Clan Kennedy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clan Kennedy |
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| MacUalraig (Surname), Ceannaideach (Surname), Ceannaideach (Singular), Clann 'icUalraig (Collective) | |||
Crest: A dolphin naiant proper
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| Motto | Avise la fin (Consider the end) | ||
| Profile | |||
| District | Ayrshire | ||
| Plant badge | oak | ||
| Chief | |||
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| The Most Hon. David Kennedy | |||
| The 9th Marquess of Ailsa | |||
| Seat | Cassillis House | ||
| Historic seat | Dunure Castle Culzean Castle |
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Clan Kennedy is a historic Scottish clan from the Scottish Lowlands. A clan is like a large family group with a shared history and often a common ancestor. The Kennedys have played an important part in Scottish history for many centuries.
Contents
History of Clan Kennedy
Where the Clan Began
The name Kennedy comes from an old Celtic word, Cinneidgh. It means "ugly" or "grim-headed." This name was linked to the area of Carrick, Scotland.
One of the earliest known Kennedys was Gilbert Mac Kenedi. He was mentioned in a document during the time of King William the Lion. Later, Gillespie Kennedy was known as a leader in Carrick during the reign of King Alexander II.
Helping Robert the Bruce
The Kennedy clan strongly supported Robert the Bruce during the Wars of Scottish Independence. These wars were fought to keep Scotland free from English rule. Because of their loyalty, King Robert II of Scotland honored John Kennedy of Dunure in 1372. He was named the chief of the clan and a leader in Carrick.
Important Kennedys (1400s and 1500s)
In the 1400s, John Kennedy's descendant, Gilbert, became Lord Kennedy. He also helped rule Scotland when King James III of Scotland was a child.
Gilbert's brother, James Kennedy, was a very respected bishop. He founded St Salvator's College in 1455. This college is now part of the famous University of St Andrews.
Another brave Kennedy was Hugh Kennedy of Ardstinchar. He was a Scottish soldier who fought alongside Joan of Arc in France. This is why Joan of Arc is shown on the family crest of the Kennedys of Bargany.
In 1509, Sir David Kennedy became the first Earl of Cassillis. Sadly, he died fighting at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Later, the third Earl of Cassillis, Gilbert, inherited his title when he was only twelve. He was one of four Scottish leaders who became ill and died after a trip to France.
The 1600s and Civil War
In the early 1600s, there was a feud between the Kennedy Earls of Cassillis and the Kennedys of Bargany. A feud is a long-lasting quarrel between families. The Laird of Bargany was killed during this conflict.
During the Civil War in the mid-1600s, John Kennedy, 6th Earl of Cassilis was a strong supporter of the Parliament. He was an important judge in Scotland. The Kennedys kept their lands even though they faced challenges for their beliefs.
Later Centuries (1700s and 1800s)
In the 1700s, there was a long legal fight over who would inherit the Kennedy titles and lands. Eventually, Sir Thomas Kennedy of Culzean won the case. His brother, David, later hired famous architect Robert Adam to build the beautiful Culzean Castle.
Later, the earldom passed to Archibald Kennedy. His father had moved to America and became a customs collector in New York. Archibald, the 11th Earl, owned many houses in New York. His son, also named Archibald, was made the Marquess of Ailsa in 1831.
A notable Kennedy in the 1800s was Lieutenant General Sir Clark Kennedy. He was a brave soldier who fought in the Peninsular War. At the famous Battle of Waterloo in 1815, he personally captured a French flag and eagle.
The 20th Century
Ludovic Kennedy was a well-known member of the clan in the 20th century. He was a lawyer, historian, and writer. He worked to correct legal injustices. He often shared stories about his family's history, including how his ancestor, Captain Archibald Kennedy, returned from New York to take over the earldom of Cassillis.
Kennedy Castles
The Clan Kennedy has been linked to several historic castles in Scotland. These castles were once homes or strongholds for different branches of the family.
- Cassillis House, near Maybole, is the current home of the Clan Kennedy chiefs.
- Culzean Castle was a grand home for the chiefs in the past.
- Dunure Castle in South Ayrshire was the very first stronghold of the chiefs.
- Dalquharran Castle in South Ayrshire was once owned by a branch of the Kennedys, but it is now a ruin.
- Cruggleton Castle, in Sorbie, Wigtownshire.
- Dunduff Castle.
- Greenan Castle in Ayr.
- Maybole Castle.
The Clan Chief
The current chief of Clan Kennedy is The Most Hon. David Thomas Kennedy. He is the 9th Marquess of Ailsa. He also holds other titles like Earl of Cassillis and Lord Kennedy. He is the official leader of the Kennedy family and its traditions.
Images for kids
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"Ulric". A romantic depiction of a clan member by R. R. McIan, from The Clans of the Scottish Highlands, published in 1845.
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The 1st Dragoons at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 Capture of the Eagle.
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Cassillis House, Scottish Lowlands. Seat of the Chiefs of Clan Kennedy. Photo by Mary and Angus Hogg.
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