The chiefs of the Scottish highland Clan Munro are according to tradition descended from a Donald Munro of Foulis who died in 1039. However their descent can only be proved by contemporary evdence back to a Robert de Munro who died in 1369.[1]
According to 19th century historian the chiefs of the Clan Munro are from as early as the 12th century designated Barons of Foulis. However although the family line can be proved back to Robert de Munro (d.1369) by contemporary evidence, it cannot be proved that they were actually Barons.[2]
In the 1630's Hector Munro traditionaly the 19th Baron and 22nd chief of the clan was made a Baronet by king Charles I, thus becoming Sir Hector Munro, 1st Baronet of Foulis. In 1651 Sir Hector Munro, 2nd Baronet of Foulis died without issue. He was succeeded by his cousin Robert Munro, eldest male representative of the Munros of Obsdale branch of the Clan Munro, who are descended from Robert Mor Munro, 15th Baron of Foulis (d.1588).
In 1935 Chief Sir Hector Munro, 11th Baronet died and was succeeded to the chieftencey of the Clan Munro by his eldest child, a daughter, Eva Marion Munro. However the Baronetcey was succeeded to by Sir George Hamilton Munro, 12th Baronet, grandson Sir Charles Munro, 9th Baronet. Therefore the chieftenship of the Clan Munro and Barontecy of Foulis became seperated. See article: Munro Baronets.
Eva Marion Munro married Col C. H. Gascoigne. Their son Patrick took his mother's maiden name, Munro in order to become chief of the clan. The current chief of the clan is Hector W Munro.
Chiefs
Modern line
Name
Died
Comments
Finnian Munro
-
The younger of Foulis, eldest son of the present chief.
Hector W. Munro
-
The Present Chief.
Capt. Patrick Munro
1995
Son of Eva Marion Munro and C. H. Gascoigne, took his mothers maiden name to become chief.
Eva Marion Munro
1976
eldest daughter of 11th baronet married Col C. H. Gascoigne.
Colonel in the Black Watch - killed at Falkirk, interred in the Churchyard of Falkirk next to Sir John Graham. Married Mary, daughter of Sir Henry Seymour of Woodlands.
Known as Mor due to his large stature. A loyal protector of Queen Mary- first Protestant and 1st to be buried at Kiltearn Church. Married Margaret, daughter of James Ogilvy of Cardell. Robert later married a daughter of Alexander Ross of Balnagowen.
Married Margaret, daughter of Sir Alexander Dunbar of Westfield. Loyal supporter of Scotland against invasion of Protector, Duke of Somerset - killed at Pinkie
Hector Munro, 13th Baron of Foulis
1541
Extensive lands confirmed to him by James V at Stirling 1541. Married Kathrine, daughter of chief of MacKenzie of Kintail.
William Munro, 12th Baron of Foulis
1505
Married Anne, daughter of Lachlan Og MacLean of Duart. Killed in a raid assisting Chief of the Mackays.
John Munro, 11th Baron of Foulis
1490
In minority was under his uncle John who led the Clan at Clachnaharry 1454, married Margaret, daughter of Sir William Calder of Calder.
George Munro, 10th Baron of Foulis
1452
Under the Great Seal of James I, dated at St. Andrews 1426 - lands of great extent confirmed to him, killed at Battle of Bealach nam Broig. Married a daughter of Alexander MacCulloch of Plaids.
Joined the Lord of the Isles in contest with Duke of Albany 1411. Married Isabel, daughter of John Keith of 1st of Inverugie.
Robert de Munro, 8th Baron of Foulis
1369
A charter confirmed by David II of Scotland 1364. First married Margaret Barclay. Later married a daughter of the laird of Forrester of Corstorphine.
Traditional chiefs
The earliest ten chiefs of the Clan Munro cannot be confirmed by contemporary evidence. George Munro traditionally the 7th Baron is recorded as the first chief in the Munro MS History written by George Martine between 1673 and 1697.[1] George Munro traditionally the 5th Baron is recorded by 18th century historian Alexander Nisbet as being on a charter of the early 13th century but this charter cannot be traced.[1]
Name
Died
Comments
George Munro, 7th Baron of Foulis
1333
Succeeded his grandfather - continued his support of Bruce, killed at Halidon Hill. Married a daughter of Ross of Balnagowan.
George Munro
1314
Only son of Robert - predeceased his father, was killed at Bannockburn. Married a daughter of Kenneth the 4th Earl of Sutherland.
