Clan Borthwick
Clan Borthwick (Borthwick Tartan)
Crest: Crest Description: A Moor’s head couped, Proper, wreathed Argent and Sable
Motto: Qui Conducit (He who leads)
Origin of Name: Territorial, Roxburghshire
Region: Lowlands
Historic Seat: Borthwick Castle, Midlothian
Clan Chief: The Rt. Hon Lord Borthwick
1. Clan Borthwick History
The lands along Borthwick Water in Roxburghshire serve as the cradle of the esteemed Borthwick lineage, one of Scotland's ancient clans.
The origins of this noble family are shrouded in the mists of time, with tantalizing tales hinting at diverse origins. Some whisper of their possible journey alongside the Roman Legions, while others weave stories of Hungarian ancestry.
However, the prevailing belief holds that their roots took hold in Scottish soil circa 1067, when they arrived alongside the Saxon noble, Edgar the Aetheling, and his illustrious sister, Margaret.
Margaret's union with Malcolm Canmore in 1071 elevated her to the esteemed position of Queen, eventually earning her the mantle of sainthood.
The annals of history paint a vivid picture of the Borthwicks' valor and loyalty. In 1330, Sir William Borthwick embarked on a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Land, alongside the revered Lord James Douglas, bearing the heart of Scotland's hero, Robert the Bruce.
Their journey, however, took a fateful turn when they faced the onslaught of the Moors in Spain. Legend holds that Sir William, in a display of indomitable courage, struck down their leader, an act immortalized by the moor's head crest adorning the Borthwick heraldry.
As the centuries unfolded, the Borthwicks ascended to prominence within Scottish society. By the dawn of the 15th century, the illustrious Sir William Borthwick cemented their legacy, securing a charter affirming their domain over the fertile lands spanning Midlothian and the Borders.
Thus, the Borthwicks etched their name in the annals of Scottish history, their story intertwined with the tapestry of the nation's rich cultural heritage.
The saga of the Borthwick clan weaves through the annals of Scottish history, its threads rich with tales of valor, loyalty, and fortitude. The inaugural Lord Borthwick found himself dispatched to England in 1425, a noble hostage in the ransom negotiations for James I of Scotland.
Upon his return, he undertook the monumental task of erecting one of Scotland's most formidable strongholds—a castle that stands proudly to this day, cradled within the Borthwick family's embrace.
The echoes of his legacy reverberate through time, immortalized in the ancient stones of the castle and his resting place in the hallowed grounds of the old Borthwick church.
The Borthwick lineage braved the tumultuous currents of history, their fate intertwined with the destiny of the realm. William, the valiant 4th Lord Borthwick, met his end upon the blood-soaked fields of Flodden in 1513, fighting gallantly beside James IV.
His son, William the Younger, assumed the mantle of leadership, entrusted with the guardianship of Stirling Castle and the fledgling James V.
Yet, not all chapters of their story unfolded amidst the clangor of battle. Lord John Borthwick, a staunch adherent of tradition, found himself ensnared in the throes of religious strife during the Scottish Reformation.
His steadfast allegiance to Mary of Guise, the indomitable mother of Mary, Queen of Scots, earned him the ire of reformist zealots, leading to his excommunication.
In a defiant act of defiance, Borthwick's loyal retainers consigned the messenger of excommunication to a watery grave, indulging in the unconventional repast of wine-soaked missives before sending him packing with a stern warning.
Throughout the ages, the Borthwicks remained steadfast champions of the monarchy, offering sanctuary to Mary Queen of Scots within the stout walls of their ancestral fortress.
When the specter of civil strife loomed large, they rallied to the royalist cause, standing firm against the tide of Cromwell's roundheads. The siege of Borthwick Castle bore witness to their indomitable spirit, as Cromwell's terms of surrender were met with stoic resolve.
Though the male line faltered, the flickering flame of the Borthwick legacy endured, rekindled in 1986 by the recognition of Major John Borthwick of Crookston as the rightful heir by the Lord Lyon, King of Arms.
Thus, the mantle of leadership passed down through the ages, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Borthwick clan.
2. Clan Borthwick Tartans
According to the Clan, the Borthwick tartan in its current form has been worn since the 1950s.
Threadcount R/16 K8 N40 K56 N40 K8 R40 G/8
Borthwick
The Borthwick dress tartan originated when Major John Henry Stuart Borthwick (later to become Lord Borthwick in 1986) requested Lochcarron to design a dress version of the tartan for special occasions and female members of the clan.
Threadcount DG/28 K4 R32 K8 W28 K8 W/16
Borthwick Dress
3. Clan Borthwick Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Borthwick Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A Moor’s head couped, Proper, wreathed Argent and Sable
3.2 Clan Borthwick Coats of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
Under Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is awarded to an individual (with the exception of civic or corporate arms). There is no such thing as a ‘family coat of arms’. The arms represented below are personal arms (with the above exceptions). Only the individual granted these arms has the right to use them.
Arms of Lord Borthwick
4. Clan Borthwick Places & People
4.1 Clan Borthwick Places
The grand Borthwick Castle! Sir William Borthwick, the 1st Lord Borthwick, set its foundations in 1430, with a nod of approval from King James I himself. This fortress stands as a proud testament to Scotland's medieval heritage, boasting remarkable preservation and size that few can rival. Nestled just a stone's throw away from the charming town of Borthwick, roughly 12 miles southeast of Edinburgh, it beckons travelers to step back in time and immerse themselves in its storied past.
Indeed, this imposing stronghold serves as the hallowed seat of the illustrious Clan Borthwick, echoing with the whispers of centuries gone by.
4.2 Clan Borthwick People
4.2.1 Sir Algernon Borthwick, 1st Baron Glenesk (1830- 1908)
Algernon Borthwick, a stalwart figure in British journalism and owner of the Morning Post, a paper that later joined forces with The Daily Telegraph in 1937.
Born into the Borthwick clan, Algernon was the son of Peter Borthwick, who steered the Post as its editor. His journey began at King’s College School, where he honed his intellect. Venturing into the world of news in 1852, he kicked off his career as the newspaper’s eyes and ears in Paris.
When his father passed, Algernon assumed the mantle of editor, shaping the Post's voice with his conservative ideals. In 1876, he ascended to the role of proprietor, steering the paper through the ebbs and flows of the times.
Alongside his journalistic endeavors, Algernon found love in Alice Beatrice Lister, tying the knot in 1870 and raising two bonnie bairns, Lilias Margaret Frances and Oliver.
Algernon’s influence stretched beyond the printing press; he entered the political arena, representing South Kensington as a Member of Parliament in 1885. A staunch supporter of Lord Randolph Churchill, his advocacy echoed through the halls of power.
His dedication didn't go unnoticed; accolades followed, with knighthood bestowed upon him in 1880 and the prestigious title of Baron Glenesk in 1895. However, with his passing, the title faded into history, leaving behind a legacy etched in ink.
Algernon now rests in the serene grounds of East Finchley Cemetery, his story forever entwined with the tapestry of British journalism and politics.
5. Associated Names
Barthwick, Bortheik, Borthwik, Borthwick, Borthweke, Borthuyke, Borthwyke, Borthwik, Borthwick, Borthweke, Borthuyke, Borthock, Borthek, Boirthvik, Boirthuik, Bowick, Borthick