the Queen. He again, however, changed sides, joined the Queen at Hamilton after her escape from Lochleven, and fought for her at the battle of Langside. For this offence Sanquhar Castle was besieged by the Regent Murray in 1568, and forced to surrender. The testament of Edward Lord Sanquhar was given up by Robert, his son, with consent of William Crichton, his brotherin-law, and confirmed in 1573.

ROBERT, SIXTH LORD CRICHTON OF SANQUHAR, SUCceeded. He married Mary, daughter of George Farmer of Easton, in Northamptonshire. He had, May 12, 1589, a seisin as heir to his father of the barony of Sanquhar, &c., and all other properties belonging to his father, and also offices. His father Edward had, it has been stated, a natural son, David of Lugton, but the David of Lugton of this date was brother to a Patrick, son of David of Lugton, son of William third Lord Crichton, who may have been the natural son of the latter. David Crichton of Lugton had a charter from Robert sixth Lord Crichton of Sanquhar of the baronies of Sanquhar, Long Niddry, &c., 2nd December, 1602. This was of the nature of a resignation to the Crown in favour of Lugton. In 1588, November 13, David of Lugton resigns these baronies, &c., to Robert Lord Crichton of Sanquhar and William, his natural son, in case he, Lord Sanquhar, should have no lawful issue. This was set aside by James VI. (see Ryehill), but certain satisfaction was given to the natural son. In 1619 William (filius naturalis) was served heir to his father, Robert sixth Lord Sanquhar, in Glenmuckloch, Guffockland, Knokengig, and Oversyde of Corseneuk; an arrangement, however, after some trouble and litigation, was made by which he obtained a money satis

faction. August 7, 1590, in Register of Privy Seal there is a precept for Confirmation of Charter by Robt. Lord Crichton of Sanquhar to James Crichton of Carcow of the barony of Sanquhar-Lord Crichton straitened in means. It was at the instance of Robert sixth Lord Sanquhar, that on the 29th August, 1598, King James VI. granted a charter constituting Sanquhar a Royal Burgh. In religion he was a Roman Catholic. He accompanied King James to London, with other Scottish nobles. A man of good accomplishments, amongst other gifts he was an expert fencer. Wishing to try his skill with John Turner, a fencing master, he lost the use of an eye, at Lord Norrey's seat, 1605. The King of France, with whom he was on excellent terms, asked him on one occasion how he came by the accident, and on hearing Lord Sanquhar's explanation, said "Does the man yet live?" This observation rankled in the mind of Lord Crichton, and on his return to England he contrived with the aid of a servant to have Turner assassinated. For this, and doubtless to appease the jealousy of the English nobility who resented the invasion of the Scots, he was executed at Westminster, 29th June, 1612. He was succeeded by

WILLIAM, SEVENTH LORD CRICHTON OF SANQUHAR, styled of Ryehill. He was the son of Robert, son of John, the son of Robert second Lord Sanquhar. In 1613, February, there is a precept of Clare Constat by William Lord Crichton of Sanquhar to infeft John Crichton as heir of James Crichton of Crawfordton in certain lands. He had a charter of the barony of Glencairn, July 28, 1614. Robert Crichton of Ryehill, brother german to William Lord Crichton, witnesses a charter of the lands of Meikle and Little Dibbon, in the barony of Glen

cairn, 1618. He was served heir to Robert sixth Lord Sanquhar, 15th July, 1619. He had, however, assumed the title and taken possession of Crichton Peel upon the death of his predecessor, and entertained King James VI. with great splendour at the castle in 1617.

For further particulars of this nobleman see Crichtons of Ryehill and Peerages.

CRICHTONS OF RYEHILL.

RYEHILL, situated a mile south of Sanquhar Castle, takes its name from a most interesting piece of antiquity-the ancient mound close by the Nith, known as the "Moat," from which in olden times justice was administered. Ryehill is synonymous with Moat Hill, and is derived from the Saxon rye, rie, or ry, denoting authority or dominion, and means, therefore, the "Hill of Authority."

Formerly in possession of the Rosses, Ryehill passed by marriage to the Crichtons, Lords of Sanquhar. The residence is described in old deeds as a tower or fortalice," the site of which is now occupied by the farmhouse of Ryehill. The property was 5 lbs., old extent. The first of the Crichtons designated as "of Ryehill" was

JOHN CRICHTON, son of Robert, Lord Crichton of Sanquhar, and Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Cuthbert Murray of Cockpool. He is stated to have married Mary, daughter of John Carmichael of Meadowflat, by Jane daughter of James Johnston of that Ilk, ancestor to the Marquis of Annandale. He afterwards married Christian Dalziell as his second wife, and had a charter to her and to himself of Ryehill in 1554. Christian Dalziell is mentioned in deeds of 1540 and 1555 (Privy Council Records). There is a Decreet Arbitral between John Crichton of Ryehill and Edward Lord Crichton of Sanquhar, ordaining the former to remove from the