355 



Butterdean. By Charles S. Romanes, Edinburgh. 



These lands lie in the extreme "West of the Parish of 

 Coldingham, but were formerly in the Parish of Oldhamstocks. 

 They consist chiefly of moorland, but there are some portions 

 of good land on the banks of the River Eye. 



In early times they belonged to the Nunnery of Abbey 

 St. Bathans. They are now owned by Arthur J. Balfour, 

 Esq., of Whittinghame, M.P. The tenant is Mr Peter 

 Cowe. 



The earliest known owners were Ellems, and from the 

 proximity of the lands to those of the Ellems of EUem, it 

 might be inferred that the lands were conferred at an early 

 period upon some branch of that family, as Henry of Ellem 

 is mentioned in the Ragman Roll.^ 



When Alexander de Mowbray appeared at Westminster, 

 and obtained pardon on 18th February 1320-21 from Edward 

 II. for forfeiture of life and limb in wars with the King,^ we 

 find Adam de Ellom is granted relief from the Chancellor's 

 dues,^ and receives the King's peace through the Earl of 

 Athol on 27th February 1320-21.* Following upon this we 

 have the earliest references to the lands of Butterdean, when 

 on 15th October 1335-6 the sum of 20/- due therefrom for 

 the Castle Ward of Dunbar is unpaid because the lands were 

 lying waste.* For the same reason, in the following year, 

 the duties are again returned as unpaid in the accounts of 

 the Sheriffs of Berwick, Roxburgh, and Edinburgh.® 



1 Calendar Doc. Scot., Vol. a., p. 203. 



2 Patent Rolls, 14 Edward II., p. 2, M. 22; Cal. Doc. Scot., Vol. 3, 

 p. 136, No. 723. 



'Privy Seal (Tower) Rolls, Edward II., No. 41, File 9; Cal. Doc. 

 Scot., Vol. 3, p. 136, No. 724. 



* Close Rolls, Edward II., M. 9; Cal. Doc. Scot., Vol. 3, p. 137, 

 No. 729. 



* Calendar Doc. Scot., Vol. iii., p. 324. 

 6 Do. do. p. 369. 



