Hi Judy,
Thanks so much for responding to me. I'm living in Milton Keynes, South East England but the rest of my family are in the North East of England - I'm the only one to move away.
On my mam's side of the family her Great Grandmother was Jane Ann Graham (1859–1923) who was born in what we now call Cumbria, England and died in County Durham, England so she crossed the Pennines at some point.
Going back from there Jane's father was Charles Graham (1825–1886), his father was William Graham, his mother was Isabella Graham (married to James Graham), and her father was Arthur Graham, son of Francis Graham and Jane Balfour. Because Francis and his father Christopher are listed as Gentlemen I was assuming they were not part of the James IV/I border clearances (but remain open-minded either way), but I was hoping that I could make the link and follow the Graham line back into Scotland. Francis Grahams father Christopher was a land owner and seemed to be comfortably well off. Perhaps they are linked to Sirs George and Richard Graham who were descended from William Graham from the Scottish/English borders.
I've discovered that Jane Balfour was the illegitimate daughter of William Balfour Esq of Castle Balfour. She married Francis Graham against her fathers wishes and was disinherited. Although her son's were acknowledged by William Balfour as his grandchildren leaving money in his will for them.
Jane Balfour's brother John Balfour he did not want his daughter Armatage to marry William Graham son of Francis and Jane and offered her money if she did not. She went on to marry Andrew Armstrong. Family's are funny things and it would be interesting to know why William and his family had such a strong objection to Francis, but I may never know.
I've found this on the Balfours if you are interested/not seen it before: http://www.denmylne.co.uk/history/BALFOUR.html My side of the family come in under the Balfours of Burleigh, B7 III, 4.II. William Balfour, the 3rd son of Sir James Balfour of Pittendriech, was William Balfour Esq's Grandfather.
I haven't had a DNA test yet, but I might do at some point. It will be interesting to see what it brings up as my mam's side of the family also has Clan Frazer (Lowland Frazers) until the mid-1800's in it but I know nothing past my own grandparents on my dad's side of the family as he can't remember anything.
Thanks again.
Cheers
Kassia