Clan Cochrane
Clan Cochrane (Cochrane Tartan)
Crest: A horse passant, Argent
Motto: Virtue Et Labore (By valour and exertion)
Origin of Name: Territorial
Region: Lowlands
Historic Seat: Lochnell Castle, Argyll
Clan Chief: The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Dundonald
1. Cochrane Clan history
Legend has it that the roots of this clan trace back to a mighty Viking warrior who decided to make Renfrewshire his home in the ninth century.
The origins of the name adopted by this Viking's descendants remain shrouded in mystery, with several theories circulating among historians and storytellers.
According to one tale, an early member of the clan earned praise from his leader for his bravery in battle, being hailed as a "brave fellow." In the Gaelic tongue spoken by the clan, this commendation may have been rendered as "coch ran." Another theory suggests that the name Cochrane emerged from a Gaelic interpretation of "battle cry" or "the roar of battle."
The emblematic three boars adorning the clan chief's shield symbolize a legendary feat of a Cochrane warrior.
As the story goes, this valiant individual single-handedly vanquished three wild boars that had been causing havoc and instilling fear in the local countryside, showcasing the courage and prowess of the Cochrane lineage.
Auchindoun Castle, located in Moray, Scotland, was constructed in the mid-15th century by Thomas Cochrane.
In 1456, Allan Cochrane of Cochrane received the Cochrane lands from his father, Robert, through resignation.
James II then granted him a charter for these lands. William Cochrane of that ilk later added a tower to the manor house before his passing in 1594, giving rise to what would be known as Cochrane Castle.
During the early 1600s, the chiefship of the Cochrane clan faced uncertainty as William Cochrane of that ilk had no sons to inherit.
To safeguard the lineage, he stipulated that any man who married his daughter, Elizabeth, must adopt the Cochrane name and coat of arms. The title of the first Earl of Dundonald was eventually bestowed upon William's grandson and heir in 1669.
However, it was Elizabeth's eldest son, Alexander, who truly solidified the legacy of the Cochrane clan as valiant warriors. Serving as a colonel for Charles I, he marked the beginning of the illustrious "fighting Cochranes" lineage.
Over the centuries, these chiefs distinguished themselves in service to their country, both on the high seas and on the battlefield.
Among them, Thomas, the tenth Earl, stands out for his remarkable achievements. In 1801, he led a daring naval operation, commanding a brig with only fifty-four men.
In an extraordinary feat of bravery, they successfully boarded and captured a formidable Spanish frigate armed with thirty-two heavy guns and manned by 319 crew members.
2. Cochrane Clan Tartans
The Cochrane tartan boasts a rich history steeped in tradition. Legend has it that its design was inspired by a portrait, embodying the essence of Scottish heritage. However, in 1974, the 14th Earl of Dundonald, exercising his authority as Chief, decided to tweak the design.
He opted to reduce the groups of four red lines to three, adding his own touch to the tartan.
Fast forward to 1984, and the 15th Earl of Dundonald, keen on honoring the tartan's origins, reverted to the original design. This change brought back the distinctive groups of four red lines, aligning the tartan with its traditional roots once more.
The tartan sett draws inspiration from the ancient Lochaber district, which served as a foundation for other iconic tartans like those of the MacDonald and Cameron of Erracht clans.
In the realm of tartans, terminology matters. The term 'ancient' denotes lighter dye shades, while 'modern' signifies darker hues. This distinction adds depth to the tartan's symbolism, reflecting the passage of time and the enduring legacy of Scottish culture.
Threadcount G/68 R8 G6 R4 G8 R4 G6 R8 G34 K34 R4 B34 R8 B8 Y/6
Cochrane Ancient
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Cochrane Modern
3. Clan Cochrane Crest & Coats of Arms
3.1 Clan Cochrane Crest
Worn by all of the name and ancestry
Crest Description:
A horse passant, Argent
3.2 Clan Cochrane Coat of Arms
A note on Coats of Arms:
According to Scottish heraldic law, a coat of arms is bestowed upon an individual, except in cases of civic or corporate arms. The concept of a "family coat of arms" does not exist; instead, each coat of arms is personal to the individual granted it. Only the specific individual conferred with these arms has the legal right to utilize them.
Argent, a chevron, Gules, between three boars’ heads, erased, Azure
4. Clan Cochrane Places & People
4.1 Clan Cochrane Places
4.1.1 Cochrane Castle
Cochrane Castle, associated with Clan Cochrane, is a historic landmark located in Renfrewshire, Scotland. Originally occupied in the early 1100s, it stands as a testament to the Cochrane family's rich history.
The castle is situated near the town of Johnstone and is renowned for its architectural significance and cultural heritage.
Today, it serves as a symbol of Clan Cochrane's legacy and is a popular destination for visitors interested in Scottish history and heritage.
4.1.2 Auchindoun Castle
Auchindoun Castle, closely linked with Clan Cochrane, is a medieval fortress situated in Moray, Scotland. Built in the mid-15th century by Thomas Cochrane, it stands as a notable landmark representing the Cochrane family's historical presence in the region.
Auchindoun Castle boasts significant architectural and historical importance, attracting visitors interested in Scotland's rich heritage. As a symbol of Clan Cochrane's legacy, the castle continues to intrigue and captivate visitors with its tales of the past.
4.1.3 Johnstone Castle
Johnstone Castle, associated with Clan Cochrane, is a historic stronghold located near the town of Johnstone in Renfrewshire, Scotland. Originally established in the early 1100s, the castle has deep-rooted connections to the Cochrane family.
While the original structure may no longer stand, a modern tower in the area features the Stone Coat of Arms of William Cochrane, commemorating the family's ancestral ties to the region.
Johnstone Castle serves as a testament to the Cochrane clan's historical presence in Renfrewshire and stands as a symbol of their enduring legacy in Scottish history.
4.2 Clan Cochrane People
4.2.1 Andrew James Cochrane-Johnstone (1767-1833)
Before his tenure as an MP, Andrew James Cochrane-Johnstone's track record was far from squeaky clean. Engaged in a slew of nefarious activities, including tyranny, extortion, slave trading, gun running, and pimping, during his stint as Governor of St. Dominica, he left a trail of controversy in his wake.
Even after transitioning to Parliament, Cochrane-Johnstone didn't mend his ways. In 1814, he orchestrated a massive fraud on the Stock Exchange that sent shockwaves through the financial world.
Here's how it went down: Cochrane and his cohorts strategically purchased stocks just before a mysterious "French Royalist" arrived in Dover, spreading the sensational news of Napoleon's demise.
As expected, government stocks skyrocketed, allowing Cochrane to cash out at a hefty profit. However, when the enigmatic "French Royalist" vanished into thin air, the market took a nosedive, revealing Cochrane's hand in the scheme. Swiftly absconding to Europe, he left behind a trail of financial ruin and chaos.
To add insult to injury, Cochrane's nephew, the esteemed Admiral Lord Thomas Cochrane, found himself implicated in the scandal.
Despite his innocence, political foes seized the opportunity to tarnish his reputation, underscoring the cutthroat nature of political maneuvering in those times.
4.2.2 Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald, Marquess do Maranhão, GCB, ODM (Chile) (14 Dec. 1775 – 31 Oct. 1860)
Thomas Cochrane hailed from Annsfield, a stone's throw away from Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, where he was born to Archibald Cochrane, 9th Earl of Dundonald, and Anna Gilchrist.
However, much of his formative years were spent amidst the coastal charm of Culross in Fife.
Born into nobility, Thomas bore the title of Lord Cochrane from 1778 until his father's passing in 1831, after which he ascended to the title of Earl of Dundonald.
Thanks to the sway of his uncle, Alexander Cochrane, young Thomas found himself enlisted as a crew member on four Royal Navy vessels, a remarkable feat for someone barely out of infancy.
This early exposure set the stage for an illustrious naval career. In 1812, Thomas tied the knot with Katherine Francis Corbet Barnes, a beauty and an orphan, who was considerably his junior. Together, they raised six children.
During the Napoleonic Wars, Cochrane carved out a fearsome reputation as a bold and cunning Captain, earning him the moniker "Le Loup des Mer" or the "Wolf of the Seas" by the French Navy.
However, his career trajectory took an unexpected turn in 1814 when he faced charges of stock exchange fraud, resulting in his dismissal from the Royal Navy.
Undeterred, Cochrane embraced a new chapter as a mercenary, offering his services to the rebel navies of Chile, Brazil, and Greece during their struggles for independence. It was in Chile where he was honored with the Order of Merit.
By 1832, Cochrane had reclaimed his position in the Royal Navy as Rear Admiral of the Blue. Throughout his naval journey, he earned numerous promotions, culminating in his retirement just before his demise in 1860 at the age of 84, holding the esteemed title of Rear Admiral of the Red and the honorary rank of Rear Admiral of the United Kingdom.
On October 31, 1860, Thomas Cochrane, 10th Earl of Dundonald, passed away during kidney stone surgery.
His remarkable exploits at sea continued to echo through the annals of naval fiction, inspiring literary giants like C.S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower and Patrick O'Brian's Jack Aubrey.
4.2.3 Captain John Dundas Cochrane (1793-1825)
After his valiant efforts in the Napoleonic Wars, the natural-born son of Andrew James Cochrane-Johnstone embarked on an ambitious journey to circumnavigate the globe.
With the intention of exploring the possibility of a land bridge connecting Russia and Alaska, as well as uncovering a potential North-West passage across America, he set off with minimal equipment, relying on horse-drawn sleds sparingly.
Despite facing numerous challenges along the way, including a harrowing robbery shortly after departing from Dieppe, he pressed on undeterred. Arriving in St. Petersburg a mere eighty-three days later, stripped of all possessions save for two waistcoats, he donned one as a makeshift kilt and continued his trek towards Moscow, covering the final ninety-six miles in an astonishing thirty-two hours.
Traversing the Arctic coast amid excruciating physical discomfort, enduring nights battling the elements without even the solace of a blanket, he persevered.
It was during this arduous journey that he unexpectedly found love, marrying a fourteen-year-old girl from Kamchatka as he sought permission to cross the Bering Strait.
After successfully navigating Russia with his newfound companion, he returned to London by boat from St. Petersburg, where he documented his remarkable adventures.
However, tragedy struck during a visit to his cousin Charles Stuart Cochrane's copper mining project in Columbia, where he succumbed to a fever, bringing an end to his extraordinary odyssey.
4.2.4 Captain Charles Stuart Cochrane b.1796
Also known as 'Senior Jean de Vega, a Spanish minstrel,' the second son of Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane entered the world aboard the HMS Thetis, a vessel that boasted five Cochranes among its crew at the time.
Following his service in the Napoleonic wars, he bid farewell to the navy and embarked on an expedition up the Magdalena River into Colombia, drawn by the prospect of copper mining.
However, the venture proved unsuccessful, prompting him to journey across Europe before returning to Britain in 1828.
In the subsequent years, he roamed the country with his guitar, assuming the persona of a Spanish troubadour. It was in Edinburgh, where he finally unveiled his true identity, though some described him as 'a little eccentric.'
In 1830, he demonstrated his sound mental faculties by obtaining a patent in France for a machine capable of spinning Cashmere, a type of wool previously unfamiliar to the western world. Setting up a mill in Glasgow, he met the demand for spun Tibetan goat's beard with his innovative machines.
His exploits and travels were chronicled in the 'Journal of a Tour Made by Senor Jean de Vega, a Spanish Minstrel of 1828-29 Through Great Britain and Ireland,' offering a fascinating glimpse into his adventurous spirit and entrepreneurial endeavors.
5. Associated Names
The surname was previously recorded as 'de Coueran'. While Cochrane was once considered a sept of Clan Donald, it is no longer recognized as such.