Clan Crichton is a Lowland Scottish clan that historically ruled Dumfries. History Origins of the clan One of the earliest baronies around Edinburgh was formed from the lands of Kreitton and is mentioned in charters of the early 12th century. In 1128 Thurstan de Crechtune witnessed the foundation of Holyrood Abbey by David I of Scotland. Thurstan's son, Thomas de Crichton is listed on the Ragman Rolls of 1296, swearing fealty to Edward I of England. Thomas's three sons each extended the family's holdings. The second son, William, married Isobel de Ross who was the heiress to the barony of Sanquhar in Dumfriesshire. 15th and 16th centuries In 1464 Sir Robert Crichton of Sanquhar was sheriff of the county of Dumfries. From 1468 to 1469 he was also Coroner of Nithsdale. In 1487 his eldest son, Robert Crichton, was created a peer with the title Lord Crichton of Sanquhar by James III of Scotland. Another descendant of Thomas de Crichton was Sir William Crichton who in 1439 was appointed to the office of Chancellor of Scotland, during the minority of James II of Scotland. Crichton organised the infamous "Black Dinner" at Edinburgh Castle of which he was constable. The Earl of Douglas and his brother were invited as guests of honour to a royal banquet at the castle, where King James was in residence. After the dinner the two Douglases were dragged from the boy king's presence and executed on Castle Hill. The Clan Douglas, never slow to take revenge, laid siege to the castle, which Crichton surrendered to the king, and a truce was declared. The Douglases would go on to make an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Crichton, who was later given the title Lord Crichton. The second Lord Crichton obtained the barony of Frendraught in Banffshire through marriage. The third Lord Crichton sided with the Duke of Albany in his rebellion against his own brother, James III of Scotland. Crichton garrisoned Crichton Castle against the king, but the rebellion failed and as a result the Crichton estates were forfeited for treason. In about 1552, William Crichton, third Lord Sanquhar, was killed in the house of the Regent Arran, by Lord Sempill (chief of Clan Sempill). The sixth Lord Sanquhar died in disgrace, having been accused of being involved in the murder of a fencing master who had blinded Crichton in one eye years before. James Crichton is perhaps