Ritchie 1954, Reid 1928 and Grant 2007 assert the origins of Robert as a Flemish feudal vassal of Baldwin of Biggar.

It seems Lambyn had previously been in Yorkshire,[citation needed] as were Theobald and Baldwin, where his family had become Lords of Multon under the Earl of Richmond.

[citation needed] Theobald took the grant of Douglas (from whom descends the famous Douglas family), Baldwin became Sheriff of Biggar and subsequently married the widow of Reginald, illegitimate son of Alan, Earl of Richmond, who had taken land which subsequently became the barony of CrawfordJohn in the possession of John son of Reginald and stepson of Baldwin.

[citation needed] For reference, consult the Cartulary of Kelso from the Bannatyne Club (Liber S Marie de Calchou), Annals of Lesmahagow (J B Greenshields) and Burkes Commoners.

It became the seat of the Robertons of that ilk until their dispossession by Robert I for Stephen de Robertoun's signing of the 1296 Ragman Roll.