Clan Armstrong
Clan Armstrong (Armstrong Tartan)
Name: Mac Ghillieláidir
Clan Crest: An arm from the shoulder, armed, Proper
Motto: Invictus Maneo (I remain unvanquished)
Lands: Liddesdale
Seat: Gilnockie Tower
Origin of Name: Strong arm
1. Clan Armstrong History
The Armstrong name is said to have mythical origins because their heroic ancestor, Fairbairn, is said to have saved the Scottish king in combat rather than from a ferocious animal like the Turnbulls, another Border clan.
When the monarch's horse fell in combat, Fairbairn, who was wearing full armor, helped the king onto his own horse with one arm. They received lands in the Borders and the well-known Armstrong name, which is preserved in their family crest, for their bravery.
Their ascent to fame led them to Liddesdale, their ancestral home, which was first mentioned in detail in 1376.
As their base of power, Liddesdale allowed them to grow into Eskdale and Annandale to accommodate their expanding clan. They were able to assemble an amazing force of three thousand horsemen by 1528.
They had a tense relationship with the Scottish kings, though. John Armstrong, popularly known as "Gilnockie," was duped by King James V at Carlingrigg in 1530.
A dark period in Armstrong history began when the king tricked Gilnockie and his fifty supporters into falling into a trap in an attempt to put an end to the Border uprising.
The royal order to hang them was issued, and although there were many requests for forgiveness in return for compliance, the order was carried out. Gilnockie spoke these words to King James V directly, remaining defiant all the way to the end:
"I am but a fool to seek grace at a graceless face, but had I known you would have taken me this day, I would have lived in the Borders despite King Harry and you both."
The moving Border ballad "Johnie Armstrong" captures his unwavering defiance and reverberates throughout history:
"Goodbye! dazzling Gilnock Hall, me Where on the Esk side art thou strong? If I had lived for another seven years, I would have known that John Murdered and his gallant companions were at Carlinrigg; however, Scotland's heart could never have been more heavy to witness so many valiant men fall.”
An act "for the quieting and keeping in obedience of the inhabitants of the Borders, Highland, and Isles" was passed by the Scottish parliament in 1587. The Armstrongs were arguably the most important Border clan; this act included a roll of Chieftains and clans, confirming the place of Border families in clan history.
Up until 1610, when Archibald Armstrong was labeled a rebel and "put to the horn," the Armstrong family held the title "Laird of Mangerton," demonstrating the clan's continued power at Mangerton in Liddesdale.
The Scotts thereafter became the owners of the Armstrong lands.
2. Clan Armstrong Tartans
Historically, the Armstrongs, who have been Borders residents, would not have worn a tartan. But the notorious Sobieski Stewarts created the Armstrong Tartan specifically for the 1842 Vestiarium Scoticum. The Armstrongs have adopted and worn it ever since it was created.
Armstrong Ancient
Armstrong Modern
3. Clan Armstrong Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Armstrong Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry:
Crest Description:
An arm from the shoulder, armed, Proper
3.2 Clan Armstrong Coats of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
A person is awarded a coat of arms under Scottish heraldic law; civic or corporate arms are not granted. There is no such thing as a "family coat of arms." The personal arms pictured below belong to the person who received them, unless they are corporate or civic arms. The only person authorized to wield these weapons is the one who has been given them.
ARMS OF ARMSTRONG—Gules, three dexter arms vambraced argent, hands proper.
Hugh Armstrong and his wife are buried at Holy Trinity, Wysall, with heraldic emblems that honor their ancestry and connections. The insignias of allied families are displayed alongside the Arms of Armstrong.
These include the Fitzherbert Arms, which have three lions rampant or on a gules background with a label of three points in chief; the Raynes Arms, which have a canton of ermine and a chequered pattern of or and gules with a vert bend bearing a Moor's head between two golden annulets. The Turville Arms have three chevronels vair on a gules field.
These symbols stand for the unions of marriage for three of Hugh's daughters. A ribbon with the words "Hughe Armestronge Esquire Marye his wyfe, daghter of Henrie Sacheverell of Ratclif-upon-Sore Esquire" is wrapped around the parental shield.
Three shields with Armstrong, Sacheverell, and Armstrong's heraldic emblems on the sinister side of them rest at the end of the tomb.
Among these shields are effigies of a woman, an armored knight, and a third figure dressed in funeral regalia. The words "Here lyeth the bodyes of Hugh Armestrong Esquier and Marye his wiff, daughter of... Sacheverell of Ratclif-upon-Sore, Esquier, wch Hugh dyed the xxijth dey of December m° d° Ixxii. and the said Marye dyed the xxth dey of Ma..." are engraved in black lettering around the chamfer.
Shield of the Armstrong of Mangerton
Micheil Joseph Armstrong of Mungbyhurst's coat of arms, granted by the Lyon Court on December 9, 1997, is described as follows:
Arms: On a silver shield (Argent), there are three vertical blue stripes (pallets), with a gold lion walking (passant) between two red roses on the top part (chief).
Crest: A salmon, positioned horizontally and in its natural colors (Proper), with a sea eagle also in its natural colors (Proper) perched on top.
Motto: "ARMATUS CUM OPPORTUNITATE" (Armed with Opportunity).
4. Clan Armstrong People & Places
4.1 Clan Armstrong Places
4.1.1 Langholm Castle
Across the fields from here is the stately Langholm Castle. The Scotts of Buccleuch are the legal owners, but the Clan Armstrong Trust looks after its upkeep and conservation.
The Armstrong clan's laird is thought to have built the castle, which was essential to keeping Eskdale law and orderly. The Reivers were viewed by the local government as essential law enforcement officers, despite the fact that outsiders frequently referred to them as merely bandits and robbers.
Langholm Castle came into English hands in 1544, amid the turbulent era known as the "Rough Wooing," when Henry VIII attempted to set up a marriage between his son and Mary Queen of Scots. It was not, however, held by the English for long, for the Scots retook it in the space of seven shots.
"On the border was the Armestronges - able men, somewhat unruly, and very ill tae tame!" goes the proverb.
4.1.2 Gilnockie Tower
The 16th-century Peel Tower, Gilnokie Tower, is a proud reminder of the historical influence on the Scottish Borders. Constructed almost five hundred years ago, it is located in the village of Hollows, a little more than two kilometers north of Canonbie, in the center of Dumfries and Galloway.
This sturdy stronghold belonged to none other than the fabled Border Reiver Johnnie Armstrong of Gilnockie. Built around 1520, its robust walls bore witness to the turbulent times of border conflicts.
But tragedy struck in 1530, when this strong chieftain was killed by a Scottish king; Walter Scott's pen has immortalized the story.
Sir Christopher Dacre, the English Warden of the Western Marches, set fire to the tower just two years earlier, in 1528.
The tower persevered through many hardships and emerged from the ruins, only to be subjected to more attacks by roving English troops in the 1540s.
Resilient hands rebuilt its walls with new features like a beacon stance on the gable and a parapet walk each time it fell.
But now the tower is silent, its doors closed to the public, a silent reminder of a time of bravery and conflict in the past.
4.2 Clan Armstrong People
4.2.1 Neil Armstrong (1930-2012)
A swatch of Armstrong tartan is said to have been carried by the first man to set foot on the moon. Eddie Armstrong was the town clerk in Langholm at the time of that historic lunar landing.
Eddie was the one who invited Neil Armstrong to become the first Freeman of the town.
Neil Armstrong traveled to Langholm with his wife in 1972 to pick up this coveted award.
Men, women, and kids were everywhere in the streets as they arrived, ready to welcome them with cheers and waves. Armstrong modestly said, "The hardest place to find recognition is often in one's own hometown," during his speech at the ceremony. I think of this place as my home now."
Armstrong tragically died on August 25, 2012, at the age of 82, as a result of complications from a bypass operation.
Representatives from Langholm started pleading with the Scottish council almost immediately after his passing to ensure that his memory was appropriately honored.
4.2.2 Edwin Howard Armstrong (1890-1954)
Edwin Howard Armstrong is the American electrical engineer to whom you are referring. As the creator of frequency modulation radio (FM radio), he is well known. His groundbreaking contributions to radio technology transformed the broadcasting sector and markedly raised radio transmission quality.
4.2.3 Gary Armstrong (born 1966 in Edinburgh)
When Gary earned his 47th cap against Romania in August 1999, he tied the record held by Scotland's most-capped scrum-half, Roy Laidlaw. Soon after, he triumphantly led Scotland over Samoa in the World Cup play-off match that October, thereby becoming the proud member of the exclusive 50-cap club.
In the 1999 Rugby World Cup quarterfinal, Scotland suffered a valiant 18-30 defeat to New Zealand, bringing an end to his illustrious international rugby career.
Notably, in his eighth Test as captain, Gary Armstrong led Scotland to victory in the 1999 Five Nations Championship. Scotland's incredible 36–22 victory over France cemented their top spot on the standings.
5. Associated Names
Clan Armstrong recognizes the following names as septs or associated names: Armstrang, Armestrang, Armystrang, Crosar, Crosier, Crozer, Fairbairn, Fortenbras, Grozier, Harmestrange, and Nixon.