Clan Spalding facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Clan Spalding
Motto	Nobile Servitium (Service is noble)
Clan Spalding has no chief, and is an armigerous clan
Historic seat	Ashintully Castle

Clan Spalding is a historic Scottish family group, also known as a 'sept' of Clan Murray. A 'sept' is like a smaller family branch connected to a larger clan. Clan Spalding doesn't have an official chief recognized by the Scottish government, so it's called an armigerous clan. This means they have their own coat of arms but no current leader.

The Spalding family lived in Perthshire, Scotland, for many years before 1746. Over time, members of the family spread out to places like Germany, Sweden, Jamaica, Georgia, Liverpool, and Virginia. Their main family home in Perthshire was Ashintully Castle.

Clan Spalding History

Where Did the Spaldings Come From?

The Spalding name comes from the town of Spalding, Lincolnshire, in England. The name first appeared in Scotland around 1294. A man named John de Spaldyn, who was a 'Magister' (Master), was a witness to a land deal in Aberdeen. Another Spalding was a church official at Elgin Cathedral around 1300.

The Spaldings became well-known in 1318 during a big battle at Berwick. This was when Robert the Bruce and his army tried to take the town.

How Did Peter Spalding Help Robert the Bruce?

The story says that Peter de Spalding, a 'burgess' (a citizen with special rights) of Berwick, really disliked the English governor. Peter helped Bruce's soldiers sneak into the town. Because of his help, Bruce rewarded him in May 1319. Peter received lands in Ballourthye and Pitmachie in Angus. He also became the keeper of the royal forest of Kylgerry.

In 1587, the Scottish Parliament officially recognized the Spaldings as a clan. This meant their chief or leader would be responsible for the clan's actions. The most important Spalding family branch was the Spaldings of Ashintully.

Who Was John Spalding the Historian?

John Spalding was a lawyer in Aberdeen during the time of King Charles I. He wrote a famous history book called Memorials of the troubles in Scotland and England from 1624 to 1645. This book was first printed in 1792. Later, a group interested in history, called The Spalding Club, was named in his honor.

Building Ashintully Castle

Around 1060, King Malcolm III built Whitefield Castle in Strathardle as a hunting lodge. Over 500 years later, in 1576, Colonel David Spalding fought in Flanders for the King of Spain. After seven years, he used his earnings to build Ashintully Castle. This new castle was about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) southeast of Whitefield Castle and was built in a similar style.

The 17th Century and David "Dēas" Spalding

In 1615, David "Dēas" Spalding started the first regular market in the Highlands. It was called "Michael Mass Fair." In the Gaelic language, "Dēas" means south. It also meant someone who was restless, ready, brave, or wise.

Later, another David Spalding, who was also the 'Laird' (landowner) of Ashintully, was remembered less kindly. People said he treated some people very unfairly.

The Spaldings in the 18th Century

In the early 1700s, the Spalding family supported the Jacobite cause. This was a movement to bring the old royal family back to the throne. Because of this, the Spaldings lost their lands and many family members moved away.

Over the years, branches of the original Spaldings from Berwick moved to places like Aberdeen, Perthshire, Edinburgh, Germany, Sweden, Jamaica, Liverpool, Virginia, and Georgia. Several books have been written about these different family branches. The Aberdeen branch might be connected to the "Spalding Club" historical society, which started in 1839.

The 20th Century and Ashintully Castle Today

Flora Spalding, thought to be the last surviving member of the Ashintully Spaldings, passed away in London, England, on June 26, 1930.

Today, Ashintully Castle is a large sheep farm and a Bed & Breakfast. It covers about 3,000 acres (12 square kilometers). Spaldings from all over the world have visited the castle to learn about their family history.

Clan Profile

There are different mottos and coats of arms for various Spalding family lines. However, the main branch was the Spaldings of Ashintully.

• Spalding of Ashintully's Crest: A gateway in its natural colors with the portcullis (a strong gate) half-raised, in red.
• Spalding of Ashintully's Arms: A gold shield with a two-handed sword pointing upwards in blue.
• Spalding of Ashintully's Motto: Nobile Servitium (Service is noble).