Blackhall Manor, the ancestral seat of the Barons of Blackhall, is a historic tower house in Renfrewshire. Originally built in the 16th century, the manor has a history that may trace back to a 12th-century structure granted to Walter fitz Alan, a Norman knight, by King David I. The property later became linked with the Stewart family, who held baronial courts there until the 18th century. After falling into disrepair, it was restored in the 1980s.[3]
Robert Brown Gillespie, 27th Baron of Blackhall, O.B.E.
The status of the barony changed significantly after the Scotland Act 2000, which redefined baronies as incorporeal heritable titles, no longer tied to land ownership. Despite these changes, the title of Baron of Blackhall remains a significant cultural and historical emblem for the Gillespie family.[4]
Notable barons
Sir John Stewart, 1st Baron of Blackhall: The first known holder of the title, granted in the 14th century.
Arms
The coat of arms associated with the Baron of Blackhall is described as: "Argent a fess Gules between in chief a stag's head cabossed and in base a fleur-de-lis Sable." The stag's head represents strength and vigilance, while the fleur-de-lis is a symbol of purity and light. The family motto is "Oh Pilgrim Heart Forget Not The Cat," reflecting a long-standing dedication to serving the nation.[5][2]
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