Clan Riddell facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Clan Riddell
Crest: A demi greyhound proper
Motto	I hope to share
Profile
District	Lowlands
Plant badge	Rye
Chief
Sir Walter John Buchanan Riddell of that Ilk, 14th Baronet
Chief of Clan Riddell, The Riddell of that Ilk, Baronet Riddell of Riddell

Clan Riddell is a historic Scottish clan from the Scottish Lowlands. Clans are like big families or groups of people who share a common ancestor and a strong bond. The Riddell clan has a long and interesting history in Scotland.

History of Clan Riddell

Where Did the Riddell Name Come From?

The name Riddell might have come from Gascony, a region in France. Some believe the family traveled from there to Scotland through a place called Ryedale in Yorkshire, England. However, it is more likely that the name is of Norman origin, meaning it came from people who settled in England after the Norman Conquest.

In 1116, a man named Gervase Ridale was an important witness to a special document signed by David I of Scotland, who was then a prince. Gervase's son, Walter, later received land in Lilliesleaf in Roxburghshire.

During a battle in 1174, William the Lion, the King of Scotland, was captured. One of Gervase's nephews was sent as a hostage to ensure the king's release. Later, in 1296, Sir William Riddell of Riddell signed the Ragman Rolls. This was a document where Scottish nobles swore loyalty to King Edward I of England.

The 1600s and the Scottish Civil War

In 1628, Sir John Riddell was given a special title: a Baronet of Nova Scotia. This meant his family's lands became known as the barony of New Riddell. His third son, William Riddell, was knighted by King Charles I of England and fought in wars in the Netherlands.

Another important Riddell was Reverend Archibald Riddell, who was the third son of the second baronet. He was put in prison because he refused to give up his Covenanter beliefs. Covenanters were a group of Scots who supported a specific form of Protestantism and opposed the king's attempts to change their church.

John Riddell, a successful merchant in Edinburgh during the 1600s, made a lot of money trading goods across the Baltic Sea. His son later gained a lot of land near Linlithgow. During the Scottish Civil War, John's son worked with the forces of Oliver Cromwell and became good friends with General Monck.

From the 1700s to Today

Over time, the Riddell family also acquired large estates in Argyll, including areas like Ardnamurchan and Sunart. In 1778, James Riddel became the first Baronet of Ardnamurchan. He was also a member of the Society of Arts and Sciences and helped oversee the Society of British Fishery.

Sir Rodney Riddell, the fourth Baronet, was a professional soldier. He fought in military campaigns in New Zealand and Afghanistan during the Second Anglo-Afghan War.

Clan Chief Today

The current chief of Clan Riddell is Sir Walter John Buchanan Riddell, the 14th Baronet. He was born in 1974 and is the son of the late Sir John Charles Buchanan Riddell, who passed away in 2010. The chief is like the head of the clan, representing the family.

See also

• Scottish clan