Clan Campbell of Cawdor facts for kids
Clan Campbell of Cawdor is a Highland Scottish clan. It is a branch of the larger Clan Campbell. Even though this clan is recognized by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, it doesn't have a "clan chief" who is officially recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. Because of this, it is known as an armigerous clan. The current head of the Clan Campbell of Cawdor is Colin Campbell, who holds the title of Earl Cawdor.
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History of the Clan
In 1499, a young girl named Muriel Caddell was kidnapped by members of the Campbell family. Muriel was the daughter and heir of John Caddell, who was the 7th Thane of Caddell. A battle took place between Muriel's uncles and the Campbells. Several people died, but Muriel was taken away to the Campbell castle.
In 1510, when she was 12 years old, Muriel married Sir John Campbell. He was the third son of the 2nd Earl of Argyll, a very important leader of the main Clan Campbell. From 1524 until his death in 1546, Sir John Campbell of Caddell lived at Caddell Castle. This castle is now known as Cawdor Castle. After Muriel died in 1573, her grandson, also named John Campbell, took over the family lands.
In the 17th century, Sir John Campbell of Caddell sold some lands to buy the Isle of Islay. The Campbells of Caddell (or Calder) owned Islay from 1612 until 1726. Later, Sir John Campbell, 8th of Calder, married Mary Pryce from Cardiganshire in Wales. Sir John Campbell of Caddell died in 1777. His son, Pryse Campbell of Calder, then took over. Pryse Campbell was a Member of Parliament (MP), which means he was a representative in the government.
Pryse's son, John, was given the title of Lord Calder of Castlemartin in 1797. When he died in 1821, his son, John Fredrick Campbell, became the 1st Earl of Cawdor. The later Earls of Cawdor are all descended from this first Earl.
Why the Name Changed to Cawdor
The name "Cawdor" is the English way of saying and spelling the older Scottish name "CALDER." In the early 1800s, Lord John Campbell of Caddell was living in England. He decided to change the name of the castle, the nearby town, and the clan. He changed them overnight to "Cawdor." This was done so the name would match the famous play Macbeth by Shakespeare, which mentions the "Thane of Cawdor."
Crest Badge and Tartan
A modern clan member's crest badge has a special heraldic motto on it. The motto is: BE MINDFUL. This means "remember" or "be aware."
The Campbell of Cawdor tartan looks very similar to other "Campbell" tartans. This specific tartan didn't have a name at first. In 1789, it was called an "Argyle" tartan. It wasn't until a book by W. and A. Smith was published in 1850 that this tartan was officially named "Campbell of Cawdor." The Campbell of Cawdor tartan is one of only four tartans that are officially approved by the current chief of the main Clan Campbell, Torquhil Campbell, 13th Duke of Argyll.
Some historians have listed other family names that are connected to Clan Campbell of Cawdor. These related names are called "septs." For Clan Campbell of Cawdor, some of these septs include Calder and Caddell.
Names Connected to the Clan
Here are some names and different spellings of names that are connected with Clan Campbell of Cawdor:
- Cadall
- Caddel
- Caddell
- Cadder
- Cadell
- Cadella
- Caldaile
- Caldell
- Calder
- Caldor
- Cambal
- Cambale
- Cambel
- Cambele
- Cambell
- Cambelle
- Camble
- Cammell
- Campbele
- Campbell
- Campbill
- Campble
- Cattal
- Cattall
- Cattell
- Cattle
- Cauder
- Caudill
- Caudle
- Caulder
- Cawdale
- Cawdor
- Chambelle
- Cowdale
- Kambail
- Kambaile
- Kambayl
- Kumpel
- O'Docharty
- Torie
- Torrie
- Torry
See also
- Clan Campbell
- Clan Calder
- Cawdor Castle
- Earl of Cawdor
- Armigerous clan
