Clan Barclay
Clan Barclay (Barclay Tartan)
Crest: On a chapeau doubled Ermine a hand holding a dagger, Proper
Motto: Aut Agere Aut Mori (Either action or death)
Origin of Name: Placename from Berkeley, England
Lands: Aberdeenshire, Moray, and Ayrshire
Historic Seat: Towie Barclay Castle
Clan Chief: Peter Barclay of that Ilk
1. Clan Barclay History
The Barclays trace their roots back to the days of the Norman Conquest when they journeyed from France to settle in Gloucestershire. In those ancient times, their name was recorded as 'de Berchelai', a moniker steeped in history.
Linguists speculate that 'beau' (meaning beautiful) and 'lee' (referring to meadow or field) could form the basis of its Anglo-Saxon origins. Additionally, it's noted that early settlers in Gloucester favored the names Roger and Ralph, adding to the colorful tapestry of their heritage.
Towie Barclay Castle stands proudly amidst the rugged landscape of Aberdeenshire, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Barclays. Constructed in 1593, it bears witness to centuries of history, with the clan having laid claim to the lands since the 11th century.
Yet, in 1755, the castle changed hands, its halls left silent and empty, for the Barclays believed it to be cursed, and thus, none of their kin have dwelled within its walls since.
Across the border in Gloucestershire, the Earls of Berkeley erected Berkeley Castle in 1153, intending it as a stronghold.
Its notoriety, however, was sealed in 1327 when it became the site of King Edward II's imprisonment and tragic demise at the hands of his Queen.
Venturing back to Scotland's north-eastern reaches, we encounter Theobald de Berkeley, who planted the seeds of the family's presence in Towie, Mathers, Gartley, and Pierston in Aberdeenshire, primarily establishing themselves at Mathers.
It was here that Alexander Barclay solidified their foothold, marrying the sister of Aberdeen's Great Marischal in 1351.
Throughout the turbulent years of the Wars of Independence, the Barclays emerged as key players on Scotland's stage.
Walter de Berkeley, serving as Chamberlain of Scotland in 1165, forged a close bond with his sovereign, William the Lion. Meanwhile, Sir David Barclay stood shoulder to shoulder with Robert the Bruce, fighting valiantly at battles like Methven, where he faced capture.
Fast forward to the mid-17th century, and Sir David Barclay's exploits take him to Urie Estate near Stonehaven in Kincardineshire.
A seasoned soldier, he had earned his stripes in the Thirty Years War, even rising to the rank of Colonel in the Swedish army under Gustavus Adolphus.
Retirement beckoned in 1647, yet the call of duty summoned him once more in support of Charles I the following year. Despite his unwavering loyalty, the tide turned against him after the Restoration of 1660, leading to his confinement in Edinburgh Castle.
It was during this period of adversity that a remarkable transformation took place within the Barclay family. Influenced by the Laird of Swinton, Sir David embraced the Quaker faith, paving the way for a profound shift in their beliefs.
His son, Robert Barclay, went on to publish a seminal Quaker treatise in 1675, renouncing his Catholic upbringing and championing the tenets of the Society of Friends.
2. Clan Barclay Tartans
The Barclay hunting tartan originated from the Vestiarium Scoticum, a manuscript created by the notorious tartan fabricators, the Sobieski Stewarts. Despite its dubious origins, the Barclay tartan has been in use for almost two centuries. So, despite its questionable beginnings, it has become an established part of Barclay heritage.
Thread-count R/4 G32 B32 G/4
Barclay Hunting ancient
The Barclay dress tartan is derived from the "hunting" Barclay tartan originally designed by the Sobieski brothers in 1842.
Thread-count W/4 Y32 K32 Y/4
Barclay Dress
3. Clan Barclay Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Barclay Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
On a chapeau doubled Ermine a hand holding a dagger, Proper
3.2 Clan Barclay Coats of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
According to Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is granted to an individual, with the exception of civic or corporate arms. There is no concept of a "family coat of arms." The arms depicted below are personal arms, with the exceptions noted above. Only the individual to whom these arms are granted has the right to use them.
Coat of arms for BARCLAY of Towie
Azure, a chevron, Or, between three crosses pattée, Argent. This is the personal arms of the chief: Peter Barclay of Towie Barclay and of that Ilk.
BARCLAY of Towie
Azure, a chevron, Or, between three crosses pattée, Argent.
Balvaird Castle in Abernethy features the remains of the Murray and Barclay coats of arms displayed above the castle's doorway.
Barclay of Towie arms at Towie Barclay castle, Scotland
4. Clan Barclay Places & People
4.1 Clan Barclay Places
4.1.1 Towie Barclay Castle
Towie Barclay Castle, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, approximately 4.5 miles south-south-east of Turriff, is a historic fortress constructed in 1593 by Clan Barclay.
The site has historical significance, as it was granted to the Clan by Malcolm III of Scotland in the 11th century.
4.1.2 Balvaird Castle
Balvaird, known as Baile a’ Bhàird in Gaelic, translates to the ‘Township of the Bard’. This medieval Scottish tower house, dating back to around 1500, was commissioned by Sir Andrew Murray, a scion of the esteemed Murray of Tullibardine clan.
His union with Margaret Barclay, heiress to the Barclay fortune, granted him ownership of the Balvaird lands.
It's believed that Balvaird Castle may have been erected upon the foundations of an ancestral Barclay stronghold. Remnants of earthwork fortifications surrounding the castle likely harken back to earlier defensive structures.
4.2 Clan Barclay People
4.2.1 Field Marshall Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly (1761-1818)
Hailing from what is now Lithuania, Michael Andreas Barclay de Tolly boasted ancestry tracing back to Scottish settlers who made their home in Livona during the 1600s. His mark on Russian military history is indelible.
Serving as Minister of War, he led Russian forces against Napoleon during the tumultuous year of 1812. It was Barclay de Tolly who first implemented the scorched earth strategy, a move pivotal in compelling Napoleon's retreat from Moscow.
For his exceptional service, the Tsar bestowed upon Barclay de Tolly the title of prince. Even today, his portrait graces the halls of the esteemed Hermitage in St. Petersburg, a testament to his enduring legacy.
5. Associated Names
The following names are considered septs or associated names of Clan Barclay: Ardrossan, Barcklay, Barckley, Barckly, Barclaye, Barclet, Barclye, Barcula, Barkla, Barklaw, Barklay, Barkley, Barkly, Barraclough, Berckley, Berclay, Bercley, Berclie, Berekele, Berkeley, Tollie, Tolley, Towie, Towy, and Tullie.
Additionally, the Barclays in Ulster are listed as a sept of Clan MacFarlane, according to their Society website.