Books

Forthcoming Book "Scotland's Fleming Clan"

Across two volumes, Scotland’s Fleming Clan narrates the family’s contribution to five centuries of Scotland’s turbulent history.

During 2027 I will publish the first volume of Scotland's Fleming Clan: a Genealogical History. It offers new insights into the family's origins that challenge long-held misconceptions. The book presents an extensive array of evidence to prove that the previously-accepted founder, Robert Fleming, never existed; and that his supposed sons (Malcolm and Patrick) were not brothers. In place of these legends, the book suggests a proposed new pedigree.

The second volume, planned for 2028, builds on the first volume’s origin story to narrate the family’s successes and challenges from 1400 to 1750 and beyond.

From the arrival in Scotland of their paternal and maternal forebears around 1150, the family rose by forming alliances with the powerful Stewart and Bruce families to be twice created Earls of Wigtown. Its leaders served Scotland in senior roles including Privy Councillor, Ambassador, Chamberlain and even as the foster-parents of the young King David II. They fought (and some died) in many land battles and in the Scottish Navy, all the while forming alliances with other leading families and contesting bitter feuds with the Douglas, Kennedy and Tweedie clans. After remaining true to the Stewart dynasty until the bitter end, the Fleming leaders eventually lost their influence and their title died out in 1747.

If you want to know the facts, rather than the legends, you need to read this new Fleming history. It provides a detailed narrative of the family's significant roles in Scotland's history from the first war of Scottish Independence through to the Jacobean years. Unlike earlier Fleming histories, it does not assume that the reader is already an expert on Scottish history!

Click on the image of the book covers (left or right) to obtain more details about that volume of the book.

Recent book

My recent book is an ideal gift for anyone who is a descendant of James and Frances Reed or any of Bourke's pioneers. Order it from my online bookshop for $A60 delivered anywhere in Australia, the UK or the USA.

This acclaimed book chronicles the lives of Bourke's pioneering Reed family. Presented as an heirloom-quality hardback, the book has appeal for descendants, the Bourke community and readers of Australian history. It comprises 612 pages that include 51 photographs, 19 illustrations, 11 maps, 3 descendant charts, detailed family group sheets and an appendix on Bourke hotels. Click the image at left for more details.

Fleming Photograph Catalogue
2015

Kessey Photograph Catalogue
2013

Townsville or Hell!
2012