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.
Copies of papers of the Bethune family of Balfour, Markinch.
This material is held atUniversity of St Andrews Special Collections
- Reference
- GB 227 ms37860
- Dates of Creation
- 1298-ca. 1900
- Name of Creator
- Physical Description
- 3 reels of microfilm and 900 photocopies, odd original items. Film or copies.
Scope and Content
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 Access to unpublished records less than 30 years old and other records containing confidential information may be restricted.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).
Additional Information
Unknown