Lambroughton and The Murder of Thomas Becket
In 1887 it is recorded that a manuscript containing the genealogy of the Cunninghames of Glencairn states the following;-
"The founder of the family of Cunningham was Neil Cunningham, designed governor of Lambroughton, born in England in the year of our Lord, 1131. Being ane English gentleman, and come of ane ancient family, he, together with others, was enticed or rather forced by his lawful prince, King Henry II of England, his private orders, to commit murder upon the person of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, which he accordingly put in execution 30 December 1172, after which he was held in so great hatred by his countrymen that for shelter from their fury he flees to Scotland and takes up habitation in the country of Cunningham, after which he becomes in great favour with our King for his good service in saving the King's life at ane battle in Cunningham at Kilmairs, where he was enclosed by his enemies, and for which good service in saving the King's life he obtained from the King the lands of Lambroughton, and was made sole governor thereof." This Neil married the daughter of the Laird of Arnot and had four sons.
This version does not agree with the others, however it does confirm an ancient battle in the vicinity of Kilmaurs, involving King Malcolm III.
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