Clan Seton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clan Seton |
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| Motto | "Hazard Yet Forward" or "Forward Ours" | ||
| Profile | |||
| Region | Lowlands | ||
| Plant badge | Yew | ||
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| Clan Seton has no chief, and is an armigerous clan | |||
| Historic seat | Seton Castle | ||
| Last Chief | George Seton, 5th Earl of Winton | ||
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Clan Seton is a Scottish family group that does not currently have a main leader or "chief." Because of this, it is known as an armigerous clan, which means they still have a coat of arms but no official chief.
The Story of Clan Seton
Where the Clan Began
The Seton family name likely came from a village called Sai in France. By the year 1150, a person named Alexander de Seton was in Scotland. He was part of an important document signed by David I of Scotland, showing the family was already well-known.
Brave Knights and Scottish Freedom
Sir Christopher Seton's Loyalty
Sir Christopher Seton (who passed away in 1306) helped his family become very important. He married the sister of Robert the Bruce, who would become the King of Scots. In March 1306, Sir Christopher was there when Robert the Bruce was crowned king in Scone.
People also say that Seton saved the king's life during the Battle of Methven in June 1306. Sadly, the English captured Sir Christopher during the battle. He was then put to death in London.
Sir Alexander Seton and Scottish Independence
In 1320, Sir Alexander Seton signed the Declaration of Arbroath. This was a famous letter that clearly stated Scotland was an independent country. Sir Alexander was probably Sir Christopher's brother.
Later, Sir Alexander Seton was in charge of the town of Berwick from 1327 to 1333. The town eventually surrendered to the English. The English had already taken his son as a hostage and sadly put him to death. Sir Alexander's other two sons also died. One drowned in a sea battle, and the other was killed fighting Edward Balliol.
His daughter, Margaret, then inherited the family lands. Her son later took the Seton family name and became the first Lord Seton.
Important Setons in the 1400s and 1500s
William Seton, the 1st Lord Seton, was present at the crowning of Robert II of Scotland. One of his sons married Elizabeth of Gordon. This son's family later became the Earls and Marquesses of Huntly, who were the leaders of Clan Gordon.
George Seton, 5th Lord Seton was a good friend of James IV of Scotland. He died alongside the king at the Battle of Flodden.
Supporting Mary, Queen of Scots
The Seton family were strong supporters of Mary, Queen of Scots. In 1557, George Seton, 7th Lord Seton attended the queen's wedding. He became her special advisor and a close friend.
Lord Seton helped the queen escape after her secretary, David Rizzio, was murdered. He took her to Seton Castle in East Lothian and then to Dunbar. When Mary's husband, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, was killed, she again turned to Seton for help. It was at Seton Castle that her marriage agreement with James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell was made.
In 1568, when the queen was held prisoner in Loch Leven Castle, Seton helped her escape with 200 horsemen. After the queen was defeated at the Battle of Langside in 1568, Seton went to another country. He returned to Scotland two years later. His picture is now in the National Portrait Gallery. His second son, Robert, became the Earl of Winton in 1600.
The Setons in the 1600s and 1700s
The Earl of Winton's brother, Alexander Seton, became a very important judge in Scotland. He was later made the Chancellor of Scotland. In 1606, Alexander Seton was given the title of Earl of Dunfermline.
The Seton family were loyal to the Jacobite cause, which supported the Stuart kings. James Seton, 4th Earl of Dunfermline lost his title for supporting John Graham, 1st Viscount Dundee in 1689. George Seton, 5th Earl of Winton also lost his title after the Jacobite rising of 1715.
Another part of the family, the Setons of Abercorn, were given a special title called Baronets of Nova Scotia in 1663.
Clan Memorials
Places like Port Seton, Seton Collegiate Church, and Seton Castle are all near Edinburgh. They stand as reminders of the Seton clan's long history. The title of Earl of Winton is now "dormant," meaning there is no one currently holding it.
Castles of Clan Seton
Many castles have belonged to the Clan Seton over the years. Some of these include:
- Seton Castle, also known as Seton House, was the main home of the Clan Seton.
- Fyvie Castle.
- Winton House.
- Abercorn Castle.
See also
