Clan Menzies
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Clan Menzies is a Highland Scottish clan.
For Menzies as a personal name, including its pronunciation and a list of famous people of that name, see Menzies.
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[edit] History
[edit] Origins of the Clan
Mesnnieres in Normandy was the original home of the Norman family whose name was transformed to Manners, which was the surname of the Dukes of Rutland. A branch of this family moved into Lothian in Scotland and gradually into the Scottish Highlands, where they first became known by the name Meyneris and eventually as Menzies.
It is believed that the Menzies were granted lands in Lothian in the 12th Century, almost certainly in exchange for military service.
The first Chief of Menzies was Sir Robert de Meyneris who became Chamberlain to King Alexander II of Scotland in 1249. The Menzies clan also becme allies with the Earl of Atholl and Clan Murray. Sir Robert de Meyneris son, called Alexander, was granted lands and property in Strathtay. He was later also granted lands in and property in Weem. However the Castle Weem was built there two centuries later
[edit] Wars of Scottish Independence
In the 14th century during the Wars of Scottish Independence Clan Menzies supported Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn. The Clan Menzies achieved further success by supporting Robert the Bruce right up to his death by which time their lands stretched from Aberfeldy almost as far as Loch Lomond.
[edit] 16th Century
In the sixteenth century, King James IV of Scotland granted a charter converting the Menzies' lands into a barony. By now the clan was gaelic speaking and the chief became known as "Am Mainnearach" meaning "The Menzies".
[edit] 17th Century & Civil War
During the English/Scottish Civil War the main part of the Menzies from Weems joined forces with Clan Campbell in support of the Scottish Argyll government.
However the Pitfoddels branch of Menzies supported the Royalist Marquis of Montrose. The Menzies of Pitfoddels carried the Royal Standard at the Battle of Invercarron in 1650, fighting in support of James Graham the 1st Marquess of Montrose.
Major Duncan Menzies of Fornock led the charge which broke the line of the government troops at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689 (though there were also many Menzies on the opposing side).
[edit] 18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings
During the Jacobite rebellions the main part of Clan Menzies remained neutral. However branches of the clan such as Menzies of Shian and Menzies of Pitfodel fought in battles on the side of the Jacobites.
[edit] Castle Menzies
Castle Menzies in Scotland is home of the Menzies Clan. It is located in the small village of Weem, near Aberfeldy in the Highlands.
The sixteenth century castle, restored by the Menzies Clan Society, has been the seat of the Chiefs of Clan Menzies for over 400 years. It was strategically situated, and it was involved in the turbulent history of the Highlands. Bonnie Prince Charlie, the Stuart Pretender to the throne, rested for two nights in the castle on his way to the Battle of Culloden in 1746, where the Jacobite clans were essentially broken by a British army equipped with cannons.
The restored castle is architecturally fascinating, a splendid example of the transition between earlier rugged fortress and later mansion house. It served as a hospital for the Polish army in exile during World War II.
