Clan Boyle

Clan Boyle (Boyle Tartan)

Crest: A double headed eagle displayed, parted per pale, embattled Gules and Argent
Motto: Dominus Providebit (The Lord will provide)
Origin of Name: From the Norman town of Beauville
Clan Chief: The Rt. Hon Earl of Glasgow

1. Clan Boyle History

Boyville family, whose roots trace back to the Norman town of Beauville near Caen during the momentous invasion of 1066, when they journeyed to Britain and settled in various regions, including Wales and Cumberland.

In 1124, King David, recognizing their loyalty and service, granted Hugh de Morvile the expansive lands of Cunningham and Largs. Among the recipients of these lands were the de Boyvilles, who were entrusted with the estate of Kelburn.

David de Boivil, a prominent figure in the family, made his mark by appearing as a witness to a charter in 1164. However, the male lineage faced a setback in 1196, leading to the passing of the property to the Lords of Galloway.

Nevertheless, fate smiled upon the de Boyvilles when the line of inheritance faltered once more in 1234, prompting the lands to return to their rightful owners.

The de Boyvilles proved their mettle in defending Scotland, notably aiding Alexander III in repelling Viking invasions at the historic Battle of Largs in 1263.

Despite appearing on King Edward’s Ragman Roll in 1296, a symbolic gesture of fealty to English rule, the Boyles remained fiercely loyal to Scotland's independence cause, participating in pivotal conflicts like the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 and the Battle of Sauchieburn for James III, where tragically, Boyle sons fell in combat.

In the tumultuous aftermath of Sauchieburn, the family faced forfeiture of their lands once again, only to see their fortunes revived when James IV reinstated the monarchy.

Throughout the years, the Boyles remained steadfast supporters of the Scottish crown, standing by figures like Mary, Queen of Scots, and Charles I, despite facing challenges to their prosperity.

However, their fortunes took a positive turn when John Boyle of Kelburn was elected as a Commissioner of Parliament in 1681, ushering in a period of newfound wealth.

The 17th century witnessed the Boyle's ascendancy, with their fortunes soaring through ventures in shipping and shipbuilding. David, John's son, rose to even greater prominence, assuming the title of Lord Boyle of Kelburn in 1699 and later becoming the Earl of Glasgow in 1703.

Renowned for his political acumen, David played a pivotal role in the 1706 Act of Union, a landmark event in Scottish history.

He staunchly defended Hanoverian interests and actively opposed Jacobite rebellions, notably raising troops to combat the Jacobites in 1715, solidifying his legacy as a stalwart defender of Scotland's interests.

John Boyle, the 3rd Earl of Glasgow, left an indelible mark with his valorous military service. He bore wounds from the fierce battles of Fontenoy in 1745 and Lauffeld in 1747, showcasing his bravery on the battlefield.

Moreover, he held the esteemed position of Lord High Commissioner to the General Assembly for an impressive span of nine years. Continuing the family's tradition of military prowess, Lady Jean, daughter of the first Earl, wed Sir James Campbell, a fellow warrior who fought alongside her at Fontenoy.

Their lineage carried on through their son, who ascended to the Earldom of Campbell of Loudoun in 1782.

In a tale of romance and royalty, Lady Augusta Boyle, daughter of the fourth Earl, entered matrimony with Lord Frederick Fitz-clarence, son of King William IV, in 1891.

Meanwhile, John, the son of the fourth Earl, demonstrated valor as a naval officer, battling the French near Gibraltar in July 1807. Despite his courageous efforts, he faced capture by the enemy.

John's naval exploits ended tragically, as he never found a bride, leaving his younger brother James to inherit the Earldom in 1843. James, like his sibling, pursued a naval career and was bestowed the title of Lord Lieutenant of Renfrewshire.

Although he married in 1821, James and his wife remained childless. Upon his passing, the Earldom passed to his half brother George Frederick Boyle, marking a turning point for the family's fortunes.

George Boyle, deeply influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite movement, embarked on an ambitious project of church construction across Scotland. However, this endeavor led to financial ruin, plunging the estate into bankruptcy by 1888, with debts amounting to a staggering million pounds.

Despite the dire situation, Kelburn Castle was spared from sale, thanks to the intervention of his cousin, who later assumed the title of the seventh Earl.

Sir David Boyle, the 7th Earl, continued the family's naval legacy and was honored with the title of Baron Fairlie of Fairlie in 1897. Additionally, he served as the Governor of New Zealand from 1892 to 1897.

In the present day, the mantle of leadership has passed to the tenth Earl of Glasgow, succeeding his father in 1984.

Residing at Kelburn Castle near Fairlie in Ayrshire, he continues the rich heritage of the Boyle family, preserving their legacy for generations to come.

Kelburn Castle, located in North Ayrshire, has been held by the Boyles since the 1100s, with a stronghold on the site dating back to the 13th century. It remains the seat of the Boyle chief to this day.

2. Clan Boyle Tartans

There is no registered Boyle tartan; however, individuals associated with the name can choose to wear the Galloway and Ulster District tartans, which reflect the areas where the name was traditionally found. Alternatively, Boyles may also wear MacDonald tartans, as they are a known sept of Clan Donald.

Galloway Red

Galloway District

Ulster District

MacDonald Modern

3. Clan Boyle Crest & Coats of Arms

3.1 Clan Boyle Crest

Worn by all of the name and ancestry 

Crest Description:

A double-headed eagle displayed, parted per pale, embattled Gules and Argent

3.2 Clan Boyle Coat 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.

BOYLE of Kelburne
Or, three stags’ horns, erect, Gules, two and one

In a photo taken at All Saints Church in Londesborough, the Boyle coat of arms is prominently displayed. These arms are depicted on the brass commemorating Richard Boyle, 3rd Earl of Burlington.

Lord Boyle family

Bookplate depicting the coat of arms of Charles Boyle, Fourth Earl of Orrery, with the Boyle arms impaling Cecil. The letters "C.O." and "E.O." are lettered to the left and right of the crown, respectively, while a banner bears the motto "Honor Virtutis Praemium." The impression is pasted onto a sheet of paper, and the artwork is an etching dating back to 1731.

The coat of arms of the Most Reverend Hugh Charles Boyle, DD, who served as the Sixth Bishop of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 1921 to 1950, likely features elements representing his personal and ecclesiastical identity. This could include symbols such as a bishop's mitre, a crozier, and other heraldic elements associated with the Catholic Church.

Arms of the EARLS OF GLASGOW

Quarterly, 1st and 4th: Or, a double-headed eagle displayed Gules, armed and beaked Azure;
2nd and 3rd: Parted per bend embattled Argent and Gules;
Over all an escutcheon Or, charged with three stag's horns Gules.

4. Clan Boyle Places & People

4.1 Clan Boyle People

Jimmy Boyle (born 1944, Glasgow)

Once known as the fiercest lad in Scotland, he got slapped with a life sentence in 1967 for the bump-off of another bigwig in the underworld, William “Babs” Rooney. Yet, Boyle swears up and down he didn't do it.

While cooling his heels in the slammer at Barlinnie Prison, he picked up a brush and turned to art. He even penned his life story, "A Sense of Freedom," which later hit the big screen.

After getting sprung, he hightailed it to Edinburgh to keep his creative juices flowing. In '76, he whipped up "Gulliver," Europe's biggest concrete sculpture, for The Craigmillar Festival Society.

But that's not all folks. Boyle's been churning out more than just art. He spilled his guts in "Pain of Confinement: Prison Diaries" and dipped his toes in the world of fiction with "Hero of the Underworld."

The French even took a shine to his work, turning "Hero of the Underworld" into a flick titled "La Rage et le Reve des Condamnes" (The Anger and Dreams of the Condemned), snagging the best documentary award at the Fifa Montreal awards back in 2002.

4.2 Clan Boyle Places

4.2.1 Kelburn Castle

The Boyle clan has been holding down the fort at Kelburn in North Ayrshire since way back in the 12th century. They've been planting their flag on these lands since at least the mid-1250s.

The Kelburn Castle we see today got its start back in the 1500s, but they kept sprucing it up over the years, especially in the 1700s and 1800s. And guess what? The castle's still where the Boyle Earls of Glasgow call home sweet home.

4.2.2 Rowallan Castle

Rowallan Castle, a 16th-century fortress nestled in East Ayrshire, once stood tall as a stronghold of the Boyles. But these days, the castle's reins have been handed over to the Campbells.

5. Associated Names

Many Boyles belong to the extended family of Clan Donald (MacDonald), hailing from regions like Antrim, Skye, or Lochaber. Scottish Boyles who aren't part of Clan Donald may trace their roots back to places like Galloway, Ayr, or Wigtown.

Those within Clan Donald Boyles can trace their lineage to the Gaelic O’Baoighill, which translates to "descendant of Baoighill." Their journey began in Antrim, then traversed to Skye's northern regions, and eventually, some settled in Keppoch.