Clan Hannay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clan Hannay |
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Crest: A cross crosslet fitchee issuing out of a crescent Sable
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| Motto | Per Ardua Ad Alta (Through difficulties to Heaven) | ||
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| Plant badge | Periwinkle | ||
| Chief | |||
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| Dr. David R. Hannay | |||
| Chief of the Name and Arms of Hannay | |||
| Historic seat | Sorbie Tower | ||
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Clan Hannay is a Scottish clan from the Lowlands area of Scotland.
Contents
History of Clan Hannay
Where Did the Hannays Come From?
The Hannays come from an old area in Scotland called Galloway. The name used to be spelled Ahannay. It might have come from old Scottish or Irish words like O'Hannaidh or Ap Shenaeigh.
Fighting for Scottish Independence
In 1296, a Hannay named Gilbert agreed to follow King Edward I of England. This Gilbert might be the one who got the lands of Sorbie. The Hannays didn't trust Robert the Bruce's plans. Instead, they supported John Balliol to be king. Balliol had family ties to the old leaders of Galloway.
The 1400s and 1500s
During the 1400s and 1500s, the Hannays became more powerful. They built Sorbie Tower. This tower was the main home of their clan chiefs for a long time.
The 1600s
At the start of the 1600s, Clan Hannay had a big fight with Clan Murray of Broughton. This fight was so serious that the Hannays were declared outlaws. Because of this, many Hannays moved to Ulster in Ireland. You can still find many Hannays there today, especially in County Antrim, County Down, and County Armagh.
Patrick Hannay was a brave soldier. He was supported by Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia. She was the daughter of King James VI of Scotland. After Queen Anne died in 1619, Patrick Hannay wrote two poems in her honor. People wrote good things about him when he died. One poem said: 'Go on in virtue, aftertimes will tell, none but Hannay could have done so well'.
Perhaps the most famous Hannay was James Hannay. He was a church leader at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. In 1637, he started to read a new church service. A woman named Jenny Geddes got very angry. She shouted and threw her stool at him! This started a big riot that the town guards had to stop.
Sir Robert Hannay of Mochrum was given a special title in 1630. He became a Baronet of Nova Scotia. From the Sorbie family, other Hannay families grew. These included the Hannays of Grennan, Knock, Garrie, and Kingsmuir.
The Clan Hannay Today
In 1582, Alexander Hannay bought lands called Kirkdale. He was a younger son of the chief of Hannay of Sorbie. His son, John Hannay of Kirkdale, started the family line. This line is now recognized as the official chiefs of Clan Hannay.
A younger son of Hannay of Kirkdale was Alexander Hannay. He was a soldier and an adventurer. He made a lot of money in India in the 1700s. He became a colonel. His older brother was Sir Samuel Hannay of Kirkdale. He inherited titles and lands from his relative, Sir Robert Hannay of Mochrum.
The next Baronet was also named Sir Samuel Hannay. He worked for the Habsburg Emperors. He built a large house on his family's land. This house is said to have inspired Walter Scott's famous novel, Guy Mannering. Sir Samuel died in 1841. His estate went to his sister, Mary. From her, it went to her nephew, William Ransford Hannay. The current chief of the clan is related to him.
Clan Chief
The former Clan Chief, Ramsay William Rainsford Hannay, passed away on January 10, 2004. His son, Dr. David R. Hannay, became the new chief.
Clan Castles
In 1965, the old clan home, Sorbie Tower, was given to a clan trust. A plan was put in place to keep it in good condition.
