Clan Blackstock
Clan Blackstock (Blackstock Tartan)
Crest : No crest recorded. Arms of Blackstock of that Ilk: Argent, three trunks of trees couped, under and above, two and one Sable
Motto : No recorded motto
1. Clan Blackstock History
Blackstok is a surname steeped in mystery and rarity within Scottish lore. Translating to ‘black tree trunk’, its origins remain shrouded in the mists of time. It could be a figurative moniker, bestowed upon a dark-complexioned and sturdy individual, or perhaps a topographical descriptor, denoting ownership of land known as Blackstok.
The appearance of a laird dubbed Blackstok of Blackstok, akin to Blackstok of that Ilk, hints at this, though the precise whereabouts of this domain have faded into obscurity, awaiting rediscovery through further evidence.
The heraldic arms of Blakstok of that Ilk grace the pages of the Workman manuscript, an illuminated compendium of Scotland's heraldry dating back to around 1565, now safeguarded within the Lyon Office in Edinburgh.
Notably, the name Blackstok is remarked upon as ‘rarely met with’ by Workman during his compilation. According to the sage observations of eighteenth-century heraldic expert Alexander Nisbet, these arms depict three black tree trunks upon a silver backdrop.
The tale takes an intriguing turn as we venture into the annals of Dunnottar Castle in the Mearns. Here, the legendary Black Stock commands attention—an ancient, sturdy wooden table laden with sustenance, symbolizing the boundless hospitality of the affluent Keith Earls Marischal.
So renowned was the Black Stock that English knights made pilgrimages to Dunnottar Castle solely to marvel at its splendor in 1617. It's plausible that early members of the Blackstok clan served as stewards of this unique institution, especially during the Keiths' tenure in East Lothian preceding their residency at Dunnottar.
While Blackstok finds its roots in the Border regions of Scotland, a myriad of Blackstoks thrived in the western realms and Dumfries and Galloway during the seventeenth century, many ascending to burgess status or laying claim to modest parcels of land.
Across the eastern lands, William Blackstock's presence is marked in legal records as early as 1517, possibly the same individual documented as a court clerk in 1524. In Edinburgh, the Blackstock lineage flourished, with John Blackstock boasting property ownership as early as 1549, while Agnes Blackstock held sway over a tenement in 1699.
Noteworthy among their ranks is Edward Blackstock, whose command of the warship Prince William, stationed in Leith, earned him a place in maritime history upon his passing in 1740.
2. Clan Blackstock Tartans
The Blackstock tartan was commissioned by Herbert Earl Blackstock, the President of the Clan Blackstock Society in the USA. Originating as a Scotch-Irish family, the Blackstocks migrated to the US from what is now Ulster.
Threadcount Y/8 R4 K4 R44 K24 G28 Y/8
Blackstock tartan
The Blackstock tartan is a special weave and not widely available. Therefore, individuals associated with the Blackstock name can also wear the tartans of clans to which Blackstock is a sept, such as:
Douglas tartan
Maxwell tartan
3. Clan Blackstock Crest & Coats of Arms
4. Clan Blackstock Places & People
4.1 Clan Blackstock Places
Repentance Tower, located near Annan in Dumfries & Galloway, was built in the mid-1500s by John Maxwell within the graveyard of Trailtrow chapel. It has historical associations with the Blackstock name.
4.2 Clan Blackstock People
Thomas Blackstock (1882 – 1907)
Tommy Blackstock was a true Scottish football hero. Hailing from Kirkcaldy, he made his mark as a formidable defender on the pitch.
His journey took him through the ranks of Dunniker Rangers, Manchester United, Blue Bell, Raith Rovers, Leith Athletic, and Cowdenbeath, leaving an indelible imprint on each team he graced.
However, tragedy struck on that fateful day of April 8, 1907, during a match between Manchester United and St Helens. In the heat of the game, Tommy bravely leapt to head the ball, only to collapse suddenly.
The football world mourned as it lost one of its own—a player whose passion for the game knew no bounds.
5. Associated Names
The Blackstock clan has an interesting connection to the esteemed Clan Douglas, acknowledged by the CDSNA back in September 1978. According to some, the name Blackstock was possibly embraced by certain members of the "Black" Douglases post the Battle of Arkinholm in 1455.
This distinction might have been a way to set themselves apart from the "Red" Douglases, who rallied behind King James II of the Stewart lineage.