|
 The
surname Menzies is of French origin from Mesnières in Normandy. Normans
became established with the new fuedal system in Scotland and the name occurs
in documents of the 12&13thC centuries.
In 1249 Sir Robert de Meyneris became
Lord Chamberlain of Scotland to Alexander II and his son Alexander held Weem
near Aberfeldy and Fortingall in Atholl.
The family supported Robert the Bruce
at Bannockburn and, like many others who chose the winning side, was rewarded
with further lands in Glendochart in north-west Perthshire. By Bruce's death
the Menzies' lands stretched from Aberfeldy to Loch Lomond.
In 1510 Sir Robert Menzies was given
a charter by James IV raising his lands to the status of the barony of Menzies.
Castle Menzies, near
Aberfeldy was built around this period.
In 1665 his descendant Sir Alexander
Menzies was created a baronet.
One Perthshire branch of the amily,
the Menzies of Culdares in Glen Lyon are credited with introducing the larch
to Scotland from the Tyrol in 1738.
Why not take a short break of vacation
in 'Menzies country'!
The family title survived until 1910
when the 8th baronet died without heirs. Castle Menzies is now a clan centre
for the Clan Menzies Society who acquired it in 1957. |
