The Scottish Clans

Gaelic Name: MacMhuirich
Motto: Furth fortune and fill the fetters
Badge: Butcher’s broom
Lands: Atholl
Origin of Name: Placename, Morayshire
Pipe Music: Atholl Highlander

History
The first Earl of Atholl was created in 1629, and in 1703 the Murrays reached the pinnacle of the peerage when they were created Dukes of Atholl. The younger son of the 1st Duke of Atholl was the renowned Jacobite general, Lord George Murray. Historians commonly believe that if the Jacobite army had been under the sole command of Murray, then the ‘Old Pretender’ may well have gained the throne of Scotland. The Battle of Culloden was the last time the Highlanders of Atholl went to war but the ceremonial guard of the chiefs is still the only private army in the realm.

In 1736 the Murrays of Atholl extended their lands when the second Duke of Atholl inherited the sovereignty of the Isle of Man, and to this day the Atholl arms still display the trimacria, the symbol of the island.

In 1600 the Atholls gained even more honour when James VI granted the lands of Scone to the Murrays. At this location they built the magnificent Scone Palace, still the home of the Earls of Mansfield to this day.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: MacMhuirich
Motto: Furth fortune and fill the fetters
Badge: Butcher’s broom
Lands: Morayshire
Origin of Name: Placename, Morayshire

History
The Murray family is descended from Freskin, who is thought to be a Flemish knight who flourished in the 12th century. Granted lands in West Lothian by David I, he and his sons intermarried with the house of Moray to consolidate their power.

The descendants of this family were designated “de Moravia”, which in Lowland Scots became “Murray”.

Bothwell Castle, one of the most powerful and visually striking strongholds in Scotland was built by the Murrays and remained the seat of the chief until 1360. In 1297 Sir Andrew Murray took up the cause of Scottish Independence and, with Sir William Wallace, rose against Edward of England. After this, the Murray family multiplied throughout Scotland and many branches of the name Murray disputed the right to the chieftainship.

In 1360 the lordship and the great house of Bothwell was lost by the Murrays and passed into the hands of the Douglas family, and it was not until the 16th century that the Murrays of Tullibardine are recorded once again.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: Mac an Rothaich
Motto: Dread God
Badge: Common club moss
Lands: Easter Ross
Origin of Name: Gaelic, Mac an Rothaich (Man from Ro)
Pipe Music: Bealach na Broige

History
The lands of the clan Munro lie on the north side of the Cromarty Firth. Known as Ferindonald from the gaelic ‘Fearainn Domhnuill’ or Donald’s Land, this is probably a reference to the traditional founder of the clan.

The Munro clan were never known as an unduly combative family, but rather made their mark in other fields. They made a significant early contribution to Scottish traditional arts in the fifteenth century with what is probably the earliest piece of pipe music written for the Pibroch. This piece, entitled ‘Blar bealach nam brog’ has been attributed to one of the early Munro family.

Unlike the MacCrimmons or MacKays though, the family made little more impact in the field of the arts, but rather became known for their prominence in the Scottish clergy. The most notable Munro clergyman was the Rev. Alexander Munro, whose parish was at Cape Wrath on the very north-west tip of Scotland. He was not alone in the family in his choice of profession however, as the Munros boasted two other ministers enrolled as Justices of the Peace in Sutherland, and two in Caithness at this time.

Although in general a peaceable clan, the Munros did actively engage in continental warfare in the seventeenth century. The eighteenth chief of the clan raised a force of some 700 clansmen to join the army of Gustavus Adolphus in Sweden, where the clansmen became known as “the Invincibles”.

Another notable soldier of the family was Robert Munro, who published an account of his fortunes with the MacKay regiment in the Thirty Years War. However, the most prestigious position in foreign affairs was achieved when a son of the Munro family became President of the United States of America in the nineteenth century.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: MacGhille Mhoire
Motto: Teaghlach Phabbay (Pabbay family)
Badge: Driftwood
Lands: Lewis
Origin of Name: Son of Maurice or Son of the servant of Mary

History
There are three distinct origins of the name Morrison – two Hebridean and one mainland derivation that have all come to be spelt the same way. The Aberdeenshire branch were originally ‘sons of Maurice’ and seem to have no connection with the Hebridean clan.

In the Hebrides, one branch of the clan claims its descent from the O’Muircheasain bards of Donegal, while the gaelic name ‘Mac Ghille Mhuire’ gives the origin of the other. Mac Ghille Mhuire translates as ‘son of the virgin Mary’s servant’ who was, according to tradition, washed ashore after a shipwreck. The clan badge of driftwood commemorates this incident.

The Morrison clan claim their descent can be traced to Olaf the Black, King of Man.

For many years, the Morrison chiefs held the hereditary celtic office of judge or “brieve” on the island of Lewis. This, together with their links with the Lords of the Isles, made them a family of great power and influence. However, they were not a numerous clan and tried to maintain the peace with their more aggressive neighbours throughout almost two centuries of unrest in the Isles.

The power of the Morrison clan was broken in the sixteenth century when Hutcheon Morrison confessed on his deathbed to being the natural father of Torquil MacLeod, until then accepted as the son of the MacLeod chief.Torquil was disinherited and allied himself with the MacKenzies and the Morrisons. However, after Torquil’s ultimate victory over the MacLeods, he turned on his allies the Morrisons, and drove them from their lands.

The Morrison clan later returned to settle in Ness, but their earlier power had gone forever.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Motto: Durum patientia frango (I overcome difficulty by patience)
Origin of name: Gaelic “Mor”, large

History
This name is found in a number of variants throughout Scotland – in the northern isles Moar is common, while the Aberdonian spelling of Moir is to be found on and around the east coast. In the lowlands, neither of these spellings is to be found, though the name Muir is very widespread. The gaelic ‘mór’ is translated as ‘large’ or ‘big’, and the surname may simply refer to such physical attributes.

As one of the commonest descriptive titles given to a man, in the oldest surviving tongue of the country, it is hardly surprising that the name is widely dispersed in its variants. An alternative lowland derivation of the name comes from the middle English for a “low grassy hill or heath”, but this seems to have no connection with the highland branches of the clan.

The name More first crops up in Scotland in the thirteenth century, and gained prominence in 1317 when Robertus More became a burgess of Aberdeen. In the following century, the name appears prevalent in areas in which the Norse tongue was still spoken, most notably Orkney and Shetland.

The chief family of the lowland branches were the Mures of Rowallan in Ayrshire. One of the daughters of Sir Adam Mure married the future King Robert II and ensured the prosperity of this line of the family. This prosperity continued until the male line died out in 1700, when the family were persecuted as Covenanters.

The family estates were lost at this time, and eventually passed to the Earls of Loudon.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: MacGumerait
Motto: Garde bien (Watch well)
Lands: Eglinton, Ardrossan and Kintyre
Origin of Name: Placename, Norman

History
The name of Montgomery derives from an ancient Norman family, who held the Castle of St. Foy de Montgomery near Lisieux, in France. Tradition asserts that the name can be traced back to a Roman commander called Gomericus.

Another ancestor, Roger de Mundegumbrie was related to William the Conqueror and was granted lands in England by his kinsman. He later invaded Wales, and in time he gave his name not only to a town, but to an entire county.

The name of Montgomery is first recorded in Scotland in 1165 when Robert Montgomery obtained the lands of Eaglesham in Renfrewshire. A descendant of this Robert, Sir John Montgomery, was one of the heroes of the Battle of Otterburn. He distinguished himself by capturing Sir Henry Percy, who was known as “the Hotspur”.

This encounter was chronicled in a vivid Borders ballad:

“The Percy and Montgomery met
That either of other were fain;
They swapped swords and they twa swat
And aye the blood ran down between.”

The Percy family paid a great ransom for the release of Hotspur, and this money enabled the Montgomery clan to build the Castle of Polnoon. The old castle of Skelmorlie, near Largs, is now the home of the chiefs of the Montgomery clan.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: Monadh Craoibhe
Motto: Sur Esperance (Upon hope)
Badge: Oak
Lands: Perthshire
Origin of Name: Gaelic, Monadh Craoibhe (The Hill of the Sacred Bough)

History
Of great antiquity, and possibly descending through a female stem from the Celtic royal dynasty, the name Moncreiffe is derived from the feudal barony of Moncreiffe in Perthshire. The lands take their name from the gaelic ‘Monadh Croibhe’ meaning ‘hill of the sacred bough’. The clan badge features an oak tree, presumably the aforementioned sacred tree!

The heraldry of the clan Moncreiffe is the red royal lion on a silver shield – also the colours of Maldred, brother of Duncan I. This links the family with the ancient royal house of Ireland, that of the great king Niall of the Nine Hostages.

Though not having the spectacular and kaleidoscopic history of some Scottish clans, the Moncreiffe family often held great prominence in Scottish and foreign affairs. One Laird of Moncreiffe was Chamberlain to young King James III, and the Moncreiffe clansmen fought alongside James IV at Flodden. Other notable achievements of the family were to produce three renowned Scottish judges and an Episcopal Bishop of Glasgow.

Abroad, one branch of the Moncreiffe family took part in the attempt to restore the deposed King of Sweden in 1574, while in France another branch of the family founded no less than three noble French families!

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Motto: Spero meliora (I hope for better things)
Origin of name: Movat (norse)

History
As far back as the time of Sir William Wallace, the Moffats were a powerful and influential borders family, who most likely gave their name to the town of Moffat in Dumfriesshire. The progenitor of the clan was a Norseman, William de Mont Alto, who came to Scotland in the tenth century. By the twelfth century the family was important enough to be designated as “de Moffet”, proving that their standing was high within the district.

Like many other borders families, the Moffat clan were raiders and reivers, and conducted long-running feuds with their neighbours. Their greatest enemies were the powerful Johnston clan, and the numerous squabbles between the two families culminated in the murder of Robert Moffat, the clan chief, by the Johnstons in the sixteenth century. The Johnstons went on to burn the building in which most of the Moffat family notables had gathered, and slaughtered all those who tried to escape. In one blow, the powerful Moffat clan was all but wiped out. Some seventy years after these events, the Moffat lands passed to the Johnston family, as a result of the Moffats’ overwhelming debts.

In later years the Moffats were considered a leaderless clan until 1983 when, after many years of research, Francis Moffat was recognised as the hereditary clan leader.

The Moffat family has always been linked with the church and in the thirteenth century Nicholas de Moffet, was the Bishop of Glasgow. Another notable churchman, the Rev. Robert Moffat, founded the Kuruman mission in Africa and his daughter went on to marry the famous explorer, David Livingstone.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Gaelic Name: Mèinnearach
Motto: With God I shall
Badge: Menzies heath
Lands: Atholl, Weem, Aberfeldy and Glendochart
Origin of Name: Norman, de Meyners
Pipe Music: Menzies’ March

History
Mesnieres in Normandy was the original home of the Norman family whose name was transformed to Manners, the surname of the Dukes of Rutland. A branch of this family moved into Lothian and then gradually into the Highlands of Scotland, where they became known first as de Meyneris, and eventually as Menzies.

Robert de Meyneris appeared at the court of Alexander II, where he gained royal patronage and rose to the heights of Chamberlain of Scotland in 1249.The Menzies family became established within the earldom of Atholl, and Robert’s son, Alexander Menzies, was granted property in the district of Strathtay. There are still many families of the name Menzies to be found in the area to this day. Alexander was also granted the property of Weem, though it took two centuries before the castle of Weem was built there.

The Menzies family achieved further successes by supporting Robert the Bruce – by the time of his death, the Menzies’ possessions stretched from Aberfeldy almost as far as Loch Lomond.

Another branch of the clan boasted a governor of Orkney and Shetland.

In the sixteenth century, James IV granted a charter converting the Menzies’ lands into a barony. By now the clan was gaelic speaking and the chief became known as “Am Mainnearach” meaning “The Menzies”.

It was a member of the Menzies family, Colonel James Menzies, who was responsible for the introduction of the larch tree to Scotland, which now flourishes throughout the Highlands. Brought from the Tyrol in 1737, the original trees can still be seen in the grounds of the Duke of Atholl’s residence.

Menzies Castle, the family seat of the clan, was used in World War II as a Polish army medical stores department, and was rescued from falling into decay by the Clan Menzies Society, who are now restoring the building.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

Motto: Reviresco (I grow strong again)
Lands: Nithsdale
Origin of Name: Placename, Borders

History
The name Maxwell originates from Maccus, a Norse chief and son of Undweyn, who gave his name to Maccuswell, a pool of the river Tweed near Kelso bridge. A grandson of Maccus, John Maxwell, became chamberlain of Scotland before dying in 1241, to be succeeded by his brother Aylmer.

From Aylmer sprang many branches of the family throughout the south-west of Scotland.

The Maxwell clan supported Robert the Bruce and fought at his side at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, under the clan chief of Eustace Maxwell. Herbert, the succeeding clan chief was knighted by James I for his services to the crown.

The Maxwell Lords followed a tradition of diplomacy and political intrigue – the fifth Lord was on friendly terms with Henry VII of England, while the seventh Lord was linked with a number of plots to restore Mary, Queen of Scots to her throne. After her execution he continued to seek support for a catholic revolution in Scotland, corresponding regularly with Philip of Spain.

The Maxwell family were created Earls of Nithsdale and the fifth earl, a staunch Jacobite, was captured at the Battle of Preston during the 1715 rising. He was taken to London, tried for treason and sentenced to death. On the eve of his execution he made a daring escape from the Tower of London, disguised as a serving woman. His wife assisted in this escape, and together they fled to the Continent, where they remained in exile.

Pollok House, the seat of the Maxwell Baronets of Pollok, is now of international importance, as it houses the world-famous Burrell Collection in its grounds.

VINTAGE 1931 SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH / BADGE "STAND SURE" ANDERSON US $21.45 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

VINTAGE SCOTTISH CLAN BROOCH / BADGE, DEUS JUVAT = MACDUFF US $11.86 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 11:02:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

Scottish Davidson Clan Crest made in Scotland US $9.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:04:09 PDT   | Watch this Item

New Boxed Masonic Gold Scottish Clan Crested Cufflinks US $18.16 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:05:51 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Tartan Clan Scarf Macbeth Modern 100% Pure Wool US $17.78 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

NEW Scottish Clan and Family Names - Martine, Roddy US $16.37 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:08:55 PDT   | Watch this Item

ANTIQUE VICTORIAN SCOTTISH SILVER CLAN BROOCH: SKELLATER FORBES US $47.41 (7 Bids) Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:10:44 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item

The Original Scottish Clan Stamp MacLennan - Russell US $18.97 Auction Ends: Sunday May-20-2012 12:24:18 PDT   | Watch this Item