Clan Craig facts for kids
Clan Craig is a Scottish clan that comes from Aberdeenshire, Scotland. A "clan" is like a big family group, often with shared history and traditions. Unlike many other Scottish clans, Clan Craig does not currently have a chief who is officially recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms. This means the clan doesn't have an official standing under Scottish law.
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What is an Armigerous Clan?
Clan Craig is known as an "armigerous clan." This means that long ago, the clan had a chief who had their own special coat of arms. However, today, no one officially holds these specific arms or is recognized as the clan chief.
Because there isn't an official chief, no clan society or group is recognized as the "official representative" of Clan Craig. Groups like the Clan Craig Association of America are important for connecting clan members and handling business matters. Their main goal is often to help find a new chief or commander to bring official recognition back to the family name.
Where Did the Name "Craig" Come From?
The Scottish surname Craig comes from the Gaelic word creag. This word means "rocky hill" or "rock." So, the name "Craig" was often given to people who lived near a steep rock or in hilly areas of Scotland. The name is especially common in the northern parts of Scotland.
A Look at Clan Craig's History
The history of Clan Craig includes some interesting figures.
Early Craigs
In 1335, a person named John of the Craig (also known as Johannes Del Crag) from Aberdeenshire led 300 men into the Battle of Culblean. It's thought that John of the Craig was the owner of the Craig of Auchindoir estate, which was next to the Den of Craig.
During the 1400s, there were three main families who used the name "of that Ilk." This means their family name was the same as the place they came from, like "Craig of Craig." The Craigs of Craigfintry, who later became known as the Craigs of Riccarton, grew to be the most famous of these families.
Famous Craigs
One important member of the clan was Thomas Craig of Riccarton (1538-1608). He was a well-known lawyer and writer. He was a descendant of William Craig of Craigfintry (later Craigston) from Aberdeenshire, who lived in the late 1400s.
William Craig's second son, also named William Craig of Craigfintry, fought against the English in the Battle of Flodden in 1513, where he sadly died. The last direct descendant of the Craigs of Riccarton was Robert Craig of Riccarton, who passed away in 1823 without any children. After him, the Riccarton estate went to Mr. James Gibson, who then took on the name and arms of Craig, becoming James Gibson-Craig.
Clan Symbols and Motto
Members of Clan Craig can wear a special crest badge. This badge shows a chevalier (a knight) riding a horse, holding a broken spear.
The clan's Latin motto is VIVE DEO ET VIVES. This means "live for God and you shall have life." The symbols and motto on the crest badge come from the arms of the Craigs of Riccarton.
