Notes on the surnames of Francus, Franceis, French, etc. in Scotland

NOTES ON THE SURNAMES. 25
of that place had possessions in Petcoks in after
years, it is suggestive that William Franke may have
been an early member of the same family tree.
On the 28th of August, 1 300-1, the records show
that William Fraunceys was a valet to Lord Patrick
(8th), Earl of March ; and on the 18th of September
of the same year Lord William le Fraunceys was a
knight of the son of the Earl of Dunbar.
After the battle of Bannockburn, which took place
on the 24th of June, 1314, King Edward II. took
shelter in the first place of strength that was friendly,
which was the castle of Dunbar, where its lord was
still on the side of England ; and it must have been
at this time that William Fraunceys rendered at
Dunbar the good service in King Edward's presence
for which he was rewarded by that monarch with
an annuity, as appears by a record on the 24th of
April, 1315.
Retracing our steps, it is found that the prototypes
of this surname in Scotland are discovered in the
reign of King William the Lyon ; and probably the
first recorded early charter in Scotland in this king's
reign wherein the surname of Franceis is found as a
witness is that of Grim to the Abbey of Melrose, of
which the following is the translation : To all the
sons of the Holy Mother church as well present as
future. Grim son of Guido " caretarii de Roxburgh."
Greeting. Know that I for the welfare of my lord
Willielmus de Sumeruilla, and for my soul and for