Scottish Clans - Clan Gordon

SCOTTISH CLANS - GORDON


MOTTO REMAINING	CLAN TARTAN GORDON DRESS COLOURS

The name Gordon is a territorial reference derived from the Parish of Gordon in Berwickshire. The Gordons are of Norman origin and settled in Southern Scotland in the 12th century. The wild boar’s head on the Gordon arms is supposed to relate to an incident when the first Gordon saved the king from an attacking boar. In the 14th century Sir Adam de Gordon was granted lands at Strathbogie in Aberdeenshire by King Robert the Bruce. Sir Adam was a supporter of Robert and travelled to Rome to intercede with the Pope on his behalf, after his excommunication. In 1449 Alexander Gordon was created Earl of Huntly and was given the lands of Strathbogie, which had formerly belonged to the Earl of Atholl. The castle thereafter became known as Castle Huntly. During a dispute, the Gordons overcame Clan Douglas and as a result gained the nickname of “Cock o’ the North”.

Although catholic, the family did not support Mary, Queen of Scots and fought with her supporters. This resulted in the death of the Earl and the beheading of his son. George, 4th Earl of Huntly became Chancellor of Scotland in 1547. George, 6th Earl of Huntly who defeated Argyll at the Battle of Glenlivet, was created Marquess in 1599. In 1684 George, the 4th Marquess was created Duke of Gordon by King Charles II. The Dukedom became extinct after the 5th duke. In the Jacobite Risings of 1715 and 1745 the Gordons fought on both sides. The 2nd Duke was out for the Jacobites in 1715.

In 1745 the 3rd Duke supported the Hanoverians, though his brother raised a regiment for Prince Charles. The Gordon Highlanders were raised in 1794 with the help of the celebrated 4th Duchess. The Marquis of Huntly is now Chief of the clan Gordon.