Munro of Obsdale
Encyclopedia
The Munros of Obsdale were a a Scottish family and a cadet branch of the Clan Munro
, a Highland Scottish clan
. Their base was at Obsdale House, situated just north of the town of Alness
in the Scottish Highlands. Some of the members of the Munro of Obsdale family were amongst the most distinguished Scottish military officers of the 17th century.
, chief of the Clan Munro. However George was the first son born from Robert's second marriage to Kathrine Ross, daughter of the chief of Clan Ross
. George received the lands of Obsdale in Alness, as his patrimony. George married a distant relative, Catherine Munro, fifth daughter of Andrew Munro, 5th of Milntown, with issue, among others:
On the 14th of May 1630 John Munro is one of the jury in the general service at Inverness
, of John Gordon, 13th Earl of Sutherland
, chief of Clan Sutherland
, as heir to William, the first Earl. Amongst other members of the Clan Munro present were: Robert Munro of Assynt, John Munro of Lemlair
, Hector Munro of Findon, and Andrew Munro of Novar
. At the same time and place the same Earl was served heir by the same jury to John de Moravia, 9th Earl of Sutherland.
John Munro returned to Germany in 1630 accompanied by a considerable number of his clansmen. One of the most notable incidents of John Munro, 2nd of Obsdale's career during this war was a severe engagement at the Pass in Oldenburg
where he distinguished himself highly and escaped unhurt, while his brother Robert was wounded in the knee. For the next three years he commanded a Scots regiment under Gustavus Adolphus. John Munro, 2nd of Obsdale was killed at Wetteraw on the Rhine, on the 11th of March 1633. Historian Sir Robert Gordon said of him that "he was a man imbued with many good points, and by his industry and venture purchased to himself and to his children good means and possessions under the Earl of Sutherland's wings.
John had married Catherine, daughter of John Gordon of Embo with issue:
.
Robert Munro, 4th of Obsdale was MP
for the county of Inverness
in 1649 and in the same year succeeded his cousin Sir Hector Munro, 2nd Baronet
(of Foulis, chief of Clan Munro
) as the Parliamentary representative for Ross-shire
. On the death of his cousin Sir Hector in December 1651 Robert Munro, 4th of Obsdale succeeded as the nearest surviving male descendant of Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis
as not only chief of the Clan Munro but also as the Baronet of Foulis, which was from then on styled "of Foulis-Obsdale". See article: Munro Baronets
for further generations.
Clan Munro
-Origins:The main traditional origin of the clan is that the Munros came from Ireland and settled in Scotland in the 11th century and that they fought as mercenary soldiers under the Earl of Ross who defeated Viking invaders in Rosshire...
, a Highland Scottish clan
Scottish clan
Scottish clans , give a sense of identity and shared descent to people in Scotland and to their relations throughout the world, with a formal structure of Clan Chiefs recognised by the court of the Lord Lyon, King of Arms which acts as an authority concerning matters of heraldry and Coat of Arms...
. Their base was at Obsdale House, situated just north of the town of Alness
Alness
Alness is a town and civil parish in Ross and Cromarty, Highland, Scotland. It lies near the Cromarty Firth, with the town of Invergordon to the east and the village of Evanton to the south west...
in the Scottish Highlands. Some of the members of the Munro of Obsdale family were amongst the most distinguished Scottish military officers of the 17th century.
George Munro, I of Obsdale
George Munro, 1st of Obsdale was the fourth son of Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of FoulisRobert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis
Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis and 18th chief of the Clan Munro was a 16th century Scottish chief. He was known as Robert Mor on account of his large stature. He was the eldest son of Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis...
, chief of the Clan Munro. However George was the first son born from Robert's second marriage to Kathrine Ross, daughter of the chief of Clan Ross
Clan Ross
Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan. The original chiefs of the clan were the original Earls of Ross.-Origins:Clan Ross is a Highland Scottish clan first named as such by King Malcolm IV of Scotland in 1160...
. George received the lands of Obsdale in Alness, as his patrimony. George married a distant relative, Catherine Munro, fifth daughter of Andrew Munro, 5th of Milntown, with issue, among others:
- John Munro, 2nd of Obsdale (see below)
- Robert Monro, who was one of the most distinguished officers of his time. Robert fought under Gustavus Adolphus during the Thirty Years' WarThirty Years' WarThe Thirty Years' War was fought primarily in what is now Germany, and at various points involved most countries in Europe. It was one of the most destructive conflicts in European history....
in Europe where he rose to the rank of General. He later returned to Scotland and took part in the Bishops Wars. In the 1640s Robert went to IrelandIrelandIreland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
where he commanded the Scottish Covenanter army during the Irish Confederate WarsIrish Confederate WarsThis article is concerned with the military history of Ireland from 1641-53. For the political context of this conflict, see Confederate Ireland....
. However in 1648 Monro was betrayed and captured by his enemy Oliver CromwellOliver CromwellOliver Cromwell was an English military and political leader who overthrew the English monarchy and temporarily turned England into a republican Commonwealth, and served as Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland....
who imprisoned him in the Tower of LondonTower of LondonHer Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, more commonly known as the Tower of London, is a historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames in central London, England. It lies within the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, separated from the eastern edge of the City of London by the open space...
. Robert was later released in 1654 but was only permitted to reside in Ireland where he died in about 1680. - Daniel Munro, 1st of Lower Iveagh, a Major in the army who fought alongside his brother Robert and nephew George in the Irish Confederate Wars. Daniel Munro was granted lands in the Barony of Lower Iveagh, Ireland in 1666 for services to the Crown. Daniel Munro's eldest son was Colonel Henry Munro, 1st of Tullyish who was one of the defenders during the Siege of DerrySiege of DerryThe Siege of Derry took place in Ireland from 18 April to 28 July 1689, during the Williamite War in Ireland. The city, a Williamite stronghold, was besieged by a Jacobite army until it was relieved by Royal Navy ships...
in 1689. Another one of the many descendants of Daniel Munro was Henry Munro (United Irishman)Henry Munro (United Irishman)Henry Munro was a United Irishman born in Lisburn, County Down.Munro was a linen draper, senior freemason and popular raconteur who became leader of the United Irish organisation in Down following the arrest of its leader Rev. Willam Steel Jackson on June 5...
.
John Munro, II of Obsdale
John Munro, 2nd of Obsdale, like his younger and more distinguished brother General Robert Monro, he also adopted a military profession and served on the Continent under Gustavus Adolphus during the Thirty Years' War. The brothers took ship from Cromarty on the 10th of October 1626 and on arrival were joined by that King's army. John Munro soon attained the rank of Colonel, and in 1628 returned to Scotland to recruit his regiment.On the 14th of May 1630 John Munro is one of the jury in the general service at Inverness
Inverness
Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands. It is the administrative centre for the Highland council area, and is regarded as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland...
, of John Gordon, 13th Earl of Sutherland
Earl of Sutherland
Earl of Sutherland is a title in the Peerage of Scotland. It was created circa 1230 for William de Moravia. The Earl of Sutherland is also the Chief of Clan Sutherland...
, chief of Clan Sutherland
Clan Sutherland
Clan Sutherland is a Highland Scottish clan whose traditional territory is located in the region of Sutherland in northern highlands of Scotland and was one of the most powerful Scottish clans. The clan seat is at Dunrobin Castle, Sutherland...
, as heir to William, the first Earl. Amongst other members of the Clan Munro present were: Robert Munro of Assynt, John Munro of Lemlair
Lemlair House
Lemlair House was originally built as a fortified seat for the chief of the Clan Munro in 1643. However it soon became the home of Colonel John Munro of Lemlair, a near relative of the chief. Lemlair is situated halfway north of Dingwall and south of Evanton, and is just a short distance from...
, Hector Munro of Findon, and Andrew Munro of Novar
Novar House
Novar House is an 18th-century building, located 0.7 miles north of the village of Evanton in Ross, Scotland.-History:The Munros of Novar descend from John Munro, 1st of Milntown, who in turn was the second son of Hugh Munro, 9th Baron of Foulis ....
. At the same time and place the same Earl was served heir by the same jury to John de Moravia, 9th Earl of Sutherland.
John Munro returned to Germany in 1630 accompanied by a considerable number of his clansmen. One of the most notable incidents of John Munro, 2nd of Obsdale's career during this war was a severe engagement at the Pass in Oldenburg
Oldenburg
Oldenburg is an independent city in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is situated in the western part of the state between the cities of Bremen and Groningen, Netherlands, at the Hunte river. It has a population of 160,279 which makes it the fourth biggest city in Lower Saxony after Hanover, Braunschweig...
where he distinguished himself highly and escaped unhurt, while his brother Robert was wounded in the knee. For the next three years he commanded a Scots regiment under Gustavus Adolphus. John Munro, 2nd of Obsdale was killed at Wetteraw on the Rhine, on the 11th of March 1633. Historian Sir Robert Gordon said of him that "he was a man imbued with many good points, and by his industry and venture purchased to himself and to his children good means and possessions under the Earl of Sutherland's wings.
John had married Catherine, daughter of John Gordon of Embo with issue:
- John Munro, 3rd of Obsdale. (see below)
- Robert Munro, 4th of Obsdale. (see below)
- George Munro, 1st of NewmoreGeorge Munro, 1st of NewmoreSir George Munro, 1st of Newmore was a 17th century Scottish soldier and member of parliament from the Clan Munro, Ross-shire, Scotland. He was seated at Newmore Castle.-Lineage:...
(and Culrain - from who the present chief of Clan Munro is descended). George Munro was seated at Newmore CastleNewmore CastleNewmore Castle is situated just north of the town of Alness in Ross and Cromarty, Highland, Scotland.The castle is now a ruin. It was once a three storey building, however it is now been reduced to a single storey building with a barrel-vaulted roof remaining...
and was one of the most distinguished members of his family. He fought along side his brothers and uncle in the Thirty Years' War where he rose to the rank of Major-General. He later fought under his uncle, Robert during the Irish Confederate Wars and during the Civil War in Scotland. George Munro was knighted by Charles IICharles II of EnglandCharles II was monarch of the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland.Charles II's father, King Charles I, was executed at Whitehall on 30 January 1649, at the climax of the English Civil War...
in 1649 in Holland. George later returned to the wars in Ireland and also took part in the Royalist rising of 1651 to 1654. After The Restoration of Charles II, Sir George Munro, 1st of Newmore commanded the King's forces between 1674 and 1677. - Andrew Munro of Daan, who was a Lieutenant in the army.
- Alexander Munro, who was a Lieutenant-Colonel in Dumbarton's regiment and served in France, and whose descendnats reside in France. In order for Alexander to marry a French lady it became necessary for him to gain her family's consent to prove that he was of gentle birth. With this in view Alexander Munro applied to Charles ICharles I of EnglandCharles I was King of England, King of Scotland, and King of Ireland from 27 March 1625 until his execution in 1649. Charles engaged in a struggle for power with the Parliament of England, attempting to obtain royal revenue whilst Parliament sought to curb his Royal prerogative which Charles...
for a "Birth Brief", in which he was successful and married a French lady of noble birth, named Rachel Rolliack, with issue. - David Munro, who was a Major in the army of Charles ICharles I of EnglandCharles I was King of England, King of Scotland, and King of Ireland from 27 March 1625 until his execution in 1649. Charles engaged in a struggle for power with the Parliament of England, attempting to obtain royal revenue whilst Parliament sought to curb his Royal prerogative which Charles...
. - Janet Munro.
- Christian Munro.
John Munro III of Obsdale
John Munro, 3rd of Obsdale followed in his father's footsteps of a military career and attained the rank of Captain. However he drowned at sea in 1639 and was succeeded by his younger brother Robert.Robert Munro IV of Obsdale
See main article: Sir Robert Munro, 3rd BaronetSir Robert Munro, 3rd Baronet
Sir Robert Munro, 3rd Baronet of Foulis, 21st Baron and 24th chief of the Clan Munro was a 17th century Scottish soldier and politician.Robert succeeded to the head of his house upon the death of his cousin, Sir Hector Munro, 2nd Baronet of Foulis who died at just 17 years of age. As the eldest...
.
Robert Munro, 4th of Obsdale was MP
Member of Parliament
A Member of Parliament is a representative of the voters to a :parliament. In many countries with bicameral parliaments, the term applies specifically to members of the lower house, as upper houses often have a different title, such as senate, and thus also have different titles for its members,...
for the county of Inverness
Inverness
Inverness is a city in the Scottish Highlands. It is the administrative centre for the Highland council area, and is regarded as the capital of the Highlands of Scotland...
in 1649 and in the same year succeeded his cousin Sir Hector Munro, 2nd Baronet
Sir Hector Munro, 2nd Baronet
Sir Hector Munro, 2nd Baronet of Foulis was a Scottish noble and clan chief of the highland Clan Munro. He is also by tradition the 20th Baron and 23rd overall chief of the clan...
(of Foulis, chief of Clan Munro
Clan Munro
-Origins:The main traditional origin of the clan is that the Munros came from Ireland and settled in Scotland in the 11th century and that they fought as mercenary soldiers under the Earl of Ross who defeated Viking invaders in Rosshire...
) as the Parliamentary representative for Ross-shire
Ross-shire
Ross-shire is an area in the Highland Council Area in Scotland. The name is now used as a geographic or cultural term, equivalent to Ross. Until 1889 the term denoted a county of Scotland, also known as the County of Ross...
. On the death of his cousin Sir Hector in December 1651 Robert Munro, 4th of Obsdale succeeded as the nearest surviving male descendant of Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis
Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis
Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis and 18th chief of the Clan Munro was a 16th century Scottish chief. He was known as Robert Mor on account of his large stature. He was the eldest son of Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis...
as not only chief of the Clan Munro but also as the Baronet of Foulis, which was from then on styled "of Foulis-Obsdale". See article: Munro Baronets
Munro Baronets
There have been three Baronetcies created for persons with the surname Munro, one in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia and two in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom....
for further generations.