Clan Brisbane
Clan Brisbane (Brisbane Tartan)
Crest: A stork’s head erased holding in her beak a serpent nowed, Proper
Motto: Dabit Otia Deus (God will give repose)
Region: Lowlands
Historic Seat: Killincraig, Largs, North Ayrshire
Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan
1. Clan Brisbane History
The name has its roots in the Anglo-French term 'brise bane', which translates to 'break bone' or 'bonebreaker'.
One of the earliest mentions of the name in Scotland is William Brisbone, who was part of the archers dispatched from Berwick to Roxburgh in 1298, likely originating from England.
Thomas Brisbane received a charter for Litill Rothy in Aberdeenshire from Robert I.
Soon after 1334, Alanus, known as Brisbane, the son of the late William Brisbane, obtained a grant of land called Mucherach in the earldom of Lennox from Donald, Earl of Lennox, along with land called Holmedalmartyne.
Thomas Brysbane, lord of Latheris, witnessed the charter of the barony of Cowie to William de Haya de Erole in 1415 and was also present during the perambulations of the lands of Tarwas and Udny in 1417.
In 1498, James Brisbane owned the lands of Reise and Akirgyll in Caithness.
The Brisbanes of Bishoptoun acquired the lands of Killincraig and Goga in the parish of Largs around 1400. The estate was later elevated into the barony of Brisbane by a Crown charter in 1695, establishing the family as Brisbane of Brisbane.
Thomas Brisbane, 1st Baronet (1773-1860), had a notable military career, and the city of Brisbane in Australia was named after him.
According to 'A genealogical account of the principle families in Ayrshire' by George Robertson, this family, acknowledged as the chief of the name, seems to have owned Bishopton in Renfrewshire, as well as lands in the counties of Stirling and Ayr, long before the preservation of any charters they possess.
The clan acquired the Bishopton lands around 1332, constructing Bishopton House upon them. The ownership of the land transferred to the Walkinshaws circa 1671, following more than 400 years under the control of the Brisbanes.
2. Clan Brisbane Tartans
Brisbane Family Tartan (Not commercially woven)
Those associated with the name can wear the Paisley District tartan, which reflects the traditional association of the name, or the Gordon tartan, as Clan Brisbane is a sept of Clan Gordon.
Paisley District
Gordon Ancient
Gordon Modern
3. Clan Brisbane Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Brisbane Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A stork’s head erased holding in her beak a serpent nowed, Proper
3.2 Clan Brisbane 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.
BRISBANE of Bishopton
Sable, a chevron, chequy, or Gules, between three cushions, of the second
4. Clan Brisbane Places & People
4.1 Clan Brisbane Places
Brisbane House
Brisbane House holds significant historical importance for Clan Brisbane. It served as the ancestral seat of the Brisbane family for generations, symbolizing their power, status, and influence within the clan.
Located in Scotland, Brisbane House was not only a residence but also a center of governance and culture for the clan.
Throughout its history, Brisbane House witnessed pivotal events and played a central role in the affairs of Clan Brisbane. It served as a gathering place for clan members, where decisions were made, alliances were forged, and traditions were celebrated.
As a symbol of the clan's heritage and identity, Brisbane House fostered a strong sense of unity and pride among its inhabitants.
Over the centuries, Brisbane House may have undergone modifications and renovations to adapt to the changing needs of the Brisbane family. However, its significance as a historical landmark remains unchanged, preserving the rich legacy of Clan Brisbane for future generations to appreciate and honor.
Today, Brisbane House stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Brisbane clan and its contributions to Scottish history and culture.
4.2 Clan Brisbane People
Major-General Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane, 1st Baronet (1773 – 1860)
Brisbane hailed from Brisbane House in Noddsdale, close to Largs in Ayrshire. He delved into the realms of astronomy and mathematics at the University of Edinburgh.
After completing his studies, Brisbane embarked on a journey with the British Army, venturing through Flanders, the West Indies, Spain, and North America, serving gallantly under the Duke of Wellington.
His valor led him to the rank of Major General, and he actively participated in the Peninsular War, earning the prestigious Army Gold Cross.
In 1821, he assumed the role of governor of New South Wales, overseeing the colony's rapid expansion for five years.
Brisbane also held the esteemed position of the first president of the Philosophical Society of Australasia, later evolving into the Royal Society of New South Wales, the oldest scholarly institution in the Southern Hemisphere.
In 1824, an expanse in Moreton Bay was designated as a convict settlement, christened in honor of Brisbane. By 1834, this settlement was declared a town, and five years later, it welcomed free settlement, eventually growing into the vibrant city of Brisbane.
Returning to Scotland in 1826, Brisbane dedicated his days to scientific pursuits and the management of his estate.
His contributions led him to succeed Sir Walter Scott as president of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1832, and he was honored with a baronetcy in 1836.
Brisbane passed away in Largs, finding his final resting place in the Brisbane Aisle Vault, situated within the quaint kirkyard adjacent to Skelmorlie Aisle, Largs Old Kirk.