Robert Munro, XVIII of Foulis

Notes:

Robert Munro was served heir to his father in all his estates by a special warrant from King James VI dated 8 Jan 1608. Thus he succeeded his father and became the 18th Baron of Foulis. He was known as Rob du' dugh or dow which means black or the Black Baron of Foulis apparently because of his dark complexion. He succeeded as a minor and had as tutor first Andrew Munro of Daan and then John Munro of Obsdale.

At a meeting of the Privy Council held on 27 Mar 1612, a commission under the Signet was granted to Robert Munro of Foulis and others to apprehend two men charged with stealing "a fair dun ox of six year old" from George Munro of Tarrell, and bringing the alleged thiefs before the Council for trial. He had another commission along with the Earl of Sutherland and others on 15 Mar 1614, to apprehend three men put to the horn on the 2nd of the same month, at the instance of William Sutherland of Duffus, for having murdered a certain Donald Angus Gairson. The three had failed to appear before the Justice on the day appointed to answer the charge against them.

On 15 Nov 1612, he had a commission, also under the Signet, along with William Sutherland of Duffus and John Munro of Limlair, to try the alleged murderers, Angus and Hucheon Murray, sons of Andrew Murray, some time of Craggy, and one other person in the custody of William Sutherland of Duffus. The three were charged with the murder of Donald Angus Gairson. The prisoners had been wounded when they were captured and could not be taken to Edinburgh for trial.

Robert married, first, in Apr 1615, Margaret, daughter of William Sutherland, Laird of Duffus, county of Sutherland. Margaret died in childbirth in about 1616 without leaving a male heir.

George Gray of Swordale and Skibo writing from Skibo on 21 Sep 1616, to Sir Robert Gordon, Tutor of Sutherland, says that Robert of Foulis will soon be married to the daughter of William Murray and should get 14,000 merks with his entertainment, which would bring him out of debt. However, it is thought that the marriage never took place.

In the list of "Commissioners for the Burghis," in the Parliament held at Edinburgh on 17 Jun 1617, occurs the name of "Robert Munro of Tayne." The Munros seem, from an early period, to have cultivated the closest connection with Tain and Easter Ross rather than with Dingwall, though the latter lay geographically much nearer to their residence. Even down to the end of the 18th century they continued to acquire additional lands on every side all around Tain, until it became almost the centre of their scattered estates. Tain, on the other hand, has been reciprocally and favourably influenced in the course of its history by its connection with the Munros.

Robert must have been very extravagant in his habits for he greatly encumbered the estate, alienated considerable portions of it, and indeed practically disposed of it all for a time, to the irreparable injury of his successors. He went into debt by prodigal spending on his travels in France and disposed of some lands. Then in 1617, to meet his most pressing obligations, he granted the whole estate of Foulis etc. to Simon Lord Fraser of Lovat, reserving the superiority. Lord Lovat, with Robert's consent, afterwards actually sold the lands of Inverlael to John Mackenzie, Archdean of Ross. But worse still was to follow.

He and Lord Fraser quarrelled seriously. Lovat appears to have not only taken actual possession of the estates but of the Castle of Foulis itself under the disposition by Robert in his favor. On 1 Jun 1619, they went before the Privy Council. On that date Lord Simon stated before their Lordships that he was the possessor of the lands and the barony of Foulis, "with the castle, tower, and fortalice thereof," and complained that of late Robert Munro, sometime of Foulis, ungrateful for many favours granted him by Lord Simon, had endeavored to molest him in his said possession. On 30 Mar 1619, Lovat's complaint continues, Munro went with a number of armed accomplices, insolent persons, all of his own humour and disposition, to Foulis Castle, entered it by force, broke up all the gates with forehammers and "gavelokis", and other instruments fit for brashing and breaking up houses, and took possession of the castle. He and his friends had it fortified, and intended to keep it as a place of war and a refuge for all broken men and rebels. His Lordship appeared by his advocate, and the Council ordered an officer of arms to pass and demand surrender of the castle to Lord Simon of Lovat within six hours, and if Munro refused, he was to be denounced a rebel. He apparently obeyed the orders of their Lordships, for he did not seem to have again come before them.

The Frasers of Lovat must have continued in actual possession of the estate and castle for several years, for Hugh Lord Lovat is served heir to his father Simon Lord Fraser in the lands, castle, and fortalice and other lands of Foulis as late as 1635.

On 28 Apr 1624, Robert and others received a commission under the Signet to apprehend several men who were accused by Hector Munro of Balconie of stealing ten oxen, a cow, forty stones of cheese and twenty stones of butter from Balconie's house at Letter.

His second wife was Mary Haynes (or Haines), an English woman. They were married in London, England before 1624. They had a daughter, but he allegedly deserted her and married Marion (or Marjorie) Mackintosh by 1625. Marion was evidently the daughter of Lachlan mor Mackintosh of Dunachton and the widow of Donald gorm Macdonald of Sleat who died in 1616.

The following is a letter from King James I, dated 14 May 1624, instructing the Scottish Privy Council "to attend to the case of Mary Haynes, an English woman married to Robert Munro of Fowlis, but deserted by him for another woman."

"Right trusty and well-beloved Counsellors, we greet you well: whereas there hath a humble complaint been made to us by one Mary Haynes alias Monro, born in this our kingdom (of England) showing that she was lawfully married to Robert Monro of Fowlis, and that he, having had with her a sum of money in portion, did carry her along with him to Newcastle, where he left her, pretending that she, who was then with child, might be refreshed, and that he might go before to that our kingdom (of Scotland) to provide for her coming; notwithstanding whereof and of the great trouble she has suffered by this neglect of his, he has never since come near her, but, though he entertained her still with hopeful letters protesting the continuance of his love and duty, hath in the meantime married himself to another; which is a course so barbarous and contrary to all conscience and equity that we cannot in justice but see her repaired and him punished: Therefore having taken this her petition which we have sent you herewith enclosed to [? for] your consideration, our pleasure is that you call the said Robert before you, and thereafter, after due trial, with advice of our Right Rev. Father in God, and right trusty and well-beloved Counsellor, the Archbishop of St. Andrews, and such other of the spiritual court whose opinion is found requisite, you give order whereby some course may be taken how she may be satisfied and the kingdom purged of that vile scandal. The doing whereof we remit unto you, wishing you to have a special care of the same and so bid you farewell. From our court at Theobalds', 14th of May, 1624."

There is another letter from his Majesty on 8 Jun concerning the same subject. Letters were ordained to be directed against Robert of Foulis accordingly.

Robert must have ignored the authorities on this matter because he was declared a rebel on 20 Jun 1626 for not submitting to justice on this charge of bigamy.

Much burdened with his increasing difficulties and debts, Robert went abroad along with some of his friends and followers to repair his dilapidated fortune. The state of the Continent of Europe at that time presented many opportunities for military distinction, and the Black Baron, who was still in the prime of his manhood, raised a company of his clan and proceeded to Denmark, sailing there from Cromarty on 10 Oct 1626, as a volunteer in the regiment of Colonel Sir Donald Mackay of Reay, then in the Danish army in the service of King Christian IV of Denmark. They covered themselves with glory in the Thirty Years War. During a battle at Stralsund on the Baltic, his unit lost many men, but the enemy lost three times as many and was defeated.

Peace having been proclaimed between the Emperor Ferdinand II and Denmark in Aug 1629, the Danish army was disbanded, and the Scottish officers who served in it were honourably dismissed. In the ensuing October the Black Baron of Foulis with six companies of Mackay's regiment, offered their services to Gustavus Adolphus, the "Great King of Sweden, the champion of Protestantism." The offer was willingly accepted, the men being well known for their bravery, and their steady conduct in quarters as well as in the camp and in the field. Colonel Robert Munro in His Expedition says that the "Baron of Fowlis was allowed a free table to entertain an Earl, being ordinarily above sixteen person at the table, his visitors, horses and servants, entertained accordingly." He also states that his "Chief and cousin, the Baron of Fowlis, being in his travels in France a little prodigal in his spending, redacted his estate to a weak point, being advised by his friends timely to look to the wounds of his house and family, and to forsee the best cure to keep burden of his estate, having engaged his revenues fourteen years to pay his creditors, he went beyond sea a volunteer to Germany with Mackay's regiment, well accompanied with a part of his nearest friends, and having the patience to attend his fortune, his first employment was to be a Captain of a Company of Scots soldiers levied by hemself, and thereafter advanced to be a Colonel of horse and foot of strangers, under the invincible King of Sweden of worthy memory."

After further reference to the same circumstances, he says, "Here we see that the Baron of Fowlis, of worthy memory, thought it no disparagement at first to follow my Lord of Reay and his regiment as a volunteer, till he had seen some service, and attained unto some experience; and beginning with a Company, coming at last with credit to be Colonel over horse and foot, and that to animate others of his name and kindred to follow his example, rather to live honourably abroad and with credit, than to encroach (as many do) on their friends at home, as we say in Scotland, leaping at the half loaf, while as others through virtue live nobly abroad served with silver plate and attendance."

Having thus entered the service of Gustavus Adolphus, the Black Baron set out with the Swedish army for Rugen where he landed in March, 1630. He entered Stettin in Pomerania in June following, his Company being one of the first three--all commanded by Munros--that arrived. It was about this time that he was promoted to Colonel commanding a regiment of foot. Between July, 1630, and the following February he greatly distinguished himself by his gallantry and successful achievements. In July 1631, he, with his own regiment alone, stormed and took possession of the fortified castle of Bloc in Mecklenburg, while on the march to join the Swedish army at Werben on the conflux of the Havel and the Elbe, which was waiting there for the advance of the Imperial forces under the celebrated Count Von Tilly. About the end of the following August, Colonel Munro, at the head of his regiment, was at Wittenburg along with the King of Sweden, by whom he was appointed to the command of a cavalry regiment in addition to his Colonelcy of infantry. He at the same time received many other tokens of His Majesty's confidence and the Royal appreciation of his personal bravery and military skill. The famous battle of Leipsie fought in September, 1631, where Tilly was defeated by Gustavus, was shared in by the Munros, who by their last charge contributed most materially to the victory of the Swedish army.

During the wars of the 17th century, especially in Germany under Gustavus Adolphus, there were engaged three Generals, eight Colonels, five Lieutenant-Colonels, eleven Mojors, over thirty Captains and a large number of subalterns bearing the name Munro.

During the lull in the campaign towards the end of 1631 Colonel Munro, after an absence of five years, visited his native land. He, however, remained but a few months in Britain, and returned to the seat of war in Germany about the date of Tilly's death in April, 1632. He subsequently bore a conspicuous part in the sanguinary battle of Lutzen, on 6 Nov following, where the "Great Gustavus, the Champion and Deliverer of God's Israel," fell in the glorious hour of victory, after completely defeating Wallenstein, the new Imperial leader of the German army.

The successful military career of the Black Baron of Foulis was, however, fast approaching its end. In one of the many skirmishes which occurred during the Thirty Years' War, he was wounded in the right foot by a musket ball while crossing the Upper Danube with the Swedish troops, under Bernhard, Duke of Saxe-Weimar, and was thereafter carried to Ulm, in Wurtenburg, near at hand. There his wound was dressed, but he fell into a low fever because of the inflammation of his foot, and every effort made for his recovery proved unavailing. He died at Ulm in March or April 1633, about forty-four years of age and was buried there. The following account of his death is given by his cousin, Colonel Robert Munro of Obsdale:--

"My Cousin Fowlis being shot in the foot, retired to Rhue to be cured, who through the smart of his wound fell into a languishing fever; and as the wound was painful to the body, so the sinful body was painful to the soul, the body being endangered except the wound were cured, and the soul was not sound till the body's sin were healed, and both for six weeks did much smart the patient while as his wounds were dressed. but though his bodily wound was incurable, yet his soul was cured by the punishment of his body. For all the time he, like to a good Christian, made himself night and day familiar by prayers unto God, till he found reconciliation through Christ. So that his end was glorious, having long smarted under correction, though his life was painful. O happy wounds that killed the body, being they were the means to save the soul by bringing him to repentence! Let no friend then bedew their eyes for him that lived honourable as a soldier, and died so happy as a good Christian."

Robert left no male heirs and so was succeeded by his brother, Hector, in 1633.

In an inventory accompanying the last will and testament, of Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstoun dated 1 Mar 1656 is an interesting item -- "item be Mistress Mary Haynes, relict of the umquhile Robert Munro of Fowlis, fifty-three pounds six shillings and eight pennies, with the annual rent thereof." This entry shows that Robert took his second wife home with him to Scotland after the Newcastle affair, and that she outlived him.

During Robert's time, a dispute arose between the Earls of Sutherland and Caithness, caused by the latter attempting to hunt on the lands of the former. The Earl of Sutherland raised his followers to resist his Lordship of Caithness. Robert Munro, being closely connected by marriage with the house of Sutherland, sent a number of his clan under the leadership of Robert Munro of Contullich to the aid of his kinsman. The Mackays and the Macleods of Assynt also went to the assistance of the Earl of Sutherland. The Earl of Caithness, hearing of the army raised to resist him, at once collected his vassals and proceeded to Sutherland as far as Bengrime. The allied forces of his opponents were encamped about three miles beyond. Caithness having been made aware of the large body of men brought against him sent messengers to Sutherland offering to arrange for a peaceful settlement of their differences. His proposals were, however, rejected and the reply forwarded to him was to the effect that if he and his army should remain where they were until next morning they would be assured of battle. The men of Caithness on getting this answer, Sir Robert Gordon says, "left their stuff and carriage and went away by break of day in a fearful confusion, flying and hurling together in such headlong haste, that everyone increased the fear of his fellow-companion, upon the good report that was made by their own men of the Earl of Sutherland's army, which by this time had advance in this order: Mackay with the Strathnaver men were on the right wing; the Munros and Macleods were on the left; Earl John himself with the Sutherland men were in the middle battle; having sent his vanguard a little before him, conducted by Patrick Gordon and Donald Mackay. In this order they marched early in the morning towards the place where the Earl of Caithness was encamped. On arriving there they found that the enemy had precipitately fled during the night. They resolved to follow him; but before doing so they gathered a number of stones, threw them into a cairn, and called it Carn-teichidh, that is, 'the Flight Cairn,' or Heap in mamory of the flight, and which is yet to be seen hard by the hill of Bengrime." Peace was, however, soon after established between the two Earls, and the Munros returned home without engaging in battle, much, it is said, to their disappointment.

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Robert married Margaret Sutherland about 24 Nov 1610. Margaret was born est 1589; died about Jan 1616. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Margaret Munro was born about Jan 1616; and died.

Robert married Mary Haynes in 1618 in London, , Greater London, England. Mary was born about 1591; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Florence Munro was born est 1620; and died.
2. Elizabeth Munro was born in 1623 in , , , England; died about 1618.

Robert married Marion Mackintosh about 1624. Marion was born about 1591; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

As a younger son, Hector did not expect to inherit any land and so he prepared for the Church. He was educated at St. Andrews University and his first preferment was the Chaplainry of Newmore to which he was presented in 1560 by Queen Mary. He was later assigned to the Chaplainary of Obsdale in 1570

On 8 May 1583, King James VI presented Hector as Dean of Ross. Alexander Urquhart, the former Dean had been deposed and "put to the horn." Alexander resisted being replaced and continued to occupy the lands and collect the rents for himself. The Privy Council finaly had to step in on 21 Jul 1585 and force Alexander Urquhart out so that Hector could assume his position as Dean of Ross. Hector served in this capacity until 15 Aug 1589 when, because of his succession to Foulis, he resigned all his Church positions.

Having survived both his elder brothers, the lands that had been conveyed to Robert by his father, were conveyed to Hector on 26 Mar 1589. He was also served heir to his brother, Hugh, in Meikle and Little Clyne on 7 Oct 1589.

On 4 Jun 1589, Hector's stepmother, Catherine Ross filed a complaint against Hector accusing him of attempting to dispossess her from her lands in the Barony of Foulis. The complaint says that he first attempted to frighten her off by persuing some of her tenants and servants in order to do them bodily harm and kill them. When that didn't work, the complaint says that Hector tried to frame Catherine and several other women, wrongly accusing them of practicing witchcraft and begining legal action against them.

The Privy Council ordered Hector to stop the action against the ladies and to leave them alone until Jul 1590, when a trial would be held in Edinburgh to hear the charges.

The trial was held on 22 Jul 1590. Hector served as an associate of the King's Advocate, David Macgill of Cranston-Riddell, in the prosecution of his stepmother, Lady Catherine of Foulis on charges of witchcraft. The jury acquitted Lady Catherine and promptly after that trial, another was started in which Hector was the defendant charged with "sorcery, incantation, witchcraft, slaughter, etc."

Hector was charged with having employed a witch to cure him of a fever, which she pretended to do by having him carried out in a blanket in a frosty night in January, and laying him down in a newly-made grave at the boundary between two baronies, in order to transfer the fever to his stepbrother, George, who was to die in his place. George actually did die on 3 Jun 1590 and part of the accusation against Hector was that he had used poison to kill him. Hector Munro of Fyrish also appears to have been implicated in the matter. In any case, Hector was also acquitted that day, probably partly due to the fact that the jury was composed of Munros and Rosses and their dependents.

On 9 Mar 1593, Hector and others were commissioned to apprehend George Earl of Huntly, William Earl of Angus, Francis Earl of Erroll, Sir Patrick Gordon of Achindown, Sir James Chisholme of Dunborne, and several others for practicing the "Papist" religion, which was then considered a treasonable act against the "true religion presently professed within this realm." The commission also ordered him to help apprehend and present to the King and Council or to the Justice, the persons responsible for burning Donniebristle and murdering James, Earl of Moray.

Hector was in great favor with and highly esteemed by King James VI. In a letter from His Majesty to his "right trusty friend the Laird of Foulis," the King took notice of his loyalty and faithful service and particularly recommended him to keep his men in good order.

On 4 Feb 1597, a disturbance took place at Logie-Riach, on the banks of the river Conon, between the Mackenzies on the one hand and the Baynes and Munros on the other, in which several of the latter were slain. Some difference arose between a desperado, John MacGilliechallum, a brother of the Laird of Raasay, and the Baynes about the lands of Torridon, and the latter obtained a decree against John, interdicting him from going on his lands or molesting his people.

Soon after this, Bayne attended the Candlemas market then held at Logie, with a large following of armed men, composed of Baynes and a considerable number of Munros. MacGilliechallum came to the fair too, as was his custom, and while buying some article at a chapman's stall, Alastair Mor Bayne came up behind him and without any warning struck him on the head with a two-edged sword, killing him instantly.

One of the Mackenzies, to whom MacGilliechallum was related, interfered, but he no sooner opened his mouth, than he was run through the body by one of the Baynes. The alarm and the news of the death of the two men immediately spread through the market. "Tulloch Ard," the war cry of the Mackenzies was instantly raised, whereupon the Baynes and the Munros took to their heels--the Munros eastward to the Ferry of Foulis and the Baynes northward to the hills, both followed by a band of the infuriated Mackenzies, who slaughtered everyone they overtook.

Ian Dubh Mac Choinnich Mhic Mhurchaidh of the Clan Mhurchaidh and Ian Gallda Mac Fhionnla Dhuibh, two gentlemen of the Mackenzies, were on their way from Chanonry when they met with a batch of the Munros flying in confusion in that direction, and the pair having learned the cause of the flight to be the murder of their two friends at Logie, they pursued the fugitives and slew no less than thirteen of them between Logie and the wood of Millechaich.

Most of the Baynes were killed and the Munros lost no less than fifty able-bodied men. One lady of the clan lost her three brothers in the fight.

The matter was soon after brought before the King and Privy Council, then at Falkland, by the intervention of Lord Lovat and Mackenzie of Kintail, when the principals consented to subscribe a contract of agreement and peaceful behaviour towards each other ever after.

On 31 Jan 1602, an act of the Privy Council ordered him, and the other principal Highland chiefs, to hold a general muster of his followers on 10 Mar, and to list the names of all the persons mustered, with the form and manner of their arms, and send a report to the King as soon as possible. He was also ordered to send 100 men and supplies to go to the assistance of Queen Elizabeth of England in repressing the rebellion of her Irish subjects.

Hector's first wife was Anne (or Agnes) Fraser. Mackenzie gives some facts about her on p. 72 which actually should be attributed to her great aunt of the same name.

**********
(The following is from "The Monroe Book" - by Dr. J. S. Guilford - p. 10)

«i»Teachatt [was] granted in 1591 by Hector of Foulis to John Munro, "writer," (i.e., lawyer) on condition that he render legal services to the Barons and their successors. Fraser seems to take delight in noting that this family retainer died intestate.«/i»
**********

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Hector married Anne Fraser about 15 Jul 1590. Anne was born about 1564; died on 16 Mar 1597. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - S

Mr Hector Munro of Fowlis succeeded his father A D 1588 and married Anne daughter to Hugh Fraser Lord Lovat by whom he had Robert Hector and Margaret thereafter he married Culinalds relict and dyed 1603.

...Hector's first wife Anne Fraser was dr of Hugh 5th Lord Fraser of Lovat (cont 15 Jly 1590 cited FW 125), also called Agnes (FW 156, Wardlaw MS 157, 176; Mackenzie 72 confuses her with greataunt of that name see Warrand's Fraser Pedigrees 7); she d 16 Mch 1596/7 (Edin Tests 21 Dec 1597); dr Margaret m Alexander Mackenzie of Davochmaluack (Macfarlane's Gen Colls i 79). Hector was survived by wife Margaret (acc. to Edin Tests 23 Dec 1605), while relict of David of Culnald L/102 was Janet Munro (Edin Tests 6 Jan 1598/9) dr of Andrew of Milntown L/5 & 35.

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 72

Hector married, first, the Hon. Anne, or Agnes, Fraser, daughter of Hugh fifth Lord Lovat (widow successively of William Macleod, IX. of Macleod, and Alexander Bayne of Tulloch, the latter of whom she married on the 2nd of May, 1562), [Note: Some of this may not be correct. See above.] with issue--

Anne's mother was Elizabeth Stewart.

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

Notes:

Robert was served heir to his father before Alexander Baillie, Sheriff-Depute of Inverness on 11 Jan 1548. He was still a minor and so was placed under the tutorship of his uncle, Hugh Munro of Contullich.

Robert got into a great deal of trouble because his uncle and tutor, Hugh Munro killed two tenants in Little Boath, belonging to the Laird of Balnagowan. The problem was resolved after great expense to Robert including the loss of the lands of Kiltearn.

Robert came to be known as Robert Mor because of his stature. His estates were erected into a barony by 1553. He was a supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots.

He gave to Neil Beaton, a heritable tack of the lands of Culnaskea for serving as surgeon or doctor to his family.

In 1552, he sold to Margaret Ogilvie, widow of William Mackintosh of Mackintosh, the lands of Wester Foulis in liferent, but later regained these lands by marrying Margaret.

In 1560, he regained the lands of Kiltearn by obtaining them from Quinten Monypenny, General-Vicar and Dean of Ross. The charter was registered and and confirmed on 3 Sep 1584. In the same year, he acquired from the Bishops of Ross, the lands of Limlair, Pellaig, Wester Glens, and Mukle Boitt (or Boath).

He attended the Reformation Parliament in Edinburgh on 1 Aug 1560 where he voted for the overthrow of the Catholic Church and for acceptance for the Scottish Confession of Faith. He was among the barons assembled on 24 Nov 1572 in Edinburgh to choose a Regent when the Convention of Estates appointed Morton. In the Edinburgh Parliament of 30 Nov 1581, he is listed as "Robert Monro of Fowlis, bailie and chamberlane of Ros, one of the Justices in that part." He had been appointed to that position by the seventh Parliament of King James VI, held at Edinburgh on 24 Feb 1581, when he was described as "His Majesty's principal bailie of the Earldom of Ross and Lordship of Ardmeanach."

In Robert's time, the Munro Clan was considered by the Crown, of considerable importance, and among the most loyal of the northern clans. When Queen Mary arrived at Inverness on 11 Sep 1562, and found the castle shut against her by the governor, Captain Alexander Gordon, the Munros, under Robert Mor, their Chief, were among those loyal subjects who came to her assistance.

By a charter dated at Scone on 11 Jul 1565, Robert obtained from Sir James Spence, Chaplain of St. Lawrence, and Sir Alexander Douglas, Chaplain of St. Mary, the lands of Mukle and Little Clynes.

On 23 Jun 1567, he served as a member of the jury when John, Earl of Sutherland was served heir to his grandmother, Elizabeth, Countess of Sutherland.

At Edinburgh, on 10 Apr 1569, he and many others signed a bond of allegiance to King James VI.

On 22 Nov 1569, Robert was appointed by the Lord Regent, as a Justice-Depute in the diocese of Caithness for the trial of certain persons.

In 1570 a serious quarrel broke out between the Munros and the Mackenzies. Leslie, the celebrated Bishop of Ross who had been secretary to Queen Mary, dreading the effect of public feeling against prelacy in the north and against himself personally made over to his cousin, Leslie of Balquhain, his rights and titles to the Chanonry of Ross, together with the Castle lands, in order to divest them of the character of church property and so save them to his family. But in spite of this grant, the Regent Murray gave the custody of the Castle to Andrew Munro of Milntown, a rigid Presbyterian, who was in high favor with Murray.

The Mackenzies were by no means pleased at seeing the Munros occupying the stronghold. They purchased Leslie's right to the castle and demanded delivery. The Munros at once refused. Mackenzie of Kintail raised his vassals and, joined by a detachment of the Mackintoshes, garrisoned the steeple of the Cathedral Church and laid siege to Irvine's Tower and the Palace.

The Munros held out for three years, but one day the garrison becoming short of provisions, they attempted a sortie to the Ness of Fortrose, where there was at the time a salmon stell, the contents of which they attempted to secure. They were immediately discovered and followed by the Mackenzies under Iain Dubh Mac Ruairidh Mhic Alastair. The Munros were ambushed and twenty-six of them were killed. The remaining defenders of the castle immediately capitulated, and it was taken possession of by the Mackenzies. Later it was confirmed to the Baron of Kintail by King James VI.

In 1572, as a reward for his faithful services to the Crown, Robert obtained from King James VI a grant of the tack of all the customs due as royalties from the town and Sheriffdom of Inverness, in the counties of Ross, Sutherland, and Caithness. This was registered in a charter under the Privy Seal dated at Edinburgh on 5 Jan 1572.

He was one of the members of a Commission appointed to act as Sheriffs of Inverness for serving Alexander Earl of Sutherland heir to his father Earl John, on 30 May 1573. But Alexander petitioned to be served heir in Aberdeen, as he could not get a jury together to sit at Inverness because there was a deadly feud in progress among the local barons including Colin Mackenzie of Kintail, Lachlan Mackintosh of Mackintosh, and Robert Munro of Foulis.

On 9 Jan 1578, Robert appeared as one of the arbitrators for David Dunbar, portioner of Kinsterrie, concerning the slaughter of two of Dunbar's servants by the tenants or followers of Cawdor.

In 1578, the Lord Regent and Privy Council learned that the Earl of Argyll intended to invade the territories of Donald MacAngus of Glengarry. On 19 Feb 1577-78, their Lordships issued orders to many Highland Chiefs, including Robert Munro of Foulis, to be ready with their whole forces to come the the aid and defense of Donald MacAngus of Glengarry.

Robert obtained various lands in Inverness and Ross by charter dated 11 Jan 1583 under the Great Seal, and later that year, on 10 May 1583, he disponed to his son, George of Obsdale, the lands of Limlare, Pelaig, Wester Glens, and Bothmoir.

In about 1585, a dispute arose between Neil Macleod and Donald Bane Macleod regarding the succession to Assynt. The succession was ultimately awarded to Neil, but Donald Bane complained to Foulis, in whose family he had been brought up. Robert's influence was able to obtain for Donald Bane a part of the lands of Assynt.

On 30 Nov 1586, Robert was denounced by the Privy Council, along with most of the other Highland Chiefs, on the complaint of the United Burghs of Scotland, for obstructing the fisheries in the northern parts and for making extortionate exactions from the fishermen.

On 6 May 1588, King James VI, issued an order of special protection granted to the Earl of Sutherland and his Countess. In it, the King ordered Robert Munro of Foulis and many other local leaders to be ready to raise their followers in arms to assist the Earl of Sutherland if needed.

On 20 Jul 1588, Robert was appointed by the King to be collector of a tax in Inverness-shire, which was to be used for the repair of Edinburgh Castle.

Robert was one of the first of the Highland Chiefs to renounce the Roman Catholic form of religion and to embrace the doctrines of the Reformation. In this decision, he exercised great influence in the county of Ross. He voted in the Parliament of Aug 1560, for the overthrow of the Popish Church, and for the adoption of the Scottish Confession of Faith. The first spot in Ross-shire where the reformed religion is said to have been preached is at Waterloo, midway between Foulis and Dingwall. The preacher is said to have been the Rev. Donald Munro, the well-known High Dean of the Isles.

Robert appears to have profited considerably by the long leases of church lands and forfeitures arising from the changed condition of affairs caused by the Reformation. He is said to have been a wise and good man, and the name "Mor," or great, was not altogether inapplicable to him.

He died at Foulis Castle on 4 Nov 1588 at about the age of 60. By his own direction, his body was buried in the churchyard of Kiltearn, which has ever since continued to be the burying place of the Chiefs of the family. He was the first who made this change from the ancient custom of his ancestors, who had always been interred at the Chanonry of Ross. It is probable that this baron, who was the the first professing Protestant of the family of Foulis, desired by this change, to mark the complete severance of all connection with the Church of Rome and her consecrated establishments.

Error alert: According to the dates in references, Robert remarried about a year before his first wife died. It's possible that his first marriage ended in divorce, but it is more likely that one or more dates in the reference are incorrect.

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

Robert married Margaret Ogilvy. Margaret was born about 1530 in , , , Scotland; died on 2 Dec 1564. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - R

Robert Moir Munro Baron of Fowlis married Margaret daughter to Ogilvie of Finlater by whom he had 2 sons and 3 daughters 2d he married Catherin daughter to Alexander Ross of Balnagown and had 3 sons 4 daughters.

...His first wife Margaret dr of James Ogilvy of Cardill ancestor of earls of Findlater was former wife of William Mackintosh of Dunachton (beheaded 1550) and mother of Lachlan the next chief (Mackintosh Munts 65, Kinrara MS 223, 231); in 1551 Robert sold to her as 'lady of Moy' lands of Wester Foulis in liferent (RMS conf 13 Feb 1552/3); she is on record as Robert's wife 1557 (FW 71) and d 2 Dec 1564 (Edin Tests 22 Jan 1565)....By first marriage Robert had 3 sons, Robert who seems to have predeceased him, Hugh of Clynes (omitted here, but see FW 77, OPS ii 482, & Retours Ross and Crom 169), and Hector who succeeded to Foulis;...for drs see R/39.

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 55

Robert Mor Munro married, first, Margaret, daughter of James Ogilvie of Cardell, Baron of Findlater and Deskford, and apparently widow of William Mackintosh, XI. of Mackintosh, who was born in 1521, and in August, 1550, beheaded at the "Bog of Gight," by order of Elizabeth Countess of Huntly, for conspiracy. This sentence was subsequently declared illegal, and his estates were restored to his second son by Act of Parliament, passed on the 14th of December, 1557. By Margaret Ogilvie Robert had issue--

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

Notes:

Robert Munro was served heir to his father on 22 May 1542 before John Cuthbert, Sheriff of Inverness. Later in the same year, King James V granted him the relief of the lands and other property belonging to his deceased father.

In the same year, 1542, a feud broke out between Donald Mackay, Chief of the Clan Mackay, and John, fifteenth Earl of Sutherland, during which Mackay committed several depredations. He was ultimately apprehended, and by order of the Earl of Huntly, Lieutenant of the North, was imprisoned in Foulis Castle, where he was kept for a considerable time in captivity. He managed to make his escape through the connivance of one Donald Mackay, a Strathnaver man. It seems highly probably that Baron Robert knew of the escape plan, because the Mackays and Munros had been on friendly terms for generations.

In 1544, Robert entered into a bond of manrent and friendship, according to the custom of the period, with Alexander Ross of Balnagown, father of Robert's eldest son's second wife. The agreement is dated 1 Dec 1544, and bound the two men for their mutual defense.

In 1546, Angus Macdonald of Glengarry, deponed the patronage of the Chaplainory of Obsdale to Robert Munro. On 1 Mar 1546/7, Robert served as a member of the Assize for serving Archibald Campbell heir to his father, Sir John, in the Barony of Strathnairn. On 4 May 1546, he was a member of the jury in the special service of John Gordon, heir to Alexander Gordon, Master of Sutherland his father, in the Earldom of Sutherland.

Robert was a resolute and magnanimous man, and a most loyal subject. When the English invaded Scotland under the Protector, the Duke of Somerset, all the noblemen, freeholders, and Chiefs of Clans were called upon to proceed to Edinburgh with their friends and followers. The Chief of the Munros responded to the call with alacrity. Calling together the fighting men of his clan, he went to Edinburgh, joined the Scottish army, and marched with it to the fatal field of Pinkie, where he fell fighting bravely at the head of his followers.

It is not known what became of his body. It very probably remained on the field of battle and was buried there along with others.

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The following is from the Rockwell reference:

Robert Munro was also the 14th Chieftan of the Clan Munro, successor to the legendary Donald, the Irish prince from the River Ro region in Ireland (hence the origin of the name Munro) who came to Scotland in 1025 A.D. at the head of an army to assist King Malcolm II in driving the Danes out of Scotland.

Robert's tenure as Baron of Foulis was a short five years. But during that he was noted (as would be his son and successor, Robert Mor Munro, the 15th Baron) for his loyal support for Mary Stuart during her turbulent reign as Queen of Scotland (1542-1567). Robert and Queen Mary were distant cousins as they were both descendents of King Robert II (1371-1390), the first of the Stewart Kings of Scotland. Queen Mary changed the spelling of the Stewart name to Stuart. She was first married to King Francis II of France and it was in France that she adopted the French spelling of the name.

Robert's descendency came through his grandmother, Anna MacLean, wife of William Munro, 12th Baron of Foulis (1490-1505). Anna could claim two lines of descent: One from King Robert's daughter, Princess Margaret (who married John MacDonald, Lord of the Isles) and second, from his son, Alexander, Earl of Buchan ("the Wolf of Badenoch").

Robert and his second son, George Munro of Katewell, were killed at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in which the Scots were defeated by an English army led by Thomas Seymour, Duke of Somerset and Regent of England (for the minority of King Edward VI).
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The following is from William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine - Vol. XIII #4 - p. 231-241

Sir Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis, and 14th in descent from Hugh, the First Baron, succeeded to the Barony on 22 My 1542. He married Margaret dunbar, and was killed on 8 Sep 1547 at the Battle of Pinkie. General Hugh Mercer of the Revolutionary War was a direct descendant of this 14th Baron of Foulis, - Gen. Mercer's mother having been Anne, daughter of Sir Robert Munro, 24th Baron of Foulis.

Sir Robert, 14th Baron of Foulis, left issue, besides his eldest son Robert who became the 15th Baron, several others among whom was George, progenitor of the Katewell branch, who was killed with his father at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547, leaving issue a son George Munro, II of Katewell, who married his cousin Euphemia Munro. They had issue a son David Munro, who married his distant sousin, Agnes, daughter of the Rev. Alexander Munro and his wife Janet Cumming, a descentant of King Henry VII of England and his wife Elizabeth of York, daughter of King Edward IV of England.
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The following is a transcription of RW "Billy" Munro's genealogy notes:

«i»Alexander Munro of Ardullie fl 1547/78 Third son of Alexander Munro of Kiltearn & Janet Maclean; received few charter of Ardullie from Robert Munro of Foulis 1547; said to have been 'banner-bearer to his Chief' in 1547 (Pinkie, 10 Sep 47); fl 1549; m. ------ with issue - Hugh (suc.) & Donald. 'agnamed Crechan' (Chronological & Genealogical Account of the Ancient & Honorable Family of Foulis, Inverness 1805) or 'Ni Cruich' (Munro Tree), but Mackenzie 396 says this was his grandson Alexander. On record 1549 as 'Alex Munro of Ardulle' (Foulis Writs no. 16), also 1552 (Reg. Mag. Sig. ), & prob. also in 1560, 1578, but son Hugh 'of Ardullie' 1581.

Munro Tree M/68; Mackenzie pp. 379, 396; Martine per Chronological & Genealogical Account of the Ancient & Honorable Family of Foulis, Inverness 1805, pp. 19, 28, & Macfarlane's Gen Coll i 38; Ross-shire Journal 5 Jan 1951; Writs nos. 75, 255, no. 16 - should be 1549 (not 1409); Reg. Mag. Sig. iv no. 750 - confirmation of charter by Robert Munro of Foulis 20 Jan 1551/2 at Ardersier (AM of A witness).
«/i»**********
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The following is from «u»The Monroe Book«/u» p. 6:

«i»His «/i»[Hector Munro XIII of Foulis] «i»son Robert, fourteenth Baron, was a loyal supporter of Mary Queen of Scots. He married Margaret Dunbar, daughter of Sir Alexander Dunbar, sheriff of Murray. He was killed in the battle of Pinkie in 1547, defending Scotland against English invasion.
«/i»**********

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

(Medical):See attached sources.

Buried:
Burial place unverified

Robert married Margaret Anna Dunbar in , , , Scotland. Margaret (daughter of Sir Alexander Dunbar and Jean Falconer) was born about 1500 in Cumnock, , Ayr, Scotland; died in in , , , Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Q

"Robert Barron of Fowlis married Margaret daughter to Sir Alexander Dunbar Sheriff of Murray by whom he had 4 sons and 3 daughters he was slain at the Battle of Pinkie with many of his followers in [? September] 1547."

"...His wife is named Anna Dunbar in 1663 birthbrief to descendant Alexander R/15 (TGSI xii 386, Mackenzie 173); their four sons appear below as Robert R, Hector Q/1, Hugh Q/18 and George Q/45; for dr Catherine see M/4."

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 42

"He [Robert] married Margaret, only daughter of Sir Alexander Dunbar of Cumnock and Westfield, Sheriff of Morayshire, by his second wife Janet, daughter of John Leslie of Parkhill, son of William third Earl of Rothes. The Coul MS. says that Lady Dunbar was a daughter of "the Laird of Haggerton Falcken," no doubt meaning the family of Falconer of Halkerton, Kincardineshire, from whom the present Earl of Kintore is descended."

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA