Person Page 261

Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar

Person Exhibits

1372 Malcolm of Biggar

Detailed biography

Birth

Parents

Family life

Working life

• Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, served in the military as was taken prisoner by Robert Bertram on 17 October 1346 at Neville's Cross in Durham. The Scots were urged into war with England because war had broken out between their ally France and England in 1346.
  So overwhelming a calamity as the defeat of Durham, and captivity of the Sovereign, might have been expected to seal the fate of Scotland. But the spirit of resistance survived, and continued to baffle all Edward's schemes for reducing her to the position of a tributary state. A protracted negotiation for the King's ransom, often interrupted by hostilities, was at last concluded at Berwick on October 3, 1357, the Scots binding themselves to pay 100,000 marks to England by ten yearly instalments, the first of them due on the 25th of June 1358.
  The King was empowered to purchase all the wools and fleeces in the kingdom at the price of four marks for every sack of wool or every 200 woolfells.^ Directions followed for a revaluation of the lands and rents of both churchmen and laymen, and of corn, cattle, sheep, and goods of every kind, the survey to include further the names of all the mechanics, tradesmen, and artificers in the country.^ A tax was to be laid on the rents and profits of land, in accordance with their real value as thus ascertained, and an inquiry was besides to be made how much each person was likely voluntarily to contribute. Regulations were made to prevent the sale or exportation of sheep and lambs during the time when the survey was being made.
  Then came a stringent provision for the resumption of the lands, rents, and other property of the Crown that had been alienated, with a prohibition of such alienation by the King in time coming, and even of the disposal of wards and escheats without mature advice. The duty on exportation of money was raised to half a mark on the pound.
  Not the least important enactment of that Parliament was one which the " Black Book " has not preserved to us, the raising of the great customs to three times their former amount.^6,7,8,9
• In 1364 Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, was occupied as Chamberlain of Scotland in Edinburgh. He was the first of six Fleming family members to be appointed Chamberlain of Scotland.
  JAF -
  The story of the various Lords Chamberlain Fleming, for they held this honourable post for generations, is remarkable. The appointment, moreover, was not hereditary, and how they performed with courage and fidelity that task proves their immovable resolve to do what they believed was just.⁶
• On 20 July 1364 Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, was occupied as Governor of Dumbarton Castle in Dumbarton Castle. On the king's account he was paid a total of 42/6/8 which included funds for the repair of Dumbarton Castle. He was also paid 42/6/8 for further repairs and wine.^1,6,10,11
• On 20 July 1364 Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, was occupied as Sheriff in Dumbarton.^12,13,9,14
• In 1365 Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, was occupied as Governor of Dumbarton Castle. In the king's 1365 accounts he was paid 20/-/- as partial payment of his fee; and the same in 1366.^15,16,17,18
• In 1366 Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, was occupied as custodian of Dunbarton Castle in Dunbarton Castle.¹⁹
• In 1367 Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, was occupied as Governor of Dumbarton Castle in Dumbarton Castle. The king paid him 13/6/8 for the purchase of munitions for the castle.²⁰
• In 1374 Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, was occupied as High Sheriff in Edinburgh.^6,21
• In 1374 Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, was occupied as Governor at Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh. The king paid him 6/16/- for 700 boards to repair Edinburgh Castle.^6,21,22
• In 1379 Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, was occupied as Steward to the Earl of Carrick. He was paid on the king's account 3/6/8 due to the Earl of Carrick.
  
  Note also that his nephew, Malcolm Fleming of Biggar, was Steward to the Earl of Carrick in 1379 - see Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum: The Exchequer rolls of Scotland (Edinburgh: General Register House, 1878), vol 2, p 606; online image, Internet Archive, archive.org (https://archive.org/details/rotuliscaccariir01scot/page/n135/mode/2up
  Excellent addition, Jim. That 1379 reference from the Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, vol. 2, p. 606, is a gem—it confirms that Malcolm Fleming of Biggar, nephew of the earlier Malcolm Fleming, served as Steward to the Earl of Carrick during the reign of Robert II.�� Malcolm Fleming of Biggar as Steward (1379)🔹 Source
  •
  Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum: The Exchequer Rolls of Scotland, vol. 2 (Edinburgh: General Register House, 1878), p. 606View on Internet Archive🔹 Role and Context
  •
  Listed as “Senescallo comitis de Carric” (Steward of the Earl of Carrick)
  •
  Carrick was then held by John Stewart, Earl of Carrick and heir to the throne (later Robert III)
  •
  Malcolm’s stewardship likely involved:
  o
  Managing revenues and collecting rents from Carrick estates
  o
  Overseeing judicial functions and local governance
  o
  Acting as liaison between the Earl and royal administration🧬 Fleming Family Continuity in Carrick
  Name
  Title
  Year
  Source
  Relationship
  Malcolm Fleming (elder)
  Bailie & Steward of Carrick
  c.1330
  RRS Robert I, Charter 553; Crosraguel Charters
  Uncle
  Malcolm Fleming of Biggar
  Steward of Carrick
  1379
  Exchequer Rolls, vol. 2, p. 606
  Nephew
  This continuity suggests a hereditary or patronage-based retention of office, possibly tied to the Flemings’ loyalty to the Bruce and Stewart dynasties.
  
  Based on available records, no direct evidence has surfaced of further Fleming family members holding the stewardship of Carrick after Malcolm Fleming of Biggar in 1379. However, the family's prominence in royal service and landholding continued well into the 15th century, suggesting they may have retained influence in Carrick or nearby regions through other offices.🧭 Known Succession of Flemings in Carrick Stewardship
  Name
  Role
  Year
  Source
  Malcolm Fleming (elder)
  Bailie & Steward of Carrick
  c.1330
  RRS Robert I, Charter 553; Crosraguel Charters
  Malcolm Fleming of Biggar
  Steward of Carrick
  1379
  Exchequer Rolls, vol. 2, p. 606 🧩 Later Flemings in Royal Service🔹 David Fleming (d. 1406)
  •
  Deputy Chamberlain of Scotland
  •
  Ambassador to England
  •
  Held lands in Biggar and Cumbernauld
  •
  No direct link to Carrick stewardship, but high-ranking administrative roles🔹 Malcolm Fleming (executed 1440)
  •
  Served as hostage for King James I
  •
  Later exonerated posthumously
  •
  Again, no stewardship title confirmed🔹 Robert Fleming (1st Lord Fleming of Cumbernauld)
  •
  Master of the King’s Household
  •
  Elevated to peerage, suggesting continued royal favor
  These roles indicate the Flemings remained close to the crown, but the specific stewardship of Carrick may have passed to other families or been absorbed into broader royal administration as the Earldom became tied to the heir apparent.🧭 Historical Context
  •
  After Robert III, the Earldom of Carrick became a title held by the heir to the throne, reducing the likelihood of hereditary stewards.
  •
  Stewardship may have shifted to appointed royal officers rather than noble families with local ties.²³
• In 1381 Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, was occupied as Sheriff of Edinburgh and Governor of Edinburgh Castle in Edinburgh Castle. He was paid 10/-/- for the boards and other miscellaneous receipts for the work of the castle.²⁴
• On 1 November 1388 Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, was occupied as Sheriff of Edinburgh in Edinburgh. He signed a sasine for land in Dalkieth for James de Douglas militi.^25,26

Property²⁷

Malcolm ("the Reliable") Fleming, of Biggar, possessed was granted by King David II all of the lands of the late John Kennedy in the barony of Lenzie on 11 January 1357 in Barony of Lenzie.^{27,28,29,930,31,8,9,32} He possessed was granted all of John Kennedy's forfeited lands in the barony of Lenzie on 11 January 1358.^{1,33,3435,36,373839,1} He possessed had a charter from King David II confirming his grant of all of John Kennedy's forfeited lands in the barony of Lenzie on 6 April 1362 in Lenzie.^1,3,40,941 He possessed relinquished land at Dalziel or Motherwell that King David II now granted to Robert Stewart of 'Standbochchy' on 23 March 1363.¹ He possessed was instructed by King David to collect only 5 chalders of oatmeal for the maintenance of Dumbarton Castle from Paisley Abbey on 20 July 1364 in Dumbarton Castle.^1,42 He possessed was reminded by King David II of his earlier instruction re Paisley Abbey on 10 December 1364 in Dumbarton Castle.^43,12 He possessed possessed the duties of the mill at Lanark in 1367 in Lanark.¹³ He possessed resigned the lands of Dalnotter formerly held of the Lord of Lennox in feu and heritage, to be invested in Sir Robert de Erskine of that ilk on 8 January 1368 in Dalnotter.^{44,45,4647,48,49,50,51} He possessed was elevated from tenant to hold this land in chief from the crown on 7 April 1372 in Kedystoun.⁵² He possessed sold Kidston in the sheriffdom of Berwick to William earl of Douglas for six hundred pounds on 8 September 1372 at Berwick in Kidston.^{53,544,55,56,8,9} He possessed bought these lands from William Boyd on 11 November 1372 in Barony of Lenzie.⁵⁷ He possessed granted a charter in the lands of Badynhache to William of Bryde, Lord of Galvane in 1373 in Badynhache.^{5848,4,56,59,60 48,61} He possessed bought his cousin's 80 pound mortgage from William Boyd on 20 June 1375 in Lenzie.^56,8 He possessed had a charter from King Robert II of the lands of Carmound below the vicarage of Edinburgh, previously resigned by Marjorie Fleming on 16 January 1380 in Crawmond.^{62,63,5164,65,66,48,67,68,8,69,9,14} He possessed was granted ratification by King David II in the Barony of Leigne, Kilmarnick and the Barony of Dalliel in free warren on 20 September 1382 in Leigne, Dunbartonshire.^70,67,71,14 He possessed sold Fulwood to John Sempill (later designed "of Fulwood") between 1384 and 1409 in Fulwood+.⁷² He possessed gave a charter of the feu of Kirkintilloch to Gilbert Kennedy eldest son of John K of Dunure and their heirs to be holden of Malcolm Fleming of Biggar and his heirs on 27 January 1384 in Kirkintilloch.⁷³ He possessed was possessed of lands granted to him by King David, including Thankerton, Biggar, Crawfordjohn barony, Colbanston barony, Dalliel, Hertished, Kilbrid barony, Strathavon barony and Stanhouse barony in 1388.⁷⁴ He possessed granted Badynache (for services done and to be done) to William of Boyde, his grandson on 7 July 1395 at Badynache in Leigne, Dunbartonshire.^{75,7677,4878,79,80,81,68}

Death

Citations

1. [S32] Various contributors, Various contributors, "People of Medieval Scotland," database, Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh et al, People of Medieval Scotland (https://poms.ac.uk/: accessed ), ., online; 26 November 2023; Malcolm Fleming of Biggar at https://poms.ac.uk/record/person/23327/
2. [S32] Various contributors, Various contributors, "People of Medieval Scotland," database, Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh et al, People of Medieval Scotland (https://poms.ac.uk/: accessed ), ., Document 1/54/302 (RRS, vi, no. 270)
3. [S17] Francis J Grant (Ed), Charter Chest of the Earldom of Wigtown, Charter 6
4. [S17] Francis J Grant (Ed), Charter Chest of the Earldom of Wigtown, Charter 9
5. [S44] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum, vol 1, p 531
6. [S34] J Arnold Fleming, Flemish Influence in Britain, vol 2, p 57
7. [S44] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum, vol 2, p xxxvii-xxxix
8. [S83] George Vere Irving, The upper ward of Lanarkshire described and delineated, vol i, p 308
9. [S5] William Hunter, Biggar and the House of Fleming, p 478
10. [S44] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum, vol 1, p 129
11. [S44] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum, vol 2, p 124
12. [S61] Cosmo Innes, Registrum Monasterii de Passalet, p 177
13. [S83] George Vere Irving, The upper ward of Lanarkshire described and delineated, vol i, p 309
14. [S132] Thomas Watson, Kirkintilloch, p 14
15. [S44] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum, vol 2, p 221
16. [S44] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum, vol 2, p 259
17. [S44] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum, vol 2, p 195
18. [S107] Thomas Thomson, The accounts of the great chamberlains of Scotland, vol i, p 439
19. [S107] Thomas Thomson, The accounts of the great chamberlains of Scotland, vol i, p 459
20. [S44] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum, vol 2, p 295
21. [S44] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum, vol 2, p 462
22. [S107] Thomas Thomson, The accounts of the great chamberlains of Scotland, vol ii, p 55
23. [S44] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum, vol 2, p 606
24. [S44] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum, vol 3, p 66
25. [S65] The Ballantyne Club, Registrum Honoris de Morton, vol ii, p 165-6
26. [S58] Edinburgh, National Records of Scotland, "Online Catalogue," National Records of Scotland (https://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue: accessed ), ., viewed; 19 September 2025; GD150/54, 1 Nov 1388, Letter of Sasine by Malcolm Flemyng, lord of Bygere, sheriff of Edinburgh
27. [S17] Francis J Grant (Ed), Charter Chest of the Earldom of Wigtown, Charter 5
28. [S24] William Robertson, An Index of many Records of Charters granted by different Sovereigns of Scotland, p 30, ch 6, Leigne David II
29. [S43] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol i, 1306-1424, app 2, ch 1140 & 1186
30. [S3] Sir Robert Douglas, The peerage of Scotland, Fleming Earl of Wigtown VII
31. [S17] Francis J Grant (Ed), Charter Chest of the Earldom of Wigtown, Charter 4
32. [S58] Edinburgh, National Records of Scotland, "Online Catalogue," National Records of Scotland (https://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue: accessed ), ., viewed; 16 September 2025; RH1/2/122,18 Apr 1356, Malcolm Flemyng, Earl of Wygton and Lord of Leygne, in favour of Malcolm Flemyng Lord of Bygir, of Achmore
33. [S39] Bruce Webster, Regesta Regum Scottorum, The Acts of David II, King Of Scots 1329-1371, p 198 charter 160
34. [S41] Richard Oram, The making and breaking of a comital family, downloaded; 13 January 2025; page 41
35. [S43] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol i, 1306-1424, app 1, ch 140
36. [S43] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol i, 1306-1424, app 2, ch 1321
37. [S24] William Robertson, An Index of many Records of Charters granted by different Sovereigns of Scotland, p 62, ch 26, Blancaurig
38. [S58] Edinburgh, National Records of Scotland, "Online Catalogue," National Records of Scotland (https://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue: accessed ), ., viewed; 13 September 2025; GD124/1/409, 1359, Charter by Thomas Flemyng [Fleming], Earl of Wigtoun [Wigtown], to Sir Robert de Erskyne
39. [S32] Various contributors, Various contributors, "People of Medieval Scotland," database, Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh et al, People of Medieval Scotland (https://poms.ac.uk/: accessed ), ., online; 26 November 2023; Patrick Fleming, sheriff of Tweeddale at https://poms.ac.uk/record/person/23262/
40. [S39] Bruce Webster, Regesta Regum Scottorum, The Acts of David II, King Of Scots 1329-1371, p 302 charter 270
41. [S17] Francis J Grant (Ed), Charter Chest of the Earldom of Wigtown, Charter 10
42. [S39] Bruce Webster, Regesta Regum Scottorum, The Acts of David II, King Of Scots 1329-1371, p 356 charter 326
43. [S39] Bruce Webster, Regesta Regum Scottorum, The Acts of David II, King Of Scots 1329-1371, p 362 charter 333
44. [S34] J Arnold Fleming, Flemish Influence in Britain, vol 2, p 407-412, Flemings of Bord
45. [S137] William Fraser, The Chiefs of Colquhoun, vol i, p 10
46. [S17] Francis J Grant (Ed), Charter Chest of the Earldom of Wigtown, Charter 245
47. [S17] Francis J Grant (Ed), Charter Chest of the Earldom of Wigtown, Charters 245-6
48. [S28] Sir James Balfour Paul, The Scots Peerage, vol viii, Fleming Earl of Wigtown pages 519 - 558
49. [S43] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol i, 1306-1424, ch 491
50. [S24] William Robertson, An Index of many Records of Charters granted by different Sovereigns of Scotland, p 116, ch 64, Bord, Tweouris, Wester Croy, Easter Croy, Smethestoun, Balloch and Ardre
51. [S5] William Hunter, Biggar and the House of Fleming, p 479
52. [S58] Edinburgh, National Records of Scotland, "Online Catalogue," National Records of Scotland (https://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue: accessed ), ., viewed; 18 September 2025; GD436/1/3, 7 Apr 1372, Instrument of Resignation by Duncan Walays, knight, and John de Nesbeit, portioners and lords of the Barony of Dalyell
53. [S69] Henry Laing, Descriptive Catalogue of Ancient Scottish Seals, Initial volume, p 222, Malcolm Fleming, Lord of Byggar
54. [S58] Edinburgh, National Records of Scotland, "Online Catalogue," National Records of Scotland (https://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue: accessed ), ., viewed; 18 September 2025; GD436/1/5, 7 Sep 1372, Instrument of Resignation by Malcolm Flemyng, , Lord of Bygar [Biggar], in the hands of his over-lord, William, Earl of Douglas, of his land and tenement of Kydistoun which he holds of him
55. [S17] Francis J Grant (Ed), Charter Chest of the Earldom of Wigtown, Charter 8
56. [S43] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol i, 1306-1424, ch 477
57. [S58] Edinburgh, National Records of Scotland, "Online Catalogue," National Records of Scotland (https://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue: accessed ), ., viewed; 18 September 2025; RH1/2/133, 11 Nov 1372, A discharge by William Boyd, son of umquhile Sir Thomas Boyd, Knight, to Malcolm Fleming, Lord of Biggar and Cristian, his spouse, of all his right in the lands of the barony of Leygne
58. [S25] William M Metcalfe, A History of the County of Renfrew, p 97
59. [S24] William Robertson, An Index of many Records of Charters granted by different Sovereigns of Scotland, p 115, ch 50, Barony of Lenzie
60. [S133] FC Hunter Blair, Charters of the Abbey of Crosraguel, vol i, p 30-33
61. [S24] William Robertson, An Index of many Records of Charters granted by different Sovereigns of Scotland, p 115, ch 39, Kirkintilloch
62. [S43] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol i, 1306-1424, ch 632
63. [S24] William Robertson, An Index of many Records of Charters granted by different Sovereigns of Scotland, p 121, ch 77, Crawmond
64. [S3] Sir Robert Douglas, The peerage of Scotland, Fleming Earl of Wigtown IX
65. [S17] Francis J Grant (Ed), Charter Chest of the Earldom of Wigtown, Charter 11
66. [S24] William Robertson, An Index of many Records of Charters granted by different Sovereigns of Scotland, p 35, ch 6, Lenzie, David II
67. [S43] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol i, 1306-1424, ch 740
68. [S21] George Crawford, The Peerage of Scotland, p 491-499, Fleming, Earl of Wigtown
69. [S24] William Robertson, An Index of many Records of Charters granted by different Sovereigns of Scotland, p 124, ch 24, Barony of Lenzie
70. [S24] William Robertson, An Index of many Records of Charters granted by different Sovereigns of Scotland, p 54, ch 11, Leigne David II
71. [S64] Cosmos Nelson Innes, Origines Parochiales Scotiae, vol i, p 58
72. [S28] Sir James Balfour Paul, The Scots Peerage, vol 7 p 528
73. [S58] Edinburgh, National Records of Scotland, "Online Catalogue," National Records of Scotland (https://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue: accessed ), ., viewed; 19 September 2025; GD25/1/20 and RH1/2/151 and GD25/1/88 and GD25/1/104, 27 Jan 1384, Charter of Kirkintilloch by Malcolm Fleming of Biggar to Sir Gilbert Kennedy eldest son of John Kennedy of Dunure
74. [S44] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Rotuli scaccarii regum Scotorum, vol 3, p 162, 164
75. [S25] William M Metcalfe, A History of the County of Renfrew, page 97
76. [S58] Edinburgh, National Records of Scotland, "Online Catalogue," National Records of Scotland (https://catalogue.nrscotland.gov.uk/nrsonlinecatalogue: accessed ), ., viewed; 19 September 2025; GD3/1/10/6, 7 July 1395, Charter of confirmation granted by King Robert III of charter granted by Malcolm Flemyng, Lord of Biggar and of Lenzie in favour of his grandson, William of Boyde, Lord of Galvane
77. [S17] Francis J Grant (Ed), Charter Chest of the Earldom of Wigtown, Charters 400-01
78. [S17] Francis J Grant (Ed), Charter Chest of the Earldom of Wigtown, Charters 14
79. [S43] Scotland Court of Exchequer, Registrum Magni Sigilli Regum Scotorum, vol i, 1306-1424, app 2, ch 1880
80. [S93] Lord Francis Egerton, Liber Cartarium Sancte Crucis, charters 108 and 109, p 109-113
81. [S5] William Hunter, Biggar and the House of Fleming, p 480