Clan Heron facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clan Heron |
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| Motto | Par Valeur (By Bravery) | ||
| Profile | |||
| Region | Borders | ||
| District | Galloway, Berwick Northumberland | ||
| Pipe music | Here is the Glen | ||
| Clan Heron has no chief, and is an armigerous clan | |||
| Historic seat | Heron, Kirkcudbrightshire | ||
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The Clan Heron was a Scottish clan from the lowlands. Some members of the clan were known as Border Reivers. These groups lived along the Anglo-Scottish border and sometimes raided for cattle. Other Herons were important landowners with their main home in Kirkcudbright.
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Who Were the Herons?
The Clan Heron believes its family comes from the Herons of Chipchase Castle. This castle is in Northumberland, England. In 1522, a report about the Border area said that Chipchase was a good place for the person in charge of Tynedale. The Herons were known for being quite spirited and sometimes had disagreements with the authorities. They also had rivalries with Clan Tait and Clan Kerr.
Where Did the Name Heron Come From?
The name Heron comes from de Heron. This name means someone from Heron, a place near Rouen in Normandy, France. The first known Heron was Tihel de Heron. He was a Norman who came to England with William the Conqueror in 1066. His name is found on the Battle Abbey Roll and the Falaise Roll. These lists name people who fought with William the Conqueror. Tihel was given land in Essex, England. His family then spread to Northumberland, Hertfordshire, Scotland, and Ireland.
A Look at Heron History
The Clan Heron was one of the smaller Border reiving clans. These clans were groups of people who lived by raiding and taking cattle along the border between Scotland and England. However, one part of the clan was a wealthy family who owned land. Their main home was in Kirkcudbrightshire.
Important Herons in History
Members of the Heron clan held many important jobs in the Border regions and across Scotland and England.
- Walter Heron worked as a clerk for William the Lion, a Scottish king.
- William Heron was in charge of Bamburgh Castle in 1248. He also managed Scarborough Castle in 1255. He was the Sheriff of Northumberland between 1246 and 1247.
- Chipchase Castle in England was owned by the Heron family for almost 300 years. The Herons also owned Ford Castle in Northumberland.
- In 1300, Gerald Heron fought alongside Robert the Bruce, a famous Scottish king. For his loyalty, Gerald was given the rich lands of Kirroughtree. A part of the clan lived there for 400 years. The Herons owned Kirroughtree until 1889.
- Sir Gerard Heron, a lord from the border, gathered a thousand men to attack William Wallace. This happened after Wallace captured Kinclaven Castle.
- Roger Heron was a witness to an important document in 1321 in Langton, Berwick.
Moving to Ulster
Like other families from the Border areas, many Herons were moved to the Plantation of Ulster. This happened during a time when King James tried to bring peace to the Borders.
