The Clan History

CHARTERIS: A document witnessed by Robert de Charteris giving a grant to the Monastery of Kelso (c.1147) indicates the antiquity of the family in Scotland. The name, originally from Chartres in France, was spelt Carneto (Latin); Cartres (Witness to a document c.1261); Charteris (c.1286) and Chartris (c.1300). William de Chartre accompanied William the Conqueror to England. His son or grandson followed David 1st to Scotland and was granted the Wardship of Amisfield. He settled in Dumfriesshire and is considered to be the projenitor of the Charteris family. In 1280 Sir Thomas de Charteris was appointed Lord High Chancellor of Scotland by Alexander III. His son, Andrew de Charteris, was forced to give homage to Edward I in 1296. The breaking of this oath cost him his lands which were bestowed upon an Englishman. His son, William, also did homage in 1304 but joined Bruce in 1306. In 1342 a later Sir Thomas Charteris was appointed Lord High Chancellor by David II but was killed in 1346 at the Battle of Durham. In the reign of James V, Sir John Charteris of Amisfield held vast estates and the important office of Warden of the West Marches. Andrew Charteris of Kinfauns was Provost of Perth from 1465 till 1471 and in 1473, 1475, 1484 and at various times till 1503. The infamous Col. Charteris (d.1732) had one daughter, Janet, who married James, 5th Earl of Wemyss. Their 2nd son, Francis, inherited the estate of his maternal grandfather and assumed the name and arms of Charteris.