 
 rum omne ius et iuris clameum quod habuit in illo annuo redditu nouem
 
 376 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 ^9th October, solidorum alias sibi debito de una terra jacente infra burgum de Abir- 
 dene in vico furcarum in occidental! parte eiusdem vici inter terram Jo- 
 hannis Strang ex parte australi et terram Nicholay Riginaldi ex parte 
 boreali sic quod dictus frater Johannes Bothwill in presentia aldirmani et 
 balliuorum iurauit corporaliter quod post .... jus suura fideliter dicto 
 Johanni Crab tradidit nunquam intendit se introraittere predicto annuo 
 redditu teste curia Inde tandem ita fuit determinatum vere quod dictus 
 Simo Lamb elegit pro parte sua Johannem Scherar unum balliuorum 
 dicti burgi Johannem Ruthirfurd et Willelmum Scherol suos arbitros et 
 dictus Johannes Crab pro parte sua elegit Willelmum Andr. Adam le 
 Benyn et Johannem Andr. suos arbitros Willelmo de Camera patre tune 
 aldirmano dicti burgi ex consensu utriusque partis electo pro superior! 
 ad concordand. dictas partes si in aliquo discordirent Quo facto et pre- 
 dictis arbitris sedentibus adjunclis per se nullis aliis se cum ipsis mis- 
 centibus tandem sibi aduocari fecerunt predictos Simonem et Johan- 
 nera qui arbitres unanimiter et concordanter venientes in pretorio coram 
 Simone de Benyn et Magistro Willelmo Dicsoun balliuis dicti burgi nec- 
 non et ceteris de curia precepiunt dicto Johanni Crab ut quod per eos 
 fuerat determinatum ipse supleret et faceret qui Johannes voluntarie et 
 sponte in manibus dicti Magistri Willelmi unius balliuorum dicti burgi 
 tradens unam cyrotecam nomine dicti annui redditus ut ipse Magister 
 Willelmus eandem cyrotecam et nomine eiusdem annui redditus traderet 
 dicto Simoni Lamb ita dixit Ego Johannes Crab filius mea mera et 
 spontanea voluntate sine ammo reuocand. vel contradicendi palam trado 
 Simoni Lamb conburgen. meo et vicino omne ius et iuris clameum quod 
 habeo in illo annuo redditu sepissime antedicto exeunte de terra ilia su- 
 perius nominata Teste curia. 
 
 Memorand. quod quarto die mensis Decembris anno quo supra Willelmus 
 de Camera pater aldirmanus ville deuenit pleg. pro Roberto Russ merca- 
 tore Anglie ad seruand. ballivos ville scilicet Robertum Dauid Simonem 
 de Benyn Johannem Scherar et Magistrum Willelmum Dicsoun indempnes 
 erga pisces salmon, per dictum Robertum et suos seruentes in diuersis 
 nauibus et diuersis vicibus a dicta villa transportat et hinc et ab omni 
 calumpnia fiend, per dominum nostrum regem si contigerit de noua cus- 
 tuma facta super pisces et aliis contentis in statutis.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 377 
 
 Crastino vero die. s. decimo die huius mensis Decembris Willelmus de 29th October, 
 Camera pater prolocutor Thome Hale stans ad barram petiit Ward curie 13 98. 
 dicto Thome Hale dari de actione mota inter dictum Thomam et Willel- 
 mum de Strade secundumquod prius in rotulamentis superius scriptis unde 
 Simo de Benyn ibidem sedens in pretorio tanquam judex qui balliuus fate- 
 batur se promptum et paratum ad faciend. ea que in tali tarn iudici perti- 
 nebat sed propter debilitatem curie dictam ward non potuit procedere illo 
 die Idcirco dictus Willelmus de Camera pater prolocutor dicti Thome 
 Hale extendebat plegium ad iter Camerar. que exquo dictus Thomas 
 ter comparuit ad barram per tres dies sibi assignatos a balliuis ad recipiend. 
 dictam ward et dicta ward non fuit sibi data propter debilitatem curie ut 
 predicitur consequenter Thomas conuictus fuit a calumpnia dicti Willelmi 
 de Strade. 
 
 1399, Tuesday after the Feast of Michael the Archangel. 
 Copia Lambyntoun and Craufurd. 
 
 This is the cunand made betwex the comownys of Abden on the ta 
 part, and Jon Lambynton and Crawfurd, mason, on the tother part : that 
 is to say, that the forsaid masonys sale hew to the forsaid commownys 
 xii durris and xii wyndowys, in fre tailly, and sail delyvir frely thaim at 
 ony key of Abirden, or ellis at the sandis at Lawrence of Lethis howss, 
 and that werk sal be sufficiand gude, but freything borth ilk ane for oyther. 
 
 Et dictus Johannes Lambynton obligauit se bona fide ad deliverand. 
 diet, ostia et fenistras apud le key de Abirden ante festum Pasche 
 proximo futur. seipso pleg. 
 
 October, 1399. 
 
 Henricus Sclatur et Nicolaus Mercer particulariter calumpniat de per- 
 turbatione ville per brigam inter ipsos motam negauerunt dictam per- 
 turbationem unde adiungitur eisdem ad suas acquietantias die lune proximo 
 futuro de perturbatione antedicta. 
 
 3d November, 1399. 
 
 Eodem die Simon Bayard accedens ad barram obtulit se paratum ad 
 sectum Willelmi Blyndcele et ad respondend. eidem de omnibus que de 
 iure potuit opponere contra eum Quo quidem Willelmo legitime vocato 
 ad prosequend. contra dictum Simonem et non comparente dictus Simon
 
 378 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 3d November, extendebat pleg. quod conuictus fuit a calumpnia sua tanquam illo die et 
 quousque nouiter fuerat attachatus. 
 
 14th November, 1399. 
 
 Adiungitur Waltero Rede ad veniend. die lune proximo futuro cum sua 
 acquietantia nomine uxoris sue ad acquietand. se quod non peiorat forum 
 emendo vel vendendo brass, farinam vel auenam pro maiori pretio quam 
 vicini sui offerunt pro eisdein videlicet arris vicinorum existentibus in mam- 
 bus vendentium de pretio antedicto etiam quod non propinat de huius- 
 modi rebus sic emptis in domo sua aliter quam iuris ordo requirit in pre- 
 iudiciura communitatis. 
 
 1st December, 1399. 
 
 Johannes Crab prolocutor Matilde Strang calumpniauit quendam foris 
 habitantem vocatum Robertum Gal qua calumpnia omnino dimissa Ita 
 concordatum est inter partes quod dictus Robertus infra xv dies post ad- 
 uentum Thome Strang citra mare veniet ad burgum de Abdene. in eodem 
 statu sicut hodie stetit in curia ad respondend. dicto Thome vel eius deputato 
 adea que habet contra eundem objecere in forma iuris pleg. pro dicto 
 Roberto Simone Lamb 
 
 Eodem die Alan us Jacobi prolocutor prioris domus fratrum carmelit- 
 arum calumpniauit Adam filiura Walteri quod iniuste ab eo tenet iiii s. et 
 vi d. de firmis domus sue cuius domus diet. Adam adhuc habet clauem 
 Johannes Scherar prolocutor dicti Adami respondebat dicens quod diuersa 
 sunt compotand. inter diet, priorem et Adam offerendo omnes actiones 
 inter ipsos ad componem et determinationem vicinorm suorum ad hoc 
 eligendorum et quod dicta actio debeat sic terminari extendebat per pleg. 
 dictus Alanus diet. pleg. recontrariauit dicens quod firma domus predicte 
 que pertinet ad dictos fratres carmelitares nullo modo debeat deferri non 
 solut. ultra terminum nee ad componicionem vicinorum poni ward huius 
 pleg. et recontrariationis differtur ad proprium diem legalem proper debili- 
 tatem curie. 
 
 9th February, 1400. 
 
 Johannes Ledale famulus Johannis Ledale burgen. de Abdene. calump- 
 niatus ex parte regis quod perturbauit villam cum dedryke quod flamingo
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN 379 
 
 negauit omnimodam perturbationem Adiungitur eidem ad veniend. in oc- 9th February, 
 tauis presentis curie ad suam acquietantiam secundum quod exigit ordo 
 iuris pleg. pro ipso Alexandro Banerman. 
 
 Similiter dictus Johannes Ledale famulus calurapniatus quod postquam 
 inuenit pleg. de indempnitate diet, dedryke pro se vel sua impetratione in 
 presentia balliuorum vel unius eorum secundum exigentiam iuris et diet, 
 pleg. in presentia unius balliuorum fregit. dampna regis fuerunt sibi taxata 
 ad valorem centum libraruin proper dictum [ ] cum amicis suis 
 
 auisatus de dicta calumpnia posuit se in voluntate balliuorum Unde ad- 
 iudicatus est in dicta pena per os iudicis curie ad hoc iurat. pleg. Alex- 
 andro Banerman et Johanne Ledale 
 
 3\st May, 1400. 
 
 Repertum est et ordinatum per assisam quod Elena Scotcok est jrele- 
 gand. per centum annos et dies et si iterum ad villam veniat ferrum ferlot. 
 affigetur in gena sua Et Cyffy si unquam in posterum delinquat eadem 
 pena et eodem modo punietur. 
 
 1st October, 1400. 
 
 In prima tenta primo die mensis Octobris anno quo supra adiungebatur 
 Willelmo Walkar de Hole ad acquietand. se in octauis injuncto prime 
 se decimo tertio quod non procurauit dumum contra vicinos suos In 
 crastina die adiungebatur Girkyno Webster ad veniend. in die Sabbati 
 proximo sequente acquietando se decimo tercio quod non locutus fuit 
 aliqua verba enormia contra balliuos vel in despectum eorum vel legess. 
 
 20th June, 1401. 
 
 Quia deputatus camerar. in exitu ultimi itineris sui tenti infra burgum 
 de Abirden dedit balliuo mandata quod leuaret assissam fidedignorum 
 dicti burgi sui ad determinand. causam et actionem mot. inter Willel- 
 mum de Strade et Petrum de Paxtoun dictus Willelmus accedens ad 
 barram petiit illud mandatum supleri et ad hoc extendebat pleg. et ul- 
 terius extendebat pleg. quod dictus Petrus tenetur comparer! ad quodlibet 
 iter camerarii responsur. iuri et [ ] asserendo ulterius et dicendo 
 
 quod dictus Petrus fuit fugitimus in quatuor itineribus camerarii ultimo 
 tentis infra dictum burgum. Dictus Petrus incontinenter accedens ad bar-
 
 380 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 aoth June, ram et audita per eum recitatione dicti Willelmi ac plenius intellecta obtulit 
 1*01- se proraptum et paratum corara preposito balliuis et plena curia ad po- 
 nend. omnes causas actiones et controuersias motas inter ipsum et dictum 
 Willelmum ad determinationem vicinorum insuspectorum ad hoc ex utra- 
 que parte electorum et de hoc petiit testimonium ab omnibus consedentibus 
 scilicet preposito balliuis et plena curia. 
 
 Tuesday after the Feast of St. Lucia the Virgin, 1401. 
 Ordinatuin est quod nullus infra burgum manens presumat vendere boll, 
 sal. minus v s. et iiii d. et petr. ferri pro xvi d. sub pena de v s. et iiii d. 
 qualibet vice qua frangitur dicta ordinatio de venditione [ ] et sub 
 
 pena de xvi d. qualibet vice qua frangitur ordinatio ferri excepta ven- 
 ditione predictorum facta vicinis ville et dominis pace scilicet vendit. in 
 quantitate 2 m celdr. et dim.-celdr. vel integr. roddis ferri et ista ordinatio 
 durabit ad festum Pasche proximo futurum. 
 
 1401. 
 
 Reuerence and honour likit yhu to wit, that the lord of Keth arestit 
 yhur wyn and yhur oxin, and for gud causis as he lete ws wit ; and for 
 yhur sakis we made him request that he suld frely delyuer thaim, for the 
 quilk request he has delyuerit thaim frely at this tym, for we ar thai at wald 
 at gud acord war betwex yhu and hym, and wil do our besynes to bryng 
 it thar to at our power, at the quilk accord he sayis he wald be gladly 
 and sal nocht leve in his defaute. Qwarfor, der lord, it is our consale, and 
 we requir yhu, that for essy of the contrar and quiet of our place, yhe 
 wald asich gif yhe ocht aw hym, sa that hym nedit nocht in tyme to cum 
 til mak sic pundyng and namly in our tovn, for he says it is previt dete 
 that yhe aw hym, and of lang tyme by gane ; and gif yhe will adreis yhu 
 to be at ony day with hym for the knawlege of the forsaid thyngis sends 
 ws word, and we sal late hym wit, and gif it langs ansuer we sal ger send 
 it yhu, for we ar richt mykil haldyn to yhu, and als til hym. God kepe 
 yhur estate as we desir. 
 
 Prima tenta per preposit. decimo sexto die mensis Octobris ubi cum 
 consensu et assensu maioris partis de communitate ibidem congregat. or- 
 dinatum fuit pro communi utilitate ville et commorantium in eadem. 
 
 In primis quod summoniti personaliter ad curias seu ad primas pre-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 381 
 
 positi et non comparentes ante ultimam vocationem sect, nisi legitimum 20th June, 
 habeant essonura soluet iiii d. sine remissione. 
 
 Et eodem modo et eandem penam soluet absentes a curia balliuorum in 
 diebus legalibus. 
 
 Item de pistoribus brasiatoribus et carnificibus capiend. est pro primo 
 forisfacto xii d. pro secundo ii s. pro tertio iii s. et pro quarto forisfacto 
 suspendatur ab officiis suis per annum. 
 
 Item si aliquis infra burgum percussit aliquem cum gladio bipenni cul- 
 tello vel baculo soluet octo solidos Et si cum pugno percussit quatuor 
 solidos Et si aliquis maledixerit aliquem infra burgum ipsum menciendo 
 vel tangendo bonam famam suam soluet duos solidos. 
 
 Item, si aliquis vicinus ville voluntarie detineat aliquod debitura ab alio 
 vicino permittendo ipsum procedere coram balliuis usque ad quartum diem 
 processus et super hoc conuictus fuerit iuridice vel concedendo soluet octo 
 solidos sine remissione. 
 
 Item si aliquis dispersionauerit maledixerit vel inobediens fuerit aliqui- 
 bus officiariis ville suum officium exercentibus soluet octo solidos sine re- 
 missione et hoc [ ] de burgen. 
 
 Item si aliquis maledixerit in primis prepositi vel curiis balliuorum 
 soluet octo solidos. 
 
 Item si aliquis alte loquatur in primis prepositi vel curiis balliuorum 
 unde predicte curie inquietantur nisi sit cum licentia petita et obtenta et 
 legitime loquatur soluet xii d. 
 
 Item aliqua regrataria emat aliquod antequam veniat ad forum et crucem 
 burgi et post pulsationem campane soluet xii d. 
 
 Item si aliquis emat brasinum vel farinum in domibus antequam veniat 
 ad forum et crucem burgi et ibidem stet usque pulsationem campane 
 soluet ii s. 
 
 Item in curius balliuorum nulla probatio acceptabitur nisi [ ] pro- 
 batio et littera sigillata residuum vero ponetur ad assisam 
 
 Item quod quilibet foristallator conuictus de foristallatione lane corium 
 vel pellium soluet quinque marcas sine remissione 
 
 Item quilibet burgensis receptans vel celans foristallatores vel eorum 
 bona in preuidicium libertatis burgi vel communitatis utilitatis eiusdem 
 soluet xl s. 
 
 Item quicunque habuerit aliquem panum cuiuscumque non libere infra 
 burgum ad tingend. vel quecunque alia bona ultra mar. Vel etiam burgen. 
 
 3 D
 
 382 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 aothJune, forishabitantes non locantes neque scotant. soluet xl s. et panus et alia 
 bona erunt eschaeta 
 
 Item quicunque diebus diuersis infra villam emerint vel vendiderint 
 aliquas mercandizas soluet decera solidos sine remissione 
 
 Ordinatum est quod quicunque maledixerit preposito balliuis vel cui- 
 cunque officiar. regis pro prirao transgressu osculabitur stillicigium pro 
 secundo transgressu ponetur super stilicigium et [ ] cum eius [ ] 
 et pro tertio transgressu exulabitur de villa anno et die et hoc intelligitur 
 si non fuerint burgen. 
 
 Et memorandum quod quilibet est liber ad emenda. infra Marr pro quo- 
 cunque precio pro quo voluit et ly Marr contin. a Monymusk et Kege et 
 Forbes australiter dovne the water of Donne ad Abirden apon the su 
 [syd] of that ilk watter. 
 
 And thir arr the sortis that arr outetane the Lord of Mar, Sir W. of 
 Keth, the Bischop of A[berden], the Abbot of Der, the Lord the Hay, 
 Malcolm Marchell, S. Jon of Nevy, Andr. of Keth pater, Sir Henry 
 Preston, Thorn. Brisbane, Alexr. Fraser of Percok. 
 
 And qwa sua brekis this ordenance, he sal pay xl s. als oft tymes as he 
 brekis it, how mekyll or how lytil that euer he buyis within a sek of woll ; 
 and gif any excedis byand mar than a sett, of woll agayn this ordenance, 
 how oftymys he dois he sail pay iiii [s.] 
 
 1402. 
 
 Curia capitalis que debebat teneri die lune proximo post dominicam qua 
 cantatur quasi modo geniti de anno huius libri differebatur ad quintam 
 diem mensis Julii de predicto anno eo quod medio tern pore fuit quoddam 
 consilium generale tent, apud Perth ubi oportebat inter cetera ibidem deter- 
 minanda videri quomodo curia debebat infra regnum affirmari post mortem 
 nobilissimi principis domini Roberti Illustris regis Scotie Quo die curia 
 affirmata ex parte domini Roberti ducis Albanie generalis gubernatoris 
 regni Scotie prepositi et balliuorum burgi de Abden. etc. et sect, vocat. 
 absent, patent, in rotulis 
 
 Forist. et Tannatores de primo anno Roberti Dauid 
 Moricius Sutar de Ratry forist. et tannator pessimus 
 Alexander de Spens foristallator maximus conuict per assisam pro forist. 
 Simo Sutar de Der forist. et tannator
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 383 
 
 Adam Colini foristallator maximus 
 
 Johannes Scot de Fyvy forist. est maximus [ ] maro ad arrestanda 
 bona sua 
 
 Thomas Clerkson de Aldane maximus 
 
 Thomas Home at the Grange of Inuerogy forist. et tannator conuict 
 pro forist. pell. 
 
 Thomas Imlach apud Logalussis forist. et tanator l 
 
 Will Sucar apud Drumdola forist et tannator j a ? u ' 
 
 Robertus Brovne apud Frendracht forist. Et Gyb Bowman Isti duo 
 maximi forist. ad Morauiam 
 
 Alexr. Spryng forist est in [ ] 
 
 Robertus de Garviach apud Achmacludy tanator 
 
 Johannes Watsoun films Walteri Johannis forist. 
 
 Rogarsoun apud Kirktoun de Philorth forist. 
 
 Filius Andree de Mar commorans cum patre suo forist. 
 
 Filius Thome Home cum Thoma Lambe forist. 
 
 Girk cum Ric. Incheen forist. est maximus. 
 
 Will, filius Niclay de Kyninmond tannator ad signum quod fecit 
 sutorem de Deir facer, sibi ocreas et seculares quos vendit ad nundinas 
 
 Johannes filius Colini apud Ester Tyry tannator 
 
 Jac. Joffraysoun forist. est emit cor. prius premonitionem. 
 
 Johannes cum Willelmo Dayntre forist. ad preposit. 
 
 Duncane Rolland forist. est 
 
 Johannes Smale forist. est 
 
 Johannes Hulk 
 
 Adam filius Willelmi cum Thoma Lamb forist. 
 
 Johannes Pennysoun forist. est 
 
 Mury Dunny 
 
 Filius Thome Yhung de Dursblar venit ad domurn Thome Lamb cum 
 quodam rurali 
 
 W. Thaynstoun 
 
 Duncanus pater suus commoratur apud Kyntor et venit ad domum 
 Willelmi Thaynstoun 
 
 Johannes Lamb habet garciferos nomina vestiuntur 
 
 Simo More receptat foristallatores 
 
 Thomes Hale sir. 
 
 Johannes Flechar tannator et forist. prius [ ] de cor. per Dominum
 
 384 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1402. Johannes Fynnysoun apud Crechmond tannator 
 
 Michael Sutar de Kynmanydy tannator 
 Johannes Oute with the swerd apud Der tannator est 
 Rayny de Pethynstoth apud Quiltis de fedra tannator 
 Johannes Horn apud Furvy tannator 
 Mury Sutar apud Scotistoun tannator 
 Thomas Hugonis ly apud Rathyn tannator 
 Johannes filius Thome apud molendinum de Alden tannator 
 Johannes Letgate forist. conuersatur cum Jacobo Walkar de Der 
 Duncanus paruus garcio qui furt cum Johanne Tulach laborat 
 Willelmus Hugonis forist. maximus 
 Walterus Fayrhare forist. 
 Johannes filius Nicholay Lethe forist. 
 Michall Sutar de Inuervry tannator 
 Andreas Wodman forist. maximus 
 Nicholaus Sutar de Obeyn tannator 
 Johannes filius eius apud Obeyn tannator 
 Thomas Fynlay cum Duncano de Marr ^ 
 Morice cum Duncano de Marr > forist. 
 
 Johannes de Strathekyn cum eodem ) 
 
 Morgan de Forest forist. 
 
 Robert Watsoun at the furd halussis of Kintor tannator 
 Andre Mathysoun apud Babuthane tannator 
 Johannes Lamb pleg. ad iter camerarium 
 Ady Lawsoun de Strabolgy tannator 
 Will Sutar apud Kyntor 
 Will Blakburn ibidem 
 
 Johannes Wilkysoun pater suus commoratur apud Achynstynk venit 
 ad Willelmum de Thaynstoun forist. 
 
 Alanus de Meldrum apud Meldrum tannator 
 
 Thomas apud Scyves tannator 
 
 Simo Curst forist. 
 
 Litil Wil apud Fovern tannator 
 
 Jamy Lawsoun cum opella et forist. animalia 
 
 Johannes de Camera de Cumesty forist. lana. valde 
 
 Johannes Qwitbrow forist. 
 
 Robert Sutar de Petynkery tannator
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 385 
 
 Rogy Malcolmsoun apud Corthill tannator 1402. 
 
 Adam Sutar apud ly Brynchall de Kyntor 
 
 Johannes Inglis de Balbuthane 
 
 Robert Buklar de Athirwike est in amer. 
 
 Johannes Atkynsoun 1 , T 
 
 _ , > de Inuervry 
 
 Johannes Andro 
 
 Meg Cambrawno de Monyrausk 
 
 Amy Lowask apud Kyngudy 
 
 Will Dauid de Cluny 
 
 Thomas Makysoun apud Newburgh tannator et forist. ad Lychtoun 
 
 Secatores parui. 
 
 Donaldus Gray apud Drumblate 
 Jacobus Walkar de Der 
 Johannes Walkar de Armakar 
 Thomas Walkar de Carnbulg 
 Johannes Rede apud Crechmond 
 Simo Smale apud Elon 
 Ricardus Walkar quondam apud Straloch 
 Thomas Walker apud Cragydarge 
 Johannes Walkar in parochia de Kynerny 
 The Walkar of Rothy Brisbane 
 Thomas Walkar de Migmar 
 Donaldus Walkar apud Beldy 
 Unus Walkar de Arqwhorsk 
 
 1405. 
 
 Memorand. quod xiii die mensis Junii de anno predicto in curia legali 
 ibidem tenta comparuit coram balliuis Alexander de Keth asserens quod 
 idem dies sibi fuit assignatus per balliuos ad recipiend. quandam proba- 
 tionem ducendam per Simonem de Benyn contra quandam obligationem 
 sibi per dictum Simonem factam vel quoddam aliud defaciens contra eandem 
 obligationem Vnde dicti balliui fecerunt vocari ad barram dictum Simonem 
 ad producendam suam probationem vel ad monstrandum suum defaciens 
 qui Simo accedens ad barram petiit obligationem suam sibi monstrari et 
 perlegi Qua sibi tandem monstrata et perlecta dictus Simo allegauit quod 
 predicta obligatio nullius fuit valoris aut momenti eo quod vi coactus et
 
 386 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1406. in carcere detentus et sue potestatus non existens fecit et sigillauit prefatam 
 obligationem quibus de causis porrexit pleg. ad iter Camerarii quod ilia 
 obligatio fuit illegitima et eura non debeat coarcari vel ligari seu per 
 earn distringi ad aliquam satisfactionem vel solutionem et hoc allegauit 
 esse eufficiens defaciens dictam obligationem pro parte sua hoc facto Alex- 
 ander de Keth extendebat pleg. quod exquo dictus dies fuit sibi assignatus 
 ad recipiend. probationem seu defaciens ut preraittitur quam obligationem 
 prefatam faciendam a dicto Simone et ipse Simo nullam probationem seu 
 aliquod defaciens legitime contra dictam obligationem produxit ad suam 
 calumpniara peruenit tarn non defens. Vnde partibus remotis a curia 
 curia bene consulta et auisata considerabat quod exquo pleg. dicti Alex- 
 andri porrectum fuit post clamationem Itineris Camerarii non poterat eum 
 wardare nee se de eo incontinente Et etiam curia considerabat quod ex 
 quo pleg. dicti Simonis fuit porrectum ad iter Camerarii ante pleg. dicti 
 Alexandri quod omnia premissa debeant de iure diflerri ad iter Camerarii 
 et hoc notificatum fuit utrique parti in plena curia per dictos balliuos ipsas 
 partes premuniendo dicto itineri inde [ ] ad capiend. ibidem super sua 
 
 controuersia iuris et iustitie complementum 
 
 Memorand. quod decimo sexto die mensis Aprilis anno etc. cccc mo 
 septimo quedam discordia accidebat inter dominum Walterum de Lyndesay 
 ex una parte et dominum Alexandrum de Forbes ex altera parte Super 
 mitigatione cuius discordie prepositus et balliui ceperunt pleg. et securita- 
 tem de ambabus partibus predictis quod nulla partium predictarum dampna- 
 bit aliam nisi per viam iuris super premunitione octo dierum pleg. pro 
 domino Waltero Roberto Dauid aldirmano et Laurentio de Leth et Simone 
 de Benyn Plegiis pro domino Alexandro Johanne Alani Johanne Henrici 
 et Andrea. Johannis 
 
 Gwyn aurifab. posuit se in voluntate balliuorum pro perturbatione ville 
 et Copyn in amerciamenta pro consimili causa xv s. ix d. 
 
 llth June, 1410. 
 
 Memorand. quod anno Domini millesimo cccc mo decimo septimo die 
 mensis Junii ordinatum fuit per commune consilium et maiorem partem 
 mercatorum dicti burgi quod deinceps nullus emat lanam Buchanie pro 
 maiori pretio quam pro ii s. exceptis sortis dominorum et liberetenentium 
 Et quod lana illorum dominorum et liberetenentium non excedat xxx d.
 
 OF THE BUEGH OF ABERDEEN. 387 
 
 et quod lana de Marr non excedat xxx d. et lana de ly Garviach Et qui 17th June, 
 excessit istam ordinationem soluet xx s. quotiens super hoc conuictus fuit 
 et deponetur a sua libertate pro anno et die Et si placuerit communitati 
 de nouo eraet libertatem suam. 
 
 11 th October, 1411. 
 
 Ordinatum est et statutura pro tota coramunitate in una prima tenta 
 ix die Octobris de anno etc. cccc mo xi mo pro termino unius anni quod qui- 
 cunque vicinus ville vel inhabitans villam qui procurat dominos contra 
 vicinum suura vel contra aliquera inbabitantem villam soluet qualibet vice 
 qua sic fecerit quadraginta solidos sine remissione pro tribus vicibus Et 
 si quarta vice fecerit priuabitur a libertate sua penitus et omnino Et si 
 non habeat unde soluet dictam penam incarcerabitur per tres dies et tres 
 noctes et postea abuirabit villam pro anno et die 
 
 Item ordinatum quod quicunque inhabitans villam suie vicinus . fuerit 
 suie non qui non venerit ad prepositum balliuos vel sergiandos qui viderint 
 vel audierint ipsos vel aliquem ipsorum indigere adiutorio si de hoc con- 
 uicti fuerint soluet decem solidos sine remissione [ ] pena debet capi 
 de ipsis qui se abstrahunt a vicinis suis quum se vident indigere adiutorio 
 vel esse in punctu suppressionis et potissime per extrahabitantes burgum 
 
 Item ordinatum est quod quicunque non venerint ad prirnas prepositi 
 vel ad curias balliuorum vel qui premunitus fuerit per sergiandos super 
 viam ad veniend. coram preposito vel balliuis extra curias suas forte propter 
 submittas causas vel actiones [ ] repente superuenientes ut sepe ac- 
 cidit soluet qualibet vice qua sic fecerit quatuor denarios sine remissione 
 
 Monday after the Feast of Epiphany, 1411. 
 
 Eodem die Alexander de Irwyn dominus de Drum tutor et curator 
 [ ] filii et heredis Willelmi Crab quondam burgensis de Abirdene 
 protestauit pro quodam annuo redditu quindem solidorum diet. [ ] 
 debit, annuatim de ilia terra quam tenuit Matheus Pynchest in feodo et 
 hereditate de dicto quondam Willelmo Crab inter terram que fuit quondam 
 dicti Mathei ex parte orientali et terram que fuit quondam Halde Fulane ex 
 parte occidental! Ad quam terram veniens nichil inuenit distringibile pro 
 dicto annuo redditu et terram et lapides quos presentauit in curia coram 
 balliuis tanquam primo die huius processus Testibus Willelmo de Camera 
 filio et Simone Lamb
 
 388 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1411. Die June proximo post dominicam qua cantatur quasi modi geniti 
 
 Uxor Simonis palframan in amerciamento curie quod iniuste verberauit 
 quandam mulierem et cepit pannos et iniuste ab eadem et in duobus 
 amerciamentis quod concessit verberationem et postea quum assisa fuit 
 leuata concessit iniustam captionem pannorum 
 
 Monday after the Feast of Epiphany, 1412. 
 
 Eodem die accedens ad barram Johannes Wricht protestabatur pro 
 quodam annuo redditu duorum solidorum sibi et Alexandro Berclay de 
 Garntuly annuatim debito et exeunte de quadam terra jacente in vico de 
 Foty inter terram Johannis Atkynsoun ex parte australi et terram quon- 
 dam Patricii Baxter quam dedit Duncano Hervy in maritagio cum filia 
 sua ex parte boreali ad quam terram veniens nichil reperiit distringibile 
 pro dicto annuo redditu preter terram et lapides quos presentauit in curia 
 coram balliuis tanquam primo die huius processus Testibus Johanne 
 Smale et Johanne Andree 
 
 23d July, 1412. 
 
 Quo die accedens ad barram Bricius filius Duncani cum prolocutoribus 
 suis domino de Gordoun et Johanne Inchemartyn [ ] Rossen. extendebat 
 per pleg. primo quod ex quo Andreas filius Giiberti ab eo recepit tres 
 pipas de Wad et diet. Wad de illis pipis euacuauit ponendo illud Wad in 
 quadam domo sua tenendo illud ultra xl dies non satisffaciend. summam per 
 ipsum debitam dicto Bricio infra dictum tempus quod dictus Andreas 
 audiens dictam calumpniam et dicti pleg. inuentionem stetit nichil re- 
 spondendo non negando nee concedendo nee auisationem petendo Tune 
 dictus Johannes Inchemartyn tanquam prolocutor dicti Bricii extendebat 
 per pleg. quod dictos Bricius Duncani ad suam peruenit calumpniam causa 
 non defensa Ex quo dictus Andreas noluit negare vel concedere vel 
 aliud legitimum responsum dare Quod pleg. dictus Andreas recontrariauit 
 et sic ad wardam curie Unde partibus remotis curia diligenter auisata 
 decreuit et per os Johannis filii Lawrentii iudicatoris curie datum fuit 
 pro iudicio quod ultimum pleg. per dictum Johannera Inchemartyn nomine 
 dicti Bricii extensi fuit valoris et recontrariatio facta per dictum Andream 
 nullius valoris et dictus Andreas in amerciamento curie.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 389 
 
 1412. 1412. 
 
 Item, it is ordenit, with hale consent of the comonateis, that ilke man 
 duelland in the burgh, of wateuer state or conditioun that he be of, sal 
 stand gaird, and with the aldirman and the baillies of the tovn, and for to 
 kepe the comone profite of the tovne and the fredomys of it, and to sup- 
 ponale and maintene the officeris of the tovne in thair office doand, and 
 thair nychtbouris als fra schaith and susprice, under the payne of banysing 
 and tyttyn doune of his huss ; and gif he has na huss, under the payne of 
 banysyng and the guds eschete. 
 
 Als at thai ryss to the ryngyng of the comoun bell, and to biddyng of 
 the officeris of the tovne ; and giff ony soudane affray comys, that thai be 
 redy under the said payne : and gif ony keip or persayvis ony schath 
 aperand to the tovne, or ony at duells in it, that thai mak warnyng vnder 
 the said payne. 
 
 Als, that nane haff lord na lordschip othir na the king, the duke, and 
 the Erll of Marr, bot his aldirman and his baillies, under the said payne. 
 
 Als, qwatsumeuer has nocht his wapynnis redy, and beris thaim nocht, 
 sal tyne viii s., withoute remissioun, and prisone quill that viii s. be payit. 
 
 Als, that nane reset or herbry ony outduelland men, in thair hussis, 
 bot qwhame at thai will stand for, or ellis warn the officiaris als fast of thair 
 cummyn, vnder payne of lyffe and tynsale of gudis. 
 
 26th January, 1433. 
 
 Item, the said day, befor the alderman the baillies and mony of the coin- 
 moun consaill of the said burghe, comperit Williame Scherar, the quhilk 
 was adiournayit of before to prufe this day as law wald, that he had 
 assithit fullely Lankyn Wist, marchand of Brugis, the price of a bote of 
 Maluesye with twa uthir stikkis of wyne bocht be the said Williame fra 
 the said Lankyn ; and with the said Williame comperit alsua Thomas Blynd- 
 zele and Cristyne of Kynnore, burges of the said burgh, as proves of the said 
 payment of the said wyne. The quhilkis Thomas and Cristyne, efter the 
 gret athe be thaim bodelik swornyn, affermit and said that thai war present, 
 and for witnessis tane quhar that the [said] Lankin grantit before thaim that 
 he was fullely assithit of the price of the said wyne, and that he was fullely 
 content and paiit tharof eftir thair wittyng. Eftir the said proves, sawis, 
 and deposicionis, Richard of Rutherford, forspekar of the said Lankyn, 
 strekit a borch in Alexander of Kintoris hand, ane of the baillies of the 
 
 3 E
 
 390 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 26th January, said burgh, to the neste Chamerlayn air, that the said prufe wes of na valu 
 becaus the pruvaris deponit nocht in forme of the rolement of the court 
 that the cause was eraste giffin out of, the quhilk borch the said Williame 
 Scherar reconterit richt thair. 
 
 16th March, 1433. 
 Preposito et ballivis burgi nostri de Aberden 
 
 Rex 
 
 Freudis, as touchand the takyng doun of the houss pertenand to John 
 Blak, aboue your venale, because of passage, it is our will that ye super- 
 sede of the taking doun of the said hous quhill ye half forthir commandment 
 of vs. Vrittin under our seignet, at Striuelyn, the xvi day of Mars, and 
 of our regne twenty and aucht yer. 
 
 3d February, 1434. 
 
 Subscripta statuta facta tempore itineris Camerarii tenti infra burgum de 
 Aberdene in mense Februarii anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo 
 tricesimo quarto de communi consilio pro utilitate dicti burgi ordinata 
 fuerunt seruari et custodiri infra burgum predictum saltern usque proxi- 
 mura iter Camerarii ibidem tenendum 
 
 It is ordanit be the chamerlayn, the alderman, the baillies, and the con- 
 sail of the burgh of Aberdene, that na man na woman brew na sell ale fra 
 this hour furth derrar than four or sex penys, as it salbe prisit, undir the 
 payn of out takyng of thair ledis, and excludyng fray craft for yer and day, 
 and eschet of the ale. 
 
 Item, it is ordanit, that na baxtar brek the paiss that is giffin or salbe 
 giffin hym be the baillies, and quha sa dois, for the first defaut he sal pay 
 viii s., at the next tyme xvi s., and at the thrid tyme, the brede to be 
 eschet, and he to be putt on the pillary, and to be excludit fra his craft for 
 yer and day ; and thar atour ilk baxtar sal haf on his lofe his awn takyne, 
 that it may be kennyt by quha aw the lofe, and quhat baxter be conuict 
 thairof sal pay viii s. als oft as he trespassis. 
 
 Item, that quhat fleschar that beis conuict for brekyng of pece, or that 
 sellis flesch or it be prisit, at the fyrst tyme, sal pay viii s., alsmekil at the 
 tuthir tyme, and the thrid tyme the flesche to be eschet, and he to be ex- 
 cludit fra the craft for yer and day, and that na fleschar blaw flesch vnder 
 the payn of eschetyng of it.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 391 
 
 Item, that na hukstar by thingis to sel agyn before xi houris of the day, 3d February, 
 vndir the payn of eschet of the thing that scho biis 
 
 Item, that na man na woman pas out of the portis to by anything quhil 
 it be brocht on the market, vnder the payn of ane vnlaw and eschet of the 
 thing bocht. 
 
 Item that na bakar of kakis bake kakis to sell, vnder the payn of eschete 
 of the brede and banysing out of the toun for yer and day. 
 
 Item, that na fischar of sawmound sel fisch quhill he present tham to the 
 market, vnder the payn of viii s., and that he house nane bot thai be tane 
 vndir nycht, and on the morn brocht to the markete, vndir the samyn payn. 
 And quhar the baillies gerris nocht the poyntis before said be kepit, and 
 beis negligent in the execucioun hereof, and punyss nocht trespassouris as 
 is beforesaid, the baillies beand tayntit thar apon, thai salbe ordanit to the 
 kingis prisone, and ilkane of the baillies be thaim self in ten poundis to the 
 kyng, but remyssioun. 
 
 4tk April, 1434. 
 
 Item Thomas Umfraisoun Adam Nicholsoun Walterus Giffard Ro- 
 bertus de Camera Robertus Gillespy senior Johannes Richardsoun Wil- 
 lelmus Matheusoun Johannes de Loudoun qui electi fuerunt ad assisam 
 et recesserunt de curia priusquam fuit curia debite finita eorum quilibet 
 in amerciamento curie adiudicantur pro trangressione sua predicta. 
 
 4th February, 1436. 
 
 Item, uterque predictorum Willelmi Lausoun et Willelmi de Lam- 
 byntoun posuit se in voluntate balliuorum de uno amerciamento curie pro 
 perturbatione ville 
 
 16th April, 1436. 
 
 Item eodem die Stephanus de Balrony comparens in curia exposuit quod 
 alias botha sua fuit de nocte fracta per Isabellam de Curtastoun et matrem 
 suam et diuersa bona sua per easdem furata prout inuentum fuit per scru- 
 tatores in domibus earundem protestando quod si contigerit ipsas Isabellam 
 et matrem suam recuperare remissionem regis non liceat ipsas alienare ter- 
 ras suas cuicunque nisi prius restitutio dictorum bonorum a dicto Stephano 
 furatorum fuerit facta
 
 392 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th August. 13th August, 1436. 
 
 Curia balliorum burgi de Aberdene tenta xiii die Augusti anno etc. 
 xxxvi to que curia tenta fuit propter sedacionem et castigacionem brigatorum 
 Quo die secta vocata et curia affirmata Gilbertus nauta adiudicatus in 
 amerciamento pro perturbatione Andree Michael et Christane de Feme 
 et tenetur emendare eisdem iuxta visura et ordinationera proborum vi- 
 rorum ex utraque parte ad hoc eligendorum 
 
 1st October, 1436. 
 
 Curia capitalis burgi de Aberdene tenta in pretorio eiusdem die lune 
 primo die mensis Octobris die viz. iuridico post festum beati Michaelis 
 Archangel! anno Domini millesimo quadringentesimo tricesimo sexto Quo 
 die seeds vocatis et curia affirmata coram fratribus gilde burgensibus et 
 tota communitate predicta fuit et palam lecta per communem clericum 
 quedam littera communi sigillo antiquo huius burgi patenter sigillata a 
 quadraginta duobus annis iam elapsis ex consensu totius communitatis 
 eiusdem burgi tune confecta cuiusquidem littere tenor de verbo ad verbum 
 sequitur in hec verba : 
 
 " Omnibus hoc scriptum visuris vel audituris burgenses et communitas 
 de Abdene eternam in Domino Salutem vestra nouerit uniuersitas quod 
 nos unanimi consensu et assensu totius communitatis in nostro preto- 
 rio palam die lune post festum beati Michaelis Archangeli anno Domini 
 millesimo trecentesimo nonagesimo quarto ubi plena congregacio nostrorum 
 burgensium erat congregata tune pro utilitate nostra assidue preuisa et pro 
 successoribus nostris in future tempore etiam considerata statuimus ordi- 
 nauimus et ratificauimus et per presentes imperpetuum in hunc modum sine 
 animo reuocandi approbamus duos depositores conseruatores distributores 
 ac nostros receptores nostri burgi conburgen. omnium pecuniarum nostra- 
 rum infra nostrum burgum vel extra duntaxat Item quod nullus preposi- 
 tus se aliquomodo intromittat a confectione presentium ad suam disposi- 
 tionem de aliquibus pecuniis recipiendis vel etiam deliverandis ad commu- 
 nem bursam pertinentibus Sed duo depositores ad hoc per nos omni 
 anno eligendi et ad nostram voluntatem duraturi ut prescribitur in manibus 
 eorum bursam nostram communem habebunt et omni anno reddent nobis 
 compotum de omnibus receptionibus et deliverationibus per ipsos receptis 
 et liberatis Et hoc omnibus quorum interest vel interesse poterit notum 
 facimus per presentes In cuius rei testimonium sigillum commune nostri 
 burgi presentibus fecimus apponi anno mense die et loco supradictis."
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 393 
 
 31 st October, 1436. 3ist October, 
 
 Eodem die Johannes Robertsoun de Elgyne secundo die sepe vocatus 
 responsurus magistro Johanni de Clatt canonico Crechmen. super plegio 
 alias extenso super dictum Johannem Robertsoun pro iniusta detentione 
 quatuordecim librarum ut prius in processu curie proximo precedentis 
 non comparuit Et ideo datur bedello burgi in mandatis quod capiat 
 [ ] de dicto Johanne et premuniat eundem ad proximam curiam lega- 
 
 lem tanquam tertium diem huius processus 
 
 Item eodem die Jacobus Clerk balliuus burgi de Kyntor per com- 
 missionem dicti burgi replegiauit Patricium Umfraisoun burgensem de 
 Kyntor super quern alias Robertus Gillespy senior extendit plegium quod 
 dictus Patricius tenetur haymaldar equam quiquidem balliuus statuit diem 
 martis ad quindenam ad tenend. legem dicto Roberto pleg. dicto balliuo de 
 Kyntor 
 
 Wth June, 1437. 
 
 Assisa ordinauit inter Jobannem de Marr ex parte una et Andream 
 de Cullane ex parte altera quod dictus Johannes tenebit se contentum de 
 talibus denariatis quales dictus Andreas eidem Johanni liberauit Et pro 
 pecunia restante cum dicto Andrea prout patet in papiro dictus Andreas 
 liberabit tantum Wade eidem Johanni de tali pretio quali emit Wade in 
 Flandera et vendidit hie in pala ista ut dictus Andreas adiudicabitur in 
 amerciamento quod non perimpleuit cedulam dicti Johannis 
 
 1437. 
 
 Subscripta statuta et ordinationes facta fuerunt per commune consilium 
 burgi de Abdne. tempore prepositure Johannis de Fif conssentiente ad hec 
 maiore parte totius communitatis eiusdem 
 
 In primis quod tenor illius litere per totam communitatem facte a qua- 
 draginta quinque annis elapsis sigillate cum communi sigillo penes redditus 
 dicti burgi seruand. et custodiend. ac exponend. per certos depositaries 
 quolibet anno eligendos de cetero seruetur Ita quod nullus prepositus se 
 intromittat aliquo modo aut disponet de aliquibus pecuniis recipiendis vel 
 deliverandis ad communem bursam pertinen. una cum ceteris clasulis in 
 dicta littera contends 
 
 Item quod nullus aldirmannus seu balliuus aut aliquis officiarius burgi
 
 394 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1437. qui ad corapotum tenetur remaneat in officio suo ultra unum annum et 
 quod prepositus prius infra xl dies post exitum suum de officio reddat 
 compotum suum de intromissione sua et soluet quicquid debuerit in pede 
 compoti sui super compotum absque dilatione quacunque alias nuncquam 
 ad dictum officium eligeretur nee quicunque balliuus aut alius officiarius 
 qui ad compota reddenda tenetur de bonis communitatis de nouo eligeretur 
 quousque satisfacerit dicto raodo 
 
 Item quod nullus Aldirmannus expendat de communibus bonis ultra 
 xx s. absque consensu raaioris partis communis concilii 
 
 Item quod balliui burgi qui pro tempore fuerint et nulli alii leuent aut 
 recipient firmas et redditus burgi communes et quolibet anno ante festum 
 beati Michaelis Archangeli reddant compota sua coram preposito et com- 
 muni concilio et soluant debita sua prout supra 
 
 Item quod omnes commissarii burgi inittendi ad parliatnenta et concilia 
 regis generalia eligantur per totum commune concilium burgi et eorum 
 expense rationabiles per dictum concilium taxentur et ordinentur 
 
 Item quod nullus firmarius terrarum molendinorum piscariarum aut 
 reddituuin burgi detineat firmam per ipsum debitam usque suum ter- 
 minum usualem quo solui debeat dicta firma sub pena amissionis terre 
 piscarie aut alterius cuiuscunque redditus sibi assedati et quod licebit 
 balliuis qui tune fuerint cum deliberatione communis concilii huiusmodi 
 terras piscarias seu alios redditus vicinis aliis assedare non obstante asse- 
 datione sibi facta seu ordinatione hucusquam in contrarium facta vel in 
 futurum facienda 
 
 28th December, 1439. 
 
 Item xxviii die mensis Decembris anno Domini etc. xxxix mo per prepo- 
 situm et balliuos ac commune concilium Receptus fuit nobilis dominus et 
 potens dominus Robertus de Erskyne comes de Marr ac dominus de 
 Erskyne in liberum burgen. et confratrem glide prestito solito juramento 
 exceptis illis de scot et lot wak et ward pro v s. 
 
 24th April, 1440. 
 
 On Sonday tbe xxiiii day of Aprile, the yer of grace etc. xl, Williame of 
 Cadiou fand lawborowes to compeir in the tolbuth of Aberdene on the 
 morn on Mononnday as the said Sonday, withoutyn fraude or gyle, for the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 395 
 
 hurtyng of Robert of Cullace ; the quhilk Mononnday the courte affermyt 24th April, 
 the said Will, coraperit, and ane noble and mychte lord the Erie of Avan- 
 dale and the Constable, on the behalf of the said Robert, comperit and 
 askit the lawcht as thai did on the day befor, And than Sir Alexr. of 
 Irwyne knycht, forspekar to the said Williame, profferit that the said Wil- 
 liame suld acquite him be himself and otheris diuers persones, that he wist 
 nocht that the said Robert was man to the said Erie, na to the said Con- 
 stable, na that he come to this toun in thair company, And attour for the 
 defaute that the said Will, had made to the saidis lordis Erie and Con- 
 stable, he put hym in thair grace, upon the quhilkis the said lord Erie 
 and Constable, sen the thing was greue, tuk to be avisit upon his prof- 
 feris, and with consent of partis it was differrit be the saidis lordis Erie 
 and Counstable, upon four dayes warnying, the said Wylliame to com- 
 peir than befor the aldermann and ballzeis in like maner as he comperit 
 this Mononnday, hawand the force and effecte that day as this day but 
 fraude or gile. And at this suld be fulfillit be the said Williame and the 
 partis skathlace in the mentyme, Sir Alexr. of Irwyne is cummyn a 
 borch to the aldirman and ballzeis And at the saidis Williame and Joh. 
 of Cadiou his cosyne sal be skathles of the saidis lord Erie and of the 
 said Constable and of the said Robert, and of thar pairtie, but fraude 
 or gile, the said Lord Erie and Constable arr becummyn borowes to the 
 saidis aldirmann and ballzeis. 
 
 JAMYS OF DOUGLAS OF AVANDALE. 
 
 \3t/i May, 1440. 
 
 Item eodem die per commune concilium concessum fuit Ricardo Kintor 
 tune abbati de Boneacord unus burgensis futurus faciend. ad libitum suum 
 quandocunque ipsum presentauerit pro expensis suis factis et faciend. in 
 quodam ludo de ly Haliblude ludendo apud ly Wyndmylhill 
 
 13th September, 1440. 
 
 Memorand. quod xiiii die mensis Septembris Dauid Farcharsoun receptus 
 fuit in liberum burgensem et confratrem gilde prestito solito juramento Et 
 dabat pro libertate sua ad edificationem porte in fine orientali vici Castri 
 v marcas et residuum remittitur sibi ob fauorem domini Johannis Smalee 
 et sororis eiusdem quam disponsauit.
 
 396 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 18th Sept. ISth September, 1440. 
 
 Memorand. quod xviii die mensis predict! Johannes Ettale fuit receptus 
 in liberum burgen. huius burgi pro xx s. et ad requestum domini Willelmi 
 de Craufurd et Magistri Thome Edname canonicorum Abirdonen. ecclesie 
 receptus fuit etiam in confratrem gilde dabit que pro gilda ad fabricam 
 ecclesie beati Nicholai huius burgi quura super hoc fuerit requisitus 
 dimid. Rude de astlaris etc. et prestetit solitum juramentum etc. 
 
 llth October, 1440. 
 
 Eodem die Gilbertus Meignes ex parte Simonis Horn et socii sui mer- 
 catores Londonien. petiit a preposito et balliuis et communitate licentiam 
 et liberum ac saluum conductum quod prefati mercatores possint salue et 
 secure laborare circa recuperationem bonorum suorum in portu euisdem 
 burgi periclitan. et ea vendere melius quopoterit et prius ea salue recedere 
 cum fuerint parati in partes suas sine quouis obstaculo vel impedimento 
 Qui prepositi balliui et consules burgi ausiati dederunt et concesserunt 
 omnimodam licentiam in premissis et promiserunt eos defendere et manu- 
 tenere usque ad liberum recessum eorum de partibus istis. 
 
 19 th February, 1441. 
 
 Item eodem die ad instantiam litteralem domini Walteri Senli. militis 
 de Strathoune balliui posuerunt in dilatione actionem motam inter Gil- 
 bertum de Tulach et Ricardum de Ruthirfurd in eodem statu in quo 
 nunc est usque ad curiam capitalem proximo post festum Pasche proximo 
 futurum. 
 
 August, 1441. 
 
 Item, be the avise of the haill counsaile for the commoune gude of the 
 hale commounytee of this burgh, it is statute, concludit, and ordanit, that 
 na fleschewaris, na nane vther man, nychtbour nor vnfreman, by ony tnaner 
 of fische quhill thai cum to the merkate ; and at na man by to tap agane 
 at a derth to the commownys ony maner of fische quhill the hight of the dai 
 be passit, vnder the payne of viii s. unforgiffin, and eschete of the fische 
 but favour. 
 
 Item, that na fleschewar mak [ ] nor by to sel agayne ony turbote, 
 as said is, hot thai sal haue for the brekyng of a turbote quhilk is bocht
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 397 
 
 within xii d., j d., and quhen it exceedis xii d., ii d., quhill it cum to ii s., 23d August. 
 and swa furth for ilke schilling i d., and he sal haue nane vther eschetis, 
 hot al sal be brokin to the biaris, vnder the payne forsaid. 
 
 Item, that na man tak on hand to by vitale mar na will suffice thar 
 housis to tap agayne at derth apon the commounys, and give ony nycht- 
 bour has vitale to sell, that thai tap it nocht in houss bot in the merkatt 
 playneli apon the merkat dai, vnder the payne of viii s. unforgiffin, and 
 eschete of sic gude but fawour. 
 
 ISth March, 1442. 
 
 It is sene spedfull be the aldirman, the bailzeis, the counsale, and the 
 merchandis of Abden., that the Inglis schipe that is arestit be Willame 
 Scherar, Dauy of Rutherfurd, Johnne Vocate, and Johrme of Kintor, 
 with the lave of thair falow schipe, be brocht in in the hawin, and be kepit 
 be the merchandis and schipemen of the said schipe under sourtie, quhill 
 we haue worde of our souerane king and his counsaile quhat his will is to 
 be donn in this mater. 
 
 27 th April, 1442. 
 
 The samyn day, for the gouernance of merchandice, it was statut and 
 ordanit be the brethir of gilde, that na man by woll derar than vi s. viii d. 
 the stane ; and give ony man beis taynt byand woll derrar, in contrar of 
 this statute, he sal pay to the commone profite of this toun, but remissioune, 
 for ilk tyme that he beis taynt xl s. 
 
 Item, that na man by woll skynnis derar than x d., schorlinges vi d., 
 scaldynes iii d., the dusane of lentrinwar viii d., the dusane of futfellis ii s. ; 
 and quhasa dois in the contrar sail, euery tym that he trespasses, pay, but 
 remissioune, vi s. viii d. to the commone werk and profite of this toune. 
 
 Item, the samyn day, Matheu Fichet, aldirman, become dettour til 
 Johne of Fife of four pounds fourtene schillingis, for reddyng of the balzeis 
 of the yer bypast, with ordinance and consent of the counsale. 
 
 23</ June, 1442. 
 
 It is to mene apon, that the fift day of the moneth of Julii, the yer forsaid, 
 Dauid Hardgat, Dauid Dun, Robert Masoun, and Gilbert Masoun, oblist 
 thame ane as all, and all as ane, til a honourable knight, Sir Williame of 
 Lesly of Balchane, that thai sail fulfill and perfornyce his said werk efter the 
 
 3 F
 
 398 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 -23d June, tenour of the endentour made tharapon, betuex the said Sir Williarae and 
 Dauid Hardgat forsaid. 
 
 10th December, 1442. 
 
 Nicholaus Thomsoun primus testis juratus etc. dicit in suo juramento 
 that John of Troup and he and othir diuerss sat at the collatioun in Ma- 
 rioune Lialis house and the sammyn John of Troup rase up and yeid furth 
 diuerss tymes allane that sammyn tyme quhen Alexr. the Grahamys 
 beddyng was stolein And quhen Grahame myssit his gudes he stekit the 
 zet, and wad noght haue lattin hym in. 
 
 Patrick Johnsoun concords in al thing with the first, and eikis that he 
 herd a man say that lay in the house 4juhar the said John of Troup, that 
 fra mydnycht furth he was oute in the toun quhill day. 
 
 John of Skene, the third witnes, concordis in all thing with the secunde 
 witnes. 
 
 Marioune Liale, the feird witnes, concordis with the lave, &c. 
 
 14th October, 1443. 
 
 Item, Alexr. Lammyntoun in amerciamento curie pro eo quod vendidit 
 carnes aliter quam fuerint appretiate etc. 
 
 \\th January ) 1444. 
 
 Item, eodem die assisa ordinauit et inuenit et decreuit quod Umfredus 
 Craufurd inuiste lucratus fuit et tenet a Laurentio Hoie Ricardo Ruthirfurd 
 Is. et satisffaciet eidem infra terminum juris et est in amerciamento curie 
 
 Item, eadem assisa dixit quod Willelmus Quhite sutor fouet in domo sua 
 et receptat lusores malorum ludorum in dampnum venientium ad istum 
 burgum quare precipitur sibi quod decetero de talibus non communicatur 
 aut inde iusta queririmonia non audiatur sub pena exulationis ab isto burgo 
 
 July, 1444. 
 
 It is to remembir, that John of Lowdoun strekit a borch that the prwff 
 that Johne Mathisone mad on hym til ansuer til a breff of richt til Johne 
 Crukshank, apon a pess of land, as is contenit in the breff of richt, viz. 
 Theman and Thorn, of [ ], as onlachfwll prewis ; and Gilbert 
 
 Menzes, forspekar to John Crukshank, recontirit that borch with hys 
 awayis that thai war lachfull ; and becawss of febilness of the cwrt the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 399 
 
 ballzeis putt the cawss in delay, withowtyn preiudice of perty, till the law 27th July, 
 dayis eftir Michelmess. 
 
 Richard of Rutherford oftsyss callit til folow Johne Patovnson til fynd 
 borch and hawmald of a horss, comperit, and therfor the said Johne strikit a 
 borch [ ] he ever festenit with new soyt. 
 
 Alsua the baillies has put ane delay till the law day efter Michelmess the 
 accioun betwene the balleis of Monross and William Banerman, in sic ply 
 as it now is, vittout prejudice of ony perty. 
 
 17 th November, 1444. 
 
 It is to remembir, that on the xvii day of Novembir ther wes presentit be 
 Mastir Thomas of Eddynhame to the alderman and to the balleis letteris 
 of inhibitioun fra the quene and the bisschop of Sanct Androwis, and ther 
 ennardance, that na paymantiis suld be made of na revenowis pertenand to 
 the king to tha persownis that nw has the kyng in gouernance. 
 
 20th November, 1444. 
 
 It is to remembir, that of Friday, the xx day of Nouember, Johne The 
 Wauss, than aldermane, gert inquer at the gud men of the towne, than 
 beand in the tolbuith, gif the letter suld be cryit of inhibitioun of the kingis 
 rewenous, send be the quene and the bisschop of Sanct Androis, and thar 
 the gud mene of gef in comandment to the said alderman that that letteris 
 suld nocht cryt no obeyit qwil it war sene qwat ordenance war made thair- 
 apon be the thre estattis. 
 
 23d November, 1444. 
 
 It is to remembir, that the Bisschop of Ross present a lettir to the 
 ballzeis of the burghe in this fowrm, the xxiii day of November : JAMES, 
 be the grace of God kyng of Scottis, to the alderman and balleis of our 
 burgh of Aberden gretyng : It is our will and we chargis and wyllis ye 
 diffend and supple a reuerend fadder in Crist, the bisschap of Rosse, in the 
 tak of the half net of the Rake as law willis, giff it sua be that he makkis 
 sufficiand document that he has richt tharto, and this on na way leffis on 
 doun. Gifwyn onder our signet at Strifflyne, the xi day of Nouember, and 
 of our regn the sevynt yer. 
 
 2 Is* February, 1446. 
 X Xi to die mensis Februarii anno Domini supradicto ex deliberatione com-
 
 400 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 2ist February, munis consilii et partis glide concesse sunt quatuor libre usualis monete ad 
 supportationem et releuationem raagistri Andree Croudane nati confratris 
 gilde huius burgi pro labore suo circa predicationera et doctrinam populi 
 huius burgi et hoc durante voluntate consilii supradicti. 
 
 \5th February, 1448. 
 Iter Camerarii 
 
 Inchoat. per Alexandrum Narn et Johannein Lummysden deputatos 
 Camerarii Scocie xv die Februarii anno Domini j m iiii c xlviii quo die 
 sectt. : 
 
 [Assisa septemdecim virorum burgi electa fuit] 
 
 Robertus Stephin tenet ur satisfacere Willelmo Lmyntoun unum sar- 
 pellarium in quo ponebantur pelles infra terminum juris plegio Gilberto 
 Vaus. 
 
 Willelmus Voket deliberavit Roberto Blyndseil unam bipenne argentat. 
 in [ ] manibus venientem de Flandria sub periculo ejusdem Roberti 
 vel valorem ejusdem bipenne pleg. 
 
 Robertus Stephin satisfaciet ad fabricam ecelesie beati Nicholai iiii s. 
 gret infra terminum juris. 
 
 Willelmus Banerman tenetur satisfacere Jonete Girkin v s. infra ter- 
 minum juris et si maritus ejusdem Jonete non reveniat citra festum Pente- 
 costes proximo futurum dictus Willelmus satisfaciet eedem Jonete residuum 
 v florenorum de Reno pleg. 
 
 Th. Cadiou satisfaciet Johanni Rede carnifici ii s. et ipse deliberabit 
 sibi cultellurn suum argentatum pleg. 
 
 Robertus Prat faciet computum infra terminum juris cum Angusio John- 
 stoun de iiii lib petit, per eundem aliter erit debitor tocius summe plegiis 
 Georgio Adamsoun et Thoma Camera. Gilbertus Massoun satisfaciet 
 domino Johanni Pettynwyne xii s. pleg. 
 
 Andreas Dauidsoun fatetur se debere Thome Cadiou de iii s. vi d. 
 
 Maister Johnn of Cadyou grantis that he borrowit a hors fra Robin 
 Scherar, the quhilk hors the said Maister lent to Rechart of Kintor. 
 
 Memorandum, that the balyheis of eer farnyher and farnyher sal, apon 
 Friday next to cum, that is to say the xxvii of Februar next to cum, be 
 viii houris befor none, sal comper in the tolbuth of this burghe, and deliuer 
 in thir accomptis of thir twa yheris bigane, and underly the determinacioun
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 401 
 
 of thir auditouris vndervrittin, that is to say, Dimcane of Clat, dene of isth February 
 gild, Johnne of Marr, Matheu Fichet, Alexander of Kintor, and Patrick 1448 
 Badenach ; and gif ther beis in thar accomptis ony gret weris or doutis 
 thai sal referr that to be endit be the haile counsaile. 
 
 Item, it is ordanit that ix or x of the best of the toune sal pass with a 
 parte of the gangand assis and see the venales and otheris fautis and 
 perprisis of the toune, and quhar thai fynd perpriss merke it and put in 
 writ, and charge thame to reforrae it within xi dais, and forberne vnder 
 payne of perprisioune of the king, and thir personis to be chosin be the 
 alderman and balyheis. 
 
 Item, the houssis that ar fundin unsufficient be the assis sal be refurmyt 
 be tham at aw tham within viii daiis, or ellis the balyheis sal pass and tak 
 doune the durris and wyndowis of thaim, and mak thaim uninhabitable. 
 
 Item, it is avisit and concludit be counsaile, anent the payment of the 
 rest of the aid fynance, the quhilk extendis be appoyntment to ii c lib., that 
 al sumes written in the roll, bath recouerable and unrecouerable, be sowmyt 
 be punde grete, and ilke punde grete be put til a certane some of Scottis 
 payment eftir, as it may extend to pay the said ii c lib., and than ilk man 
 that is awand recouerable sal pay eftir that tax, and than it that remanys 
 unrecouerable of the said ii c lib. salbe paiit be the haill toun eftir the aviss 
 and sicht of the counsaile. 
 
 Malcolmus Forbes, Dauid Dun, and Dauid Heruy, accusit of the dis- 
 obeying of Andrew Alanson, the balyhe, that wald noght find borowes of 
 pess quhen he chargeit thaim, deniit the disobeying, and swa it was put to 
 ane assis : that is to say, Andrew Tulidef, Duncane of Clat, Matheu 
 Fichet, Robert of Chamer, Henry Levyngtoun, Wat Giffart, Alexr. 
 Blindseil, Johne Scherar, Mathou Glastre, Dauid Symsoun, Andrew Ayn- 
 croft, and William Holland ; the quhilk avisit, resplaitit this quhil thai be 
 forthir avisit with men of law, and becaus the said partie allegit that thai 
 suld noght find borrowes, bot give thair pairtie wald sever that thai doutit 
 thaim thai fynd that bil broght up, and thai will that it be nocht allegeit in 
 tym to cum be ony man, vnder payne that may folow. 
 
 David Rutherfurd in amerciamento curie pro injusta spoliacione navis 
 Dauid Dun de vno cable et restituet idem cable.
 
 402 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 15th February, David Rutherfurd dedit Robertum de Camera plegium legale pro eo 
 et parte sua quod Malcolmus de Forbes Dauid Dun and Dauid Heruy et 
 partes sue erunt indempnes aliter quam per viam juris. 
 
 Et dictus Malcolmus dedit Willelmum Scherar [plegium] legalem quod 
 David Rutherfurd erit indempnis ut supra et partes sua tota. 
 
 [Fin. extract, de actis Itineris Camerarii.] 
 
 1th November, 1449. 
 
 In the firste, that na merchand man of this burgh opin his both dorr to 
 do ony merchandise, outhir sell or by, apon the Sondai, under the payne of 
 a punde of wax, or the valu of it, to be rasit be the dene of the gild, of ilk 
 faute unforgiffin, and to be appliit to the kirkwerk. 
 
 Item, that the dene of the gild see bayth be scirscheying and inquisitioun, 
 and punyce rigorously, and but favour, all thaim that in henderyng of mer- 
 chandiss schapis, and barkis, or barkis nocht beand glide, othir waiss than 
 the law levis. 
 
 Item, that he punyss the skynnaris that biis skynnis to pluk or to mak 
 merchandiss of othir waiis than the law levis and the statut of the gilde. 
 
 Item, that na man by talch mar than may suffice his houss, or mak mer- 
 chandiss of it, under the payne of eschete of it to the commoune profile, and 
 viii s. unforgiffin, in tyrne to cum ; and it at is boght in tyme bygane, that 
 the aldirman and the dene of the gild passis to thair houssis that has bocht 
 it, and gerr it be deliuerit to the commounis be the sammyn price that it 
 was boght. 
 
 Item, that the dene of gilde punyss forstallaris of this burgh, als weile free 
 men as othirs within the burgh or withoute, eftir the aid actes and statutis 
 mad thairapon, but favour, and at he inquir and accuse sic forstalling ilke 
 xv daiis in the gilde courte ; and that nothir the aldirman na he componis 
 na fyne with ony forstallaris withoute avyss and wytting of sex persounes, 
 at the leest, of counsaile, and the clerk. 
 
 Item, give the dene of gild beis negligent in the executioun and punys-
 
 OF THE BTJKGH OF ABERDEEN. 403 
 
 yng of thir forsaid statutis, and he be convicte be the aldirraan and coun- 7th November 
 saile thairapon, he sal pay the samyn unlaw and payne that the fautouris 144a 
 suld haue paiit, to be raisit of him be the aldirman unforgiffin. 
 
 Item, that the balyheis keip the actis made before the Chawmerlayne, 
 the yher of grace, &c., xxxiiii last bigane, anente the assise of brede and 
 ele and flesche, and othiris, under the paynis contenyt in the samyn actis, 
 and at the aldirman accuse thaim tharapon, and punyss thaim as afferis. 
 
 30th December, 1453. 
 
 The last day of the moneth of December, the yher of God j m iiii c fiftie 
 and thre, Dauid Dun fand Andrew Meignes, and Dauid Heruy fand 
 Richard of Kintor, borrowes to compeir be them selff or thair sufficient 
 procuratouris at the nixt law daiis efter Pasche next to cum, in tolbuth of 
 this burghe, befor the Lievtenant or his deputis, and the alderman and 
 counsaile of this burghe, to the instance of George Adamsone and Johne 
 Patersoun, for certane gudis takin fra thame in Scarburgh in Ingland, to 
 ansueir and underlie the law. 
 
 The first day of Mail comperand Dauid Dun and Dauid Hervy on that 
 a partie, and John Patounson and George Adamsoun on that othir partie, 
 becauss it was a festuale dai thai consentit that the mater and causs de- 
 pendand amangis thaim, as is befor writtin, be continewit in sic like pli as 
 it was on that dai, to Monoundaii the xiii dai of this instant moneth of 
 Maii next to cum, but preiudice of ony pairtie, and thair borowes standand 
 as thai did befor. At the quhilk day, the forsaid Andrew Meignes and 
 Richard Kintor borowes befor the alderman and consaile, and befor Ranald 
 Chene, pretenand him depute to the Lievtenand, enterit the said David Dun 
 and David Heruy personali, and dischargit tham of the said borowgang. 
 Neuertheless, the said principales, David Dun and David Hervy, wald 
 noght admit the said Ranald as depute to the Lievtenand, becauss he schew 
 na letteris of the lordis thareapon, na he wald noght find caucion and 
 sourete that the lord Lievtenand suld hald ferme and stable quhat the said 
 Ranald did or was done before in this mater, &c. 
 
 \0th March, 1454. 
 The samyn dai, the acion movit betuix Williame the Haia on that a 
 
 t
 
 404 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 loth March, part, and Theman, goldsmyth, on that othyr pairt, of xxi vnche of siluer, 
 and a drame of gold and ane cors of gold, was put to the determinacioun 
 of thir personys vnder wryttyne, with consent of baith the parties, as chosin 
 arbitrouris, or amicable componitouris : that is to say, Andrew Ayncroft, 
 Patrik Badenach, Williame Holland, Johne Blendseil, and Johne of Mar, 
 the quhilkis determynit and ordanit at the said Theman suld deliuer till 
 hym xxi vnche of gud siluer, within terme of law, and thai resplatit the 
 said soume of gold to the nowmer of vi nobillis, till thai spek with Androw 
 Child and Thome of Croudane ; and, as anence the litil corss at his wyf 
 deliuerit to Theman, the said Theman sal deliuer the samyn corss till his 
 wyfe agayn, scho payand till him the handlane of it, gif it be unpayit : 
 borch Alexr. of Chawmer, befor thyr witness, Thorn of Fif, John of Waus, 
 and Patrik Chapman. 
 
 16th January, 1455. 
 
 Xvi to die mensis Januarii anno Domini etc. lv to omnes confratres gilde 
 huius burgi auisate concesserunt et deliverauerunt quod fiat una propina 
 monete domine nostre suppreme Regine nunc in primo aduentu ipsius ad 
 istam villam Et quod fiat et extendat ad summam centum marcarum pro 
 qua vero summa sumenda consenserunt omnes prefati confratres gilde quod 
 fiat assedatio aquarum terrarum et prouentium huius burgi ad certum 
 terminum ad visum proborum virorum ad hoc specialiter eligendorum Et 
 eligerunt personas infrascriptos viri Johannem de Scrogis filius Johannem 
 de Fife Johannem de Marr Duncanum de Clat Matheum Fichet Willelmum 
 Holland Johannem Howisoun Johannem Stephinsoun et Johnnem Andre- 
 soun Que supradicte persone habebunt sufficientem commissionem sub 
 sigillo communi ad assedand. piscarias terras et redditus burgi ut premit- 
 titur. 
 
 2d May, '1546. 
 
 Secundo die mensis Septembris anno Domini etc. lvi to the maisteres of 
 the schippes and quarter maisteres, and the commoune counsaile and a 
 grete part of the gild, consentit that thar be viii persounes chosin to de- 
 liuer ane auise the best waiis anente the demanyng, handeling, or deliuer- 
 ance of the schipmen and gudes of Camfeer, takin be the nyghboris of this 
 toune, and to provide that the toune be scathlas of the taking of the said 
 schip, and thir ar the persounes underwrittin : Johne of Fife, Andro
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 405 
 
 Meignes, Johne Marr, Johne of Scrogs pater, Andro Culane, Ric. Kintor, 2d May. 
 Matheu Fichet, and Robt. Wormot. 1456 - 
 
 1st October, 1456. 
 
 The quhilk hour forsaide, Alexander Blenseile comperyt in the tolbuith 
 and askit the said Will, of Ryne, Betty Stevinsoun, and Thomas Harpar, 
 to produce lauchful witness at he had geffin tham licens and leve to pas 
 quhar thai walde, as the act thar upon beris witnes ; the quhilk personis 
 failzeit in thar previs produsyng, bot thai askit at the said Alexander Blend- 
 seil wald sueir at he gaif thame na leve, and thai suld sve hym til thar terme 
 dai. The quhilk Alexr. denyit, and said he wald nocht sueir in his awyn 
 causs ; and than Dauid Meignes, forspekar to Will, of Ryne, askit hym to 
 borch to do til Alexr. Blendseil at law wald ; the quhilkis was giffin hym be 
 Malcolme of Forbes, juge in the said causs. 
 
 23d April, 1460. 
 
 The xxiii dai of the moneth of April, the yher of God i m cccc Ix, it was 
 ordanit and statut, that na induellande of this burgh, na without burgh, tak 
 in wed ony gudis that Wat Cutlaris wife bryngis for ony penyworthis oythir 
 than dry siluer, becauss at scho is knawin a strawer of her husbands gudis ; 
 and quhasa euer dois, thai sal restoir the gudis to the said Wat withoutyn 
 impediment, and nocht to be assichit for thare penny worthis. 
 
 6th February, 1463. 
 
 The samyn assis has ordanyt Alexander Rollande to stent and pay to 
 Thome Reburne v s. vi d., the quhilk he tuke fra him in wisling of a farthing 
 of an Inglis nobill that is fundin be thai nocht lachfull na sufficiande, nother 
 to wirk na for na richtwiss payment within lauchful tyme, and to resaive 
 the ferthing fra him agayn, for the quhilk he is jugit in amercyament of this 
 curt for the wrangwis halden of the seme fra the saide Thome of Reburne. 
 
 16th January, 1469. 
 
 The xvi day of Januar, the yer of God Ixix yer, Philip of Drumbreck, 
 ane of the serjiandis of this burgh, has put in the merkat to sell, a gray 
 horss of Johne Fichattis Mathowsoun, quhilk is tane in astrasiment of pay- 
 ment of a Hamburgh barel of salmond acht till Will of Mernys, baxtar, and 
 
 3 G
 
 406 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 16th January, thar is bodin for him xii s. as for the fyrst day, befor thir witnes, Johne 
 of Rnollis, bailye, Cristy, litstar, and Duncane of Birss. 
 
 19th January, 1469. 
 
 The xix day of the forsaide moneth, Johne of Tulydeff, ane of the ser- 
 jiandis of the said burgh, put the fornemit horss in the merkat to sell, and 
 thar was biddin for him xx s., befor thir witnes, Richarde of Hill, Thome 
 Malitesoun, and Alexr. of Scrogis. 
 
 24th January, 1469. 
 
 The xxiiii day of the said moneth of Januar, the yer of God, &c., 
 the saide Philp of Drumbrek, serjiande, put the forsaide horss in the mer- 
 kat to sell, and thar was biddin for him that day xiii s. iiii d. ; witnes, 
 Duncane of Birss, and Androw Watkin, befor Johne of Knollis, the 
 bailze. 
 
 2Stk January, 1469. 
 
 The xxviii day of the saide moneth, the forsaide Philp of Dumbrek, 
 serjiande, put the said horss in the markate to sell, and thar was biddine 
 for hyme that day, as the ferde day ante specifeit, with Edmunde Baner- 
 man, Dnncane of Birss, Androw Atkin, and be thair aithis suorne, xxvi s. 
 befor thar witnes, Androw Scherar, and Johne of Knollis, bailzeis, Willem 
 Malitesoun, Androw Haldane, and Duncane of Lammyntoun ; and of this 
 soume giffin the officiar xii d. for his labour, and for the horss costs 
 iii oukis, iii s., and, sua restis unpayit of the xl s. for the barell of salmonde 
 aucht to William of Mernys, xviii s. 
 
 \3th January, 1474. 
 
 Curia balliuorum tenta in pretorio xiii die Januarii anno predicto, the 
 quhilk day, William of Setoune was accusit for the wrangwise strublance 
 of William Cadiou, cumand apon him in forthocht felony, and in breking of 
 law borrowis tayn betuix thame of befor ; the quhilk chalance the said Wil- 
 liam of Setoune denyit, sayand that he was nocht under law borrowis anent 
 the said William of Cadiou. Apone the quhilk accusatione and denyance 
 he referrit him til ane assise of the best and worthiast present for the tyme ; 
 the quhilk assise beand sworne, the saidis parteis schauand thair avarments
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 407 
 
 to the assise, in presence of the aldirman, bailzes, and the hail court, the 13th January, 
 
 said William of Setoune said that he was nocht under law borrowis ; to the 1474> 
 
 quhilk Alexr. Menzes answerit, sayand that the said William of Setoune 
 
 had fundin law borrowis, anent the said William of Cadiou, baith to the 
 
 aldirman and baillies of this toune, and before the king and the lordis of 
 
 counsal ; and thairapon the said William avisit, come before the court and 
 
 keist downe his hat, profferand him to fecht in the said querel ; apon the 
 
 quhilk the said Alexr. Menzes askit ane testimonial of the court how that 
 
 he manasit and prouokit him, sayand that it nedit nocht, na that he wald 
 
 nocht fecht in the said querel, sen that it mycht be determyt be the law and 
 
 the assise ; the quhilk assise, riply avisit, fand and deliuerit that the said 
 
 William of Setoune had strublit William of Cadiou apon forthocht felony, 
 
 under law borowis ; for the quhilk strublance he was adiugit in amerciament 
 
 of the court, and the said William of Cadiou quite of all strublance of the 
 
 said William of Setoune. 
 
 lit /i February, 1474. 
 
 The xvii of Februar, the yer, &c., Ixxiiii, it is ordanit and decretit be 
 the aldirman and the consel underwrittin, that the commoune seil and the 
 secret seil salbe deliuerit frely to the aldirman that beis chosin for the tyme 
 and to the counsall yerly fra thine furth, apon the Friday next eftir that 
 the aldirman be chosin, and to be deliuerit agane at thare wil in keping to 
 quhom that plesis thaim best ; and that na letter salbe selit fra thine furth 
 witht the common seil, bot at the sycht of the aldirman and the hail consel, 
 and thir ar the namys of the forsaid counsel, Alexr. of Chaumer, &c. 
 
 2d May, 1475. 
 
 The second day of Maii, the yer of our lord m. iiii c Ixxv yeris, it was 
 ordanit, endit, and concludit be the aldirman and certane persons of coun- 
 sel, of the quhilkis the names eftir followis, that the offerand, and all uthirs 
 offerandis to cum, that fallis apon the Rude dayis, sal be diuidit propor- 
 tionaly and evinlie betuix the chaplane of the Rude altar and the chaplane 
 of the Browne croice altar, quhat evir thai be for the tyme, and that nothir 
 of the chaplanis of the Rude altar or of the Browne croice altar sal haue 
 singlare proffite til ony of thaim, bot that all gudis that ar offerit in the 
 tyme sal be diuidit evinlie and rychtwisly ymangis thaim. Thir ar the 
 names of the counsel that war present in the tym, Alexr. of Chaumer, aldir-
 
 408 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 2d May, man, &c. Apon the quhilk deliuerance and decrete Sir Andrew, the son 
 of quhilum Thomas Anderson, chaplan of the Rude altar, tuke, in the 
 tyme of the deliuerance, fra Sir Robert Leis, public notar, ane instrument, 
 in the vestry of the parish kirk of Aberden, befor the personis forsaid, or 
 the maist pairt of thaim : And that this decrete and deliuerance sould nocht 
 be reuokit nor gain callit for the tyme of the saidis chaplanis, uther of Sir 
 Alexr. Club, chaplane of the Browne croice altar, and of Sir Andro, 
 chaplan of the Rude altar, no nor eftir thare tyme, hot perpetualy til 
 indure. 
 
 26th April, 1477. 
 
 The xxvi dai of Aprile, yer of God m cccc Ixxvii yeris, comperit Androw 
 Fresal, the fader of umquhile Alexander Fresale, burges of Aberden, 
 in the towbuthe of that Ilk, and grantit him til haue ressauit fra Andro 
 Scherar, alderman of Aberdene, and Sir Alexander Voket, executouris 
 til vmquhile the said Alexander Fresale, thir gudis vndirwrittin : In the 
 first, a dusan of Eistland buyrdis ; item, fyve bollis of salt and thre firlotis, 
 ane tome Hamburgh barel, and a fat made of a Malvasy bote ; item, tuelf 
 mvd keling, and threttene mvd codlingis, fourtene Inglis coppis, and a [ ] 
 fat, thre peckis of lynget, and thre pekkis of hemp sede, foure stupis, ane 
 vly barel, a poke, threttene knappold ; and to the laird of Pitslego, on 
 Andrew Fresales behalf, the petis that war prisit fouretene schillingis ; 
 and to Andro Fresalis wif, ane Inglis cop, ane pair of schetis, ane nop 
 bed, a bowster, twa gownys, thre hand axis, a brogit staf, a litil ankyr, 
 a gyrdil, a bakbrede, a brewyne fat, a hemmyr stand, a bukket, and a 
 gybbate that it hang by, foure tynnyn spunys, his best bate ; item, a hat, 
 a bonet, a doublate, a par of hoiss, twa par of schetis, a jak, ten s. of 
 siluer, and sextene s. and aucht d., gevin to the Abbot of Arbroath, for 
 the annuel of the houss that the said Andro occupyit and inhabite, c. 
 
 25th August, 1478. 
 
 Curia burgi de Abirden tenta in pretorio coram balliuis eiusdem xxv 
 die Augusti anno etc. Ixxviii Quo die comparen. in judicio nobili viro 
 Alexandro Setoune de Meldrum ex una et Roberto Dogude de Achna- 
 hufe ex altera partibus que quidem partes ostenderunt unum publicum 
 instrumentum signo et subscriptione Willelmi Keir presbitri Brechinen. 
 dioceseos notarii publici una cum sigillo prouidi viri Johannis Scrymgeour
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABERDEEN. 409 
 
 dicti Jak roboratum et sigillatum de et super terris de Balkairne cum per- 25th August. 
 tinen. ac aliis terris in eodera instruraento expressatis de quibus Elizabeth 
 de Balkairne mater dicti Roberti Dogude ipsum infeodauit tarn in feodo 
 quam in libero tenemento earundem quam infeodationem Alexr. Hay 
 sponsus dicte Elizabeth approbauit ratificauit et confirmauit in plena curia 
 coram balliuis burgi de Dunde mediante magno juramento quod nunquam 
 deueniret contra huiusmodi infeodationem et resignationem dicto Roberto 
 factas ut in huiusmodi instrumento plenius continetur Quod quidem in- 
 strumentum dictus Alexander Seton petiit a dictis balliuis transumi ac 
 transumptum sibi desuper distinctum super quibus dicti balliui mature 
 auisati eorum decreto interposito transumptum eidem decreuerunt sub 
 forma publica eorum sigillis sigillatum Testibus Alexandro Gordon de 
 Megmar Patricio Gordon de Meithlick Roberto Blindsel uno balliuorum 
 Willelmo Blindsel seniore Magistro Johanne Hay Rectore de Crowdane et 
 domino Roberto Leis notario publico cum multis aliis. 
 
 The same day, personaly comperit in plane court, before Wilzam the 
 Hay, and Androw Branche, tua of the bailzeis of Abirden, Wilzame 
 Fichet, burges of the said burgh, and resignit purely and simply, and gaf 
 owir, be the gefine of a wand in the handis of Androw Branch, ane of the 
 balzeis forsaid, the frank tenement of al and sindrie the landis, croftis, and 
 annuale rentis that pertenyt til him, of the quhilkis he infeft and possessit 
 Jonet Fichet, his doghter, lang tyme of before, togidder witht all rycht and 
 clame of rycht that he had, has, or may haf therof in tyme to cum, in fauor 
 of the said Jonet Fichet his doghtre, and of his gude sone in law Thomas 
 Symsone hir spouss, thai beand present, the quhilk beand done, the said 
 Androw Branche, baize, the frank tenement of al and sindre the saidis 
 landis, croftis, and annuel rentis, and all rycht and clame of rycht of the 
 said William Fichet, as forsaid is, purely and simply gaf to the said Jonet 
 Fichet and Thomas Symson hir spouss, be the deliuering of the said wand, 
 til thaim and ilk ane of thaim in takyne tharof, nochtwithstanding the said 
 Jonet Fichets richt gevin til hir of before ; the quhilk the said Wilzam hir 
 fader ratifiit and approvit, and for the mare habundans and eecurite ratifiis 
 and approvis be this present write ; wpon the quhilkis Thomas Symson, for 
 him and his said spouse, askit ane testimoniale to be made, vnder the seelis 
 of the saidis balzeis, before thir witness, Gilbert of Chaumer, Alex. Trail,
 
 410 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 25th August, James of Kyntor, Mawnus Wormot, John Fichet yungar, Allan Smytht, 
 and Philp of Drumbrek serjiand, witht utheris diuerss. 
 
 2d September, 1478. 
 
 The second day of Septembre, the consale and merchandis of this burgh 
 beand gaderit witht the alderman in the tolbuth, has consentit til the 
 sendyng of ane ambaxiat fra our souerane lord to the Duke of Burgunzie, 
 for the gude of merchandiss. And at the command of our souerane lordis 
 lettres, thai haf ordanit that v personis of worthy burgesses of the toun, 
 sal pass witht the aldirman, to be in Edinburgh the vii day of this instant 
 moneth, to avise witht our souerane lordis consall, and the commissaris of 
 utheris viii burrowis, wpon the sending of the said ambaxiate, and that certane 
 taxis salbe made and rasyt, to pay the expenssis of the aldirman and of the 
 personis that sal pass witht him, and to pay rychtswa to the contributioun 
 of our souerane lordis ambassate, as siclike burrowis of the realm sal do 
 for the causs forsaid. 
 
 2\st May, 1479. 
 
 The samyn dai, the consale and brethryn of gilde beand present for the 
 tym, has consentit and ordanit the alderman to mak the expensis and costis 
 of the comon gude apon the arayment, and uthris necessaris, of the play to 
 be plait in the fest of Corpos Xristi nixttocum. 
 
 22c? June, 1480. 
 
 Curia tenta in pretorio burgi de Aberdene per balliuos eiusdem xxii die 
 mensis et anni predictor urn quo die Dauid Hil burgen. dicti burgi accu- 
 satus de inobedientia et iniusta perturbatione Philippi de Drumbrek unius 
 serjiendorum faciendi officium suum et de iniusta fractione unius crathere 
 argentee venerabili viro magistro Johanni Hay rectori de Crowdan per- 
 tinentis negauit dictam calumpniam Unde leuata fuit assisa proboruin 
 burgen. infrascriptorum viz. : Alexandri Rede Alexandri Howisoun Dauid 
 Symsoun Gilberti Waus Johannis Wormot Willelmi Hay Alexandri 
 Nachti Andree Murray senioris Edmundi Hay Johannis Litstar Willelmi 
 Andree Dauid Galychtlie et Jacobi Kennerty Qui jurati et diligenter 
 ac mature auisati dixerunt quod Dauid Hil reus erat et conuictus de ac- 
 tionibus prenotatis Et pro perturbio serjiendi et fractione crathere adiu-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 411 
 
 dicatur in duobus amerciamentis curie et emendare dampnum ut jura 22dJune, 
 volunt Et in parte emendere assisa ordinauit quod dictus Dauid dabit 
 unam petram cere ad missara sancti sanguinis. 
 
 19th July, 1480. 
 
 The xix dai of Julii, the yer, &c., Ixxx, in the court haldin in the tol- 
 buthe of Abirden be Thomas Prat, ane of the balzeis of the samyn, Johne 
 Besat, duelland in Montross, chalansit Andrew Atkin as he that hyrit a 
 raeyr of his, and Androw Murra yungar, for the spilling and hurting of hir 
 in the ryding of hir, throw the quhilkis he wants his mere, and that the 
 saids persons acht til wpricht and assich him for hir. The quhilk wes pre- 
 sent to the decisioun and knawlage of a sworn assise, the quhilk assise, 
 riply avisit, fand and deliuerit, be Richard Hill, forspekar of the assise, 
 that the saidis Androw Atkyn and Androw Murray had done that thai 
 acht to do anent the hyring and ryding of the said mere, declarand thaim 
 quyte of the said Johannis chalance tweching the said meyr. 
 
 1481. 
 
 The quhilk dai, as anent the actioun and causs movit betuix my lady of 
 Huntle and Androw Wentoune, twiching the clame and debate of v pipe 
 of wad clamit be the said lady, the said Androw 5 beand riply avisit, has re- 
 ferrit this actione aluterly to ray lord of Huntle and my lady, and to thare 
 gude gracis, and to quhat persons plesis thaim to tak to thaim and to thair 
 willis. 
 
 1th November, 1481. 
 
 The aldirman, counsel, and communite of the burgh of Abirdene, the 
 communitie gadrit throw the warning of the belman, ryply and weill avisit, 
 with ane assent, nane sayand the contra, has deliverit and ordinyt, becaus 
 that Robert Elect afirmat of Abirdon, has schavine hym vnkindly in the 
 restriction of the second tend of Abirdene, quhilk is gevine be his prede- 
 cessor, Bishop Thomas Spens, quhom God assolye, to the biging of the 
 quer of Abirdene ; the forsaid alderman, counsel, and communite, has de- 
 cretit, deliverit, and ordinyt, that nane neighbour duelland within the said 
 burgh sal mak na firraas to the said Robert Elect, na yet to nane of his 
 factoris on his behalf; and quhatever he be that dois in contrar of this act, 
 [he] sal tyne his fredom, and his tak sal waik, and incontinent be disponit
 
 412 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 7th November, at the will and sycht of the alderman, counsel, and comomnitie of the said 
 burgh, but ony faworis. 
 
 31 st January, 1483. 
 
 The samyn dai, in a fenssit court haldin be the bailies, Wil Lauchlane, 
 callit to comper before the bailies, as he was oblist be his hand and gude 
 faith til ansuer and underly the law, at the instance of the partie com- 
 plenzand for the wrangwiss strublance and hurting of Johne Blacks wif, 
 and for strublans of the toune, and for the public offens done be him to the 
 said Johne and his houshald and fatnile, comperit nocht ; quharappon the 
 bailies and counsel avisit, the trespass considderit, and the committar tharof 
 beand fugitive fra the law, thai haf decretit, witht consent of the communite, 
 and ordanit to be made manifest be oppin proclamation, that fra thine furth 
 na man nor woman, within the said burgh duelland, tak upon hand to 
 house, herbry, or reset the said Wil Lachlan, in privay or in apert, 
 under the pane of bannising fra this burgh ; and gif of fors he wald enter 
 or herbry in ony hous within the said burgh, thai uocht beand of power to 
 resist him, that the maister of that house incontinent cum or send thare 
 servand at the leist, til the officeris of the toune, and warn thaim thairof, 
 that thai may provide for remede as efferis, under the pain and charge 
 forsaid. 
 
 5th February, 1483. 
 
 The v dai of Februar, yer of God &c. Ixxxiii, comperit in the court, be- 
 fore the bailies, Robert Heryn, on the behalf of a nobil and mychty lady, 
 the Countas of Huntly, and askit payment fra Dauid Hil, burges of Abir- 
 den, of xix lib. and x s. of Scottis money, in faute of payment of thre lib. 
 g. and v s. g. of the monee of Flanderis, acht til Malcum Mowat, as is 
 contenit in ane act of appointment producit thairuppon, be ressoun of assig- 
 natioun of the said soume made to the said lady, and than the certification 
 schawin and red of the defaute of payment of the said soume of Flanderis 
 money, Philp of Drumbrek, serjiand, at the command of the bailies, layd 
 wand on Dauid Hil, and chargit him to remayn in the tolbuthe quhil he 
 content and pait the soume forsaid to the Countas of Huntly as assigna 
 tharof, or hir factouris. 
 
 llth February, 1483. 
 The xvii dai of Februar, yer of God Ixxxiii, in the tolbuthe, before the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 413 
 
 bailies and counsel, comperit Alexr. Leslie of Wardris and clamit the 17th February, 
 
 toune of xiii merkis acht yerly of the tua last yeris bigane be the toune til 
 
 our souerane lord, and til him as ressauor in the tyme of the ferrnes of this 
 
 burgh ; of the quhilks twa yeris, James Lesly grantit him, and oblist him 
 
 be his landis and gudis to warrand, releve, and keip scathtles the said burgh 
 
 and bailies of the samyn, of xiii merkis for a yer, in the quhilk he bure office 
 
 of aldirmanschip. Witnes heirof Alexr. Menzes, Alexr. Rede, Gilbert 
 
 the Vaus, Androw Branche, Wilzam Moyses, and utheris diuerss. 
 
 15th March, 1483. 
 
 The xv dai of Marche, yer forsaid, in the court haldin by the bailies in 
 the tolbuthe, comperit Henry Bawne, and grantit him to haf resauit fra 
 Johne the Vaus, on the behalf of Androw Galichtlie, burges of Dundee, 
 four pundis of blak money. And atour the said Johne inquirit at the said 
 Androw gif he had ocht to say til him anent the said iiii lib., quhilk Androw 
 sayd he had na thing to say til him anent that soume. And the said Henry 
 grantit him that the said money was sufficient payment quhen he ressauit 
 it, as he understude. 
 
 January, 1484. 
 
 The xxii dai of Januar, yer of God Ixxxiiij, it is ordanit be the alder- 
 man and consale that Robert Buchan sal in tym to cum, for the worship of 
 the toune and honeste of merchandis, quhen and als oft as he passis in 
 Flandris, within foure daies eftir his cumeing thare, mak til himself ane 
 new gowne and doublat accordand for him, under the pane of i lib. gret, to 
 be rasit of him to Sanct Nicholace wark ; and quhare ony four of his nych- 
 bours rydis in a cart, that he be fundin passand in the cart rycht sua under 
 the said pain ; and for the xxx s. paid be Mastir Adam of Gordon, persoun 
 of Kinkel, for the hiring of a cart, thai haf ordanit the said Robert to pay 
 ten s. Scots assignit be the said Mastir Adam to the organis. 
 
 1st February, 1484. 
 
 The first dai of Februar, the yer of God m cccc Ixxxiiij, it is ordanit and 
 decretit be the alderman and counsale, that the talyeours and al utheris 
 craftismen within the toune, sal, in tyme to cum, beyr thare takyinis of 
 thare craft apon thare beristis, and thare best aray on Canddilmes day at 
 
 3 H
 
 414 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1st February, the Offerand ; and quha that contervinis, and dois nocht, sal tyne thare 
 fredum for a yer. 
 
 Vlth November, 1484. 
 
 In the court haldin in the tolbuthe of Abirden be Alexr. Rede, ane of 
 the baillies of the samen, the xxvii dai of Nouembre, yer forsaid, George 
 of Meldrum, son and apperand air to William Meldrum of Fivy, producit 
 certane personis underwritin, to here leil witnessing in the action betuix 
 him and James Cumyn, tueching the borowgang of nyne merkis, in the 
 quhilk the said James drew him, as he allegis : that is to say, Antoun of 
 Keith, bruder german til a mychtie lord, Wilzam Erie Merschel, Archibald 
 Raty, and Thorn Sibbald of Care, quhilkis, the gret aith sworne, and ex- 
 aminat concordandly, hes deponit and declarit be thare athis, that James 
 Cumyn drew the said George of Meldrum borgh and dettour for him to 
 Dauid Rate for ix merkis of a mare some for the redeming of his schip 
 and gude. And that the said James Cumyn was obleist, be the fayth of 
 his body, to pay and content the soume forsaid of nyne merkis to George 
 of Meldrum. 
 
 Item, the forsaid George of Meldrum has constitute and ordanit James 
 Lesly, Johne of Culan, and Johne Low, his procuratouris, coniunctlie and 
 seuerallie, to folow James Cumyn for nyne merkis, for the quhilkis he drew 
 him dettour, as is before expremyt, of thare ressate, acquittance to gif, and 
 al uthir thingis to do, anent the recovering of the said some, that he mycht 
 do in propir persone, promittand to hald ferme and stabill. 
 
 The samen day, William Kimpty, constabill of Abirdene, comperand 
 in jugement, has made, constitute, and ordanit Alexr. of Chaumer, ser- 
 jiand, be the deliuering of a wand, his depute and substitute to ministre in 
 the said office of constablary for a yer nixt to cum, like as he suld do in 
 propir persoune. 
 
 28th April, 1487. 
 
 The xxviii day of Aprile, the yer forsaide, the aldirman, consale, and 
 comunite has ordanit and deliuerit to writ to the toune of Danskyne, and to 
 the bertomasteris, &c., of that ilk, to proffir to content and pay al somes of
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 415 
 
 money and gudis avand thara be ony of our nychtburis, and gif ony offens 28th April, 
 or iniuris be done to ony merchandis or nichtburis of tharis be ony of ouris 
 til amendit at al thar gudly pouris. 
 
 The said day, the alderman was ordanit be the consale present for the 
 tyme to pay xl s. to Robert Themdale for the horss that deit quhan thai 
 wrat to my Lord of Eroll anent the lyrae that his lordschipe desirit. 
 
 3Qtk June, 1487. 
 
 James, be the grace of God King of Scottis, to the aldirman, balzeis, 
 consale, officiaris, and com unite of our burghe of Abirdene greting : For- 
 samekle as we haue understandin that in tym bygan thar has bene gret 
 vexacioun and tribule amangis you throu the chesin of your officiaris and 
 fre disposicion of the comon gude of our said burghe, it is our will herfor, 
 and we charge you straitlie and commandis that in tyme to cum ye cheis 
 nane officiaris within our said burghe be the supplicacioun, charge, menys 
 of ouris, nor of nane vther personis, bot be haile election of the comunite ye 
 frely cheiss sic officiars within our saide burghe as salbe knavyn, maist 
 ayfaldly set for the comon gude and profit tharof, and for gude of merchan- 
 dise, vnder al the hiest payne, charge, and offens that ye and ilkane of you 
 may committ and inryne in that pairt agan our maieste ; and atour that yhe 
 and your thesaurar comper befor our justice, and reuerend fader in God 
 and oure trast consalour, William Bischop of Aberden, your prelate, and 
 the remanent of the lordis that we have now send to our justice-ayr of 
 Abirdene, and gif tham full compt and rekning of the disposicioun of the 
 comon gude of our said burgh, and certify thame, but dissimulatione, in 
 quhais handis at the samyn is on, say that we may thairthrow consider and 
 knaw in quhome the fait hais bene and is, and mak reformacione to be had 
 tharapone as efferis ; and that ye cheiss your saide thesaurer in tyme to cum 
 be haile and fre electione of the comunite of our saide burghe, and nayne 
 vthir wayis, vnder the charge forsaid. Gevin vnder oure signet at Edin- 
 burghe, the last day of June, and of our regne the xxvii yer. 
 
 JAMES Rex. 
 
 Quhilk letter Andro Murray has in keping. 
 
 14th November, 1488. 
 William Porter was convikit be the aboue assise, deliverit be the mouth
 
 416 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 14th Nov.. of the saide Jonhe Colison, for the strublance of Androw Branche, the 
 bailze, maliciouslie in worde, and in ane amercyament of court therfor. 
 Alsua the forsaide William Porter was convikit be the saide assise for the 
 strublance of the said bailze in the execucione of his office, and in dis- 
 personing of him, and to amend it as law will ; item, the saide William 
 Porter was convikit be the saide assise for the strublance of Alexander 
 Allanson, serjiand, in worde. And the said bailze and officiaris quyt of 
 ale strublance of the said William Porter. 
 
 The same day, it was statut ande ordanit be the alderman and consale 
 for the amends of the said strublance, bayth the said parties being oblist 
 to stand thairto, that the said William Porter sail pass to the tolbuth dure, 
 and cum bene bairhede to the comon kist, and besik the alderman and the 
 consale, present for the tyme, to mak instance to Androw Branche, the 
 bailze, to remitt him for the offence and strublance done to him obefoir ; 
 and the said William to syt down on his knee, and aske the said bailze 
 forgevynnis. And attour, gif ever the saide Wilhame beis convikit in 
 tyme cuming for siclik offence, he sale pay to Saint Nicholas werk five lib. 
 unforgiffen. And for this saide offence now done to the said bailze and 
 serjiand, the said William sale pay i pece of waxe to the Halyblud licht, 
 thairof ii lib. iii [ ] continent, and the remanent to be pait at commaund of 
 the alderman and iiii of consale quhen ever he is requirit thairto. 
 
 16th March, 1489. 
 
 Alexander Menzies, &c., chosin and suorn in ane assise to determine and 
 decide the borrghe strekit upone Thomas Mar be Alexander Rede anent 
 the payment of ane susplat of wool, with the quhilk the said Thomas 
 wrangaislie intromettit ; and the said assiss was dischargit of thair aithes, 
 and both the forsaide parties was oblist be the fath of thar bodis, thair 
 hands uphaldyne, to stande and abide at their deliverance, in presens of 
 the alderman and bailzeis, quhilk deliverit and decretit be the moutht of 
 Johne Colison talisman, that Thomas Mar sal deliver, or ger be deliverit, 
 to the saide Alexander Rede ane susplat of woll in the feir, contening 
 alsmony wanis and nalys of wecht as the susplat of woll that was the said 
 Alexander Redes wecht, quhilk was sauld be the said Thomas and Patrick 
 Rede to Tayfer Porter of Brugis within xv dais efter the craft schip 
 salande out of the port of Aberden, with merchands to Zeland or Flandris. 
 And for the deliverance of the said susplat of woll, and of the saide wecht
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 417 
 
 and gudnes, the forsaid Thomas sal set sik caucione and souerte to the 16th March. 
 
 said Alexander, within the tone of Aberden, within foure dais herefter ; 1489 - 
 
 and the silver of the said susplat that was sauld, being in Tayfers hands, 
 
 sal redunde to the profit of the saide Thomas Mar. And gyf ony 
 
 silver be takin upe be Alexander Rede, or be ony uthyr in his name, of 
 
 the susplat that was sauld, restand in Tayfers hands, it salbe pait agane 
 
 to the saide Thomas Mar. And for the aventour of half the silver of the 
 
 susplat of woll quhilk sulde be deliuerit to the said assis, ilkane be thar 
 
 name, ar oblist to beire tene s. gret of aventoure of it in the hayme cumyne 
 
 fra Flandris to Scotland, in the schip callit the Barbara of Aberdene, at 
 
 the wile of the said Alexander Rede. 
 
 It was deliverit be the aldermen and consale present for the tyme, for the 
 gret offenss committit be William Belty agains Thomas Waus, that the 
 said William sal offer and present his crag to the goyfs, and his knyf in his 
 hand, thar to stand at the will of the said Thomas ; and attour the said 
 William sal cum on Sonday the next cums, in the tyme of hie mass, in 
 lynning claths, bair legs, fute, and head, with ane louse goun and ane 
 candill of ane pound, offering the candill to haly kirk and the knyf to the 
 said Thomas, in takin of repentance of the said offens, asking the said 
 Thomas and his frends one his kneys forgyvnes ; and attour the said 
 William sal pay half ane stane of wax to the Halyblude licht ; and gyf ever 
 the said William commits ony offens or strublance in tyme to cum, and beis 
 convikit thairintil, he sal pay fortie punds to Sanct Nicholas work unfor- 
 given : and to the fulfilling and keping of the deliverance the saids William 
 and Thomas was oblist be the fath of thar bodies, ther hands uphalden. 
 
 26th June, 1490. 
 
 The said day, it wes statutit and ordanit be the consale present for the 
 tyme, that gif euer Williame Lamyntone, or ony vtheris, wakis in the 
 nicht and comitis ony injuris stribulance, or inquetis ony persone or per- 
 sonis, or the toune, sale pay fiwe merkis to Sanct Nicholess werk, and 
 vther fiwe merkis to the reforming of the tolbuthe ; and gif thai haue nay 
 gudis, thai salbe putt in the goiff, and thar remane iii or iiii dais the first 
 tyme, and say the secunde tyme, and the thrid tyme thai salbe banyst the 
 tone.
 
 418 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 17th August, \1th August, 1490. 
 
 The samyn day, the alderman, balleis, and diuerss of the consall and 
 comunite of Aberden, representand the body of the toune, grantit the pa- 
 tronage of Sanct Ninianis altar to Williame Meldrum of Fywe, and to his 
 aires maile lauchfullie gottin of his bodie, and to be gottyne, the said 
 Williame gevin in augmentacioun and eking of the said chaplanry to Sir 
 Robert Leis, perpetuale chaplane of the samyn, and his successouris, fiwe 
 merkis of annuel rent, tharof xl s. of the landis of Wattertoun, beside 
 Ellone, and tua merkis of Ardeforke, and grantit the comone seil tharupon, 
 the said Williame deliuering his chartour of new infeftment of the said 
 fiwe merkis, togidder with the annuelis of the aid infeftment, to the said 
 chaplane ; and eftir the said Sir Robertis deceis, the saide Williame sale 
 present ane sufficient cheplane, that be ane sangaster and chorister con- 
 uenient for the wphaldin of diwin seruice in the queir of Abirdene, quhilk 
 sale mak continuale residence and seruice in the samyn. And attour, gyf 
 the said Williame and his ayris male, being sleuchtfull ony tymes when the 
 said chaplanry vakis, and presentis nocht ane sufficient chorister within xl 
 dais thereftir, than it salbe lesum to the alderman, balzeis, consale, and 
 comunite of Abirdene, frely to dispone tharapone at that tyme, and to pre- 
 sent ane conuenient mane for the samyn, to the vphaldin of Goddis seruice 
 as saide is. 
 
 llth August, 1491. 
 
 The said day, comperit Andro Culane, yonger, Abbat of Bonacord, and 
 askit at the alderman and baillies, and remaner of the consal present for the 
 tyme, paiment of his fie permitted to him as uthyrs had abefoir ; quhilkis 
 anseird thai coud fynde nay waiy to pay him quhil he hede servit it furth 
 the yer, and he protestit for remeid of law. 
 
 January, 1492. 
 
 The said day, it was statut, ordanit, and grantit be the alderman, balzeis, 
 and diuerss of the consal and comunite present for the tyme, that Jonhe 
 and Robert, ther commone menstralis, sal haue resonabile dietis circualie 
 throw the nichtbouris of the towne ; and gif ony persone or personis refuss 
 to resaue thame to thair dietis, it sal be lesum to thame to gif to the said 
 menstralis xii d. one the day, baith for mett, drink, and wagis for sempile 
 folkis.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 419 
 
 1st February, 1492. 1st February, 
 
 The said day, Philp Clerk was conuikit be ane assis for the wrangwiss 
 haldin of a wrang pek of less mesour, and unselit ; alsua, he was conuikit, 
 for forstalling of the burghe for aplis, vnzounis^ salt, feggis, raysinis, and 
 al vther froitis, or thai war puttyn to the tone. 
 
 The saide day, George Brone and Andrew Wilson conuikit for the 
 haldin of ane vrang pek, and vnselit ; and all the saide iii personis was 
 ordanit be the consal to be put on the goyff, thair pekis brokin, and ilkane 
 to pay viii s. for thair vnlaw, vnforgevin. 
 
 llth February, 1492. 
 
 The saide day, the merchandis now hawand gudis in the schippis redy 
 to saile, with consent of the communite present for the tyme, grantit, that 
 euere persone hauand gudis within the saidis shippis, sal bringe hame in 
 the sarayn schipis, or vther sufficient schipis, to the tovne, for euere sek 
 j tovne and d. of gudis huravart, for the furnising of the tovne with mer- 
 chandiz ; and quha that falzes herintile, sal pay wast fraucht for the said 
 j tovne and d., siklik as the nychtbouris frachtis the said schip, and xl s. 
 to Sanct Nicholess werk, vnforgevin. 
 
 March, 1492. 
 
 The saide day, it was deliuerit and ordanit be the commissar to my Lord 
 of Aberden, present the channonis, and the alderman, ande consale, for 
 the strubulance and offence done be Richerd Wricht to Schir Johne 
 Strachin, that the saide Richerd sale cum on Sonday that next cumis, in 
 tyme of the hie mess, with ane candile in his handis of j lib. wax, bairheid, 
 in ane louss goune, and aske the said Schir Johne forgivnes, and pray the 
 alderman, consale, and cheplaines of the kirk, present for the tyme, to mak 
 instance to the said chaplene to remitt the rancour of his hert to the said 
 Richert. Alsua, the said Richerd sale mak him thankful pament of his 
 annuel in tymes to cum, at Witsonday and Mertimes ; and gif he failzeit 
 thairintill, or commits ony offence to him, or ony vtheris, in tyme to cum, 
 he sail pay xl s. to Sanct Nicholess werk, unforgevin. 
 
 1st June, 1492. 
 
 The said daye, comperit lonhne Davisone, skipper of my lord of 
 Murrayes schipe, and followit Adame Brone, lonhne Fechart, and Sandy
 
 420 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1st Jane, Teile, to mak seruice in the said schipe for the viage, quhilkis personis 
 denyit that thai war hirit to mak seruice forthir na to the port of Aberdene, 
 and becaus thair wes na witnes that knew the conuencioun, the said skipper 
 referrit to the aithis of the saidis Adam, Johne, and Alexander, quhilkis 
 deponit the gret bodely aithe that thai war nocht conducit, hirit, nor yet 
 promittit to mak seruice farrar nay to the port of Abirdene. 
 
 \1th June, 1492. 
 
 The saide day, James Colisone, in the nayme and behalff of ane richt 
 worschipfule clerk, Master Adame Gordone, chantour of Murray, deliuerit 
 to Jonhne Moir, sone and air to umquhile Andro Moir, ane retour of ane 
 breyf of ydiotre, selit with certane selis that Alexander Glaster, his 
 moderis broythir was fundin ydeot, in presens of Alexander Iruyn of Lun- 
 mey, sheriff of Aberdeen, Alexr. Reid, alderman, Schir Johne Ruthirfurd, 
 Robert Blinsele, Master Johne Badenagh. 
 
 20th June, 1492. 
 
 The saide day, Johne of Myll, duelland at the Justice Myll, has dravin 
 and oblist his hande and his gudes, to amende and vpricht the skaitht done, 
 and gif ony happinis eftiruart to be done, be his skabbit horss to Schir 
 Johne Ruthyrfurdes gudis, and al vytheris gudis, becaus the said horss ar 
 forbodyne gudis. 
 
 July, 1492. 
 
 The samyn day, the alderman profferit the rentall of the toune of wat- 
 teris malis and lande malys, to Alexander Chawmers and Johne Menzies, 
 tua of the bailleis of the said burghe, requirand thame that thai and thair 
 fallowis wald gathir the said malys, sua that the xiii merkis aucht to our 
 souerane lordis hienes, and vtheris pensiones to the lordis, may be pait, 
 and he offerit him reddy to ber the said xiii merkis to the chekkir, and 
 bring hame sufficient acquittance tharof, an thai wald deliuer to him the 
 said money. 
 
 The samyn day, the alderman presentit his compt of Sanct Nicholess 
 wark, and offerit him redy to vnderly the consale, or certane suorne audi- 
 touris thairintill, and dischargit him of the said werk.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 421 
 
 The said day, Alexr. Chamer and Jonhe Menzeis, tua of the balzeis of 12th July, 
 Aberdene, allegit that thai war dischergit by my Lord Chancelar and the 
 lordis of our souerane lordis consale of al intermetting and vptakin of the 
 malys of the said burghe, and ane thesaurer chosin to resaue thame and the 
 comone gudis of the towne, thairfor thai wald not intermett with the saidis 
 malis. Neuertheless wald the alderman and thesaurar pass to gathir in the 
 saide melis, thai wald pass with thame, and furthyr, and help thame at thar 
 pouer, hot thai wald nocht resaue thame. 
 
 6^ August, 1492. 
 
 The saide day, Williame Gibsone, belman, at commaund of the alder- 
 man, passit throw the haile tone, and warnit and chargit, in oure souerane 
 lordis nayme, and in the aldermanis and balzeis behalf, to cum to the tol- 
 buitht incontinent and pay ther taxt contribucioun to furnyss the personis 
 furtht to the meting of my lord Huntlie, locumtenant, to pas with him to 
 the asseging of the strinthtis of the Bis, eftir the tenor of the precept 
 direkit tharupon. 
 
 9th August, 1492. 
 
 The samyn day, Jonhe Menzeis novmerit in gold and siluer four scoir 
 markis four markis aucht s. and viii d. apone the commone kyst, redy to be 
 send and deliuerit to the factouris of the Bischop of Orknay, that is to say, 
 to Gelis Farchar, and allegit that the alderman suld caus him be pait of ix 
 markis and x s. that he deliuerit at his commavnd. 
 
 llth September, 1492. 
 
 Eodem die Johannes Rutherfurd resignauit in manibus nobilis potentis 
 et magnifici domini Archibald} Comitis Angusie domini Douglas et can- 
 cellarii Scocie suum officium prepositure, et consequenter Alexander Rede 
 electus fuit prepositus per dominos concilii regii cum auisamento consilii 
 et communitatis pro anno instanto, prestito solito juramento 
 
 25tk October, 1492. 
 
 The saide day, Philp Quhithede was in amerciament of the court for the 
 wranguiss strubulance of Thomas Bard, and the said Thomas in amercia- 
 ment of the courte for the wranguiss strubulance of the saide Philp ; and 
 atour thai ordanit the said Philpe to cum one Sondaye that nixt cumis with 
 
 3 i
 
 422 EXTRACTS FKOM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 25th October, aiie candile conteninge i lib. waxe, in tym of the hie mess, and bring with 
 him his knyf, dravin, and halde it be the poynt, and deliuer it to the saide 
 Thomas, and aske him forgivnes, and besek the werthi men present for the 
 tym to pray the said Thomas to remitt him the offens done to him, and 
 offer the said candile to the Halyblude licht, and Johne Menzeis come 
 souertie for the said Philp to the fulfilling of the said deliuerance. 
 
 ^th November, 1492. 
 
 The said day, the alderman, bailzeis, and consale, and communite, pre- 
 sent for the tyme, grantit tham avand to Thomas Prat xlviii s., and to 
 Williame Futhes xlviii s. Scoitis money, for spice, waxe, and wyne, gevin 
 till our souerane lordis propyne, quhilkis thai obleist thame to allow on 
 thair girsumis, gif the assedacioun beis made within tua yeris next her- 
 efter ; and failzeing tharof, thai grantit and oblist thame to refunde, con- 
 tent, and pay to the said Thomas xlviii s., and to the said William xlviii s., 
 but fraude or gile, and thankit thame gretlie of thair first and supersedement 
 of the said money to the vorschipe of the toune. 
 
 9tk October, 1494. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the consall, that ane persone 
 sail halde the haill common gaitis and venellis of Abirdene clene and weill 
 dichtit, be sicht of the toune, for the quhilkis he sail haue ane penny of 
 ilkane fyr houss, ane penny of ilkane marchand buitht and craftismen 
 buthis. 
 
 19th February, 1495. 
 
 The saide day, comperit ane nobile and michti lord, Alexander Lord 
 Gordoun, befor the alderman and baillieis sittand in jugement within the 
 tolbuitht of the samyn, and thar producit ane act done befor the lordis of 
 oure souerane lordis counsale, vnder the hande and manuel subscriptioun of 
 lohne of Tiry, as eftir followis : " At Edinburght, the xxi day of October, 
 the yeir of God m. iiii c Ixxxxv yeris, in presens of the lordis of consale, 
 it is appontit and accordit betuix Alexr. Lord Gordoun one that ane pairt, 
 and George Eduardsoun, burgis of Edinburghe, in the toyther pairt, anent 
 the withhaldyng fra the said George of the sovme of xxvi lib. xvi s., vsual 
 money of Scotland, clamit be him to be avand be the said Lord Gordoun, 
 for certane salt bocht and resauit be him fra the said George and Gilbert
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 423 
 
 Menzeis, his factour, in maner and forme as eftir followis, that is to say, 19th February, 
 the said Alexr. Lord Gordoun sal prwf sufficientlie befor the aldirman and 
 balzeis of Aberdene, or ellis befor the lordis counsall in the next sessioun, 
 that he bocht the saide salt fra the said Gilbert, and gaf him dectouris for 
 the paiment thairof, and falzeing of his said prwff, the said Alexr. Lord 
 Gordoun sale content and pay the saide svme of xxvi lib. xvi s. to the 
 saide George be the next sessioun. Extractum de libro actorum per me 
 Johannem Tiri clericura deputatum venerabilis viri Magistri lohannis 
 Fresale decani de Lestalrig clerici rotulorura et registri ac concilii sup- 
 premi domini nostri Regis sub meis signo et subscriptione raanualibus 
 Johannes Tiri." Quhilkis act being rede, herd, and vnderstandin in pre- 
 sens of Gilbert Menzeis, the said lord reuerentlie requirit the alderman 
 and balzeis that thai wald causs thir personis vnderwritin be suorne the gret 
 aithes, and declar the verite anent the bying of the said salt, eftir the tenor 
 of the said act, the quhilkis peticioun the said alderman and ballzeis under- 
 stand resonabile, and consonant to resone, resauit the personis vnderwryttin, 
 quhilkis riplie avisit, the gret aithes suorne, the said Gilbert nocht exceping 
 again thaim, deponit and declarit as eftir followis : In the first, Alexr. 
 Menzeis deponit, be his aitht, he hard say thar was salt sauld and deliuerit 
 be Gilbert Menzeis to my lord Gordone, and he was nocht present at the 
 findin of the dectouris, and he hard say thar was dectouris fundin. Sir 
 Johne Rutherfurd deponit that Gilbert Menzes bed sauld to my lord 
 Gordone, and deliuerit to his factouris, certan quantite of salt, and resauit 
 Andro Branche and Thomas Mar dectouris for the payment of the said 
 salt ; and the saide lord bocht na salt fra George Eduardsone, burgis of 
 Edinburghe. Andro Cullen elder, concordis in all thingis with the de- 
 posicioun of the said Sir Johne Rutherford, and atour said that Gilbert 
 Menzeis gert summond Andro Branche and Thomas Mar befor oure 
 souerane lorde, for the pament of the saide salt. Jonhne Colison deponit 
 he hard say my lord Gordone bocht certane salt fra Gilbert Menzeis, and, 
 as he trowis and rememberis, Andro Branche and Thomas Mar was 
 dectouris for the paiment of the said salt. Thomas Prat deponit he hard 
 say lord Gordone bocht salt fra Gilbert Menzeis, and fand him dectouris 
 for the paiment of it. Thomas Fif concordis with the said Thomas Prattis 
 deposicioun in all thingis. Robert Blinsele deponit, he onderstud Gilbert 
 Menzeis had sauld certane sault to the lord Gordoune, and had resauit 
 dectouris for the pament of the samen. Gilbert Menzes deponis, be his
 
 424 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 19th February, atht, as he rememberis, that he sauld to lord Gordoune certain sault of 
 George Eduardsones, and Andro Branche, Johne Colisoun, Thomas Mar, 
 and Andro Culan elder, come dectoris for him for the paiment of the said 
 salte, bot he reraemberis nocht the quantitie of the sovme of the money to 
 be resauit for the saide salt. And Alexander Red deponit he hard say lord 
 Gordone bocht certane salt fra Gilbert Menzeis, and fand him dectouris 
 for the paiment of the samyne. 
 
 * 
 26th September, 1495. 
 
 The said day, comperit ane discret mane, Schir Alex. Gray, cheplane 
 of Sanctis Crispan and Crispinianis altar, situat within the paroche kirk 
 of this burghe, and producit and shew ane autentwye instrument under the 
 subscriptione of Schir Jonhne Stirueling, notar publict, and seile of Thomeis 
 Fyfe, makinge mentioun and shewing that the honest and fathefule mene 
 of craft, cordonaris of the said burgh, with ane consent and assent, in the 
 honor of God Almichti, the blissit Virgine Mary, Sanctis Nicholas, Sanctis 
 Crispinn and Crispinian, and al sanctis, had chosan and taken the said 
 Schir Alexr. ther perpetuale cheplane, to mak ministracioun of dyvine 
 seruice at the said altar as efferis ; for the quhilk thai war bundin to sustene 
 the said cheplane honestlie as efferis in meyttis, drynkis, and sustentacioun, 
 circualie, be sevin of the best and worthiast of the saidis craftismene, ane 
 day in the oulk, and payand to him xl s. usual money of Scotland yerlie 
 to his fie, of vtheris the remanent of the craft, as in the samyn mair fullie is 
 contenit ; quhilkis instrument seyne and undirstandin, the haill cordonaris 
 lauchufullie warnit, callit, and comperit, the said chaplene humelie menyt 
 him to the alderman, balzeis, and consal that he wantit his fie and pairt of 
 his dietis in the oulk, beseking thame of remede of law ; quhilk peticioun 
 the saidis alderman, balzeis, consale, and diuerss of communite, undirstandin 
 richtuss, and consonant to resone, with express consent and assent of the 
 best and worthiast of the said craft, ordanit, fand, and deliuerit the said 
 evident of vaile, and the said craftismen to sustene thar said cheplane 
 honestlie eftir the tenor of the samyn ; and maide and ordanit Thomas 
 Meldrum and William Ranisone dekynys and masteris of the saide craft in 
 that parte to compell and distrenze thar nichtbouris, craftismen, and cor- 
 donaris to the sustentacioun of thair said cheplane eftir the tenour of his 
 evident.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 425 
 
 23d January, 1496. 23d January 
 
 The saide day, it was statut and ordanit be the alderman, bailyeis, and 1496> 
 consale, for the honor and defenss of the tone, that everie craftsmen 
 within this burghe sale ger raak ane standart for thar craft. 
 
 2lst April, 1497. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the alderman and consale 
 for the eschevin of the infirmitey cumm out of Franche and strang partis, 
 that all licht weman be chargit and ordanit to decist fra thar vicis and syne 
 of venerie, and al thair buthis and houssis skalit, and thai to pas and wirk 
 for thar sustentacioun, vnder the payne of ane key of het yrne one thar 
 chekis, and banysene of the toune. 
 
 1th June, 1497. 
 
 The saide day, the wyf of Jonhe Blak, the wif of Sandy Forbes, Mergat 
 Balcome, the wif of Jonhe Rede, worbster, Emy Kempty, Tiby Ruther- 
 furd, Mody Baxter, Alisone Cuming, the wif of Sandy Huchone, Donald 
 Bandone, Richerd Reidheid, ilkane of the said wemen was in ane amercia- 
 ment of the court for the breking of commone ordinance, and spilling of the 
 mercat, in bying of meil and tapping it ; and the said Donald and Richerd, 
 ilkane of tham in amerciament of the court for the blewing of meil and 
 selling till alienatis ; and Dauid Fynne in ane amerciament of the court be 
 his tonge grant, for the selling of meill in barrell til alisuris, be ane suorne 
 assis, Johne Colisone forspeker ; for the amendis of the quhilkis it was or- 
 danit and statut that nane of the said women be fundin in the mercat unto 
 Michelmes byand meill ; and gif ony of them be comprehendit in the said 
 mercat, thai salbe takin be the officiaris and put in the goif, thair to stand 
 xxiiii houris ; and the saidis Donald, Richerd, and Dauid, ilk ane sal pay 
 x s. to Sanct Nicholes werk, and i lib. wax to the Halyblude licht ; and gif 
 euer ony of tham thre beis conuikit for sik crymes in tym to cum, sel pay 
 xl s. to Sanct Nicholes werk vnforgevin. 
 
 6th October, 1497. 
 
 The saide day, it was statut and ordanit be the alderman and consale, 
 that nay meill byaris sal cum in the mercat for this instant yer ; and gif 
 ony beis fundin in the mercat, and beis conuikit tharof, the first tym thai
 
 426 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 6th October, sal pay the vnlaw, the secunde tym put in the goif, and the thrid tym ex- 
 pellit the toune. 
 
 June, 1498. 
 
 The saide day, it is statut and ordanit be the alderman and consale, for 
 the commoune profit of the toune, according to the aide lovabill consuetud 
 and law of this burgh, that al pynouris and cariaris of gudis within this 
 burghe sal haue for ilkan barell, borne fra the key, or fra the schip burd at 
 the key, to ony part of this burghe beneath the Braidgutter, ane penny 
 Scots money, and for ilkan barell bevne the Braidgutter, tua pennies ; and 
 for ilkane chalder of lyme, colis, salt, quhet, malt, and vyther stuf beneath 
 the Braidgutter, vii d., and bevne it tua s., and for ane byrne beneth, i half 
 penny, and bevne j d., and sua of tunnys and vyther gudis tunlyk, be the 
 consideracioun of the aldirman and counsal ; and quha brekis this statut, 
 or ony pont contenit in it, sal be secludit and forbedin the toune, thai beand 
 conuikit thairintill ; and that nay persone that inqueris, or intendis to 
 beir or cary sic gudis, be stoppit nor impedit be the pynouris, bot that 
 thai haue fredome thairto ; and quhais dois in the contrar, and beis con- 
 uikit tharof, salbe punist be the aldirman and consale, and pay ane vnlaw, 
 unforgevin. And that ilkan berar of girnal gudis haue ane band fast at 
 thar pok, and that the pok be knit and closit or it cum out the keill or bot 
 burd. 
 
 19th August, 1498. 
 
 James, be the grace of God King of Scottis, till all and sindrie our 
 officiaris, liegis, and subditis quhome it efferis, quhais knawledge thir our 
 letres sal cum, greting : Forsamekil as our vthyr letres war direkit obefor 
 be aviss and deliuerance of the lordis of our counsale, chargeing, for 
 certan resonable caussis concerning the gude of merchandice, and comon 
 wel of oure realme, that nay schipis suld pass nor saile in merchandice 
 furtht of oure realme, in ony pairt within the Duk of Burgundy eis land, 
 for ane certan tyme to cum, lik as oure vther letres and proclamacioun 
 maid tharapon proportis. Neuertheless, becauss we knaw that ane schip 
 of the toune of Wer in Zeland, the maister and skipper thairof callit 
 Neilball, was ladyne and chargit with merchandice and gudis of^. St. Ni- 
 choless of Abirdene, and vytheris oure lieges, befor the making of the said
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 427 
 
 proclamacioun, and wes redy to haf depertit, and gif she war stopit of hir 19th August, 
 
 viage, it suld be gret sketh baith to the skepar and merchandes. Herefor, 
 
 of oure special fauoris, we gif and grantis full licence and fredome, be thir 
 
 our letres, to the said skipper and merchandis to pass quhen at plessis 
 
 tharae, with the said schip, and merchandice and gudis, to the Campver, 
 
 or ony vther partis beyond say that plessis thara, for the exerceing of thar 
 
 merchandice, and wil that that thai be nocht accusit, attachit, arrestit, or 
 
 trubulit thairfor, in thair personis, schip, merchandis, or gudis, be vs or 
 
 ony of oure officiaris, lieges, or subditis, in ony viss, nochtwithstanding 
 
 ony proclamacioun, inhibitioun, lieu or chargis of ouris in the contrar, 
 
 &c. Gevin, vnder our priue seile, at Sterueling, the xix day of August, 
 
 and of oure regne the xi yer. 
 
 October, 1498. 
 
 The saide day, the alderman, balyeis, and diuerss vtheris of the consale 
 present for the tyme, grantit to Mabuys belman xx s. to by him ane pee for 
 to pass ilka Mononday throucht the toune, in the morning, to name and 
 pray for the saulis gevin him in bile, as vyss and wont is, and has bene 
 tymes bigen. 
 
 28th January, 1500. 
 
 The said day, it was statut, ordanit, and grantit be the alderman, 
 balyeis, and maist pairt of the consall and comunite present for the tyme, 
 that Jonhe and Robert, thar comone menstralis, sal haue resonabile diets, 
 sevralie, throw the nichtbors of the towne ; And gif ony persone, or per- 
 sonis, refuss to resaue thame to thar dietis, it sal be lesura to thame to gif 
 to the said menstrals xij d. one the day, bat for mett, drink, and wagis, 
 for simpile folkis. 
 
 21 st August, 1500. 
 
 The xxi day of August, the yer forsaid, it was statut and ordanit, for 
 the eschewing of the plage of pestilence and safte of the toune, that thir 
 houssis vnderwritin, and al personis beand within tham : that is to say, the 
 houss of Duncan Colisoun, Johne Colisoun, Johne of Cullan, Gilleys, 
 Alexr. Hay, Jonhe Syme, Cristiane Fichat, Amy Traill, Dauy Club, 
 Thome of Myding, &c., salbe closit for this space of xv dais nixt herefter, 
 ande all vyther personis that the alderman ande the officiaris chargis ; and
 
 428 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 12th August, nocht to cum vteucht ther houssis and lugeings, vnder the pane of ded ; 
 and the kystis that come out of the ship that com now of lait fra Danskin 
 to Patrick Andersone, be brynt ; and that ale personis that come hame in 
 the said ship, keip thame inclusit in thar houssis for the space of xv dais, 
 under the pane of ded, becauss the said personis, and thair houssis, befor 
 writtin, reset pairt of the said personis and thar gudis. And quhay that 
 wantis ony sustentacioun, the toune sail mister to thame nedfull thingis. 
 Quhilk statut and comon ordinance wes made be the alderman, baizes, 
 counsal, and comunite of the burgh, in ane voce concordand, and openly 
 red, heard, and vnderstandin. 
 
 23d March, 1501. 
 
 The saide day, comperit Albert Gerardson, Hollander, master, under 
 God, of ane brokin schip of Skedame, quhilk, throw storme of sey, happin 
 to brek, and the wrak of hir come in on the cost of Croudane, in Buchan, 
 quhilkis wrak, nethis, saile, takill, and towis, and ale stuf being with the 
 saide schip as scho come to lande, he grantit he had sauld to ane nobile 
 lorde, William Master of Eroll, for xv Frenche crounis of golde, quhilk 
 he resauit in numerit golde, in the nayme of the saide lorde, be the 
 handis of Johne Chene of Essilmonde and Sir Johne Baxtar, and dis- 
 chargit and quietclamit the saide lorde, his mene seruandis, ther ayris, 
 executouris, ande assignes ; and all uthiris quhome it efferis, for him, his 
 ayris, executouris, ande assignes. And all uthiris quhome it efferis, now 
 and for euar, witht consent and assent of Adriane Clayssone, Adriane 
 Cornelson, James Melisone, Johne Zensone, and Cleyss Williamsone, and 
 utheris marinaris and schipmen, being in the saide schip ; apone the quhilkis 
 Johne Chene of Essilmonde, in the name of the said lorde, askit instrument 
 at me, Sir Johne Stirueling, notar publict, under the secret sell procurit 
 therto, be the saide Albert, befor the witnes, Alexr. Menzes, aldirman, 
 Johne Cullan, Andrew Cullane, Jonhne Wormet, Johne Mar, Dauid Mar, 
 balzeis, Johne Steuinson, Jonhne Fechat, burgessis of Aberdene, Geyss 
 Okertoune, Cornelius Petersone. 
 
 3d December, 1501. 
 
 The saide day, the aldirman, ballisis, and consale present for the tyme, 
 ordanit i petra and of wax, to be made in torches and prekatis, and 
 iii gallonis of wyne, [ ] boystis of skorcheatis, to be given in ane propin
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 429 
 
 to the lorde Gray, Justice till our souerane lorde quhen he come to the 3d December, 
 Ayre of Abirdene fra the northt pairtis ; and ordanit Gilbert Mengzeis 
 and Androu Cullane denys of the gilde, to outred the said thingis of the 
 common gudis of the said burghe. 
 
 3d February, 1502. 
 
 The saide day, Johne Rede, wobster, John Williamsone, &c., ilkane of 
 thame was convict be ane suorne assise, Alexander Reid forspeker, be- 
 causs thai did nocht it that accordit thame to do one Candilmese dav, in 
 
 * ' 
 
 the Passioun, efter the auld honorabill and lovabill consuetude of the burghe, 
 and for the quhilkis thai war in ane amerciament of the court, and to amend 
 as law will, and forbere in tym to cum, becauss thai pretendit thame to pre- 
 cede and pass in the place of the processione, quhar the tailzeours had vyss 
 to pass tymes bigane. 
 
 nth June, 1502. 
 
 The said day, thir personis eftir writin, Alexr. Menzes, aldirman, Dauy 
 Menzes, Andro Culane, Johne Colison, Johne Cullan, Alexr. Chamer, 
 Alexr. Rede, Johne Knollis, Gilbert Menzes, James Colisone, Thomas 
 Waus, Patry Leslie, William Chamer, Johne Retie, Alexr. Mar, Robert 
 Crag, Patry Chernsid, Johne Waus, Patry Rede, Andro Meldrum, 
 William Andersone, Dauy Adamsone, Alexr. King, Andro Lowsone, and 
 William Murray, disassentit to gif ony of Sanct Nicholes gudis to Sir 
 Johne Ruthirfurd, or tile ony utheris. And attour, thai ordanit the aldir- 
 man to folow Sir John Rutherfurd for thar commoune gudis, eftir the tenor 
 of the procuratory gevin to him under the commoun sele, quhilkis personis, 
 at commaunde of the aldirman, was circualy inquerit be the said James 
 Colisoun, ane of the baizes. 
 
 llth May, 1503. 
 
 The said day, Johne of Myle, at the Myle of Pitcapile, was accusit for 
 strublance of Isabele Scherar, quhilk strublance scho wald nocht haue sus- 
 tenit for fourty pundis, for the quhilkis the said Johnne was in amerciament 
 of the court, be his avin tonge grant, and tile amend as law will ande for- 
 ber in tyme to cum. And atour, the said Johne being oblist to stand at 
 the ordinance of the alderman and counsaill, quhilk, riplie avisit, witht the 
 witnes being present for the tyme, deliuerit and ordanit the said Johne to 
 
 3 K
 
 430 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 17th May, sit downe in the court one his kneis ande aske the saide Isabell forgivnes, 
 and beseik the alderman and bailies to beseik hir to forgif him, and to ger 
 mak ane candill of wax conteneing ane punde, and cum on Sonday that nixt 
 cumis, in tyme of the hie mes in Sanct Nicholes kirk, and offir it to the 
 hie altir, and ther ask the said Isabell forgevnes oppinly, befor the persons 
 beand present for the tyme, sayande he wist neuer sic thingis one the said 
 Isabell as he said and rehersit one hire, quhilk candile salbe offerit to the 
 Halyblude licht. 
 
 9th June, 1503. 
 
 The saide day, Androw Cullane, forspekar for the merchantis, requirit 
 reuerentlie, as efferit, the alderman and balzeis, that thai suld nocht licenc 
 nay unfremen to saile nor suffir nay fremen to tak unfremenis gudis, under 
 colour to haue in uthir partis, and tile obserue and keip to thame the 
 louabill actis and statutis maid therupon according to justice, offering him, 
 in ther names, to pay x lib. gif thai did in the contrar, and requirit the 
 aldirman and baizes to pay x lib. gif thai happinit to licenc ony ane unfre- 
 raan to saile, but the aviss of the denys of gilde and of the counsale of the 
 towne, protestande for remede of law gif thai did ony thing in the contrar 
 hirof; upone the quhilkis the saide Androw askit at me, Sir Johne 
 Striueling, instrument. Witnes, Alexr. Rede, Siris Johne Rede, Androw 
 Chamer, Androw Colisoun, Dauy Les, chaplannis, Johne Waus, Androw 
 Nachty, and William Scrimigeor. 
 
 2Qth October, 1503. 
 
 The said day, Elizabeth Iruyn, the relict of vmquhile [ ] Allardes 
 
 of that Ilk, followit and persewit William Buchane, baxter, for the wrang- 
 uiss castin doun of hir houss, pertening to her in conjunctfeftment, liande 
 in the Castelgate, one the southt pairt of the samyn gat, betuix the lande 
 of the saide Williame on the est pairt, and the lande of Alexr. Menzes, 
 alderman, on the wast part, quhilkis wrang the said William, be him and 
 Patry Rede, his forspekar, denyit ; and therefter, the said complant, in 
 strength of ane borghe, with consent of the said pairties, was put to the 
 decisioun of thir personis efter following : that is to say, Davy Menzes, 
 Robert Blinsele, &c., burgessis of the said burghe, the gret bodelie aithe 
 suorne in ane assis, the richtis, ressonis, and allegacionis of batht the said 
 parties, witnes and pruye, led, herde, sene and understandin, deliuerit and
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 431 
 
 fande the said William Buchane quyt of the wrangus castin doun of the 20th October, 
 said houss, becaus it was sufficiently pruit befor the said assis, and als 1503> 
 be his avne gravnt, that the said William warnit hir lauchfullie obefor, 
 or he gert put ony workmen to his houss, to cum and se him put workmen 
 to reforme his houss, and to se he had her nay skayth ; and forthyr, becaus 
 it was pruvit be diuersss personis, werkmen, and utheris, that the said 
 Williame, nor the labouris done to his house, dide nay skaithe to the said 
 houss pertening to the said Elizabeth, sathat it walde haue fallin doune it 
 allane, suppois the said William had never put hande to his house. 
 
 The saide day, the alderman, bailies, consale, and the comunite, present 
 for the tym, consentit and grantit to gif to Master James Cumyne yerlie tene 
 merkis vsuale money of Scotland, ay and quhile thai promove him till ane 
 half nethis fischingis of the mydchingile, or the furds on the water of Dee, 
 grissome free, he payand the male of the said fischingis as vtheris nichtbouris 
 pais, sua that the said Master James, wif, barnis, and housheld, hald houss, 
 and mak personale residence within the said burghe, and cum and vesy 
 tham that beis seik, and schow them his medicin, one thar expensis, and 
 nocht to pay the said annuale pensione of tene merkis nor nayne pairt of it 
 unto the tym that his said wyf, houshalde, and barnis cum and makis per- 
 sonale residence within the said burghe, and therefter to pay the said ten 
 merkis yerlie quhile he be put in ane of the half nethis fischingis forsaide. 
 
 23d October, 1503. 
 
 The saide day, the alderman, bailzes, and counsale grantit and geff to 
 thar commoun clerk and seruande, Schir Jonhe Stiruelinge, ane burges, to 
 be chosin be him frelie for his excercesioun and labouris doun in the mak- 
 ing of thar process of the landis of the Tullocht preceptis and uyir doingis. 
 
 \4th November, 1504. 
 
 The saide day, it was statut and ordanit be the aldirman, balzeis, and 
 counsale, for the common profit of the toune, that nay woman sal by meile 
 in the mercat, hot gif scho mak price of it or scho gif hir erllys, and that 
 thai sal tak nay strakis nor cheritoyss ; and that na woman sal by mair meile 
 than will stede hir self and hir houshald, under the pane of xl s. ; and that 
 nay persone baik, vaile, or by, quhill it be deuisit be the aldirman and con- 
 sale, &c. ; and that all land mone haue thar seks redy oppin to sell to all
 
 432 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 uth Nov., that will by vittale, boll, half boll, firlot, pek, and half pekis, and the tollar 
 sale haue pekis and half pekis redy to serue all men. 
 
 3Qth November, 1504. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit be the bailyies and counsaile, 
 riplie avisit, for the vphaldin and preseurans of the auld louabile honor, 
 consuetud and rit of the said burgh, vsit and sustenit in tymes bigane, 
 in the honor of thar glorius patroun, Sanct Nicholes, that ale per- 
 sonis burges nichtbours, and burges sonnys, habill to rid to decoir and 
 honor the toun in thair array, convenient tharto, sale rid with the Abbot 
 and Prior of Bonaccord on every Sanct Nicholas day throw the toune, as 
 vss and wont has bein, quhen thai ar warnit be the said Abbot and Prior 
 abefor : And gif ony man, hawand tak of watris and fishing of the toune, 
 habill to rid, be warnit be the said Abbot and Prior of Bonaccord, and 
 wile not rid, [thai] sale tyn thair takis quhilkis thai haue of the toune, at 
 the nixt assedatioun ; bot gif thai haue ane ressonable causs and impediment 
 that thai may not rid, quhilk thai sale shaw and be considerit be the alder- 
 man, bailyies, and counsaile obefoir : And utheris personis beand warnit, 
 habile to rid, and failyies tharin, without ane ressonable causs shawin to the 
 alderman, bailyies, and counsaile for the tyme, sale pay to Sanct Nicholes 
 werk xx sh. unforgevin, and viij sh. to the bailyies for thair unlaw. 
 
 30th January, 1505. 
 
 The said day, it was fundin by the aid lovabile consuetud and ryt of the 
 burgh, that in the honor of God and the blissit Virgin Mary, the craftsmen 
 of the sarayn, in thar best aray, kepit and decorit the procession one Candil- 
 mes day yerlie ; quhilk auld and louabile consuetud, the prouest, baillies, 
 riplie avisit, ratifeit, and approvit the said ryt ; and atour statut and ordanit 
 that the said craftsmen, and thair successoris, sale perpetualie in tyme to 
 cum, observe and keipe the said procession, als honorabily as thai can : 
 And thai sale, in order to the Offering in the Play, pass tua and ij togidr 
 socialie ; in the first the flesshoris, barbouris, baxturis, cordinaris, skineris, 
 couparis, wrichtis, hat makars [and] bonat makars togidr, walcaris, litstaris, 
 wobstaris, tailyeouris, goldsmiths, blaksmithis and hammermen ; and the 
 craftsmen sal furnyss the Pageants ; the cordinaris, the Messing ; wobstaris 
 and walcaris, Symeon ; the smyths [and] goldsmiths, iij Kingis of Cullane ; 
 the litstaris, the Emperour ; the masons, the Thrie Knichtis ; the talyors,
 
 OF THE BUKGH OF ABERDEEN. 433 
 
 our Lady, Sanct Brid, and Sanct Elene; and the skynners, the Tua Bis- 30th January, 
 
 chopis ; and tua of like craft to pass with the pageant that thai furnyss to 
 
 keip thair geir ; and gif ony persone or persouns happinis to failye and brek 
 
 ony poynt befor writin, and beis convict tharof, [he] sale pay xl sh. to Sanct 
 
 Nicholas werk, and the balyeis unlaw unforgevin : Ande to the obseruing 
 
 and keping of the samyn, ale the said craftsmen was oblist, be thair handis 
 
 uphaldin. 
 
 22d May, 1505. 
 
 The said day, it was ordanit and deliuerit be the prouest and counsale, all 
 in ane voce concordand, that the bailleis sale pass, ilk ane in his quarter, 
 witht his officiar, this day and to morne befor noune, to al personis aving 
 beir and meile siluer, and charge thame to schew tharae thar penny worth, 
 quhilkis thai haue and will sale for pament of the said money to the frem- 
 mit men ; and all that has na penny worthtis conuenient for thame, to 
 charge and command to mak thankfule payment of all somes avinge be 
 thame to the said alienaris : certefeing all the saidis personis aving money, 
 that has penny worthtis, that thai wile ger priss the samyn be suorne per- 
 sonis, and all that schevis na penny worthtis, thai will prouide, compele, 
 and distreinze thame thar gudis, and mak redy payment in pennis to the 
 said alienaris of all somes aving to thame for the frethin of the towne, ac- 
 cording to justice. 
 
 27 th July, 1505. 
 
 The said day, it wes statut and ordanit be the prouest and counsaill, that 
 nay maner of persone nor personis lay nor hing na maner of stuff, gair, nor 
 gudis one the wale of the plaice of the grey freris, befor the takin of the 
 haly croice ; and quha happinis to do the contrar, the gudis sal be eschet, 
 and thai sale pay ane amerciament of the court to the bailzes uneforgevin 
 for the first tyme, and the secund tyme thai sal be expellit the toune, and 
 thair jjudis eschet. 
 
 January, 1506. 
 
 The saide day, it was statut and ordanit be the alderman and counsele, 
 that ale the penteraris of this burghe sale put ale the pent that suspect 
 personis presentis to sale to the officiaris of the burghe, or thai by it, and 
 be suorne tharto.
 
 434 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 19th July, 19th July, 1506. 
 
 The said day, the prouest and Johne Colisone, ane of the bailyes present 
 for the tyme, dischargit thame of all thingis pertenyng to my lord of 
 Aberdenis jurisdictioune, and speciale anent ane goune debatable, betuix 
 Isabell Crichtoune, the relict of umquhill Johne Wormet, one that ane 
 part, and William Wormet on that uthir part. 
 
 15th November, 1506. 
 
 The said day, Dauid Cheman, and Dauid Broiss, goldsmitht and burges 
 of the said burgh, at command of William Portar, ane of the bailzes of the 
 said burgh, prisit ane corss of gold, weyand half ane unce, and half ane 
 unicorn weicht, to Iviii s. and vi d., and ane ring of gold, witht ane blew 
 stan, till ane Franche croune, in all thingis be thair aithis, quhilk was put 
 to the said bailze be Mathow Ross, seruitour till ane worschipfull man, Sir 
 Alexr. Monemeill, parsone of Forbes, and was layd to him in wed for 
 certane money : that is to say, the said corss for iii Frenche crounis, and 
 the said ring for ane unicorne of golde. 
 
 February, 1507. 
 
 The said day, comperit Normond Lesly, ane of the officiars of the said 
 burgh, and schew and respond that, at the command of Johnne of Mar, 
 ane of the baillies of the said burgh, he raessauit ane gold ring fra Dauid 
 Murray on the behalf of Androw Murray his fadir, to ger prise the said 
 ring at the raercat corss of the said burgh for certane money awing to the 
 said Androw, for the quhilkis the said ring was plegeit to hyme. And 
 the said day, comperit Dauid Theman, Dauid Croiss, goldsmythis, laucht- 
 fully warnit and chargit tharto, quhilkis deponit be thair aithes, that thai 
 at command of the said officiar, chargeing thame in the kingis nayme, 
 prouist and baillies, to prise the said ring, and that the said officiar put 
 the said ring at the merkat croiss of the said burgh, the v day of the 
 moneth of Februar, the yer of God jai v c and sevin yers, and thai prisit 
 the said ring till aucht merkis and half a merk, be thair aithes and con- 
 sciens, the weicht of the Rose noble till tua merkis, the secund day of 
 process. Item, the xii day of the said monetht, the said officiar put the 
 said ring to the said merkat corss, to be prisit for the said money, quhilkis 
 the saidis Dauid Theman and Dauid Broyss prisit to viii merkis and , 
 the noble weht tua merkis. Item, the xix day of the said monetht of Fe-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABEEDEEN. 435 
 
 bruar, the thrid day of process, the said officiar put the said ring to the 27th February. 
 
 said raerkat corss, to be prisit for the said money, quhilkis the saidis Dauid 
 
 Theman and Dauid Brouss prisit the samen, as said is. Item, the xxv 
 
 day of the said monetht, the said officiar prisit the said ring, as *ferd day 
 
 of process, to the said merkat corss to be apprisit for the said money, 
 
 quhilkis the said Dauid and Dauid apprisit the said ring to viii merkis 
 
 and m as said is, for the pament of the some awand to the said Andrew ; 
 
 the quhilk ring being apprisit, the said officiar, be werteu of his office, 
 
 profferit to sell till ony personys that wald by the said ring, and gif maist 
 
 for it, or pay the soume that it was prisit to. And becaus the said ring, 
 
 of ressone, suld be first offerit to the awynar, the baillies chargit the said 
 
 officiar to pass, and, befor sufficient witnes, offir the said ring to the 
 
 awanar, and gif he refusit it, to deliuer it to the creditour that the money 
 
 is awing to ; and gif the said ring excedis the debt, to deliuer the ex- 
 
 crescence tharof the awar of the said ring. 
 
 May, 1507. 
 
 The saide day, it was statut and ordanit, be the prouest, bailyeis, and 
 counsale for the vphaldin of the aide louabile consuetuid, honor, and rite 
 of the toune, that all manere of youthis, burgeis and burges sonnys, salbe 
 redy everie halyday to pass with the Abbat and Prior of Bonacord, in 
 thair array convenient thairto, under the paine of xx. sh. ilkane persone 
 that fayleis, and [ ] tharof for thar unlawe unforgevin ; quhilk 
 
 unlawe salbe departit betuixt Sanct Nicholes werk and the said Abbat 
 and Prior equalie ; and in likuiss thai ordanit the tounes officers to be redy 
 to pass with the said Abbatt and Prior continualie for the honor of the 
 toune. 
 
 28th May, 1507. 
 
 The said day, the prouest and bailyis statut and ordanit that ale skynaris 
 sale gang befor the cordinaris in ale processiounis, baitht in Candilmes play 
 and utheris processionis that accordis thame to gang in. 
 
 8M October, 1507. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit for the cornone proffit, woill, and 
 gud reull of this burgh, be the prouest, bailzes, and consale, that na burges 
 within this burgh sal haue nay forstallar vnder him to pas in quintray to
 
 436 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 8th October, forestall the burgh in hieing of woll, hidis, nor skynnis, vnder the pane of 
 fiwe merkis ; and that nay merchand sale tak ane vther mannis merchand 
 out of his hand vnto the tyme that he have comptit and raknit finaly with 
 his mercband, and be free of him, vnder the pane of fiwe markis. 
 
 Item, that nay merchand oppin his butht dur to sel or by, or do ony 
 merchandise one ane Sonday, vnder the pane of ane pund of walx, or the 
 waile of it, to be applyit to the Halyblud licht. 
 
 Item, it is statut and ordanit that na taulcht be barrellit nor schippit, 
 vnder the pane of eshet to the toune, quhar it may be comprehendit, and 
 viii s. of the sellar for ane amerciament, and thar personis and gudis to be 
 dangerit be the kingis hienes. 
 
 Item, it is statut and ordaynit that nay swyne be haldin withtin this toun, 
 vtteuche band, or ane ring in thar wort, vnder the pane of eshet of thame, 
 and viii s. uneforgevin ; and gif thai be fundin vteuche band, and without 
 ring in thar wort, fifteine dais beand runyne, thai salbe eshet, and lesum 
 to be slane, quhaireuer thai ma be fundin. 
 
 Item, that all forstallaris salbe accusit and punisit for thar forstalling, 
 be the lovabill statutis and consuetud of the burghe. 
 
 Item, that ale fut chepman berand paxis one thar bakis, salbe free to 
 cum and pas saiffly to the said burgh without ony accusatioune, or pan 
 of forstalling of the burghe. 
 
 Item, it is statut and ordanit that nay litstaris [ ] skynneris, nor 
 craftismen, sale wesche thair clethis, hidis, skynnis, nor vyther stuf, in the 
 comon riuolis, loche, nor watteris ; and that nay red fische, quhit fische, 
 claythis, nor vyther stuff that may infect the watter, be cassin nor weschin 
 in it. 
 
 Item, that nay drauchtis be haldin apon the said loche, nor riuolis, nor 
 watteris in priue, nor appert, hot vtterly destroyit. 
 
 Item, that ane preue, inquest be takin of ale unlauchful personis housis, 
 draucht haldaris, walcaris, and of ale vyeris poyntis perteyning tharto [ ] 
 and punist be the law. 
 
 Item, that ale candilmakaris has candile reddy to sele to ale mane, anp 
 thai salbe sellit be richt wecht, the pund for iij d., small weikit and dry. 
 
 Item, that nay aill be sellit derar this yeir than viii d. the galloun, be fre 
 folkis, and vi d. the galloun, be vnfrehaldaris. 
 
 Item, that ale baxtaris sale haue breid of quheit sufficient, gud and clene 
 stuf, penny breid and tua penny breid.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 437 
 
 Item, that diligent inquisitioun be takin of ale infect personis with this 8th October, 
 strange seiknes of Nappillis, for the sawetie of the toun ; and the personis 1507> 
 beand infectit therwith be chargit to keip thame in ther howssis and vther 
 places, fra the haill folkis. 
 
 Item, that the fleshouris sale sell na flesch quhill it be prisit, ande euery 
 Setterday the bailzeis about circualy sale pas with the flesch prisaris, and 
 set it eftir thar aithtis. 
 
 Item, that quhit fisharis sale putte the fische to the mercat, and sele na 
 fisch to landmen, nor zhit in gret, quhile the toune be seruit, and that na 
 regratouris of quhit fisch quhile the toune be seruit. 
 
 Item, that thar salbe certane personis ordanit to cleng the toun and dicht 
 the causaies, ilkane fyr houss payand thame ane penny. 
 
 Item, that nayne infecht folkis with the seiknes of Napillis be haldin at 
 the common fleschouss, or with the fleschouris, baxteris, brousteris, ladi- 
 naris, for sauete of the toun, and the personis infectit sale keip thame quyat 
 in thar housis, zhardis, or vther comat placis, quhill thai be haill for the 
 infectioun of the nichtbouris. 
 
 Item, that na wittel be housit quhile it be putt to the mercat, and at the 
 mercat be keipit, and all caik baxtaris and huxtaris be expellit thairfray. 
 
 Item, that na craftismen by hidis bot as the law requires, that is to say, 
 the louge and the borne elik lang. 
 
 Item, that na craftismen bark and scharp, baith eftir the forme of oure 
 souerane lordis lawis. 
 
 Item, that craftismennis wiffis, litstaris, cordonaris, vsing browing, haue 
 a leid to brew in, ande ane vther for thar craft. 
 
 Item, that na man hald swyne fyr and elding in a houss, and that the 
 bailzeis cerss thair quarteris four tymes in the yeir, and expell unlauchfull 
 folkis and unlauchfull houssis. 
 
 Item, that nay onefreman keipe oppin butht within the burgh, nor haue 
 license to saile in merchandise, under the pane of xl s. ; and gif the denys 
 of the glide sufferis thame to saile or keip oppin buitht, thai sal ansuer for 
 the said xl s. 
 
 Item, that the mettis and mesouris be assait throw the haile toun, and 
 quhar thai be fundin unrichtuuss be distroit, and the avnaris of tham pvnisit 
 be the lawe. 
 
 Item, that all couparis mak sufficient barrelis of mesour, efter the law of 
 the realme, and consuetud of this burghe, and ilkan man set his avne merk 
 
 3 L
 
 438 EXTRACTS FKOM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 8th October, to his avne werk ; and quhay failzeis hereintill, to be pvnisit efter the tenour 
 and rigour of the law. 
 
 Item, that na man intromett nor merchandise mak with vtheris mannis 
 gudis vnder colour, allegand thame to be thar propir gudis, vnder the pane 
 of x merkis. 
 
 Item, that na mvk within this burghe at ony mannis yit or dur ly langer 
 thar than xxiiii houris, vnder the pane of viii s. unforgivin, and the said 
 ravk to be fre till euerie persone that sail pless to tak or leid it away. 
 
 The said day, Johne Litster exponit how it was deliuerit be ane sworne 
 assis that Jonhne Cuk in Ellone suld haue brocht ane act of the consistory 
 court that he was dischargit of ane par of splentis be the said Jonhe, and 
 suld haue presentit the said act befor the balzeis one Wedinsday, the saxt 
 day of October instan, and gif he failzeit in the bringin of the said act the 
 said day, that he suld pay viii s. to the said Jonhe Litster for the saidis 
 splentis ; and becauss he falzeit in the presenting of the act, the said Jonhe 
 Litster allegit he suld pay to him the said viii s. 
 
 5th March, 1508. 
 
 The saide day, the prouest, ballieis, and counsale, ordanit and diuisit 
 ane propyn in wyne, wax, and spice, to my lord of Abirdene, as eftir fol- 
 louis : In the first, tua puntionis of wyne cost nyne lib. and iiii s. to cary 
 thame to my lordis place ; item, iiii pece wax, price of the stane xviii s., 
 maid in torchis and prikatis, for the makin of thame, iii s., for the treis 
 makyn and savin, xviii d., for tua reuchteris to be the treis, xx d., for 
 wekis, xviii d. ; item, ii dusane of scorcheatis, price xlviiii s., galloune 
 of Maluasy, price iiii s. viii d., ane gallone of claret, v s. iiii d., ane 
 galloune of quhit wyne, price ii s., to be pait of the rediast gudis of the 
 toun. Some of the haile, xvi lib. iii s. viii d. 
 
 8th May, 1508. 
 
 The said day, it was statutit and ordanit be the alderman, baillies, and 
 consale, that all personis that are abill within this burghe sail be reddy with 
 thair arrayment maid in grene and yallow, bowis, arrowis, brass, and all 
 uther convenient thingis according thairto, to pass with Robyne Huyd and 
 Litile Johnne, all tymes convenent tharto, quhen thai be requirit be the 
 saidis Robyne and Litile Johnne, efter the tenor of the statuts and procla-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 439 
 
 matioun maid be the proveistis, baillis, and counsaill ; and gif ony of the 8th May. 
 said personis happenis to failye in ony poynt befor writyne sail pay 1508 - 
 fourty shillings unforgiven, and sail nocht bruik nor joiss, tak, fisching, nor 
 land of the said burgh. 
 
 16th July, 1508. 
 
 The said day, comperit Johnne Currour and Johne Waul, masteris 
 under God of tua Ingliss schippis, of Scarisburgh, witht certane fischar- 
 men, and Patry Leslie, thair forspekar, and humbly complenzeit, how thai 
 happinit till arive and cum within the hawin and port of the said burgh, be 
 ane north eist wind and lekness of ane of thair said schippis, one Sonday, in 
 the morning, the xv day of this instant monetht of Julii, and Sir Johnne 
 Rutherfurd and Andrew Fife, witht thar complicece, haid takin thaim, 
 allegiand thai suld be presoneris, and deponit the greit aitht that thai com 
 within the said havin to mend the said schip, and throw ane northt eist 
 wind, and askit leif at the quhit fischaris or thai com within the said havin, 
 quhilk licenc thame safer as thai mycht, and besocht the bailzeis to grant 
 thame certificatioun thairapone. And thaireftir the bailzeis causit the belman 
 to pass throu the toune and warne the merchandis and nychtbouris of the toun 
 to cum to the tolbuitht, til haue thair awiss in the said materr, quhilkis pre- 
 sent, and circuly inquerit be Willeam Scrimigeor, ane of the officiaris of 
 the said burgh, grantit and declarit that thai consentit nocht to the takking 
 of the said schippis and personis, nor had nocht art nor part thairof ; and 
 thai understude thai var na presoneris, and requirit the bailzeis to gif the 
 said Inglismen certificatioune thairapone, protestand that quhat skaith 
 happinit to cum thairof eftirwart suld nocht cum on thame, na the said 
 toune, hot apone thame that intromettit witht the said schipis and personis. 
 
 llth November, 1508. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailyeis, counsaill, and comunitie of the said 
 burghe, representand the haill body of the samyne, warnit be the hand bell, 
 ale in ane voice considerand, riplie avisit, for the auld rit and lovabile con- 
 suetud of the said burgh, vsit and perseruit all tymes bigane, past memor of 
 man, in honor of thar glorius patron Sanct Nicholaice, statut and ordanit, 
 that all personis, burges, nichtbouris, and inhabitaris, burges sonnys, habill 
 to ryd, to decor and honor the towne in thar array conveinant therto, sail 
 rid with Robert Huyid and Litile Johne, quhilk was callit, in yers bipast,
 
 440 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 17th Nov., Abbat and Prior of Bonacord, one every Sanct Nicholas day, throw the 
 towne, as use and wont has bene, quhen thai war warnit be the said Robert 
 Huyde or Litile Johne, or ony ane of theme ; and gif ony man haffand taks 
 of watris, fischeingis, landis, or ony pensioun or proffit of the toune, habill 
 to rid, beand warnit be the saidis Robert Huyd or Litile Johne forsaid, and 
 will nocht ryd, and beis convict tharintill be ane suorne assiss of the said 
 burgh, sail tyne thar takis, pensiounis, and proffitis that thai haue of 
 the said burghe, and salbe secludit, removit, and utterlie expellit fra ale 
 takis, pensionis, profits, quhatsumever thai have of the said burgh, in tyme 
 to cum ; without ressonable causs schawin and propinit to the prouest, 
 ballyeis, counsaill, Robene and Litile Johne, obefoir, and be considert be 
 thame to be lauchfull impediment and excuss quharthrow thai mycht not 
 ryd ; and the personis havand na takis of the said burghe, beand waruit be 
 the said Robert Huyd or Litile Johnne, and will not rid, sail pay xx shilling 
 to Sanct Nicholas werk, and viij sh. to the bailyeis unlaw vnforgevin. 
 
 21 st January , 1509. 
 
 The said day, the borgh fundin be Robert Piper and Johnne Piper, comon 
 menstrallis, upoun David Ines, for the wranguiss withhaldin fra thame of 
 thar dietis yerly, and thar fie, was fundin awaile ; and for the quhilkis it was 
 deliuerit be ane suorne assis, Cristofer Prat, forspekar, that the said David 
 was in ane ameroiament of the court, and aw to pay to thame yerly xviij d. : 
 Notwithstanding, the alderman and baillies defalkit ij d. yerly ; and say the 
 said Dauid sale pay to the said menstrellis xvj d. yeerly. 
 
 October, 1509. 
 
 The said day, Bessy Layng, the wif of Johnne Beryhill, was conuict be 
 ane suorn assiss, Mathou Branche, forspekar, for dissobeing of Johne Cuk, 
 officiar, in the executioun of his office, and for takin away of the set of the 
 aile of hir dur, set be the said Johnne Cuk, officiar, and putting up and 
 skorand viii d. aile. 
 
 30th January, 1510. 
 
 The said day, it was fundin be the aid lovabile consuetud and ryt of the 
 burgh, that, in the honor of God and the Blissit Virgin Mary, the craftsmen 
 of the samyn, in thar best aray, kepit and decorit the processioun, on Can- 
 dilmes day yerlie ; quhilk auld and louabile consuetud the prouest, baillies,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 441 
 
 and consale riplie avisit, ratefeit, and approvit the said ryt ; and atour, statut 30th January. 
 and ordanit that the saids craftsmen and thar successoris sale perpetualie in 
 tyme to cum, observe and keipe the said procession als honourabily as thai 
 can ; and thai sale in order to the Offering in the Play, pas tua and ij togidr 
 socialie ; in the first the flesshoris, barbouris, baxturis, cordinaris, skineris, 
 coupairis, wrichtis, hat makars bonat makars togidr, walcaris, litstaris, 
 wobstaris, tailyeouris, goldsmiths, blaksmiths and hemermen ; and the crafts- 
 men sale furnyss the Pageants; the cordinaris the Messing; wobstaris and 
 walcaris Symeon ; the smythis goldsmithis, iij Kingis of Cullane; the 
 litstaris, the Emperour; the masons, the Thrie Knichtis ; the tailyors, Our 
 Lady Sanct Brid, and Sanct Elene ; and the skynners, the Tua Bischopis ; 
 and tua of like craft to pass with the pageant that thai furnyss to keip their 
 gear ; and gif ony persone or persouns happinis to falye and brek ony poynt 
 befor writin, and beis convict tharof, sale pay xl sh. to Sanct Nicholas 
 werk, and the balyeis unlaw unforgevin : ande to the observing and keping 
 of the samyn ale the said craftsmen was oblist, be thar handis uphaldin. 
 
 3d February, 1510. 
 
 The said day, Thomas Meldrum, William Patonsone, Andro Jonsone 
 yonger, John Allane, and Richard Wricht, was, ilkan of thame, in amer- 
 ciament of court, be thar avine toung condemit, becauss thai passt not in 
 the procession of Candilmes day to decoir the samyn, and tile amend as law 
 wile, and forber in tyme to cum. 
 
 1th October, 1511. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit that ilkane hors haldin and festenit 
 in girss sal pay yerlie viii d., ilkane cow vi d., ilkane scheip tua d., for fogag 
 to the denys of the gild of the said burgh. 
 
 21 st November, 1511. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordant, be prouest, bailyeis, counsaile, 
 and comunite present for the tyme, representand the body of the towne, 
 warnit tharto be Gilbert Preston, officiar, for the auld rit and lovabile con- 
 suetud of the said burgh, vsit and preseuerit all tyme bigane, past memor 
 of man, in the honor of our glorious patroun, Saint Nicholes, that ale 
 personis, burges, nychtbours, burges sones, and induellaris within the said
 
 442 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 2ist November, burgh, abill to rid to decoir and honor the towne in thair best eray con- 
 venient tharto, sal rid every Sanct Nicholes day, al tyraes to cum, quhen 
 thai ar warnit be the prouest and bailyies ; and gif ony burges, or burges 
 sonis, havand taks of watris, fishingis, landis, or ony pension or proffit of 
 the tovne, abill to rid, beand warnit be the prouest and bailyeis, and will 
 not rid, and be conuict tharanent be ane suorne assiss, sal tyne thar 
 takis, pensionis and proffittis that thai haue of the said burgh, and sal be 
 secludit, removeit, and uterlie expellit tharfra, in tym to cum, without 
 ressonable caus schawin and exponit to the said prouest and bailyeis, and 
 to be considerit be thame gif it be lauchful impediment and excuss quhar- 
 throw thai may nocht rid : and atour, that al personis, burges, merchand 
 men, and craftismen, havand na takis, habill to rid, beand warnit be the 
 prouest and bailyeis as said is, and will nocht rid, sail pay xx sh. to Sanct 
 Nicholes werk unforgevin, and aucht shillingis to the bailyeis unlaw, with- 
 out lauchful impediment as said is, conformand to the uther actis maid 
 tharapone obefoir. 
 
 25 th January, 1512. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailyeis, and counsale present for the tyme, 
 ratefeit and approvit the actis maid obefoir, that every craft within this 
 townne, sail haue a pair of torcheiss, honestlie maid of four pund of wax, 
 to decoir and worschip the sacrament one Corpus Xti day, and at the Fest 
 of Pasche, at the Resurrexion, at Youle, and at all vther tymes, quhen neid 
 is to the honor of the townn ; and ordainns all frie and unfre to loit and 
 scot, and pay thair part tharto, as thai are extentit to, be the deknys of thair 
 craftis. 
 
 10th May, 1512. 
 
 The x day of the monetht of Maii, the yer of God j m v c and xii yeris, 
 thir personis etirwrittin : that is to say, Jonhne of Cullane, Androwe Cul- 
 lane, Patry Leslie, Jonhne Blak, and Georg Byssat, was chesin and suorne 
 the gret aithes, be the haile balzeis, counsale, and comunite of the toune, to 
 set and extent the svme of fiwe hundretht pundis, vsuale money of Scotland, 
 for the releving of the justice ayr and chavmerlane ayr of the burghe ; with 
 aviss of the prouost and certane of craftismen, pairt of ilkan craft, and the 
 expenss and propynis gevin to the clerkis and lordis.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 443 
 
 14th July, 1512. 14th July. 
 
 The saide day, the prouost and balzeis accusit George Currour of 
 Dome, for the trublance of the toune, the xiii day of this instant monetht 
 of Julii, as thai allegit, quhilk trublance the said Georg denyit, and offerit 
 him til vnderlie the decisioun of ane assis ; and incontinent therefter the 
 said accioun was put to the declaracioun of the best and wortheast burges 
 of the said burghe present for the tyme, quhilkis riplie avisit, the ressonis 
 and allegacionis of baitht the said pairteis, herd, sene, and vnderstandin, 
 witnes producit, it wes fund and deliuerit be the said assis, Schir lohne 
 Rutherfurd, forspekar, the said George quyt of all strublance of the said 
 burghe. 
 
 19th March, 1514. 
 
 The said day, the prouest exponit and opinlie declarit how yt is nocht 
 unknawin that he, at command of cure souerane lordis hienes and my lord 
 of Huntlie, had callit in the haile towne, and gert cheiss certane commis- 
 saris to pass to the Parliament, and diuisit thair expensis, and deliuerit the 
 bile tharapon, quhame fra the said expenssis suld be takin to Dauid Ander- 
 sone, ane of the balzeis of the said burghe, and that he and the commissaris 
 chesin tharto wes redy to ryd, and could nocht get the expensis diuisit for 
 thara ; tharfor the prouest protestit that the skaith cumand thairof suld turne 
 apon the personis avand the said expensis, or on the baize, in defalt of exe- 
 cucioun of his office. 
 
 1th September, 1515. 
 
 The quhilk day, Dauid Brownn grantit him awand to my lord the Elect 
 of Abirdene, iiii xx cartill of dry petis, to be inbrocht be him incontinent, 
 tharof xl cartill on the said Dauidis expensis, with his awin hors, and 
 vyther xl cartill one my lordis expenss. 
 
 llth September, 1515. 
 Statut for the electioun of ix personis to pas to the dukis seruice. 
 
 The saide day, the haile toune, warnit be the hand bell and the officiaris, 
 representand the haile town for the tyme, and, circulaie inquerit, chesit 
 Gilbert Menzeis, Johnne Cullan, Androw Cullan, Johne Collisoun, James 
 Colisoun, Thomas Waus, and Wilzeame Wormet, to be suorne the gret
 
 444 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 17th Sept., aitht to cheiss nyne personis, fensabill pretty men, to pas and mak the gud 
 seruice, and to be nemmyt and chosin be thame. 
 
 llth October, 1515. 
 
 We, Johne Duke of Albeny, tutour to the kingis, and governour of his 
 realme, gevis and grantis be thir our letres oure full commissioun and 
 powere to cure louit coussing, Williarae Earle of Erroll, to intromet and 
 vptak all and hale the landis and gudis, movabill and vnmovabill, quhilk 
 pertenit to Alexr. Storne, burgess of Aberdene, being in our handis throw 
 his decess, be way of bastardry ; quhilkis landis, gudis, and proffiitis tharof, 
 oure said causing sal intromat tharwith, and vptak and inbring the tane 
 halfe of the samyne to our factouris in oure nam ; for the quhilk we gif, be 
 thir oure letteris, to our saide cousing, for certan causis moving us, the 
 wther half of the said eschet gudis, and to apply the samyn to his avine use, 
 and to dispone tharapone as oure said cusing sal think maist expediant. 
 Gevin vnder oure signet, and subscriuit with our hand, at Edinburgh, the 
 xi day of October, the yere of God j m v c and xv yeris. 
 
 JOHAN Gh. 
 
 19th November, 1515. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ornanit be provest, bailyes, and counsaill 
 present for the tyme, that the auld lovabill consuetud and rit that has bene 
 vsit within this burgh, all tymes bigane, past memor of man, in the honor 
 of our gloreuss patroun, Sanct Nicholes, and uphalding of the auld con- 
 suetud, that all burges sonnys, merchand men, and craftismen, habill tharto 
 thoucht expedient be provest, bailyeis, and the gud men of the towin, and 
 to be villit be thame, address thame, in thar best array, to rid at this instant 
 Fest of our said patroun, Sanct Nicholace, siclik as has bene vsit obefoir 
 tymes, for honor to the towne, and loving to our patroun ; and quha that 
 failyeis, and riddis not, he being warnit tharto be ane bailye that sail be 
 lymyt tharto, to be punyst eftir the forme of the act and statut maid 
 tharapone in the monetht of November, anno quingentesimo vndecimo, 
 without ony fauor. 
 
 24*A July, 1517. 
 The said day, the wyf of Patry Walcar grantit scho had ane young
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 445 
 
 swyne in hawfaris betuix hir and Ellene Crippill, quharfore the said Elene 24th July, 
 protestit for the profittis of the half of the said swyne. 
 
 5th February, 1523. 
 
 The said day, Johne Pill, tailzeour, wes conuikit be his awin toung 
 grant maid in jugement for the dissobeing of David Anderson, bailze, be- 
 eaus he refusit to pas in the Candilmess processioun with his taikin and 
 sing of his craft in the place lemit to his craft, and in likwiss for the mis. 
 personing of the said Dauid Andersoun, the merchandis of the said guid 
 toun, in calling of thame Coffeis, and bidding of thame to tak the salt pork 
 and herboiss in thair handis ; for the quhilk the prowest and hail [councel] 
 chargit the said Johne, he beand oblisit in jugement be his hand wphaldin 
 thair deliuerance, to cum on Sonday that next cumis, in the tyme of hiemes, 
 barfut, and bairheid, with an candel of ane pund of wax, and offer the samyn 
 to thair patroun Sanct Nicholace, and sit doun humelie on his kneis, be- 
 seikand the prowest and guyd toun to ramyt him his forsaid fait, and in- 
 obedience doyne to the bailze, and to bring on his breist the usit taikin of 
 his craft, that is to say, ane pair of patent sheris ; and gif euer the said 
 Johne committis ony siclik falts in tym cuming, to pay to Sanct Nicholace 
 wark x merkis but remissioun. 
 
 The sayd day, tha provest, with the aviss of the haill counsell present for 
 the tym, fund and dely verit, that the craftismen of the said burgh had failyet 
 in the observing and keiping of the lovabill auld statut, maid be thair pre- 
 decessoris, with the consent of the haill craftismen, in the honoring and de- 
 coiring of the procession on Candilmess day, becauss thai wer absent for 
 the maist part, and that thai that wer present, buyr nocht the taikins of thar 
 craft, eftir the forme of the said statut : And ordanit the bailyes to wptak 
 thair vnlawis of the absent, and thai that failyeit in the bering of thair 
 taikins, to amend in tym cuming, vnder al payne contenit in the auld statut, 
 to be wptakin but ramissioun. 
 
 I3t/i April, 1523. 
 
 The said day, the hail toun, all in ane voce, maid, constitut, and ordanit 
 honorabill men, Thomas Menzes of Petfodcllis, and Patrick Lesly, bur- 
 messes of Aberden, Lordis of Bonacord for this instant ycir ; and ordanit al 
 manr of yong able men within the toun duelland, to rise and obey to thame, 
 
 3 M
 
 446 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 13th April, quhen thai are requirit, eftir the auld rit and wss of the said burgh ; givand 
 thame power to correct and puniss thair dissobearis at thar awin hands : 
 And chesit thaim in likwise to be Mastris of Artuilyery for this instant yeir. 
 
 1st March, 1530. 
 
 The said day, William Lyoun, baize to my lord of Abirdene, asket 
 lycens at William Holland, ane of the bailzeis of this burcht, to hang ane 
 theif, quhilk was convickit in my lord of Aberdens court, quhilk lycens 
 the said William Holland grantit, protestand that it suld nocht hurt the 
 townis preualegis in na sort. 
 
 1530. 
 
 [The statutes on this and the three following pages are copied from a 
 MS. in the possession of a Member of the Club, which would ap- 
 pear to have been the scroll of the Town Clerk. On the margin 
 are the words " Wreit nane of this," being a direction probably 
 that they should not be copied into the Council Register, but should 
 be entered in their " Buk of Statutes to be ingrossit in perchment," 
 referred to in the Preface, where they are also to be found. In this 
 Manuscript, and also in the above volume, there is a statute dated 
 13th June, 1533, relative to the processions on Corpus Christi day, 
 which is frequently referred to in the Council Register, but is not to 
 be found there.] 
 
 And, attour, it is statut and ordanit that thair be feit four personis : that 
 is to say, tua to the stipill of the tolbuitht, and tua to Santt Nicholace 
 stepill, and thar to remayne eurilk day, sa lang as day licht lastis ; and 
 thair to spy quhat maner of [persons] on fut or on hors, to quhat nomer, 
 or quhat get thai cum to the toun. And the watch that beis in Santt 
 Nicholass stepill to haue ane waip or tua within the samyn ; and quhen 
 he seis ony man cummand to the toun ridand, gif thair be hot ane, gif bot 
 a knell with the bell, and gif thair beis tua, tua knellis ; and gif thair beis 
 mair, ay as he can nomer them, sa mony men as he jugis, to gif sa mony 
 knellis. And gif thai be sa mony that he cannot guydlie tell thaim, than 
 to knell ay continuall ; and quhowsone the watch in the tolbuitht heiris him 
 knelland continuall and fast, than he sail jow the comond bell, ay and 
 quhill the toune be in thair geir and harness. And the watch that beis in 
 Sanct Nicholace stepill, to pyt on the waiffs that he hes, to the part of the
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 447 
 
 toun he seis thame cumand to, sua that it may be knawn quhat port and 1530. 
 art of the toun thai cum to. 
 
 And that eury zoung and abill man that hes or may get ony culwerings, 
 cors bowis, or hand bowis, that thai incontinent mak thame reddy, and ws 
 schutting with the samyn, prowyding all wais to schaif thame self fra skaitht 
 of thair innymeis. And that euery man of guyd, and wthers that may per- 
 furneis, gar mak thame spers incontinent that wants. 
 
 And attour thai haue ordanit the prowest to tak with him tua or thre of 
 the best and wisest men and guyd of the counsell quhom that he thinks 
 maist expedient, and mak writings to the lords and men of guyd in the 
 cuntra about, quhilk was not at the said slauchter committing, and knaw 
 thair myndis to the guyd toune, and quhat kynd thai will haue thame in 
 tym cumming to the samyn ; and gif thai ma be sikar, that thai wulbe thair 
 guyd freids in tym to cum as thai haue euir beyne of befor, and quham 
 in thai ma lippin. And quhat euir the said prowest and his counsell dois 
 thairintill thai obleis thame to stand and abyd at the samin. 
 
 It is statut and ordanit be the saids prowest, baillies, counsell, and 
 communite forsaid, that thair be na maner of personis within this toun 
 duelland, of quhat degre that euir thai be, that tak apone hand to ludg or 
 ressit, athir be da or nycht, quietlie or oppinlie, ony maner of persoun, of 
 quhat degre that euir thai be, without thai haue lischens of the prouest 
 thairto ; and gif it sal happin that ony maner of persone be suspekit quietlie 
 be thair nychtbours or ony vthers in ressawing of ony personis quietlie, and 
 reueleit to the prowist or to the baillies be thair nychtbours, that incon- 
 tinent the saids personis suspekit have thair durrs and zetts reddy oppin to 
 the bailzeis and thair officiars to so and rip thair innys, that the said suspi- 
 cioun be not of verite ; and gif thair beis ony nychtbour that dissobeis thair 
 baillies or officiars in the excirsitioun herof, and siclik luigs ony maner of 
 personis without thai have lischence of the prowest, other frind or fa, few or 
 mony, ather be da or nycht, without thai cum first to the prowest and 
 schaw him quhat personis thai ar, thair names and quhat nomer, and quhow 
 lang thai ramayne, and have his lischence thairto, that the said persons that 
 failzeis in the premissis tyne thar fredome, togidder with all proftcit thai 
 haue or ma haue of this guyd toun, athir tak or rome in tym cumming ; and
 
 448 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 gif it heis ony [ ] as puyr bodeis that failzeis in ony part forsaid, incon- 
 tinent to be bannist the toun, and neuer to be resseit in the samyn agane. 
 And all suspect places to be closit wp and [ ] nalit, baith zettis and 
 durrs. To the obseruing and keping of all the points forsaid, all the haill 
 toun being present for the tym, fre, on fre, hes maid the aitht of fidelite, 
 be thair hand wphaldin in jugement, the haly croce tuichit, eury man be 
 him self to obserue and keip all and sindrie the ponts and artikilles forsaid, 
 baitht of this statut and of all the laif afor wrytin, without fraud or gile, and 
 hereto bund and obleist thaim be the fathis in thair bodies ; and quhasa 
 happynis to failze in ony poynt forsaid, to underly the panis contenit in the 
 said statut, but favour or request euer to be hard in the contrar. 
 
 And, attour, the said toun, euerilk man be himself, fre and onfre, hes 
 maid faytht, the gret aith suorne in iugement, neuer to rewele to na maner 
 of personis the secreits and counsel of this guyd toun, sa far as thai heir 
 and is schawin to thaim, and in speciale, the artiklis and ponts ] 
 
 presentlie, quhilks is hot for thair iust defence, to ewaid and vrnchow tru- 
 bill of thair innymeis, sua that thai may lef, as the kingis trew burges 
 and seruandis, at peis and rist, but inquisitioun and trubill of thair ewill 
 awisit nychtbours. 
 
 And siclik, ilk ane of the said toun hes obleist thame be the tenor of 
 thair aitht, to be leill and trew to the prouest and guydtoun ; and quhat- 
 euer thai heir, se, or can get witting of, quhilkis may be ony skaitht to the 
 toun, prouest, bailzeis, counsell, or till ony nychtbour of the samyn, that 
 thai cum in continent, and rewele the samyn quietlie to the prouest, and 
 warne thair nychtbours of thair skaitht, lyiks as all trew kirsinmen suld 
 do vnhealiet, till vthirs, and speciale nychtbours and brithirs, within ane 
 gude toune duelland. 
 
 1st August* 1530. 
 
 The first day of August, the yeir of God ane thousand fiwe hundreth 
 and xxx yeirs, the haile tovn convenit within the tolbuth of the samyn beand 
 warnit be the hand bell and officiars, on the quhilk the belman and officiars 
 maid faith in jugement, thay beand circualie inquirit be Maister Dauid 
 Nicholsoun, scrybe of the court, be command of the provest and baillies, 
 seand and considerand the cruell slauchters, murthers, and oppressionis,
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 449 
 
 done to thame and to thair nichtbours be gentlemen of the cuntre, statut 1st August, 
 and ordanit, all in ane voce, that euerilk nichtbour, within this tovn 1530< 
 duelland, suld haue abilzement, according to his faculte, reddy for suirite 
 of his persoun and defence of this gude tovn, that eury abill man suld weyr 
 daily his wapyn on his persoun, vnto the tyme that remeid be fundin how this 
 gude toun may [ ] acquyit of sic cruel oppressionis ; and that eury crafts 
 man haue his wapyn, that is to say, dens aix or halbart, besyd him in his 
 workin hous, and quhen he passis to the gait to turs the samin in his hand, 
 or ellis sum fensable wapyn on his persoun, sua that thay be abill at all 
 tymes to debait thame self, thair nichtbours, and this gude tovn : and quhay 
 sa breks this statut, for the first fait sail pay viii s. to the tovnis vnlaw 
 vnforgewin, the secund fait to pay the said vnlaw, and to be reputit part 
 takkar with the townis enymeis, the third fait to be banest the toun vnfor- 
 gewin. 
 
 Xiii die mens. Junij anno Dom. millesimo quingess mo xxxiii, the said day, 
 it is statut and ordanit, be the provest, bailzeis, consale, and community 
 present for the tyme, representand the haill body of the tovin, conforme to 
 the auld louable consuetud and ryit of this burgh, and of the noble burgh 
 of Edinburgh, of the quhilk ryit and consuetud the said provest hes gottin 
 the copy in writ ; that is to say, in the honour of God and the blissit Vir- 
 gine Mary, the craftismen of this burgh sail, in thair best arraye, keip and 
 decoir the processionis on XXi [Corpus Christi] day and Candelmes day 
 als honorabillie as tha cane, euery craft with thair avin banar, with the 
 armes of thair craft thairin, with thair pegane ; and tha sail pas, ilk craft 
 be thame self, tua and tua, in this ordour : that is to say, in the first, the 
 fleschars, and nixt thame the harbours, nixt thame the skynnars and 
 furriours togydder, nixt thame the cordonars, nixt thame the tailzours, nixt 
 thame the wobstris, valcars, and litstars togidder, nixt thame the baxtris, 
 nixt thame the wrichtis, masonis, sclaters, and coupers togidder, and last, 
 and nixt the sacrament, passis all the smithis and hammyrmen. And 
 euery craft in the said processionis sail furneiss thair pegane and banar 
 honestlie as effers, conforme to the auld statut maid in the yeir of God 
 jaj v c and tene yers, quhilk statut was maid be the haill counsale, and 
 approwit be the craftsmen of the tovne for the tyme, for thame and 
 thair successours, and oblegit to keip the same, vndir the pane of xl s., to 
 Sanct Nicholas wark, and the bailzeis vnlaw, unforgevin, to be takin oup
 
 450 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1st August, of thame that beis without ane ressonabill causs fra the processioun, or that 
 maks truble or perturbatioun thairin, to the quhilkis tha war oblist, be thar 
 handis vphaldin in iugment ; and the provest, bailzeis, and counsale, pre- 
 sent for the tyme, now as afor, ratifies and*afnrmis this present statut, 
 and the panis afor written ; for the first fait, and for the secund fait, the 
 comraittar thairof to be bannest the tovn for zeir and day ; and this present 
 to be inuiolabellie in all tymes to cum. 
 
 May, 1531. 
 
 The said day, it was statut and ordanit, be the prouest, bailyeis, and 
 counsale, present for the tyme, conforme to the auld lovabill consuetudis 
 and rytt of this burgh, and of the nobill burgh of Edinburgh, of the quhilkis 
 rite and consuetude the forsaid prouest hes gotin copy in write : that is 
 to say, that, in the honour of God and the blessit Virgin Marye, the 
 craftismen of this burgh, in thair best array, keipe and decoir the pro- 
 cessioun on Corpus Cristi dais, and Candilmes day, als honorabillye as 
 thai can, euery craft with thair awin baner, with the armes of thair craft 
 thairin, and thai sal pas ilk craft be thame self, tua and tua, in this ordour : 
 that is to say, in the first the flescharis, and nixt thame the barbouris ; 
 nixt thame, skynnaris and furrowris togidder ; nixt thame, the cordonaris ; 
 nixt tharae, the tailzouris ; efter thame, the vobstaris, valcaris, and litsters 
 togidder ; nixt thame, the baxstaris ; and last of all, nearest the Sacrament, 
 passis all hemmermen ; that is to say, smythis, wrichtis, masonis, cuparis, 
 sclateris, goldsmythis, and armouraris ; and euery ane of the said craftis, 
 in the Candilmes processioun, sail furneiss thair pageane, conforme to the 
 auld statut, maid in the yeir of God jai v c and x yeris, quhilk statut was 
 maid with the avise of the haile consale, and approvit be the craftismen 
 of the toune for the tyme, for thame and thair successeris, and oblist thame 
 to the keping of the samyn, vuder the pane of xl s., and the balzeis vnlaw 
 unforgevin, to be vptakin of thame that beis absent, bot ane resonabill 
 causs, fra the said processioun, or that makkis trubill or perturbatioun 
 thairin, to the quhilkis thai ar oblist, be thair handis vphaldin in iuge- 
 ment ; and the prouest, bailzeis, and counsale, present for the tyme, ra- 
 tifeis and approvis this present statut, and the panis contenit thairin, to be 
 kepit inviolablye in all maner, in tyme cuming.
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 451 
 
 The craftis ar chargit to furneiss thair panzeanis vnder writtin : 22d May, 
 
 The flescharis, Sanct Bestian and his Tormentouris 1531 - 
 
 The barbouris, Sanct Lowrance and his Tormentouris 
 The skynnaris, Sanct Stewin and his Tormentouris 
 The cordinaris, Sanct Martyne 
 The tailzeouris, the Coronatioun of Our Lady 
 Litstaris, Sanct Nicholes 
 
 Wobstaris, walcaris, and bonet makaris, Sanct John 
 Baxtaris, Sanct Georg. 
 
 Wrichtis, messonis, sclateris, and cuparis, The Resurrectioun 
 The smithis and hemmirmen to furneiss The Bearmen of the Croce. 
 
 24th November, 1533. 
 
 The said day, the court vardit and schew for law, and is gevin for dovm 
 be the mouth of Nicholl Bagis, dempster of the court for the tyme, that 
 Robert Vaus, air to umquhile James Vaus, his fayther broyther, and John 
 Pill, his curatour for his interess, hes provin sufficientlie that the said 
 umquhile James Vaus had thir gudis underwritin in his possessioun at his 
 last deperting furth of Scotland : that is to say, ane gray horss, ane sadill, 
 ane bridill, ane pair of butis with spurris, ane gluif of plait, ane svord, ane 
 jak of plait, ane dens aix, ane knapiscaw, ane dagar, ane bonnet, ane het, 
 ane brovnn govn lynit with blak lamyskynnis, ane dobblet of blak worset 
 with forslevis of blak weluet, ane sark, ane pair reid hois, ane jakat cot of 
 blak sarge, ane gelcot of Ingliss reid begareit with blak ueluet, ane grit 
 dubble compter, ane forme, ane dornik burd claith, ane bassing, ane lawar, 
 ane siluer spone, ane masar of siluer, ane almry, ane quart, ane poynt, ane 
 chopin of tyne, ane chargour, ane plait, ane disch on salsar of tyne, ane 
 brew caddrovn, ane grit pane, ane smale pane, ane grit pot, ane small pot, 
 ane cruik, ane spit [ ] ane chandelar, ane ladill, ane havil cruik, ane 
 tangis, ane brew fatt, ane geill fat, ane flesche fat, ane fische fat, ane stand, 
 ane bukat, ane wavrscaw, ane skayne for the buitht, ane pair of woll weyiss, 
 ane pair of ballendis of brass, ane fedder bed with bostar, ane pair of 
 shetis, ane pair of blanketis, ane [ ] of ymage wark, ane cod, ane 
 
 mantill, ane wheill, ane par of woll camis, ane pair of cardis, ane kameiry 
 stok, ane girdill, ane baik bread, and an pair of pepris queires ; and at the 
 gudis afore writin perteins to the said Robert in airschip.
 
 452 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 1st December, 1st December, 1534. 
 
 The said day, the counsale present for the tym, ordanet Johnn Tulidef 
 to pas and play thro the townn, as the auld use hes bene of the towns men- 
 strallis, quhill the law day eftir Yowill ; and he to haue the auld vage thar- 
 for, quhil the towin convein, the said day to fee him, gif they think expe- 
 dient for the tym. 
 
 22? January, 1535. 
 
 The said day, the prouest and counsale, in name of the haill tovn, tharof 
 thar exprest comand and chais gevin and grantit to thame, convenit, 
 and elect Johne Tulidef and Willie Murray, to the tovnis comand 
 menstrallis, during the tovnis will ; Quhilk personis sail serve the guid tovn, 
 as use hes bene in tymes bigane ; and sail pas, every day, thro all the rewis 
 and stretis of the guid tovn, at five hours in the morining and betuix aucht 
 and nyn at evin ; quhilk thai suore to do lelie and trulie : ffor the quhilk, tha 
 [sal] haue ther dalie meit of the nychtbors of the guid tovin, and, ilk day, 
 of euery burgess of gild, thay eit with, xvj d., and of euery craftisman 
 xij d. ; and sal pas thro all thi toviu, and slip na man ; and quha refuss to 
 gif thame meit and drink, sail gif them dobble vaigis ; and quhen tha gat 
 doble vagis, tha sal lef that day on the vaige, and pas to na man for meit 
 and vaig that day. 
 
 April, 1535. 
 
 The said day, it is thocht expedient, and ordanit be the consale, that all 
 the yoving able men within this guid [tovin], haue thair grene cottis ; and 
 agit men, honest cottis, efferand to thame ; and obey and decor the Lordis 
 of Bonaccord, conform to the auld lovable vse of this guid tovn, under the 
 painis of braking of commands and statutis of the guid tovin, that beis con- 
 vickit tharof, and to be punest conform tharto. 
 
 2lst June, 1538. 
 
 The sayd day, Walter Hay, goldsmyth, dekyne of hemermen, comperit 
 in judgment, and complenit to the balyes, allegiand wrang don to thaim be 
 the ameraris, in usurping of thair place in the processioun of Corpus Xri, 
 this day, and ganging behind thame, aganis the comond ordinance and 
 statuts of this nobill burght, and all the borrowis within this realm ; re-
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 453 
 
 quyrand thaim for remeyd of law ; protesting, gyf thai refusit, that it be 2ist June, 
 lesutn to call the said armerars befor gugis sperituall or temporal, and for 
 remeid of law. 
 
 29t/i May, 1541. 
 
 The ante penult day of Mali, the yher forsaid, it was fundyn and deter- 
 mynit be the lynaris anence the debatis betuex Johne Henrisone Culane on 
 that a partie, and Johne Nachty, twcheing thair landis Hand in the Gas- 
 traw, on that othir partie. In the first, quhar Johne Nachty compleignes 
 that Johne Henrysone has wrangit him makand a causay and guttar til his 
 bakwall of his house, the quhilke suld stand, as he saiis, forthir furthe than 
 it dois, thai fynd that the forsaid John Henrysone wrangis nocht as yeit, bot 
 eftirwart, quhen he ripis his grond forther, giue he kan get ony forthir 
 document of grond, he sal haue than be lynaris that resone will. Alsua, 
 to the corbale of the vther side of Johne Henrysounes forhous, thai find 
 that it is sett to ferr in apon John Nachty. Item, thai fynd that the gavill 
 of Johne Henrysones thenortir houss standis all hale upon John Nachtiis 
 grond, and the wall that is on southe halfe Johne Henrysones nethir yheit 
 standis apon John Nachtiis grond. 
 
 27 th October, 1541. 
 
 The said day, John Herkill, Malcolm Herkill, Jno. Germond, Patre 
 Cults, John Donald, James Dowe, James Prestonne, Alexr. Robertsonn, 
 Gawane Wishert, Wm. Ingrm, Hare Robtson, Sande Mechelsonn, and 
 David Reidheid, cordonars, thai and ilk ane of thame war conuikit be the 
 sworne assiss aboun wrytine for the braking of commond ordinans and 
 statutis of this gud toun of the warkmaschip, in selling of insufficiet schoine 
 and mekill darrar than the statutis maid obefoir proportes, aganes the com- 
 mond weill, quharfor thai war and ilk ane of thame in amerciament of court 
 to ferbeir in tyme cuming, and amend as law, and that was gewin for dome. 
 And becaus it was considerit be the prowest, bailies, and counsel, that the 
 ledder is darrar nor it bed wont to be, thai haf dispensit with the said 
 craftismen, and hes lycent thaim to sell thair schoine, quhill thai be forther 
 awysit, of the prycis efter following: that is to say, the best dowbill solit 
 schoine thai can mak for men for xxviii d. at the hiast, uthirs for xxvi d. 
 or twa schillingis, efter the qualite and quantitie of the person that byie, 
 and the best singill solit schoine thai can mak for xx d., and uthirs for xviii 
 
 3 N
 
 454 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 27th October, d. and xvi d. ; the best doubill scholit for women thai can mak for xx d., 
 xviii d., or xvi d., efter their qualite and quantite that byis, and thair singill 
 scholit schon for xiiii d., xii. d., and uthirs for x d. ; item, barnis schone within 
 xii yeir aid for x d., uthirs for viii d. or v d., efter the eild and qualitie of 
 the barne. And this act to remane induring the touns will : and quhat 
 craftisman that braks the samyn, the rest of his wrought ledder to be escheitt, 
 and furthyr to be punyst as law will. 
 
 1 1th April, 1545. 
 
 The said day, the prouest, bailyeis, and counsale, present for the tyme, 
 admittit Johne Tulidef, menstrale, to his place he had afor ; and ordanit 
 him to be adjunct to the tother tua, that are now instantlie in office, and 
 ordanit thame to play thre partis, and to haue ther meit, all thre, about in 
 the tovn, as tha had afor, and to haue thar auld wagis, and na man be com- 
 pellit to eik thar wagis, hot at thar avin plesor, as tha think expedient. 
 
 22</ February, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the above assise, all in ane voice, by John Leslie of Bal- 
 quhain, their chancellor, convicted the said William, for the wrongous brak- 
 ing of the acts and statutes, in buying of wine contrary therto, and selling 
 said wine before the price was set therupon by the baillies and council, and 
 for the disobeying and breaking of the baillies command given to him there- 
 anent, wherefor he is in an amerciament of the court to forbear in time to 
 come, and mend as law will, and that is given for doom, be the mouth of 
 James Pentland, dempster of court for the time ; and further, it is found 
 and deliuered by the said assise, all in ane voce, the said John Lesly chan- 
 cellor, that the haill four pots of wine bought be the said William for the 
 time, and received by him and his customers, be sold, but not draw more 
 than viii d. the pint, considering the profits therof, and other reasonable 
 causes moving them for the time. 
 
 The baillies and council modified the unlaws to iiii lib. v s. iiii d. Scots 
 money, viz., the surplus of his pot of wine which he took more for 
 the same than 8d. the pint, and ordained the officer to pass and poind 
 the said William's radiest goods for the same, and mak penny tharof, and 
 payment of the said 4 5s. 8d. to the dean of guild in the town's name, within 
 eight days ; and also declared and ordained the said William to desist in 
 time to come from all buying of wine and topping of wine by himself, his
 
 OF^THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 455 
 
 wife, and serwants, and all others in his name, while he obtains licence of 22d February, 
 new of the baillies and council, under the pain of escheating of the wine. 1546 - 
 
 25th June, 1546. 
 
 The said day, the haill litstaris of this burgh chesit Alexander Fresser, 
 litstar, thair dekyne of the said craft for this instant yeir ; quhilk accepit 
 the said office on him, and is sworne the grit ayth to exerce the same lelie 
 and treuelie, dureing the said yeir ; and the bailyeis interponit thair aucto- 
 rite tharto, and ordanit thame to haue thar banar and Pagane, as uther 
 craftis of the said burgh hes, ilk yeir, on Corpus Xhri day, and Candilmess 
 dayis processiounis, under the paines contenit in the statut maid tharupon. 
 
 22t/ May, 1548. 
 
 The said day, Robert Howieson, walcar, is convikit be the suorn assise 
 aboun writen, for the spilling of the townis knok of the tolbuith, and als 
 for the stroublance of the guid toun, in making of insurrekccionis with 
 certane craftismen agains the burgesses of the said town, and the feit men 
 of weir. And als [ ] Hervy is convikit be the same forme assise 
 
 for the saying of injurious language on the men of guid of the toun, and 
 of the feit men of weir, and capitane thairof; ilk ane of thame is in amer- 
 ciament of the court to forber in tyme to cum, and mend as law will, and 
 that is gevin for doum. And the said Howeson is ordinit to reforme and 
 mend the said knok be the sycht of craftismen, so far as he has skaythit 
 hir in ony sort ; and for the offens done be him and Harvy to the toun, 
 the assise ordinis thame baith to cum one Sonday cum viii dais, and gang 
 sark alane, bar fuit and bair leg, afor the procession, with ane candill of 
 wax of ane lib. weycht in thair handis, ilk ane of thame ; and thairefter to 
 ask the provost and bailzies forgifFens one thair kneis, in the towns name ; 
 and gif ere ony of thame committis ony siclik in tymes cumyng, to be 
 hornet on the cheik, and bannest the town, during the towns will. And 
 ethir of thame ordinit to find caution herfor er tha depart of the tolbuith. 
 
 3d August, 1548. 
 
 My lord provost and baillies of this guid town of Aberden, onto your ma- 
 jestie, humelie meins and complains, that my servand, Robert Atken, indwel- 
 lar and nychtbour of this guid toun, that quheras in the month of September, 
 the yeir of God 1547 that wes, I was, in the quenis grace, presente at
 
 456 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 3d August, the raid of Pinkincleucht, with wtheris diuerss of this guid toun ; and afor 
 the tyme of the passing to the field thairof, I gaif in keeping to my boye 
 and servand for the tyme, callit Alexander Vassy, ane gray horss pertenin 
 to me, worth xii merks Scottis mone, with sadill, bridall, hors herness and 
 harnessing, quhilk was worth ane angell nobill, till have bein keipit to me 
 quhill my metin with the said boy againe ; and efter the [ ] of 
 
 the field forsaid, John Tullideff wrangously, and aganis the law, tuik and 
 intromettit with my said hors and harnesing aboun writen, and withaldis 
 the same fra me to this hour, to my grit damage and skaith : Beseikand, 
 hcrefore, your majestic to compel the said John Tullideff to restoir and de- 
 liver again to me my gray horss, with his bridill, horss hernss, sadill and 
 bridill aboun, als guid as thai war the time he intromettit therwith, or 
 ellis to pay therfor for the soums aboun written, less or mair, samekill as 
 the said John will grant of I may sufficiently preif, togidder with my ex- 
 pensis made and to be made in the purssuit hereof, and xiid. for my horss 
 laur that I want eilk day sensin, conform to justice, aquite, and guid cus- 
 tom, and this my peticioun to have the strenth of ane brogh. 
 
 9th November, 1548. 
 
 The said day, it is founden and deliveret be the suorne assise aboun 
 writen, Maister Robert Lumsden, the chancelor, that Johne Tullideff sail 
 deliver and pay to Robert Atkin fourty s. Scotes money, for the gray horss 
 intrometit with the day of the field of Pykincleucht, and vi s., money for- 
 said, for the said horss harnesing, betwix this and Yowill next cumis, and 
 discharges the remanent price of the said horss and harnessing for evir ; 
 and gif the said horss hapens to be apprehended efteruart, the said Johne 
 to haue him and right thairof. 
 
 4th. June, 1553. 
 
 The said day, the deykn and haill craft of the smyths wer convickit, be 
 ane suorne assis, for the disobeying of the baillies in refusing contempur- 
 indlie to gang in ordour in the processioun of Corpus- Xris day last bipast, 
 befor the sacrament, as thai yeid in ordor, the yeir immediatlie bypast ; 
 and the baillies war maid quit, be the said asses, of all strublens of the said 
 craft : and it wes gevin for dome. 
 
 The said day, Alexander Kempt, dekyn of the baxtar craft, protestit in
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 457 
 
 name of the said haill craft, that quhat the baillies did on Corpus Xris day 4th June, 
 that last was, or yit hes done sensyne, anent the rewling and ordiring of 1653 - 
 the passage of craftismen in the processioun the said day, be nocht pre- 
 judicial to thair prevelege observit obefoir, hot thai ma haf the samyn or- 
 dour keipit that uther principall burrowis of this realme observis, conforme 
 to the aid statuts and actis maid therupoun ; upoune the quhilk he desyrit 
 act of court and instrument : and Jerome Blak, dekyne of the couparis, 
 James Hunt, in name of the haill smythis, protestit in lyk maner as is 
 aboun vrittin. 
 
 May, 1554. 
 
 The said day, Andro Bisset, dekin of the wrychtis, William Jamesoune, 
 dekyne of the masonis, and Jerome Blak, dekin of the cowperis, comperit 
 in jugement, and exponit to the bailies, quhow that Johnne Jen our, thair 
 officiar, at thair comand, had chargit thame, and thair haill craftis, to pass 
 in order upoun Corpus Xri day now approcheand, in the processioun, by 
 the aid maner and ordor ; that is to say, to pass be thame selffis, and with 
 the sklateris, all togidder, havand ane honest barrer and Pagane of thair 
 awin, immediatlie befor the smythis and vtheris hamyrmen ; quhair thai had 
 wont to gang, with the said smythis, as thai allegit, all togidder, under ane 
 baner and Pegane; and producit ane statitut maid theruppone, of the dait 
 the xxii day of May, the yeir of God m. v c xxxi yeir : And Williame 
 Robertsone, dekin of the smythis, comperit in judgement, and allegit thai 
 war in vse of gangging be thame selffis in the said processione, vnder thair 
 awin baner, hindmaist and nixt the Sacrament, and the saids wrychtis, 
 masouns, cowperis, and sklaiteris to proceid togidder befoir thame, under 
 ane baner and pegane, separat fra the saids smythtis, and producit ane 
 statitut maid threupon, of the dayt the xiij day Junii, the yeir of God m. v c 
 xxxiij yeris : And the baillies decernit and ordaint the last statitut to be 
 observyt and keipit, under the panes contenit in the same, becaus thai all 
 wer present, and consentit therto, and oblist thame to obserf the same, as 
 the said statitut proportis at lyntht : And the saidis wrychtis, masonis, 
 cowperis, and sklayteris protestit that quhat the baillies dois or decernis 
 this day, anent the ordor forsaid, mak na dirogacioune to the forsaid statitut 
 first maid, producit be thame in judgement, bot that thai may haf thair aid 
 prevelege observit, and for remeid of law, quhen tyme and place rcquiris ; 
 and Alexander Kempt, dekyne of the baxieris, allegit inlykwyiss, that thai
 
 458 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 2ist May, ar put by thair rowme and ordour vsit obefor, and protestit sicklyk, that 
 quhat be done this yeir be the baillies, anent the said ordor, hurt thame 
 nocht in tym cumyn. 
 
 ISth January, 1556. 
 
 My lord provost, &c., humbly means and complains, we, William Fraser, 
 son and heir to vmquhile Alexander Fraser, burgess of Aberdeen, who 
 died in the field of Pinchincleucht, and Euphan Lowson, the relict of the 
 said Alexander, upon Alexander Tough, dwelling in Craigern, being under 
 your jurisdiction in an town of justice, that where in the month of Sep- 
 tember, or thereby, in the year of God 1547, the said Alexander intromitted 
 with the goods and gear under written, pertaining to me, the said William, 
 as heirship, by decease of my father : that is to say, a black cloak, begirt 
 with velvet, the price therof 16 ; item, a culverine, the price thereof 5 ; 
 item, two English bows and a sheaff full of arrows, the price thereof 4 ; 
 item, three sarks of Holland cloth, price thereof 3 ; item, a doublet of 
 ], price thereof [ ] ; item a black fustean doublet, price thereof 
 [ ] ; item, two pair of hose of French black, price thereof 5 ; item, a gray 
 horse with harnessing, the price thereof 20 merks ; and siclike intromitted 
 with twenty ells of linen, the price of the ell 3 ss. ; and 20 furth of the 
 said Alexander's purse, pertaining to him, and now pertaining to me, the 
 said Euphane, as executrix to my said umquhil spouse ; which goods and 
 gear above written were in the said umquhil Alexander's possession imme- 
 diately before his decease in the said field of Pinchinclucht, and then intro- 
 mitted with by the said Alexander Tough, wherefore the court wards 
 and shaws for law, and it was given for doom, that Alexander Tough, in 
 month of September, or thereby, in the year 1547, intromitted with an 
 black cloak, begirt with velvit, worth 8 merks ; a culverine, worth 4 merks ; 
 and 15 ells of linnen cloth, worth 30 sh., pertaining to vmquhile Alexander 
 Fraser, and now pertaining to his wife and bairns thro his decease, where- 
 fore the baillies ordain the said Alexander, and Mr. Robert Lumsden, his 
 surety, to restore the said gear or the value thereof forsaid to William 
 Fraser, son and heir, and Euphan Lowson, the relict of the said Alexander, 
 within term of law. 
 
 29th May, 1556. 
 The said day, the counsell ordanit that the aid statut be observit and
 
 OF THE BURGH OF ABERDEEN. 459 
 
 keipit, anent the order of the processioune of the craftsmen one Corpus 29th May, 
 Xris day nixt cumis, under the panis conteinit in the said statut. 
 
 llth August, 1562. 
 
 The said day, comperit in jugement ane rycht honorabill man, James 
 Oeychtoun of Frendraucht, and allegit him grytlie skaythit and defraudit 
 in his minorite and nonage in diuerss contrakis, obligationis, and vtheris 
 effearis in diuerss contrackis, obligationis, done be him, without, he allegis, 
 ane consent of his curatouris, to his gryt hurt, and specialie anent the tak- 
 ing in assedacioun of Maister Johne Lesly, persone of Ovne, the fruits of 
 the vicarage of Forge, for yeirlie payment of thre scoir fourtene merkis ; for 
 the quhilkis he hes obleist himself to the said Maister Johne, and thairfor 
 reuokit the same in speciall, and all other thingis in generall, done be him to 
 his hurt in his minoritie ; vpoun the quhilk he tuk act of court and instru- 
 ment. 
 
 Utk May, 1565. 
 
 The said day, Johnne Kelo, belman, maid faytht in jugement that he, 
 at command of the prowest and baillies, past, on Setterday wes viij dais, 
 viz. the v day of Maii, and on Setterday last was, viz. the xij day of Mali, 
 throw all the rewis and gettis of this toune, be oppen voce, and maid in- 
 hibitioune to all burges men, craftismen, and all utheris, inhabitants and 
 induellaris of the said toune, that nane of thame tak upone hand to mak 
 ony conventione, with taburne plaing, or pype, or fedill, or have anseinges, 
 to convene the quenis legis, in chusing of Robin Huid, Litill Johnne, 
 Abbot of Ressoune, Queyne of Maii, or sicklyk contraveyne the statutis 
 of parliament, or mak ony tumult, seism, or conventione. 
 
 The said day, James Masar, Lourens Masar, Methow Guild, Thomas 
 Huntayr, and Androw Wysman, wer convickit for the cumyng throw the 
 toune, upon Sunday last wes, eftir none, with ane menstrall playand befor 
 thaim, throch the Gallowgett, in contemptioune of the townis actis and pro- 
 clamaciouns maid obefoir, and breaking of the actis of parliament, and con- 
 travening of the same ; quherfor thai wer put in amerciament of court, and 
 wer ordanit to remane in the tollbuth, quhill thai find sourtie for fulfilling 
 and satisfeing of the emends to be modifyt be the consel.
 
 460 EXTRACTS FROM THE COUNCIL REGISTER 
 
 18th May, 18th May, 1565. 
 
 The sayd day, the consell present for the tyme, being convenit to decern 
 anent the emendis and punyshraent of James Masar, Loureus Masar, 
 sadlar, Mathow Guild, armerar, Andrew Wysman, cordinar, and Thomas 
 Huntar, cutlar, quhilk ar convickit for contempning and dissobeying of the 
 townis actis and ordinans obefoir, and contravening of the actis of parlia- 
 ment, the counsall, ryply adwysit, considering the said attemptat, and 
 ground quharof the same proceidit, to be to genir schism and discord with- 
 in the burgh, dischargit the saidis personis of thair fredome, and fra all 
 exercitioune of thair crafts, conforrae to the act of parliament ; and ordanis 
 publict proclainacioun to be maid heirupoun ; and the consell alsua statut 
 and ordanit, with consent of the haill toun present for the tyme, that na 
 craftisman be maid fre for sewin yeirs to cum, except fremenis sonis. 
 
 25th August, 1566. 
 
 The said day, the maist pairt of the counsell being present for the tyme, 
 grantit to thair seruitor, Johnne Cowper, ane yeirlie pensioune of sax 
 markis, vsuall money of Scotland, induring his lyftyme, for his seruice to be 
 done to the tovne in tym cumyng, in playing upone the swesche, als weill in 
 tyme of weir as in tyme of peace, and sport and play, as the tovne thinkis 
 expedient and hes ado ; he being aduerteissit and requirit thairto ; the first 
 terme of payment to begyne at the feist and terme of Witsonday last bypast, 
 in respect of his seruice done to the tovne bygane : and ordanis the thesau- 
 rar to obay him thairoff, yeirlie and terralie in tym cuming.
 
 INDEX.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Aberbrothoc, 55, 58, 204, 233, 408. 
 
 Aberdeen, 5, 11, 13, 16, 17, 20, et pas- 
 sim. 
 
 Aberdene, Gawyne, bischop of, 110, 111, 
 119, 126,127,139,140. 
 
 Aberdene, Old, 55, 118, 171, 184, 218, 
 238, 263, 306. 
 
 Aberdour, William, 43, 104. 
 
 Abirbothnot, Hugo, 374. 
 
 Abircromy, Johne, 288, 289. 
 
 Abirdour, 186. 
 
 Abirgeldy, lard of, 103,129, 130. 
 
 Achnahufe, 408. 
 
 Achneve, Walter, 41, 44. 
 
 Adamsone, Dauy, 429- 
 
 Adysone, Dauid, 63. 
 
 Ailsik, 46, 47. 
 
 Alanson, Sandy, 44. 
 
 Alanus, Johannes, 386. 
 
 Albany, Johne, Duke of, 444. 
 
 Albany, Robert, Duke of, 382. 
 
 Alexander, bischop of Aberden, 47- 
 
 Allardes, of that ilk, 430. 
 
 Allardes, Joannes, subprior, Carmelita- 
 rum de Abirdene, 284. 
 
 Allardes, Schyr James, provost of Lady- 
 kirk of the Heuch, 54. 
 
 Alloway, 208. 
 
 An cram, Richard, mason to Sanct Nico- 
 laco wark, 39, 41, 42. 
 
 Ancroft, William, in Grippis Wald, 334. 
 
 Anderson, Dane, doctour in the gram- 
 mar.skuhill, 266. 
 
 Anderson, Schir Androu, chaplan of ye 
 Hude altar, 31, 33,408. 
 
 Andersone, Dauid, 92, 98,99, 104, 105, 
 
 106,112,114,118, 119, 123,126,129, 
 
 135, 137, 144, 145, 148, 149, 153,154, 
 
 162, 169, 170, 171, 172, 174, 179,184, 
 
 192, 194, 199, 208, 209, 21 1, 212,218, 
 
 220, 225, 239, 241, 249, 252, 253,261, 
 
 271,357,364, 443,445. 
 Andersone, James, 285. 
 Andersone, Jonhne, 85, 92, 99, 105, 1 19, 
 
 124, 135, 137, 404. 
 Andersone, William, 64, 155, 162, 172, 
 
 429- 
 
 Andersonne, Marjory, 353, 354. 
 Andersoun, Maister Robert, 218, 303. 
 
 352, 353. 
 
 Andree, Helen, Egiptian, 167, 168. 
 Andree, Johannes, 374, 376, 388. 
 Andree, Willelmus, 374, 376, 410. 
 Androwis, Sanct, 55, 204, 233, 241, 243, 
 
 244, 245, 246, 399- 
 Angouss, Archibald, Earle of, chancellor 
 
 of Scotlande, 53, 55, 421. 
 Anguss, Lord of, 115. 
 Annan, Georg, pondler of the town's 
 
 kirkyard, 149. 
 Annand, Maister Thomas, 167, 168, 195. 
 
 200, 208, 215, 229. 
 Annand, Maister Thomas, chaiplane of 
 
 Sanct Johne the Ewangellist alter, 293. 
 Annanderdaill, 247- 
 Arbroath, Lord of, 49. 
 Ardeforke, 418. 
 Ardlar, 117, Hfl, 119, 126, 127, 128. 
 
 152, 153, 184, 194, 195, 197, 198, 199 
 
 294, 307.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Arly, 54. 
 
 Arnage, 229. 
 
 Arnache, Robertas de, 374 
 
 Arrott, Dauid, 155, 156, 157, 273. 
 
 Arthour, Johne, 92, 104, 105, 123, 162, 
 
 163. 
 
 Arthour, Robert, 243, 251. 
 Arthur, John, 156, 157- 
 Atkinsone, Jhone, 44. 
 Atkynsoun, Johannes, 388. 
 Auchery, in Crowdan, 339- 
 Auchinhamperis, 138. 
 Auchintoull, 102, 138. 
 Auchterless, Robert, 44. 
 Audene, Andrew, 44. 
 Auldcorne, Johne, frier, 251. 
 Austrie, Archeduk of, 67. 
 Avandale, Earl of, 395. 
 Ayncroft, Andro, 1 7, 44, 50, 56, 40 1 , 404. 
 
 Badenach, Patricius de, 6, 8, 17, 32, 33, 
 
 401, 404. 
 
 Badenagh, Master Johne, 420. 
 Bagis, Nicholl, dempster of court, 45 1 . 
 Baidenach, 22, 208, 214. 
 Bailsert, Jonett, 285, 286. 
 Baine, Johnne, 243. 
 Balfuir, Martene, 307. 
 Balgony, 138. 
 Balkairne, 409. 
 Balnacrag, Myll of, 193. 
 Balrony, Stephanus de, 391. 
 Bandone, Donald, 425. 
 Banennan, Alexander, 79, 374, 379- 
 Banerman, Edmunde, 406. 
 Banerman, Johne, 46. 
 Banerman, Johne, of Ailsik, 46, 47. 
 Banerman, William, 399, 400. 
 Bannerman, Shir Ingerame, chapellane 
 
 of Sanct Clementis Chapele, 75. 
 Banf, 50, 64, 161, 214, 233. 
 Banquhorie, 338, 349. 
 Baptista, Barbara Dya, Egiptian, 167, 1 68 
 Barbour, Thomas, 172. 
 Barbours Obits, 55- 
 Bard, Thomas, 421, 422. 
 Barness, 138, 327. 
 Barrow, Patrik of Spitalfield, 233. 
 
 Barry, James of, 39- 
 Bartoun, Johne, Procuratour, 100. 
 Bartoun, Robert, Comptroller of Scot- 
 land, 100. 
 Bawithan, 349. 
 Bawne, Henry, 413. 
 Baxter, Mody, 425. 
 Baxter, Patricius, 388. 
 Bayard, Simone, 375, 377. 
 Bell, Maister John, 231. 
 Belman, Philp, 75. 
 Belty, Williame, 59, 417, 
 Benyn, Adam, 372, 374, 376. 
 Benyn, Simon de, 374, 376, 377, 385,386. 
 Berclay, Alexander de Garntuly, 388. 
 Berne, Henry, 44. 
 Bervy, 5. 
 Berwick, 68, 238. 
 Beryhill, Johne, 440. 
 Birss, 136. 
 
 Birss, Duncane of, 406. 
 Bissat, Maister Johne, maister of the 
 
 Grammar Skuill, 122. 
 Blabre, Simon, 8. 
 Blair, Allan, 349, 350. 
 Blair, Thomas, dempster of court, 212, 
 
 215, 220, 224. 
 Blak, Jerome, 253, 457. 
 Blak, John, frier, 249, 251, 265. 
 Blak, John, singar, 239, 301, 313, 314, 
 
 325, 370. 
 Blak, Jhone, 44, 48, 49, 63, 64, 66, 69, 
 
 78, 83, 92, 99, 105, 1 14, 1 19, 123, 133, 
 
 149, 390, 425, 443. 
 Blak, William, in Newburght, 357. 
 Blakhall, Robert, 184. 
 Blar, Nichole of, Personne of Dunottir, 
 . 6. 
 Blindsele, Robert, 26, 27, 33, 38, 43, 48, 
 
 56, 57, 61, 6.3, 64, 66, 67, 69, 71, 73, 
 
 400, 409, 420, 423, 430. 
 Blinschel, Alexander, 32, 79, 349, 401, 
 
 405. 
 
 Blyndseil, John, 17, 404. 
 Blyndseil, Thomas, 17, 389. 
 Bodiger, Henrik, skipper of ane schipe 
 
 of Trailsound, 333, 334. 
 Bogferloche, 68, 148, 279.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 465 
 
 Bonaccord, 59, 117, 140, 141, 149, 150, 
 156, 157, 160, 164, 177, 180, 221, 258, 
 
 279, 280, 395, 432, 435, 440, 445, 452. 
 Boquhane, 112, 115, 116, 195, 247, 264, 
 
 307, 397, 454. 
 Borthwik, Maister David, procuratour, 
 
 346. 
 
 Borthwik, William, Lord, 54. 
 Borthwyk, Willelraus, 372, 374. 
 Bothwale, Erie of, 57- 
 Bothwall, James Erie, Gryt Admirall 
 
 of Scotland, 297. 
 Bothwall, Patrik Erie, 166, 248. 
 Bothwill, Johannes, 375, 376. 
 Bothwill, Maister Richard, channovn of 
 
 Glasgow, 139. 
 Boyis, Maister Hector, 121. 
 Boyl, Richard, clerk, Abirden, 35, 45. 
 Branch, Mathow, 51, 79, 84, 92, 104, 
 
 123, 125, 154, 157, 440. 
 Branche, Andro, 41, 48, 56, 409, 413, 
 
 416, 423, 424. 
 Brechin, 55, 204, 233, 408. 
 Brechyn, Johannes de, 371. 
 Bricius, filius Duncani, 388. 
 Brisbane, Thorn., 382. 
 Broiss, King Robert, 54, 303. 
 Brone, George, 43, 419. 
 Broun, William, in Blakhouse, 339- 
 Bruchty, castele of, 263, 266. 
 Bruges, 18, 389, 404. 
 Bryane, Mariorie, 309- 
 Buchan, Johne of, 44. 
 Buchan, Robert of, 43, 413. 
 Buchane, Schir Johne, 107- 
 Buchane, William, 430, 431. 
 Buk, Andro, 173, 253, 254, 256, 257, 
 
 269, 283, 305, 311, 319, 326, 331, 
 
 332, 344, 351. 
 
 Burghis, 131, 132, 135, 138. 
 Burgunzie, Duke of, 410, 426. 
 Burnat, Alexander, his sone, 51. 
 Burnat, Alexander, of Leis, 5 1 . 
 Burnat, Symon, 316. 
 Burnatt, Alexander, alias Potter, 343. 
 Burnett, Mr. James, 301, 319- 
 Burrale, Thomas, baxter, 206. 
 Bynne, Sir Robert, cheplane and singar, 
 289. 
 
 Bynne, Sir Thomas, 82. 
 
 Byrnes, 113. 
 
 Byrowne, 99, 100. 
 
 Byssat, Moris, 44. 
 
 Bysset, George, 63, 69, 79, 80, 84, 85,86, 
 92, 105, 114, 120, 123, 135, 153, 162, 
 169, 171, 179, 196, 199,262,303,443, 
 
 Cabbrach, 24. 
 
 Cadiow, Master Andro, 41, 43. 
 
 Cadiow, William, 17, 394, 395, 406, 407. 
 
 Caithness, 139. 
 
 Caithness, Androw, bischope of, 139. 
 
 Caldell, James, portioner of Achintovle, 
 
 138. 
 
 Camera, Thomas, 400. 
 Camera, Willelmus de, filius, 374, 387. 
 Camera, Willelmus de, pater, 374, 376, 
 
 377. 
 
 Cameron, Johannes, 5, 6. 
 Campheir in Zeland, 310, 404, 427. 
 Cargile, Dauid, dean of gild, 357. 
 Cargile, Johne, 222, 26 L 
 Carnbrogy, 186. 
 Carnegy, Robert, 263. 
 Carnifex, Thomas, 374. 
 Cassilis, Gilbert, Erie of, 296. 
 Castelgate, 35, 44, 66, 90, 96, 105, 325. 
 Castellhill, 54, 110, 122, 130, 147, 180, 
 
 360,361. 
 
 Caydow, Master John of, 7, 19, 400. 
 Chalmer, Andro, 259, 260, 352, 430. 
 Chahner, Andro, in Wester Fintra, IfjJ, 
 
 168, 16<. 
 
 Chalmer, Alexander, procurator, 168. 
 Chalmer, Dauid, of Bawithan, 349. 
 ChalmeT, Maister James, maister of 
 
 grammer skuil, 277, 278, 279, 30 
 
 314. 
 Chalmer, Maister Thomas, curat of 
 
 Abirdene, 169. 
 
 Chamer, Alexander of Murthill, 49, 53. 
 Chamer, Gilbert of, 32, 33, 409. 
 Chamer, Robert of, 401. 
 Chamer, Thomas, 92, 96, 102, 103, ]04. 
 
 172, 179, 220,279,303. 
 Chamer, Master Duncan, 84. 
 Chamer, Master Thomas, 84.
 
 466 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Chamour, Alexander of, 22, 23, 32, 33, 
 
 34, 35, 36, 41, 42, 48, 53, 56, 61, 63, 
 
 66, 71, 73, 172, 218, 292, 304, 316, 
 
 319, 320, 323, 326, 404, 407, 414, 
 
 420, 421, 429. 
 Chapman, John, 30, 50. 
 Chawmer, Maister Johne in Grandoum, 
 
 286, 287- 
 
 Chawmer, Thomas of, 36. 
 Chekar, 17. 
 
 Chene, Alexander, of Stralocht, 229. 
 Chene, James, his broder, 228, 229, 230, 
 
 231. 
 
 Chene, John, of Arnage, 229. 
 Chene, John, of Essilmonde, 428. 
 Chene, Master Jerome, clerk, 228, 229, 
 
 230, 231. 
 Chene, Maister Laurens, scribe of the 
 
 consistorie of Aberdene, 151. 
 Chene, Ranald, 403. 
 Chene, Thomas, zoung lard of Essil- 
 
 mont, 229. 
 Chernsid, Patrick, 63, 79, 84, 86, 92, 
 
 429. 
 Cheyne, James, procuratour to the lard 
 
 of Abirgeldie, 129, 130. 
 Cheyne, Mr. William, 1 13. 
 Clatt, Johannes de, 393. 
 Clat, Duncane of, 16, 17, 19, 20, 401, 
 
 404. 
 Clerk, Jacobus, balliuus burgi de Kyn- 
 
 tor, 393. 
 
 Clerk, Philp, belman, 82, 419. 
 Club, Patricius, 375. 
 Club, Schir Alexr., chaplan of the browne 
 
 croice altar, 33. 
 Codlyn, Adam, 375. 
 Cokbourne, Eduart, 100. 
 Colison, Dauid, 32, 33, 35, 49. 
 Collangy, 52. 
 Collison, Sir Johne, cheplane, 320, 321, 
 
 325, 354. 
 Colisone, Duncan, 63, 67, 69, 78, 84, 
 
 92, 102, 120, 123, 427. 
 Collisone, Henry, 155, 157, 167, 172. 
 Colp, Dauid, ringer of handbell, 110, 
 
 122. 
 Colp, William, ringer of handbell, 72. 
 
 Colweill, Dauid, gunnar, 257, 261. 
 
 Collysoun, Gilbert, 266, 281, 284, 286, 
 292, 293, 294, 298,299, 300, 303, 304, 
 308, 315, 316, 317, 319, 320, 322, 
 324, 325, 326, 328, 329, 330, 331. 
 
 Colysone, John, 53, 61, 63, 66, 78, 81, 
 84, 92, 93, 98, 104, 107, 108, 112, 
 115, 120, 123, 127, 144,148,153, 154, 
 155, 159, 170, 172, 179,416,423. 424, 
 425, 427, 429, 434, 444. 
 
 Corsinday, 138. 
 
 Coule, 51. 
 
 Coupar, Andro, clerk, 44, 68, 143. 
 
 Couper, Schir Wilzeam, 85, 86, 123, 
 162. 
 
 Couth bert, Henry, capitane, 205. 
 
 Cowe, 52. 
 
 Crab, Johannes, 371, 373, 375, 376, 378. 
 
 Crab, Paulus, 372. 
 
 Crab,' Willelmus, 387- 
 
 Crafuirde, Adam of, 26, 33, 36, 41. 
 
 Crafurd, Covntas of, 55. 
 
 Crafurd, William, officiar of the burgh, 
 352, 
 
 Crag, Malcome of, 85. 
 
 Crag, Willelmus de, 374. 
 
 Cragtoune, 51. 
 
 Craige, Robert, 44, 48, 49, 56, 63, 66, 
 69, 78, 83, 429. 
 
 Craigern, 458. 
 
 Craike, Jamys, 24, 50, 56. 
 
 Crale, 204, 233. 
 
 Crane, Patricius, 373, 374. 
 
 Craufuird, Erie of, 12, 372. 
 
 Craufurd, Thome, 92, 104. 
 
 Cravmonde, Lawrence of, 51. 
 
 Crawfurd, John, 196. 
 
 Crawfurd, Nicolaus, 116. 
 
 Creychtoune, 297- 
 
 Creychtoun, James, of Frendraucht, 
 459, 
 
 Crippill, Ellene, 445. 
 
 Cristale, Thomas, 256, 257, 333, 334. 
 
 Cristell, William, burges of Deip, 106. 
 
 Cristesoun, John, litster, 258. 
 
 Crois, 36, 71, 86, 88, 148, 159. 
 
 Croudane, Marione of, 1 0. 
 
 Croudane, Thome of, 404.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 467 
 
 Crowdan, 339, 409, 410. 
 
 Cruckschank, Schir Willeame, chapellan 
 of St. Dutheis altar, 73. 
 
 Cryn, Willelmus, 373. 
 
 Culan, Alexander of, burges, 23. 
 
 Culan, Andro, 41, 49, 62, 71, 74, 76, 80, 
 81, 84, 85, 86, 87, 92, 93, 98, 104, 108, 
 111, 114, 115, 119, 123, 126, 127, 129, 
 132, 144, 148, 149, 150, 159, 164, 170, 
 172,174,179,212,337,393,405,428, 
 429, 430, 443, 444. 
 
 Culan younger, Andro, 55, 56, 57, 62, 
 63, 66, 69, 418. 
 
 Culan, Henry of, 23. 
 
 Culan, Robert of, 35, 57, 59, 62, 64, 174, 
 184, 229, 230, 231, 243, 244, 245. 
 
 Culane, Johannes de, 6, 38, 48, 53, 56, 
 57, 61, 63, 66, 69, 73, 79, 81, 86, 92, 
 93, 94, 414, 427, 428, 429, 443, 444. 
 
 Culane, Thome of, 23, 24. 
 
 Cullace, Robert of, 395. 
 
 Cullane, Melchor, 241. 
 
 Cullan, Walter. 85, 92, 104, 105, 149, 
 153, 154, 159,167, 169, 170, 172, 174, 
 179, 186, 196, 199, 215, 256,262, 294, 
 303, 304, 308, 319, 323, 326,337,347- 
 
 Cults, Patre, 453. 
 
 Cuming, James, 36, 414, 431. 
 
 Cuming, Sir Johne, chaplane of Sanct 
 Katherinis Chapel, 95, 181, 182, 183. 
 
 Cumray, Alexander de, 15. 
 
 Cunnegerhill, 60, 91, 98. 
 
 Cunyngstounis seytt, 189. 
 
 Cunynghame, Robert, minister of Tri- 
 nite ordour of Faythfurd and Aber- 
 dene, 288, 289. 
 
 Cup, Sir Andro, chorister. 95. 
 
 Cup, Sir William, 113. 
 
 Currour, George, of Dome, 443. 
 
 Cussing, Thomas, 211. 
 
 Curtastoun, Isabella de, 391. 
 
 Dalmayok, 52. 
 
 Daluestoun, Maister John, persoun of 
 
 Disart, 216. 
 Danis, in Pycardy, 213. 
 Danskin, 235, 300, 332, 362, 414, 428. 
 Daueson, Maister Thomas, 250, 264. 
 
 Dauesoun, Charles, baxstar, 276, 287. 
 Dauidsoun, Andreas, 400. 
 Dauidsoun, Dauid, 138. 
 Dauidsoun, Thomas, of Auchinhamperis, 
 
 138. 
 
 Dauidsone, Schir Thomas, 33. 
 Dauisone, William, 44. 
 Davisone, Jonhne, skipper of Lord Mur- 
 
 rayes schipe, 419. 
 Dee, 22, 83, 100, 101, 120, 127, 179, 
 
 199, 246, 294, 327, 362, 365, 431. 
 Dee, Bridge of, 1 1 6, 1 1 7, 1 1 8, 1 1 9, 1 25, 
 
 126, 127, 129, 130, 141, 152, 168, 
 
 177, 184, 197, 221, 224, 240, 294. 
 Deipe, 19, 106, 136, 225, 227, 232. 
 Deir, 203, 382. 
 Deir, Robertus, postulatus abbas de, 
 
 203. 
 
 Denburn, 6, 15, 47, 169, 294. 
 Denmark, 206, 333. 
 Dempster, Besse, spous of Dauid Spilye- 
 
 laucht, 155. 
 
 Deyne, Henre, gunner, 98. 
 Dogude, Robertus de Achnahufe, 408, 
 
 409. 
 
 Dolloquhy, Hector, 330. 
 Done, 36, 71, 72, 83, 84, 86, 120, 133, 
 
 148, 149, 150, 151, 153,163, 178, 179, 
 
 189, 198,246,294,365,382. 
 Done, brig of, 344. 
 Dome, 443. 
 Doysy, Monsor, 300. 
 Drum, 6, 7, 51, 52, 387. 
 Drum, lard, 55, 86, 253. 
 Dumbrek, Philp, 51, 56, 70, 405, 406, 
 
 410,412. 
 Drumbrek, W T alterus de, balliuus hurgi 
 
 de Aberdene, 6. 
 Dumbrek, William, 43. 
 Drummond, John, Lord, 54. 
 Dumefuill, Johannes, 227. 
 Dunbar, M. Ga\van, Dene of Murray, 
 
 67. 
 
 Dunbar, Willelmus de, 372. 
 Duncan, Williame, burgess, 291, 349. 
 Duncanus, cancellarius ecclesic Aber 
 
 donensis, 5. 
 Duncansone, John, 64, 69.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Dunde, 29, 56, 67, 173, 199, 204, 205, 
 
 206, 226, 233, 235, 242, 254, 307, 339, 
 
 409, 413. 
 
 Dunfermling, 54, 204, 233. 
 Dunfermling, George, Abbot of, 
 
 54. 
 
 Dunkeld, George, Bishop of, 139- 
 Dunkeld, Johnne, Bishop of, 246. 
 Dunkeldin, 53,139,246. 
 Dunkeldin, George Bishop of, 53. 
 Dunottir, 16, 133, 162. 
 Durant, Johannes, 227. 
 Durty, Andro, 149, 153, 154, 167, 234, 
 
 238, 239, 253, 256. 
 Durty, Johnne, 325. 
 Dysart, 38, 204, 216, 233. 
 Dyse, 79. 
 
 Echt, lard of, 138. 
 
 Eddynhame, Mastir Thomas of, 399. 
 
 Edinburgh, 28, 30, 34, 35, 38, 43, 53, et 
 passim. 
 
 Edindiaucht, Robertus, 135. 
 
 Eduardsoun, George, burgis of Edin- 
 burghe, 422, 423, 424. 
 
 Elgen, 194, 204, 215, 233. 
 
 Elgyne, 393. 
 
 Elleis, Dauid, 327, 356, 357, 360. 
 
 Ellone, 418,438. 
 
 Ellone, Sym of, 79- 
 
 Elphinstoun, Bischop Wm., 118. 
 
 Elphinstoun, Maister Robert, parsone of 
 Kyncardin, 127, 128. 
 
 Ergile, Archibald, Erie of, 54. 
 
 Ergyill, Colinus Comes de, 108. 
 
 Erole, Lord, 10, 39, 415. 
 
 Errane, James, Erll of, governour of 
 Scotland, 189, 247, 272, 273. 
 
 Erroll, Williame, Earle of, 444. 
 
 Erroll, William, Master of, 428. 
 
 Erskene, Lord, 55, 108. 
 
 Erskin, John, Lord, 139- 
 
 Esk, water of, 297. 
 
 Essilmont, 229, 428. 
 
 Essilmont, Lady, 260. 
 
 Ettale, Willelmus, capellanus et procu- 
 rator pontis de Pulgoveny, 10. 
 
 Ewisdaill, 247. 
 
 Farchar, Gelis, factor to bischop of Ork- 
 
 nay, 421. 
 
 Farquharsoun, Dauid, 395. 
 Farquharsoun, William, 222, 266, 349. 
 Faucland, 16, 30. 
 Faw, George, capitane of Egiptians, 167, 
 
 168, 169. 
 
 Faw, Johnne, Egiptian, 168, 169. 
 Faythlie, 356. 
 Faythfurd, 288, 289. 
 Feildar, Andrew, 166. 
 Fentone, James, 155, 187- 
 Ferdour, Jonhe, 56, 77, 78. 
 Feme, Christane de, 392. 
 Fethakis, Sanct, 91. 
 Fethy, Sir Johne,prebenderyof the queir 
 
 of Sanct Nicholace kirk, 207, 239, 
 
 240. 
 
 Fethyrcarne, 67. 
 Fichet, Ricardus, 374. 
 Fichet, Willame, burges of Aberdeen, 
 
 409. 
 
 Fife, Andro, bailze, 83, 85, 86, 92, 439. 
 Fife, Johannes de, 6, 7, 8, 1 8, 26, 393, 
 
 397, 404. 
 
 Fife, Patrik of, 18. 
 Fife, Thorn of, 23, 33, 35, 37, 38, 44, 48, 
 
 62, 404 423, 424. 
 Findoun, 100, 111, 159. 
 Finny, Christan, 349, 350. 
 Fintra, Westar, 167- 
 Firth, 18. 
 Flanderis, 89, 94, 97, 136, 150, 204, 222, 
 
 233, 241, 277, 300, 360, 362, 393,400, 
 
 412,413,416,417. 
 Flesing, 305, 310,311. 
 Flusa in Flandria, 21. 
 Fochet, Matheu, 6, 10, 16, 33, 397 ,401, 
 
 404, 405. 
 
 Follamuir, 252, 253. 
 Forbes, Lord, 25, 120, 131, 136, 137- 
 Forbes, Alexr., of Burghis, 131,132,135, 
 
 138. 
 
 Forbes, Schir Alexander Lord, 17, 386. 
 Forbes, Alexr., 41, 425. 
 Forbes, Alexr., of Towes, 138. 
 Forbes, Alexander, 138. 
 Forbes, Alexander, in Strathdee, 138.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 469 
 
 Forbes, Alexr., 166, 167, 186 194,336, 
 
 357. 
 
 Forbes, Andro, at Keythokismill, 296. 
 Forbes, 382, 434. 
 Forbes, Duncan, 286. 
 Forbes, Duncane, 138, 264, 323, 327, 
 
 340, 347. 
 Forbes, Maister Duncane, of Mony- 
 
 musk, 355. 
 Forbes, Ewill Wille, brother of James 
 
 Forbes of Auchintoile, 138. 
 Forbes, Henry, of Kinellar, 138. 
 Forbes, James, brig of Balgony, 138. 
 Forbes, Androw, his brothir, 138. 
 Forbes, James, of Auchintouill, 102, 138. 
 Forbes, James of, son and air apperand 
 
 to Schir Alexander Lord Forbes, 17. 
 Forbes, John Lord, 116, 132, 139- 
 Forbes, Johne, Maister of, 139. 
 Forbes, Niniane, 138. 
 Forbes, John, his brothir, 138. 
 Forbes, Johne of Tuligony, 138. 
 Forbes, Maister John, portioner of Bar- 
 ness, 138, 327. 
 
 Forbes, William, his bruthir, 138. 
 Forbes, Schir John, of Tullquhon, 17. 
 Forbes, Malcolmus, 401, 402,405. 
 Forbes, Margrat, servand to Maister 
 
 Robert Andersone, 352. 
 Forbes, Patrik, 138, 152, 153,167,336, 
 Forbes, George, his brothir, 138. 
 Forbes, Patrik, 123. 
 Fynne, Maister Thomas, 256, 331, 364. 
 Forbes, William Lord, 246. 
 Forbes, William, of Corssinday, 138. 
 Forbes, Wm., of Tolquhone, 138. 
 Forbes, Maister William, 138. 
 Forbes, William, 138, 301, 310, 322, 
 
 346. 
 
 Forbes, Maister Wilzeame, 102. 
 Forbess, Duncane of Quyltis, 138. 
 Forbess, Johne, of Petslegow, 137- 
 Forbess, Malcome, J38. 
 Fores, 204, 233. 
 Forester, Maister James, clerk of the- 
 
 sawrarie to Queen Marie, 248. 
 Forester, Schir Duncan of Skypyng 
 
 Kinge, 54. 
 
 Forfair, 55, 204, 233. 
 
 Forge, 459. 
 
 Forth, 108, 185. 
 
 Fortrie in Buchan, 51. 
 
 Foulfurd, James of, factour to the Erie 
 
 of Orknnay, 13. 
 Foullis, John, baxstar, 276, 287. 
 Franche, Pate, mason, 146. 
 Fraser, Alexander, of Philorth, 139,356, 
 Fraser, Alexr., of Percock, 382. 
 Fraser, Alexander, 222 458. 
 Fraser, Johnn, laxfischer, 338. 
 Frendraucht, 459- 
 Fresale, Andro, 408. 
 Fresale, Maister John, dene of Lesteirik, 
 
 54, 423. 
 
 Freser, Alex., litster, 186, 187, 455. 
 Freser, Duncane, 271, 272, 287. 
 Press, Gilbert, 167- 
 Fress, Maister John, 167- 
 Fressor, Gilbert, 159, 174, 186, 243. 
 Frosterhill, 148. 
 Futhes, William, 53, 57, 62, 63, 67, 69, 
 
 71,78,83,422. 
 Futy, 15, 49, 66, 92, 98, 123, 125, 163, 
 
 178, 184, 207, 242, 243, 244, 309, 322. 
 
 388. 
 
 Fyf, Schir John, chaplan, 190, 296. 
 Fynne, Dauid,63. 79, 83, 85, 92, 425. 
 Fy we, 179, 247,414,418. 
 Fywe, William, 44. 
 
 Gaistraw, 35, 45, 238, 453. 
 
 Gal, Robertus, 387. 
 
 Galichtlie, Androw, 413. 
 
 Galloway, Alexr., 271, 272. 
 
 Galloway, Maister Alexander, persone 
 
 of Kinkell, 96, 105, 123, 127, 128. 
 Galowgate, 35, 45, 66, 90, 95, 96, 156, 
 
 203, 222, 236, 238, 242, 345, 354, 366, 
 
 459- 
 
 Galychtlie, Dauid, 410. 
 Gardin, 148, 279- 
 Gardinar, Nicol, 338, 349- 
 Gardine, Richert, 364. 
 Gardyn, George, of Banquhorie, 338, 
 
 349- 
 Gardyne, Symon, 43. 
 
 3 r
 
 470 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Gareaucht, Andrew, 352. 
 Garntuly, 388. 
 Garreaucht, 127. 
 
 George, Erie, callit of Egipt, 167. 
 Geraldson, Alleat, Hollander, 429. 
 Geriesoun, Herman, indwellar of Flesh- 
 ing in X i- 1 and, 310. 
 Germond, Jno., 453, 
 Gibson, Williame, belman, 421. 
 GifFard, Wat, 20, 391, 401. 
 Giffarde, Wil., 44. 
 Gilbert, Willelmus, 373. 
 Gillespy senior, Robertus, 391, 393. 
 Gilkamstone, 42, 250. 
 Girkin, Jonete, 400. 
 Gladstane, Thome, 44. 
 Gladismoir, 185, 262. 
 Glammys, John, Lord, 54. 
 Glasgow, 53, 54, 139. 
 Glasgow, Gawane, archbischope of, 139. 
 Glasgow, Robert, archbeshop of, 53. 
 Glassaucht, 214. 
 Glaster, Alexander, 420, 
 Glastre, Mathou, 401. 
 Glenmaluin, John, 41, 43. 
 Glenmaluyn, Matho, 44. 
 Gleny, Willelmus, 372. 
 Goldsmyth, Andro, 41, 43. 
 Gordon, Alexander de Megmar, 409. 
 Gordon, Mastir Adam of, persoun of 
 
 Kinkel,413. 
 
 Gordon, Patricius de Methlick, 409. 
 Gordone, Lord, 64, 208, 214, 422, 423, 
 
 424. 
 Gordone, Mastir Adam, chantour of 
 
 Murray, 420. 
 Gordone, Mr. Johne, 163, 171, 172, 179, 
 
 190, 195, 200, 201, 208, 209, 211, 
 
 220, 229. 
 
 Gordoun, dominus de, 388. 
 Gordoun, George, in Byrnes, 1 1 3. 
 Gordoun, James of Methlick, 229- 
 Gordoune, Allaster, 172. 
 Gowan, James, in Trailsound, 334. 
 Grahame, Alexr. the, 398, 
 Grahame, Maister Alexr., burgis of Edin- 
 
 burght, 297. 
 Grandoum, 286. 
 
 Grantuly, 55. 
 
 Gray, Androw, Lord, 54, 429. 
 
 Gray, Alex. Gray, cheplane of Sanctis 
 
 Crispan and Crispinianis altar, 424. 
 Gray, John, 8, 13, 18, 19. 
 Gray, Maistre Johne, maistre of wark 
 
 to bigging of Sanct Necolace wark, 
 
 41. 
 
 Gray, Patrik, Lord, 139 
 Gray, Schir Andro, chaplan, Abirden, 
 
 39. 
 
 Gray, William, 44, 49, 69. 
 Grege, John, 43, 64. 
 Grene, 5, 6, 15, 35, 74, 92, 123, 125, 
 
 169, 184, 296, 309, 324. 
 Guelp, Thorn, 23, 26, 27. 
 Guild, Methow, 459, 460. 
 Gunnar, Hanse, gunnar, 261. 
 Guthrie, George, 172. 
 
 Hadington, 67, 262. 
 
 Haldane, Androw, 406. 
 
 Halis, Lord, 248. 
 
 Hamburgh, 270, 272, 310, 408. 
 
 Hardgat, Dauid, 397- 
 
 Hariot, Snavdown, 255. 
 
 Harol, junior, Dauid, 135. 
 
 Hatmaker, Thome, 44, 50. 
 
 Hay, Maister Alexander, parsone of 
 Turref, 116,117, 
 
 Hay, Johne, notar publik, 163, 195. 
 
 Hay, Magister Johannes, rector de 
 Crowdane, 409, 410. 
 
 Hay, Patre, servant to Maister Dun- 
 cane Forbes of Monymusk, 355. 
 
 Hayeter, Thomas, 172. 
 
 Hay, William the, 36, 43, 403, 409, 410. 
 Scotland, 16. 
 
 Hay, William, of Auchery, 339. 
 
 Hay, Waltir, 160, 162, 164, 167, 172, 
 174, 185, 196,218,452. 
 
 Haya, Williame, Lord, constable of 
 
 Hennerson, Maister Johnne, maister of 
 grammar skuill, 324, 326, 366. 
 
 Henrie, king of Scottis, 358. 
 
 Herkill, Malcom, 453. 
 
 Hertilpule, 17. 
 
 Hervy, Duncanus, 388.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 471 
 
 Hervy, Jamys, 29. 
 
 Hervy, Sir Henry, chaplan of St. Ni- 
 
 challis altar, 21, 31, 34. 
 Heruy, Dauid, 401, 402, 403. 
 Heryn, Robert, 412. 
 Hessilheid, 148. 
 Heuch, Lady kirk of the, 54. 
 Hile, Dauid, 44, 410, 41 1, 412. 
 Hile Richard, 43, 49, 56, 406, 41 1. 
 Hillis, Adam of, 7. 
 Hodierim, Guilliame, 208, 209. 
 Holing, Cloy se Wan, skipar of ane schip, 
 
 of Hamburgh, 270, 272. 
 Homyll, Johannes, 5. 
 Hoveson, Martyne, 245. 
 Hovesoun, Robert, valcar, 258, 455. 
 Howison, Johannes, 19,20,404. 
 Hull, 283. 
 Huntar, Andro, 258, 261, 283, 319, 322, 
 
 357, 364. 
 
 Hunter, Thomas, 135. 
 Huntlie, Alexander, Erie of, 22, 24, 64, 
 
 421, 443. 
 Huntlie, Erie of, 190, 191, 194, 195,200, 
 
 208, 209, 2 1 0, 2 1 4, 2 1 7, 2 1 8, 239, 307, 
 
 321. 
 Huntle, Lady, 411,412. 
 
 Ictill, Johnne, 304. 
 
 His, 421. 
 
 His, Donald, 194. 
 
 Inche, 357- 
 
 Inchemartyn, Johannes, 388. 
 
 Inglis, Maister Alexander, chansler of 
 
 Aberdeen, 37. 
 Innerowry, 291. 
 Innes, Gilbertus, 203, 204. 
 Insture, Andro of, 47. 
 Inuernes, 13, 195, 204, 233. 
 Inuerugy, 22, 3.3. 
 Iruyn, Agnes, dochter of Alexander Ir- 
 
 uyn of Drum, 52. 
 
 Iruyn, Alexander, of Lunmey, 420. 
 Iruyn, Elizabeth, relict of Allardes of 
 
 that Ilk, 430, 431. 
 Iruyn, Johne, son of Alexander Iruyne 
 
 of Drum, 51. 
 Iruyne, Alexander, son of Alexander 
 
 Iruyne of Drum, 5 1 . 
 
 Irwin, Henry, 133, 144, 146, 148, 162, 
 
 172, 200, 201. 
 Irwyne, Alexander de, dominus de 
 
 Drum, 6, 7, 51, 52, 387, 395. 
 Irwyne, David, son of Alexander Iruyne 
 
 of Drum, 51. 
 
 Jak, Robert, in Trailsund, 333, 334. 
 Jak, Robert, tailzeour, alias Cleyth- 
 
 aneucht, 338. 
 
 Jaks, Eken, Egiptien, 117. 
 James, King of Scotland, 13, 16, 17, 29, 
 
 30, 33, 34, 35, 42, 43, 47, 53, 55, 58, 
 
 65, 110, 137, 173, 174,183, 219,241, 
 
 303,390,399,415,426. 
 Jamesone, Wm., masoun, 281,289,457. 
 Jansoen, Halbert, 310. 
 Jansoun, Zegyr, 311. 
 Jhoneson, Angus, 36. 
 Johnstone, St., 286. 
 Johnstoun, Wm., in Keayis Milne, 349- 
 
 Katherenis Hill, Sanct, 176,203,309. 
 
 Keayis Mylne, 349. 
 
 Keir, Willelmus, 408. 
 
 Keith, Antoun of, bruder german to Wil- 
 liam Erie Merschel, 414. 
 
 Kege, 382. 
 
 Kelly, Philip of, 79. 
 
 Kelo, John, belman, 343, 450. 
 
 Kelour, freir, 153. 
 
 Kelso, 54. 
 
 Kelso, Robert, abbot of, 54. 
 
 Kemp, Willelmus, 135. 
 
 Kempt, Androw, master of the sang 
 scoill, 370. 
 
 Kennedy, or Kempty, William, con- 
 stabill of Abirdene, 355, 414. 
 
 Kennerty, younger, James, 44. 
 
 Kennerty, James of, 44, 50, 410. 
 
 Kennedy, James, broder to Gilbert, Erie 
 of Cassillis, 296, 297. 
 
 Kennedy, Maister John, 277, 278, 344, 
 360,361. 
 
 Kennedy, John, notar publik, 195, 200, 
 206, 215,216 ,23 1 , 232, 256, 3 1 7, 32 1 , 
 331,339,345,355. 
 
 Kennedy, William, son of William Ken- 
 nedy, constabill of Abirdene, 355.
 
 472 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Keppillhill, 342. 
 
 Kerr, Prater Thomas, suppriour of abbay 
 
 of Deir, 203. 
 
 Keth, Alexander de, 385, 386. 
 Keth, Lord of, 380. 
 Keth, Sir W. of, 382. 
 Kilstaris, John, singar, 218. 
 Kinellar, 138. 
 Kingis Vallis, 148. 
 Kinharroquhe, 51. 
 Kinkell, 96, 105, 123, 124, 127, 128, 
 
 413. 
 
 Kinloss, Robert, abbot of, 139. 
 Kintor, Alexander de, 6, 389, 401. 
 Kintor, Jhone of, 43, 49, 78, 92, 105, 
 
 397. 
 Kintor, Ricardus, 19, 20, 32, 33, 395, 
 
 400, 403, 405. 
 
 Kintor, William, 44, 48, 50, 63, 66. 
 Kirkcaldy, 204. 205, 233, 
 Kirkwall, 174. 
 
 Knollis, Alexander, 140, 141, 144, 172. 
 Knollis, Johne of, 32, 33, 35, 37, 43, 48, 
 
 63, 64, 66, 406, 429- 
 Kyncardin, 127. 
 Kyndrumy, Johne of, 39- 
 Kyngowdrum, 33. 
 Kynnore, Cristyne of, 389 
 Kynros, Gilbertus de, 374. 
 Kyntor, Dauid, 36, 50, 78, 85, 86, 92. 
 Kyntor, James of, 44,410. 
 Kyntor, Robert, 44. 
 Kyntoir, elder Gilbert, 172, 365. 
 Kythokismill, 296. 
 
 Lambyntoun, Willelmus de, 391. 
 Lambyntoun, Johannes, 374, 375, 377, 
 Lame, Andro, 149- 
 Lammynton, Alexander, 398. 
 Lammyngtone, Duncan, 44, 406. 
 Lammyntone, Schir Thomas, chapellane 
 
 of Sanct dementis Chapele, 75. 
 Langholme, Castell of, 247. 
 Langhope, 252. 
 
 Lasingsert, Christofer, 208, 209- 
 Lauder, Maister Henry, aduocat to the 
 
 quene, 294. 
 
 Lausone, Andro, menstrall, 166, 220. 
 Lausoun, Maister Richert, 54. 
 
 Lawder, Capitane Hew, 358, 359. 
 
 Lawrence of Leth, 377. 
 
 Ledale, Johannes de, 374, 378, 379. 
 
 Leis, Sir Dauy, 82, 107, 430. 
 
 Leis, Schir Robert, notar, 33, 408, 409, 
 
 418. 
 
 Leitht, Thomas, burges, 101. 
 Lenturk, 138. 
 Leo X., Papa, 97. 
 Lesk, Andro, 189. 
 Lesley, Johne of Wardens, 73, 111,112, 
 
 115, 144. 
 Lesley, Walter, 166, 172, 184,216,217, 
 
 264. 
 
 Leslie, Alexander, of Wardris, 413. 
 Leslie, Alexander, of that ilk, 112. 
 Leslie, Willzeame of Boquhane, 112, 
 
 115,194, 195. 
 Lesly, Alexander of, 24. 
 Lesly, Andrew of, 23. 
 Lesly, John, of Bolquhane, 247, 264, 
 
 307. 
 
 Lesly, John, of the Syid, 195. 
 Lesly, Johnne, of Balquhane, 307, 454. 
 Lesly, Maister Johne, persone of Ovne, 
 
 459. 
 
 Lesly, Norman of, 24, 81 , 434. 
 Lesly, Patrik, ringer of hand-bell, 264 
 Lesly, Sir William, of Balchane, 397. 
 Lesly, John, ridar of the comoun 
 
 prayeris, 356, 362. 
 Lesly, Wm., son of Johnne Lesly of 
 
 Balquhane, 307. 
 Leslye, Robert, burges of Edinburgh, 
 
 129,130. 
 Lesteirik, 54. 
 
 Leth, Laurentius de, 374, 386. 
 Lethe, Gilbert, 41. 
 Lethyngton, 297, 298, 299. 
 Levington, Maister John of, vicar of 
 
 Inuerugy, 22, 33. 
 Lichtoune, Dauid, 17. 
 Lidderdaill, 247. 
 Lilburne, Agnes, 30. 
 Lile, Robert, Lord, 54. 
 Lindsay, Alexander, freir, 150, 151. 
 Lindsay, dominus Walterus de, 386. 
 Linkis, 147, 274. 
 Linlithgow, 132, 133, 135, 215, 233, 247
 
 INDEX. 
 
 473 
 
 Litstar Gilbert, 92, 104. 
 
 London, 5, 305. 
 
 Loremar, Dauid, notar public, 96, 107, 
 
 112, 113, 122. 
 
 Loudoun, Johannes de, 391, 398. 
 Lownan, Ricardus de, 374. 
 Lowrastown, 113. 
 Luk, Androw, gyder of the artillierie, 
 
 185. 
 
 Lummysden, Johannes, 400. 
 Lunmey, 420. 
 Lundoris, Jhone of, 44, 49. 
 Luthyr, 110, 111. 
 Lyonne, Alexander, 308. 
 
 M'Cullocht, Alexr., pursewand, 297- 
 
 Maill, Dauid, burgis of Hamburt, 310, 
 311. 
 
 Maistertoun, Maister John, gunnar, 257, 
 261. 
 
 Maitland, Sir Richert, of Lythyngton, 
 knycht, 297, 298, 299. 
 
 Makdowell, Sir Wm., 297. 
 
 Malisoun, Gilbert, 121, 125, 154, 155, 
 157, 159, 162, 168, 169, 171, 172, 174, 
 184, 194, 195, 196, 198, 264, 278, 286, 
 294, 303, 304, 308,317, 319,320, 322, 
 324,330,331,348. 
 
 Malisoun, Jhone, 123, 231, 232. 
 
 Manro, Maister Hew, maister of Gra- 
 mer skoull, 151, 202, 231, 266, 275, 
 276, 277, 
 
 Mar, Dauid, 46, 48, 53, 79, 83, 104, 221, 
 25 1 , 276, 284, 285, 286, 292, 295, 298, 
 299,303,304,306,307,315,316,317, 
 318, 323, 326, 328, 329, 330, 331, 345, 
 346, 428. 
 
 Mar, Duncan, 102, 104, 120, 122, 123, 
 125, 133, 146, 148, 155, 159, 162. 
 167, 170, 172, 174. 
 
 Mar, John of, 7, 19,23,32,33,35,43, 
 68,71, 78, 81,86, 92, 98, 99, 104, 
 345, 393, 401 , 404, 405, 428, 434. 
 
 Mar, Thomas, 51, 416, 417, 423, 424. 
 
 Marie, moder of Marie, quene of Scot- 
 land, 208, 281, 293. 
 
 Marie, quene of Scottis, 188, 204, 208, 
 209, 247, 272, 311, 358. 
 
 Mariore-bankis, Maister Thomas, 263. 
 
 Marr, Johne, Earle of, 34. 
 
 Marschiale, William, Erie, 54, 414. 
 
 Mary, Queen of England, 62. 
 
 Mathers, 113. 
 
 Matheson, Johne, 23, 398. 
 
 Mathoson, David, 32, 36, 38, 48, 56, 57, 
 62, 63. 
 
 Masar, James, 459, 460. 
 
 Maluesye, 389, 408. 
 
 Malyson, Patre, goldsmyth, 331. 
 
 Marchell, Malcolm, 382. 
 
 Marr, Erll of, 346, 389, 394. 
 
 Mathow, Maister Androw, 319- 
 
 Megmar, 409. 
 
 Megnes, Dauid, 17, 32, 405, 429, 430. 
 
 Meignes, Andrew, 403, 404, 405. 
 
 Meignes, Gilbert, 13, 15, 16, 18. 
 
 Meignes, Willelraus, 19. 
 
 Meldrum, 111, 408. 
 
 Meldrum, George of, son and apperand 
 air to William Meldrum of Fivy, 414. 
 
 Meldrum, George, of Five, knicht, 247. 
 
 Meldrum, William, of Fivy, 414, 418. 
 
 Meldrum, Johne of, master of artailzerie, 
 83. 
 
 Meldrum, Thomas, 57, 69, 84, 424, 441. 
 
 Melwyn, Isabell, at Myll of Balnacrag, 
 193. 
 
 Menzeis, Alexander, 32,35,41, 48, 53, 
 56, 57, 61, 63, 66, 67, 69, 71, 73, 125, 
 134, 135, 144, 154, 170, 172, 203, 
 206, 209, 264, 301, 303, 407, 413, 
 416, 423,428, 429,430. 
 
 Menzeis, Dauid, 53, 61, 63, 66, 73, 159, 
 167, 172, 184, 303. 
 
 Menzeis elder, Alexr., possessor of hand- 
 bell, 216, 217,264. 
 
 Menzeis, Gilbert, 50, 53, 57, 64, 68, 71, 
 73, 78, 84, 86, 92, 93, 97, 99, 100, 104, 
 108, 1 1 1, 1 14, 1 19, 129, 135, 137, 139, 
 144, 147, 148, 153, 155, 156, 159, 162, 
 170, 172, 174, 1 79, 210, 21 1, 225,229, 
 346, 360,362, 398, 422, 423,424, 429, 
 444. 
 
 Menzies, Gibbe, gunnar, 253, 256, 261, 
 265. 
 
 Menzeis, Gilbert, elder, 277, 283, 295,
 
 474 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 304, 305, 320, 323, 324, 328, 329, 331, 
 
 338, 343, 345. 
 Menzeis, Maister Robert, notar publik, 
 
 133, 162. 
 Menzeis, Nannys, spouse of Alexander 
 
 Iruyne of Drum, 5 1 , 52. 
 Menzeis, Thomas, 51, 79, 84, 98, 108, 
 
 et passim. 
 Menzes, Andreas, 135, 139, 144, 148, 
 
 154, 170, 172, 173, 174,179, 185, 189, 
 
 190, 195, 199, 211, 212, 213.222, 251, 
 
 295. 
 
 Menzes, Dauid, elder, 32, 38, 42, 44, 48, 
 Menzes Dauid, yonger, 38. 
 Menzes, Johne, 41, 50, 56, 179, 222, 
 
 238,420,421,422. 
 Menzes, Maister Eduard, cheplan, 189, 
 
 213, 296, 314, 325, 331, 345, 354. 
 Menzes, Gilbert, younger, 173, 269, 303, 
 
 304, 316, 319,*321, 323, 326. 
 Menzes, Maister James, persoun of Dun- 
 
 nat, 133, 162, 163. 
 Menzes, Patre, 264, 280, 281, 282, 286, 
 
 292,294, 303, 319, 322, 329,330,331, 
 
 332, 336, 344, 346, 353, 356, 360. 
 Menzheis, Maister Dauid, clerk, chapel- 
 Ian of St. Dutheis altar, 73, 97. 
 Merschell, Master Johne, master to Gra- 
 
 mar scolis, 80, 97, 107, 1 12. 
 Methlick, 229, 409- 
 Methwen, Henry, Lord, 139. 
 Michael, Andree, 392. 
 Michaelsoune, Martyne, indwellar of 
 
 Fleshing, in Zeland, 310, 311. 
 Michelsoun, Maister Johne, notar pub- 
 lik, 232. 
 Monemeill, Sir Alexander, parsone of 
 
 Forbes, 434. 
 Monkegy, 187. 
 Monro, Gelis, 105, 178. 
 Montrose, 55, 204, 206, 233, 399, 411 
 Montrose, Duk of, 55. 
 Monymusk, 309, 355, 382. 
 Monypeny, Alexander, masoun, 141, 
 
 142, 146. 
 
 Mowat, Androw, gunnar, 197. 
 Mowat, Malcum, 312. 
 Mowbray, Henry, factour and seruand 
 
 to bishop of Abirdene, 178. 
 
 Moyses, Wilyam, 38, 413. 
 
 Murcour, 238. 
 
 Muirhead, Willeame, bailzie of Edin- 
 burgh, 233. 
 
 Murison, Patrick, brother to Schir An- 
 drow, 17. 
 
 Murison, Schir Androw, chaplane, 1 7. 
 
 Murked, Master Richert, Dene of Glas- 
 gow, 54. 
 
 Murray, Alexander, Bishope of, 139. 
 
 Murray, Androw, belman, 31. 
 
 Murray, Androw, elder, 37, 44, 48, 51, 
 56, 60, 62, 63, 66, 69, 71, 410 
 
 Murray, Gawane, 92, 99, 104, 105, 
 
 Murray, Lord, 420. 
 
 Murray, Maister Gilbert, 264. 
 
 Murray, Schir Johne, sangster, 88. 
 
 Murthill, 49, 53. 
 
 Mydchingile, 72, 325. 
 
 Myddeltown, Gilbert, of that ilk 113. 
 
 Myddiltoun, Maister George, 203, 204, 
 299, 304, 31 J, 312, 313, 317, 319, 
 320. 323,324, 326, 352, 360, 361, 
 364. 
 
 Myding, Thome of, 427. 
 
 Myle, Johne of, at Myle of Pitcapile, 
 429. 
 
 Myll, Johne of, duelland at Justice Myll, 
 420. 
 
 Myln, John, freir, 225, 249. 
 
 Myln, Robertus, prepositus de Dunde, 
 226. 
 
 Myln, Thomas, burges, 235, 236, 237, 
 238. 
 
 Myris, the, 216. 
 
 Myrtoune, Mayster Hector, cheplan of 
 Magdalin altar, 324, 325. 
 
 Name, 204, 233. 
 Name, Thome of, 44, 69- 
 Newburgh, 225, 226, 357. 
 Netherkirkgait, 130, 192, 222, 337. 
 Nicholson, Thomas, younger, 272, 273, 
 
 278. 
 Nicholsone, Alex., 106, 124, 135, 159, 
 
 161, 162, 167, 169, 172, 185. 
 Nicholsone, Dauid, notarius publicus, 
 
 94, 104, 130, 133, 137, 179, 187, 188, 
 
 448.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 475 
 
 Nicholsoun, Maister Johne, notar pub- 
 lick, 122, 163. 
 
 Nicholsoun, Robert, 188, 222. 
 
 Nicholsoun, Thomas, 278, 280, 301 ,303. 
 3 1 0, 3 11 , 342, 343, 344, 35 1 , 35 3, 360, 
 
 Nicolsoun, Johne, 339. 
 
 Nig, 107, 123, 126, 136. 
 
 Normond, Glaus, bottisman of ane schipe 
 of Rosto, 333. 
 
 Norway, 333. 
 
 Nory, Jonete, 373. 
 
 Ogiluy, James Lord, of Arly, 54. 
 Ogiluy, James, of Mathers, 113. 
 Ogiluy, Johne, sone and heir apperingto 
 
 James Lord Ogiluy of Arly, 54. 
 Ogilwy, Maister Alex., of Glassaucht, 
 
 214. 
 
 Ogilwy, James, procuratour, 229- 
 Ogistoun, Patrick, 215. 
 Oglay, Alexr., litster, 352. 
 Okertoune, Geyss, 428. 
 Oliphant, Lawrence Lord, 54, 64. 
 Orknay, 174,421. 
 Orkynnay, Erie of, 13, 18, 19,55. 
 Ouirbartoune, Robertus Bartonus de, 
 
 135. 
 
 Ovne, 459. 
 Owerkirkgait, 130,222. 
 
 Pactoun, William, schipper of ane schip 
 
 of Dunde, 206, 207. 
 Palframan, Simon, 388. 
 Pantar, Andrew, 10. 
 Pantoun, James, of Tullymad, 349- 
 Pantoun, Mr. Olipher, 355. 
 Park, Thomas de, 15. 
 Paslay, 54. 
 
 Paslay, George abbot of, 54. 
 Patersoun, Robert, capitane of were 
 Patovnson, Johne, 399, 403. 
 
 schip of Dundee, 205. 
 Patrikson, Dauy, burges, 24. 
 Patterson, Robertus, procurator domus 
 
 Sancte Trinitatis, 15. 
 Pattoun, Johnne, in the Merniss, 339. 
 Pattoun, Mariorie, induellar of Mony- 
 
 musk, 309- 
 
 Paxtoun, Petrus de, 379. 
 
 Peblis, 247, 248. 
 
 Pendreicht, frater Willelmus, 203. 
 
 Pentland, James, dempster of court, 
 
 251, 256, 284, 454. 
 Perth, 26, 27, 56, 67, 87- 139, 140, 2<4, 
 
 233, 382. 
 
 Petersone, Cornelius, 428. 
 Petfothell, 23, 108, 110, 111, 131, 133, 
 
 146, 191, 208, 214, 229, 230, 232. 
 
 256, 295, 316, 347, 352, 445. 
 Pets lego w, 137,408. 
 Pettynwyne, dominus Johannes, 400. 
 Philorth, 139, 356. 
 Philp, William, 44, 49. 
 Philpson, Thomas, burges, 235. 
 Philpsone, Willelmus, 97, 112. 
 Pinkincleucht, 456, 458. 
 Pitart, Martinus, 228. 
 Pitcapile, 429. 
 
 Pittniveime, John, prior of, 139. 
 Portarstoun, lard of, 138. 
 Porter, Margaret, vyf of Alexander 
 
 Kayne, 159, 160. 
 
 Porter, Tayfer, of Brugis, 416, 417- 
 Porter, Robe, 177. 
 Porterfeild, Collene, 206. 
 Portuus, William, 271, 272. 
 Potter, Cornelius, 234. 
 Powtrey in London, 305. 
 Prat, Thomas, 36, 37, 41, 48, 51, 53, 57, 
 
 61, 63, 64, 66, 67, 69, 411, 422, 4'_>3. 
 Prennet, Michaell, 228. 
 Preston, Sir Henry, 382. 
 Prestoune, James, 453. 
 Pulgoveny, 10. 
 Purvess, William, 297, 298. 
 Purwass, William, 165. 
 Pynches, Matheus, 3, 387- 
 
 Quelp, W'illiam, 43. 
 Quhit Robert, 44. 
 Quhite, William, 398. 
 Quhithede, Philp, 421, 422. 
 Quhit, Thomas, 271, 272. 
 Quhytcors, Johne, freir, 288 289. 
 Quhyt, Will., 162, 248. 
 Qwyltis, 138.
 
 476 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Racho, Joachin, steirsman of ane schipe 
 
 of Trailsound, 333. 
 Raif, Henrie, shiprnaister, 11. 
 Raik, 325, 399- 
 Ramfru, Gaufridus de, 370. 
 Ramsay, Nichole, shipmaster, 65. 
 Ranaldsone, Ellene, 163. 
 Ranystoun, 133. 
 Ratray, Jhone, 119, 121, 122, 123, 125, 
 
 167. 
 
 Rattre, 291. 
 Rattrey, Mariory, 339. 
 Raty, Archibald, 414. 
 Ray, Sir William, chaplane to our lady 
 
 chappell of the Brig of Dee, 129- 
 Reaule, Nicholace, capitene of ane schip 
 
 of Deip, 232. 
 
 Reburne, Thomas, goldsmycht, 26, 405. 
 Rede, Alexander, 35, 36, 38, 48, 53, 54, 
 
 55,61, 63, 66, 69, 71, 73, 74, 410, 413, 
 
 4 1 4, 4 1 6, 4 1 7, 420, 42 1 , 424, 429, 430. 
 Rede, Andrew, of Petfothell, 23. 
 Reginald, Nicholaus, 375, 376. 
 Reid, Dauid, 155, 271 272. 
 Reid, Mr. Johnne, cheplane of Sanct 
 
 Ketherinis chapell, 309. 
 Reid, Maister Johne, cancellar of Abir- 
 
 dene, 151. 
 
 Rede, Sir Johne, 430. 
 Reid, Rechert, singar, 314. 
 Retie, Johne, 63, 71, 104, 429. 
 Robertson, Johannes, 27- 
 Robertson, John, 266, 280. 
 Robertsone, Johne, in Tarvas, 51. 
 Roche, Bryame, 77. 
 Roger, Johnne, frer, 189. 
 Rolland, Alexander, tollar, 43. 
 Rolland, Pater Willelmus, 19- 
 Rolland, Williame, elder, shiref-deput 
 
 of Abirdene, 161, 162, 194, 211, 213, 
 
 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 248. 
 Rolland, Williame, younger, 161, 162, 
 
 166. 
 
 Rosling Muyr, 104. 
 Ross, 194, 297, 399, 434. 
 Rosse, Erie of, 10, 13. 
 Rossell, Schir Alexander, chaplane of 
 
 Sanct Clement, 121. 
 
 Rosto, in Norway, 333. 
 
 Rubislaw, 40, 47, 148, 279- 
 
 Ruderfurde, Schir Johne of Tarlane, 
 Knycht, 42, 43, 44, 49, 53, 59, 63, 66, 
 67, 68, 69, 73, 78, 81, 84, 87, 92, 98, 
 1 1 , 1 1 0, 1 1 1 , 420, 423, 429, 439, 443. 
 
 Rudriestoun, 118. 
 
 Russal, Johne, 39. 
 
 Rutherfurd, Dauy of, 397, 401, 402. 
 
 Rutherfuird, Richard of, 6,51,389,399- 
 
 Rutherfurd, Johannes, miles, 74, 421. 
 
 Ruthirford, Johannes, 374, 375, 376. 
 
 Ruthirfurd, Johne of, 102, 103, 114, 123, 
 125, 136, 170, 172, 209, 211, 213. 
 
 Ryne, Mill of, 405. 
 
 Saluay, 109- 
 
 Scherar, Andro, 239- 
 
 Scherar, Andrew, 21, 31, 33, 35, 406. 
 
 Scherar, Schir Androw, vicar of Nig, 
 
 107, 126, 136. 
 
 Scherar, Mayster Duncane, 21. 
 Scherar, Williame, alderman, 19, 389, 
 
 390, 397, 402. 
 Scheres, Maister Coppin, notar public, 
 
 113. 
 
 Schesem, William, 92, 99, 104. 
 Schevas, Johne, dempster of court, 154, 
 
 155, 163. 
 
 Schipraw, 35, 50, 265, 309. 
 Scott, George, in Auchery, 339. 
 Scotcok, Elena, 379. 
 Scrimigeor, William, 430, 439. 
 Scrimgeoure, John, 13, 408. 
 Scrogis, John of, 7, 12, 13, 17, 19, 23, 
 
 405. 
 
 Scrogs, John of, the son, 12, 16, 20,404. 
 Scrymgeour, Maister John of the Myris, 
 
 216. 
 
 Sculehil, 35, 90. 
 
 Selmor, Jacop, burgis of Hamburt, 310. 
 Sensour, Johne, 133, 134. 
 Setone, Maister Dauid, persone of 
 
 Fethyrcarne, 67. 
 Setoun, Alexr., of Meldrum, 111, 408, 
 
 409. 
 
 Setoune, William of, 406, 407. 
 Shedesley, 96, 148.
 
 INDEX. 
 
 477 
 
 Sibbald, Thorn, of Cave, 414. 
 
 Skedarae, 428. 
 
 Skeyne, Maister Robert, 151. 
 
 Skypyng Kinge, 54. 
 
 Smaler, Maister Johne, vicar of Kyn- 
 
 gowdrum, 33. 
 
 Smyth, Alarms, 375, 410. 
 Smyth, Henry, botisman of ane schip 
 
 of Hamburgh, 270. 
 Smyth, Robert, burges, 207. 
 Sound, Skau in Norway, 333. 
 Spaldyng, Willelmus, 3, 374. 
 Spens, Adam of, burges, 34. 
 Spens, John of, Ulster, 33, 34. 
 Spens, Maister Johne, aduocat to the 
 
 quene, 294. 
 
 Spens, Bischop Thomas, 118, 411. 
 Spilyelaucht, Dauid, 246. 
 Spitalfeild, 233. 
 Spittall, Mr. Alexander, persone of 
 
 Clait, 158. 
 Spittell, 341. 
 Stephin, Robertus, 400. 
 Stephinson, John, burges, 17, 18, 19,44, 
 
 64, 404, 428. 
 
 Stevinsoun, Robert, priour of Deir, 203. 
 Stewart, Dauid, master of artailzerie, 
 
 83, 86, 92. 
 
 Stewart, Master Valtir, 153. 
 Stewart, Schir Walter, of Strathoune, 23. 
 Stissing, 225. 
 
 Stokate, Forest of, 18,47,52,54. 
 Stokholme, 205. 
 Storour, Andreas, prior, Carmelitarum, 
 
 73, 74, 76. 
 Strachachin, Master Williame, master to 
 
 gramar scolis, 80. 
 
 Strade, Willelmus de, 377, 379, 380. 
 Straichin, Mr. Gilbert, 107- 
 Straloch, Duncane of, 24, 44. 
 Stralocht, 229. 
 Strang, Matilde, 373. 
 Strathachin, Donald, 44. 
 Strathachin, Johne, sone and apperand 
 
 air to Thomas Straquhen of Lenturk, 
 
 138. 
 Strathachin, Maister Thomas, maister of 
 
 grammar scules, 37. 
 
 Strathdee, 138. 
 
 Strathechin, Sir Johne, 68, 419. 
 
 Strathekyn, Adam, 374. 
 
 Strath in, Wat, sangaster in Sanct Nicho- 
 las kirk, 75. 
 
 Strathoune, knight of, 396. 
 
 Stratoun, Alexr., of Lowrastown, 113. 
 
 Stratoun, Andro, of Wagy, 113. 
 
 Straquhen, Thomas, of Lenturk, 138. 
 
 Straquhyn, James, burgess in Inner- 
 owry, 291, 349. 
 
 Streweling, Schir Johne, notar, 46, 51, 
 67, 70, 82, 84, 424, 428, 430, 431. 
 
 Striueling, 14, 200, 208, 210,211, 233, 
 253, 263, 346, 390, 399, 427- 
 
 Suerdslep, Mauritius, 3, 374. 
 
 Symson, Maister Andro, vicar of Abir- 
 den, 33. 
 
 Symson, Dauid, 23, 32, 33, 36, 37, 38, 
 44, 401, 410. 
 
 Symsone, Thomas, 409. 
 
 Syves, Andreus de, vicarius de Bervy, 5. 
 
 Tailzour, Ammowrouse, 212, 229,230. 
 
 Talzeour, Ranald, 44, 76. 
 
 Tarlane, 42, 53. 
 
 Taruas, 51. 
 
 Terwes, Symsoun, 212. 
 
 Thane, 204, 223. 
 
 Theman, Dauid, goldsmytht, 19, 26, 49, 
 52, 73, 74, 404, 434, 435. 
 
 Thomson, Andrew, in Rattre, 291. 
 
 Thomson, Peter, alias Buit pursephant, 
 233. 
 
 Thomsoun, Waltir, frer, 189. 
 
 Tiry, Johne of, 422, 423. 
 
 Tod, Schir Thomas, provost of Edin- 
 burgh, 67. 
 
 Torpichin, Johannes de 76. 
 
 Torre, Mr. James, 221, 231, 248, 251, 
 252. 
 
 Torry, 61, 304. 
 
 Tough, Alexander, in Craigern, 458. 
 
 Towes, 1 38. 
 
 Traile, Schir Adam, 18. 
 
 Traill, Loke, duelland in Petfoddellis, 
 352. 
 
 Trailesond, 19,333,334.
 
 478 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 Trayne, Williame, in Irvyne, 305. 
 
 Trinite poii, 242. 
 
 Troumbull, Sir Johnne, sangster, 80, 81. 
 
 Tulidef, Andro, 16, 17, 401. 
 
 Tulidef, John, 17, 19, 406, 454, 456. 
 
 Tuligony, 138. 
 
 Tullideff, Johne, 101, 220, 309, 310, 
 
 322, 331, 347, 352, 362, 364, 366. 
 Tullidronis hill, 296. 
 Tuloch, Johannes de, 374. 
 Tullocht, 431. 
 Tullowcht, 148. 
 Tullquhon, 17, 138. 
 Tullymad, 349. 
 Turref, 116, 117- 
 
 Umfraisoun, Patricius, 393. 
 Umfrasoun, Thomas, 391. 
 Urquhart, Margait, 156. 
 
 Vallace, Villiam, 147. 
 
 Vark, 109. 
 
 Vassy, Alexander, 456. 
 
 Vatsone, Johne, occupiar of landis and 
 
 toun of Cruvis, 159, 286. 
 Vans, Schir Dauid, curate of Abirden, 
 
 33, 75, 96, 97. 
 Vans, Richard, 16. 
 
 Vans, Robert, air to James Vaus, 45 1 . 
 Vaws, Johne the, 33, 36, 38, 44, 49, 53, 
 
 57,399,404,413,429,430. 
 Verty, William, 44. 
 Vobster, Johannes, 135. 
 Vocat, Sandy, bellringer, 45. 
 Vokate, William, 26, 27, 33, 400. 
 Voket, Schir Alex., 33. 
 Voket, John, 17, 19, 23, 397. 
 Vmfra, Dauid, 346. 
 Vmfray, William, 44. 
 Vyschert, Robert, 165, 174, 180. 
 
 Wagy, 113. 
 
 Walcar, Sir William, 321, 330, 361. 
 
 Wallace, Alexander, capitane, 205. 
 
 Wardens, 73, 112, 115, 116, 144, 413. 
 
 Wardens, lard of, 80. 
 
 Wardlaw, Alexander of, 17 
 
 Walker, Willelmus de Hole, 379. 
 
 Walkin, Andro, 406. 
 
 Watson, Maister John, cheplane of St. 
 
 Michaelis altar, 324. 
 Watsoune, Nicholas, 304. 
 Wattertoun, 418. 
 Wauchtoun, lard of, 161. 
 Waus, Gilbert the, 23, 30, 36, 37, 38, 
 
 400,410,413. 
 Waus, Sir Johne, 96. 
 Waus, Sir Richerde, 68. 
 Waus, Richard, 49, 53, 56, 79, 84, 104, 
 
 124, 125. 
 W T aus, Thome of, 43, 49,56, 95, 64, 78, 
 
 83, 85, 92.. 93, 123, 417, 429, 444. 
 Webster, Girkynus, 379. 
 Wenton, Andro, 38, 411. 
 Wer, in Zeland, 42& 
 Werstale, 27. 
 Whytby, 304. 
 William, John, 223, 224. 
 Wishart, Gawane, 453. 
 Wist, Lankyn, merchant of Bruges, 389. 
 Wod, Andro, 52, 53, 54, 122. 
 Wode, Thomas, bailze, 84, 85, 86. 
 Wolf, Hanse, skipper of ane schipe of 
 
 Grippis Wald, 334. 
 Womanhill, 59, 99, 147- 
 Wormet, Jhone, 43, 48, 56, 61, 62, 63, 
 
 66, 71, 410, 428, 434. 
 Wormet, Robert, 26, 405. 
 Wormot, Mawnus, 410. 
 Wricht, Schir Andro, maister of kirk 
 
 wark, 32, 36. 
 Wricht, Sir Thomas, 82. 
 Wrycht, Sir John, keipar of the lamp 
 
 on the Castlehill, 362. 
 Wrycht, Richerd, 77, 79, 419, 441. 
 Wyndmylhill, 395. 
 Wysman, Androw, 459, 460. 
 
 Ydill, Master Watt, 7. 
 Yong, Alexander, capellanus et procu- 
 rator domus Sancte Trinitatis, 6, 14. 
 Yong, Wilyam, clerk, 35. 
 York, Richard, Duk of, 57. 
 Yung, Schir Walter, chaplan, 36, 39, 40. 
 
 Zeland, 310,311,416,426.
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 At page x of the Preface, for carniorum read carnium. 
 
 xiv of the Preface, for totalita read totaliter. 
 The entry relative to preparations for receiving the Queen of James IV. should be under date 
 
 10th May, 1511, instead of 10th May, 1501, as at p. 70. 
 At page 379, for injuncto prime read preeentis prime. 
 
 381, for curius read curiis. 
 
 388, for dictos read dictus. 
 
 404, Jor 1546 read 1456. 
 Page 354 is misprinted 254. 
 Page 357 is misprinted 557.
 
 PRINTED BY WILLIAM BENNETT, 
 CASTLE STREET, ABERDEEN.
 
 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL UBRARY FACILITY 
 
 A 001 320 867 3