Clan MacAulay

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Clan MacAulay Crest
Clan MacAulay Crest

Clan MacAulay is a Scottish clan. The present Clan MacAulay combines three separate groups, The MacAulays of Ardencaple, the MacAulays of Ullapool and Loch Broom, and the MacAulays of Lewis. Historically, the MacAulays of Ardencaple were the only branch considered a political clan, while the MacAulays of Lewis were a sept of the Clan MacLeod of Lewis and the MacAulays of Ullapool and Lochbroom were a sept of the Clan MacKenzie of Kintail.

Contents

[edit] The MacAulays of Ardencaple

[edit] Origins of the clan

Clan Macaulay Armorial Shield, as found in the gallery of Scottish Clan Armorial Shields, in St Columba's Church, Glasgow.
Clan Macaulay Armorial Shield, as found in the gallery of Scottish Clan Armorial Shields, in St Columba's Church, Glasgow.[1]

Amhlaoibh[2] (Classical Gaelic), anglicized as Aulay, was a common given name in the early families of the Earls of Lennox. Amhlaoíbh, grandson of Ailín I, Earl of Lennox, is subject to a poem dedicated to him by the gaelic bard Muireadhach Albanach, titled "Mairg thréigios inn, a Amhlaoíbh."

Ardencaple ("cape of the horses"[3], "Height of the Horses"[4]), the ancestral home of the Clan MacAulay is located on the shores of the Gare Loch, west of Loch Lomond, in the historical district of Lennox. In the middle ages the Lairds of Ardencaple paid homage to the Earls of Lennox.

The first record of the family Ardencaple is of "Morice de Arncappel"[5] who appears in the Ragman Rolls, swearing allegiance to Edward I of England, in 1296.

In 1473 Alexander de Ardincaple is recorded as serving on the inquest of the Earl of Mentieth.[6] In 1518 Aulay de Ardincaple was invested, on a precept from John, Earl of Lennox, in the lands of Faslane, adjoining Ardencaple.[6] He and his wife, Katherine Cunningham, had seisin of the lands of Ardencaple in 1525.[6]

The first Laird of Ardencaple to take the surname 'MacAulay' was Alexander de Ardincaple, son of Aulay de Ardincaple. Alexander lived during the reign of James V[7], who reigned 1513-1542.

During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, in west Dumbartonshire, the clans MacFarlane, MacAulay and Colquhoun raided and plundered each other and combined to sweep the the lowlands of its flocks and herds. Later on other clans proceeded to invade the district, among them were the MacGregors, Campbells, Camerons and Buchanans.[8]

"The Laird of M'Cawla of Ardincaple" appears in the General Band of 1587 as a principal vassal of the Duke of Lennox.[9]

In 1594 the "M'Cawlis" appear in the Roll of Broken Clans.[10]

[edit] An allliance with clan Gregor

On May 27, 1591, Aulay MacAulay of Ardincaple and Allister MacGregor of Glenstrae entered into a Bond of Clanship. In the bond, MacAulay acknowledged being a Cadet of the House of MacGregor, and promised to pay him the "Calpe", (a tribute of cattle).[11][12][13] From this agreement comes the MacAulays claim of descent from Siol Alpin (House of Alpin), though it is thought such an agreement was to have been forced upon the MacAulays by the more powerfull MacGregors.

After the battle of Glen Fruin, in 1603, between the Clan MacGregor and Clan Colquhoun, there was suspicion that the MacAulays were involved in aiding the MacGregors. It is thought that the Duke of Lennox protected the MacAulays from being implicated with, and ultimately suffering the same fate as the MacGregors.[14][13] On May 17, 1603, Aulay MacAulay was ordered to accompany the Duke of Lennox in forming the train of James VI, as he travelled to England to be crowned King James I of England.[15]

On 18 Jan 1604, Allister MacGregor was apprehended by the Earl of Argyll, after almost a year in hiding, and was brought to stand trial in Edinburgh. Before his execution two days later, MacGregor in his confession, accused the Earl of Argyll of trying to persuade him into killing the Chief of the MacAulays. "I Confess, befor God, that he did all his craftie diligence to intyse me to slay and destroy and Laird Ardinkaippill, Mckallay, for ony ganes kyndness or freindschip that he mycht do or gif me. The quhilk I did refuis, in respect of my faithfull promeis maid to Mckallay of befor."[16]

[edit] Feud with the Earl of Argyll

The Earl of Argyll suspected the Laird of Ardencaple, among others, to have been involved in a conspiracy which resulted in the murder of John Campbell, Laird of Calder,[17] in 1591. Argyll's evidence pointed to a larger conspiracy which had designs on the assasination of himself, his brother Colin Campbell of Lundy, the Earl of Moray, and John Campbell of Calder. It seems the conspirators goal was to replace the Earl of Argyll with his kinsman Campbell of Lochnell who was next in line to Argyll after his brother Colin, and divide the vast estates of Argyll amongst themselves.[18] By July, 1594 the Earl had eventually executed Patrick MacAulay og "Mackalla ogg" and his brother Patrick, for Calder's murder.[19]

[edit] Feud with the Captain of Carrick

Beginning during the tail end of the sixteenth century, a bitter feud took place between the MacAulays of Ardencaple and Campbells of Carrick, who were based at Carrick Castle on the shores of Loch Goil (about 15km NW of Ardencaple). Though the origins of the feud are unclear, the first documented evidence of troubles occur in 1598 when Duncan Campbell, Captain of Carrick registered a bond of 300 merks for each of his men in Rosneath, to keep from harming "Awlay McCaulay of Ardingapill." Also another bond was registered for Campbell of Carrick of 2000 merks not to harm "McCaula" and his followers.[20]

In 1599 the Duke of Lennox legally evicted Donald Campbell of Drongie, and several of his followers from the lands of Mamoir, Mambeg and Forlancarry, along the banks of the Gare Loch. In retaliation, a combined force of Campbells of Carrick and Drongie assembled at Rosneath, on tbe opposite shore of the Gare Loch from Ardencaple, and returned to waste the Duke's new aquisitions. When this case was presented to the Privy Council, on 17 May 1600, the defenders, Campbell of Carrick and Campbell of Drongie were denounced as rebels.[20]

Later on in 1600, evidence was brought forth to the Privy Council of an attempt on Aulay MacAulay's life on September 24, 1600. The evidence pointed to the Captain of Carrick's men coming at night to Ardencaple and attacking followers of the Laird and killing one, Malcolm Galbraith. A second attempt on the chief of the MacAulays' life was carried out at night as he was staying at Nether Greenock. Aulay MacAulay, Patrick Dennestoun, one of Ardencaple's servants, and Archibald Connel were all shot in the encounter. Again the Privy Council denounced the Captain of Carrick and his men as rebels.[20]

In November 1600, the Captain of Carrick and 100 followers invaded the lands of Ardencaple, armed with "hagbuts, pistolets, bows, darlochs and habershons." After taking prisoners, the invaders eventually fled the wood they were laying await in for fear of being pursed from men of the district. The Campbells then retreated after wasting houses, hamstringing animals and making off with livestock belonging to other tennants of the Duke of Lennox. For this action the participating Campbells were again denounced as rebels.[20]

[edit] Involvement in Ireland

During the early seventeenth century the MacAulays were involved in the Plantations of Ulster, as King James I began colonizing regions of Ireland with English and Scottish settlers. During this era several MacAulays were transplanted from Scotland to Ulster. In the region that is now County Donegal, the Duke of Lennox was the chief undertaker in the precinct of Portlough (eastern Co. Donegal) and his resident agent was Sir Aulay MacAulay.[21] Also in the same precinct, Alexander MacAulay of Durling,[22] (also known as "Alexander M'Awley alias Stewart"),[23] was alloted 1000 acres called Ballyneagh. By 1617 the MacAulay controlled Ballyneagh consisted of a stone house with a bawn, two freeholders, nine lessees, and was able to produce thirty men with arms.[24]

[edit] Post 1600

After the episode at Glen Fruin, west Dumbartonshire slowly became more "settled". The MacGregors ceased to exist as a clan and the resident clans of MacAulay, MacFarlane and Buchanan became less powerfull as their lands slowly passed into the hands of strangers.[25]

Ardencaple Castle, the former seat of the Clan MacAulay
Ardencaple Castle, the former seat of the Clan MacAulay

In 1614 when Angus Og MacDonald of Dunyvaig, seized Castle Dunyvaig which had been held by the Bishop of the Isles. Sir Aulay MacAulay of Ardincaple with twenty of his men, accompanied the Bishop to Islay to demand the surrender of the castle.[26]

[edit] Ardencaple Castle

Situated about a mile from Helensburgh,[27] the original castle was thought to have been built sometime in the twelfth century.[25] The MacAulays stayed in possesion of the castle until the mid eighteenth century. As the power of the clans diminished, and with mounting debts, the chiefs were forced to divide and sell, piece by piece, the lands once governed by the clan.[28] In the 1740s,[29] Archibald MacAulay, Laird of Ardencaple, had to sell off a portion of his estate, though by the early 1750s the roof had fallen in[30] and the overall condition of the castle had deteriated to such an extent that the next Laird was forced to abandon his residence there and live in nearby Laggarie. In about 1767,[28] the twelfth chief, Aulay MacAulay of Ardencaple, died at High Laggarie (now within the present village of Rhu).[31] The estate was then purchased by John Campbell, 4th Duke of Argyll,[7] and remained in possesion of the Dukes of Argyll well into the nineteenth century. In the early twentieth century, Mrs. H. Macaulay-Stromberg, an American, bought and restored the castle, living there untill her death, in the 1930s.[32] Today, all that remains of the grand turreted mansion is one solitary tower.


[edit] The MacAulays of Lewis

Dun Carloway, Dun Càrlabhagh, an Iron Age broch located near Carloway, Isle of Lewis
Dun Carloway, Dun Càrlabhagh, an Iron Age broch located near Carloway, Isle of Lewis

Aulay is the English equivalent of Amhlaeibh (Gaelic), which in turn is a form of Óláfr (Old Norse).[33] Óláfr, or Olav was a popular name among the Norsemen who settled in the Western Isles of Scotland. The MacAulays of Lewis are thought to be of Norse descent. The favorite tradition is a descent from Olav The Black, King of the Isle of Man.

The MacAulays lived in the area surrounding Uig on the western coast of Lewis, and had a deadly, longstanding feud with the Clan Morrison, whose lands were located on the northern coast around Ness.

The most notable, and hero, of the Lewis MacAulays was Donald Cam MacAulay, who lived during the end of the sixteenth century and early seventeenth century, Cam (Scottish Gaelic), meaning one eyed or blind in one eye. Donald played a large part in the feuds with the Morrisons. When Morrisons of Ness invaded MacAulay territory and drove off cattle belonging to the MacAulays, Donald Cam, Big Smith and a force of MacAulays pursued the Morrisons across Loch Roag and in the night approached Dun Carloway. After killing the sentry and with his men blocking any exit, "Donald Caum M'Cuil"[34] scaled the walls of the broch, aided by his two dirks, which he slipped between crevices in the stone wall. Once atop the tower Donald Cam ordered his men to gather large bundles of heather, which he threw into the dun and set alight, smothering and burning the Morrisons inside, thus destroying Dun Carloway.[35]

When the early 1600s, when the MacKenzies procured a commission of fire and sword against the inhabitants of Lewis, the MacAulays fought alongside the MacLeods against the invaders. Although eventually the MacKenzies gained control of Lewis some islanders still resisted, notably Neil MacLeod and Donald Cam MacAulay.[36] Donald Cam fortified himself on a 100 foot high promontory of jagged rock on the seacoast, which is still called today, Donald Cam's Stack, Stac Dhomhnaill Chaim (Scottish Gaelic). Tradition is that Donald Cam's daughter, Big Anne, Anna Mhòr (Scottish Gaelic), carried water to her father on her head, as she needed her hands to climb the cliffs.[37]


[edit] The MacAulays of Ullapool and Loch Broom

Eilean Donan Castle, commanded by Duncan MacAulay against the Earl of Ross
Eilean Donan Castle, commanded by Duncan MacAulay against the Earl of Ross

It is claimed that the MacAulays of Ullapool and Loch Broom are also of Norse descent. The small town of Ullapool, on the eastern shores of Loch Broom, derives its name from "Olafr bólstaðr"[38] (Old Norse), the homestead of Olav.[39] Also it is noted that the ancient inhabitants of Kintail were thought to be the "MacIvors, MacAulas, MacBollans, and Clan Tarlach", all were thought to have descended from Norwegian families.[39]

A "Duncan MacOlaus",[40] who possessed lands around Loch Broom and lived during the reign of David, and was a vassal of the Baron of Kintail. Duncan joined the Kintail men in warring against the Earl of Ross after the Earl had murdered the Baron. Duncan MacAulay commanded Eilean Donan Castle against the Earl of Ross but was eventually killed by "Leod M'Gillandris."[41]

From the end of the middle-ages, the history of the MacAulays of Loch Broom is entwined with that of the MacKenzies of Kintail.

[edit] Clan Profile

  • Clan Motto: Dulce periculum (Latin), Danger is sweet[42]
  • Clan Crest: An antique boot, couped at the ankle, proper.[42]
  • Clan Badge: Cranberry,[42] Pine[42]
  • Commander of the Clan: Diarmid Iain MacAulay


[edit] Notes

  1. ^ http://www.highlandcathedral.org Retrieved on 2007-04-4
  2. ^ Newton, Michael, Bho Chluaidh Gu Calasraid: From the Clyde to Callander, p.47-51
  3. ^ Watson, William J., History of the Celtic Placenames of Scotland, p.241
  4. ^ Newton, Michael, Bho Chluaidh Gu Calasraid: From the Clyde to Callander, p.143
  5. ^ Thompson, Thomas, Publica Sive Processus Super Fidelitatibus Et Homagiis Scotorum Domino Regi Angliæ Factis A.D. MCCXCI-MCCXCVI, p.139
  6. ^ a b c Irving, J. (1860) "The M'Aulays Of Ardincaple", Notes and Queries: A Medium of Inter-Communication For Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, Etc., p.465.
  7. ^ a b Anderson, William, The Scottish Nation; Or The Surnames, Families, Literature, Honours, And Biographical History Of The People Of Scotland., Vol.2., p.710
  8. ^ Society for the Benefit of the Sons and Daughters of the Clergy, The New Statistical Account of Scotland., Vol. VIII. Dumbarton-Stirling-Clackmannan., p.73-74
  9. ^ The Iona Club, Collectanea De Rebus Albanicis, p.35-38.
  10. ^ The Iona Club, Collectanea De Rebus Albanicis, p.38-40.
  11. ^ Irving, J. (1860) "The M'Aulays Of Ardincaple", Notes and Queries: A Medium of Inter-Communication For Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, Etc., p.465–466.
  12. ^ Skene, William Forbes,The Highlanders of Scotland, Their Origin, History, And Antiquities. Vol.2, p.264-265.
  13. ^ a b Anderson, William The Scottish Nation; Or The Surnames, Families, Literature, Honours, And Biographical History Of The People Of Scotland., Vol.2., p.709-710
  14. ^ Skene, William Forbes, The Highlanders of Scotland, Their Origin, History, And Antiquities., Vol.2., p.264-265.
  15. ^ Pitcairn, Robert, Criminal Trials in Scotland: From A.D. MCCCCLXXXVIII to A.D. MDCXXIV, Vol.2., p.414-415.
  16. ^ Pitcairn, Robert, Criminal Trials in Scotland: From A.D. MCCCCLXXXVIII to A.D. MDCXXIV, Vol.2., p.435-436.
  17. ^ Great Britain. Public Record Office., Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, 1547-1603, Vol.XI., p.102, 338.
  18. ^ Tytler, Patrick Fraser, The History Of Scotland, From The Accession Of Alexander III. To The Union., Vol.9., p.161-162
  19. ^ Great Britain. Public Record Office., Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, 1547-1603, Vol.XI., p.344.
  20. ^ a b c d Ewart, Gordon & Baker, Fiona, "Carrick Castle: symbol and source of Campbell power in south Argyll from the 14th to the 17th century". Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland., Vol.128., p.1008-1009
  21. ^ Hill, George, An Historical Account Of The Plantation In Ulster At The Commencement Of The Seventeenth Century, 1608-1620., p.505
  22. ^ Hill, George, An Historical Account Of The Plantation In Ulster At The Commencement Of The Seventeenth Century, 1608-1620., p.294
  23. ^ M'Parlan, James, The Statistical Survey Of The County Of Donegal, With Observations On The Means Of Improvement., p.124
  24. ^ Crane, Ellery Bicknell., Historic Homes And Institutions And Genealogical And Personal Memoirs Of Worcester County., p.191
  25. ^ a b Society for the Benefit of the Sons and Daughters of the Clergy, The New Statistical Account of Scotland., Vol. VIII. Dumbarton-Stirling-Clackmannan., p.74-75
  26. ^ Gregory, Donald, History Of The Western Highlands And Isles Of Scotland, From A.D. 1493 To A.D. 1625: With A Brief Introductory Sketch From A.D. 89 To A.D. 1493, p.351-353.
  27. ^ Black, Adam & Black, Charles, Black's Picturesque Tourist of Scotland, p.440
  28. ^ a b Irving, J. (1860) "The M'Aulays Of Ardincaple", Notes and Queries: A Medium of Inter-Communication For Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, Etc., p.466
  29. ^ Cook, James Wyatt & Cook, Barbara Collier., Man-Midwife, Male Feminist: The Life and Times of George Macaulay, M.D., PH. D., (1716-1766)., p.181
  30. ^ Cook, James Wyatt & Cook, Barbara Collier, Man-Midwife, Male Feminist: The Life and Times of George Macaulay, M.D., PH. D., (1716-1766)., p.182
  31. ^ http://www.rhu.org.uk/history.html Retrieved on 2007-03-27
  32. ^ Cook, James Wyatt & Cook, Barbara Collier., Man-Midwife, Male Feminist: The Life and Times of George Macaulay, M.D., PH. D., (1716-1766)., p.183
  33. ^ Thomas, Capt., F. W. L., "Traditions of the MacAulays of Lewis", Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland., Vol.14., p.363
  34. ^ Society for the Benefit of the Sons and Daughters of the Clergy, The New Statistical Account of Scotland., Vol. XIV. Inverness-Ross and Cromarty., p.163
  35. ^ Thomas, Capt., F. W. L., "Traditions of the MacAulays of Lewis", Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland., Vol.14., p.410-411
  36. ^ Thomas, Capt., F. W. L., "Traditions of the MacAulays of Lewis", Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland., Vol.14., p.413
  37. ^ Thomas, Capt. F. W. L., "On the Duns of the Outer Hebrides"., Archaeologica Scotica: Transactions of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland., Vol.5., p.395-396
  38. ^ Maxwell, Sir Herbert, Scottish Land-Names, Their Origin And Meaning, p.82
  39. ^ a b Thomas, Capt., F. W. L., "Traditions of the MacAulays of Lewis", Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland., Vol.14., p.371
  40. ^ Thomas, Capt., F. W. L., "Traditions of the MacAulays of Lewis", Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland., Vol.14., p.372
  41. ^ MacKenzie, George, The Genealogie Of the Mackenzies Preceeding Ye Year M.DC.LXI. Wreattin In Ye Year M.DC.LXIX. By A Persone Of Qualitie., p.6
  42. ^ a b c d Bain, Robert, The Clans And Tartans Of Scotland, p.146-147

[edit] References

Works cited
  • Black, Adam & Black, Charles. (1861). Black's Picturesque Tourist of Scotland. Adam & Charles Black. Edinburgh.
  • Anderson, William. (1862). The Scottish Nation; Or The Surnames, Families, Literature, Honours, And Biographical History Of The People Of Scotland. Volume 2. A. Fullarton & Co.
  • Bain, Robert. (1983). The Clans And Tartans Of Scotland. Collins Publishers. ISBN 0 00 411117 6
  • Cook, James Wyatt & Cook, Barbara Collier. (2004). Man-Midwife, Male Feminist: The Life and Times of George Macaulay, M.D., PH. D., (1716-1766). Scholarly Publishing Office. ISBN 978-1418162856
  • Crane, Ellery Bicknell. (1907). Historic Homes And Institutions And Genealogical And Personal Memoirs Of Worcester County. The Lewis Publishing Company.
  • Ewart, Gordon & Baker, Fiona. (1998). "Carrick Castle: symbol and source of Campbell power in south Argyll from the 14th to the 17th century". Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Volume 128.
  • Great Britain. Public Record Office. (1891). Calendar of the State Papers Relating to Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots, 1547-1603. Volume 11. H. M. General Register Office.
  • Gregory, Donald. (1836). History Of The Western Highlands And Isles Of Scotland, From A.D. 1493 To A.D. 1625: With A Brief Introductory Sketch From A.D. 89 To A.D. 1493. William Tait.
  • Hill, George. (1877). An Historical Account Of The Plantation In Ulster At The Commencement Of The Seventeenth Century, 1608-1620. M'Caw, Stevenson & Orr.
  • http://www.rhu.org.uk/history.html Retrieved on 2007-03-27
  • http://www.highlandcathedral.org Retrieved on 2007-04-4
  • Irving, J. (1860). "The M'Aulays Of Ardincaple". Series 2, Volume 9. Notes and Queries: A Medium of Inter-Communication For Literary Men, Artists, Antiquaries, Genealogists, Etc..
  • M'Parlan, James. (1802). The Statistical Survey Of The County Of Donegal, With Observations On The Means Of Improvement. Dublin.
  • MacKenzie, George. (1829). The Genealogie Of the Mackenzies Preceeding Ye Year M.DC.LXI. Wreattin In Ye Year M.DC.LXIX. By A Persone Of Qualitie.
  • Maxwell, Sir Herbert. (1894). Scottish Land-Names, Their Origin And Meaning. William Blackwood & Sons.
  • Newton, Michael. (1996). Bho Chluaidh Gu Calasraid: From the Clyde to Callander. Acair Ltd. ISBN 0-86152-265-6
  • Pitcairn, Robert. (1883). Criminal Trials in Scotland: From A.D. MCCCCLXXXVIII to A.D. MDCXXIV. Volume 2. William Tait.
  • Skene, William Forbes. (1837). The Highlanders of Scotland, Their Origin, History, And Antiquities. Volume 2. John Murray.
  • The Iona Club. (1847). Collectanea De Rebus Albanicis. T. G. Stevenson.
  • The Society for the Benefit of the Sons and Daughters of the Clergy. (1845). The New Statistical Account of Scotland., Vol. VIII. Dumbarton-Stirling-Clackmannan. William Blackwood & Sons.
  • The Society for the Benefit of the Sons and Daughters of the Clergy. (1845). The New Statistical Account of Scotland., Vol. XIV. Inverness-Ross and Cromarty. William Blackwood & Sons.
  • Thomas, Capt., F. W. L. (1880). "Traditions of the MacAulays of Lewis". Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland., Volume 14.
  • Thomas, Capt., F. W. L. (1890). "On the Duns of the Outer Hebrides". Archaeologica Scotica 5: Transactions of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland.
  • Thompson, Thomas. (1834). Publica Sive Processus Super Fidelitatibus Et Homagiis Scotorum Domino Regi Angliæ Factis A.D. MCCXCI-MCCXCVI. Bannatyne Club.
  • Tytler, Patrick Fraser. (1896). The History Of Scotland, From The Accession Of Alexander III. To The Union. Volume IX. William P. Nimmo.
  • Watson, William J. (1926). History of the Celtic Placenames of Scotland. Edinburgh.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

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