Clan Calder

Clan Calder (Calder Tartan)

Crest: A hart’s head cabossed, Sable, attired Gules
Motto: Be Mindful
Lands: Cawdor
Region: Highlands
Historic Seat: Cawdor Castle, Nairn
Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan

1. Clan Calder History

'Calder' likely springs from the auld Common Brittonic tongue, meanin' 'hard or violent water', or mayhaps 'stony river'. It's spread far and wide across our bonnie land, from East Calder and West Calder, nestled near Edinburgh, to Calderwood, a stone's throw frae Glasgow.

Historian William Anderson spins a yarn 'bout a French knight by the name o' Hugh de Cadella. He was dubbed Thane o' Calder, later known as Cawdor. An' there's mention o' a certain Hugh de Kaledouer bearin' witness to a land charter near Montrose 'round 1178.

But hold on tight, for the Calder legacy takes root in Inverness, where they held sway as noble folk wi' vast lands frae the fourteenth century onward. The third Calder, Thane o' Cawdor, met a grim fate at the hands o' Sir Alexander Rait near Rait Castle.

Hugh de Kaledouer left his mark, bearin' witness to a charter by King William the Lion in Montrose, and lendin' his seal to gifts o' land in Forfar.

In 1419, Donald o' Calder, lord o' that Ilk, laid claim to half o' Dunmaglas from William Meignes.

Fast forward to 1686, and the Calders o' Asswanly were granted a baronetcy o' Nova Scotia, markin' their place in history. Ah, the tale o' Calder, a saga as grand as the Scottish hills themselves!

2. Clan Calder Tartans

The Clan Calder is closely linked with the Campbells of Cawdor and may wear the Campbell tartan.

Campbell of Cawdor Modern

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Campbell of Cawdor Ancient

3. Clan Calder Crest & Coats of Arms

3.1 Clan Calder Crest

Worn by all of the name and ancestry

Crest Description:
A hart’s head cabossed, Sable, attired Gules

3.2 Clan Calder Coat of Arms

A note on Coats of Arms: 

According to Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is granted to an individual, with the exception of civic or corporate arms. There is no concept of a 'family coat of arms'. The arms depicted below are personal arms, except for civic or corporate arms, and only the individual granted these arms has the right to use them.

Calder of Calder

THE CAWDOR COAT OF ARMS.

The four quarters of the arms, depicted clockwise from left, represent the ancestors of the Calder, Campbell, Lorne, and Lort families. The mottoes associated with these arms are "Candidus cantabit moriens" ("The pure heart shall sing when dying") over the crest and "Be mindful" under the arms. These arms were created as a barony in Great Britain on 21st June 1796, and later elevated to an earldom and viscountcy in the United Kingdom on 5th October 1827.

4. Clan Calder Places & People

4.1 Clan Calder Places

4.1.1 Cawdor Castle

Legend has it that this grand fortress first took shape in the 15th century, with a wee note o' its existence poppin' up in 1454. That's when William Calder, 6th Thane o' Cawdor, got himself a 'licence to fortify'. But dinnae be fooled – some reckon bits o' the castle could date back even further, to the late 1300s!

Now, here's where the plot thickens. The castle changed hands through the ages, eventually landin' in the laps o' the Campbells. How, ye ask? Well, it's a love story, really. Muriel Calder, the castle's rightful heiress, tied the knot wi' Sir John Campbell in 1510, passin' the keys to Cawdor into Campbell hands. And there it remains, snug as a bug, in the Campbell clan's embrace to this very day.

4.1.2 Nairn Castle

Nairn Castle, associated with Clan Calder, stands as a testament to the clan's historical presence. This castle, located in the town of Nairn, was once a stronghold of the Calder family. It served as a residence and symbol of their power and influence in the region. While the castle itself may no longer stand, its legacy lives on in the history and heritage of Clan Calder.

Dating back to the twelfth century, Nairn Castle was constructed under the reign of William the Lion. The Calders, serving as Thanes of Cawdor, were the custodians of the castle. Legend holds that Nairn Castle is one of the traditional sites associated with the tragic demise of Duncan at the hands of Macbeth.

4.1.3 Asloun Castle

Asloun Castle, situated approximately two miles southwest of Alford in Aberdeenshire, was originally a Z-plan tower house built in the sixteenth century. However, only remnants of the castle remain today. Initially held by the Calders, the ownership of Asloun Castle later passed to the Clan Forbes.

Asloun Castle, associated with Clan Calder, is a historic fortress located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is believed to have been constructed during the medieval period, although the exact date of its origin is uncertain. The castle was likely built as a residence for the Calder family, who were prominent landowners in the area.

Asloun Castle is situated near the village of Mearns and overlooks the picturesque countryside of Aberdeenshire. It served as a stronghold for the Calders, who held the title of Thanes of Cawdor. The castle's strategic location provided a vantage point for monitoring the surrounding lands and defending against potential threats.

Today, Asloun Castle stands as a historic landmark, offering visitors a glimpse into Scotland's medieval past. While much of the castle may be in ruins, its imposing structure and scenic surroundings continue to attract tourists and history enthusiasts alike.

4.1.4 Aswanley House

Aswanley House, situated seven miles west of Huntly, was under the ownership of the Calders from 1440. However, due to financial obligations, it was sold in 1768 to the Duffs of Braco.

4.2 Clan Calder People

James Calder

In World War II, Sir James Calder served as an advisor to the Ministry of Supply. Today, descendants of the Calders can still be found around Inverness. For instance, Douglas Calder held significant positions such as President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and Director of Planning for the newly established Highland Region in 1974.

5. Associated Names

Spelling variations of the surname include Calder, Cadder, Caddell, Cawdor, Cauder, Caldell, Caldille, Cattel, and numerous others. Calder is recognized as a sept of the influential Clan Campbell.