Clan Macnaghten

Last updated

Macnaghten
MacNeachdainn [1]
Clan member crest badge - Clan Macnaghten.svg
Crest: A castle embattled, Gules.
MottoI hope in God [1]
War cry Fraoch Eilean meaning The Heathery Isle
Profile
Region Strathtay, Lewis, Argyll, Galloway
DistrictHighland and Lowland
Plant badge Trailing Azalea Proper [2]
Chief
Macnaghten of Macnaghten arms.svg
Sir Malcolm Francis MacNaghten of MacNaghten [1]
baronet of Bushmills House
Seat Dundarave House [3]
Historic seat Dundarave Castle [3]
Septs of Macnaghten
Ayson, (Mac)Coll, (Mac)Cracken, (Mac)Harry(ie), (Mac)Hendry, (Mac)Henrie, (Mac)Henry, (Mac)Kendrick, (Mac)Knight, (Mac)Nair(y), (Mac)Naught, (Mac)Neid, (Mac)Nevin (Mac)Nitt, (Mac)Norton, (Mac)Portland, (Mac)Quake(r), (Mac)Rac(k), (Mac)Racken,(Mac)Vicar(s), (Mac)Vicker(s), Mannis(e), Porter, Weir
Clan branches
MacNaghten of MacNaghten (chiefs)
MacNaghten of Dundarave(historic chiefs)
MacNaught of Kilquhanty (senior cadets)
Allied clans
Rival clans

Clan Macnaghten (sometimes spelt as MacNachten, MacNaughton, McNaughton or McNorton), Scottish Gaelic: MacNeachdain, [4] is a Scottish clan. [5] [6]

Contents

History

Origins of the clan

Traditional origins

The Clan Macnaghten are amongst the Scottish clans who claim descent from the early Pictish rulers of the Mormaer of Moray. [5] The name Nectan means pure or clear and was popular in at least one Pictish royal branch. [5]

Recorded origins

Three brothers are recorded in the thirteenth century: Gilchrist, Athe and Gilbert, all sons of Malcolm Macnachten. [5] Before 1287 Gilchrist received a charter from Alexander III of Scotland who died in 1287 which granted to him the keepership of a castle on the island of Fraoch Eilean (Heather Isle) in Loch Awe warding the eastern approach to the narrow Pass of Brander, which was the gateway to the west. [5]

Wars of Scottish Independence

The Macnaghtens came to Loch Awe and as a result became neighbours of the powerful and acquisitive Clan Campbell. [5] The Campbells were quick to support Robert the Bruce when he set out to claim his throne; however, the Macnaghtens, who were under the influence of the Clan MacDougall, opposed him. [5] The Macnaghtens formed part of the MacDougall host that fought against Robert the Bruce's army at the Battle of Dalrigh in 1306 but had changed sides and joined Bruce at the August 1308 Battle of the Pass of Brander. [5] The Macnaghtens continued their new allegiance and a Baron Macnachten (possibly Alexander Macnachten) is recorded as fighting at the Battle of Bannockburn for the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence. [5] The Macnaghtens did not gain much from their late change of allegiance and from that point onwards the Campbells dominated Loch Awe. [5]

The second wife of Alexander Macnaghten, who may be a son of the man who fought at Bannockburn, was his cousin Christina Campbell of Craignish. [5] When she became a widow about 1360 she granted one third of the Macnaghten lands in 1361 to obtain protection from her cousin, Colin Campbell of Lochow and his blessing to marry his servant. [5] Alexander Macnaghten's son, Duncan, succeeded to the rest of the lands. [5] His seat was at Dunderave Castle and Dunderave became the territorial designation of the clan chiefs. [5]

15th and 16th centuries

In 1478 Duncan's heir, Alexander, accepted a charter from the Campbell Earls of Argyll for his lands and thus accepted them as feudal superiors. [5] His grandson, also called Alexander, was knighted by James IV of Scotland. [5] He followed the king to the Battle of Flodden and was one of the few survivors of the battle. [5] He died two years later but had married twice and left six sons, the eldest of which succeeded as clan chief. [5] The second son was Ian, father of another Ian or John Dhu who could be the Shane Dhu who is credited with founding the Irish branch of Clan Macnaghten. [5]

Gilbert Macnaghten succeeded as clan chief in 1548 but died without issue and was therefore succeeded by his younger brother, Alexander. [5] Alexander started the rebuilding of Dunderave Castle on Loch Fyne which was completed by his son, Iain, in 1596. [5]

17th century and Civil War

Dunderave Castle at Loch Fyne, historic seat of the chiefs of Clan Macnaghten. Dunderave Castle, Loch Fyne, Argyll - geograph.org.uk - 47961.jpg
Dunderave Castle at Loch Fyne, historic seat of the chiefs of Clan Macnaghten.

The Macnaghten chiefs raised a force of bowmen to go and assist the French Huguenot rebels in the Siege of La Rochelle in 1627. [5] The chief of Clan Macnaghten was in high favour with Charles I of England and served as a Gentlemen of the Privy Chamber but the expense of the French expedition and the extravagance of living in court forced Macnaghten to mortgage his lands. [5] Alexander died in 1630 leaving Dunderave in the hands of his brother, Macolm Macnaghten of Killearn. [5]

Malcolm's son was a royalist and called out his clan to fight in Glencairn's rising against Oliver Cromwell in 1653. [5] After the Restoration of 1660 Macnaghten was knighted but through the influence of Campbell, Earl of Argyll he was later denounced as a rebel. [5] As a result, the clan lands were nearly entirely lost by debt and the next chief, Iain, inherited little more than an empty title. [5]

Iain joined the forces of John Graham, 1st Viscount Dundee and fought at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. [5] As a result, he was denounced as a Jacobite rebel and his remaining lands were forfeited. [5] His younger son, John Macnaghten, was the last chief of this line. [5] John was forced to make a formal disposition of his remaining lands to Sir James Campbell of Ardkinglas in 1710. [5]

Modern history

In 1818 Edmund Alexander Macnaghten was recognized as the new clan chief. [5] He was descended from the Irish branch of Macnaghtens who are descended from John Macnaughten Shane Dhu of the 16th century. [5] Edmund Alexander Macnaghten died in 1832 and was succeeded by his brother, Francis, who was a judge in Madras and Calcutta. [5] Francis was a distinguished lawyer and became a Lord of Appeal in 1887. [5] He was succeeded by his son, Sir Edward, whose two sons were both killed in World War I. [5] They were succeeded by their uncle Sir Francis, eighth Baronet. [5]

Clan Chief

Castles

Castles that have been owned by the MacNaughtons or MacNaughts, who were a branch of the MacNaughtons, [3] have included:

Fraoch Eilean Castle, held by the MacNaughtons from 1297 Fraoch Eilean Castle.jpg
Fraoch Eilean Castle, held by the MacNaughtons from 1297

Clan profile

Historical forms of the name

Macnaghten, Macnauchtan, Macnachten, Macnaught, MacNaughtan, Macnaughtan, Macnaughtens, MacNaughton, Macnaughton, Macnechtan, McNaughton, McNaughten, McNaughtan, McNaught, McNaughton.

Notes

  1. 1 2 3 Clan MacNaughton Profile scotclans.com. Retrieved 9 November 2013.
  2. "Clan Macnaughton home page". www.clanmacnaughton.net. Retrieved 16 April 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 Coventry, Martin. (2008). Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans. p. 395. ISBN   978-1-899874-36-1.
  4. "Am Faclair Beag".
  5. 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 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 Way, George and Squire, Romily. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 250 - 251.
  6. Robert Bell, Book of Ulster Surnames, Page 172, published by The Blackstaff Press in 1988.
  7. The Highlander Archived 10 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine , the Magazine of Scottish heritage; April 2009; 2009 Directory; Published by Angus J. Ray Associates, Inc.; ISSN 0161-5378, USPS 579200

Related Research Articles

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

Clan Campbell is a Highland Scottish clan, historically one of the largest and most powerful of the Highland clans. 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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Argyll</span> Historic county in Scotland

Argyll, sometimes called Argyllshire, is a historic county and registration county of western Scotland.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loch Awe</span> Lake in Argyll and Bute, Scotland

Loch Awe is a large body of freshwater in Argyll and Bute, Scottish Highlands. It has also given its name to a village on its banks, variously known as Loch Awe or Lochawe. There are islands within the loch such as Innis Chonnell and Inishail.

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

Clan Maclean is a Highlands Scottish clan. They are one of the oldest clans in the Highlands and owned large tracts of land in Argyll as well as the Inner Hebrides. Many early MacLeans became famous for their honour, strength and courage in battle. They were involved in clan skirmishes with the Mackinnons, Camerons, MacDonalds and Campbells, as well as all of the Jacobite risings.

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

The Clan Macrae is a Highland Scottish clan. The clan has no chief; it is therefore considered an armigerous clan.

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

Clan MacDonell of Glengarry is a Scottish clan and is a branch of the larger Clan Donald. The clan takes its name from River Garry where the river Garry runs eastwards through Loch Garry to join the Great Glen about 16 miles (25 km) north of Fort William, Highland. The progenitor of the MacDonells of Glengarry is Reginald, 4th great-grandson of the warrior Somerled. The clan chief is traditionally designated as the "Son of Alexander's son".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clan Cameron</span> West Highland Scottish clan

Clan Cameron is a West Highland Scottish clan, with one main branch Lochiel, and numerous cadet branches. The Clan Cameron lands are in Lochaber and within their lands lies Ben Nevis which is the highest mountain in the British Isles. The Chief of the clan is customarily referred to as simply "Lochiel".

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

Clan Lamont is a Highland Scottish clan. The clan is said to descend from Ánrothán Ua Néill, an Irish prince of the O'Neill dynasty, and through him Niall Noigíallach, High King of Ireland. Clan Ewen of Otter, Clan MacNeil of Barra, Clan Lachlan, and Clan Sweeney are also descendants of Ánrothán. Traditional genealogy would therefore include Clan Lamont among the descendants of Conn Cétchathach.

Dalmally is a village in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is near the A85 road and is served by Dalmally railway station.

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

Clan Maclachlan, also known as Clan Lachlan, Clann Lachainn (Argyll), and Clann Lachlainn, is a Highland Scottish clan that historically centred on the lands of Strathlachlan on Loch Fyne, Argyll on the west coast of Scotland. The clan claims descent from Lachlan Mor, who lived on Loch Fyne in the 13th century, and who has left his name upon the countryside he once controlled: places such as Strathlachlan, Castle Lachlan and Lachlan Bay. Tradition gives Lachlan Mor a descent from an Irish prince of the O'Neill dynasty, Ánrothán Ua Néill, son of Áed, son of Flaithbertach Ua Néill, King of Ailech and Cenél nEógain, died 1036. Clan Maclachlan has been associated with other clans, such as Clan Lamont, Clan Ewen of Otter, Clan MacNeil of Barra, and the MacSweens: as all claim descent from Anrothan O'Neill who left Ireland for Kintyre in the 11th century. From this descent the clan claims a further descent from the legendary Niall Noigíallach, High King of Ireland, who lived from the mid 4th century to the early 5th century.

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

The MacDonalds of Glencoe, also known as Clann Iain Abrach, was a Highland Scottish clan and a branch of the larger Clan Donald. Named after Glen Coe, the MacDonalds lived there from the early 14th century, until the glen was largely abandoned during the Highland Clearances of the late 18th century.

Domhnall Dubh was a Scottish nobleman. He was the son of Aonghas Óg, chief of Clan Donald, and claimant to the Lordship of the Isles, which had been held by his grandfather John of Islay, Earl of Ross. While just an infant, Domhnall Dubh was captured by Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll and imprisoned in Innischonnel Castle in Loch Awe. He remained in captivity for most of his life. He died at Drogheda, Ireland, in 1545.

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

Clan Matheson is a Highland Scottish clan.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dunderave Castle</span>

Dunderave Castle is an L-plan castle built in the 16th century as the Scottish seat of the MacNaughton clan.

This is a list of islands called Eilean Fraoch or Fraoch Eilean, which provides an index for islands in Scotland with this and similar names. Literally meaning "heather island" in Scottish Gaelic, it is a common Scottish island name. It may also represent the forename "Fraoch" from Gaelic mythology.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clan McCorquodale</span> Scottish clan

Clan McCorquodale is a Scottish clan, recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, though without a chief so recognised. The last chief of the clan died in the 18th century. Because the clan does not have a recognised chief, it is considered an armigerous clan, and has no legal standing under Scots Law. Historically, the clan inhabited lands west of Loch Awe, in Argyll. These clan lands were centred at Loch Tromlee, where an island castle served as the clan seat. The line of Clan McCorquodale chiefs, first recorded in the 15th century, has been untraced since the 18th century.

Fraoch Eilean/Ejlean is a small island situated at the northern end of Loch Awe, a freshwater lake in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It is notable for being the site of a medieval royal castle, now ruined, which was given into the keeping of Clan Macnaghten by Alexander III in 1267.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gilchrist MacNachtan</span>

Gilchrist MacNachtan, son of Malcolm MacNachtan, was a thirteenth-century Scottish magnate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loch Avich</span> Freshwater loch in Argyll and Bute, Scotland

Loch of Avich is a large freshwater loch that lies approximately 1 mi (1.6 km) west of Loch Awe in Argyll and Bute in Scotland. It is the second biggest loch in the Etive basin after Loch Awe. It trends east-northeast, west-southwest and is narrowly triangular in shape. At the southwest end of the loch is the islet Innis Luana on which stands the ruins of an ancient castle named Caisteal na Nighinn Ruaidhe. The castle may have been the original seat of Clan Campbell. Near the north shore on the islet of Eilean Fraoch is the remains of a crannog.

References