Montgomery of Skelmorlie

Montgomery of Skelmorlie. The Montgomeries of Skelmorlie were a cadet branch of the powerful Clan Montgomery, originating in the 15th century from the main line of the Earls of Eglinton. They held the lands of Skelmorlie in North Ayrshire for centuries, with their history deeply intertwined with the political and religious conflicts of Scotland, including the Wars of the Three Kingdoms and the Jacobite risings. The family is notably commemorated by the historic Skelmorlie Aisle, a mausoleum and burial place adjacent to Largs Old Kirk.

History of the Montgomery family

The branch was established in the late 15th century when Alexander Montgomerie, a younger son of Alexander Montgomerie, 1st Lord Montgomerie, received the lands of Skelmorlie from his father. This grant solidified the family's presence in the region, making them a significant cadet house under the primary authority of the Earls of Eglinton at Eglinton Castle. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, the Montgomeries of Skelmorlie were active participants in the turbulent affairs of Scotland, often aligning with their Clan Montgomery chiefs during periods of feud, such as the long-standing conflict with the Cunninghams. Their fortunes fluctuated through events like the Scottish Reformation and the subsequent Wars of the Three Kingdoms, where members fought in pivotal engagements including the Battle of Philipphaugh.

Skelmorlie Aisle and burial place

The most enduring physical legacy of the family is the Skelmorlie Aisle, a Category A listed mausoleum built in 1636 by Sir Robert Montgomerie of Skelmorlie. Located in the churchyard of Largs Old Kirk, the aisle is a rare and splendid example of a Scottish Renaissance burial chapel. It was constructed for Sir Robert's first wife, Margaret Douglas, and features an elaborate painted ceiling depicting astrological and biblical scenes, commissioned from Dutch painters. The structure served as the principal burial vault for the Montgomeries of Skelmorlie for generations and stands as a monument to the family's wealth, artistic patronage, and social standing during the 17th century, surviving the widespread destruction of the Scottish Reformation.

Lands and estates

The core territorial holding of the branch was the Skelmorlie estate in North Ayrshire, which included the original tower house that was later developed into Skelmorlie Castle. Their influence extended across parts of the Cunninghame district, and through marriage and service, they occasionally held interests in other properties. The family's fortunes were closely tied to the management of these lands, which provided income from agriculture and tenancies. Their status as a cadet branch meant their holdings were often dependent on, and sometimes contested by, the senior line of the Earls of Eglinton, leading to periodic legal disputes over succession and property rights throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.

Notable members and titles

Prominent members included the founder, Alexander Montgomerie, and Sir Robert Montgomerie, who was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1628 by King Charles I. Sir Robert was a notable figure during the reign of Charles I, serving as a Commissioner to the Parliament of Scotland for Ayrshire. Another significant figure was Hugh Montgomerie, who fought as a Royalist commander during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Later members, such as Francis Montgomerie, were involved in the political machinations of the 18th century, with some showing sympathy for the Jacobite cause, which impacted the family's standing after the failure of the Jacobite rising of 1745.

Connection to the Clan Montgomery

The Montgomeries of Skelmorlie maintained a strong, though sometimes subordinate, connection to the chief of Clan Montgomery, seated at Eglinton Castle. They were considered one of the major cadet branches, expected to provide military support and political allegiance. This relationship was formalized through the Scottish custom of manrent, binding the Skelmorlie lairds to the Earl of Eglinton. Their history reflects the broader narrative of the clan, sharing in its feuds, such as that with the Clan Cunningham, and its participation in national conflicts. The branch's eventual decline and the absorption of its estates back into the main line in the 19th century underscore its integral role within the wider kinship and territorial network of Clan Montgomery.

Category:Clan Montgomery Category:Scottish families Category:History of Ayrshire