General Notes

Also Known As:<_AKA> /Sorley/
Ancestor of McSorley Lamonts of Monydrain
The McGorrie Lamonts of Knockdow were descended from Godfrey (Gorrie) Lamont c. 1431. Godfrey was the son of John Lamont, who may have been a younger son of Chief John III, which would place him in a direct line from Sir Laumon. One can only hope this is true, as they were the Lamonts who retained their ancestral land the longest, and maintained the traditions and history up to the present day. Sir Norman Lamont of Knockdow, the last McGorie Lamont, having no heirs, Knockdow was sold in 1992.

Knockdow (Knock-doo) comes from the Gaelic cnoc dubh, or black hill. It was named from the site of Old Knockdow, which was a few miles north of the present site. The current Knockdow is just about two miles north of Toward Castle, on route A 815.

The early McGorries were as turbulent and red handed as the later descendants were peaceful and prosperous. After Godfrey's witnessing of a charter in 1431, the next written record was of a fine paid by John McGorrie for the killing of some Campbells at Ardlamont. The matter was settled between the two Chiefs, by the fine being paid. The first title acknowledging the superiority of the Lamont chief, was dated 1540. Their previous Campbell killing, and acknowledgment of the chief, did not deter a later Red Baron John McGorrie in 1573, from accepting an offer of land from the Campbell Earl of Argyle, for the murder the Lamont Chief. The attempt took place, but the Chief managed to reach Toward Castle safely, with the Red Baron in close pursuit. Lamont and Campbell then made peace, and The Earl of Argyle told Knockdow to forget the bargain. Knockdow insisted on payment, otherwise he would complete the bargain. Apparently some payment was made. The Lamont Chief brought Knockdow to trial, and Knockdow probably lost his rent income for life. However, in 1601, his grandson was confirmed in the estates, and the matter was forgotten. It is interesting to note that the hearing was held in Dunbarton, as Cowal was considered to wild and rude for a proper trial.

Thereafter, The McGorries were rather peaceful and loyal. Duncan Lamont of Knockdow was the first cadet to assist Chief James Lamont in the wars of the mid 1600s, and was one of the defenders at the siege of Toward Castle. Knockdow and Auchinshelloch, were the only Lamont lairds to be murdered at Dunoon after the surrender. The Lamonts of Knockdow survived these troubles better than most Lamonts, with most of their land intact. In the mid 1700s, they reversed their wild past, and became solid business men and farmers. They also did very well in the West Indian sugar business. Many younger sons entered the British army and navy, to lead distinguished careers. Colin Lamont, 1754-1831 was a famous astronomer

As mentioned above, upon the death of Sir Norman Lamont, Knockdow was sold, but fortunately, the items pertaining to Clan Lamont were presented to the Clan Lamont Society in Scotland for preservation of our history. So the last of the old Lamont lands has passed from the clan, and no longer does one of the oldest clans have it's roots firmly in Scottish Highland soil.