Copies of papers of the Bethune family of Balfour, Markinch.

Scope and Content

There are copies of genealogical notes, marriage contracts, testaments, commissions, correspondence and other personal papers, titles, rentals, inventories of writs and other estate papers, legal and financial papers and notes relating to the Bethune or Beaton family in places including Balfour, Kilrenny, Kennoway, Markinch, Kilrenny, Cellardyke, Creich, Leven and Star.

Administrative / Biographical History

Balfour in the parish of Markinch was established as a residence of the Beaton family by 1466. The old house of Balfour was the birthplace of James Beatoun, archbishop of St Andrews and founder of St Mary's College in the University of St Andrews and his nephew Cardinal David Beatoun. The house was remodelled in the 1820s and added to in the 1840s, in the Scots Baronial style. The Balfour estate was absorbed in to the Balgonie estate in 1888. Balfour was blown up in the 1960s and anything left standing was bulldozed.

Access Information

By appointment with the Archivist. Access to unpublished records less than 30 years old and other records containing confidential information may be restricted.

Acquisition Information

Copied with permission of owner in 1985.

Note

Description compiled by Rachel Hart, Archives Hub Project Archivist.

Other Finding Aids

Hand list is available.

Alternative Form Available

This material is copied.

Custodial History

Retained in private ownership(1985).

Related Material

GB234 GD246 16th-19th century legal and estate papers relating to Bethune of Balfour.

Additional Information

Unknown

Geographical Names