Feudal Barony of Castlehill facts for kids
The Feudal Barony of Castlehill is a special kind of old land ownership in Inverness, Scotland. It's also known as Auld Castlehill. This area is found on the edge of Inverness, near places like Culcabock, Drakies, and Culloden. Some people even think it might be the hill where the famous King Macbeth once had his castle!
The land of Castlehill was first thought to be given to the Cuthbert family way back in the 950s by King Kenneth I. However, the first official document, called a charter, that made Castlehill a barony was from King James III on July 23, 1478. This important paper was given to William Cuthbert. He was the grandson of George Cuthbert, a brave person who was known for his actions at the Battle of Harlaw.
The Cuthbert family owned this barony for a very long time, until 1802. When Lewis Cuthbert, the baron at the time, passed away, the land was sold. The title of baron then became "dormant," which means it was like it was sleeping or not being used. Later, some researchers, Dr. Richard Culbert and Brian Hamilton, found out that the current holder of the title is Simon Fraser, who is also the 16th Lord Lovat.
What is a Feudal Barony?
A feudal barony is a very old type of land ownership in Scotland. In the past, a "baron" was a powerful person who held land directly from the king. They had special rights and duties, like helping the king in battle or managing justice in their area. It was a bit like being a local ruler of your own lands.
The Barons of Castlehill
The Cuthbert family held the title of Baron of Castlehill for many centuries. They were important people in the Inverness area, with some serving as provosts (like a mayor) or sheriffs. Here are some of the people who held the title:
- George Cuthbert, 1st Baron of Castlehill (born 1360) - He is considered the first baron because a royal document from 1478 mentions he was given the barony after the Battle of Harlaw in 1411.
- John Cuthbert, 5th Baron of Castlehill (1475–1548) - He was a sheriff deputy of Inverness.
- George Cuthbert, 6th Baron of Castlehill (1510–1592) - He was a provost and sheriff deputy of Inverness.
- John Cuthbert, 7th Baron of Castlehill (1540–1624) - He was a Provost of Inverness.
- William Johnson Cuthbert, 8th Baron of Castlehill (1570–1625) - He served as provost, baillie, and sheriff deputy of Inverness.
- George Cuthbert, 12th Baron of Castlehill (1700–1748) - He was a sheriff deputy of Inverness.
- Abbé Alexander (Cuthbert) Colbert, 13th Baron of Castlehill (1708–1782) - He was an Abbot in the Gallican Church.
- George Cuthbert, 15th Baron of Castlehill (1748–1789) - He was a provost marshal in Jamaica.
- Lewis Cuthbert, 16th Baron of Castlehill (1737–1802) - He was also a provost marshal in Jamaica. After his death, the title became dormant.
- Simon Fraser, 17th Baron of Castlehill - He is also the 16th Lord Lovat and the Chief of Clan Fraser of Lovat.
Images for kids
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Arms of George Cuthbert 1st of Castlehill
