Menzies of Fothergill
~ Descent from Sir Robert de Mesnieres ~

The name de MENZIES is of Norman origin,
coming from the little village of Mesnieres-en-Bray in Normandy south from Dieppe
to England where it was transformed into Manners, the surname of the Dukes of Rutland,
although other early spellings in Scotland include Meyers, Mingies and Mengues.

The first recorded of that name in Scotland,
Sir Robert de MESNIERES/MEYERIS
became Lord Chamberlain/Chancellor of Scotland to Alexander II in 1249
and was granted lands around Weem in Perthshire
where Castle Menzies stands today.



Sir Robert's son, Sir Alexander de MEYNERS (MENZIES)
held Weem, Aberfeldy and Fortingall in Atholl.

He supported Bruce at Bannockburn and was rewarded further territories, in Glendochart and Durisdeer in Nithsdale.

So, by the King's death, the Menzies possessions extended west
from Aberfeldy almost as far as Loch Lomond.

Sir Alexander married Egidia STEWART,
daughter of James, 5th High Steward & Egidia de BURGH.
(Egidia STEWART was the sister of Walter STEWART,
who married Princess Marjorie BRUCE)


Thomas de MENZIES held much of Fothergill from his father Sir Alexander.


Thomas' son Alexander de MENZIES
married abt 1368 to Jean de ATHOLIA,
eldest daughter of Robert de ATHOLIA & Jean de STRIVILING/STRIVELYN.


Robert de ATHOLIA was the heir of
Duncan de ATHOLIA (born abt 1297),
considered the first chief of the Clan Donnachaidh,
who had fought with Robert Bruce at Bannockburn.
(Jean de STRIVILING was the daughter of Sir John de STRIVILING of Glenesk)


Janet MENZIES, daughter & heiress of Alexander
married Sir James STEWART of Garth,
son of Alexander STEWART, Prince of Scotland & Earl of Buchan
and known as 'Wolf of Badenoch'
and all the lands of Fothergill/Fortingall that she inherited,
became the property of the STEWARTS.

Their son John Gorm STEWART never held Fortingal because he died before his parents,
but his own son John STEWART of Garth, Fothergill & Drumcharry did.

* LINKS *

John Gorm Stewart ~ Grandson of Robert the Bruce
Neil Gointe Stewart ~ Laird of Garth Castle
Blair Atholl ~ Home of my Highland Scottish Stewarts
Lady Marjorie Bruce ~ Princess of Scotland & Daughter of Robert the Bruce
Donnaichaidh ~ Robertson of Lude & Kincraigie Lineage
Stirling of Glenesk ~ Descent from Sir Alexander de Strivelyn

GEOCITIES