Clan Wemyss facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clan Wemyss |
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| Motto | Je pense (I think) |
| Chief | |
| Michael Wemyss of that Ilk | |
| Seat | Wemyss Castle |
Clan Wemyss is a historic Scottish clan from the Lowlands of Scotland. A clan is like a large family group, often with a shared history and a chief. The chiefs of Clan Wemyss have a long and interesting past, connected to some of Scotland's most important events.
Contents
History of Clan Wemyss
Where the Clan Name Comes From
The name Wemyss comes from the Scottish Gaelic word uaimh, which means cave. It's thought that the family got their name from the caves near Wemyss, Fife, by the Firth of Forth. This is where the Wemyss family first lived. Wemyss Castle in Fife has been the home of the Clan Wemyss chiefs for hundreds of years, since the 1100s. The Wemyss chiefs are special because they are one of the few noble families who can trace their family tree back to the ancient Celtic nobles through the Clan MacDuff Earls of Fife.
In 1290, Sir Michael Wemyss, along with his brother Sir David and Sir Scott of Balwearie, traveled to Norway. Their mission was to bring back the young Queen Margaret, who was known as the "Maid of Norway."
Fighting for Scotland's Freedom
During the Wars of Scottish Independence, Sir Michael Wemyss first promised his loyalty to Edward I of England in 1296. However, he soon changed his mind and decided to support Robert the Bruce, who was fighting for Scotland's freedom. Because of this, Wemyss Castle was attacked and damaged by the English army.
Sir Michael also witnessed an important document in 1315. This document was about who would inherit the Scottish Crown after Robert the Bruce. His son, Sir David Wemyss, was one of the people who signed the famous Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. This declaration was a letter sent to the Pope, stating Scotland's independence. Sir David also helped arrange for David II of Scotland to be released from being held prisoner by the English. His own son was even sent as a hostage to help pay for the king's release.
The 1500s and Wars with England
In 1513, the clan chief, Sir David de Wemyss, was killed while leading Clan Wemyss at the Battle of Flodden. This was a major battle between Scotland and England. His grandson, Sir John Wemyss, later fought at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547, another battle against the English.
Sir John was a strong supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots. It was at the newly expanded Wemyss Castle that Queen Mary first met her future husband, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. In 1559, Sir John was made the leader of the military forces in Fife, Kinross, and Clackmannan. He led his men in the queen's army at the Battle of Langside in 1568. His great-grandson, also named John Wemyss, was born in 1586. He became the eldest surviving son of Sir John Wemyss of that Ilk.
The 1600s and 1700s
John Wemyss was made a knight in 1618. In 1625, he was given the title of Baronet of Nova Scotia. This title also included land in Canada, which was called the barony of New Wemyss. Later, he was given an even higher title: Earl of Wemyss. Charles I of England himself presented him with this title at Dunfermline. John Wemyss was also an important advisor to the king and a leader in the Church of Scotland. He passed away in 1649.
His only son, David Wemyss, 2nd Earl of Wemyss, took over as chief. David spent his life improving his family's lands, especially their salt and coal mines. He also built a large harbor at Methil, Fife and made Wemyss Castle much bigger. He even hosted Charles II of England there in 1650 and 1651. David died in 1679. Since his son had passed away before him, his daughter, Margaret Wemyss, 3rd Countess of Wemyss, inherited the estates. Margaret married her cousin, James Wemyss, Lord Burntisland. Their son, David Wemyss, 4th Earl of Wemyss, became chief in 1705 after his mother.
The Jacobite Risings
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David Wemyss, the 4th Earl of Wemyss, was chosen to help with the Treaty of Union with England. This treaty joined Scotland and England into one country. In 1707, he became the Vice Admiral of Scotland, a very important naval role.
James Wemyss, 5th Earl of Wemyss, married the wealthy heiress of Colonel Francis Charles Charteris. During the Jacobite rising of 1745, the earl's son, David Wemyss, Lord Elcho, joined Charles Edward Stuart, also known as Bonnie Prince Charlie, in Edinburgh. Lord Elcho traveled with Stuart into England and was also at the Battle of Culloden. After the battle, he escaped to France. Because he had supported the Jacobite cause, his lands were taken away by the Crown. He died in Paris in 1787.
Because Lord Elcho's lands were taken, his younger brother, Francis, became the next Earl of Wemyss. Francis changed his last name to Charteris, his mother's family name. The current Earls of Wemyss and chiefs of Clan Charteris are descended from him. However, the leadership of Clan Wemyss and the family lands in Fife went to the 5th earl's third son, James Wemyss (1726–1786). James was a Member of Parliament for Sutherland and married Lady Elizabeth Sutherland in 1757.
Modern Clan History
James Wemyss's great-grandson married Millicent, who was the daughter of Lady Augusta Gordon. Millicent was also the granddaughter of William IV of the United Kingdom. Their grandson, Michael Wemyss, married Lady Victoria Cavendish-Bentinck, who was the last surviving god-daughter of Queen Victoria.
Clan Castles
- Wemyss Castle in Fife is still the main home of the chief of Clan Wemyss.
- Elcho Castle is owned by the Wemyss Lord Elcho.
The Clan Chief
As of 2011, the chief of Clan Wemyss is Michael Wemyss of Wemyss. He is married to Charlotte Bristowe, the daughter of Colonel Royle Bristowe of Ickleton, Essex.
Clan Septs
A sept is a family name that is considered part of a larger clan. Many different spellings and septs are connected to Clan Wemyss. These include: Elcho, Vemis, Vemys, Vemyss, Veymis, Weemes, Weems, Weemyss, Weimes, Weimis, Weims, Weimys, Wemes, Wemeth, Wemis, Wemise, Wems, Wemyes, Wemys, Wemyss, Wemysse, Weymes, Weymis, Weyms, Whymes, Whyms, Wymes, Wymess, Whims, Wims, and Wymbs (from County Sligo, Ireland).
See also
- Wemyss
- Scottish clan
