Clan Pringle Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Clan Pringle

Crest: An escalop or

Motto

Amicitia Reddit Honores (Friendship Gives Honour)

Profile

Region

Scottish Borders

Chief

Sir Norman Murray Archibald MacGregor Pringle of that Ilk and Stichill, 10th Baronet

Chief of the Name and Arms of the Honourable Clan Pringle.

Historic seat

Torsonce
Hoppringle

Septs of Clan Pringle
Prindle

Rival clans
Elliot, Armstrong

Clan Pringle is an old and respected family from the Scottish Borders. They are known as a Lowland clan.

What's in a Name? The Pringle Story
A Look at Pringle History
Pringle Castles and Towers
The Clan Chief
Pringle Baronets
Pringles in Law
See also

What's in a Name? The Pringle Story

The name Pringle comes from a very old Scottish Border family. It used to be spelled Hoppringill. This name has been around since the time of Alexander III of Scotland, who was king from 1249 to 1286.

The name comes from a specific place called Hoppringle. This spot is in a parish called Stow, near the Gala Water river. It's about ten miles north of Galashiels.

Hoppringle is located on the southern slopes of a ridge. This ridge has a rounded top, almost like a ring. This shape is probably how the place got its name.

The word "Hopp" or "Hope" means a small, enclosed valley. "Ring" or "rink" refers to the round shape of the hill. So, Hoppringill simply means "the small valley of the round hill."

The full name Hoppringill was used for about 300 years. By the late 1500s, people started using "Pringill" more often. Around 1650, it changed to "Pringle," which is what we use today.

A Look at Pringle History

In the 1300s, the Pringle family were close friends and helpers of the Earls of Douglas. They were known as "Hoppringle of that Ilk," meaning they were the main family of Hoppringle. They owned lands in a place called Lauderdale.

Pringle family members were important at the courts of King James IV and King James V. Some were even trumpeters for King James IV. One Pringle bravely fought and died alongside the king at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.

For about 100 years, starting around 1489, several Pringle women became Prioresses (leaders) at the Convent in Coldstream. The Pringles also had a connection to the wool industry. In 1540, a Pringle was in charge of managing the King's sheep wool.

In 1592, many Pringle family members promised to help keep the peace in the Border region. They showed how much land they owned by helping each other stay out of trouble. Later, the main Pringle family and the Pringles of Smailholm promised to make sure all Pringles behaved well.

The last Pringle of that Ilk passed away in 1737. After that, the most important branch of the family became the Pringles of Stitchill. They had acquired their lands around 1630. In 1683, Sir Robert Pringle was given the title of Baronet. This title has continued to this day.

Pringle Castles and Towers

Smailholm Tower in the Scottish Borders

The Pringle family had several important homes and strongholds. Their first main home was at Hoppringle. Later, they moved to Torsonce, which is also on the Gala Water river in Scotland.

The Pringles also built or owned many other castles and tower houses, including:

Smailholm Tower
Buckholm Tower
Torwoodlee Tower and House
Old Gala House
Whytbank Tower
Yair House
Stichill House
Haining House in Selkirk

They also owned Greenknowe Tower and Craigcrook Castle at different times. These buildings were important for protecting their lands and families.

The Clan Chief

The Clan Chief is the official leader of the clan. The current chief of Clan Pringle is Sir Norman Murray Archibald MacGregor Pringle of that Ilk and Stichill, 10th Baronet.

The original chiefs were the Hoppringles of that Ilk, who later became the Pringles of Torsonce. The last chief from this main line was John Hoppringle, who died in 1737. His daughter, Margaret, married a Pringle from the Stitchill branch. This brought the chief's lands and family symbols to the Stitchill Pringles.

In 2020, the Lord Lyon King of Arms officially recognized Sir Murray Pringle of Stitchill as the rightful chief of the clan. The Lord Lyon King of Arms is the person in Scotland who decides who the official head of a clan is.

Pringle Baronets

A Baronet is a special title that is passed down through families, similar to a knight but hereditary. Two Baronetcies have been created for members of the Pringle family.

One Baronetcy is for the Pringles of Stitchill. It was created in 1683. The current holder is Sir Murray Pringle, 10th Baronet.

Another Baronetcy was created in 1766 for Dr Sir John Pringle of Pall Mall. He was a famous doctor and president of the Royal Society. This Baronetcy no longer exists.

Pringles in Law

Several Pringles became important judges in Scotland. They were called Senators of the College of Justice, and they earned the title of Lord of Session.

On June 6, 1718, Sir Walter Pringle became Lord Newhall.
On July 1, 1729, John Pringle became Lord Haining.
On November 20, 1754, Robert Pringle became Lord Edgefield.
On June 14, 1757, Andrew Pringle became Lord Alemore.

Clan Pringle facts for kids

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