Clan Chisholm facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chisholm |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Clann Siosal | |||
Crest: Gules a boar's head couped Or langued Azure
|
|||
| Motto | Feros ferio (I am fierce with the fierce) | ||
| Profile | |||
| Region | Highlands | ||
| District | Ross | ||
| Plant badge | Fern | ||
| Animal | Wild boar | ||
| Pipe music | Chisholm's March | ||
| Chief | |||
 |
|||
| Andrew Francis Hamish Chisholm of that Ilk | |||
| Thirty-third Chief of Clan Chisholm | |||
| Historic seat | Erchless Castle | ||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Clan Chisholm is an old and proud Scottish clan from the Scottish Highlands. The name "Chisholm" comes from a mix of Norman and Saxon words. It means "cheese island" or "gravel island," which sounds a bit funny for a fierce clan!
Contents
History of Clan Chisholm
Where the Clan Began
The Chisholm family first came to England with the Normans in 1066. Later, they moved to Scotland. The name "de Cheseholme" was known in the Scottish Borders around the time of King Alexander III of Scotland. One of the first Chisholms recorded in Scotland was Richard de Chisholm, who lived in Roxburghshire.
An early family member, John de Chesehelme, was mentioned in important church papers in 1254.
Fighting for Scotland's Freedom
In 1296, Richard de Chesehelme showed loyalty to the King of England, Edward I. However, the Chisholms later joined the fight for Scotland's freedom.
Sir John de Chesholme led the clan at the famous Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. This was a huge victory for Scotland against the English. Later, Robert Chisholm fought in the Battle of Neville's Cross in 1346. He was captured with King David II and was likely released when the King returned to Scotland.
After being knighted, Robert became the boss of Urquhart Castle. He was also the Sheriff of Inverness, which meant he was in charge of law and order in the area. Robert was the last Chisholm to own land in both the North and South of Scotland.
Robert's son, Alexander Chisholm, married Margaret, who owned the lands of Erchless. Since then, Erchless Castle has been the main home for the Chisholm chiefs.
Clan Conflicts and Royal Connections
The Chisholms were known for "cattle raiding," which was a common way for clans to get resources back then. In 1498, Wiland Chisholm of Comar and others took many animals from the Clan Rose.
In 1513, Wiland Chisholm of Comar joined Sir Alexander MacDonell of Glengarry and Sir Donald MacDonald of Lochalsh. After a big battle called Flodden, they attacked Urquhart Castle.
John Chisholm, a skilled surgeon, became the main doctor for King James VI in 1573. Another Chisholm, Sir James, was part of the King's royal household.
During the Civil War
In 1647, Alexander Chisholm helped organize the defense of Inverness for the Covenanters. They were fighting against the Royalists who supported the King. In 1653, some Chisholms took cattle from the Munro and Fraser clans. They were caught and had to return the cattle and pay a fine.
After the King returned to power in 1660, Alexander Chisholm became a justice of the peace. He was also the Sheriff Deputy for Inverness. He had to deal with problems caused by some members of the MacDonalds.
Supporting the Jacobite Cause
During the Jacobite rising of 1715, Roderick Maciain Chisholm supported the Jacobites. These were people who wanted the Stuart kings to return to the throne. Chisholm of Crocfin led about 200 clansmen at the Battle of Sherrifmuir in 1715, but they lost.
Some Chisholms also took part in the Jacobite rising of 1719. Roderick lost much of his land because he supported the Jacobites. He later received a pardon, but he never got his lands back. His son, Alexander Chisholm, took over the management of the family estates.
In 1724, a report estimated that the Clan Chisholm had about 150 fighting men. During the Jacobite rising of 1745, Roderick again supported the Jacobites. His youngest son, Roderick Og Chisholm, led a small group of about 80 clansmen at the famous Battle of Culloden. Sadly, 30 of them were killed, including Roderick Og himself.
Interestingly, two of Roderick's other sons, James and John, were captains in the British army, fighting for the other side!
Clan Home
The main home, or "seat," of Clan Chisholm was first at Comar Lodge. Later, it moved to Erchless Castle. The castle was sold in 1937.
Clan Chiefs
The leader of a Scottish clan is called a chief. The current chief of Clan Chisholm is Andrew Francis Hamish Chisholm of that Ilk. He is the thirty-third chief of the clan!
Over many centuries, there have been many chiefs leading Clan Chisholm. Here are a few of them:
| No. | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| XXXIII | Andrew Francis Hamish Chisholm of Chisholm | The current chief. |
| XXXII | Alastair Hamish Wiland Andrew Fraser Chisholm of Chisholm | Died in 1997. |
| XXV | Alexander William Chisholm | Was a Member of Parliament for Inverness. |
| XXI | Roderick Chisholm | Led the Clan Chisholm at the Battle of Sherrifmuir in 1715. |
| XIX | Alexander Chisholm | Was Sheriff-Deputy of Inverness from 1689 to 1695. |
| XII | Wiland de Chisholm | One of the first to spell the name without an "e." He attacked Urquhart Castle. |
| VI | Sir Robert de Chisholme | Was in charge of Urquhart Castle and Sheriff of Inverness. |
| III | Sir John de Chesholme | First supported the King of England, but then joined Robert the Bruce of Scotland and fought at the Battle of Bannockburn. |
| I | John de Chisholme | Mentioned in church papers in 1254. |
Images for kids
-
The official tartan of Clan Chisholm.
