George Munro, 10th Baron of Foulis facts for kids
George Munro of Foulis (who died in 1452) was an important leader of the Clan Munro. He is traditionally known as the 10th Baron and 13th chief of his clan. However, he is only the third chief whose leadership can be proven with records from his own time. George was the oldest son of Hugh Munro, 9th Baron of Foulis and lived at Foulis Castle.
George Munro's Lands and Charters
George Munro of Foulis gained ownership of several lands during his time. According to historian Alexander Mackenzie, George became the owner of lands in Caithness in 1410. These lands included Lissera, Borrowston, and Lybster. He inherited them from his mother, Isobel Keith.
George also received an important document called a charter in 1426. This charter was from King James I of Scotland and had the Great Seal of Scotland. It confirmed that George owned many lands and baronies. These included Easter and Wester Foulis, Katewell, Contullich, Dann, Carbisdale, Inverlael, and Findon. Historians confirm that George Munro is mentioned in other official records from 1437 and 1449.
The Battle of Bealach nam Broig
A major event during George Munro's time as chief was a conflict in 1452. A group of clans from Kinlochewe, who supported the Clan Mackenzie, took the nephew of the Earl of Ross as a hostage.
In response, the Munros and Dingwalls chased after these clans. This led to a fierce fight known as the Battle of Bealach nam Broig. The clans from Kinlochewe, including the MacIvers, MacAulays, and MacLeays, were almost completely wiped out.
The Munros and Dingwalls won the battle and rescued the Earl's nephew. However, they also lost many of their own men. It is believed that George Munro of Foulis was killed in this battle in 1452. Records confirm that he had passed away by 1453.
Some historians, like George Eyre-Todd, suggest George Munro might have died in other conflicts. These were part of the wars involving the Lord of the Isles and the Earl of Douglas against the king. The Battle of Brechin also happened in 1452, which was the same year as the Battle of Bealach nam Broig.
George Munro's Family
George Munro of Foulis was married twice. His first wife was Isobella Ross. She was the daughter of the chief of the Clan Ross from Balnagown Castle.
Sources differ on their child. Some say their only son, also named George Munro, died with his father in the Battle of Bealach nam Broig. Other records suggest their child was named William Munro.
George Munro's second marriage was to a daughter of the MacCulloch of Plaids family. They had two sons:
- John Munro, 11th Baron of Foulis (who became the next chief).
- Hugh Munro, who was the first of Coul and later of Balconie. His grandson was the famous clergyman and writer Donald Monro, Dean of the Isles. Other notable people who came from Hugh's family include Sir Thomas Munro, 1st Baronet and William Munroe, who became a landowner in the United States.
