Norman MacLeod of MacLeod facts for kids

Norman MacLeod of MacLeod (born July 18, 1812 – died February 5, 1895) was an important Scottish leader. He was the 25th Chief of Clan MacLeod, a historic Scottish clan. He is remembered for trying to help his people during difficult times and for his work with a special military volunteer group.

Norman MacLeod's Life Story

Early Life and Education

Norman MacLeod of MacLeod was born on July 18, 1812, in Dunvegan, a town on the Skye island in Scotland. His father, John Norman MacLeod, was the 24th Chief of Clan MacLeod. Norman went to Harrow School, a famous school, and then traveled to cities like Paris and Vienna.

Becoming a Clan Chief

In 1835, when Norman was 23, his father passed away. This meant Norman became the new Chief of Clan MacLeod. As chief, he was responsible for his clan and their lands.

Helping His People

Norman tried to make many improvements at Dunvegan Castle, the clan's historic home. He also tried new farming ideas. During a very tough time called the Highland Potato Famine, he worked hard to help his tenants (the people living on his land). He was very kind and generous, which unfortunately caused him to face serious financial problems. Even though it was hard on him, he put his people first.

Military Service

In 1859, there was a worry about a possible invasion in Britain. This led to many people joining the "Volunteer movement," where ordinary citizens volunteered to train as soldiers. Norman, along with others from the South Kensington Museum, offered to create two companies of engineers.

• This idea was accepted in 1860, and they formed the first Engineer Volunteer Corps, called the 1st Middlesex Engineers.
• Norman started as a Captain and quickly became a Major and then a Lieutenant-Colonel as the group grew.
• He led this group until 1871 and was later given the honorary title of Honorary Colonel.

Norman's Family Life

Marriages and Children

In 1837, Norman married Louisa Barbara St. John. She was the daughter of the 14th Baron St John of Bletso. Norman and Louisa had five children together: one daughter and four sons. Their daughter, Louisa Cecilia Macleod, later married John Moyer Heathcote, a lawyer and a player of a sport called real tennis.

After Louisa passed away, Norman married Hanna von Ettingshausen from Austria in 1881. They did not have any children together.

Death and Burial

Norman MacLeod of MacLeod passed away in Paris, France, on February 5, 1895. He was buried back home in Scotland, at Duirinish Church in Dunvegan.

Who Became Chief After Norman?

Succession of Chiefs

After Norman's death, his eldest son, Norman Magnus MacLeod of MacLeod (1839–1929), became the 26th Chief of Clan MacLeod. However, the 26th Chief did not have any sons.

Norman's second son, Torquil Olave, had passed away earlier without children. So, the chiefship then went to Norman's third son, Sir Reginald MacLeod of MacLeod (1847–1935). He became the 27th Chief.

Sir Reginald also did not have any sons, but he had two daughters. After his death, his eldest daughter, Dame Flora MacLeod of MacLeod (1878–1976), became the 28th Chief. She was the second female chief in the clan's history, which was quite special!