Clan Cathcart
Clan Cathcart (Cathcart Tartan)
Crest: A dexter hand couped above the wrist and erect, Proper, grasping a crescent, Argent
Motto: I Hope To Speed
Origin of Name: Placename, Renfrewshire
Historic Seat: Cathcart Castle, Glasgow
Clan Chief: The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Cathcart
1. Clan Cathcart History
The River Cart flows through Renfrewshire and the South side of Glasgow. The name Cathcart originates from this river. The earliest mentions of the clan date back to 1178 when Rainaldus de Kethcart witnessed a charter by Walter Fitzalan to the Church of Kethcart for the monastery of Paisley.
His son, William de Kethcart, also witnessed a charter around 1200, and Alan de Cathcart sealed a charter of resignation to the Abbot of Paisley for lands at Culbeth in 1234.
The ruins of Cathcart Castle, once the clan's stronghold, date back to the 15th century. Abandoned in the 18th century, the castle's remnants were dismantled in 1980, leaving only its foundations.
William de Cathcart's lineage is traced back to the Ragman Roll, but it was Sir Alan de Cathcart who truly left a mark in Scottish history by supporting Robert the Bruce during the wars of independence.
He proved his mettle alongside the King's brother, Edward, orchestrating a successful ambush on the English forces in Galloway. Sir Alan solidified his ties with the Bruce family by marrying the sister of Sir Duncan Wallace of Sundrum, who was married to Eleanor Bruce, Countess of Carrick.
Their descendant, also named Sir Alan de Cathcart, acquired estates in Carrick and was granted the title of 'Lord Cathcart' in 1447. Auchencruive in Ayrshire became the family's main residence until 1718.
The Cathcart lords were renowned for their martial prowess, but fate often dealt them a harsh hand on the battlefield. The second Lord Cathcart perished at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, and his successor met a similar fate at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547.
The fourth Lord Cathcart, Alan, staunchly upheld Protestant beliefs and clashed with Mary, Queen of Scots at Langside in 1568.
The military legacy of the Cathcart clan continued through the generations. Charles Cathcart, the eighth Lord, distinguished himself in the Scots Greys and fought against the Jacobites at Sheriffmuir during the 1715 uprising.
His bravery earned him the nickname 'Patch Cathcart' due to a patch covering a battle scar on his cheek. His son, who later became the first Earl Cathcart, furthered the family's military reputation by scoring a significant victory against Napoleon's forces in Denmark.
The military tradition persisted with the second Earl Cathcart, who fought in the Peninsular War and at Waterloo.
He eventually rose to command the army in Scotland and oversee Edinburgh Castle. Even the current chief's father held the esteemed rank of major general, underscoring the enduring martial spirit of the Cathcart lineage.
2. Clan Cathcart Tartans
While there isn't a registered Cathcart tartan, those with ties to the name can opt for the Paisley District tartan, paying homage to the traditional locale associated with the name.
Paisley District
3. Clan Cathcart Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Cathcart Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A right hand severed above the wrist and standing upright, holding a silver crescent, portrayed in its natural colors.
3.2 Clan Cathcart Coat of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
Under Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is awarded 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, with the aforementioned exceptions.
CATHCART, Earl of Cathcart
Azure, three crosses crosslet fitchée, issuing out of as many crescents, Argent
Mount Florida, Glasgow
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4. Clan Cathcart Places & People
4.1 Clan Cathcart Places
Cathcart Castle, with its roots stretching back to the 12th century, stands as a testament to Scotland's rich history.
Constructed sometime during the 1400s, this fortress became a symbol of the Cathcart clan's power, especially after their head was bestowed with the title of Lord in the 15th century.
However, the castle's fate took a turn when it fell into the hands of the Semples in 1546. The Semples chose to abandon the castle in favor of Cathcart House, a grand residence they built nearby.
Over time, both the castle and the house fell into disrepair, eventually becoming ruins.
In 1814, William Schaw Cathcart, the 1st Earl Cathcart and descendant of the Cathcart lineage, acquired the dilapidated castle. Instead of restoring it to its former glory, he opted to dismantle it and sell its stones. This decision marked the end of an era for Cathcart Castle.
In 1927, the Glasgow City Council intervened, purchasing the castle's surrounding lands and incorporating them into Linn Park. By 1980, the castle's ruins were deemed unsafe and were dismantled by the council.
Today, only the castle's foundations serve as a reminder of its once imposing presence, a silent witness to centuries of Scottish history.
4.2 Clan Cathcart People
General Charles Schaw Cathcart, 9th Lord Cathcart (1721–1776)
The offspring of Charles Cathcart, the 8th Lord Cathcart, and Marion Shaw, Charles Jr. had quite the adventurous life. Not one for backing the Stuart monarchy, he found himself aiding the Duke of Cumberland, his loyalty unwavering. In the heat of the Battle of Fontenoy in 1745, a bullet found its mark on his face, leaving a lasting scar.
Joshua Reynolds immortalized him in a portrait, showcasing the black silk patch he wore over the wound, earning him the nickname 'Patch Cathcart'. The following year, at Culloden, he faced battle wounds once again, standing firm as ADC to Cumberland.
As fate would have it, Charles inherited his mother's estates in Greenock, leading him to sell off the family's ancestral home, Sundrum, in 1758. In recognition of his services, he was bestowed the honor of being made a Knight of the Order of the Thistle in 1763.
Subsequently, in 1768, he assumed the role of ambassador to St. Petersburg, where he received a warm welcome from none other than Catherine the Great herself. His diplomatic stint in Russia lasted until 1772.
Upon returning to Britain, he found himself elected as the Rector of Glasgow University in 1773, a testament to his esteemed reputation. However, his eventful journey came to an end on August 14, 1776, leaving behind a legacy of service and resilience.
5. Associated Names
The surname likely originated from the association with the place called Cathcart. Over time, variations in spelling may have occurred, as is common with many surnames throughout history.