The Barons of Balquhain
The Balquhain family of Leslie dates back to the 14th century when Sir George Leslie, the first Baron of Balquhain, got a grant from his father, Norman de Leslie. The grant was confirmed by King David II by a charter in 1340 for his services during the reign of Robert I and David II against Edward II. The grant included the lands of Balquhain, Syde, and Braco.
Norman de Leslie was grandson of Sir Norman de Leslie. He was Edward’s I Sheriff of Aberdeenshire. Norman the second son of Andrew de Leslie was the elder brother of the ancestors of the Earls of Rothes.
In 1358, Norman was sent with Sir John Erskine to Rome to solicit contribution for the ransom of David II from England. It is written that in 1359, Norman de Leslie, the Kings armour-bearer, along with Sir Robert Erskine, Chamberlain of Scotland, and Sir John Grant were sent to France to negotiate the restoration of the league between France and Scotland.
According to another source, Historical Records of the Family of Leslie, Vol. 3 by Colonel K. H. Leslie 1869
The Barons of Balquhain during this time were:
Sir George Leslie – First Baron of Balquhain
Sir Hamelin Leslie – Second Baron succeeded his father in 1351
Sir Andrew Leslie – Third Baron succeeded his father in 1378
Master of the horse at the Battle of Harlaw under Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar
Sir William Leslie – Fourth Baron Succeeded his father in 1420
Commander under Alexander, Earl of Huntly at the Battle of Brechin in 1452
Also, Bailie of the Queen for the Garioch
Bestowed the lands of Kincraigie in Mar and Avochie in Strathbogie
Married first Elizabeth Fraser, daughter of the first Lord Lovat
Married second Agnes Irvine of Drum
Married third Euphemina Lindsay heiress of William Lindsay of Cairney
The Battle of Harlaw occurred in 1411 and is reported in some detail on pages 88-95. Of special interest are these passages:
“The oldest vassal, David de Lesly, who had gone as a youth to the Holy Land, was apparently not then in the country. His retainers were probably led by Sir Andrew Leslie of Balquhain, the lawless baron of the stone rampart of Bennachie, Master of the Horse (it is said) to the Earl of Mar. Six of Leslie’s sons died in the fight.“
“In 1420, Isabel Mortimer, widow of Sir Andrew Leslie of Balquhain, founded a chaplainry for her six sons slain at Harlaw, and for her husband killed in rebellion at Braco. A mortification in 1425, for a chaplain performing services for Sir Andrew’s soul…”
Up next: The Emergence of Branches of the Leslie Family