]

We do not know the result of the proceedings against the Sheriff of
Auchterarder, but as his two horses were restored to him, he seems to
have been treated leniently. In regard to the Earl, we find that in
November, 1306, he presented a memorial to the King and Council,
showing that he was compelled to join Sir Robert de Brus through fear
of his life.

The Castle and Barony of Auchterarder appear to have been Crown
possessions until the reign of Robert the Bruce, when they became the
property of Sir William de Montfichet or Montifex, appointed Justiciar
of Scotland in 1332. The family was of Norman extraction. They had
possessions in England, and a branch for some time settled in Scotland,
Robert Montfichet being a witness to a charter of William the Lion in
1184. In Robertson's _Index of Ancient Charters_ there occurs an old
official inventory, compiled, apparently, about the close of the
sixteenth century, in which mention is made of a charter--"Wilhelmo de
Montefixo of the lands of Auchterarder with the town duty." Sir
William Montfichet or de Montifex had large possessions, being not only
proprietor of the Barony of Auchterarder, but of Cargill and Kincardine
in Menteith, and other lands in Perthshire; and also of Kilmahew, in
Dumbartonshire, and other lands. He had three daughters, who became
his heirs-portioners. To his eldest daughter Marie he left the estates
of Auchterarder, Cargill (or Stobhall), and Kincardine in Menteith.
She married Sir John Drummond, the seventh Thane of Lennox. Sir John
Drummond's eldest daughter was Annabella Drummond, Queen to Robert III.
Our present Gracious Sovereign Queen Victoria is a lineal descendant of
Marie Montifex of the Castle of Auchterarder.[8]

In the reign of David II. mention is made of the Burgh of Auchterarder
in the account of the Great Chamberlain for 1366 as being in arrear of
the contribution for payment of the King's ransom, being due the sum of
thirty-one shillings.[8] In 1374, the Chamberlain debits himself with
thirty-three shillings and fourpence received from the bailies of
Auchterarder for contribution; and there are two different entries in
the rolls of 1390, both relating to a debt owing by the Crown to the
community of Auchterarder on account of certain services to the late
King Robert II. There is also another entry in the Chamberlain Rolls,
under date 1435, in which it appears that the services to the Crown had
not been uplifted by the C