Clan Moffat
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Clan Moffat is a Lowland Scottish clan.
Contents |
[edit] History
[edit] Origins of the Clan
The progenitor of the Clan Moffat was a Norman called William de Mont Alto who came to Scotland in the 10th century a) SOURCE? b) Normandy itself was only founded in the 900s, so how did a Norman turn up on the Scottish borders at that time??. By the 12th century the clan had become powerful enough to be known as "de Moffat" proving that their standing was high within their district. In the 13th century Nicholas de Moffat was the Bishop of Glasgow.
[edit] Wars of Scottish Independence
During the Wars of Scottish Independence the Clan Moffat were supporters of King Robert the Bruce. As a result they received a charter from him for four charters of land in the barony of Westerkirk in the year 1300. The Clan were led by Adam Moffat of Knock at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
[edit] 16th Century
The Clan Moffat had a long feud with the Clan Johnstone who were another Scottish border clan who were raiders and reivers, and conducted long-running feuds with their neighbours. The feud accumulated in 1557 with murder of the Clan Moffat chief, Robert Moffat. The Clan Johnstone then went on to burn the building with the most important members of the Moffat family inside and slaughtered anyone who tried to escape. In one blow the powerful Clan Moffat was almost wiped out. Seventy years later all of the Moffats' lands were passed to the Johnstones due to the Moffats having massive debts.
[edit] Clan Moffat Today
The Moffat family has always been linked with the church and Rev. Robert Moffat founded the Kuruman mission in Africa. His daughter went on to marry the famous explorer David Livingstone. For some time the Clan Moffat was leaderless which meant it was considered an Armigerous clan until 1983 when after many years of research, Francis Moffat was recognised as the hereditary clan leader.
[edit] Clan Profile
- Motto: Spero meliora (I aspire to greater things).
- Origin of name: Movat (Norse).
- Arms: Sable, a Saltire and chief argent.
- Crest: A crest coronet and issuing there from a cross crosslet fitchee Sable surmounted of a saltire Argent.
