I recently purchased a book titled "Skipness" Memories of a Highland Estate by
Angus Graham- Its very good, in case anybody is interested in Skipness.
published by Cannongate Academic. Published in 1993, but it brings up some
serious questions. How many Walter's are we dealing with?
In the Authors Preface: It says: The estate had been in Campbell hands since
1511, when it was given to Archibald, second son of the second Earl(1537);
Walter Campbell of Ardkinglass, who had married Jane, daughter of the second
laird (after 1563); their son Matthew (1614-1618); his son Angus (c.1702);
his son Colin; his nephew John (1756), grandson of Daniel Campbel of
Shawfield, himself eldest son of Walter, fifth of Skipness; his brother
Walter, of Islay; his son Robert, to whom he gave the estate on his marriage
in 1807; his son Walter (1814). and so on.
On page 43- in a discussion on a Lady Ann- the earlier of the lairds in
question was Walter, 5th of Skipness, who married, first Ann, daughter of
Stewart of Ardvorlich and widow of Macdonald of Sand* That mark stands for a
footnote that says G. Harvey Johnston (The Heraldry of the Campbells, 19)
ignores this lady, crediting the 5th Laird with two wives only., and then the
paragraph goes on to say, and , third, another Ann Stewart, daughter of Sir
James Stewart of Bute. This Walter died about 1702.
On page 40-After Argyll's rebellion of 1685, an order was made for the
'razeing doun' of the Castle, as the laird, Walter Campbell, had been involved
along with his chief; however, he made a petition to the Privy Council,
stating that he proposed to leave the Castle and go to live in Bute, and the
building was accordingly spared.
Most of us researching these Campbell's know about the razing down of the
Castle, but interesting how no one ever mentioned he was going to Bute
Keep the above in mind-
From Clan Campbell of NA under Skipness Castle page 5 and 6
It states In time the administration of the royal lands of Kintyre was put
into the hands of the Earl of Argyll. He in turn granted Keepership of
Skipness castle to his second son Archibald in 1511. Archibald of Skipness was
killed in 1537 and appears to have been the father of John Campbell of
Skipness who died in 1563-6, leaving a daughter and heiress, Jane. She is said
to have married a younger son of the Campbells of Ardkinglass, so founding the
families of the Campbells of Skipness, Shawfield, and Ardpatrick.
Now look at this- next paragraph- In 1576 and 1588, Matthew Campbell, Captain
of Skipness, was granted charters, and his descendant Walter appears on record
as Captain (Keeper) in 1670 and 1685. Walter died in 1702. Following the Earl
of Argyll's invasion of 1685, royal warrant was issued for 'razing down' the
castle but it was saved by Walter who successfully petitioned against the
order.
Now come the kicker- this is more research I have.
Walter Campbell of Skipnish, born ca. 1575? in Skipnish, Sk, Died ca. 1620? at
age 45; Captain of Skipnish. Lived Skipness, Kintyre, SK. 1597 5/7
Interdiction by Walter Campbell, Captain of Skipbenesche, to John Campbell of
Ardkinglas and Duncan Campbell of Ardcynny and Colin Campbell, merchant
burgess of Glasgow, at Glasgow. 1614 2/8 There was an action at the instance
of Matthew Campbell, son to WC of Skippanisch. 1622 3/12 there wa an action at
the instance of Mary Campbell, widow to WC, Captain of Skippenis, (there's
more but doesn't pertain to the question.
***
and this part-
Campbell of Ardent-, Donald, Died ca. 1538? in Scotland. Donald Campbell of
Ardentiny Provost of Inverary. Children included 1. Walter of Skipnish d.
1564 m. Jane Campbell the heiress of Skipnish, 3. Duncan d. >1558
Lived
Ardentinny, Argyll, SK.
Question: if you look at the information under Skipnish Castle- It looks like
we are dealing with more than one Walter Campbell. Who was the Walter Campbell
who was married to Anne Stewart, and Jean Campbell.? and is this Walter
Campbell the same one who in 1685 is listed as being allied to his chief (who
I would assume is Archibald Campbell, 9th earl of Argyll.) who is supposed to
have gone to Bute.
Patricia L. Hall
phhgene(a)aol.com
Can anyone sort this out?