Murdo MacKenzie (courtier) facts for kids
Murdo Mackenzie, also known as Murdo McRorie, was an important Scottish courtier who lived a long time ago. He is famous for building Fairburn Tower near Inverness. He passed away in 1590.
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Murdo Mackenzie's Life and Work
Murdo Mackenzie was the son of Roderick Mackenzie of Achilty. His mother was a daughter of Duncan McWilliam Dow vic Leod.
Murdo became a courtier, which means he worked closely with the king. From 1538, he was a groom or valet of the bedchamber for James V of Scotland. This was a trusted position, helping the king with his personal needs. It is said that Murdo joined the royal household after his father, who had been a prisoner at the Bass Rock, impressed the king in a wrestling match. Murdo was officially recognized as legitimate in July 1539. This was important for him to own property and inherit things.
Murdo Mackenzie's name appears many times in the Scottish financial records. He was often with King James V. For example, in 1540, he was with the king at Stirling Castle, Falkland Palace, and Dudhope Castle. On April 30, 1540, the king's money manager, John Tennent, gave Murdo 22 shillings. This money was to buy gunpowder in Dundee for the king's handguns. Murdo and three other grooms, Alexander Kemp, Sandy Whitelaw, and Andrew Drummond, received money for their official uniforms in 1540. Their clothing allowance was even increased. In June 1542, Murdo received a gift of land called Overwood, which was worth £113.
The clothes Murdo wore while working for the king included a jacket, called a doublet, made of orange-brown velvet. It is believed that Murdo was not at court when King James V died in December 1542. If he had been there, he would have received a special gift the king had planned for him.
Fairburn Tower and Lands
Murdo Mackenzie was given the lands of Fairburn, near Inverness, and other farms on April 1, 1542. For each home on the estate, he had to pay a feudal duty of one hen. This was called a "reik hen." He was also told to build a new house, Fairburn, along with orchards and a garden. After he married Mariobelle or Margaret Urquhart in 1549, Mary, Queen of Scots gave him even more land in the area. Murdo Mackenzie passed away on December 20, 1590. He wanted to be buried with his family in Beauly Priory.
Family Life and Children
Murdo Mackenzie's first wife was Margaret Urquhart. She was the daughter of the Sheriff of Cromarty. Their children included:
- Alexander MacKenzie of Fairburn
- John MacKenzie of Towie or Tolly (died 1601), who was a church minister in Dingwall. He helped bring the Laird of Glengarry to justice for some serious events in Applecross.
- A daughter who married Ross of Priesthill.
- Annabella MacKenzie, who married two times. First, she married Thomas MacKenzie of Lochluichart and Ord. Second, she married Alexander MacKenzie.
His second wife was a daughter of Rorie McFarquhar. Their children included:
- Rory MacKenzie of Knockbackster or Knockbaxter
- Hector MacKenzie, who managed lands in Lochcarron
- John MacKenzie of Corry
- Isobel Mackenzie, who married John MacKenzie. He was also known as John Roy Mackenzie and had a house on the smaller Eilean Ruaridh on Loch Maree.
