Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis facts for kids

Robert Munro (died September 8, 1547) was a Scottish soldier and a leader, known as a clan chief, of the Highland Clan Munro. He lived at Foulis Castle, which was his family's home. While he is traditionally called the 14th Baron and 17th chief of his clan, we can only prove he was the 7th Munro chief using records from his time.

Robert Munro: Taking Charge

In 1542, Robert became the official heir to his father, Hector Munro, 13th Baron of Foulis. This meant he inherited all his father's lands and titles. The King of Scotland at the time, James V of Scotland, also confirmed Robert's right to these lands.

Clan Friendships and Agreements

Also in 1542, a disagreement started between Donald Mackay, 11th of Strathnaver, the chief of Clan Mackay, and John Gordon, 11th Earl of Sutherland, the chief of Clan Sutherland. This fight led to a battle called the Battle of Alltan-Beath. After the battle, Donald Mackay was captured and held at the Munro's Foulis Castle.

Some stories say Donald Mackay escaped, while others say Robert Munro set him free. The Munros and Mackays had been good friends for many years. Because of the kindness shown to Donald Mackay, the two clans remained close for a long time.

In 1544, Robert Munro, the 14th Baron of Foulis, signed a special agreement of friendship with Alexander Ross, the chief of the Clan Ross from Balnagown Castle. This showed how clans worked together. In 1546, Robert Munro also received the right to choose the priest for a church area called Obsdale. This right was given to him by Angus MacDonald, the 7th chief of the Clan MacDonell of Glengarry.

A Big Battle: Pinkie Cleugh

In September 1547, an English army led by Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset, invaded Scotland. All the Scottish clan chiefs and noblemen were called to Edinburgh to defend their country. Robert Munro, the 14th Baron of Foulis, answered this call. He gathered his clan's fighting men and joined the Scottish army in Edinburgh.

On September 10, 1547, a major battle took place called the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh. Sadly, Robert Munro was killed during this battle.

His Family

Robert Munro married Margaret Dunbar, who was the only daughter of Sir Alexander Dunbar. They had seven children. These children went on to start many important branches of the Clan Munro.

• Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis. He was Robert's oldest son and became the next chief.
• Hector Munro. He was the first of the Munro family to live at Contullich, Gildermorie, and Fyrish. His descendants became a famous family of doctors.
• Hugh Munro. His third son, Reverend John Munro of Tain, became a well-known church leader.
• George Munro. He was the first of the Munro family to live at Katewell. Some historians thought he died with his father in the battle of 1547. However, later evidence showed he was still alive years after the battle. James Monroe, who became the fifth president of the United States, was a descendant of this branch of the Munro clan.
• Catherine Munro.
• Janet Munro.