1400 to 1499

Powerful Families

Over the next three centuries the history of Aberdeen is largely the story of a group of families whose members vied for the attainment of the Civic Chair.

The most brilliant of these was said to be the family of Menzies of Pitfodels, who dominated the scene for more than 200 years. The first Menzies Provost was elected in 1423 and the last in 1635, and for 114 years of that period there was a Menzies in office. Their town residence in the Castlegate was the first stone-built house in Aberdeen and guest in their home included King James V, the Marquis of Huntly and King Charles II.

At the time the town had no suitable banqueting hall so it was usual for entertainment to be provided in a private residence, usually that of the Provost. His wife would later receive a sum of money ‘for fyre, candill, neaprie and occupying of her hous’.

Military Leadership

The period of Menzies supremacy coincides with some events of grave national importance. Many of the Burgesses were killed at Flodden and at Solway Moss, and since strong military leadership was required, Thomas Menzies resigned his Provostship in favour of George Gordon, 4th Earl of Huntly, the only peer ever to occupy the Civic Chair.

Cleaner Streets

More mundane matters were not neglected however, and in 1497 we find mention of the first ‘scaffie’ when a certain Sande Cowtis was appointed to clean the streets and empty middens for a fee of 2d a year from every house with a chimney.