Crispin Agnew facts for kids

Sir Crispin Hamlyn Agnew of Lochnaw, born on May 13, 1944, is a Scottish lawyer, an expert in coats of arms (called a herald), and a former explorer. He is the leader of the old Agnew family, and he holds the title of the eleventh Agnew baronet, a special title created in 1629. In 1975, he became a member of the Royal Company of Archers, which is the King's Body Guard for Scotland.

Sir Crispin is the only son of Sir Fulque Agnew and Swanzie Erskine. His mother was a geography professor. He took over his father's title in 1975.

Early Life and Adventures

Sir Crispin went to Uppingham School and then to RMA Sandhurst, a famous military academy. In 1964, he joined the Royal Highland Fusiliers, a Scottish army regiment. He served in different places like Germany, Cyprus, Northern Ireland, and the UK.

He loved climbing and mountaineering and was part of the Alpine Club. He helped the army teach soldiers how to be adventurous. He took part in or led many exciting expeditions, including trips to:

• Api Himal in 1980
• Mount Everest in 1976
• Nuptse Himal in 1975
• The Northern Patagonian Ice Field in 1973
• Elephant Island in 1970
• Greenland in 1968 and 1966

He retired from the army as a major in 1981.

Career as a Lawyer and Judge

Sir Crispin became a King's Counsel, which is a very senior lawyer in Scotland. He worked at the Scottish Bar, a group of independent lawyers, until April 2020. He was known as a top lawyer in areas like farming, land planning, and environmental law. In 2020, he became an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Dundee.

He also wrote legal books about farming, land ownership, and alcohol licensing. He served as a part-time judge for different tribunals, including the Upper Tribunal (from 2000 to 2018) and the Pension Appeal Tribunal (from 2002 to 2012). Since 2018, he has been a legal convenor for the Mental Health Tribunal for Scotland.

Heraldry Work

Sir Crispin's work with heraldry (the study of coats of arms and family symbols) began in 1978. He was first appointed Slains Pursuivant. In 1981, he became Unicorn Pursuivant at the Court of the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh. This court deals with Scottish heraldry. In 1986, he was promoted to Rothesay Herald, a position he held until August 31, 2021. After that, he became Albany Herald Extraordinary.

Family Life

In 1980, Sir Crispin married Susan Rachel Strang Steel. She is an academic skills adviser at Edinburgh Napier University and also works as a careers adviser. She used to be a journalist. Sir Crispin and Susan have a son and three daughters: Mark, Isabel, Emma, and Roseanna. Their son, Mark Agnew, is also an adventurer and is the heir to the family's titles.

Honours and Recognition

In the 2021 Birthday Honours, Sir Crispin was appointed a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order (LVO). This is an honour given by the King for personal service to the monarch.

Arms

Arms of Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw

Notes This coat of arms with the chevron first appears on the seal of Quentin Agnew of Lochnaw c 1487, previous versions having been recorded featuring three hands in the Hague Armorial Roll (c 1590) and Sir George Mackenzie’s "Science of Herauldry" (1680). Crest Above the shield, from which is pendent by an orange-tawny riband the Badge of a Baronet of Nova Scotia, is placed a Chapeau Azure furred Ermine, and thereon an Helm befitting his degree with a Mantling Gules doubled Argent, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest an eagle issuant and reguardant Proper Escutcheon Argent, a chevron between two cinquefoils in chief Gules and a saltire couped in base Azure. Supporters Two heraldic tygers Proper, collared and chained Or Motto CONSILIO NON IMPETU