Records of the Pringles of the Scottish Border, by Alex Pringle

Chapter 18

TORWOODLEE

WILLIAM

WILLIAM HOPPRINGII.L first of Torwoodlee was a son of James of Smailholm, Ranger of the Ward of Tweed.

In October 1489 Caddonlee, a stead occupied with the King's own goods by Patrick Crichton, was by letters of the King (now James IV.) let to William for 5 years, and he continued to hold it so till 1510 when it was feued to him. In 1501 Torwoodlee and Toftness were let to William and he continued to hold them so till they were feued to him in 1510, just after his son George had been included in the lease (E. R.).

In October 1508 at Edinburgh James Henrison, burgess, Clerk of Justiciary, granted " for singular love towards David Hoppringill in Tynnes '' to William a charter of his lands in Clifton, extending to the fourth part of the lands and barony thereof in the shire of Roxburgh, to be held of the King : witnesses, John Lawson, Gilbert Knox, etc. confirmed by the King in August 1509 (G. S.). David had been partner with William for some time in the lease of Caddonlee. For David in Tynnes see under Smailholm. The donor was King's Advocate and Lord Justice-clerk, and was apparently a son of Robert Henryson, the Poet (Eyre Todd's Mediaeval Scottish Poetry.)

William by his wife Elizabeth Lawson had issue :-

1. George, his heir.

2. Alexander, of East Teviotdale and Fernacres, Northumberland (q.v.).

3. Robert, parson of Morham; see under Fountainhall, Pencaitland.

4. William of Westhousebyre (q.v.).

5. David of Slegden (q.v.).

6. John of East Teviotdale (q.v.).

7. James of East Teviotdale (q.v.).

William was killed at the battle of Flodden 9th September 1513.

GEORGE 1

In December 1516 a gift was made, with consent of the Governor (the Duke of Albany), to Elizabeth Lawson, relict of the late William Hoppringill of Clifton, George his son and heir, and Robert, parson of Morham, and Alexander, his brothers, conjunctly and severally, of the ward and nonentries of the £10 land of Clifton, which pertained to the late William in heritage, now through his decease in the King's hands (P. S.)- a favour granted to the heirs of the King's vassals who fell with him at Flodden.

George's name does not Teviotdale as do those of in an English list of 25 Scots round Yetholm who pastured their sheep on the March. In 1526 he is included in the Letter of Pardon granted to the Scotts, Kers, Hoppringills, and others for treasonably marching with the Homes to Stirling against the Earl of Arran, the King's Lieutenant (see Smailholm). In 1532 an instrument of reckoning is made between him and his brothers James, Robert, and William. In 1534 he and his brothers Robert and David witness charters granted to and by David Hoppringill of Smailholm (G. S.).

In 1535 George is given sasine to the quarter lands of Elliston, which had been in the hands of the King since the death of his father William (E. R.). In 1538 Ninian Glendining grants to him a £3-land, and to his brother John a 50s.-land, in the east part of Clifton as occupied by them (G. S., 1623). In 1540 the King confirmed to him, per fustem et baculum, and to Margaret Crichton his spouse, in conjunct fee, the £10-land of Clifton (G. S.). ln 1541 George appears in the rental of the Ward of Tweed as paying £60 feu duty for Torwoodlee and Caddonlee, and in that of Yarrow £8 for Glengaber appear so often in the affairs of East his brothers. In 1523 he is included (E R.).

In 1544 Henry VIII of England, furious because he could not kidnap the young Queen of Scots and detach them from their French alliance, sent by sea an army under Hertford that burned Edinburgh, ravaged Holyroodhouse, laid waste the country round about, and. on its march home burned every village through which it passed. In February 1545 the Scots routed an English army at Ancrum Moor, killing the leader Sir Ralph Eure and a thousand men and taking 600 prisoners, including Sir John Horsely captured by David, George's brother (see Slegden). Before leaving Alnwick Castle for Scotland Eure had ordered the custodian to " call all the Pledges of the Scottish prisoners to him and keep them safe, especially George Pringill's.'' On 1st March the custodian wrote to Shrewsbury asking, now that Eure was dead, what was to be done about them; there were 6 Pledges, including George Pringle, younger, also 3 prisoners who were assured English and had falsified their promises, viz., Dand Haliburton, Robert Haig of Bemersyde, and John Turnhall (H. L.). They would all be set free shortly in exchange for English captured in the battle.

In March 1546 James Hoppringill of Tynnes, who in 1543 had sued the Kers for the violent spoliation and withholding of his stead of Buckholm, now sues George (their ally) for doing the same thing; the Lords order him to desist within six days or be warded in Blackness Castle (L. C.). In June 1547 the said James sues William Crichton of Drylaw, George's surety, that he would stop molesting Buckholm, which he had not done, but had since, himself, his brothers and servants, shorn his meadows and grass, pastured his goods thereon, and cut the trees (see Buckholm).

After the disastrous battle of Pinkie, 10th September 1547, George took part in the ransom of Rose of Kilravock (see Westhousebyre); also at Roxburgh Castle, after the Scottish Border had been ravaged afresh, George was constrained with the Border lairds to take an oath of fealty to Henry VIII. (Hollinshed). On 7th August 1548 the young Queen Mary sailed to France in the ships that had brought French troops and arms.

In September 1548 the Lords of Council sent letters to Peebles intimating to the Kers and Hoppringills that they could come freely to Edinburgh and answer for the charge of treason; and in October the clans of East Teviotdale, roused by the warding of Cessford in Edinburgh Castle, took part with an English army in ravaging the lands of Sir Walter Scott and his friends on the Teviot. In 1550, thanks to the troops and arms sent by France, the English were gradually expelled from Scotland, and peace between the two countries proclaimed at Edinburgh on 1st April.

In 1551 George receives a Pardon for coming against the late King, James V., at Linlithgow, and for all other acts or treasons against the royal person (P. S.); also he gets from the Archbishop of St Andrews a feu charter of Craigend, Stow (T. W.).

In March 1552 Sir Walter Scott of Buccleuch, who had fought Angus at Pringill's bridge, Melrose, in 1526, when Ker of Cessford was killed by one of his followers, and whose lands had been recently ravaged by the clans of East Teviotdale, was murdered in time of night in the High Street of Edinburgh by the Kers and Homes, now further incited against him through his appointment as Governor of Liddesdale and Warden of the Middle March. Among 18 persons indicted for the crime were 7 Kers and George Hoppringill of Torwoodlee. George's indictment ran thus, " Ye, being upon the gait of Edinburgh, did send your two horse to the laird of Cessford (Sir Walter Ker) to ryd away upon, which ye can not deny '' (S. B.).

In 1564 Sir Walter Ker, Warden of the Middle March, having complained of being badly attended on Truce Days, the Lords order the lairds used to attend, including George, to do so well accompanied and arrayed (C. B.) : also George is ordered by the Archbishop to produce his tack at £50 yearly of the teinds of the Kirk of Stow (L, C.)

DEATH OF GEORGE: -On 6th January 1569 Lord Hunsdon, Governor of Berwick, reported to the English Council that at the Wardens' meeting he had heard that on the 27th ult. Martin Elliot and 300 horsemen had come to Torwoodlee at night, sacked the place, and killed the Goodman George Pringill (MSS., Salisbury). On 10th December 1570 the English ambassador reported that " there was a day of law on the 7th inst. for the trial of slaughters between the Pringills and Elliots, and the friends on both sides gathered to the number of 300 on either part. The trial was deferred by the Earl of let with their weapons was Morton until May next, but the trial likely to have been to the great harm on both sides had not the townsmen both orderly and stoutly prevented the same. Together they were, and many strokes with swords given, and pistols on both sides shot off and some hurt. There were on both sides divers principal gentlemen of the Merse, Teviotdale, Lothians and other parts '' (H. S., and Diurnal of Occurrents, 1513-75).

On 3rd June 1575 the Privy Council issued letters from Holyroodhouse stating that the Regent (Earl of Morton) with the view of stopping the deadly feud between the Surnames of the Hoppringills and Elliots, whereby great trouble had been in times bypass in the realm, and was like to continue, had appointed both May last for the compearance before him and the Council personally, of the Hoppringills, Andrew of Galashiels, James of Torsonce and James his Tutor, William of Torwoodlee, James of Whytbank, George of Blindlee, John of Buckholm, Malcolm of Cortleferry, Thomas of Milkiston, John of Chapelhill, William of Westhousebyre, and John of Muirhouse ; and of the Elliots, Robert of Skelfhill, Martin of Braidlee, William of Horselyhill and his brother Gavin, Gavin of Falnash, and William in Gorrenberry ; and whereas only two of the Hoppringills, William of Torwoodlee and Malcolm of Cortleferry, had compeared, and only two of the Elliots, Robert of Skelfhill and Martin of Braidlee, the Council issue a fresh summons for 23rd June next, each person to find caution in £100 that he would compear (P. C,). We hear nothing more of the case for upwards of thirty years, till in the more settled times of 1607 it was continued (see below).

George and his spouse Margaret Crichton had issue: -

1. William, his heir.

2. David, died before June 1581 ; leaving a son George.

3. George.

4. Isabella, marr. Thomas Hoppringill of that Ilk, 1555.

5. Elizabeth, marr. John Edgar, of Wedderlie, 1557.

6. Margaret, marr. Oliver Edgar, younger, of Wester Monkrig, 1564.

7. Agnes, died in 1576 (T. E.).

8, 9, 10. Catherine, Christian, Marion.

WILLIAM

In February 1569 The Exchequer remitted to William the duplication of his feu duty due on his entry as heir of the late George in the lands of Glengaber, Torwoodlee, Tofts, and Caddonlee, by reason his father was slain by the thieves and rebels (E. R.).

In January 1570 Regent Moray was assassinated at Linlithgow.

In April 1571 William, on receipt of the tocher of his spouse Alison, daughter of James Heriot of Trabroun) infefts her in the lands of Craigend, Stow (R. D.). At Jedburgh he subscribed the General Band of the Border lairds to rise against Ker of Fernihirst or the thieves of Liddesdale or Eskdale (P. C., 1571).

William died in August 1577. In his Testament, made at Mylnhaven (now Morrison's Haven) in 1571 he nominated as Tutors to his children Alison his spouse, or after her re-marriage her brother-in-law Thomas Hamilton of Priestfield (afterwards first Earl of Haddington), Patrick Crichton of Lugton, and Robert Lawson of Humbie, consecutively. His farm stock and teinds due to him amounted to £2341, leaving after payment of certain debts and the fees of George, William, and David Hoppringill, and twelve servants, £2209 free gear (T. E.).

William and his spouse Alison Heriot had issue: -

1. George, his heir.

2. William (1603, 1609, 1618); later, of Colligarrie, Co. Tyrone (see Ireland, Plantations).

3. James.

4. David, apprenticed in 1590, to David Richardson, skinner, Edinburgh.

5. Elisabeth, marr. 1588, Andrew Logan, younger, of Coitfield, Restalrig.

6. Janet, married Robert Dickson of Overmains, Hassington, Berwickshire.

Alison Heriot married in October 1580 as her second husband John Renton of Billie, whose previous spouses had been Katherine Lawson and Jean Cockburn. They had issue: -

1. James Renton, of Billie (q.v.).

2. Agnes Renton, marr. James Pringill, younger, of Buckholm.

GEORGE 2

In 1581 George's cousin, George son of the late David Hoppringill, and Andrew Heriot of Trabroun act as his

Tutors (L. C., 1582). On a Sunday in January 1589 when George and Richard Heriot, younger, of Trabroun were in the Churchyard of Stow after service, they were attacked by some 24 persons, who wounded Heriot and killed David Taylor, servant of George's mother Lady Billie. Of the offenders George Haldane of that Ilk, James Hunter of Hawkburn, and John and George Hoppringill of Muirhouse having failed to compear for trial, their goods movable, as fugitives of the law, were escheated, and gifted to George under the Privy Seal.

In May 1605 George Hoppringill of Torwoodlee, at Edinburgh, --in implement of a contract made with Andrew Hoppringill of Hounam, David of the Bents, John in Clifton, John in Tofts, and Andrew (or Dand) son of the late John in Tofts, tenants of his quarter of Clifton-granted to Andrew of Hounam and his spouse Margaret Ker the 3-merk land of the said quarter of Clifton (occupied by John Hoppringill, called Gantlet), also to the said Andrew as heir of the late George Hoppringill, his great grandfather (proavus), the 5 1/2 merk land of the said quarter as occupied by him ; also to John in Clifton as heir of the late John there, his grandfather (who in 1538 acquired a 50s. land in the east part of Clifton), the 50s land of the said quarter of Clifton (G. S., 1623).

In January 1607 George Pringill of Torwoodlee and his brothers James and David, Grandsons of the late George Hoppringill, pursue Join Elliot of Coppshaw for the crime following-" the said Elliot, Robert Elliot called Martin's Hob, and Jock Armstrong called the Laird's Jock, with convocation of the whole clans of the Armstrongs, Elliots, Beattisons, Grahams, and remanent clans on both sides of the Border, all common thieves, to the number of 300 persons, both horse and foot, came forward in December 1568, with jacks, spears, steel bonnets, lancestaves, hackbuts and pistolets, to the place of Torwoodlee, and there, under silence of night, with forehammers and joists dang up the yetts of the said place, and by force entered in and took the late George Hoppringill furth of his bed, conveyed him away prisoner to the Skaldeneise in Selkirkshire, and there most cruelly murdered him ; and at the same time broke up the chests and lockfast places within the said place, and theftuously took away from the stables 17 horses worth overhead £100 Scots each, £1000 purse money, 80 oz. silver at 40s the oz., 2 dozen silver spoons weighing 2 oz each, together with the whole napery, clothes, and household furnishings worth 5000 merks Scots.'' The Court sentenced William Elliot of Falnash, cautioner for the entry of John Elliot of Coppshaw to be fined 500 merks for his nonentry, and the said John to be denounced rebel and put to the horn, and all his movable goods escheated and brought in for the King's use, as being fugitive of the law (P. C. T.). See previous notices, 1569, 1575; also under East Teviotdale, 1567, 1569, where it appears that this attack on Torwoodlee was only an episode in the desperate struggle then going on between these western desperadoes and Regent Moray.

In December 1607 George was granted by the Archbishop of St Andrews a tack of a third of the teind sheaves of the Kirk of Stow. In 1610 he was appointed by the Privy Council Keeper of the Rolls of the Selkirkshire J.P.'S with power to employ a clerk (P. C.),

In 1613 Andrew Logan of Pittarthie, Fife; having failed to relieve Andrew Logan of Coitfield his cautioner in 3300 merks, had his goods and liferent of Pittarthie escheated, and granted to David Pringill, George's brother, who, in 1615 agreed to pay 3000 merks for the lands by a certain date or remove from them (A. D., Scott).

In 1615 John Pringill, third son of George, is apprenticed to David Pringill, surgeon, Edinburgh.

In 1617 George and Sir Patrick Murray of Langshaw are appointed M.P.'S for Selkirkshire, and in 1621 George, and James Pringill of Smailholm (A. P.).

In March 1618 " The Privy Council send ' Ane missive ' to the Deputy of Ireland in favour of Williame Pringle '' (George's uncle) (P.C.). See Ireland, Plantations.

In 1619 George resigns the lands of Blockhouse, Midlothian, disponed to him for 4000 merks, and now redeemed, by Sir William Ker of Cockpen (S. E.).

In 1620 George and his spouse Elizabeth Richardson are granted by the Archbishop of St Andrews the lands of Little Catpair (S. E.). In 1621 George resigns the lands of Glengaber to Walter Earl of Buccleuch (G. S.). In 1622 he gets from James Cairncross of Colmslie a charter of the lands of Wooplaw, Allanshaws, and West Langlee, redeemable for 18,000 merks, and grants them to his eldest son James. The lands were redeemed by the said Cairncross in 1633 (R.M.).

In 1623 George is nominated by the Privy Council to a Convention on Scottish manufactures, especially wool; also, with his son James, J.P., subscribes the report of the Selkirkshire J.P.'S on the relief of the poor, and on sturdy beggars (P. C.).

In August 1624 George appeared personally before the Lords of Council and accepted the office of Sheriff of Selkirkshire (P. C.). In November he bought from William Veitch the lands of Crosslee (G. S. 1625).

In 1627 he and certain others are appointed by the Kirk Session of Stow to assess for 300 merks for repairing the kirk; and in 1630 the Session consider " where Torwoodlee his aisle should be biggit '' (C. B.). Also in 1630 George, along with the bailies of Selkirk, is commissioned to try a man and 4 women for witchcraft (P. C.).

In 1633 John Chisholm and Margaret Pringill his spouse resign the reversion of Brockhouse in Gala Water to James, fear of Torwoodlee (S. E.). In 1637 John Pringill, surgeon, Edinburgh, as brother and heir of Elisabeth, Margaret, and Anne, daughters of George and the late Elizabeth Richardson, his spouse, gets the lands of little Catpair (which were alienated by James Hoppringill of Tynnes and his spouse Joneta Tod), redeemable by George, as per charter to his daughters, for 6000 merks, and, later, the said lands are granted by the said George and John to the said Elizabeth Richardson (S. E., vol. 17).

George appears to have died in 1637. By his first wife Margaret Pringill, daughter of James of Whytbank, he had issue:-

1. James, his heir.

2. George, apprenticed in 16 07 with James Heriot, litster, Edinburgh; also of Craigend ; died before 1627.

3. John, in 1615 apprenticed with David Pringill, surgeon (see Edinburgh Burgesses).

4. Alexander.

By his second wife, Elizabeth Richardson of Smeaton, George had issue: -

5-7. Elizabeth, Margaret, and Anne.

By his third wife; Elizabeth Pringill, he had no issue.

JAMES 1

In 1638 James and his mother-in-law having a dispute with Borthwick of Crookston, the Lords of Council ordain them to keep the peace under a penalty of 2000 merks (P. C.). In 1641 James is appointed Tutor to George and Margaret, children of the late John Pringill, surgeon, Edinburgh. Also, having had the lands of Norton, Edinburgh, disponed to him, he dispones them to Alexander Foulis of Colinton for 12,000 merks (S. E.). Also in 1641 he is appointed an M.P. for Selkirkshire, and again in 1645.

In 1643 James is appointed a collector of Selkirkshire's quota to maintain the Scottish Army in Ireland, England being too unsettled at the time to do this according to her agreement; also, in 1644, to make up the county's deficiency of horse and foot required for the country's defence (A. P.).

In 1646 he is appointed by Parliament Sheriff of Selkirk- shire, with power to choose his own Depute. Also he bought from Robert Pringill his lands of Blindlee, with the pendicles of Meiglepots, Over Blackhopehaugh, and Kilnknowe, with the fishings, for 10,000 merks, redeemable; paying to the King £50 feu duty (G. S.).

In the Scottish politics of the time James was an " Anti- Engager '' (A. P. 1649). King Charles was executed on 30th January 1649.

In 1649 James is appointed a Curator to Robert Pringill of Stitchill (A. D., Scott); also he gives to his spouse, Jonet Craig, sasine of Caddonlee, and Laidlawstiel (as a proper pendicle thereof), and of Craigend ; the liferent thereof being reserved to Elizabeth Pringill, relict of the late George the said James's father (S. E.).

Cromwell crossed the Tweed in July 1650, and after the battle of Dunbar, and September 1650, spread part of his army over the south of Scotland, who by their exactions reduced the inhabitants to great poverty, sometimes to absolute want. A detachment under a Major Robertson was stationed at Selkirk and Torwoodlee (C. B.).

In 1654 James gets sasine of an annual rent furth of Muirhouse, Corscruik, and others, in Stow ; also Jonet Craig, James's spouse, is given sasine of Torwoodlee and Crosslee in liferent, as is also George, James's son, in the same and in Craigend and the Lilliesleaf lands.

Under the Protectorate Mr George, fear, gets sasine of an annual rent furth of Allanshaws, also he is appointed a collector of Selkirkshire's quota of the money levied in Scotland, and in 1656 a J.P. of Edinburgh and Selkirk shires (Scotland under the Protectorate).

James appears to have died in 1658. By his first wife, Jean Cockburn, he had issue: -

1. Margaret, marr. in 1649 George Pringill of Buckholm.

By his second, Janet, daughter of Sir Lewis Craig of Riccarton

2. George, his heir; born 3rd March 1631.

3. James, of Craigend.

4. Alexander, in Caddonlee; alive November 1707.

5. Anne, marr. in 1648 Alexander Pringle of Whytbank.

6. Janet, born 6th July 1632, marr. 1649 Walter Pringle of Greenknowe.

7. Sophia, marr. John Riddell of Haining.

GEORGE 3

In 1659 John Clerk of Penicuik, assignee to a bond for 10,000 merks granted by the Earl of Lothian in 1647, at 800 merks annual rent, for which James Pringle of Whytbank and James Pringle of Torwoodlee were cautioners, now assigns it to Alexander Pringle now of Whytbank and George Pringle now of Torwoodlee (R,. D.).

In September 1662, after the Restoration, numerous exceptions were made to an act of Indemnity for persons whose political attitude had placed their lives and fortunes at H M.'s disposal. In the array of exceptions and among Border lairds appeared Greenknowe fined £3000 Scots, Torwoodlee £1600, Whytbank, younger, £3000, Newhall £600, Clifton £1200 (A. P.).

From the Restoration of the Stuarts in 1660 till their final expulsion in 1688 the people of Scotland were kept in misery by strife waged in the name of religion. Obstinate authority sought to impose Prelacy upon an obstinate people who would have nought but Presbytery. The re-establishment of Episcopacy stirred the consciences of the clergy, of whom 350 retired from their charges, followed in many instances by their flocks, who deserting their churches held meetings for divine worship -Conventicles they came to be called-and all who took part in them were subjected to severe penalties. In 1666 a meeting of a thousand half-armed peasants was dispersed by dragoons, the prisoners mercilessly treated and over fifty executed. More stringent acts against Conventicle's were issued, leading before 1678 to some 17,000 persons suffering in fines or imprisonment (Wodrow).

In the spring of 1679 a large conventicle in the neighbourhood of Galashiels was surprised by Claverhouse. In May Urquhart of Meldrum was appointed a J.P. of Selkirkshire, with orders to proceed against the common people caught at the conventicle. Those of higher rank, including the lady of Torwoodlee and Mrs Jean Hunter or Pringle of Craigend, were cited to appear before the Privy Council.

In 1681 the Duke of York was sent down by his brother the King to Scotland as Royal Commissioner, and presently got it enacted that every person holding an office in church or state should sign his Test Act, the terms of which were contradictory. The Earl of Argyle, son of the Marquis of Argyle who was executed in the beginning of the King's reign, said that he was willing to sign the Act, though he did not understand it. The Earl was arraigned and imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle, on a charge of high treason and found guilty. Sentence of death was passed, and although the execution was delayed during the King's pleasure, his friends at once set about a plan of escape. On the evening of 20th December about 9 o'clock he succeeded in passing his guards in the guise of a page (with whom he had exchanged clothes) holding up the train of his visitor, Lady Sophia Lindsay, his step-daughter. At Bristo Port he found the horses and the servant who was to accompany him. During the winter night they rode on to Lauder, 24 miles; thence, with fresh horses and a guide they rode over to and down the Gala to the change-house near Torwoodlee. The guide being dismissed, the servant went to Mr Pringle's house. George had gone to bed. At the knock he rose and dressed, and after a cautious parley, for he was in danger himself, he admitted the servant, who gave him the password, and told him of Argyle's escape and arrival. The Laird clapt his hands with joy. He at once ordered his servant to make ready three horses and conduct the strangers-Argyle had travelled as " Mr Hope '' -to the house of his friend, Mr Veitch, in Northumberland, who would conduct them to London. Mr Pringle then went to the change-house where he found Argyle. After embracing him, and giving instructions as to his Journey, he 'bestowed upon him all the gold in his possession and dispatched him on his way. From London the Earl escaped to Holland (Life and Times of Archibald 9th Earl of Argyle, by Jn. Willcock, B.D., 1907).

From 1662 George, though not conforming to Prelacy, had taken no part in the struggle for religious liberty. His part in the escape of Argyle becoming immediately known, he concealed himself in various places among his friends, and would not be found. In 1682 some Scottish gentlemen gave up the idea of emigrating to Carolina and fraternised with an English party which they found formed for defending the country from Popery and excluding the Duke of York, a Papist, from the throne. Unfortunately some of the subordinates of this party in 1683, unknown to the principals, formed a plot (the Rye House plot) to assassinate the King, the odium of which played no small part in the trials for high treason that followed. The Rev. William Carstairs, who carried on the correspondence with Argyle, after prolonged torture was forced to divulge the names of the Scottish members of the party (Wodrow).

In 1684 George was fined by Meldrum and Haining 5000 merks for church irregularities, and later £2000 sterling. Members of the Scottish party were now apprehended, including Walter Scott, Earl of Tarras, John Murray of Philiphaugh, and Hugh Scott of Galashiels. Others, after hiding as best they could, escaped to Holland, including Sir Patrick Hume of Polwarth, and George Pringle, the latter having been generously warned by Meldrum that he was coming to apprehend him at night. Eight days afterwards a second search party at Torwoodlee found George's son James, a boy aged 16 years, and carried him to Edinburgh, where he was imprisoned for more than three months, then admitted on 6th November to bail of £5000 sterling, then in two months more brought before the Secret Council, threatened with torture and even with immediate execution if he did not tell them who informed his father of the party's coming. On second thoughts he was imprisoned in the Castle for a few weeks, and then admitted again to the bail of £5000.

Charles II died on 6th February 1685, and was succeeded by his Papist brother the Duke of York, as James VII. In April George Pringle was one of twelve who met at Amsterdam, and constituted themselves a " Council for the recovery of the religion, rights, and liberties of the Kingdoms of Scotland, and in this quality resolved to make war against James Duke of York and such as shall adhere to him." George was one of the committee of five appointed to meet at the Earl of Argyle's chamber next morning at 8, to expedite the instructions of certain of their number dispatched to Scotland. In May, 22 persons found guilty of treason were summoned to the bar of Parliament, of whom only 6 appeared. Sentence of forfeiture was pronounced against Sir Patrick Hume and George Pringle, with the usual formalities, as the tearing of their coats of arms. The evidence against them was chiefly that of their fellow conspirators, the Earl of Tarras, Philiphaugh and Galashiels, who to save themselves made confession. Others forfeited were the Earl of Melville; the two Campbells of Cessnock, David Montgomerie of Langshaw, etc. (A. P.).

The accession of James VII led to a general desire among the numerous exiles in Holland to attempt a simultaneous rising in England and Scotland. Both were badly managed and ended disastrously. The leaders, the Duke of Monmouth and the Earl of Argyle, were captured and executed, Argyle on 30th June, and Monmouth on 15th July 1685. Among their followers who managed to escape back to Holland were Polwarth and Torwoodlee.

In June 1685 the lands of forfeited persons, including Torwoodlee, were confiscated and added to the Crown. Chamberlains were appointed to them, including John Trotter, merchant, Edinburgh, to Torwoodlee (Lauder). In May 1686 the lands of Torwoodlee, were granted by the King and Parliament to Lieut.-General Drummond, Commander of H.M.'s forces in Scotland (A. P.),

In 1688 the party in England, who looked to the Prince of Orange, the King's son-in-law, to free them from an intolerable Government, became so numerous and influential that on 5th November he landed at Torbay with an army of 15,000 Dutchmen. Thence he marched on London without opposition, and in the end of December James V11. that was, deserted by all, fled to France, ln March 1689 George Pringle of Torwoodlee and Sir William Scott, younger, of Harden, were appointed M.P.'s for Selkirkshire to the Convention of Estates, which conferred the Crown of Scotland on William and Mary jointly and separately (A. P.).

On 10th April 1689 Parliament ordered the two foot regiments and the cavalry corps of Roxburgh and Selkirk shire, to assemble on Lanton Edge; and among the officers of the western regiment was James Pringle, younger, of Torwoodlee, as a Major. On the 27th George, elder, and James, younger, of Torwoodlee were appointed Commissioners for Selkirkshire for raising the levy of £288,000 Scots.

George died in June 1689, aged 58. The author of The History of Selkirkshire calls him Selkirkshire's greatest son. Had he lived a little longer he would no doubt have shared in the rewards conferred on his compatriots like Sir Patrick Hume, who was created Earl of Marchmont.

George and his heroic wife Janet Brodie of Lethen, Nairnshire, had issue: -

1. James, his heir, born April 1665,

2. Janet, born 6th April 1655.

3. Anna, born May 1656, marr. Alexander Don of Rutherford. He died in 1712.

4. Sophia, born . . ., marr. 1677 her cousin german James Pringle of Greenknowe.

5. Jean, born February 1660.

JAMES 2

On 22nd July 1690 Parliament, considering that the reasons adduced for the forfeiture of the deceased George Pringle of Torwoodlee on 22nd May 1685 do now in the event appear not only weak and frivolous but good and justifiable, and that the accusers had themselves been accused in the same manner a little before and had saved themselves by becoming King's evidence, rescinded and declared void the said forfeiture, with the Act annexing the estate to the Crown and the escheat given to William Viscount Strathallan, restoring to the children and posterity of the said George their blood right and. benefit of succession ; further, that it shall be lawful for James Pringle now of Torwoodlee to recover from the donator all sums of money paid by him in composition for the forfeiture, with interest since Michaelmas 1688 (A. D.), ln October 1690 James contracts to marry Isabel, eldest daughter of Sir John Hall of Dunglass, and infeft her in Caddonlee, Laidlawsteel, and Crosslee (paying 3500 merks), also in Torwoodlee and Newmills (paying 2500 merks) ; witnesses, George Baillie of Jerviswood, James Pringle of Greenknowe, Walter Pringle, advocate, etc. (P. B., Don).

In 1693 the Lords order the son and heir of the late William Viscount Strathallan to repay to James the 45,000 merks paid by his father on composition for the forfeiture, with usual interest thereon (A. P., Durie). Also in 1693 James, and Sir Francis Scott of Thirlstane were appointed M.P.'s for Selkirkshire.

In 1695 James put £ 1300 in shares of " the Company of Scotland trading to Africa and the Indies '' (C. B.).

In 1714 King George succeeded Queen Anne; and on 7th September 1715 the Earl of Mar raised the standard of James the Pretender at Braemar. On 22nd September eight Deputy Lieutenants, including James and Sir John Pringle of Stitchill, met at Jedburgh to organise defence; it was determined to raise two troops of cavalry numbering 76, and 444 foot, and James was appointed Captain of a company of cavalry. In November the town council of Selkirk ordered all the fencible men in the burgh who were willing to fight for King George to come to the green on a certain day and give in their names, and appointed James to be their captain and model and discipline them (C. B.).

In 1733 James's eldest son George got sasine of Trinlyknowe (S. E.).

James died in May 1735. He and his spouse Isabel Hall had issue: -

1, George, his heir, advocate.

2. John, born 1702; lost at sea.

3. James, of Bowland, born July 1709; a principal Clerk of Session.

4. Katherine, marr, 1723 Sir Robert Pringle of Stitchill.

5. Janet, born November 1694.

6. Sophia, born 1697; marr. Adam Fairmont of Greenhill.

7. Marion, born January 1704; mare. 1746 John S. Ker of Littledean, claimant to Dukedom of Roxburgh.

8-10. Isabel, born 1705; Margaret, born 1707, died 1793 at Torsonce ; Ann, died 1780.

GEORGE 4

In 1744 George Pringle of Torwoodlee was served heir to his father James, and heir special in Catpair. In 1769 he fell heir to his cousin Janet Pringle in Greenknowe. George hardly appears in the records. He seems to have lived quietly at Torwoodlee with his unmarried sisters. He died unmarried at Torwoodlee on 23rd January 1780 ; and was succeeded by his nephew James Pringle of Bowland, an estate adjoining Torwoodlee.

BOWLAND. James, brother of George Pringle of Torwoodlee was apprenticed to James Home, W.S., in 1735. In December 1748 he was appointed a Principal Clerk of Session, an office that he retained till his death (Soc. of Writers to the Signet).

In 1749 he married Elisabeth, daughter of James Nimmo, Receiver General of Excise duties for Scotland. In 1752 he acquired the lands of Bowland, Crumside, and Bowshank, which had formerly belonged to Robert Rutherford and his son James. In 1769 James also acquired Chapel on Leader, which however he held only a short time. In 1771 he got a grant under the Privy Seal of the teinds of Bowland and Crumside for 19 years (P. C.). He died on 10th April 1776.

He had issue:-

1. James, his heir.

2. Mary, marr. Andrew Plummer of Middlestead and Sunderlandhall.

3. Elisabeth Crompton, marr. Adam Fairholm of Chapel.

4. Anne, marr. Major George Macmurde, died 1839.

5-6. Janet, died 1826; Sophia, died 1827.

JAMES 3

In 1780 James Pringle of Bowland, only son of his father James thereof, was served heir to his uncle George in the lands and barony of Torwoodlee, and in West Gordon. He was then aged 21, and had. been educated at Cambridge and Leyden with a view to the law, which he then gave up. In 1782 he married Elisabeth one of the two daughters and coheiresses of the deceased Charles Tod of Drygrange, late Lieut.-colonel, E.I.C.S. (S. M.).

In 1788 James sold Bowland to an Edinburgh merchant, and acquired the lands of Buckholm and Williamlaw, which had belonged to another branch of the Pringles from 1540 to 1713.

Between May 1803 and October 1805 Britain was threatened with invasion by Napoleon who had an army of 100,000 men lying on the French coast waiting for an opportunity to cross the Channel in two thousand flat-bottomed boats. To meet this the whole British nation was in arms, and not only were the local forces being constantly drilled, but beacons were erected throughout the length and breadth of the Isles to give warning of the invaders landing. In Selkirkshire the men of Ettrick Forest looked anxiously towards the beacons on the Wisp and Black Andrew for the intimation of the approach of the dreaded Napoleon.

The famous " False Alarm '' of the Scottish Border took place in January 1804. On the last night of that month the beacon watcher on Hume Castle saw, as he thought, a distant beacon blazing, and set fire to his own beacon, and a few hours after-wards the whole of the Border beacons were alight, and night beheld the mustering of the local Yeomanry and Volunteer Corps, The Selkirkshire Corps of Yeomanry Cavalry, 40 to 50 strong, like its three neighbour Corps of Border Yeomanry, originated in the year 1797, and was raised by James Pringle, Esq., of Torwoodlee. This Troop despite their being dispersed through a mountainous and thinly inhabited county, assembled quickly at Selkirk, where they were joined by the Lord Lieutenant of the County. The gallant Corps paraded at daybreak under Captain Pringle, and set off for Dalkeith, their meeting place, which they reached at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, although the distance was 30 miles, and the roads in a shocking condition. Those troopers of the Selkirkshire Yeomanry who resided near Ettrick head, joined their Corps in the evening, having ridden nearly 70 miles. Notwithstanding the length of the march, both the Selkirkshire Yeomanry and the Infantry had a most soldier-like appearance on entering Dalkeith. The former were followed by the baggage carts with fourteen days' provisions for the men and a day's corn for the horses. The drummers of the Infantry appropriately beat the ancient county airs, " The Flowers of the Forest," and the " Sutors of Selkirk.'' On 4th February the Corps were dismissed from duty, and returned to their own county the same day, the alarm having been found due to a mistake. On 15th March following, on a field day held at Torwoodlee, when they were inspected by Colonel Macmurde, inspecting field officer of the district, the Corps were presented., in a short appropriate speech, by Miss Pringle of Torwoodlee, daughter of their Captain, with a standard beautifully worked by herself, bearing the motto, pro Aris et Focis. James of Torwoodlee continued Captain Commandant of the Corps till August 1809. For his services in this capacity ha received in 1823 the Freedom of the burgh of Selkirk (C. B.).

On 21st March 1808, James laid the foundation-stone of the new church at Melrose.

In December 1813 his youngest son Alexander was lost in the wreck of the William Pitt off Algoa Bay on the voyage home from India (S. M., 1814).

In 1815 Mr Pringle of Torwoodlee, Captain Pringle, R.N., and Mr Pringle, younger, of Whytbank were present at a great football match at Carterhaugh-celebrated by Sir Walter Scott in a song, containing the stanza

“ We forget each contention of civil dissension

And hail, like our brethren, Home, Douglas, and Kar;

And Elliot and Pringle in pastime shall mingle,

As welcome in peace as their fathers in war '' (C. B.).

In October 1818, in his Life of Sir Walter Scott, Lockhart describes his first visit to Abbotsford. "Mr Wilson ('Christopher North ') and I happened to mention that we were engaged to dine and sleep at the seat of my friend and relation, Mr Pringle of Torwoodlee, on our way to Edinburgh. Scott immediately said in the morning that he and Captain Ferguson (another guest) meant to accompany us-such being the unceremonious style in which country neighbours in Scotland visit each other. Next day accordingly we all rode over together to Mr Pringle's beautiful seat-the ' distant Torwoodlee of The Lay of the Last Minstrel,' - but distant not above five or six miles from Abbotsford-coursing hares as we proceeded, but inspecting the antiquities of the Catrail to the interruption of our sport, We had another joyous evening at Torwoodlee. Scott and Ferguson returned home at night, and the morning after, as Wilson and I mounted for Edinburgh, our kind old host, his sides sore with laughter, remarked that the Sheriff and the Captain together were too much for any company."

On 10th March 1820 died at Torwoodlee Mrs Pringle of Torwoodlee.

On 15th March 1827 Scott writes in his Diary: " Off we came (from Abbotsford) and, in spite of rheumatism, l got through the journey tolerably. Coming through Galashiels, we met the Laird of Torwoodlee, who, on hearing how long I had been confined, asked how I bore it, observing that he had once in his life (Torwoodlee must be between sixty and seventy) been confined for five days to his house, and was like to hang himself. I regret God's free air as much as any man, but I could amuse myself were it in the Bastille.'' On 5th March 1831 Sir Walter writes in the Diary : " I have a letter from our M.P. adjuring me to assist the gentlemen of the county with an address against the Reform Bill, which menaces them with being blended with Peeblesshire, and losing one half of their functions. Sandy Pringle (Whytbank) conjures me not to be very nice in choosing my epithets. Torwoodlee comes over and speaks to the same purpose, adding it will be the greatest service I can do the county. . . . The young Duke of Buccleuch comes to visit me also, so I promised to shake my duds, and give them a cast of my calling-fall back, fall edge."

No more quotations are needed to show the life-long friendship existing between the Lairds of Torwoodlee and Abbotsford.

James was Convener of Selkirkshire for more than fifty years, and Vice-Lieutenant from 1827 to 1830. He died on 2nd August 1840. He had issue: -

1. James, Vice-Admiral, his heir; born in 1783.

2. Charles, died young.

3. George, who marr. Ann Stewart,, and had issue ; Mary, who died young ; and two sons, James and Alexander.

4. Alexander, who was lost in the wreck of the William Pitt in 1813 (S. M. 1814).

5. Frances, only daughter, died at Rutland Street, Edinburgh, 16th October 1859.

VICE-ADMIRAL JAMES (10TH LAIRD)

" This officer entered the Navy, in May 1797, when only 14, as a First-class Volunteer on board the Phœtow 38, Captain Hon. Robert Stopford ; in which ship, while cruising in the Bay of Biscay, he came into action, 22nd March 1798, with a French frigate. He continued employed with Captain Stopford, as Midshipman, in the Excellent and Spencer, 74's, on the West India and Channel stations, until November 1803; and after a further service in the Centaur, 74, bearing the broad pennant of Sir Samuel Hood at Barbadoes, was there made Lieutenant, 6th March 1804, into the Amsterdam. On 22nd December following, he obtained acting command of the Park sloop, also in the West Indies, where, the appointment being confirmed 9th October 1805, he continued until obliged in January 1807, to invalid. Joining next, in November of the latter year, the Sparrowhawk, 18, Captain Pringle contrived in that vessel to capture, 12th June 1809, L'Esperance of 14 guns and 54 men, off Cherbourg; 19th June 1810, L'Intrepide of 6 guns and 47 men, off Marseilles; and, 6th November 1811, L'Invincible of 2 guns and 33 men, off Malaga - all of them privateers.

On the occasion of a disastrous yet most valorous attack made, l3th December 1810 by the boats of a squadron under Captain Fane, upon the enemy's shipping in the Mole of Palamos, we find him eliciting the especial praise of the senior officer for his good conduct both at the landing and withdrawal of the men. He was afterwards very actively employed on the coast of Valencia and Tarragona under the orders of the present Sir Edward Codrington (v. Gaz., 1811, p. 1588). On 19th January 1812 he was taken prisoner by a party of the enemy's dragoons in the neighbourhood of the latter place, but he was soon liberated by the Baron D'Eroles, then commanding a division of the Catalan Army. During his captivity he witnessed the defeat of 800 French Infantry, occupying an advantageous position behind the walls of Villa Succa. Attaining post-rank, 1st June 1812, Captain Pringle in the following September left the Sparrowhawk. He accepted his present rank Rear-Admiral, 1st October 1846 '' (O'Byrne's Naval and Biographical Dictionary, 1849).

In 1820 Captain Pringle, R.N., was appointed a Deputy-Lieutenant of Roxburghshire.

In 1840 he was served heir of line to his father James, and heir special in the east half of Buckholm, Gala Water; also to his brother Alexander, H.E.I.C.S., heir special in Trinlyknowe, Selkirkshire.

Vice-Admiral James died at Torwoodlee 31st October 1859 (G. M.). He had issue: -

1. James-Thomas, Commander, R.N., his heir.

2. Charles, Captain, R.N., born 1834, marr. Katherine, daughter of Henry Inglis of Torsonce. Died at Quetta on board H.M.'s Sirius; 11th September 1876, leaving issue.

3. George, born 1839, died unmarried in 1871.

4. Elizabeth-Mason, marr. in 1853 John Borthwick of Crookston ; died 11th February 1907.

5. Frances, marr. in 1857 Henry Clerk Withington, Captain of the 67th Regt., and has issue.

6. Mary, marr. in 1860 Charles Pringle of the 71st Regt., and has issue.

7. Jane, marr. in 1865 George S. Lawson, youngest son of Charles Lawson of Borthwick Hall, and has issue (G. M.).

COMMANDER JAMES-THOMAS, R.N.

In 1846 James-Thomas entered the Royal Navy, and served for several years, retiring with the rank of Commander, He wore the war medals for Burma and the Baltic. He took considerable interest in county matters, and was a Deputy- Lieutenant of Selkirkshire. He founded the Torwoodlee Golf Club, providing on his estate a beautiful 9-hole course. In 1862 he married Annie-Parminter only daughter of Colonel Black of the 53rd Regt., who was wounded at Waterloo.

James-Thomas who was born in 1832, died on 21st May 1902. He had issue :-

1. John-Lewis, born 1862, died young.

2. James-Lewis, his heir, born October 1869.

3. George-Macgregor, born 1871, died young.

4. Lionel-Graham, born April 1880, entered the Army in 1899, appointed Captain H.L.I. in April 1908. Wounded in Flanders on 21st December, died 18th February 1915.

5. Elizabeth-Ann.

6. Lilian-Erskine.

7. Adelaide-Jane.

8. Melina-Florence, marr. November 1902 Henry Borthwick of Borthwick Castle.

9. Mary-Simcoe, marr. June 1907 Alfred E. Borthwick, Merchiston Crescent, Edinburgh.

JAMES-LEWIS (12TH LAIRD)

of Torwoodlee, J.P. of Roxburgh and Selkirk shires, Lieutenant Lothian and Border Horse. Born 1869. Married in September 1904 Ada-Mary, youngest daughter of John Paton of Lethengie, Kinross, and has issue: -

1. James-Harold, born August 1905.

2. George-Arthur Wyndham, born 1st May 1907.