| He had a charter of the lands of Easter Kennet, 1537, on the resignation of Robert Brady. This charter was confirmed 11 by James V 24 April 1537. He had also a charter from the Abbot of Culross 7 June 1540, confirmed 15 February 1542-43, of the lands of Bergady and two parts of the Shire mills. In 1541 he purchased the estate of Blairhall, from which time he took his territorial designation from that place. He had a charter of protection from James V, dated at Edinburgh 20 July 1533, in which he is termed 'Edward Bruce filius David Bruce de Clakmannan, militis.' This charter is of great importance, as it proves that Edward Bruce was a son of Sir David Bruce of Clackmannan, which some have doubted. It is unfortunate that the authorities who have quoted this charter have not given any information as to where it is preserved; it is not to be found in the Great or Privy Seal Registers of Scotland, but it is most probably among the archives of the Marquess of Ailesbury. As in the year this charter of protection was granted a mission was despatched to the English Court to conclude a peace which was to last during the lives of Henry VIII and James V, and to continue a year after the death of the last deceased, it is probable that Edward Bruce was a member of this mission.13 |