New Spalding Club > Thanage of Fermartyn including the district commonly called Formartine

Fyvie. 23
deen," and in 1502, there is a resignation into the King's hands, by the said William, of
all the lands of Fermartyn ; one of the witnesses is Robert Gordon of Fetterletter.^
By his wife Elizabeth Barclay he had issue : —
I, George, his successor.
II. Thomas Meldrum, who gets the lands of Eden.^
William Meldrum died about 150S, and was succeeded by his son,
III. Sir George Meldrum of Fyvie.
In 1482, had a charter by King James III. under the great seal, in favour of
George Meldrum (son and apparent heir of William Meldrum of Five) and Elizabeth
Innes his spouse, of the lands of Petkary in the shire of Kincardine,'' and in 1502 there
is a charter of James IV. to the said George of the lands and barony of Fermartyn on
the resignation of his father William Meldrum.^ In a letter of bailyeary of date 1508,
Robert Innes is mentioned as brother-in-law of George Meldrum.' This deed is signed
by George Meldrum " nianu propria," showing that he was an educated man, at a time
when learning was not held in much esteem. George Meldrum received many charters
of lands, and in 1505, he received the honour of knighthood. In a deed of warranty
of that date he is styled " eques auratus." ' Sir George Meldrum was the only one of
his family known in a public capacity, and was frequently employed in important
business. In 1544, he was sent by the Governor of Scotland on an embassy to the
King of England, then personally engaged in the siege of Boulogne.' He married
Elizabeth Innes mentioned in the letter quoted above. He had issue at least three
sons : —
I. Alexander, of very infirm health, who for an annuity of 100 merks resigned his
rights to Fyvie to his next brother.'
II. William Meldrum.
III. George Meldrum.
Sir George Meldrum was succeeded by his second son,
IV. William Meldrum of Fyvie.
He is mentioned in the deed above quoted, when his brother George resigned the
rights of his birth." In the Fyvie charter chest there is a charter and deed of sasine in
favour of William Meldrum, elder son of Sir George Meldrum (his elder brother was by
this time dead), of the lands and barony of Fivy, otherwise Fermartyn. Amongst the
witnesses are Patrick Mowat of Balquholly ; Walter Innes ; Henry Robertson, Presbyter,
Ouchterless. 21 February, 1544-45."
1 His. MSS. Com. Rep. I. p. 256- 7 Ant. A. and B. III. p. 567.
2 Fyvie Chatters. 8 Leslie's History of Scotland, p. 187.
3 Id. 9 Ant. A. and B. II. p. 334.
4 Ant. A. and B. II. pp. 328-9. 10 Id.
5 Hist. MSS. Com. Rep. V. p. 306. 11 Reg. Mag. Sig. 1514-46, No. 3073.
6 Ant. A. and B. II. p. 333.