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Chiefs of Clan Munro facts for kids

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The Munros of Foulis are the traditional leaders, or chiefs, of the Scottish Highland Clan Munro. Their story goes back a long way!

According to old tales, the Munro chiefs are descended from a person named Donald Munro of Foulis who lived around the year 1039. However, we can only be sure about their family line from written records starting with Robert de Munro, who passed away in 1369.

A historian from the 1800s, Alexander Mackenzie, said that the Munro chiefs were called "Barons of Foulis" as early as the 1100s. But it's tricky to prove if they were all officially "Barons" before King Charles I made them "Baronets" in the 1630s. A "Baronet" is like a special title given by the King, making them part of the gentry. The first true Baron was likely Robert Mor Munro (who died in 1588). Before that, the Munro chiefs held their lands from the Earl of Ross and directly from the King for many centuries.

In the 1630s, Hector Munro of Foulis, who was traditionally the 19th chief, was made a Baronet by King Charles I. He became known as Sir Hector Munro, 1st Baronet of Foulis. Later, in 1651, Sir Hector Munro, 2nd Baronet, died without any children. His cousin, Sir Robert Munro, 3rd Baronet, took over as Baronet. This Robert was the oldest male from the Munro of Obsdale family, which was a branch of the Clan Munro descended from chief Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis (d.1588).

In 1848, Sir Hugh Munro, 8th Baronet, passed away, leaving only a daughter. His cousin, Sir Charles Munro, 9th Baronet, became the next Baronet. Sir Charles was from the Munro of Culrain branch of the clan. This family line came from George Munro, 1st of Newmore, who was the son of Col. John Munro, 2nd of Obsdale, and a grandson of chief Robert Mor Munro. Some historians have suggested that the Munros of Culcairn family should have become chiefs instead. They were living in London, England, and it was thought they had died out, even though they hadn't.

In 1935, Chief Sir Hector Munro, 11th Baronet died. His daughter, Eva Marion Munro, became the chief of the Clan Munro. However, the Baronetcy (the special title) went to Sir George Hamilton Munro, 12th Baronet, who was the grandson of Sir Charles Munro, 9th Baronet. This happened because the Baronetcy could not be passed down to a female at that time. You can read more about this in the article: Munro Baronets.

Eva Marion Munro married a man named Col C. H. Gascoigne. Their son, Patrick, later changed his last name to Munro (his mother's maiden name) so he could become the chief of the clan. The current chief of the clan today is his son, Hector William Munro.

Munro Chiefs Through History

The Munro chiefs have a long and interesting history, with many brave and important leaders. Here are some of the key figures:

Modern Chiefs

  • Hector W. Munro: He is the current chief of the Clan Munro.
  • Finnian Munro: He is the eldest son of the current chief and will likely be the next chief.
  • Capt. Patrick Munro (died 1995): He was the son of Eva Marion Munro. He took his mother's family name to become chief.
  • Eva Marion Munro (died 1976): She was the eldest daughter of the 11th Baronet and became chief when her father died.

Chiefs of Foulis (Later Line)

  • Sir Hector Munro, 11th Baronet of Foulis (died 1935): He was a Colonel in the Seaforth Highlanders and served as an aide to King Edward VII and King George V. His death marked the end of the direct male line for the Baronetcy.
  • Sir Charles Munro, 10th Baronet of Foulis (died 1888): He was a Deputy Lieutenant and Justice of the Peace (J.P.) for Ross-shire, helping with local government.
  • Sir Charles Munro, 9th Baronet of Foulis (died 1886): He came from the Munro of Culrain family branch.
  • Sir Hugh Munro, 8th Baronet of Foulis (died 1848): His death meant the end of the direct line of succession for the Baronetcy.
  • Sir Harry Munro, 7th Baronet of Foulis (died 1781): He rebuilt Foulis Castle after a fire. He was also a Member of Parliament (MP) for Ross-shire.
  • Sir Robert Munro, 6th Baronet of Foulis (died 1746): He was a Colonel in the famous Black Watch regiment. He was sadly killed at the Battle of Falkirk Muir.
  • Sir Robert Munro, 5th Baronet of Foulis (died 1729): He was known as the Blind Baron.
  • Sir John Munro, 4th Baronet of Foulis (died 1697): He was sometimes called the Presbyterian Mortar Piece.
  • Sir Robert Munro, 3rd Baronet of Foulis (died 1668): He was the great-grandson of Chief Robert-Mor Munro.

Chiefs of Foulis (Original Line)

Traditional Chiefs (Earliest Times)

The earliest ten chiefs of the Clan Munro are known from old stories and family records, but there isn't always official proof from their time.

  • George Munro, 7th Baron of Foulis (died 1333): He continued to support King Robert the Bruce and was killed at the Battle of Halidon Hill.
  • Robert Munro, 6th Baron of Foulis (died 1323): He joined King Robert the Bruce and led his clan at the famous Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
  • George Munro, 5th Baron of Foulis (died 1282): All his lands in Ross-shire were confirmed to him by a special document from King Alexander II of Scotland.
  • Donald Munro, 3rd Baron of Foulis (died 1195): It is said he built the old Tower of Foulis in 1154. He also helped King William the Lion stop a rebellion.
  • Robert Munro, 2nd Baron of Foulis (died 1164): He was a loyal subject of Kings David I of Scotland and Malcolm IV of Scotland. He was buried in the Church of Chanonry of Ross, which was the burial place for Munros for 400 years.
  • Hugh Munro, 1st Baron of Foulis (died 1126): He is considered the first person in the line to be called "Baron of Foulis."
  • Donald Munro (died 1039): He is traditionally known as the founder of the ancient House of Munro.

See also

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