That Old Gang of Mine
The Old Gang of Wamphray was notorious in the sixteenth century for cattle
rustling and other antisocial activities. However, it was only one of
numerous "red-handed" groups of Johnstones who banded together to conduct
reiving
operations. To keep such gangs under control, the authorities often
forced them to hand over "pledges." A pledge was a person who was actually
held hostage, and who stood to lose his life or property if his gang
misbehaved. Also, certain individuals served as "cautioner" (surety or
guarantor) for the good conduct of their gangs. The number and
composition of gangs varied from time to time, but the following is a list
of gangs of Johnstones from the pages of the Register of the Privy
Council of Scotland [RPCS]:
GANG OF BROOMHILL AND ELSIESHIELDS. In 1595/96 pledges for the good behavior
of the gang included Jamie Johnstone of Bridgemuir, Jamie son of Davie
Johnstone of Reidhall, Jock Johnstone of Broomhill and Willie or Adie
Johnstone of Elsieshields [RPCS Series 1, vol. 5, p. 739]. In 1599 a
Reidhall Johnstone was cautioner for the Gang of Broomhill [RPCS Series 1,
vol. 5, p. 739].
GANG OF CRAIGIEBURN. In 1595/96 the Chief, Sir James Johnstone of
Dunskellie, was a pledge for the good conduct of the gang [RPCS Series 1,
vol. 5, p. 739].
GANG OF FAIRHOLM. In 1595/96 pledges for the good conduct of the gang
included Nickie son of Gib Johnstone and Jamie Johnstone of Priestdykes
[RPCS Series 1, vol. 5, p. 739].
GANG OF FOULDORS. In 1569 John Johnstone of the Quais was a pledge for
the good conduct of the gang [RPCS Series 1, vol. 2, p. 47]. In 1595/96
pledges for the good conduct of the gang included Edward Johnstone of the
Quais, Will Johnstone of the Bus, Matthew Johnstone
of the Burne, and David Johnstone of the Quais's oldest son [RPCS Series
1, vol. 5, p. 739]. In 1599 a Birkhill Johnstone was cautioner for the
gang [RPCS Series 1, vol. 6, p. 840].
GANG OF GUBHILL AND BIRKHILL. In 1595/96 pledges for the good conduct of
the gang included Willie Johnstone of Gubhill, John Johnstone of Clauchrie,
Hobbie Johnstone of the Birkhill and Edward Johnstone of Gubhill, son of
Sandie [RPCS Series 1, vol. 5, p. 739].
GANG OF LOCKERBIE. In 1595/96 pledges for the good conduct of the gang
included Mungo Johnstone son of Mungo of Lockerbie, Andrew Johnstone of
Greenside, Pattown's Patie Johnstone and Cuddie's Will's Willie Johnstone
[RPCS Series 1, vol. 5, p. 739].
MARTIN'S GANG. In 1569 Martin's Gang was part of the Old Gang of Wamphray
[RPCS Series 1, vol. 6, p. 840].
GANG OF MILNBANK AND MYREHEAD. In 1595/96 pledges for the good conduct of
the gang included Will Johnstone of Melluntae, John Johnstone of the
Myrehead, Christie's Christie Johnstone, and young Will Johnstone of
Auldwalls [RPCS Series 1, vol. 5, p. 739].
GANG OF MYLNE AND BIGHILL. In 1595/96 pledges for the good conduct of the
gang included Tom Johnstone of the Mylne, Jockie son of Martin, Sym
Johnstone of Bighill and Will Johnstone of Hillhouse [RPCS Series 1, vol.
5, p. 739].
NEW GANG OF WAMPHRAY. In 1569 David Johnstone of Staywood was a pledge for
the good conduct of the gang [RPCS Series 1, vol. 2, p. 47].
OLD GANG OF WAMPHRAY. In 1569 John Johnstone of Howgill was a pledge for
the good conduct of the gang [RPCS Series 1, vol. 2, p. 47]. In 1599 a
Bighill Johnstone was cautioner for the good conduct of the gang, which
included Johnstones Bighill, Hillhouse and Milk and
Martin's Gang [RPCS Series 1, vol. 6, p. 840].
GANG OF PERSBIEHALL. In 1595/96 pledges for the good conduct of the gang
included Rob Johnstone of Carterton, Sym Johnstone son of Ringan, Gavin
Johnstone of Persbiehall and Rob Johnstone of the Townfoot [RPCS Series 1,
vol. 5, p. 739].
GANG OF WAMPHRAY. In 1595/96 pledges for the good conduct of the gang
included Willie Johnstone son of Jockie of Kirkhill, and Gibbie Johnstone
called Howgill's Gibbie [RPCS Series 1, vol. 5, p. 739].
GANG OF WILLEIS OF WAMPHRAY. 1569. [RPCS Series 1,
vol. 2, p. 47].
Reference:
- Great Britain. Edinburgh. H.M. General Register House. Register
of the Privy Council of Scotland, 1877.
Copyright 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 Jeffrey M. Johnstone, FSA Scot
All rights reserved
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This page was last updated on October 21, 1999.
Jeffrey M. Johnstone, FSA Scot jeff@eznet.net