Estate: Monycabock

Monycabock, Aberdeenshire
c1370 - 1531

The barony of Monycabock, now Newmachar, near Aberdeen, came to the Flemings when Sir David Fleming married its heiress, Isobel de Strachan, around 1370. It was the family’s most northerly barony and was sold in 1531.

Acquisition

Monycabock had been granted by King David II to Donald Strachan in 1343. Around 1370 Sir David Fleming married Isobel de Strachan, heiress of Monycabock, and acquired the barony through her. After 1390 he also had a charter of Wodland and Meiklegall within the barony.

Estates within the barony

The barony included Monycabock itself, with Wodland and Meiklegall, Craig, Tullymade, Milton of Elrick, the mill of Covell and the fishings.

A younger son’s estate

In August 1405 Sir David granted Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar, the use of Monycabock during the life of Isobel, Countess of Mar, in return for Mar giving up his claim to Cavers. After Sir Malcolm Fleming’s execution in 1440 the barony reverted to the crown, and it remained in the king’s hands in 1443.

It was later held by Malcolm Fleming, son and heir of Robert, 1st Lord Fleming, who was styled “of Monycabock”, and then by his son Sir David Fleming of Monycabock. John, 2nd Lord Fleming, had a Crown charter of the barony on 8 May 1509 and a licence to sell it in 1513.

Disposal

The barony and its fishings were wadset to Walter Ogilvie of Badenspink. Malcolm, 3rd Lord Fleming, had a reversion for 1,200 pounds in 1525 and redeemed them by May 1531. On 2 September 1531 he sold Monycabock, with its mill, advowsons, chaplaincies and tenants, to Robert Innes and his son Robert.