Clan Borthwick facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clan Borthwick |
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Crest: A moor's head couped Proper wreathed Argent and Sable
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| Motto | Qui conducit ("He Who Leads") |
| Chief | |
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| John Hugh Borthwick of that Ilk | |
| 24th Lord Borthwick | |
| Historic seat | Borthwick Castle |
Clan Borthwick is a famous Scottish clan. A clan is like a large family group, often with a shared history and a chief. The Borthwick family has a long and interesting past in Scotland.
Contents
History of the Borthwick Clan
Where the Borthwicks Came From
The name Borthwick comes from a place. One old story says the Borthwick family came to Scotland in 1067. They arrived with Andreas, who was with Edgar the Ætheling and his sister, Margaret. Margaret later became a queen and a saint.
However, newer research suggests the Borthwicks might have arrived even earlier. Some think they came with Julius Caesar's Roman legions!
The 1400s: Building a Legacy
Sir William Borthwick owned a lot of land in Midlothian and the Scottish Borders. Around 1410, he received an official paper confirming his ownership of the Borthwick lands. The family was named after these lands.
During the 1400s, the Borthwicks also became important members of the Parliament of Scotland. This meant they had a say in how the country was run.
William Borthwick, 1st Lord Borthwick was a very important person. In 1425, he was one of the nobles sent as a hostage. This was to help get James I of Scotland released from being held captive.
The 1st Lord Borthwick also started building Borthwick Castle. This castle is still one of the most impressive old forts in Scotland. It is still owned by the Borthwick family today. The 1st Lord Borthwick died before 1458. He is remembered with a grand tomb in the old Borthwick church.
The 1500s: Kings, Queens, and Cannonballs!
During the Anglo-Scottish Wars, the Borthwicks were loyal to King James IV of Scotland. They fought bravely at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
After his father died, William Borthwick, 4th Lord Borthwick, was given a very important job. He was put in charge of Stirling Castle. His main task was to keep the young King James V of Scotland safe.
John, Lord Borthwick, was against the Scottish Reformation. This was a big change in the Church of Scotland. John supported Mary of Guise, who was the mother of Mary, Queen of Scots.
Even though he supported the old church, John had some trouble with church leaders. In 1547, he was kicked out of the church. This happened because he showed disrespect to the church court in St Andrews.
An officer named William Langlands was sent to deliver the official letters about this. But John Borthwick's men caught Langlands! They threw him into the mill pond near the castle. Then, they made him eat the letters, but only after soaking them in wine! Langlands was sent back with a warning. Any other letters would "go the same way."
John's son, William, was a close friend of Mary, Queen of Scots. Mary even found safety with him and her husband, James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell. But she had to escape when an army led by James Stewart, Earl of Moray came close. It is said she escaped dressed as a page boy.
Not all Borthwicks were nobles. In 1509, Robert Borthwick was the Master Gunner for King James IV. He was famous for making seven huge cannons. People called these cannons the Seven Sisters.
The 1600s: A Castle Under Attack
During the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, the Borthwicks supported the king. Their castle was attacked after the Battle of Dunbar (1650).
Oliver Cromwell's forces used cannons to blast the east wall of Borthwick Castle. You can still see the damage to the outer wall today! But before the wall was completely broken, the people inside the castle gave up. Cromwell offered Lord Borthwick a chance to surrender, and he accepted. This saved the fortress from being destroyed.
The 1700s and Beyond: Finding the Chief
For many years, different branches of the Borthwick family argued over who should be the chief.
In 1986, Major John Borthwick of Crookston was officially recognized. The Lord Lyon, King of Arms said he was the true chief of the Borthwick name and family. He also became the 23rd Lord Borthwick. His son, John Hugh Borthwick, became the 24th Lord Borthwick shortly before his father passed away.
Clan Castle
The main home of the chief of Clan Borthwick has always been Borthwick Castle. This strong castle has stood for centuries.
Clan Chief
The current chief of Clan Borthwick is John Hugh Borthwick of that Ilk. He is the 24th Lord Borthwick. He is also known as the Chief of the Name and Arms of Borthwick, 18th of Crookston, and Baron of Heriotmuir.
See also
