Clan Agnew
Clan Agnew (Agnew Tartan)
1. Clan Agnew History
The Agnew family tree tells a fascinating story, with roots that go back to two different places. According to a popular story, they are of French descent and came from the Normandy barony of Agneaux.
Around the 12th century, these French settlers first settled in England and then traveled north to settle in Liddesdale. A different story, on the other hand, suggests a relationship to the Ulster tribes, possibly as a sept of O'Gnimh, pronounced O'New.
This family tree changed over time, going from O'Gnive to O'Gnyw, MacGnive, and finally Agnew. This account of history reveals the presence of numerous Agnews in Ireland by entwining Agnew with notable individuals such as Somerled and the Lords of the Isles, especially Clan Donald.
The chronicles of history provide insight into the 12th century, when Anglo-Norman knight Agneau escorted Sir John de Courcy on his aventures.
This brave man left his mark on history as he witnessed a crucial borders charter between Jedburgh Abbey and Ranulf de Soulis.
The Agnews of Lochnaw became notable individuals when David II named them sheriffs of Galloway in 1363, propelling them to prominence in the area.
The Agnew Lord of Larne set out on a historic expedition in 1375 when he joined Edward Bruce, King Robert the Bruce's younger brother, in Ireland.
The goal of this expedition was to help the Irish Lords establish indigenous governance and overthrow English rule, in response to their invitation. For three pivotal years, Agnew stood resolutely by Edward's side as they worked to reshape Irish history.
The distinguished Andrew Agnew was made Constable of Lochnaw Castle in 1426, which began a legacy that is intricately linked to Scottish history.
A key player, he rose even higher in 1451 when he took on the role of Sheriff of Wigtown. Deeply ingrained in Scottish society, the Agnews moved through the corridors of power with such notables as Queen Mary and James VI.
Their rise in Scotland's southwest corresponded with the Douglasses' fall, which benefited the Agnews in Galloway but also brought them into conflict with rivals like the MacKies and MacClellans.
Under the patronage of Charles I, the lineage continued its glorious journey with Patrick Agnew, the seventh Sheriff of Wigton, who was made a baronetcy of Nova Scotia.
His son Andrew was knighted and became the Sheriff of Kirkcudbright while serving as the Wigtounshire representative in Parliament.
Their standing in the annals of Scottish nobility was further cemented by their marriage alliance with Anne Stewart, the daughter of the first Earl of Galloway.
At the Battle of Dettingen in June 1743, Sir Andrew, the fifth Baronet, made history by commanding the 21st Foot, also referred to as the Scots Fusiliers.
George II, the last British monarch, had personally commanded troops in this momentous battle. With unwavering determination, Sir Andrew held off Prince Charles Edward Stuart's advancing forces at Blair Castle, beating the odds until help arrived.
As the keeper of customs and heraldry, Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw bears the great mantle of the Agnew clan today.
At the Court of the Lord Lyon, King of Arms, Sir Crispin serves as the Rothesay Herald and personifies the cultural significance and long legacy of the Agnew family in Scotland.
Miss Del Agnew, an Australian, bought Lochnaw Castle, which is close to Stranraer, in the 1950s. At the moment, a trust is in charge of it.
2. Clan Agnew Tartans
Agnew Modern
Agnew Ancient
3. Clan Agnew Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Agnew Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
An eagle issuant and reguardant, Proper
3.2 Clan Agnew Coats of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
A person is granted a coat of arms under Scottish heraldic law, with the exception of civic or corporate arms. The idea of having a "family coat of arms" is a myth.
With the aforementioned exclusions, the arms pictured below are private and unique to the person who received them. The only person authorized to use these arms is the one who has been given them.
The coat of arms of Sir Crispin Agnew 11th Baronet of Lochnaw
Agnew Coat of Arms at Lochnaw Castle
Agnew Banner
4. Clan Agnew Places & People
4.1 Clan Agnew People
4.1.1 Sir Crispin Hamlyn Agnew of Lochnaw, 11th Baronet QC (Born 1944)
Introducing the multifaceted, Scottish-born individual who is also an officer of arms, advocate, and former explorer. Chief of the Name and Arms of Agnew, he proudly wears the prestigious title of Queen's Counsel at the Scottish Bar.
Looking back into the past, the dynasty he supports dates back to 1629, when the honorable Baronetcy was well established in the English Baronetage. He represents a centuries-old legacy as the eleventh baronet.
Under the patronage of the Earl of Erroll, Lord High Constable of Scotland, he was appointed Slains Pursuivant of Arms to the Chief of the Name and Arms of Hay in 1978, marking the beginning of his heraldic career.
An additional indication of his skill was his 1981 promotion to the distinguished position of Unicorn Pursuivant of Arms in Ordinary at the prestigious Court of the Lord Lyon in Edinburgh.
Acknowledging his steadfast dedication and proficiency, he was later named Rothesay Herald of Arms in Ordinary in 1986, a role he presently maintains with pride.
Beyond his heraldic endeavors, he finds happiness and comfort in family life, sharing his travels with his four cherished children and his wife Susan, a well-known journalist and broadcaster.
Collectively, they perfectly capture the intricate fabric of Scottish customs and cultural legacy.
4.1.2 Andrew Agnew (b. 1976)
This Scottish actor, who is handsome in appearance, has won many hearts with his performance as PC Plum in the popular children's television series Balamory, which won the coveted Bafta award.
Agnew spent the majority of his life in Elderslie, with the exception of a brief period spent in Glasgow. He made his television debut as the Muted Chef on BBC2's "Fran's People." But his big break came when he was cast as the charming PC Plum, a police officer, on the beloved CBeebies show Balamory.
With the production of another children's TV classic, "Me Too," Agnew entered uncharted territory and attempted directing for the first time as Balamory came to an end.
News of Agnew's fight with John Watson, the brother of a former downstairs neighbor, over his television and boisterous tumbledrier dominated the headlines in 2004.
Watson was found guilty and sentenced to 150 hours of community service as a result.
5. Septs of Clan Agnew
The following names are considered septs or associated names of Clan Agnew:
Agneli, Agnex, Aignell, Aggnew, Agnewe, Agnew, Agneaux, Aygnel, Angnew, Slavan
Agnew is also associated with Clan Douglas. It was considered a sept of Clan Douglas. During the 15th century, the Clan Agnew rose to power under the influential Clan Douglas.
The Agnews of Galloway initially benefited when the Clan Douglas fell out of favour with the monarch. However this brought them into conflict with the Clan Mackie and Clan MacLellan.
6. More Infomation
6.1 During the 15th and 16th centuries
William Douglas of Leswalt granted Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw a charter on November 10, 1426, which gave him the constableship and the lands of Lochnaw Castle. His direct descendants still hold the title of Sheriff of Wigtown, which he was appointed to in 1451.
Shortly after the Battle of Flodden, Patrick Agnew, the 4th of Lochnaw, died, possibly from wounds received. Fighting against the English forces at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547, Andrew Agnew, the 5th of Lochnaw, was killed.
6.2 17th century
From 1628 to 1633 and again from 1643 to 1647, Sir Patrick Agnew represented Wigtownshire as a Member of Parliament. He received a baronetcy of Nova Scotia on July 28, 1629. The first Earl of Galloway's daughter, Lady Anne Stewart, was married to Sir Patrick.
After his death in 1661, his eldest son Andrew succeeded him and served as the MP for Wigtownshire. During Scotland's Protectorate with England in the 1650s, Andrew had been appointed Sheriff of both Kirkcudbright and Wigtown.
6.3 18th century
A distant relative named Eleanor Agnew of Lochryan wed Sir Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw, 5th Baronet, and the couple had twenty-one children.
At the Battle of Dettingen in 1743, he distinguished himself as a soldier by commanding the 21st Foot (later the Royal Scots Fusiliers) against the French.
Agnew was informed by King George II, the final British monarch to command troops in combat, about the presence of French cavalry in his regiment. In his well-known response, Sir Andrew said, "Yes, please your Majesty, but they didna win back again." He became Governor of Tynemouth Castle and was promoted to Lieutenant General.
In 1745, when the Jacobites rose up, the Clan Agnew stuck by the British Crown. The Duke of Atholl's residence, Blair Castle, was guarded against Jacobite forces by Sir Andrew.
Agnew's soldiers were on the verge of famine until Prince William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, ordered the Jacobite forces to withdraw to Inverness by Charles Edward Stuart. For further details, see the main article about the Blair Castle Siege.
6.4 19th Century
John Singer Sargent's 1892 portrait of Gertrude Agnew, also called Lady Agnew of Lochnaw, is a well-known piece of art from that era.
The 7th Baronet of Sir Andrew Agnew (1793–1849) married Madeline, the daughter of Sir David Carnegie of Pitarrow, Bart., who subsequently attained the title of Earl of Southesk. During his tenure as the Wigtonshire Member of Parliament (1830–1837), he fervently supported the Sabbath Observance Bills.
Sir Andrew Agnew, the 8th Baronet, wed Lady Louisa Noel, who was the 1st Earl of Gainsborough's daughter. In addition to representing Wigtonshire in Parliament, he was a member of the Canadian 93rd Highlanders.