Baron of Prestoungrange (or Prestongrange) is one of the oldest aristocratic titles in the country, a title of nobility in the Baronage of Scotland associated with the lands of Prestoungrange, located near Prestonpans, East Lothian, Scotland.
| Baron of Prestoungrange | |
|---|---|
  Arms: differenced arms of father: "Argent, a saltire Sable between four roses Gules, barbed Vert."[1] | |
| Creation date | 1189[2] |
| Creation | Baronage of Scotland |
| Created by | William the Lion |
| First holder | Robert de Quincy, 1st Baron of Prestoungrange |
| Present holder | Mathew Wills, 15th Baron of Prestoungrange |
| Remainder to | heirs and assignees |
| Status | extant |
| Former seat(s) | Prestongrange House |
| Motto | "Amo Probos" (I love the honest) |
History
editThe title was first created in 1189 when Robert de Quincy, a nobleman of Anglo-Norman descent, granted the lands to the monks of Newbattle Abbey. This original grant was expanded by Robert's son, Seyer de Quincy, to include rights to coal and quarry working down to the low water mark on the Firth of Forth, making Prestoungrange one of the earliest sites of coal mining in Scotland.[2][3]
The barony passed through various hands over the centuries, including the Kerr, Morrison, and Grant families. In 1746, the barony came into the possession of the Grant-Suttie family, who maintained it for several generations. The barony was associated with significant industrial activity, including coal mining, brickmaking, and salt panning, which continued until the 1960s.[2][4]
In 1998, the 14th Baron of Prestoungrange (Dr. Gordon Prestoungrange, Baron of Lochnaw) revived the Baron Court of Prestoungrange, focusing on preserving the cultural and historical legacy of the barony. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to the community.[5][6]
Modern activities
editThe barony continues to play an active role in the local community, with the Baron Court of Prestoungrange supporting numerous cultural and historical initiatives. Including commissioning the Scottish playwright Andrew Dallmeyer to write a number of plays. The current baron - Mathew Wills, 15th Baron of Prestoungrange - continues the work started by his father. He manages the baron's court in collaboration with his brother, the Baron of Dolphinstoun, and their father, the Baron of Lochnaw.[7][1]
Notable barons
edit- Robert de Quincy, 1st Baron of Prestoungrange: The original grantee of the lands in 1189.
- Sir Alexander Morrison, 4th Baron of Prestongrange: Born in Edinburgh in 1579, he inherited Prestongrange, a mansion west of Prestonpans, from his grandfather, John Preston. He married Lady Helenora Maule in 1610 and died in Prestonpans in 1631.
- Sir William Morrison, 6th Baron of Prestongrange: Lived from 1663 to 1739.
- Sir George Grant-Suttie, 5th Baronet: Succeeded to the barony in 1836 and consolidated the estates in 1866.
- Sir Philip Grant Suttie, 8th Baronet: Succeeded to Prestongrange in 1947 and disentailed in 1961.
- Dr. Gordon Wills Prestoungrange, Baron of Lochnaw, was 14th Baron of Prestoungrange: Revived the Baron Court of Prestoungrange in the late 20th century and awarded OBE.[8]
- Mathew Wills, 15th Baron of Prestoungrange: The current titleholder by descent.[3]
Arms
editThe coat of arms associated with the Baron of Prestoungrange is described as: "Argent, a saltire Sable between four roses Gules, barbed Vert." The roses symbolise the barony's rich history and connection to the land. The family motto, "Amo Probos" (I love the honest), reflects the values held by the barony.[9]
See also
edit- Father Baron of Lochnaw
- Brother Baron of Dolphinstoun
References
edit- ^ a b Burke's Peerage & Gentry International Register of Arms, Volume 1 (Volume 1 ed.). Martin S. J. Goldstraw. 2011. ISBN 9780956815712.
- ^ a b c "The Barony of Prestoungrange" (PDF). Prestoungrange Archive. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ a b Burke's Peerage 107th Edition (107th ed.). Hugh Preskett. 2003.
- ^ "Origins & History - The Barony of Prestoungrange" (PDF). Prestoungrange. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "14th Baron of Prestoungrange awarded OBE". Prestoungrange News. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Gordon Prestoungrange, the Scottish Baron of Prestoungrange who lives in Milton Malsor, is also honoured with an MBE for his services to the community in Prestonpans, East Lothian". BBC News. 15 June 2013. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "Baron Court of Prestoungrange". Prestoungrange. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "On his subjects' feudal service - Gordon Prestoungrange, or, to use his formal title, Dr Gordon Prestoungrange, the 14th Baron of Prestoungrange". www.thetimes.com. 4 September 2024. Retrieved 3 September 2024.
- ^ "The Arms of Prestoungrange". The Armorial Register. Retrieved 3 September 2024.