The Murder of Robert Gardin by William Guthrie (1598)
In the turbulent times of late 16th-century Scotland, amidst clan rivalries, territorial disputes, and the pursuit of power, the story of "The Murder of Robert Gardin by William Guthrie" unfolds. This tale takes us to the heart of a deadly feud, where family honor and vengeance knew no bounds. In this blog post, we delve into the history of the two central figures, Robert Gardin and William Guthrie, their ill-fated encounter, and the aftermath that shook the region.
A Glimpse into the Past
To understand the events that led to the murder of Robert Gardin and the involvement of William Guthrie, we must first look at the backgrounds of these two men.
Robert Gardin, a respected figure in the Angus region of Scotland, hailed from the Gardin family, who held significant influence. The Gardins had a long-standing history in the area, owning lands and wielding power. As a man of stature, Robert Gardin was known not only for his wealth but also for his connections to the local nobility. In the politically charged atmosphere of 16th-century Scotland, such affiliations were invaluable.
On the other side of the feud stood William Guthrie. A member of the Guthrie family, he was born to Alexander Guthrie of that Ilk. The Guthries, like the Gardins, were a prominent clan with their own history of conflicts and alliances. William Guthrie, as the son of his clan's leader, carried a heavy burden of legacy and responsibility.
The Genesis of the Conflict
It is in the historical tensions between the Gardin and Guthrie families that we find the roots of this tragic feud. Details about the exact nature of the dispute are scarce, lost to the annals of time, but it's clear that these families were no strangers to conflict. Territorial disputes, conflicting interests, and perhaps even personal grudges all played a part in the mounting hostilities.
The encounter that would eventually lead to Robert Gardin's murder took place on Carcarymuir, a desolate and unforgiving moorland situated between the towns of Brechin and Dimdie. The year was 1589, and the date of the event was November. This bleak location would become the stage for a gruesome act that would reverberate throughout the region.
The Murder of Robert Gardin
The precise circumstances of Robert Gardin's murder remain shrouded in mystery. The available historical records suggest that William Guthrie was accused of being involved in the planning and execution of the murder, described as being "dilaitit of airt and pairt."
What we do know is that on that fateful day, Robert Gardin found himself on Carcarymuir, and an altercation erupted between him and William Guthrie. The feud reached its deadly climax, leaving Robert Gardin lifeless on the cold, unforgiving moor. The location of the murder, on this remote moorland, was chosen, perhaps deliberately, to minimize the chances of witnesses and escape any immediate consequences.
The Aftermath of the Murder
The murder of Robert Gardin sent shockwaves through the region, where such conflicts were unfortunately not uncommon. But this case was different. It pitted two prominent families against each other, and the implications were far-reaching.
Upon the discovery of Robert Gardin's body, the legal machinery of the time swung into action. The prosecution was led by Robert Gardin, the son of the deceased, and other notable figures, including the Commandar Clerk of Aberdeen and Mr. Robert Foulis, who acted as a substitute for the Advocate. They were determined to seek justice for the murder.
The defense, however, presented a significant challenge. William Guthrie had secured a royal respite, essentially a pardon or reprieve from prosecution, which was granted by the sovereign and sealed with the "Previe Seill." This respite protected him from prosecution for a period of nineteen years from the date it was granted. The defense argued that this royal respite was valid and that the case should not proceed to trial.
The heart of the legal dispute revolved around the validity of the royal respite. The prosecution contended that such pardons could not be granted without the satisfaction of the injured party. As Robert Gardin's son, Robert Gardin, was not satisfied, they argued that the respite should not apply.
The judge, known as "the Justice," accepted the respite despite the prosecution's objections but required William Guthrie to provide security to satisfy the injured party. Alexander Guthrie, Rear of that Ilk, stood as a surety or guarantor for William Guthrie's compliance.
The murder of Robert Gardin and the subsequent legal proceedings did not bring closure to the feud. The rift between the Gardin and Guthrie families persisted, and the bitterness ran deep. The legal outcome, while a partial resolution, did not quell the animosities that had festered for years.
The Legacy
"The Murder of Robert Gardin by William Guthrie" remains a poignant reminder of the tumultuous times in which it occurred. It encapsulates the violence, power struggles, and enduring feuds that marked Scottish history in the late 16th century. The tragedy also underscores the limitations of justice and the complex interplay of power, influence, and royal authority.
While the exact motivations and events that led to the murder may never be fully known, this dark chapter in Scotland's history continues to captivate and intrigue, reminding us that the past is a tapestry of untold stories, and that beneath the weight of history, the echoes of ancient conflicts still resonate.
