Clan Byres
Clan Byres (Byres Tartan)
Crest: A cock reguardant, Proper
Motto: Marte Suo Tutus (Safe by his own exertions)
Historic Seat: Byres Castle (ruined), East Lothian
Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan
1. Clan Byres History
The name Byres, sometimes spelt as Byers or Buyers, has deep roots in bonnie Scotland. It hails from the ancient barony of Byres nestled in the heart of East Lothian.
Now, let's step back in time a wee bit. We've got John de Byres popping up as a monk of Neubotle back in 1309. Then, fast forward to 1392, and there's Thomas de Byris owning a fancy tenement in Edinburgh. Quite the upgrade, eh?
And if we skip ahead again to 1534, we'll find Thomas Byres becoming a proud burgess of Aberdeen. But that's not all! Berwickshire had its fair share of Byres too. George and Thomas Byris were busy serving as ministers of Legertwood between 1593 and 1653.
But wait, there's more! In bustling Edinburgh during the 17th century, we had John Byres strutting his stuff as a top-notch merchant. Treasurer, dean of guild, and even Provost – he wore many hats, that one!
And let's not forget about Cupar. In 1694, Andrew Byers made his mark as a bonafide burgess of this fine town
2. Clan Byres Tartans
Although there isn't a registered Byres tartan, those with ties to the Byres name can opt to wear the Lindsay tartans, as they are recognized as a sept of Clan Lindsay.
Lindsay Ancient
Lindsay Modern
Lindsay Weathered
3. Clan Byres Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Byres Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A cock reguardant, Proper
3.2 Clan Byres Coat of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
Under Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is granted to an individual, except in cases of civic or corporate arms. The concept of a "family coat of arms" does not exist. The arms depicted below are personal and exclusive to the individual granted them, with exceptions made for civic or corporate entities. Only the individual bestowed with these arms possesses the right to utilize them.
Byres
Byer or Byers or Byres Northamptonshire
Simplified version of a Byers coat of arms
4. Clan Byres Places & People
4.1 Clan Byres People
James Byers or Byres (1733-1817)
James Byers or Byres (1733-1817) was a prominent figure in Scottish history, particularly known for his contributions to the field of medicine and his involvement in the Scottish Enlightenment. Born in Scotland in 1733, Byers pursued a career in medicine and became a respected physician.
Byers made significant contributions to medical knowledge and practice during his lifetime. He was known for his innovative approaches to treating various ailments and his dedication to advancing medical science. His work helped improve healthcare practices in Scotland and beyond.
In addition to his medical career, Byers was also involved in the cultural and intellectual life of Scotland during the Enlightenment period. He was known to engage in philosophical discussions and was acquainted with other leading figures of the time.
Byers' legacy continues to be remembered in Scotland for his contributions to medicine and his participation in the intellectual and cultural movements of the Enlightenment. He remains an important figure in the history of Scottish medicine and Enlightenment thought.
5. Associated Names
Byres and Buyers are septs of Clan Lindsay.
6. Byres Spelling Variations
The variations in spelling of the surname "Byres" reflect the historical practice of spelling words phonetically, particularly during the Middle Ages. Scribes and record-keepers often spelled names as they sounded, leading to a wide range of spelling variations for the same surname. Some common variations of "Byres" include "Byers," "Byres," "Byer," "Buyers," "Byris," and others.
These variations in spelling can be found in historical records, documents, and archives, making genealogical research challenging at times.
However, understanding these variations can also provide valuable insights into the evolution and distribution of surnames over time.