During my recent trip to Scotland, I looked up the book A Genealogical Account of the Principal Families in Ayrshire More Particularly in Cunninghame, by George Robertson, Vol I, 1823 again Under Boyd of Portincross on page 112, it says “It is rather remarkable that, prior to the last mentioned date [1712], all the lairds of Portincross appear to have been of the name Robert: and this observation is corroborated by a tradition still remembered in the neighbourhood of ttheir ancient residence, the castle of Portincross, viz that fifteen individuals of that name and family were interred in one tomb, within the parish Church of West Kilbryde.” It is known that Robert the Bruce gave the then Head of Clan Boyd these lands in 1306, but it is not until 1372, or the 6th generation, that Robert Boyd is mentioned as being of Portincross. He was brother to Sir Thomas Boyd, third Feudal Baron of Kilmarnock. So we are looking at a period from 1372 to 1712. The term “one tomb, within the parish Church of West Kilbryde” Does the “within the parish Church” mean that this family were actually buried inside the Church? The second question is from 1372 to 1712, where was the Parish Church of West Kilbride? I do not THINK it is the old Barony Church, (now used as a community hall) as it looks like it was built in the late 1700’s or 1800’s. So what site might have been used a a Church prior to the Barony Church? And does this site still exist in West Kilbride? (Or will someone find a hole in their cellar, one of these days which has 15 bodies in it?) Thank you for any information Mike Boyd Brisbane, Aust.

Mike, I am pleaded to report that this charming little thirteenth century chapel by the sea......STILL STANDS! There were apparently three ancient chapels in this area under the monks and parish of Kilwinning. The one in question is right in downtown West Kilbride: http://www.safhs.org.uk/burialground.asp?ID=2574 It is on Hunterston rd. a small almost alley like street on which the current Roman Catholic church is located. This charming little chapel is right across the street sandwiched in between Wallace and sons Motor Hire and a garage repairer across from a restaurant cafe called Romeo and Juliet. I found reference that there used to be two burial vaults here. The Hunterstons and Boyds of Portincross are said to have been buried there. Looking at it from Google Earth the whole block seems to be walled in around the old church and including the new catholic church complex and there is a burial ground also. I could find no reference to these bodies being moved so they should be still there. https://www.google.com/maps/place/55%C2%B041'44.8%22N+4%C2%B051'21.7%22W/@55.6957832,-4.8559543,146m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0?hl=en Also I might be inclined to take issue with the statement "It is known that Robert the Bruce gave the then Head of Clan Boyd these lands in 1306" . There are two charters from the first coronation 1306. One is for the lands of Kilmarnock to Robert which did, indeed become the clan head and was hereafter styled Robert Boyd of Kilmarnock. The other charter was to Robert of Noddsdale. This particular grant is a "confirmation" meaning that this Boyd family was already in possession of "Noddsdale" I do not believe these are the same person but rather may be cousins. In 1298 there were two known Boyds hung in the barn in Ayreshire during the burning of the barns By Edward the first. Duncan and Robert. I believe them to be aged brothers and that each of these men had sons that they named Robert. Thus we find Robert Boyd with Robert Bruce on the eve of the murder of the Comins at Greyfriars while at the same time we find Robert Boyd leading a group of McDonalds in the assault and retaking of Rothsey castle and securing the isles for the Bruce. These were two different Robert Boyds. Robert de Noddsdale, the progenitor of the Portincross Boyd and Robert of Kilmarnock who became clan chief. These were completely different families who sometimes inter-married until after the battle of Langside in the time of Queen Mary when Robert Boyd of Portencross sold the castle to Robert of Kilmarnock. This property on which Portencross sits was most likely originally granted By William the Lion to the grandfather of our deceased Duncan and Robert. We have no evidence of this other than the fact that the first charter for it from Robert Bruce is a "confirmation". But, yes. The church still stands and the bodies should still be there. Barry in Dallas. On 12/27/2015 4:43 PM, Mike Boyd via wrote: > During my recent trip to Scotland, I looked up the book A Genealogical Account of the Principal Families in Ayrshire More Particularly in Cunninghame, by George Robertson, Vol I, 1823 again > > Under Boyd of Portincross on page 112, it says > > “It is rather remarkable that, prior to the last mentioned date [1712], all the lairds of Portincross appear to have been of the name Robert: and this observation is corroborated by a tradition still remembered in the neighbourhood of ttheir ancient residence, the castle of Portincross, viz that fifteen individuals of that name and family were interred in one tomb, within the parish Church of West Kilbryde.” > > It is known that Robert the Bruce gave the then Head of Clan Boyd these lands in 1306, but it is not until 1372, or the 6th generation, that Robert Boyd is mentioned as being of Portincross. He was brother to Sir Thomas Boyd, third Feudal Baron of Kilmarnock. > > So we are looking at a period from 1372 to 1712. > > The term “one tomb, within the parish Church of West Kilbryde” > > Does the “within the parish Church” mean that this family were actually buried inside the Church? > > The second question is from 1372 to 1712, where was the Parish Church of West Kilbride? I do not THINK it is the old Barony Church, (now used as a community hall) as it looks like it was built in the late 1700’s or 1800’s. So what site might have been used a a Church prior to the Barony Church? And does this site still exist in West Kilbride? (Or will someone find a hole in their cellar, one of these days which has 15 bodies in it?) > > Thank you for any information > > Mike Boyd > Brisbane, Aust. > ==================== > *** Remember to trim your message before hitting send or your message may be held on the server for being too large due to excessive quoting. *** > > > Deleting quotations of earlier messages will help keep within the limits when replying. > > Check your email client's help file if directions are needed. > ====================================== > > > > {{{{{{{{{ Want to HOST a BOYD Tent at events near you? You must be a Member of House of Boyd and have official standing as a Convenor. 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