Clan Campbell
Clan Campbell (Campbell Tartan)
Gaelic Name: Caimbeul
Crest: On a boar’s head erased fessways erased Or, armed Argent, langued Gules
Motto: Ne Obliviscaris (Do not forget)
Origin of Name: Gaelic, Caimbeul from ‘Cam’ (wry) and ‘Beul’ (mouth)
Badge: Bog Myrtle
Lands: Argyll
Clan Chief: His Grace the Duke of Argyll, the 13th Duke
1. Clan Campbell History
Legend has it that the earliest ancestor of the Campbells emerged in the eleventh or twelfth century, known as Smevie or Mervyn, son of Arthur, earning the title ‘the Wildman of the Woods’ due to his prowess in hunting.
Some speculate that he was the offspring of the legendary Arthur himself, though no concrete evidence supports this claim. It wasn't until several generations later that the name Campbell came into existence.
Inveraray Castle, situated in Argyll, has served as the ancestral seat of the Duke of Argyll, who is the chief of Clan Campbell, since the 1600s.
The origins of the Campbells, like many Scottish clans, are a mix of different ancestries. Historically, the Campbells held significant influence, especially from the 16th to the 18th centuries, establishing themselves as prominent figures in Argyll and Perthshire.
For over four and a half centuries starting from 1457, the Clan Campbell Chiefs played crucial roles in Scotland's governance.
Many Campbells can trace their lineage back to the Gaelic/Scots bloodline of the Dalriadic O’Duibne people, who resided in Lochawe during the 13th century.
Additionally, the Campbell family's ancestry is believed to have roots in the Britonic Celts of Strathclyde, also known as the “Romano British”. These Britonic Celts hailed from the northwestern region of the early “Kingdom of Strathclyde”.
Situated northeast of Scotland, Aberdeenshire and the county of Argyll are pivotal areas where the Campbell family held sway.
Argyll, in particular, spans a vast territory, stretching around 100 miles in length and slightly less in width, encompassing inhabited islands and boasting over 1000 miles of coastline.
1.1 FIRST CAMPBELL ANCESTORS
Legend has it that the earliest Cambell ancestor (though not yet known as Cambell) arrived in Argyll and wedded the heiress of the O’Duibne tribe, a woman named Eva, daughter of Paul an Sporran. They settled by the shores of Lochawe.
The earliest documented instance of the name Cambel (in its original spelling) appears in records indicating land ownership near Stirling in 1263. In Argyll, the first recorded Cambel is Duncan Dubh, a landholder from Kintyre, mentioned in records dating back to 1293.
Records for Cambels in Lochawe trace back to 1296 when Sir Cailein (Great Colin) of Lochawe met his demise after an assault by Clan Dougall.
The Cambels of Lochawe had firmly established themselves in the region, with at least two other Cambels, namely Sir Thomas of Kintyre and Sir Duncan Dubh, holding land in Argyll during that period.
1.2 THE NAME CAMBELL
The earliest documented use of the name Cambell dates back to 1445 in Lochawe, where the title of Lord Cambell was conferred.
Sir Cailein Mor Campbell's grandfather, Dugald of Lochawe, earned the nickname "Cam Beul," believed to stem from his habit of speaking with one side of his mouth. In Gaelic, 'Cam beul' translates to 'curved mouth.'
Duncan, affectionately known as 'Cam Beul,' was so cherished by his family that they adopted his nickname as their own surname.
Interestingly, a similar moniker, 'Einar Wry-Mouth,' was attributed to the Earl of Orkney, who passed away in 1020.
This epithet could have originated from a medical condition called Torticollis, where the neck muscles contract, causing the head to tilt to one side and the chin and mouth to twist, resulting in a curved mouth.
Originally, the surname was spelled Cambel. However, it was during the reign of King David, the son of Robert the Bruce, when he ascended to the Scottish throne, that the spelling evolved to Campbell.
King David, seeking to improve administrative efficiency, brought several Norman knights into power. It's plausible that this influx of Norman influence led to the transition from "Cambel" to "Campbell," rather than Gaelic scribes attempting to phonetically represent the Gaelic name.
2. Clan Campbell Tartans
The Campbell tartan, also known as the ancient Black Watch, has a fascinating history intertwined with the Highland Companies and the Black Watch. Initially appointed for the Highland Companies in 1725 and later for the Black Watch in 1739, it's speculated that the Campbell clan might have worn this tartan even earlier.
However, during the formation of the original Highland companies, soldiers were required to wear the same colors, although not necessarily the same sett (pattern), which might have led to variations.
During the Victorian era, there was considerable debate about whether the Black Watch tartan or the Campbell tartan came first. However, this historical puzzle remains unresolved to this day.
In tartan terminology, the term 'ancient' signifies lighter dye shades, while 'modern' indicates darker dyes. Additionally, the term 'weathered' refers to dyes intended to replicate the appearance of a fragment of tartan discovered on a historic battlefield site, dating back to the 1950s.
Thread count B/24 K4 B4 K4 B4 K20 G24 K6 G24 K20 B24 K4 B/4
Campbell Ancient
Campbell Modern
Campbell Weathered
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The dress Campbell tartan made its debut in the Clans Originaux of 1880, a tartan pattern book crafted by the Parisian company J Claude Freres et Cie. Despite its appearance, the 12th Duke of Campbell refused to acknowledge it as an official Campbell tartan.
There's a tale that Queen Victoria played a role in the creation of dress tartans, deeming traditional tartans too somber for women and suggesting the addition of a white background. While it's a charming anecdote, its authenticity remains uncertain.
In tartan terminology, 'ancient' denotes lighter dye shades, while 'modern' signifies darker hues.
Campbell Dress Ancient
Campbell Dress Modern
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The Campbell of Argyll tartan was initially documented in the Cockburn collection in 1815. However, the chief of Clan Campbell dismissed this tartan, stating, “Let me dispel once and for all the notion of a ‘Campbell of Argyll’ tartan.”
While the Sixth Duke of Argyll did introduce a white line to his plain Campbell tartan to distinguish himself from other Campbells (as he was the chief and entitled to do so), he was the sole member of the family to adopt this change, leading others to view him as somewhat pretentious.
This tartan features an asymmetric design. In tartan terminology, 'ancient' signifies lighter dye shades, while 'modern' indicates darker hues. The term 'weathered' refers to dyes that aim to replicate a fragment of tartan unearthed, supposedly from a historic battle site in the 1950s.
Campbell of Argyll Ancient
Campbell of Argyll Modern
Campbell of Argyll Weathered
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The Campbell of Breadalbane tartan makes its debut as ‘Breadalbane’ in the Cockburn collection dating between 1810 and 1820. This collection, assembled by Sir William Cockburn, stands as one of the earliest compilations of tartans.
However, the tartan's origins may predate its appearance in the collection, as it is believed to have been copied from a plaid that belonged to the Captain of Dunstaffnage at Dunstaffnage around 1750.
In tartan terminology, 'ancient' signifies lighter dye shades, while 'modern' indicates the use of darker dyes.
Threadcound K/6 B18 K18 G18 Y4 G18 K/18
Campbell of Breadalbane Ancient
Campbell of Breadalbane Modern
3. Clan Campbell Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Campbell Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
On a boar’s head erased fessways erased Or, armed Argent, langued Gules
3.2 Clan Campbell 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.
Arms of Ian Campbell 12th Duke of Argyll
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EARL OF ARGYLE
Quarterly 1st & 4th gyronny of eight Or and Sable 2nd & 3rd Argent a galley oars in action Sable.
1672-7
CAMPBELL OF LOCHNELL
4. Clan Campbell Places & People
4.1 Clan Campbell Places
The family abode was situated in this formidable castle that occupied an entire small island on Loch Awe known as Innis Chonnell. Beyond it rise the summits of Cruachan Beann, the very hills from which the Campbells derived their war cry.
The castle's remnants are still discernible amidst the foliage on Innis Chonnell. It served as the residence of Sir Colin Campbell – who met his end at The Battle of Red Ford – and stands as the earliest stronghold of the Campbells, until it was deserted during the 15th century.
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The 1st Earl of Argyll acquired Glowm in Clackmannanshire (later renamed Castle Campbell), which served as the Campbell's residence in the Lowlands from the 15th to the 19th century. The location of Glown (Castle Campbell) was ideal for the Earl's obligations at court.
The 1st Earl of Argyll played a significant role in dismantling the influence of his longstanding adversaries, the MacDonalds, Lords of the Isles.
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There's been a castle standing on these lands at Inveraray since at least the 15th century, back when King James V paid a visit in 1533. The current Inveraray Castle replaced the old fortress and was constructed between 1743 and 1746.
With its Gothic Revival architectural style, it stands as one of the earliest examples of such design worldwide. Since the 18th century, Inveraray Castle has served as the residence of the Campbell Dukes of Argyll.
Today, it's home to the current chief, the 13th Duke of Argyll, Torquhil Campbell.
4.2 Clan Campbell People
4.2.1 Sir Henry Campbell–Bannerman (1836-1908)
Born in Glasgow, the Prime Minister of Great Britain from 1905-1908 had a father who served as a future Lord Provost. In order to inherit the fortune of a deceased uncle, he adopted a hyphenated surname, combining his father's Campbell with his mother's name, Bannerman.
He pursued his education in Glasgow and Cambridge before embarking on a career as the liberal MP for Stirling, a position he held for the remainder of his life. Throughout his political journey, he occupied various ministerial roles and was knighted in 1895. Renowned as a vigorous advocate, he ardently supported the suffragette movement and advocated for self-government for the Boers.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, his cabinet included prominent figures like Winston Churchill, Lloyd George, and Henry Herbert Asquith. However, plagued by declining health, he eventually resigned from politics and passed away within a fortnight.
4.2.2 Sir Colin Campbell, Lord Clyde (1792-1863)
Legend has it that Colin MacIver adopted his mother's surname after the Duke of York remarked that Campbell was a fitting name for a soldier. Thus, as Colin Campbell, the son of a Glasgow carpenter, ascended the ranks of the British Army and was eventually appointed Field Marshal in 1862.
He earned renown for his valorous deeds in various theatres of war, including China, the West Indies, India, and the Crimea. Notably, he led the Highland Brigade to victory at the Battle of Alma and famously defended against the Russian Cavalry with 'the Thin Red Line' at Balaclava.
His final resting place is in Westminster Abbey, and he is celebrated as a military luminary of Britain's Empire during the mid-19th century.
4.2.3 Sir Malcolm Brown Campbell (1848-1935)
The founder of the renowned Malcolm Campbell grocery chain boasts a classic rags-to-riches tale. Born in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, he started off by running errands for a greengrocer in Glasgow.
With a keen eye for business, he revolutionized fruit and vegetable sales by introducing exotic products from around the world to the local high streets. Notably, he was instrumental in making bananas readily available in Scotland.
A key aspect of his success was strategically targeting railway stations as prime locations for his kiosks. In recognition of his achievements, he was knighted in 1922.
4.2.4 Angus Campbell (1903-82)
Hailing from the town of Ness on the Isle of Lewis, Angus Campbell, fondly referred to as Am Puilean, found inspiration for his poetry and writing in his upbringing and his time as a prisoner of war in Poland during World War II.
In 1972, his collection of Gaelic poetry titled 'Chaff & Wheat' was published, showcasing his talent and unique perspective. The following year, he shared his life story in his autobiography 'Touching Many Headlands,' offering readers a glimpse into his experiences and journey.
5. Associated Names
The following names are considered septs or associated names of Clan Campbell: ARTHUR, MACARTAIR, MACARTHUR, MACCARTER, BANNATYNE, BURNES, BURNESS, BURNETT, BURNS, CADDELL, CADELL, CALDER, CATTELL, CONNOCHIE, CONOCHIE, MACCONACHIE, MACCONCHIE, MACCONNECHY, MACCONOCHIE, DENOON, DENUNE, GIBBON, GIBSON, KELLAR, KELLER, MACELLER, MACKELLAR, LORNE, LOUDEN, LOUDON, LOUDOUN, LOWDEN, LOWDON, MACGIBBON, MACGUBBIN, HARRES, HARRIS, HAWES, HAWS, HAWSON, HASTINGS, ISAAC, ISAACS, KISSACK, KISSOCK, MACISAAC, MACKESSACK, MACKESSOCK, MACKISSOCK, IVERSON, MACEVER, MACGURE, MACIVER, MACIVOR, MACURE, MACCOLM, MACCOLMBE, MACLAWS, MACLEHOSE, MACTAUSE, MACTAVISH, MACTHOMAS, MACDERMID, MACDERMOTT, MACDIARMID, MACELVIE , MACKELVIE, MACGLASRICH , MACKERLIE , MACNICHOL , MACNOCAIRD, MACORAN, MACOWEN, MACPHEDRAN, MACPHUN, MOORE, MUIR, OCHILTREE, PINKERTON, TORRIE, TORRY, TAWESON, TAWESSON, THOMAS, THOMASON, THOMPSON, THOMSON, ORR, URE