| Administrative History | The Lordship of Fraser was created in 1633.
The 1st Lord Fraser was Andrew (d. 1636), son of Michael. He purchased from Alexander Fraser of Durris the lands of Cairnbulg, Invernorth and Durris. His children include: Andrew, 2nd Lord Fraser; Francis of Kinmundie; and William Fraser of Faichfield, who married Jean Barclay (second daughter of Patrick Barclay of Towie). One of the 1st Lord Fraser's cousin's, John Fraser of Watertoun/Waterton, also appears in the papers.
Andrew, 2nd Lord Fraser (d. 1657) inherited the title from his father. He was a covenanter, associated with the Laird of Philorth and the Forbes family under Lord Argyll against the royalists under the command of Earl of Huntly and the Marquis of Montrose. During the time of Andrew, 2nd Lord Fraser, the castle of Muchalls (since called Castle Fraser) suffered 'spoilation' at the hands of Montrose. The 2nd Lord Fraser's children include: William Fraser; Elizabeth, who married Walter Barclay of Towie; Andrew, 3rd Lord Fraser; and Thomas Fraser.
Andrew, 3rd Lord Fraser (d. 1674) inherited the title in 1651. He married Katherine Fraser, daughter to Hugh, eight Lord Lovat.
Charles, 4th Lord Fraser (d.1716), inherited the title from his father. He married Margaret Erskine, widow of Simon Fraser of Inverallochy, in 1683. He found it necessary to sell the lands he inherited, and the sale of Muchall Estate ignited complications between Lord Fraser, the Earl of Mar, and John Keirie of Gogar.
The peerage became extinct on the death of Charles, fourth Lord Fraser: his stepson William Fraser of Inverallochy (c.1672 - c.1717) inherited Castle Fraser and its estates.
See the fourth volume of the Scot's Peerage for more information about the family. |