Viscounts Frendraught (1642)

1^st Viscount Frendraught, James Crichton, b.?, a.1642, d.1664-1665

Son of Sir James Crichton of Frendraught and Elizabeth Gordon, daughter of John Gordon, 12^th Earl of Sutherland. The Crichtons of Frendraught were descended from William Crichton, 1^st Lord Crichton and High Chancellor during the early reign of James II. Although the 3^rd Lord Crichton had forfeited his title after joining in the rebellion of the Duke of Albany against James III, the family had remained prominent and come into possession of the barony of Frendraught from the 2^nd Lord’s wife. This land is situated in the heart of Gordon country and is famous for being the site of one of the most tragic episodes of Scottish history. It started in 1630 with a disputed legal decision that resulted in Gordon of Rothiemay being killed. Gordon sympathisers then raided Crichton lands until the head of the Gordon clan, George Gordon 1^st Marquess of Huntly, agreed to a payment in settlement to the widow. All parties appeared to agree that this was an end to things. However, another dispute had arisen between the Crichtons and the Leslies. On hearing that the Leslies were intent on vengeance, Huntly sent an escort of his son Lord Aboyne and the new Gordon of Rothiemay with the Crichtons for their return from Huntly to Frendraught after the negotiations. Aboyne and Rothiemay were put up at Frendraught Castle that night, only to die in a fire that broke out in the tower they were staying in. Although it is generally reckoned that the fire was accidental, suspicion fell on the Crichtons, even though much of their own castle and riches had been destroyed. The Crichtons presented themselves to an investigation by the Privy Council, which came to nought, although a Leslie associate was considered as a possible offender. The lack of resolution heaped more public feeling against the Crichtons and they were targeted for attack by the wilder Highland clans, probably encouraged by the Gordons. Attempts were made to keep these under control but over the years the wealth of the estates was eroded. During the Civil Wars, James Crichton was a prominent Royalist and was created 1^st Viscount Frendraught. He fought alongside Montrose and was with him at the final losing Battle of Invercharran.

2^nd Viscount Frendraught, James Crichton, b.?, a.c.1665, d.1675

Son of the 1^st Viscount and Marion Irvine, daughter of Sir Alexander Irvine of Drum.

3^rd Viscount Frendraught, William Crichton, b.?, a.1675, d.c.1686

Son of the 2^nd Viscount and Christian Urquhart, daughter of Sir Alexander Urquhart of Cromarty. He died unmarried.

4^th Viscount Frendraught, Lewis Crichton, b.?, a.c.1686, d.c.1698

Younger son of the 1^st Viscount. He was attainted for adherence to James II & VII.

In 1827 a descendant of the 1^st Viscount’s daughter Janet Crichton (by his first wife), who had married into the Makgill clan, claimed the viscountcy but was unsuccessful.

(Last updated: 30/12/2009)