Clan Haig facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clan Haig |
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| Motto | Tyde What May | ||
| Profile | |||
| Region | Lowlands | ||
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| Alexander Douglas Derrick Haig | |||
| Earl Haig Viscount Dawick Baron Haig of Bemersyde |
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| Seat | Bemersyde House | ||
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Clan Haig is a historic Scottish clan from the Lowlands region of Scotland. For over 800 years, the Haig family has lived at Bemersyde House, a special place for their clan.
Contents
Discovering Clan Haig's Past
The Ancient Roots of the Haig Family
The Haig family has a long and interesting history. A famous poet from the 13th century, Thomas the Rhymer, made a prediction about them: Tyde what may, what'er betyde, Haig shall be Haig of Bemersyde. This means that no matter what happens, a Haig will always own Bemersyde. And it has been true for eight centuries!
The first known Haig was Petrus de Haga. He was an important person, or a magnate, in Scotland. His name, de Haga, suggests his family might have come from Normandy. Petrus de Haga is mentioned in old documents as "Master of Bemersyde," showing his importance.
Fighting for Scotland's Freedom (13th & 14th Centuries)
During the Wars of Scottish Independence, the Haig family played a brave part. In 1296, the Haig Barons of Bemersyde had to promise loyalty to Edward I of England. But soon after, they strongly supported Scotland's fight for freedom.
They even fought alongside William Wallace at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The sixth Haig Laird, who was only seventeen, bravely followed Robert the Bruce to the famous Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Sadly, he was later killed at the Battle of Halidon Hill in 1333.
Clan Battles and Royal Connections (15th Century)
In 1449, Gilbert Haig was a leader in the Scottish army that defeated the Earl of Northumberland at the Battle of Sark. Gilbert also stood against the growing power of the Clan Douglas family.
Gilbert's son, James Haig, was a loyal supporter of James III of Scotland. When King James III was killed in 1488, James Haig had to hide. He eventually made peace with the new young king, James IV of Scotland.
Wars Between Scotland and England (16th Century)
In 1513, William Haig of Bemersyde died fighting at the Battle of Flodden. His son, Robert, the 14th Laird, got revenge for his father's death. In 1544, at the Battle of Ancrum Moor, he captured Lord Evers, an English commander.
Lord Evers was badly hurt. Robert Haig carried him to Bemersyde, where he passed away a few days later. Haig then buried him with honor at Melrose Abbey.
Religious Challenges and Family Sacrifices (17th Century)
The 17th century was a tough time for the Haigs because of their religious beliefs. Chief William Haig, the 19th Laird, was a lawyer for the King in Scotland under James VI of Scotland and Charles I of England.
His son, Anthony Haig, the 21st Laird, faced difficulties because he was a member of the Society of Friends, also known as Quakers. He was put in prison for a long time. Between 1629 and 1630, four sons of the chief were killed while fighting for the King of Bohemia.
Keeping the Family Line Alive (19th Century)
In the 19th century, it looked like the Haig family line might end. The next in line were three unmarried daughters. But before they died, they signed a special document. This document passed the family leadership to a cousin, Colonel Arthur Balfour Haig.
He was from another part of the family, the Clackmannan branch, and was a descendant of the 17th Laird. He became the 28th Laird and Chief of Clan Haig, ensuring the family's legacy continued.
Bemersyde House: The Clan's Home
Bemersyde House is the ancient home of the Haig family. It was first built in 1535, mainly for defense. Over the years, it was improved. In 1690, larger windows and fireplaces were added. The house was made even bigger in the 18th and 19th centuries.
In 1960, George Haig, 2nd Earl Haig made more changes to make the house look even better. The land of Bemersyde has been owned by the Haig family for eight hundred years, just as Thomas the Rhymer predicted!
The Current Clan Chief
The current leader of Clan Haig is the Right Honourable Alexander Douglas Derrick Haig. He is the 3rd Earl Haig and the 31st Laird of Bemersyde. Born in 1961, he is the grandson of the famous Field-Marshal Sir Douglas Haig, 1st Earl Haig.
See also
