Wauchope

The lands of Wauchopedale lay in the parish of Langholm in the Borders. Ada de Waleuhop witnessed two charters to the Abbey of Melrose during the reign of William the Lion. Alan de Walchope witnessed a charter by Thomas de Lundin between 1203 and 1214. Robert de Waluchop received part of the lands of Culter near Aberdeen, from Alexander II in 1247. He was one of the twelve Scottish knights appointed by Parliament to meet with an equal number of English knights to settle the border disputes. Robert de Walchop of Kulter swore fealty to Edward I of England in the Ragman Roll of 1296. The Wauchopes were related by marriage to the powerful Comyn Earls of Buchan, which may account for the gold wheatsheaf which appears on their shield (the Comyn arms are three gold wheatsheaves on a blue Field). The principal family were to become the Wauchopes of Niddrie who obtained their lands at Niddrie near Edinburgh, from the Keiths. The Keiths were hereditary Great Marischals of Scotland and the lands were thus named Niddrie Marischal. Gilbert Wauchope of Niddrie received a charter of confirmation from Robert III. The fortunes of the family were severely tried when Robert Wauchope of Niddrie and his son Archibald were forfeited in 1587 for treason and adherence to the Earl of Bothwell. The Wauchopes were, however, restored to royal favour when John Wauchope of Niddrie was knighted by Charles I in 1633. The king was also present at the christening of Sir John’s second son, and placed about the infant’s neck a gold and enamel chain. This heirloom was in the possession of the family until 1931, when they presented it to the city of Edinburgh, and it can still be seen in the City Museum at Huntly House in the capital’s historic Royal Mile. The favoured child was to become a judge in 1672, taking the title, ‘Lord Edmonstone’. The family is now represented under the compound surname of Don-Wauchop, John Wauchop succeeding to his kinsman Sir William Don, seventh Baronet of Newton, in 1862.