Robert de Munro, 8th Baron of Foulis facts for kids

Robert de Munro, who died in 1369, was an important leader of the Scottish Clan Munro. He is known as the first chief of the clan whose existence can be proven by old documents from his time. People also traditionally believe he was the 8th Baron of Foulis and the 11th chief of the entire clan.

Robert Munro's Lands and Charters

Robert Munro received a special document called a charter from Uilleam III, Earl of Ross (William). This charter, created between 1333 and 1350, stated that William's father, Hugh, Earl of Ross, had given land in Findon to Robert Munro's father. The document does not mention Robert's father by name.

Between 1350 and 1371, Robert Munro traded other lands he received for a specific area called the 'davach' of 'Estirfowlis' (Easter Foulis). This land was located in a place called Strathskehech. It is believed that King Robert II of Scotland confirmed this land grant with a royal charter in Perth on November 17, 1363. However, this specific royal document has not survived over time.

Robert Munro is thought to have died while fighting to protect the Earl of Ross. An old family record from 1734, called the Munro Tree, says he was chasing a group of people who were running away. Another charter, given by the Earl of Ross to Robert's son Hugh Munro on August 9, 1369, mentions "the good service of his father lately killed in defense of the said Earl." This suggests Robert died bravely protecting the Earl.

Robert Munro's Family

Robert Munro married Jean Ross. Jean was the daughter of Hugh Ross, who was the first leader of Balnagowen and the chief of the Clan Ross. She was also a descendant of Hugh, Earl of Ross. Jean Ross's mother, Margaret Barclay, was the niece of Euphemia de Ross, who was the second wife of King Robert II of Scotland.

Robert Munro and Jean Ross had three sons:

• Hugh Munro, 9th Baron of Foulis: He was the oldest son and became the next chief of the Clan Munro.
• Thomas Munro: It is said that Thomas killed the governor of Dingwall Castle in a duel. According to the Munro family tree from 1734, Thomas Munro is the ancestor of the Lords Rollo. After the duel, Thomas Munro supposedly moved south and married a woman who inherited land in Duncrube. He was later called 'Roach', which some people think changed to 'Rogue' or 'Rollock' because of a southern accent. Thomas's son, John, had the lands of Duncrube officially confirmed to him by David Stewart, Earl of Strathearn on February 13, 1380. Later, John's descendant, William, had the land made into a barony by King James IV of Scotland. Another descendant, Andrew, is said to have been knighted and made a lord in 1651. You can learn more about this family line at Lord Rollo.
• John Munro: This son is believed to have been mentioned in a royal charter from July 22, 1426. However, like some other old documents, this charter has not survived.

Some historians, like Alexander Mackenzie, believe that Robert Munro might have married a second time. His second wife may have been a daughter of Sir Adam Forrester, who was the chief of Clan Forrester. If this is true, Robert would have had a fourth son, also named John Munro, but not much is known about him.