Clan Charteris
Clan Charteris (Charteris Tartan)
Crest: A dexter hand holding up a dagger paleways, Proper
Motto: This is our Charter
Origin of Name : Placename, France
Region: Lowlands
Historic Seat: Gosford House, East Lothian
Clan Chief: The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Wemyss & March KT
1. Charteris Clan History
The blazon you provided describes a coat of arms featuring a silver (argent) shield with a red (gules) horizontal band across the center, from which a demi lion (a lion cut off at the waist) is rising.
The lion is also red and depicted as rampant (standing on its hind legs). At the base of the shield, there is a red fleur-de-lis (a stylized lily).
Gosford House, located in Longniddry, East Lothian, serves as the seat of the clan and was constructed by the 7th Earl of Wemyss during the period between 1790 and 1800.
In 1280, Alexander III appointed Sir Thomas de Charteris as Lord High Chancellor of Scotland, marking a pivotal moment in Scottish governance. Fast forward to 1296, Andrew de Charteris' name surfaces on the infamous Ragman’s Roll, symbolizing allegiance to Edward I, yet like many, he later shifted his loyalty to the cause of Scottish independence.
This shift cost the family estates dearly. Andrew's son William continued the family's support for Scottish independence by backing Robert the Bruce.
William stood by Bruce during the pivotal moment when Bruce stabbed Comyn at the church of Minorite Friars in Dumfries in 1306. The family's commitment to Scotland was further solidified when Sir Thomas Charteris became ambassador to England, though tragically, he fell at the Battle of Durham in 1346.
The lineage faced its own trials, as evidenced by Sir Robert Charteris, the eighth Laird, who was challenged to a duel in 1530 by Sir James Douglas of Drumlanrig. Such duels were not uncommon, with the King himself observing from the castle walls, a testament to their significance.
The chiefship of the Charteris clan has long been a subject of contention, particularly with another branch of the family settled in Perthshire.
Conflict arose when Patrick, Lord Ruthven, elected Provost of Perth, was ousted from office and replaced by John Charteris of Kinfauns.
This dispute escalated to the point where Charteris had to resort to besieging the city of Perth for entry, but ultimately, the Ruthvens retained their title until 1584.
The Charteris legacy extends into the realm of politics and warfare. Sir John Charteris of Amisfield supported the Covenant but refused to take arms against Charles I, resulting in a two-year imprisonment in Edinburgh.
Yet, he later joined forces with the Marquis of Montrose, fighting valiantly at Philiphaugh in 1645. His brother, Alexander Charteris, met a tragic fate, captured and executed in Edinburgh in 1650 by "the maiden," Scotland's version of the guillotine, now a chilling relic displayed in Edinburgh’s Museum of Antiquities.
Colonel Francis Charteris left behind a daughter who married the Earl of Wemyss. Their second son, Francis, inherited the family estates, assuming the Charteris name and arms, ensuring the legacy endures.
2. Charteris Tartans
While there isn't an official Charteris tartan on record, those linked to the name can proudly don the Roxburgh District tartans. These tartans pay homage to the region where the Charteris name has deep roots and historical significance. So, if you're a Charteris or connected to the clan, donning the Roxburgh District tartans is a nod to your heritage and identity.
Roxburgh District Modern
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Roxburgh District Ancient
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Roxburgh District Muted
3. Charteris Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Charteris Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A dexter hand holding up a dagger paleways, Proper
3.2 Clan Charteris 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. Contrary to popular belief, there is no concept of a "family coat of arms." Each coat of arms is personal, and only the individual to whom it is granted has the right to use it.
CHARTERIS of Amisfield
Argent, a fess, Azure, within a double tressure, flory counterflory, Gules
4. Clan Charteris Places & People
4.1 Clan Charteris People
4.1.1 Colonel Francis Charteris, (1672 – 1732)
Known as "The Rape-Master General," Charteris was a British aristocrat who made a fortune through gambling. His notoriety stems from a conviction for raping a servant in 1730, although he was later pardoned. Despite this, he passed away shortly after from natural causes.
Born into a well-connected Scottish family, Charteris was baptized in Amisfield, Dumfriesshire. Even before his infamous conviction, he was notorious in London as the epitome of a rake, despised by many.
He had a tumultuous military career, being dismissed from service four times. Notably, he was expelled by the Duke of Marlborough in Belgium for cheating at cards and by Parliament for accepting bribes.
Despite his military setbacks, he amassed significant wealth, and his daughter Janet wed James Wemyss, 5th Earl of Wemyss, in 1720.
Charteris served as the inspiration for characters in William Hogarth's paintings, including "A Rake’s Progress" and "A Harlot’s Progress," where he is depicted as the fat lecher. He was also portrayed negatively in Fanny Hill and condemned by Alexander Pope in his Moral Essay III.
His extravagant lifestyle drew parallels to the greed of politicians like Robert Walpole. While some claim he was a founding member of the Hellfire Club, others suggest he may have been part of the original "Hell-Fire Club" established by Philip Wharton, 1st Duke of Wharton.
Notably, Leslie Charteris, creator of Simon Templar, The Saint, was an admirer who legally changed his name from Leslie Charles Bowyer-Yin in homage.
4.1.2 Martin Michael Charles Charteris, Baron Charteris of Amisfield GCB GCVO OBE QSO PC (1913–1999)
A close confidante and aide to Queen Elizabeth II, Charteris hailed from the prestigious lineage of Hugo Charteris, Lord Elcho, and was a brother to the 12th Earl of Wemyss.
Educated at Eton and the Royal Military College Sandhurst, he served in the Middle East during World War II, reaching the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.
Upon his return, he married Hon. Mary Margesson, daughter of the 1st Viscount Margesson, in 1944, and they raised three children together.
In 1950, Charteris assumed the role of Private Secretary to the then Duchess of Edinburgh, later serving as her Assistant Private Secretary from her ascension in 1952 until 1972, when he was promoted to Private Secretary.
He held this esteemed position until his partial retirement in 1977, after which he returned to Eton as its Provost.
One of Charteris' most notable moments came from an interview with The Spectator in 1995, where he candidly labeled the Duchess of York as "vulgar," the Prince of Wales as "whiney," and the Queen Mother as "a bit of an ostrich."
5. Associated Names
Variations in spelling for the surname include Chatres, Charters, Charteris, Chatters, and Chatteris. Branches of the clan include Charteris of Dumfries and Charteris of Kinfauns.
6. More infomation
6.1 16th century and clan conflicts
In 1526, a feud erupted with the Clan Kirkpatrick (Kilpatrick), chronicled in Pitcairn's Criminal Trials of Scotland. John Charteris of Amisfield, his brother, and two sons were indicted for the murder of Roger Kilpatrick, son of Alexander Kilpatrick, in March 1526.
A more significant altercation unfolded in 1530 when Sir Robert Charteris, the eighth Laird, engaged in a duel with Sir James Douglas of Drumlanrig, hailed as one of the last grand chivalric contests.
The duel, witnessed by the king himself, was so intense that Charteris's sword broke, necessitating the king's intervention to separate the combatants.
Another notable branch of the clan was the Charterises of Kinfauns, who vied for chiefship with their Dumfriesshire cousins.
The Kinfauns Charterises purportedly received their lands for backing Robert the Bruce against the English but found themselves embroiled in a feud with the Clan Ruthven, who challenged their authority.
The Ruthvens wielded significant influence over Perth from their Huntingtower Castle. In 1544, Patrick, Lord Ruthven, assumed the position of Provost of Perth, but Cardinal Beaton's interference led to Ruthven's removal and the appointment of Charteris of Kinfauns.
However, the city refused to acknowledge Charteris, barricading the gates. Charteris, alongside Lord Gray and the Clan Leslie, launched an assault on the town but was repelled by the Ruthvens, aided by the Moncreiffs. Consequently, Ruthven retained the Provost title until 1584, following the execution of William Ruthven, Earl of Gowrie.
John Charteris fell to the earl's heir on Edinburgh High Street in 1552.
6.2 17th century and civil war
Sir John Charteris of Amsfield played a significant role in Scottish politics and warfare during the 17th century. He was appointed as one of the Commissioners of Parliament tasked with confirming the Treaty of Ripon in 1641. Charteris was a staunch supporter of the National Covenant, demonstrating his commitment to Scottish Presbyterianism.
Despite his allegiance, he opted not to take up arms against the king, King Charles I. However, his association with the Covenant led to his imprisonment in Edinburgh in 1643. Fortunately, he regained his freedom in March 1645.
Following his release, Charteris aligned himself with the forces of James Graham, the 1st Marquis of Montrose. He fought alongside the royalist troops but faced a devastating setback at the Battle of Philiphaugh in September 1645, where they were ambushed.
Charteris's brother, Captain Alexander Charteris, served on Montrose's staff and accompanied him on a campaign in Caithness in 1650. Tragically, Alexander was captured along with Montrose and met his demise at the hands of the Maiden, Edinburgh's infamous guillotine, on 21 June 1650.
With the passing of the Charteris line, the family estates were inherited by an heiress, who married Thomas Hogg. In a customary practice, Hogg assumed the Charteris surname, ensuring the continuation of the family legacy.
6.1.3 18th and 19th centuries
Colonel Francis Charteris, serving as the patriarch of the family, made a significant acquisition of lands close to Haddington. In a nod to his ancestry, he renamed the estate Amsfield, commemorating his family's roots in Nithsdale.
Despite being the last male descendant, Colonel Charteris had an only daughter, Janet, who entered into marriage with the Earl of Wemyss. Through this union, their second son, Francis Wemyss, adopted the Charteris surname, ensuring the continuation of the family line.
While the Charteris estates near Haddington have been divested over time, Gosford House remains as the enduring seat of the Earl of Wemyss and March, who serves as the chief of the Charteris family.