Clan MacArthur
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Clan MacArthur is a Highland Scottish clan.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] Origins of the Clan
It is a MacArthur clan tradition to say that they are descended from the legendary King Arthur, despite the fact that there has not been enough evidence to establish a solid link between King Arthur and any historical leader. [1] [2]
However, during the extensive genealogical research for the rightful heir to the Chiefship, it was discovered that King Arthur's "original" Coat of Arms bore 3 antique crowns. Also discovered was the fact that Clan Arthur's "original" Coat of Arms had the Christian cross added during the Crusades. Thus leaving Clan Arthur's Coat of Arms with having, "originally", 3 antique crowns. The three Crowns on Arthur's coat of arms may also have come from the alliances Stain Columba of Iona (capital of Dal Riata) had made, before ordaining Arthur's father Aidan MacGrabain as king of Dal Riata in the late 6th century.
From the Welsh-speaking areas of Strathclyde which is now Glasgow and also Rheged and Gododdin which is now the area of Edinburgh, the earliest surviving Scottish poem tells of the resistance leader 'Arthur' fighting against the English of Northumbria where they defeated Gododdin. When Scotland's Welsh speaking Kingdoms were wiped out the language only remained in Wales and Cornwall, England. The Arthurian legend was developed all over these areas, however Arthur's seat is always thought to have been beside Edinburgh.
In the 13th century a MacArthur married the heiress of Duncan MacDuibhne. Later the Clanh Ua Duihne carried the nickname Cam beul. It is therefore MacArthur tradition to say that the Clan Campbell was an off-shoot of the Clan MacArthur. [3] [4]
[edit] Wars of Scottish Independence
The MacArthurs fought beside King Robert the Bruce against the English at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1333. They were rewarded with lands in mid-Argyll which had been taken from oppossers of the Bruce, the Clan MacDougall.
The Clan MacArthur prospered and spread. The clan grew into two main branches: The MacArthurs of Loch Awe and the MacArthur Campbells of Strachur. [5] [6]
[edit] 15th Century & Clan Conflicts
When King James I of Scotland returned from his English imprisonment his wrath fell upon the MacArthurs among others. Through wave of executions and estate seizures the MacArthurs were stunted and the Clan Campbell became the predominant race north of Glasgow. The MacArthur chief, Iian Macarthur who could summon 1000 men of the Clan Arthur was executed and most of the clan lands were confiscated.
The Clan Arthur became close allies with the Clan MacDonald of Sleat and were constantly at odds with the Clan Campbell. Another branch of MacArthurs became armourers to the MacDonalds on the Isle of Islay. [7][8]
[edit] 16th Century & Clan Conflicts
In 1567 Duncan MacArthur and his son of the Loch Awe MacArthur family, became the victims of their own success when jealousy of their power drove neighbours to drown them in the loch during a skirmish. A conflict of some sort took place. In the archives of Inveraray Castle a charter dated 1567 confirms that a pardon was granted to the Campbells of Inverawe for the "drowning of Clan Arthur". It is believed that the Macarthurs trying to defend themselves were driven into the loch. In the 1970's an ancient sword was unearthed on the shore of the loch.
[edit] 17th Century & Civil War
During the Civil War the Clan Arthur supported the Royalist cause. One MacArthur became a baillie in Kintyre and chamberlain of James Graham the 1st Marquess of Montrose.
[edit] 18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings
During the Jacobite Uprisings large numbers of MacArthurs fought on both sides during the uprisings of 1715 to 1716 and 1745 to 1746. Later during the eighteenth century many MacArthurs emigrated from Scotland choosing to restart in America, Canada, Australia and the West Indies.
[edit] Clan Profile
- Motto: Fide et opera (By fidelity and labour).
- Crest: Two branches of bay in orle Proper.
- Arms: Azure, three antique crowns.
[edit] Clan Chief
The current chief of Clan Arthur is John Alexander MacArthur.
[edit] Castle and Seat
By the 14th century the MacArthurs became keepers of Dunstaffnage Castle.
[edit] Spelling variations and Septs
Spelling variations of MacArthur and septs of the Clan Arthur include:
Arthur, MacArthur, McArthur, McArthure, MacArther, MacArtur, Carter, MacCarter, McCarter, McCartor, Makcairter, McKairtour, MacArtor, McArtor, MacArter, McArter, MacArtair, McArtair, McArtan, McArta, Maccart, Makarta, Magarta, Mcharter, Makkarthyre, Makarturicht, McCarthair, Makarthour.
