Clan Brodie

Clan Brodie (Brodie Tartan)

Gaelic Name: Brothaigh
Crest: A right hand holding a bunch of arrows, all Proper
Motto: Unite
Origin of Name: Place name, Moray
Badge: Periwincle
Lands: Moray
Clan Chief: Alexander Brodie of Brodie

1. Clan Brodie History

The ancestral homeland of this ancient clan lies in the vicinity of Brodie, close to Forres in Morayshire. However, the precise origins of the clan were obscured by a devastating assault on Brodie Castle by Lord Lewis Gordon, 3rd Marquis of Huntly, in 1645.

During this attack, all archival documents including charters were consumed by flames, shrouding the clan's beginnings in mystery. Nonetheless, the Gaelic roots of the Brodie name are more evident, stemming from the Gaelic term 'brothaig', signifying 'ditch'.

Originally constructed by the Brodie clan in 1567, Brodie Castle fell victim to fire during a conflict with the Gordons in 1645. Despite this setback, it underwent reconstruction and expansion in the 1820s, evolving into a splendid mansion. Today, it is under the custodianship of the National Trust for Scotland.

The charter confirming the Brodie lands was granted by none other than Robert the Bruce, affirming that Michael Brodie of Brodie held the thanage rights over Brodie as inherited from his forefathers, notably his father Malcolm of Brodie.

There's a hint suggesting the family's Pictish roots, tracing back to the royal lineage carrying the Pictish name 'Brude'.

This notion gains weight from the abundant archaeological findings of Pictish settlements surrounding Brodie.

For example, nearby the castle stands a finely sculpted Pictish symbol stone, a relic of an ancient aristocratic order whose zenith featured figures like MacBeth: in close proximity to Brodie castle lies the eerie 'blasted heath', where MacBeth is said to have encountered the three witches.

Alexander Brodie of Brodie (b.1617) was a staunch Presbyterian, staunchly upholding the reformed religion.

His convictions prompted him to assault Elgin cathedral in 1640, demolishing what he deemed idolatrous carvings and paintings depicting the Crucifixion and Last Judgement.

Despite this, he enjoyed considerable standing among local nobility: he represented Elgin in parliament and was part of the delegation sent to negotiate Charles II's return from exile in 1649.

His diplomatic endeavors also led him to London in 1651 at Cromwell's behest to discuss a potential Scottish union with England.

Although he initially declined judicial appointments, Cromwell's passing in 1658 forced his hand, leading to a strained relationship with the monarchy following the Restoration, as Charles II harbored resentment towards those who sought to impose their Calvinist beliefs on him.

Over the centuries, the family shunned involvement in public affairs, preferring the comfort of their title and estate. In 1972, Mrs.

Helena Brodie of Brodie stumbled upon a vellum pontifical hidden among a set of Bleau atlases in her attic.

Dating back to the year 1000 and showing ties to Durham, older than the reign of Saint Margaret and even the establishment of Elgin cathedral, the Brodie Pontifical now rests in the British Museum, serving as a testament to the family's ancient lineage and a priceless historical artifact.

2. Clan Brodie Tartans

The Brodie tartan is reportedly depicted in a mid-18th-century portrait and is also featured in the Vestiarium Scoticum by Sobieski Stewarts in 1842, bearing resemblance to one of the brothers' designs.

The term "modern" in tartan terminology typically denotes darker dye shades.

Threadcount K/8 R64 K32 Y4 K32 R/8

Brodie Modern

The Brodie Hunting tartan has a notable appearance in J. Claude's 'Clans Originaux' (1880). Additionally, an early edition of Johnston's 'Scottish Clans and their Tartans' includes a 'Note by a Tartan Manufacturer,' stating: "The handsome tartan displayed as Brodie is indeed the Hunting Brodie, whereas the true Brodie tartan features a red ground." D.W.

Stewart observed this tartan in 1893, describing it as a modern interpretation based on the traditional dress sett, offering insightful commentary on its evolution.

Brodie Hunting

3. Clan Brodie Crest & Coats of Arms

3.1 Clan Brodie Crest

Worn by all of the name and ancestry

Crest Description:
A right hand holding a bunch of arrows, all Proper

3.2 Clan Brodie Coat of Arms

A note on Coats of Arms: 

Under Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is granted to an individual, with exceptions for civic or corporate arms. There is no concept of a "family coat of arms." The arms depicted below are personal and can only be used by the individual to whom they were granted.

BRODIE OF MAYNE
Argent on a chevron Gules between three mullets Azure a stag’s head cabossed Or.
1748-54

Permission to use these images was given from Heraldry Online, for more information please see their website: http://www.heraldry-online.org.uk

4. Clan Brodie Places & People

4.1 Clan Brodie Places

4.1.1 Brodie Castle

Brodie Castle has its roots dating back to 1567 when it was originally constructed by Clan Brodie. However, its history is marked by turmoil, as less than a century later, it faced a devastating attack by Clan Gordon, led by Lewis Gordon, 3rd Marquis of Huntly, resulting in its destruction in 1645.

Nevertheless, a remarkable restoration effort between 1824 and 1845 transformed the castle into the magnificent structure it stands as today.

Legend holds that King Malcolm IV bestowed the lands upon the Brodies in 1160, laying the foundation for centuries of Brodie ownership.

However, in a significant turn of events, the castle and its surrounding lands transitioned out of Brodie ownership in 1999 when it was acquired by the National Trust for Scotland, marking the end of an era spanning over 800 years.

4.2 Clan Brodie People

Deacon Brodie (28 September 1741 - 1 October 1788)

William Brodie was a man of two faces - by day, a respected town counsellor in Edinburgh, and by night, a cunning thief. However, his deceptive facade crumbled when one of his partners-in-crime turned King's Evidence, leading to Brodie's arrest and subsequent execution.

Legend has it that Deacon Brodie's intriguing double life served as the inspiration for the iconic character of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

5. Associated Names

The following names are regarded as septs or associated names of Clan Brodie:

Brody, Bryde, and Brydie

Brodie-Inneses of Milton Brodie
Brodies of Eastbourne
Brodies of Fernhill
Brodies of Boxford, The baronets of Boxford
Brodies of Caithness

Branches of Brodie: Brodies of Brodie, The Thanes and The Chiefs of Brodie
Brodies of Spynie
Brodies of Asleisk
Brodies of Lethen
Brodie-Wood of Keithick
Brodies of Idvies, The baronet of Idvies
Callender-Brodie of Idvies
Brodies of Muiresk
Brodies of Coltfield
Brodies of Milton
Brodies of Windy Hills
Brodies of Maine