Clan Campbell
Na Caimbeulaich[1]
Crest: A boar's head fessways erased Or, armed Argent, langued Gules
MottoNe Obliviscaris ("Forget Not")
SloganCruachan! (from the mountain)
Profile
RegionHighlands
DistrictArgyll
Plant badgeBog Myrtle
Pipe music"The Campbells Are Coming" (also known in Scottish Gaelic as "Baile Inneraora")
Chief
Torquhil Ian Campbell
The 13th Duke of Argyll (Mac Cailein Mór) ('MacCailein Mor')
SeatInveraray Castle
Historic seatCastle Campbell
Septs of Clan Campbell
Arthur, MacArtair, MacArthur, MacCarter.[2] Bannatyne, Ballantyne, Blanton.[2] Brunton, Burnes, Burness, Burnett, Burns.[2] Caddell, Cadell, Calder, Calvert, Camp[2] Connochie, Conochie, MacConachie, MacConchie, MacConnechy, MacConochie.[2] Denoon, Denune.[2] Gant, Gibbon, MacGibbon, MacGubbin.[2] Harres, Harris, Hardy, Hawes, Haws, Hawson.[2] Hastings.[2] Isaac, Isaacs, Kemp, Kissack, Kissock, MacIsaac, MacKessack, MacKessock, MacKissock.[2] Iverson, Macever, Macgure, MacIver, MacIvor, Macure, Orr, Ure.[2] Kellar, Keller, Maceller, MacKellar (also McKellar), McKerrow.[2] Lorne.[2] McGilekeyr (also Gilkie,Gilkey), Louden, Loudon, Loudoun, Lowden, Lowdon.[2] MacColm, MacColmbe, MacLaws, MacLehose, MacTause, MacThomas, Riddell,[2] MacDermid, MacDermott, MacDiarmid.[2] MacElvie, MacKelvie.[2] MacGlasrich.[2] MacKerlie.[2] MacNichol.[2] MacNocaird.[2] MacOran.[2] Macowen.[2] MacPhedran,[2] MacPhederain,[3] Paterson.[3] MacPhun.[2] Moore, Muir.[2] Ochiltree.[2] Pinkerton.[2] Tanner, Tonner, Torrie, Torry.[2]
Clan branches
Allied clans
Rival clans

Clan Campbell (Scottish Gaelic: Na Caimbeulaich [na ˈkʰaimbəl̪ˠɪç]) is a Highland Scottish clan, historically one of the largest and most powerful of the Highland clans.[4] The Clan Campbell lands are in Argyll and within their lands lies Ben Cruachan. The chief of the clan became Earl of Argyll and later Duke of Argyll.

History

19th-century depiction of a Campbell of Argyll by R.R. McIan

Origins

In traditional genealogies of Clan Campbell, the clan's origins are in the ancient Britons of Strathclyde.[5] The earliest Campbell in written record is Gillespie, whose name is recorded in 1263.[5] Early grants to Gillespie and his relations were almost all in east-central Scotland. The family's connection with Argyll came some generations earlier when a Campbell married the heiress of the O'Duines and she brought with her the Lordship of Loch Awe.[5] Because of this, the early clan name was Clan O'Duine. The name was later styled Clann Diarmaid based on a fancied connection to Diarmuid the Boar, a great hero from early Celtic mythology.[5]

The original seat of Clan Campbell was either Innes Chonnel Castle on Loch Awe or Caisteal na Nigheann Ruaidh on Loch Avich. The clan's power soon spread throughout Argyll, though at first the Campbells were under the domination of the Lords of Lorne, chiefs of Clan MacDougall. The MacDougalls killed the Campbell chief Cailean Mór (Colin Campbell) in 1296. (See: Battle of Red Ford.) All subsequent chiefs of Clan Campbell have taken MacCailean Mór as their Gaelic patronymic.[5]

Between 1200 and 1500, the Campbells emerged as one of the most powerful families in Scotland, dominant in Argyll and capable of wielding a wider influence and authority from Edinburgh to the Hebrides and western Highlands.[6]

Wars of Scottish Independence

Early in the 14th century, the family of Colin Campbell became firm supporters of King Robert the Bruce and benefited from his successes through grants of lands, titles, and good marriages.[6] In 1314, the Campbells fought for Scotland against England in the Wars of Scottish Independence at the Battle of Bannockburn.[6] Throughout the 14th century, Clan Campbell rapidly expanded its lands and power. The expansion is explained in part by the loyalty of Sir Neil Campbell (Niall mac Caile) (died 1316) to the cause of Robert the Bruce, a loyalty that was rewarded with marriage to Bruce's sister Mary.[6] The family was closely associated with the Stewarts and the Bruces in the time of Cailean Mór.[5] Sir Neil, as a staunch ally of Robert the Bruce, was rewarded with extensive lands that had been taken from Clan MacDougall, the Lords of Lorne, and other enemies of the Bruces in Argyll.[5]

15th century and royal relations

Innes Chonnel Castle on Loch Awe, possibly the earliest seat of Clan Campbell.

The Campbells gave support to the Crown throughout the 15th century.[5] By the end of the 15th century, the power of the Lords of the Isles (chiefs of Clan Donald), the Crown's most powerful rivals, had been broken, and the Campbells were the main power in the area.[5] From this time onward, the Campbells acted as the central authority in the area; this transition of power might be the real cause of the ancient enmity between the Campbells and the MacDonalds.[5]

Descendants of Sir Duncan Campbell, 1st Lord Campbell (Donnchadh), and his wife Lady Marjorie Stewart are descendants of Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, and Robert II Stewart, King of Scotland. Lady Marjorie Stewart (born circa 1390) was the daughter of King Robert II's son, Robert Stewart, 1st Duke of Albany.[6] This makes all descendants of Sir Duncan Campbell and Lady Marjorie Stewart descendants of Robert I Bruce and of most of the early kings of Scotland.[6]

The title of 1st Lord Campbell was created in 1445. In the second half of the 15th century, the Campbells played an increasingly prominent role in Scotland. During his reign, James I of Scotland launched a great political assault on the Albany Stewarts and their allies in the west. However, Duncan Campbell, 1st Lord Campbell (Donnchadh), escaped the fate of his Albany kinsmen, who all were either executed or exiled.[6]

Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll (Cailean), was ennobled as Earl of Argyll in 1457 and later became Baron of Lorn. He also was granted lands in Knapdale. The title and land grants were signs that the Argylls were one of the major forces in Scotland.[6] In 1493, after the forfeiture of the MacDonalds as Lords of the Isles, the Campbell lords might well have viewed themselves as natural successors to Clan Donald in terms of leadership of the Gaels of the Hebrides and western Highlands.[6] The Campbell lordship thus remained one of the most significant bastions of Gaelic learning and culture in late medieval and early modern Scotland.[6]

In the Battle of Knockmary in 1490, men of Clan Campbell and Clan Drummond joined forces to defeat Clan Murray.[7] The battle also became known as the Massacre of Monzievaird. In 1499, Campbell of Inverliver defeated Clan Calder at the Battle of Daltullich. Sir John Campbell, the younger son of the Earl of Argyll, subsequently received the estate of Calder and Cawdor Castle through his marriage to the estate's heiress, Muriel Calder.[8][9][10]

16th century and clan conflicts

In 1513, the 2nd Earl of Argyll was killed along with many of his clan at the Battle of Flodden.[11][12]

The Battle of Langside took place in 1568 where the chief of Clan Campbell, Archibald Campbell, 5th Earl of Argyll, commanded the forces who fought for Mary, Queen of Scots.[11]

In 1567, a conflict took place between the Clan Campbell and Clan Arthur. Duncan MacArthur and his son of the Loch Awe MacArthur family, became the victims of their own success when jealousy of their power drove neighbours to drown them in Loch Awe during a skirmish with the Clan Campbell. In the archives of Inveraray Castle a charter dated 1567 confirms that a pardon was granted to the Campbells of Inverawe for what became known as the "drowning of Clan Arthur".[13] It is believed that the MacArthurs trying to defend themselves were driven into the loch. Centuries later in the 1970s an ancient sword was unearthed on the shore of the loch.[14][15]

For two centuries from the mid-15th century the Clan Gordon and Clan Campbell controlled the north-east and west of Scotland respectively, as the magnates who straddled the divide between the Scottish Highlands and Scottish Lowlands.[16] In 1594, Archibald Campbell, 7th Earl of Argyll was granted a Royal Commission against George Gordon, 6th Earl of Huntly but was defeated at the Battle of Glenlivet.[17]

17th century and Civil War

The support that the Campbells gave to the central Government brought them rewards: In 1607, Archibald Campbell, 7th Earl of Argyll was granted the former MacDonald lands of Kintyre and in 1615 Campbell of Cawdor was allowed to purchase the Isle of Islay which had previously belonged to the Macleans of Duart.[5]

Kilchurn Castle, seat of the Campbells of Glenorchy.

At the Battle of Inverlochy (1645), the Scottish Covenanter forces led by Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll were defeated by the Royalist forces of James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose whose army was mainly made up of Scots of the Clan MacDonald, Clan Maclean, and others from Ireland. After the Battle of Inverlochy, Montrose and the Macleans burnt Castle Campbell, but the castle remained in Campbell hands.[18] In the wake of the Battle of Inverlochy the Clan Lamont took the opportunity to raid the Campbell lands.[19][20] The vengeful Campbells also ravaged the lands of the Clan Maclean who had fought against them at Inverlochy and in due course the Maclean's Duart Castle surrendered.[21]

In 1648, at the Battle of Stirling (1648) the Kirk Party Covenanter forces of Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll were defeated by the Engager Covenanter forces of Sir George Munro, 1st of Newmore who supported the Earl of Lanark. Among Argyll's dead was William Campbell of Glenfalloch killed in action.[22]

In 1672, a feud took place between the Clan Campbell and Clan Sinclair. Debt had forced George Sinclair, 6th Earl of Caithness to resign his titles and estates in favour of Sir John Campbell.[23] Campbell took possession of the estates on Sinclair's death in May 1676, and was created earl of Caithness in June the following year.[23] Sinclair's heir, George Sinclair of Keiss disputed the claim and seized the land in 1678.[23] This was followed by the Battle of Altimarlech, 13 July 1680, between the Clan Campbell and the Clan Sinclair in which the Campbells were victorious.[23] Legend has it that so many Sinclairs were killed that the Campbells were able to cross the river without getting their feet wet.[23] Having failed to regain his inheritance by force, Sinclair of Keiss then turned to the law. He took his place as Earl of Caithness on 15 July 1681, and his lands were restored on 23 September.[23] Campbell was made Earl of Breadalbane by way of compensation.[23]

In 1678, Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll led the Campbell of Argyll militia on an expedition to the Isle of Mull and took Duart Castle from the Clan Maclean.[24] However, Argyll was beheaded on 30 June 1685 for his participation in Argyll's Rising in support of the Monmouth Rebellion to depose Catholic James VII and II and place the Protestant James, Duke of Monmouth on the throne.[25] Later in 1692, Archibald Campbell, 1st Duke of Argyll again gained possession of the Maclean's Duart Castle.[26]

In 1692, 38 unarmed people of the Clan MacDonald of Glencoe were killed in the Massacre of Glencoe when a Government initiative to suppress Jacobitism was entangled in the long running feud between Clan MacDonald and Clan Campbell. The slaughter of the MacDonalds at the hands of the soldiers, led by Captain Robert Campbell of Glenlyon, after enjoying their hospitality for over a week was a major affront of Scots Law and Highland tradition. The majority of soldiers were not Campbells, but a roll call from a few months before included six Campbells in addition to Cpt. Robt. Campbell: Corporal Achibald Campbell, Private Archibald Campbell (elder), Private Donald Campbell (younger), Private Archibald Campbell (younger), Private James Campbell, Private Donald Campbell (elder), and Private Duncan Campbell.[27] See also: Earl of Argyll's Regiment of Foot.

18th century and Jacobite Uprisings

Jacobite rising of 1715

During the Jacobite risings of the 18th century the Clan Campbell supported the British-Hanoverian Government. On 23 October 1715, chief John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll learned that a detachment of rebels was passing by Castle Campbell, towards Dunfermline. He sent out a body of cavalry which attacked the rebel party and defeated it in what is now known as the Skirmish of Dunfermline and took a number of prisoners, taking only light casualties.[28] A month later the British Government forces, including men from Clan Campbell, fought and defeated the Jacobites at the Battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715. However, there were in fact a small number of Campbells who took the side of the Jacobites led by the son of Campbell of Glenlyon whose father had commanded the Government troops at the Massacre of Glencoe against the MacDonalds 22 years earlier. These two families then settled their differences and swore to be brothers in arms, fighting side by side in the Sheriffmuir. However, the British Government forces led by chief John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll defeated the Jacobites.[29]

The Black Watch

General Wade's report on the Highlands in 1724 estimated the strength of the clan who supported the Government under the Duke of Argyll as 4,000 men, whilst those under Campbell of Breadalbane who had supported the Jacobites in 1715, as 1000 men.[30] In 1725, six Independent Highland Companies were formed to support the Government: three from Clan Campbell, one from Clan Fraser of Lovat, one from Clan Munro and one from Clan Grant. These companies were known by the name Reicudan Dhu, or Black Watch. The Regiment of the Line was formed officially in 1739 as the 42nd Regiment of Foot and first mustered in 1740, at Aberfeldy.

Jacobite rising of 1745

Just before 1745, the strength of the Clan Campbell had been put at a total of 5,000 men.[5] During the Jacobite rising of 1745, the Clan Campbell continued their support for the British Government. They fought against the rebel Jacobites at the Battle of Falkirk (1746) where Government forces were defeated. However, shortly afterwards the Campbells held out during the Siege of Fort William where the Jacobites were defeated.[31] The Campbells were also involved in the Skirmish of Keith around the same time.[32] At the Battle of Culloden in 1746 where the Jacobites were finally defeated, involved in the fighting on the Government side were four companies from the Campbell of Argyll Militia, three companies from Loudon's Highlanders who were under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John Campbell and one company from the 43rd Highlanders who were under the command of Captain Dugald Campbell of Auchrossan.[33]

Castles

Inveraray Castle, seat of the Duke of Argyll, Chief of Clan Campbell.

Castles that have belonged to the Clan Campbell have included amongst many others:

Tartans

The "old" or "ancient" Campbell tartan, also known as Black Watch or the Government sett. The tartan is still in current use by several military units throughout the Commonwealth.[36]

Although mills produce many fabrics based on the Campbell tartan, the clan chief recognizes only four:

  • Campbell or old Campbell:[37] In darker tones, it is more commonly known as the Black Watch tartan or the Government sett. The Black Watch, first raised in 1695 to police the "black trade" of cattle smuggling in the Highlands, taking role later as a militia in 1725 by General Wade (after the act of Union in 1707), became what was the first Highland regiment in the British Army.[36] All Campbell tartans are based upon the Old Campbell tartan, as are many other clan tartans. The Black Watch variant was used, and is in current use, by several military units throughout the Commonwealth.[36]
  • Campbell of Breadalbane:[37] the tartan of the Campbells of the Breadalbane and Glenorchy branches.[37]
  • Campbell of Cawdor:[37] the tartan of the Campbells of the Cawdor branch.[37]
  • Campbell of Loudoun:[37] the tartan of the Campbells of the Loudoun branch.[37]

George Campbell, 6th Duke of Argyll added a white line to his tartan to distinguish himself as the clan chief. He was the only member of the family to do so, but the tartan has persisted as "Campbell of Argyll" which, as with any other tartan not listed above, is not recognized as official by the clan.[38]

Chief

Branches

Duke of
Argyll
Marquess of Breadalbane
Earl of Cawdor
Earl of Loudoun
Campbell of Aberuchill
Campbell of Ardchattan
Campbell of Barcaldine
Campbell of Cawdor
Campbell of Clathick
Campbell of Lawers
Campbell of Lochaw
Campbell of Lochdochart
Campbell of Lochnell
Campbell of Monzie
Campbell of Moy
Campbell of Ottar
Campbell of Park
Campbell of Possil
Campbell of Smiddygreen
Campbell of Craignish
Campbell of Auchinbreck
Campbell of Auchawillig
Campbell of Ardentinny
Campbell of Ardkinglas
Campbell of Gargunnock
Campbell of Inverneil
Lord Stratheden
Campbell of Netherplace
Campbell of Glenlyon
Campbell of
Lix
Campbell of Blythswood
Campbell of Glenfalloch

See also

References

  1. ↑ Mac an Tàilleir, Iain. "Ainmean Pearsanta" (docx). Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. Retrieved 15 October 2009.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 "Official List of Septs of Clan Campbell". Retrieved 3 June 2007.
  3. 1 2 Campbell, A, A History of Clan Campbell; Volume 1, From Origins to the Battle of Flodden, p.254-255
  4. ↑ "The story of the Campbells, one of the mightiest of all the clans of Scotland". The National. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Way, George of Plean; Squire, Romilly of Rubislaw (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins (for the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 90–92. ISBN 0-00-470547-5.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Lynch, Michael, ed. (2011). Oxford Companion to Scottish History. Oxford University Press. pp. 64–66. ISBN 978-0-19-923482-0.
  7. ↑ "Clan Drummond". Electricscotland.com. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
  8. ↑ Cawdor, John Frederick Vaughan Campbell; Innes, Cosmo (1859). The Book of the Thanes of Cawdor: A Series of Papers Selected from the Charter Room at Cawdor. pp. 102–104.
  9. ↑ Shaw, Lachlan (1827). The history of the province of Moray. J. Grant. p. 156.
  10. ↑ Wimberley, Douglas (1893). "Campbells of Inverliver". Memorials of four old families, viz. Campbell of Kilmartin [and some notes on the family of Campbell of Inverness], Gordon of Lesmoir, Irvine of Drum, Wimberley of South Witham & Beechfield. With pedigrees and ... illustrations. Inverness: D. Wimberley. p. 26.
  11. 1 2 "Clan Campbell Timeline". inveraray-castle.com. Archived from the original on 10 March 2011. Retrieved 24 May 2014.
  12. ↑ Guthrie, William (1767). A General History of Scotland. Vol. 4. Paternoster Row, London: A. Hamilton, Robinson and Roberts. pp. 371-372. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
  13. ↑ Moncreiffe, Iain (1982). The Highland Clans: The Dynastic Origins, Chiefs and Background of The Clans And Some Other Families Connected With Highland History. London, Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Johannesburg: Barrie and Jenkins. p. 122. ISBN 9780091447403. Retrieved 16 June 2022.
  14. ↑ "MacArthurs of Tirevadich". Clanarthur.com. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
  15. ↑ "History of the MacArthur Clan". Rampantscotland.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
  16. ↑ Lynch, Michael, ed. (2011). Oxford Companion to Scottish History. Oxford University Press. p. 273. ISBN 978-0-19-923482-0.
  17. ↑ Campbell, Alistair of Airds (2002). A History of Clan Campbell: From Flodden to the Restoration. Edinburgh University Press. pp. 113–117.
  18. ↑ Castle Campbell historic-scotland.gov.uk. Retrieved 19 March 2016.
  19. ↑ Way, George of Plean; Squire, Romilly of Rubislaw (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins (for the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 188–189. ISBN 0-00-470547-5.
  20. ↑ Levene, Mark; Roberts, Penny (1999). The Massacre in History. Berghahn Books. ISBN 1-57181-934-7.
  21. ↑ Campbell, Alastair (2004). A History of Clan Campbell: From the Restoration to the Present Day. Edinburgh University Press. p. 15.
  22. ↑ "Battle of Stirling@ScotsWars.com". Archived from the original on 14 April 2005.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Anderson, William (1862). The Scottish nation: or, The surnames, families, literature, honours, and biographical history of the people of Scotland. Fullarton. pp. 524–5 – via Internet Archive.
  24. ↑ Campbell, Alastair (2004). A History of Clan Campbell: From the Restoration to the Present Day. Edinburgh University Press. p. 22.
  25. ↑ Campbell, Alastair (2004). A History of Clan Campbell: From the Restoration to the Present Day. Edinburgh University Press. pp. 39–60.
  26. ↑ Campbell, Alastair (2004). A History of Clan Campbell: From the Restoration to the Present Day. Edinburgh University Press. p. xviii.
  27. ↑ Campbell, Alastair (2004). A History of Clan Campbell: From the Restoration to the Present Day. Edinburgh University Press. pp. 80–93.
  28. ↑ Chambers, Robert. (1856). Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Scotsmen - Significant Scots John Campbell. (New edition along with the supplemental volume says by the Rev. Thos. Thomson). electricscotland.com. Retrieved 25, February 2012.
  29. ↑ Battle of Sheriffmuir clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  30. ↑ Johnston, Thomas Brumby; Robertson, James Alexander; Dickson, William Kirk (1899). "General Wade's Report". Historical Geography of the Clans of Scotland. Edinburgh and London: W. & A.K. Johnston. pp. 25–26. Retrieved 16 February 2020.
  31. ↑ Siege of Fort William clan-cameron.org. Retrieved 18 December 2013.
  32. ↑ Forbes, Robert, Bishop of Ross; Blaikie, Waltar Biggar (1895). The Lyon In Mourning : or, A Collection of Speeches, Letters, Journals etc. relative to the affairs of Prince Charles Edward Stuart. Vol. 2. Edinburgh: Printed at the University Press by T. and A. Constable for the Scottish History Society. pp. 213-217.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  33. ↑ Pollard, Tony (2009). Culloden: The History and Archaeology of the last Clan Battle. South Yorkshire: Pen and Sword Books. pp. 71–72. ISBN 978-1-84884-020-1.
  34. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Coventry, Martin (2008). Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans. Musselburgh: Goblinshead. pp. 76–87. ISBN 978-1-899874-36-1.
  35. ↑ Coventry, Martin (1997) The Castles of Scotland. Goblinshead. ISBN 1-899874-10-0 p.238
  36. 1 2 3 Government, or Black Watch Retrieved 11 September 2007
  37. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Which are the authentic Campbell tartans? Archived 14 August 2012 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved 11 September 2007
  38. ↑ "Clan Campbell Tartans". Ccsna.org. Archived from the original on 14 August 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2012.
  39. ↑ "ccsna.org". ccsna.org. Retrieved 1 April 2012.

Works cited

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