The Monro of Fyrish family were a Scottish family and branch of the ancient highland Clan Munro. The family produced a notable dynasty of doctors to London in the 18th and 19th century where they were involved in early work on curing 'insanity'. Four generations occupied successively the position of (Principal) Physician of the notorious Bethlem Hospital (Bedlam). They were also leading members of a variety of important medical associations. Other members were painters, priests and philanthropists of note and one was an important early patron to J. M. W. Turner.
Hector Munro, 1st of Fyrish was the second son of Robert Munro, 14th Baron of Foulis (d.1547), chief of the Scottish clan, Clan Munro. Hector Munro received as his patrimony the lands of Fyrish, Contullich and Kildermorie in the parish of Alness. He had four sons and one daughter:
William Munro, 2nd of Fyrish married Margaret, daughter of Murdoch Mackenzie, 1st of the Fairburn branch of Clan Mackenzie and had one daughter. William was succeeded by his brother John Munro, 3rd of Fyrish who left issue among others:
Hugh Munro, 4th of Fyrish married a distant relative, Isobel Munro, daughter of Robert Munro of Coul and Balconie Castle and left issue:
See main article: Alexander Monro.
Alexander Monro (1648–1698) was the Principal of Edinburgh University from 1685 to 1690. He left only one son, Dr James Monro.
Born 1680, Wemyss. Only surviving son of Alexander Monro, the principal of Edinburgh University by his wife Marion Collace. Educated at Balliol College, Oxford graduating as a physician in 1712. He began his practice as a physician at Greenwich 1713 before moving to London.
In 1728 he was elected Physician to Bethlem Royal Hospital. He became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians in 1729 and in 1737 was chosen to present the Harveian Oration. He died on 4 November 1752 at Sunninghill, Berkshire.