Hector Munro, 13th Baron of Foulis facts for kids

Hector Munro, 13th Baron of Foulis was an important Scottish clan chief of the highland Clan Munro. He lived in a place called Rosshire. People traditionally say he was the 13th Baron of Foulis and the 16th overall chief of his clan. However, we only have clear proof that he was the 6th chief of the Clan Munro.

Becoming a Clan Leader

Hector was the oldest son of William Munro, 12th Baron of Foulis. His father passed away in 1505. Hector was very young when he became the clan chief and inherited his family's lands. Because he was so young, his relatives helped him manage everything.

Protecting the Clan's Lands

When Hector grew up, around 1514 or 1515, he became a strong leader. He was made a "Lieutenant" (a kind of military leader) along with John Mackenzie, 9th of Kintail. John Mackenzie was the chief of the Clan Mackenzie. Their job was to protect the area called Wester Ross. They had to guard it from attacks by Sir Donald MacDonald of Lochalsh, who was the chief of the Clan MacDonald of Lochalsh. Sir Donald was trying to take over more land and even called himself the "Lord of the Isles."

Expanding the Clan's Territory

Hector Munro worked hard to get more land for his clan.

Important Land Deals

On December 10, 1516, King James V of Scotland officially gave Hector Munro the right to fish for salmon in the Kyle of Oykel. This was an important fishing spot between the areas of Ross and Sutherland. Hector got these rights from Sir Donald MacDonald of Lochalsh.

Hector also bought more land on October 2, 1524. He bought parts of Lochalsh, Lochcarron, Lochbroom, and other places from Margaret MacDonald of the Isles. She was Sir Donald MacDonald's sister. She sold the land to Hector because she needed money. These land deals were later confirmed by King James V of Scotland at Stirling on April 20, 1541.

Agreements with Other Clans

Hector Munro also signed important agreements with other powerful families. On April 30, 1527, he signed a document at Inverness with the Knight of Calder and others. He also made a special agreement called a "bond of Manrent" with Hugh Fraser, 5th Lord Lovat, on March 19, 1529. A bond of manrent was like a promise of loyalty and support between two powerful leaders.

Hector Munro's Passing

Historians have found different dates for when Hector Munro died. One old record from the late 1600s says he died in 1549. However, other records from his own time, called the Munro Writs of Foulis, say he died on March 8, 1541. Hector passed away in a place called Culrain. He was buried in his family's traditional burial ground in the Chanonry of Ross.

Hector's Family

Hector Munro, the 13th Baron, was married two times.

First Marriage

His first wife was Catherine. She was the daughter of Kenneth Mackenzie, 7th of Kintail, who was the chief of the Clan Mackenzie. Hector and Catherine had two sons:

• Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis (who became the next clan chief).
• Hugh Munro of Contullich, who seems to have never married.

Second Marriage

Hector's second wife was also named Catherine. She was the daughter of John Macleod of Lewis, the chief of the Clan MacLeod of Lewis. Hector and Catherine did not have any children together.

Other Children

Hector Munro, 13th Baron of Foulis, also had three sons who were not born within his marriages. These sons grew up to start several large Munro families. They were given land in Rosshire.

• Hugh Munro, the first of Little Findon.
• Robert Munro, the first of Killichoan.
• John Roy Munro, also known as "the red," the first of Wester Fyrish.