Clan Sempill
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Clan Sempill is a Lowland Scottish clan.
Contents |
[edit] Battles & History
[edit] Origins of the Clan
The name Sempill has been known in Renfrewshire since the 12th century however its origins are obscure. On suggestion is that Sempill is a corruption of the St Pauls however this seems unlikely. It is tradition that the name originates from someone who is humble or simple.
Robert de Semple witnessed a charter to Paisley Abbey in around 1246. Later as the chamberlain of Renfrew he witnessed a charter of the Earl of Lennox.
[edit] 14th Century & Robert the Bruce
During the 14th century Clan Sempill supported King Robert the Bruce. Robert de Semple's two sons were rewarded by the King for their services. The elder son called Robert received all of the lands around Largs in Ayrshire which had been confiscated off the Clan Balliol. The younger son called Thomas received a grant of half the lands of Longniddry.
[edit] 15th Century
Sir Thomas Sempill fell leading the clan in support of King James III of Scotland at the Battle of Sauchieburn in June 1488. His only son called John Sempill inherrited all of the estates. John was made Lord Sempill during the reign of King James IV of Scotland.
[edit] 16th Century & Anglo-Scottish Wars
During the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan Sempill led by the now Lord John Sempill fought at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513 where the chief was killed. He was scucceded by his son William Sempill.
William's son called Robert was made constable of the King's Castle Douglas. William also led Clan Sempill at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547 where he was captured by the English.
The clan Sempill were initially loyal towards Mary Queen of Scots, however later they supported King James IV of Scotland and fought against Mary at the Battle of Carberry Hill.
The Clan Sempill also fought in the Regent Moray's army at the Battle of Langside in 1568.
[edit] Civil War
During the Civil War the Clan Sempill supported the Royalist cause. However they would later take up the Protestant faith.
[edit] Jacobite Uprisings
During the Jacobite Uprisings of 1745-1746 the Clan Sempill supported the British government. The Chief led his men against the Jacobites at the Battle of Culloden in 1746.
[edit] Chief
The current Clan Chief is Lord Sempill the 21st Chief.
[edit] Castle
The seat of the clan is at Craigievar Castle which is one of the best preserved castles in Scotland.
