Clan Mure

By the 1200s, the Mure’s had established themselves in Ayrshire on the lands of Rowallan (north of Kilmarnock).

Although the Mure’s appear on the list rendering homage to Edward I in 1296, Sir Archibald Muir fought at the siege of Berwick for John Balliol in the same year. Sir Archibald was killed during the battle that ended with Edward 1 (Longshanks of England) defeating Balliol and his loyal supporters. It is almost certain Mure’s fought alongside Robert the Bruce in the War of Independence.

Robert the Bruce’s grandson, future King Robert 11 (Stuart), married Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Adam Mure of Rowallan in 1346. The marriage of their daughter Jean to John Lyon created the title Thane of Glamis. Decendants from that line include Elizabeth the Queen Mother and H.M. Queen Elizabeth 11.

Sir Archibald Mure’s son, William, was knighted by King David 11 around 1357 after sending one of his sons as hostage to secure the release of David 11 from his English captives.>

1500s, Walter Muir begins the building of Cloncaird Castle 12 miles southeast of Ayr.

From 1543, Mungo Muir fought for the catholic Mary Queen of Scots and died at the Battle of Pinkie (Edinburgh) 1547.

He was credited with making significant improvements to Rowallan Castle. His successors embraced the protestant religion and became opponents of Mary Queen of Scots.

1600s, the Mure’s were persecuted as Covenanters as they fought with many other Scottish clans to keep the protestant churches in Scotland free from English intervention.

1662, the youngest son of Sir William Muir is created Baronet of Nova Scotia.

1700, the last acknowledged Laird of the Clan dies without a male heir, this leading to the Mure Clan breaking up and seeking protection of larger clans. Many emigrated at that time to America, Australia and Canada.

1809, Sir John Mure, Military Commander, fought against Napoleon and fell at the Battle of Corunna/Spain.

1838-1914, John Mure born at Dunbar, immigrated with his parents to America. He was credited with establishing the Yosemite National Park.

The lands of Rowallan, and Old Castle as seen right, passed to the Corbet (Lords Rowallan) in the early 1900s.

They decided against extending the old castle in favour of building a new house/castle, as seen right. The estate of Rowallan now contains a championship standard golf course set around the two castles.
www.rowallancastle.com

Cloncaird Castle passed to the Wallace’s for some time then a Canadian family. An Ayrshire businessman has recently bought Cloncaird to serve as his family home.