Appendix I: The Bissets of Lessendrum

For the sake of completeness here follows the known genealogy of the line of the Bissets of Lessendrum.

Walter Bisset of Aboyne: and probably of Lessendrum. His history as above, he died in 1251, and was succeeded by his nephew:-

Thomas Bisset of Aboyne: There is little record of him, but he was probably the father of:-
Walter Bisset of Aboyne and Lessendrum: (Aboyne had by this date been re-possessed by the crown but we find a claim below that Walter had a charter for Aboyne from Robert the Bruce this is a later Walter not the one of the exile.)
We find Walter de Byset of the county of Aberdeen swearing, in 1296, fealty to Edward I of England for his possessions in that county. [Ragman Rolls] We also find, in 1304, Walter Byset of Lessendrum. His name occurs in the following record: - Gilbert de Buttergask of that Ilk held the lands of Buttergask down to 1304, when Walter de Byset, dominus de Lossindrum, got a charter of all the lands of Buttergask with their pertinents, to be held by the said Walter and his heirs, “jure haereditario in perpetuum” as freely as held by said Gilbert de Buttergask, &., paying therefore annually at two terms, upon ground of said land, six shillings and eight pence sterling, good and legal money. The deed is given 1304. [Notes by D. Murray Rose] also Walter de Byset received charter in the time of Robert the Bruce, after 1306, of the lands of Aboyne. [Robertson’s Index of Missing charters, p.2.] These three Walter Bysets may be one and the same, namely, Walter de Byset of Aboyne and Lessendrum. The next to be found is:-

Thomas Byset of Aboyne & Lessendrum: In Robertson’s “Index of Missing Charters” in the time of David II circa 1340 we find a charter to Thomas Byset of the lands of Aboyne. He may have been the father or near relative of:-

Walter Byset of Lessendrum: Of him we find several notices, he seems to have been a very important gentleman, and is often found taking part in public business. In 1355, Walter Byset of Lessendrum is witness to a charter of the lands of Balhagardy, in Garioch, given by Thomas, Earl of Mar, and Lord Garioch, to Lord Robert Erskine, knight, and to Christian Keith his spouse. In 1357, Walter Byset of Lessendrum is witness to a charter of Ade de Strachanen and Margaret, his spouse, of a portion of the lands of Glenkinety (Glenkindy), and one fourth part of Glenbowel. In 1364, in a prosecution and sentence “super nativis”, he is described as “Walter Byset, dominus de Lessendrum, locum tenens vicecomitis de Banff” [ie, lord of Lessendrum and Sheriff of Banff.] in another of the same year we find “Walterus dictus Byseth de Losthindrum”. There is among the papers at Lessendrum an old and curious deed of surrender, by which Walter Byset makes over the whole lands of Lessendrum to William de Fenton, the Pope’s legate, to be held by the Holy See - a method often followed in troublous times for the safe keeping of estates. There is no deed of restoration, but the fact of the deed of cession being in the possession of the proprietor of Lessendrum is proof of a restoration having taken place. The deed is drawn up by William Lenix, clerk of the Diocese of Brechin, and runs as follows: - “in the name of the Lord. Amen. In the year of the Incarnation, 1379, on the 14th day of July, in ye 2d of ye indiction, and in ye 1st year of ye Pontificate of the most Holy Father in Christ, Clement, by Divine Providence, Pope Vii. of that name. In the presence of my notary &c” the original is in Latin and written on vellum. At the date of this instrument there were two Popes, Urban and Clement. The former was acknowledged by England, and latter by Scotland. The next a son probably was:-

Patrick Byset of Lessendrum: He is mentioned as a witness to an agreement of date 1387. “Concordia inter dominum Episcopum Aberdonensem et Johannem de Forbes, &c., testibus Patricio Byset de Lessendrum, Wilelmo de Camera, &c” this Patrick, or probably his son, led, in 1411, the immediate Crown vassals of Strathbogie to the Battle of Harlaw. This is mentioned in one of the poetical accounts of the battle. The next to be found also bears the same name:-

Patrick Byset of Lessendrum: There is no doubt that others intervene between this Patrick and his predecessor, there being nearly eighty two years between the two dates; but they have left no trace in history of their existence, not even “umbra nominis”. In “Douglas’ Baronage,” we find this Patrick as a witness to an arbitration in 1492 between Alexander, vicar of Aberchirder, and Alexander Innes of Innes. He also takes part in “Perambulatione terrum ecclesie de Abekerdour vocatarum le Yochry et Acbrady” along with William Meldrum de Fyvy, Alexander Murray de Cuthbardy, Patricus Thane de Inverkeithney, 1493. In 1498, Patrick Byset de Lessendrum takes part in the inquest of Alexander Bosuele.
Patrick Byset married Isobel Lindsay, and had issue by her a son and three daughters:-

Patrick, his successor.
A daughter married to Alexander Gordon of Tillyarmount, who fell at Pinkie in 1547.
Beatrice married Walter Leslie, second Laird of New Leslie.
A daughter, married to William Leslie, first Laird of Crichie.
Patrick Byset died in 1503.

In October, 1503, Isobel Lindsay, widow of Patrick Byset of Lessendrum, was found entitled to her trice of the lands of Lessendrum, Mayns of Lessendrum, Cruche (Cruchie), Leys, &c. he was succeeded by his son:-

Patrick Byset of Lessendrum: In 1505, we find him taking a part in the inquisition of George Abercromby; amongst the jury is “Patrick Byset de Lessendrum.” He married Catherine Gordon, daughter of William Gordon of Tillytarmont. This is evidenced by an MS on the Gordons in the possession of the representatives of the late Charles Dalrymple, of not later date, from internal evidence, than 1580. They had issue:-

Patrick, his successor.
William, who married the daughter of Mr Patrick Leslie of Craigtoun, and had issue by her, John.
Bessie, married Robert Forbes of Balinghame, and had by her, Patrick, John, Alexander, Margaret, and Isobel.
Elizabeth, married Alexander Thomson of Disblair, and had issue by her, Alexander, burgess of Aberdeen.
Patrick Byset was succeeded by his son:-

Patrick Byset of Lessendrum: He is found mentioned as a witness to a service of Archibald Campbell to the barony of Stratherne of date 1546. According to the MS of 1580, above quoted, he married------ Murray, daughter of ----- Murray of Cowbairdie, and had issue:-

Patrick, his successor, who was slain at Corrichie, of whom afterwards.
Janet married to John Byset, burgess of Aberdeen, and had issue - James, George, and Patrick. The latter married the daughter of Gilbert Byset of Pitmuxton, Mair of Fee of Aberdeen.
Margaret, who married Thomas Baird, the son of a brother of Walter Baird in Banff.
Patrick Byset fell at Pinkie in 1547, as is evidenced by the following retour made May 5th 1607 ( sixty years after the battle) -“ Johannes Bissait haeres masculus Patricii Bissait qui obiit in conflictu de Pinkein patrui” He was succeeded by his son:-

Patrick Byset of Lessendrum: He took part with the Earl of Huntly in his rebellion against Queen Mary, and fell at Corrichie. He is included “in precepto remissionis” which the Earl of Huntly obtained for his friends, and in it is styled “Patrick Bisset quondam de Lessendrum” his sword (bearing the date October 22nd 1562) is still to be seen at Lessendrum. Patrick Byset married ------ -------, and had issue a son, George, who was but of tender years when his father died:-

George Byset of Lessendrum: He was born in 1551; called in the family tradition the restorer - as the estate of Lessendrum was forfeited for the part his father took at Corrichie. The charter of restoration is dated 16 March, 1611, and is to George Byset and is son Robert.

Upon his tombstone, within what was the aisle of the old kirk of Drumblane, to which he gave a bell in 1604, is the inscription: - “Hic jacet honorabilis vir Georgius Bisset de Lessendrum quid obit 25th January 1623, aetatis saue anno 73. Aetatem ornavit primam mihi vivida virrvs, sors rediviva domvs famam teera sol...perennem indigetum requiem posthuma vita dedit.” [Here lies an honourable man, George Bisset of Lessendrum who died 25th January, 1623 aged 73. Active virtue adorned his early youth, and the restitution of the house of the decayed fortunes of his ancient house won for him an enduring reputation among his countrymen on earth. In the life beyond the grave he enjoys the eternal repose of the blessed]
George Bisset was succeeded by his son:-

Robert Bisset of Lessendrum: He was a staunch adherent of the Church of Rome, and suffered great persecution at the hands of the Covenanting Presbytery of Turriff. In the books of the Presbytery of Turriff it is recorded that he was excommunicated for refusing to attend the Kirk and sign the Solemn League and Covenant. “On 18th June 1629, the Privy Council issued a charge against Robert Bisset of Lessendrum, and others representing, that notwithstanding all that had recently done, they continue to obstinate against the Kirk and the law, going about as if nothing were amiss, and enjoying possession of their goods and gear, which properly belongs to His Majesty in escheat; seeing by the latter circumstances that they were strengthened and fostered in their Popish courses, the council ordained that officers at arms pass and pursue the rebels, enter their houses, and remove them furth thereof.”
He married the second daughter of George Gordon of Cocklarachie, by the daughter of James Gordon of Meldrum, and had issue:-

Alexander, his successor.
Helen, who married Robert Crichton of Bainshole, called sometimes of Drumdollo. Before her marriage she also experienced the tender consideration and mercies of the Presbytery of Turriff, for they declined to allow the banns of marriage between her and the said Robert Crichton to be proclaimed until the said Robert should grant a bond of £500 that they would both attend the Kirk. Robert Crichton granted the bond, but did not long survive the marriage. His widow, after his death, married Alexander Gordon of Birkenburn, and had issue three sons.
Isobel, excommunicated along with her father for refusing to attend the Kirk, and sign the Solemn League and Covenant.
Robert Bisset died in or before 1646, and was succeeded by his son:-

Alexander Bisset of Lessendrum: Regarding him there is the following retour: - “September 20th, 1652. Alexander Bisset de Lessendrum, heir of Maister Robert Bisset of Lessendrum, his father, in the lands and davach of Lessendrum, containing the Mains of Lessendrum, Renthie or Cruthie, and Knights milne, with the milne in the barony of Drumblait, with the privileges of the peat moss within the bounds of the middle part of the lands of Baigeshill, with the multures &c. the two pairts of the lands of Stonefield, the third pairt of the lands of Wedderburn, and the third pairt of the lands of Thomastown within the barony of Drumblait.”
This retour had evidently been made some years after his father’s death, as he is mentioned in the Presbytery record of Turriff as being of Lessendrum in 1646. Probably his father’s excommunication and the fact of his having been denounced a rebel by the Privy Council, may have been the cause of the delay.

Alexander Bisset had also to submit to the tender dealings of the Presbytery of Turriff. “October 20th, 1647. Compeired Alexander Bisset of Lessendrum, and being accused of going on in rebellion with the rebels, he confessed that being threatened with fire and sword, he gave had given them men and keepit some rendevouses with them; but refused that he had ever been at feights. He is ordained to sign the Solemn League and Covenant, and to sware to adhere to the samen in all time coming with certification, if he shall contravene the same, he shall be censured as an apostate.” He is soon censured as an apostate, and in 1650, he is again dealt with for asking the parishioners of Drumblade to sign the Duke of Hamilton’s bond in defence of King Charles I. He is enjoined to confess his guilt on his knees, to crave God and the congregation forgiveness, especially those whom he had asked to subscribe to the bond. After this he was for some time in peace, till it was discovered that certain Papists living on his land were not to be brought into the Kirk. He was ordered to remove them, among them his own sister, Isobel Bisset, who, all honour to her, remained firm in the faith of her fathers. She did not, like her sister, Helen, sell her religion for the sake of a husband, but she died excommunicated by the Covenanting Presbytery of Turriff.

Mr Alexander Bisset married in 1650, Ann, daughter of Robert Gordon of Straloch. She died in 1714. They had the following issue:-

Robert, his successor.
William, a Major in the army, who had a son Dr Alexander, from whom the present family inherit, of whom more afterwards.
George. He was served heir to his brother, Charles, August 19th 1742.
Charles died 1742.
Lewis.
Alexander and others.
Mr Alexander Bisset died in 1693, and was succeeded by his son:-

Robert Bisset of Lessendrum: Regarding him there is the following retour: - “April 16th 1693. Robert Bisset of Lessendrum to his father, Alexander Bisset of Lessendrum, in the lands and davach of Lessendrum, comprehending the town and dominical lands of Lessendrum, &c”. much in the same terms as in the former one quoted,
He was born in 1651; married, 1681, Agnes Abercromby, daughter of ----- Abercromby of Birkenbog, and had issue:-

James, his successor.
Alexander accidentally drowned.
Jane married in 1730, to James Gordon of Cocklarachie.
Margaret.
Ann, married, 1706, Peter Gordon of Ardmeallie, from whom the Hay Gordon’s, late of Mayen are descended.
He died 17--, and was succeeded by his son:-

James Bisset of Lessendrum: He married Ann, daughter of Dun of Tarty, commonly called “Bonnie Annie of Tarty.” Her portrait was to be seen at Lessendrum. She died in 1782. They had the following issue:-
Robert baptised October 14th 1723. Witnesses, James Gordon of Cocklarachie, and Alexander Dun of Tarty. Robert died young.

Alexander, his successor, baptised January 27, 1734. Witnesses, Mr David Maitland and Alexander Forsooth.
Ann.
Agnes baptised November 22nd 1726. Witnesses, Patrick Dun of Tarty and James Gordon of Cocklarachie.
Mary married Rev. Abel, minister of Drumblade.
Jean baptised April, 1728. Witnesses, Alexander Dun of Tarty and James Gordon of Cocklarachie.
Margaret baptised December 24, 1730. Witnesses -------Dun of Tarty and James Gordon of Cocklarachie.
Elizabeth baptised June 20th 1732. Witnesses, James Gordon of Cocklarachie and William Gordon of Lesmoir.
Catherine and others.
James Bisset died in 1748 and was succeeded by his son:-

Alexander Bisset of Lessendrum: Regarding him there is the following retour: - “1748, March 31st. Alexander Bisset of Lessendrum to his father, James Bisset of Lessendrum, heir male of line and provision &c.”
He was unmarried, and entailed the estate of Lessendrum, after the death of his sisters, on Maurice George Bisset, son of Alexander Bisset, and grandson of Major William Bisset, as above mentioned.
He died in 1795, and was succeeded by his sister:-

Anne Bisset of Lessendrum: Regarding her, there is the following retour: - “Ann Bisset of Lessendrum to her brother, Alexander Bisset of Lessendrum, heir of tailzie and provision general. Dated 17th October, 1795.” Her name may be seen on a chalice bequeathed by her to the Episcopal Church of Parkdargue, Fogye, 1803, and remodelled in 1866 by the Venerable Maurice George Fenwick Bisset, Lessendrum. Anne Bisset, Agnes Bisset, Margaret Bisset, and the last surviving sister, Mary Bisset or Abel, were succeeded by their kinsman:-

Maurice George Bisset of Lessendrum: Regarding him there is the following retour: - Maurice Bisset or Morris George in Bath, to his cousin, Anne Bisset of Lessendrum, heir of tailzie and provision general. Dated 16th March, 1816.
Dr Alexander Bisset, above mentioned, son of Major William Bisset, the second son of Alexander Bisset of Lessendrum, married Jane, daughter of General Bockland of Knighton, Isle of Wight, and had issue:-

Maurice George, who succeeded to Lessendrum.
William, D.D., Lord Bishop of Raphoe, who succeeded to Lessendrum and to Knighton, Isle of White.
Alexander, married to Catherine Bagenal, and had issue, William, who also succeeded to Lessendrum.
George, D.D., who married the Lady Catherine Howard, daughter of the Earl of Suffolk.
Henry killed at sea.
Elizabeth married to William Fenwick of Lemmington and had issue- William. Robert. The Venerable Maurice George who married his cousin, the heiress of Lessendrum; and others who died in infancy.
Sophia married to Sir Robert Browning, Bart., and d.s.p.

Maurice George Bisset of Lessendrum married Harriot, eldest daughter of John Mordaunt, Earl of Peterborough, and had issue:-
Jane Harriot, of whom afterwards.
Anne, who died in 1879
A monument to the memory of Mr Bisset has been placed in the church of Drumblade bearing the following inscription:- “Sacred to the memory of Maurice George Bisset, Esq. Of Lessendrum, who died at Lessendrum, on 16th December 1821, in the 64th year of his age. This tablet is jointly inscribed by Harriot, his affectionate and mournful widow, and his brother and immediate successor, William, Lord Bishop of Raphoe, in honour of his name, and in grateful recollection of his many virtues that adorned his sacred character.”
He was succeeded by his brother: - “Sacred to the memory of William Bisset, D.D., Lord Bishop of Raphoe, and proprietor of Lessendrum, who died on 4th of September, 1834, aged 75 years.” He was succeeded by his nephew:-

William Bisset of Lessendrum: He was the eldest son of Alexander Bisset by Catherine Bagenal above mentioned. He married the Lady Alicia Howard, daughter of the Earl of Wicklow, and had issue, a daughter, Jane Frances. The following is a certificate of her baptism:- I certify that I have baptised Jane Francis, daughter of William Bisset, Esq., and the Lady Alicia, his wife, at Lessendrum, according to the forms of the Church of England, this fifth day of February, 1833. Signed, F. Howard, vicar of Swords, Co. Dublin.
Miss Bisset was married first to William Gilland; secondly in 1881, to Rev Robert Bisset Elrington, vicar of Lower Brixton, Devon.
Mr William Bisset of Lessendrum died in 1858, and in virtue of Alexander Bisset’s entail the succession, instead of going to his daughter, reverted to Jane Harriot’ eldest daughter of Maurice George Bisset of Lessendrum, who on her fathers death in 1821, had been left out in the cold, the males in the entail not being then exhausted.

Jane Harriot Bisset of Lessendrum: She married her cousin, the Venerable Maurice George Fenwick, son of William Fenwick of Lemmington, by Elizabeth Bisset, his spouse. He was for some time Rector of Drumholm and Archdeacon of Raphoe. Archdeacon Fenwick, on his wife succeeding to the property of Lessendrum, assumed the name of Bisset. They had the following issue:-

Mordaunt, born 1826.
Janet, who succeeded her brother.
Harriet.
Mrs Fenwick Bisset died in 1866, and was succeeded by her son. (The Venerable Maurice George Fenwick Bisset, her husband who died August 6th, 1879, aged 82)

Morduant Fenwick Bisset of Lessendrum: He was educated at Trinity College Cambridge, and on leaving it he joined the 1st Dragoon Guards, but left on inheriting the fine property of Daunsy, in Wiltshire, left to him by his grand-uncle, the Earl of Peterborough. He was an M.P. for West Somersetshire. Mr Bisset was a highly esteemed gentleman, beloved by his tenantry, to whom he was a just and a considerate landlord. He died in 1884, and was buried in the churchyard of Bagborough. He was succeeded by his sister:-

Mrs. Janet Elrington Bisset of Lessendrum: She was married to J. Faviere Elrington, LL.D., Q.C., who died in 1883. Mrs Elrington, on succeeding her brother, assumed the name Bisset. They had issue:-

Rev. Charles Elrington, some time vicar of Newbarnes, in Lancashire; married, 1880, Edith E. H., eldest daughter of Rec. J.S. Moore, Rector of Crofton, in Yorkshire. This excellent young man beloved by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance, died s, p., December 12th, 1888, aged 39 years.
Maurice, JP., her heir,
Rev. Mordaunt Elrington.
Isabella, married Robert W.A. Holmes, C.B., Treasury Remembrancer, Ireland, and had issue - (i)Edith J. (ii). Arthur N. (iii) North K. (iv). Evelyn M. (v)v. Isabella R. (vi). Evelyn Iris. (vii). Robert C.E.

Maurice Elrington Bisset of Lessendrum. Major in the Royal Engineers, b1854, married, 1884, Ann Isabella Brinkley, second daughter of the late W.S. Brinkley, and had issue: - I, Walter Faviere, born Feb, 21st, 1889. d 1909. Issue:-

Walter Faviere Bisset of Lessendrum. b. 1889, educated at Repton and Pembroke Coll., Cambridge (B.A. 1910 temp. Lieutenant 9th Service Batt. Gordon Highlanders. - [Lieut. Elrington was reported wounded and missing believed killed in action on Sept.25th, 1915,]
Janet Kathleen, born June 14th 1886. m 1917, Wilson Turner Murray, temp Capt. Gordon Highlanders; assumed additional surname of Bisset, 1919. [by this act I assume that her brother did not survive the war. (pg)]

This is as far as I have been able to take the line but a letter to 24.11.2000, from the Lord Lyon Office states: - “with regard to the Bissets of Lessendrum, I think that at the end of the 1960s a John Bisset of Lessendrum was still living in the old lands, although I think they were reduced in size and the old mansion house may no longer be standing. The last address that I have for him is an address Cruchie, near Huntly, but whether he is still at that address I cannot tell”.

An earlier note about the house: - the Mansion House of Lessendrum is finely situated. Considerable alterations and improvements were made by William Bisset soon after his accession to the property. The entry door is a Norman arch, and the staircase leading to the apartments is very fine, while the ceiling of the dinning -room is enriched with the arms and quarterings of various members and connections of the family.
There is a fine collection of paintings, many of them representations of the great English family of Mordaunt. The Admiral Lord Howard of Effingham, who commanded Queen Elizabeth’s fleet against the Armada, may be seen, and many other historical characters inherited by the Bisset family through their descent from the Mordaunts, Earls of Peterborough.

Appendix I: The Bissets of Lessendrum