Chiefs of Clan MacLeod

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The Chiefs of Clan MacLeod claim descent from Leod, a high-born Norse-Gael who is thought to have lived in the 13th century, but whose ancestors are known from multiple pedigrees at least into the early 12th or late 11th centuries. It is said that the chiefs of the clan have been seated at Dunvegan Castle since the time of Leod, and this on the Isle of Skye where for centuries they were sovereign within their own territories.

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In 1716, Norman MacLeod (today regarded as the 22nd Chief of Clan MacLeod) was created Lord MacLeod in the Jacobite Peerage.

In the early 20th century, the immediate senior male-line of the chiefs ended with Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod, 28th chief, daughter of Sir Reginald MacLeod of MacLeod, 27th chief. Sir Reginald was the first president of the Clan MacLeod Society, and his daughter also became president. Dame Flora selected one of her grandsons, John Wolrige-Gordon, as her successor. John later changed his surname to MacLeod of MacLeod, and on his grandmother's death in 1976 inherited Dunvegan Castle and the MacLeod estate. He was recognised by MacLeod clan societies as the 29th chief of the clan, and granted the chiefly arms by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. His second son, Hugh Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod, is currently recognised by the Associated Clan MacLeod Societies as the clan's 30th chief.

In recent years, an Australian MacLeod has claimed to be the rightful chief because he is acknowledged as having a direct male-line descent from a 17th-century chief, and is the senior agnate of the senior cadet branch. His supporters would contend that, because Guy MacLeod of Talisker is the senior agnate, he is the legitimate, de jure Chief of Clan MacLeod, regardless of any recognition given to the de facto chiefs by the Court of the Lord Lyon or by the modern clan society itself (which is not the same entity as the ancient Clan MacLeod). Guy MacLeod of Talisker has stated that he has no interest in the estates, only wanting acknowledgement of his right to the title. [1] See agnatic seniority.

List of chiefs

  Not descended in the male-line from previous clan chiefs
#NameDatesAncestral notes
1 Leod (Leòd)c. 1200–1280. [2] Today his ancestry is considered uncertain (Gael-Norse-Pictish). [2]
2 Norman (Tormod)aft.1220–bef.1280. [3] Son of Leod. Nothing certain is known about him. Created the Gaelic patronymic Sìol Thormoid [3]
3 Malcolm (Gillecaluim)1296–1370. [4] Son of Norman. [3] Considered the elder brother of Murdoch (Murchadh) whom Clan Macleod of The Lewes are thought to descend from. [5]
4 John (Iain Ciar)1320–1392. [6] Son of Malcolm. [6]
5 William 'the Clerk' (Uilleam Cleireach)1365–1409. [7] Son of John. [7]
6 John 'the Turbulent' (Iain Borb)1392–1448. [8] Son of William. [8]
7 William 'Long Sword' (Uilleam Dubh)1415–1480. [9] Son of John 'the Turbulent'. [9]
8 Alexander 'the Humpbacked' (Alasdair Crotach)1455–1547. [10] Son of William 'Long Sword'. [10]
9William1505–1551. [11] Son of Alexander. [11]
10 Mary 1543–aft.1602. [12] Daughter of William. [12]
11Donaldc. 1507–1557. [13] Younger son of Alexander (and younger brother of William and in consequence uncle to Mary). [13]
12Norman (Tormod)c. 1509–1589. [14] Younger son of Alexander (and younger brother of Donald, William and in consequence uncle to Mary). [14]
13Williamc. 1560–1590. [15] Son of Norman. [15]
14John1580–1595. [16] Son of William. [16]
15 Sir Roderick (Rory Mor; Ruairidh Mor)1573 [17] –1626. [18] Son of Norman (and younger brother of William and in consequence uncle to John). [18]
16John (Iain Mor)1595–1649. [19] Son of Sir Roderick. [19]
17Roderick 'the Witty' (Ruairidh Mir)1635–1664. [20] Son of John. [20]
18John 'the Speckled' (Iain Breac)1637–1693. [21] Son of John. [21]
19Roderick (Ruairidh Og)1674–1699. [22] Son of John 'the Speckled'. [22]
20Norman1685–1706. [23] Son of John 'the Speckled'. [23]
21John1704–1706. [24] Son of Norman. [24]
22 Norman 'the Wicked Man' 1705–1772. [25] Son of Norman. [25]
23 Norman 'the General' 1754–1801. [26] Grandson of Norman 'the Wicked Man'. [26]
24 John Norman 1788–1835. [27] Son of 'the General'. [27]
25 Norman 1812–1895. [28] Eldest son (second child) of John Norman. [27]
26 Norman Magnus 1839–1929. [29] Eldest son (second child) of Norman. [28]
27Sir Reginald, KCB 1847–1935. [30] Third son (fourth child) of Norman. [29]
28 Dame Flora Louisa Cecilia, DBE 1878–1976. [31] Eldest daughter of Sir Reginald. [30]
29 John 1935–2007. [32] Younger son of a daughter of Flora Louisa Cecilia. Named as heir by his grandmother in 1951 after changing his surname to Macleod of Macleod. [33]
30 Hugh Magnus 1973–Present. [34] Second son of John. [35] [36] [37] [38]

Wolrige-Gordon family

Norman MacLeod of MacLeod, 25th chief, died in 1895, leaving three sons. Norman Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod succeeded his father, becoming the 26th chief. The entail of the estate stipulated that Dunvegan Castle would only pass to a male, and on the failure of the male line to the daughter of the last surviving son. Norman Magnus died in 1929, and was succeeded by his brother, Sir Reginald MacLeod of MacLeod, 27th chief. On the death of Sir Reginald's younger brother, Canon Roderick MacLeod, in 1934, Sir Reginald's eldest daughter, Flora, became heir to the estate. On the death of Sir Reginald, in 1935, Flora inherited Dunvegan Castle and the MacLeod estate. Flora MacLeod of MacLeod was recognised as the clan's chief by the Clan MacLeod Society, [39] which was first formed in the 19th century. [40] She was later granted the arms of MacLeod of MacLeod by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. Dame Flora chose one of her grandsons as her successor, John Wolridge-Gordon, younger son of Capt. Robert Wolrige-Gordon and Joan Walter (daughter of Dame Flora). On being chosen heir, John changed his surname to MacLeod of MacLeod, and on his grandmother's death in 1976, inherited the castle and estate. John MacLeod of MacLeod was also recognised as the clan's chief by the society, and was later granted his grandmother's arms by the Lord Lyon. On his death in 2007, John was succeeded by his second son, Hugh Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod, [39] who was recognised as the clan's 30th chief by the Associated Clan MacLeod Societies, and granted his father's arms by the Lord Lyon. [39] [41]

Rival claims by MacLeod of Talisker

In 2007, following the death of John MacLeod of MacLeod, Guy MacLeod of Talisker, from Australia, claimed to be the rightful chief of Clan MacLeod. Talisker traces his descent, in the direct male-line, from the 17th-century chief Sir Rory Mor MacLeod; a descent acknowledged by leading clan genealogists. Talisker has stated that he is "keen that the bloodline shouldn't be lost". [1] The present chiefs, recognised by the Clan MacLeod Societies, descend from Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod (d. 1976), but are descended in the direct male-line from Robert Wolrige-Gordon (d. 1939), husband of Dame Flora's daughter, Joan Walter. [42] Talisker is quoted as asking, "How could John have been the chief of the MacLeods when he wasn't even a MacLeod?" [1] Although the Head of Clan MacLeod of Lewis comes through the male line, there are cases in which Clan Headships follow a female line, such as Clan MacLeod, Clan Keith and Clan Mackenzie.

See also

Related Research Articles

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Clan MacLeod is a Highland Scottish clan associated with the Isle of Skye. There are two main branches of the clan: the MacLeods of Harris and Dunvegan, known in Gaelic as Sìol Tormoid and the Clan MacLeod of Lewis Assynt and Raasay, known in Gaelic as Sìol Torcaill. Both branches claim descent from Leòd, a Norse-Gael who lived in the 13th century.

Leod was the eponymous ancestor and founder of Clan MacLeod and Clan MacLeod of Lewis. Almost nothing is known about him and he does not appear in any contemporary records. Tradition dating to the late 18th century made him a son of Olaf the Black who was King of Man. Heraldic evidence, dating to the late 17th century, is considered to be the earliest evidence of descent from Olaf the Black. However, in recent years, this traditional lineage has been challenged and is no longer considered fact by one historian.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fairy Flag</span> Heirloom of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod

The Fairy Flag is an heirloom of the chiefs of Clan MacLeod. It is held in Dunvegan Castle along with other notable heirlooms, such as the Dunvegan Cup and Sir Rory Mor's Horn. The flag is made of silk, is yellow or brown in colour, and is a square of side about 18 inches. It has been examined numerous times in the last two centuries, and its condition has somewhat deteriorated. It is ripped and tattered, and is considered to be extremely fragile. The flag is covered in small red "elf dots". In the early part of the 19th century, the flag was also marked with small crosses, but these have since disappeared. The silk of the flag has been stated to have originated in the Far East, and was therefore extremely precious, which led some to believe that the flag may have been an important relic of some sort. Others have attempted to associate the flag with the Crusades or even a raven banner, which was said to have been used by various Viking leaders in the British Isles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clan MacLeod of Lewis</span> Highland Scottish clan

Clan MacLeod of The Lewes, commonly known as Clan MacLeod of Lewis, is a Highland Scottish clan, which at its height held extensive lands in the Western Isles and west coast of Scotland. From the 14th century up until the beginning of the 17th century there were two branches of Macleods: the MacLeods of Dunvegan and Harris ; and the Macleods of the Isle of Lewis. In Gaelic the Macleods of Lewis were known as Sìol Thorcaill, and the MacLeods of Dunvegan and Harris were known as Sìol Thormoid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dunvegan Cup</span>

The Dunvegan Cup is a wooden ceremonial cup, decorated with silver plates, which dates to 1493. It was created at the request of Caitríona, wife of John Maguire, lord of Fermanagh. The cup is an heirloom of the Macleods of Dunvegan, and is held at their seat of Dunvegan Castle.

John MacLeod of MacLeod, born John Wolrige-Gordon was the 29th Chief of Clan MacLeod. Faced with the need for expensive repairs to the clan's seat at Dunvegan Castle on the Isle of Skye, his proposed methods to raise funds caused considerable controversy. His twin brother, Patrick Wolrige-Gordon (1935–2002), was MP for East Aberdeenshire.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roderick MacLeod of MacLeod</span>

Sir Roderick MacLeod of MacLeod, also known as Rory MacLeod, was the 15th Chief of Clan MacLeod and one of the most famed and notorious chiefs of that clan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Flora MacLeod of MacLeod</span> Scottish clan chief

Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod, was the 28th Chief of Clan MacLeod.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sir Rory Mor's Horn</span>

Sir Rory Mor's Horn is a drinking horn, one of several heirlooms of the MacLeods of Dunvegan, chiefs of Clan MacLeod. Clan custom is that each successive chief is to drink a full measure of the horn in wine to prove his manhood. The artwork on the horn has been dated to the 16th century, and by some as far back as the 10th century. The MacLeod chiefs have several other notable heirlooms kept at Dunvegan Castle, such as the Fairy Flag and the Dunvegan Cup.

Norman MacLeod of MacLeod was the 25th Chief of Clan MacLeod.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Reginald MacLeod of MacLeod</span>

Sir Reginald MacLeod of MacLeod was the 27th Chief of Clan MacLeod.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norman Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod</span>

Norman Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod was the 26th Chief of Clan MacLeod.

Tormod MacLeod, sometimes referred to as Norman MacLeod, was a west Highland lord, and son of Leod, the traditional founder and eponymous ancestor of Clan MacLeod. Little is known about Tormod; like his father Leod, he does not appear in any contemporary records. His name is remembered today in the Scottish Gaelic name Sìol Thormoid, used by a branch of his descendants, the MacLeods of Dunvegan, who are chiefs of Clan MacLeod.

Torquil MacLeod was a Hebridean lord and is today considered to be the founder of the MacLeods of Lewis, who are known in Gaelic as Sìol Torcaill. He was the son of Murdoch MacLeod, and a great-grandson of Leod, eponymous ancestor of the MacLeods.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Iain Borb MacLeod</span> Scottish clan chief

Iain Borb MacLeod (1392–1442) is considered to be the sixth chief of Clan MacLeod. He is the first MacLeod chief to which heraldry can be assigned. Clan tradition states that he was a minor at the time of his father's death and for six years an incompetent guardian led the clan to its lowest point in clan history. After reaching the age of maturity, Iain Borb managed to acquire some of the clan's lost lands and led his clan and his kinsmen in the Battle of Harlaw, in 1411. Iain Borb was wounded in the head during the conflict; the wound never completely healed and confined him to his home on Pabbay for much of his life. Tradition states that he died when this wound re-opened during a fencing/wrestling match. There is some disagreement as to which of his sons was the eldest; however, his son William Dubh was the one who finally succeeded to the chiefship, following his death in 1442.

Malcolm MacLeod (1296–1370) is considered to be the 3rd Chief of Clan MacLeod. He was the son of Tormod. Malcolm and his kinsman Torquil are the first MacLeod chiefs to appear in contemporary records. Clan tradition states he was the greatest hero of the clan and links him to the origin of the clan relic known as Sir Rory Mor's Horn. He is said to have become extremely overweight in his old age and was known as 'Good Fat Malcolm' or 'Malcolm the thick-legged'. According to tradition he was buried at Iona. Malcolm's son, Iain Ciar MacLeod, succeeded him as chief of the clan.

William Dubh MacLeod is considered to be the 7th Chief of Clan MacLeod. He is thought to have been a younger son, yet because of the death of his elder brother, William Dubh succeeded his father, Iain Borb, in the year 1442. William Dubh was an old man when he was killed, leading his clan, at the Battle of Bloody Bay in 1480. He was the last MacLeod chief to be buried on the island of Iona. He was succeeded by his son, Alasdair Crotach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alasdair Crotach MacLeod</span> Scottish clan chief

Alasdair Crotach MacLeod is considered to be the 8th Chief of Clan MacLeod. He was the son of the 7th Chief of Clan MacLeod, William Dubh, and succeeded his father in 1480, following William Dubh's death at the Battle of Bloody Bay. He was the first MacLeod chief not to be buried on the island of Iona.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Norman MacLeod (The Wicked Man)</span> Scottish clan chief

Norman MacLeod of MacLeod (1705–1772), also known as The Wicked Man, was an 18th-century Scottish politician and the 22nd Chief of Clan MacLeod.

John Norman MacLeod was a British politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1828 to 1830. He was the 24th Chief of Clan MacLeod.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Aussie builder claims MacLeod chief status, The Herald, 17 March 2007, retrieved 7 August 2010
  2. 1 2 "Leod OLAFSON (I Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Archived from the original on 13 May 2008. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  3. 1 2 3 "Tormod Norman MACLEOD (II Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  4. ↑ "Malcolm Gillecaluim MACLEOD (III Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  5. ↑ "Murdoch Murchadh MACLEOD (I of Lewis)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  6. 1 2 "John Iain Ciar MACLEOD (IV Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  7. 1 2 "William Cleireach MACLEOD (V Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  8. 1 2 "John Iain_Borb MACLEOD (VI Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  9. 1 2 "William Dubh MACLEOD (VII Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  10. 1 2 "Alexander Alisdair_Crotach MACLEOD (VIII Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  11. 1 2 "William MACLEOD (IX Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  12. 1 2 "Mary MACLEOD (X Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  13. 1 2 "Donald MACLEOD (XI Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  14. 1 2 "Tormod [Norman] MACLEOD (XII Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  15. 1 2 "William MACLEOD (XIII Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  16. 1 2 "John MACLEOD (XIV Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  17. ↑ Macleod, R.C. The Book of Dunvegan, Volume First (1938), at page 23.
  18. 1 2 "Sir_Roderick Ruairidh_Mor MACLEOD (XV Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  19. 1 2 "John Iain Mor MACLEOD (XVI Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  20. 1 2 "Roderick Rory_the_Witty Ruairidh_Mir MACLEOD (XVII Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  21. 1 2 "John Iain_Breac MACLEOD (XVIII Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  22. 1 2 "Roderick Ruairidh_Og MACLEOD (XIX Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  23. 1 2 "Norman MACLEOD (XX Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  24. 1 2 "John MACLEOD (XXI Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  25. 1 2 "Norman The_Red_Man MACLEOD (XXII Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Archived from the original on 24 September 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  26. 1 2 "Norman The_General MACLEOD (XXIII Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  27. 1 2 3 "John Norman MACLEOD (XXIV Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  28. 1 2 "Norman MACLEOD (XXV Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  29. 1 2 "Norman Magnus MACLEOD (XXVI Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  30. 1 2 "Sir_Reginald MACLEOD (XXVII Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  31. ↑ "Flora MACLEOD (XXVIII Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  32. ↑ "John MacLeod_of MACLEOD (XXVII Chief)". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  33. ↑ "John MacLeod of MacLeod". The Daily Telegraph. London. 15 February 2007. Retrieved 29 January 2008.[ dead link ]
  34. ↑ "Hugh_Magnus Magnus MacLeod_of MACLEOD". www.macleodgenealogy.org. Retrieved 20 March 2009.
  35. ↑ BBC News, Scotland, Wednesday, 14 February 2007, 10:19 GMT
  36. ↑ The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs website - Chiefs Archived 2011-07-26 at the Wayback Machine
  37. ↑ The Scotsman 26 July 2010
  38. ↑ The Herald, Thursday 12 August 2010
  39. 1 2 3 The 19th and 20th Centuries, Clan MacLeod Society of Scotland (www.clan-macleod-scotland.org.uk), retrieved 23 August 2010
  40. ↑ The Records of the Clan MacLeod Society of America, Old Dominion University , retrieved 23 August 2010
  41. ↑ Chief Hugh MacLeod of MacLeod, The Associated Clan MacLeod Societies (www.clanmacleod.org), archived from the original on 20 July 2011, retrieved 23 August 2010
  42. ↑ Dewar, Peter Beauclerk (2001). Burke's landed gentry of Great Britain: together with members of the titled and non-titled contemporary establishment (19, illustrated ed.). Burke's Peerage & Gentry. pp. 532–533. ISBN   978-0-9711966-0-5.
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