Clan Clelland
Clan Clelland (Clelland Tartan)
Crest: A falcon upon a glove sinister, Proper
Motto: Non Sibi (For Sport)
Historic Seat: Cleland, North Lanarkshire
Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan
1. Clelland Clan History
The name Cleland or Kneland in Dalziel, Lanarkshire, is believed to be the origin of the surname Cleland. It is associated with numerous branches of the family residing in Lanarkshire.
The earliest mention of the Clelland clan traces back to Alexander Kneland of that Ilk, whose union with Margaret, sister of the famed Scottish patriot William Wallace, ties their legacy to the fabric of Scotland's history.
Kneland stood steadfast alongside Wallace during the Scottish Wars of Independence, likely contributing to the pivotal Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Robert I, acknowledging his valor, granted Kneland lands within the barony of Calder in West Lothian.
Through the ages, Clellands remained devoted to Scotland's cause. Notably, Alexander Cleland of that Ilk and his cousin William met their end fighting against the English at the tragic Battle of Flodden in 1513, a clash that claimed the life of James IV.
In a twist of fate, Alexander Clelland of that Ilk found himself embroiled in the turmoil surrounding the murder of Lord Darnley, the second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1567.
As a kinsman of James Hepburn, 4th Earl of Bothwell, and Mary's third spouse, Clelland's ties to the royal court were intricate and fraught with intrigue.
Generations later, Alexander Clelland's grandson, also named Alexander, further intertwined the Clelland lineage with prominent Scottish families by marrying the sister of John Hamilton, Lord Bargeny.
This union led to the inheritance of lands linked to the Hamiltons, ultimately shaping the trajectory of the Cleland estate.
Despite their storied past, the Clelland clan has seen its leadership dormant for over two centuries, marking the end of an era with William Cleland (1674 – 1741) recognized as the last recorded chief. His son, John Cleland (d.1789), left a different legacy, penning the provocative novel "Fanny Hill."
2. Clelland Tartans
The Clelland tartan, crafted in 1989 by John Hocknull for the clan Clelland society, pays homage to their heritage. Inspired by the Douglas tartan, it symbolizes the historical ties between the Clellands and the Douglas clan, with the Clellands serving as foresters for the Douglas’.
While rich in significance, this tartan is not readily accessible for commercial purchase, adding to its exclusivity and allure.
Threadcount B/60 K32 G12 R12 G20 K8 Y8 K8 G20 R12 G12 K32 B16 K/8
Clelland
3. Clelland Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Clelland Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A falcon upon a glove sinister, Proper
3.2 Clan Clelland Coat of Arms
CLELAND of that Ilk
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Cleland of that Ilk 1717
taken from the engraved copper plates that were published in the Ragman Rolls
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4. Clelland Places & People
4.1 Clan Clelland Places
Clelland House
Clelland House, affectionately known as the Houghton House and Clelland-Houghton-Wallace Log House, stands proudly as a testament to history near Grafton, Taylor County, West Virginia.
Erected circa 1800, this remarkable dwelling showcases the enduring beauty of Scottish architecture with its distinctive "V"-notched logs forming the two-story main section, complemented by a one-story frame kitchen wing.
Reflecting the simplicity and functionality of its era, the house features a single chimney and spacious rooms on each floor. As the oldest surviving house in the region, it holds a cherished place in local heritage and lore.
Recognized for its historical significance, Clelland House was added to the esteemed National Register of Historic Places in 1980, affirming its status as a cherished landmark and preserving its legacy for future generations to appreciate.
5. Associated Names
Clelland is considered a sept of Clan MacLellan, and there's also evidence linking it to Clan Douglas. Additionally, Cleland may have associations with the Forrester family.
Spelling Variations
Cleland, Clelland, Cleeland, Clealand, Cleiland, Clelan, Clellan, Clellon, Kneland, Kneeland, MacClelland, MacClellan (some), Clayland, Cleaveland (some), Clalan, Clallan, Claland, Clalland, Clealland, Cleadland, Cleadlande, Cleilland, Clelane, Clelend, Clelin, Clellans, Clellend, Clellon, Clellone, Clelond, Clellond, Clenlande, Clerland, Cleuland, Cleveland, Cleyland, Cliland, Clieland, Cliveland, Coleeland, Kalland, Kealand, Kealland, Keeland, Keelland, Keilland, Keland, Kelland, Klelland, Kleland, Knelands, Kneband, Kneelands, Kneilland, Knieland, Kniland, MacCleland, Nealand, Neeland, Neland, Neyland, Nieland, Nield, Niland, Nilland, Noland, Nyland, Rose-Cleland.
Names associated with the clan: Clellond Kelland Nyland Niland Keelland Nield Nilland Cleadlande MACCLALLANE MACCLEALLANE MACCLELLAND MACCLELAN MACCLELLAN MACCLEILANE MACKNELLAN MACKLELLANE MACKLELLAN CLELLANE CLELLAND CLEILAND CLELAND CLELEND CLELLAN KNELAND CLENEL CLILAND Clerland Kealland Cleadland Noland Cleeland Kneband Kealand Cleaveland Cleilland Kalland Clalan Clelane