History and traditions of the land of the Lindsays in Angus and Mearns

116 LAND OF THE LINDSAYS.
Independence continued Brace's unflinching supporter, married
Margaret de Brechin, the only sister of the forfeited noble ;
and now that the male line of the family was for ever swept
away, Bruce conferred the Lordship of Brechin and Navar on
her husband, in recompense for his many services ; but this brave
knight was unfortunately slain at Aberdeen, in 1350, by John
St. Michael of Mundurnah. By Margaret de Brechin (the
niece of Bruce), Barclay left an only son and daughter, — the
latter married Fleming of Biggar, and her only surviving child,
Marion, became the wife of William Maule of Panmure. The last
mentioned David Barclay, who served in the Prussian wars, and
died sometime after the year 1364, left an only daughter, who
married Walter, second son of Robert II., by Euphemia Ross,
and he, in right of his wife, assumed the estates and titles of
Brechin ; but having participated in the murder of his nephew,
James I., he was executed as a traitor in 1437, and in a still
more ignominious and revolting manner than his predecessor de
Brechin, for his death was protracted over three days.
Athole's wife having predeceased him, he was allowed
" simply by the courtesy of the kingdom of Scotland," to retain
her lands during the remainder of his life, so that, although his
own estates were forfeited at the time of his execution, the
Lordship of Brechin should of right have passed to Sir Thomas
Maule of Panmure as nearest heir to the Countess of Atholc, by
descent from Marion Fleming of Biggar, but under pretence
of forfeiture, was annexed to the Crown by Act of Parlia-
ment in 1438, and was afterwards granted, in life-rent or
in fee, to various persons. This Sir Thomas died between
1442 and 1450 ; and, although admitted judicially to be heir
to the Countess of Athole, justice was not done to him and his
successors, who found " Chancellour Crightoun and the King's
Councill partys too hard for them to deal with. However,
Sir Thomas's heirs got Leuchlands, Hatherwick, Claleck, Jack-
ston, and Stadockmore, which were formerly parts of the estate
of Brichine."*
The question of Maule's right of succession is said to have
been raised from time to time, and a judgment in favour of the
* Registram de rannmre, vol. i. pp. 291-5— a MS. of two vol?., folio (written in 1733), be-
longing to the Right lion, Lord Panmure.