Ancient deeds and other writs in the Mackenzie-Wharncliffe charter-chest

MACKENZIE-WHARNCLIFFE DEEDS
three main divisions to a family of Playfair, who had been long tenants
of that portion of the estate.
It is unnecessary to make any observation with reference to the
more modern title-deeds.
In addition to the title-deeds, properly so-called, there are numerous
writs in the charter-chests which are of no small historical and family
interest. In so far as these consist of contracts of marriage, incidental
reference has already been made to several of them. The following
may be specially referred to : —
(1) The principal contract of marriage between Simeon Mackenzie
(father of Sir George Mackenzie, brother -german 'to ane
nobill and potent Erie, George, Erie of Seaforth, Lord
Mackenzie of Kintaill'), Sir George Mackenzie of Tarbat,
Baronet, Thomas Mackenzie of Pluskardeane, Mr. Alexander
Mackenzie of Kilcowie, Alexander Mackenzie of Coull, and
Elizabeth Bruce, Sir George Mackenzie's mother, designed
'eldest law 11 dochter umqu 11 Dr. Peter Bruce sumtyme prin u
of St. Lennard College within the citie of St. Andrs.' The
contract is dated in May and June 1634. The writ is con-
siderably worn and injured, but the signatures of Mr. Simeon
Mackenzie and his wife are still preserved and are distinct.
(2) Extract of the contract of marriage between Robert Douglass,
younger of Muldargie, with consent of Hector Douglass, his
father, and Jean Mackenzie, daughter of Simeon Mackenzie,
and Sir George Mackenzie's sister. The tocher provided was
8000 merks. The contract is dated the 9th July 1656, and
is registered in the Books of Council and Session on the
27th June 1662. There is another copy of this contract
among the title-deeds.
(3) The principal contract of marriage between Sir George Mac-
kenzie and Elizabeth Dickson, designed ' Lau 11 dochter of the
deceist George Dickson of Hartre, ane of the Senators of
the Colledge of Justice,' with consent of her Curator, Sir
George Mackenzie's father, who is designed as ' The Right
Hon. Symon McKenzie, brother germain of the deceist
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