Clan Grierson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Grierson |
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Crest: A fetterlock Argent
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| Motto | Hoc Securior | ||
| Profile | |||
| Region | Lowlands | ||
| District | Dumfriesshire | ||
| Plant badge | Scottish bluebell, being the proper plant badge of the name Grierson have long been symbolic of humility, constancy, gratitude and everlasting love. | ||
| Chief | |||
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| Madam Sarah Anne Grierson of Lag, | |||
| Chief of the Name and Arms of Grierson. | |||
| Historic seat | Lag Tower | ||
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Clan Grierson is a historic Scottish clan from the Lowlands region of Scotland. Clans are like large families or groups of people who share a common ancestor and a strong sense of identity. The Griersons have a long and interesting history, with roots in the Dumfriesshire area.
Contents
The Grierson Clan's Story
Where Did the Griersons Come From?
The name 'Grierson' might come from the old Greek word 'Gregor'. This word means 'vigilant' or 'watchful'. It was a popular name for church leaders long ago. Some people thought the Griersons were related to Clan Gregor. But DNA tests have shown this is not true. Even so, the Griersons are sometimes seen as a 'sept' (a branch family) of Clan Gregor.
The spelling 'Grierson' is a newer version of an older name, 'Grerson', from around 1408. An early Grierson, Gilbert Grierson, was a 'Bailie' (a local official) in the area of Tybrys. Some believe this role might also be where the name came from.
Around 1408, the Griersons gained control of the lands of Lag. This became the main home for the clan chiefs. In 1420, Gilbert Grierson was described as an 'armour bearer' for the Earl of Douglas. Gilbert married Janet Glendinning, whose mother was related to the Earl of Douglas and a princess. These important family connections helped the Griersons become powerful early on. In 1460, Vedast Grierson built a strong tower at Lag.
Clan Conflicts in the 1400s and 1500s
Vedast Grierson's son, Roger, received official ownership of his lands in 1473. Sadly, Roger was killed in the Battle of Sauchieburn in 1488. Later, the Grierson leaders of Lag also fought alongside James IV of Scotland at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. They shared the same fate as the king, dying in battle.
During the time of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Griersons supported James VI of Scotland. They stood with him in the struggles between the Queen and the Protestant lords.
Chief Sir William Grierson, the 9th Lord of Lag, lived until 1629. He was a friend of the strong Clan Maxwell. He joined forces with them against the Clan Johnstone at the Battle of Dryfe Sands in 1593.
The Grierson Story in the 1600s and 1700s
Sir William Grierson, the 9th Lord of Lag, was knighted by King James VI in 1608. His son, Sir Robert Grierson (born 1598), became chief. Later, his cousin, another Robert Grierson, took over. This Robert Grierson (born 1657) was made the first Baronet of Lag.
This Sir Robert Grierson became known for his harsh actions against the Covenanters. The Covenanters were a group of Scottish Protestants. During the rule of James VII of Scotland, Sir Robert gained a fearsome reputation. In 1685, he surprised a Covenanter gathering at Kirkconnel. Many people were killed in the fight. Sir Robert refused to allow them a proper burial, which added to his feared name.
One of the Covenanter victims was John Bell. Bell's stepfather, Viscount Kenmure, was with John Graham of Claverhouse when they met Sir Robert Grierson. A quarrel started, and Kenmure almost fought Sir Robert in a duel.
Kenmure later formed an alliance with the Duke of Queensberry. Because of this, the Griersons did not support the Glorious Revolution of 1688. They saw William of Orange and his wife Mary as taking the throne unfairly. In 1689, Sir Robert Grierson was arrested and held in prison. He was later imprisoned two more times, once for being accused of making fake money. However, he was cleared of all charges.
Sir Robert Grierson died on December 29, 1733, at Rockhall Tower. He became famous in Sir Walter Scott's novel Redgauntlet. His son, Sir William Grierson, 2nd Baronet, became the next Baronet. William died in 1760 without any children. His younger brother James's son, Sir Robert Grierson, then took over. He died in 1765. The title then went to his uncle, Sir Gilbert Grierson. Gilbert's son, another Sir Robert Grierson, was born in 1738 and died in 1839. He was a close friend of Sir Walter Scott.
The Grierson Clan in the 1800s and 1900s
One of Sir Robert Grierson's sons was Lieut.-Col. William Grierson. His only son, Thomas Beattie Grierson, was a brave soldier. He fought well at the Siege of Delhi in 1857. Sadly, he died from his wounds and exhaustion. Sir Alexander Grierson, the 8th Baronet of Lag, joined the 78th Ross-shire Highlanders regiment.
During World War I, Sir Robert Grierson, the 10th Baronet of Lag, served in the King's Own Scottish Borderers. By this time, most of the Grierson lands had been lost. However, the ruins of Lag Tower still stand today.
Sir George Abraham Grierson was a very talented linguist. He spent much of his life studying different languages and dialects from India. He died in 1941. John Grierson is known as the founder of the British documentary film movement.
Who is the Current Grierson Chief?
The current Chief of the Name and Arms of Grierson is Madam Sarah Anne Grierson of Lag. She is the 25th chief in a direct family line. She is also the first woman to hold this important role.
The Grierson Chief's coat of arms has a red shield with a gold band across the middle. On this band are three silver 'fetterlocks' (a type of lock). There is also a blue star.
The 'crest' (a symbol above the shield) is a silver fetterlock. It sits on a wreath of the clan's colors. The clan's Latin motto is Hoc Securior. This means "Safer by This". The Chief's crest, surrounded by a strap with the motto, forms the 'crest badge' that Griersons can wear.
See also
- Grierson (name)
- Grayson (name)
- Grierson Baronets, of Lag
- Sir Robert Grierson, 1st Baronet (Auld Lagg)
- Sir William Grierson, 2nd Baronet
- Brigadier General Benjamin Grierson
- Dumfriesshire, Scotland
- Clan MacGregor
- Grierson's Raid
