A collection of legal documents, 1452-1943, concerning the family of Borthwick of Crookston and some of their lands in the Scottish Borders, together with seven miscellaneous Scottish documents, 1513-1933, partly issued by the Scottish court.

1-16 Borthwick of Crookston papers

1 Charter, 1 Feb. 1452, of King James II, freeing John Borthwick, son of William Borthwick of Crookston, from ward. With seal of James II attached.

2 Letter of reversion, 1458, of William second Lord Borthwick in favour of William Cockburn of Newhall, of the lands of Nettlingflat. With seal attached.

3 Certification, 1623, issued by Robert Ker earl of Lothian, of the lineage of William Borthwick of Crookston. With seal attached.

4 Certification, 1665, issued by George Seton, fourth earl of Wintoun, of the lineage of William Borthwick of Crookston. With seal attached.

5 Photocopy of sasine, 4 September 1671, in favour of William Borthwick and Janet Craig his spouse, of the lands of Hangingshaw, Threeburnford, and others.

6 Photocopy of sasine, 8 Sept. 1671, in favour of William Borthwick and Janet Craig his spouse of the lands of Nettlingflatt, Caikmurehill and Carberry Hill.

7 Royal letter, 1673, certifying ownership of the lands held by Borthwick of Crookston.

8 Decreet of sale, 1712, of the lands of Johnstounburn and others in favour of William Borthwick of Falahill.

9-14 Formal certificates, 1902-1940, concerning members of the Borthwick family.

15 Four negatives of photographs, 1943, of charters and seals of Borthwick of Crookston family.

16 Genealogical notes, 20th century. 1 small sheet.



17-23 Miscellaneous documents

17 Document, 21 September 1513, signed by Queen Margaret of Scotland, wife of James IV, appointing Thomas Bellenden of Auchinoul director of chancery.

18 Precept, 17 January 1542/3, appointing John Bellenden of Auchinoul director of Chancery and custodian of the Quarter Seal. With Privy Seal (incomplete) attached.

19 Confession of John Livingston, 1 March 1598, before the King, concerning the unlawfull fighting and single combat between himself and Archibald Erskine (possibly the fifth son of Alexander Erskine of Gogar?). Cf. Register of the Privy Council, 1st ser. vol. v, which records that Archibald Erskine, for not appearing, was denounced rebel.

20 Contract, dated 18 Nov. 1639, between the King and Robert Ker, first Earl of Roxburghe, and others, concerning the lands of the abbacy of Kelso.

21 Drafts, May-August 1703, of Acts of the Scottish Parliament and amendments of clauses and motions. 19 documents.

22 Letter, 15 Feb. 1822, of the 5th Duke of Roxburghe, to the trustees and tutors and curators for his son.

23 Copy, 1933, of the Form and Order of the Marquis of Montrose’s funeral, 1661. (For the original, see NLS MS.5161, f.3)