Clan Maitland facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clan Maitland |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
 |
|||
| Motto | Consilio Et Animis (By wisdom and courage) | ||
| Chief | |||
 |
|||
| The Rt. Hon. Ian Maitland | |||
| The 18th Earl of Lauderdale, Viscount of Lauderdale, Viscount of Maitland, Lord Maitland of Thirlestane, Lord Thirlestane and Boltoun, Chief of Maitland, 14th Baronet Maitland. | |||
| Seat | Thirlestane Castle | ||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
Clan Maitland is a Lowland Scottish clan.
Contents
History of Clan Maitland
Where the Clan Began
The Maitland name comes from the Normans. It was first spelled in different ways like Mautalent, and it means "evil genius". Some people believe the Maitlands came to Scotland with William the Conqueror. They first settled in Northumberland, England. The name appears in many old records. Some think it meant "bad wit", but others say it means "as if in war".
During the time of King Alexander III of Scotland, Sir Richard Matulant gained lands like Thirlestane. He became an important noble in the Scottish Borders. He got Thirlestane through his marriage to Avicia, who was the heir to Thomas de Thirlestane.
Fighting for Scottish Freedom
Sir William Mautlant de Thirlstane fought alongside Robert the Bruce for Scotland's freedom. He was at the famous Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, where Scotland won. His son, Sir Robert Maitland, inherited his father's lands. He also received land near Haddington around 1345.
Sir Robert had three sons. One son, Robert of Shivas, is the ancestor of the Maitland family branch in Aberdeenshire. William's family became known as "of Letherington". The oldest son, John, was involved with George Dunbar I, Earl of March, who was a relative.
William's son, Robert Maitland, gave up Dunbar Castle to the Earl of Douglas. This helped him avoid trouble that his uncle John faced. The next heir, William Maitland of Letherington, had his lands of Blyth, Hedderwick, and Tollus confirmed.
The 1500s and Wars with England
William Maitland's great-grandson died fighting at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. The next leader of the clan was Sir Richard Maitland. He became a judge and also the Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland.
Sir Richard Maitland's oldest son was William Maitland. He became a very important person in Scottish history, known as Secretary Letherington. He was a close friend of Mary, Queen of Scots. However, he lost her favor after being involved in the murder of Mary's secretary, David Rizzio. He was allowed to return to court a year later.
William Maitland supported Mary's marriage to James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell. But later, he joined nobles who fought against the queen at the Battle of Carberry Hill and the Battle of Langside. Maitland attended the crowning of the young James VI of Scotland in 1567. Yet, he secretly stayed in touch with Queen Mary after she escaped from Loch Leven Castle. Because of this, Parliament called Maitland a traitor in 1573. Since his son had no children, his brother, John Maitland, 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane, became the next leader.
Sir John Maitland was made the 1st Lord of Thirlestane. He married the heir of Lord Fleming. He was a high-ranking official for Mary, Queen of Scots. His son later became the first Earl of Lauderdale. The Maitlands became very loyal to Mary, Queen of Scots, even when things were difficult for her. This was partly because they often married into the families of Fleming and Clan Seton.
The 1600s and Civil War
The only son of John Maitland, 1st Lord Maitland of Thirlestane, was made the first Earl of Lauderdale in 1616. John Maitland, 1st Earl of Lauderdale was a powerful leader in Scotland. His son was John Maitland, 2nd Earl of Lauderdale. He was made Duke of Lauderdale in 1672.
The Duke fought for Charles II of England at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. He was captured and held in the Tower of London for nine years. After the king returned to power, the Duke became the most powerful man in Scotland. He was made a Duke in 1672, but he was the first and last Duke of Lauderdale. The Duke hired Sir William Bruce to change his home, Thirlestane Castle, into a beautiful palace.
The 1700s and Jacobite Risings
During the Jacobite rising of 1745, the Jacobite leader, Charles Edward Stuart, stayed at Thirlestane Castle. His army camped in the park after their victory at the Battle of Prestonpans. However, the Maitlands were not strong supporters of the Jacobites, so they did not lose their lands.
The 1800s and Napoleonic Wars
At the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, General Sir Peregrine Maitland led the Foot Guards. Later, Napoleon gave himself up to Captain Frederick Maitland of the Royal Navy. In 1828, the Maitland Club was started. This group, named after Richard Maitland, helped publish old texts.
Clan Chief Today
After the death of The Rt. Hon. Sir Patrick Francis Maitland on December 2, 2008, his son became the new chief. The current chief is Ian Maitland. He is the 18th Earl of Lauderdale and the chief of Clan Maitland.
Clan Castles and Homes
- Thirlestane Castle is the main home of the Maitland family in Scotland.
- Tibbers Castle lands were given to John Mautaland of Thirlestane in 1369. His son, Sir Robert Mautaland, later received official ownership from the crown.
- Lennoxlove House, once called Lethington, belonged to the Maitlands until 1682. It is now the home of the Dukes of Hamilton.
- Ham House in Richmond, Surrey, was owned by the Countess of Dysart and Duchess of Lauderdale. The Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale furnished and decorated much of it.
See also
