Charter by James [Stewart], commendator of the monasteries of Kelso and Melrose, in consideration of a sum of money paid towards the repair and rebuilding of the abbey of Melrose, 20th February 1556

Charter by James [Stewart], commendator of the monasteries of Kelso and Melrose, in consideration of a sum of money paid towards the repair and rebuilding of the abbey of Melrose, destroyed by the English, 'veteros Anglie inimicos', at the time of war last past, granting and setting in feu-farm to John Anderson in Over Bargour, the 5s. 2d. lands of Over Bargour, as occupied by him, in the lordship of Kylesmure and sheriffdom of Ayr, the rent of which in the rental was 5s. 2d., arriages and carriages two pennies one obolus, and in bondage silver nine pennies Scots : To be held of the granters for 5s. 2d. Scots of present feu; also two pennies one obolus for arriages and carriages, nine pennies for bondage silver, and twenty-three pennies for augmentation of rental, extending in all to 8s. one obolus yearly of feu-farm; with usual provisions as to pleas of court, grinding grain at the granter's mills of Mauchline, assisting in the upkeep of mill, and also the granter's place of Mauchline; also requiring the tenants to ride and aid the monastery in time of war; and if the grantees fail to pay their feu-farm for three consecutive terms, or if they conspire against the monastery, this infeftment shall be void. Dated at Melrose, 20th February 1555-6. Signed by the commendator and by Thomas Merser, sub-prior, Richard Paterson, William Fylp, John Hogart, Thomas Meyn, John Watsoun, Alexander Bellenden, David Hoppringyll, John Forrois, Ralph Hudsoun, Mungo Purves, Bernard Bowston, members of convent. Seal attached, not in good condition.