Preston

This name derives from lands which would probably have been part of the endowment of a church or monastery, the priests’ town. The name is found both in the north of England and Lowland Scotland. One of the earliest records of this name appears in a charter in 1222: Lyulph held land in Linlithgow, which he donated to the Abbey of Newbattle. Nisbet, in his commentary on the Ragman Roll of Scottish nobles submitting to Edward I of England, identifies Nicol de Prestone, as Preston of that Ilk. Sir John de Preston followed David II in his foray into England in 1346 and was taken prisoner at the Battle of Durham. He was only released after several years’ confinement in the Tower of London and payment of substantial ransom. His grandson, Sir Simon de Preston, purchased in 1374 the Castle of Craigmillar, lying three miles southeast of Edinburgh. This impressive castle, although now in ruins, still dominates the surrounding countryside and was one of Mary, Queen of Scots’ favourite residences. Sir William Preston of Craigmillar was a member of the Parliament which met in Edinburgh in 1478. Sir Simon Preston of Craigmillar and of that Ilk was Lord Provost of Edinburgh in 1567 and was responsible for obtaining from James VI a charter conveying to the city, the Trinity Church and Hospital for the benefit of the poor. The Prestons of Craigmillar sold their fine castle to Sir John Gilmore around 1661. However, the family had already acquired lands in Perthshire, having been confirmed in the barony of Valleyfield by various Crown charters. George Preston, sixth of Valleyfield, was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1637. His younger son, George, was in command of the garrison of Edinburgh Castle when Prince Charles Edward Stuart entered the city in 1745. Sir Charles Preston, the fifth Baronet, fought during the American War of Independence, and commanded Fort John, which he only surrendered after a long siege. He died without issue in 1800. He was succeeded by his brother, Sir Robert Preston, who purchased the ruined Abbey and Palace of Culross near Dunfermline, which he set out to restore. This magnificent building is now in the care of the National Trust for Scotland and is an outstanding example of Scottish vernacular architecture. John Preston of Fenton Barns was Lord President of the Court of Session from 1609 to 1616. His son was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1628. They named their mansion house in Fife, Preston Hall.