Estate papers of the Erskine of Cambo family, Kingsbarns, Fife

Scope and Content

Financial and legal papers relating to the Fife estates of Cambo, parish of Kingsbarns, 1663-1853 and Kellie, parish of Carnbee, 1734-1836; contract for repairs to Cambo House, 1795; writ and rental of lordship of Dirleton, East Lothian, 1402x07 and ca. 1600; correspondence, accounts and legal papers of: Alexander Erskine (d. 1756) 5th Earl of Kellie, 1732-56, Thomas Erskine 9th Earl of Kellie (ca. 1745-1828), 1829-39 and Methven Erskine (ca. 1750-1829) 10th Earl of Kellie, 1816-34; papers relating to election of Scots peers, 1794-1805; papers relating to business of Erskine and Co., Gothenburg, Sweden ca. 1780-ca. 1795; legal papers of Sir David Erskine of Cambo (1792-1841) 1st Bt., and Sir Thomas Erskine of Cambo (1824-1902) 2nd Bt., 1817-52; military papers and correspondence of Major General David Leslie, 1799-1812.

Administrative / Biographical History

The history of the estate of Cambo can be traced back to the twelfth century when William the Lion granted a charter to Robert de Newenham a Northumberland baron whose descendants adopted the designation 'de Cambhou'. The estate was divided into Upper and Lower Cambo in the late fourteenth century. It was purchased about 1668 by Sir Charles Erskine, Lyon King at Arms, second son of the third Earl of Kellie. Under an entail the estate fell to a grandson of Thomas Erskine, 9th Earl of Kellie who adopted his mother's name and was created a baronet in 1821.

Arrangement

Bundles.

Access Information

By appointment with the Archivist. Access to unpublished records less than 30 years old and other records containing confidential information may be restricted.

Acquisition Information

Transferred from Scottish Record Office in 1998.

Note

Description compiled by Rachel Hart, Archives Hub Project Archivist with reference to AH Millar, Fife: Pictorial and Historical, (Cupar, 1895).

Other Finding Aids

NRA(S)/3734 list functions as a handlist.

Conditions Governing Use

Applications for permission to quote should be sent to the University Archivist. Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents.

Custodial History

Deposited in the Scottish Record Office by a Solicitor in Edinburgh.

Additional Information

This material is original.