Barony of Roslin


Baron of Roslin or Rosslyn was a Scottish feudal barony held by the St Clair or Sinclair family. The family are believed to have arrived in Britain with William the Conqueror during the Norman conquest of England in the 11th century. Malcolm III of Scotland granted to them the Barony of Roslin or Rosslyn. The 11th Baron of Rosslyn also held the titles of Earl of Caithness, Lord Sinclair and Prince of Orkney. He left the Barony of Rosslyn to his eldest son from his second marriage, Oliver, and the Earldom of Caithness to his second son from his second marriage, William, from whom descend the chiefs of Clan Sinclair. The eldest son from his first marriage, also called William, became the Lord Sinclair.

History

No certain record exists but it is likely that the Sinclairs came from Saint-Clair-sur-Epte in Normandy. William of Saint-Claire accompanied Saint Margaret of Scotland, daughter of Edward the Exile to Scotland in 1068, where she eventually married Malcolm III of Scotland. In return for his efforts, the king supposedly granted Sinclair the barony of Roslin "in free heritage". Roslin Castle was built beginning about 1390, under Sir Henry St Clair, 9th Baron of Rosslyn, 1st Prince of Orkney. Roslin Castle was destroyed in 1544, rebuilt in the late 16th century, but again and abandoned in 1688. The family of Caithness prefer the spelling "Sinclair" whilst the family of Rosslyn prefer the spelling "St Clair".

Barons of Roslin