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| Celtic Radio Community > Gathering of the Clans > House Of Gordon |
| Posted by: Annabelle 04-Jun-2004, 07:49 AM |
| As a Gordon I thought I'd start the thread for all Gordon's and their Sept's. I will post material about this family here. I hope those of the Gordon family will post here also as hopefully we can all meet. In All things Scottish, Annabelle Gordon |
| Posted by: coastman 16-Jul-2004, 02:44 PM |
| My family Moore is associated with the Gordon Clan. However the spelling of our name has varied over the generations. In America our ancestral home is Elon College North Carlonia. In Ireland it is Ulster. In Scotland it is Gallway. I wear the Anderson Tartan as it is my mother's Clan because I have not be able to buy the Moore tartan. |
| Posted by: Froggy5019 06-Aug-2004, 10:17 PM |
| I just started rescearching things about my family. So I just foudn out I'm part of the Gordon Clan through my grandmother, I'm just not sure what part Ireland her father was from. |
| Posted by: Annabelle 16-Aug-2004, 09:54 AM |
| The Gordon's are one of the great families of the north-east of Scotland, and their surname has many suggested meanings, although the family origionally were almost certainly of Anglo-Norman descent. There is also a tale which makes the first of the family the saviour of a socttish king, in this case from a wild boar. This explains the boars heads which appear on the Gordon arms. The first record of the name places the family in the Borders during the reign of Malcom IV and William the Lion. Richard De Gordon appears in manuscripts and died around 1200. Sir Adam De Gordon was one of the wardens of the marches in 1300 and in 1305 and was appointed one of the commissioners to negotiate with Edward I (longshanks) seeking settlement to the competition for the crown of Scotland. He became a strong supporter of Robert the Bruce and was one of the ambassadors sent to Rome to petition the pope to remove the excommunication which had been placed on Bruce after his murder of John Comyn. For his services the king granted to Adam the lands of Strathbogie. The Castle of Strathbogie was renamed Huntly after a portion of the Gordon lands in Berwickshire. Sir Alexander Gordon in 1436 was created Lord Gordon and his son was raised to the title of Earl of Huntly. The family became involved in the deadly battle for power between the king and the Douglases. Huntly for the king but when he moved his forc3s south, the Earl of Moray, and ally of the Douglases. invaded the Gordon Lands and burned Huntly castle. The Gordons were recalled and soon defeated them. After the fall of the Douglases the power of the Gordons grew unchallenged. Their control over their lands was almost regal and the chiefs to this day fondly are referred to "as the cock of the North". A grand new Huntly castle rose from the ruins of the old one. Gordon history channel will return later |
| Posted by: Sekhmet 09-Sep-2004, 01:31 PM |
| Greetings and salutations... I too am a Gordon, through the Todd sept. I can trace my particular branch of the Todds into Virginia, Augusta County shortly after the Revolution. From there they drop off the face of the earth. I suspect that they were granted land for army service during the war, but where they came from beyond that I've no idea. There's a few family rumors, though. The Gordons will be at Ligonier this weekend...any others going to be there? |
| Posted by: Annabelle 09-Sep-2004, 07:49 PM |
| I'd like to attend the Ligionier Games once to see what they are like. Hopefully one year. Right now looking forward to meeting the Gordon Clan at Bethlehem! Welcome the Todd's!!!! Funny you mentioned the Rev War. The Gordon's that were here in America at that time contributed to America's defense in the war. They were merchants, farmers and tradesmen who wanted freedom. but then that's another story... |
| Posted by: Sekhmet 10-Sep-2004, 12:23 AM | ||
Interesting. Considering the location of where they settled and the notoriety that Virginians/West Virginians still have concerning individualism and freedom, that would actually be consistent. It worked to their detriment during the Civil War, but that's a saga for another time. I'm actually considering participating in a DNA survey to see if I can find anything out that way. I'm *seriously* up against a brick wall in several places otherwise. |
| Posted by: Katya 24-Sep-2004, 10:03 AM |
| i don't know much about my scottish heritage, but I am distantly part of the Gordon clan, as i was told. my friend did a monsterous amount of research and my last name (Mabry) goes back to Mowry, or Mowbry, somewhere in the Gordon Clan. |
| Posted by: Balachasen 02-Oct-2004, 06:04 PM |
| Maidean Mhath........ My clan connections are Marr, Ross, Maclennan and Grant. The Marr's are old friends and allies of the Gordons, often mentioned as a sept, though not really given the dignity they deserve..... If you look at old maps of Scotland you cant help but notice: Brae of Marr - the name officially recorded for the stomping grounds of the Mar's, Marr's, Erskines and Im sure their good and powerful friends the Gordons too. (Bobbing John Erskine who was from France but married the duchess of Mar, Mar being the premier earldom of scotland dating back to when earls were known as Mormaors). Braemar castle is similarly linked to this region. Now although the Mar or Marr clan motto is Je Pens Plus " I think more", the Usurper John Erskine Earl of Mar didnt didnt carry out his ancient responsibility of bonding powerful clans properly, nor finishing battles properly, being the opportunist foreigner that he likely was and hence as you know the Jacobite Rebellion failed. Scotland in ruins, taken over by the English, mars and marrs were suddenly forgotten, and they either went to your esteemed Gordon Clan for protection or left for the colonies. Erskines have retained their Earldom of Mar, but its worth knowing that although alot of Mar/Marr land was confiscated to weaken dominance of Mars, another branch of the original Mar family actually were granted back much of their lands by Queen Victoria. Slainte mhath, Balachasen. |
| Posted by: Sekhmet 02-Oct-2004, 06:52 PM | ||
Indeed? Hm...I just got done listing all the septs of the Gordon clan and Mowry and the variants aren't listed. I did however take the liberty of looking through the sources I have, and that surname is listed in either the Fife District or as its own clan, Mowbray. ::headscratch:: Sure they're part of clan Gordon? |
| Posted by: Sekhmet 19-Oct-2004, 12:48 AM |
| In other news... There is currently a DNA testing going on to see if several lines of the Todd clan who heretofore had no link "across the pond" are related. Including my line. One line looks promising, in which case I finally got one brick wall out of the way. Here's hoping! |
| Posted by: Blue_Rogue 19-Oct-2004, 08:16 PM |
| My, my Annabelle, haven't we been busy!! My dear Annabelle, take a look at this link (another website I found and visit, but don't tell Paul, besides, Celtic Radio is a MUCH better place to be!!) http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/families/gordons.htm My mother has been researching our family history for years, I'll have to get some of the information she's dug up and post it. |
| Posted by: Blue_Rogue 19-Oct-2004, 08:47 PM |
| If you don't mind, I found a couple of graphic/photos for anyone who is not familiar with the gordon crest or Huntly Castle. |
| Posted by: Blue_Rogue 19-Oct-2004, 08:48 PM |
| Another of Huntly Castle |
| Posted by: Blue_Rogue 19-Oct-2004, 09:05 PM |
| Coat of Arms |
| Posted by: Blue_Rogue 19-Oct-2004, 09:07 PM |
| and Family crest |
| Posted by: Froggy5019 19-Dec-2004, 10:23 PM |
| Hte only thing I was able to find out about my grandmothers family was they did live in scotland, but they had to leave for some aparent reason, I've heard it was because they helped the highlanders so they lost their title and land. Immigrated to Ireland and in the 1800's came to america durign the potato famine and helped build the railroad. |
| Posted by: Annabelle 02-Jan-2005, 06:19 PM |
| Hey Blue that's a great view of the family grounds. I am hopping to go over this March 3rd to see my girlfriend and spend a week in Inverness so I hope I can go over and get some new photo's for our thread... Great areial view! where did you find it? Mistress Annabelle |
| Posted by: jpmoore 14-Jan-2005, 11:44 AM | ||
That is fascinating coastman! As you can see, we are kinsman.  I am not real clear on my connection to Scotland, but do seem to recall that it may be via Northern Ireland. Was there not a large contingent of Scots in the northern counties? I do know that my Great-grandfather Moore came from County Galway, Ireland. btw, I have forgotten what "Bydand" meant. |
| Posted by: Annabelle 17-Jan-2005, 11:00 PM |
| Bydand means "remaining" The Gordon's fought on both sides during the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745. The second Duke of Gordon followed the standard of the Old Pretender at the battle of Sheriffmuir in 1715. The third Duke remained loyal to the Hanoverians when Prince Charles Stuart reasserted his father's claim in 1745 but his brother Lord Louis Gordon raised a regiment of two battalions. After Culloden Lord Louis escaped to France where he died in 1754. George the 5th Duke of Gordon was a general in the army and Govenor of Edinburgh Castle. Do you know why the Gordon's are refered to as "cock o the North"? |
| Posted by: A Shrule Egan 19-Jan-2005, 08:11 PM |
| http://sites.scran.ac.uk/jmhenderson/web/collection/pipes/findlater.htm DARGAI RIDGE, 20th October, 1897. Inscribed to Piper Findlater The Cock o? the North, the Cock o? the North! The Hielan? pipes did skirl, And the Gordon men, they didna "hen", Tho? death at their ribs did dirl. The Cock o? the North, the Cock o? the North! Struck up, on Dargai steep; As furth wi? a roar, broke the kilted Core, Where Death stood ready to reap. The Cock o? the North, the Cock o? the North! If ye hear the chanter shrill? As the Gordons gay, faced Death that day, Through the reek, on Dargai hill. The Cock o? the North, the Cock o? the North! Though winged in the fight still screamed, For Findlater blew, where the bullet flew, And Death in red riot gleamed. The Cock o? the North, the Cock o? the North! A bonnie red comb has he! We?re proud o? his kind ? we?ll keep them in mind For the look they gave Death in the e?e, On the rocky ridge o? Dargai o |
| Posted by: Annabelle 19-Jan-2005, 08:19 PM |
| Thank you Mr. Egan with the posting of our family song!!!! But doesn't answer the question! Smarty! |
| Posted by: Annabelle 19-Jan-2005, 08:49 PM |
| This is to clearify why " the cock of the North" is usued with the House of Gordon. The Castle of Strathbogie was to be renamed huntly after a portion of the Gordon lands in Berwickshire. Sir Alexander Gordon was created Lord Gordon and his son was raised to the title of Earl of Huntly. The family became embroiled in the deadly battle for power between the king and the Douglases. Huntly was for the king, but when he moved his forces south, the Earl of Moray, kinsman and ally of the Douglases, devastated the Gordon lands and burned Huntly Castle. The Gordon's were recalled and soon defeated their enemies. After the fall of the Douglases, the power of the Gordons grew unchallenged. Their control over their lands was almost regal, and the chiefs are to this day fondly referred to as "cock o' the North" A new castle at Huntly rose from the ruins of the old and it soon rivalled any of the great houses of the realm. In 1496 Huntly castle hosted the marriage of the pretender, Perkin Warbeck believed at the time to be one of the missing sons of Edward IV (the princes in the tower) to Lady Catherine Gordon. James honoured the couple with his presence, although he was a frequent visitor to Strathbodie in any event. |
| Posted by: jpmoore 19-Jan-2005, 10:17 PM |
| Thank you, "cousin" Annabelle! I have a brooch of the Gordon badge. Picked it up at the Ohio Highland Games a few years back. It is always a conversation starter when I wear it! |
| Posted by: Annabelle 19-Jan-2005, 10:31 PM |
| Wear it proudly my dear bubba! I have a tape I purchased in Scotland that tells about the Gordon's of Scotland and their contribution's to the world. Do you know why Gordon's do not call themself "clan"? They usually refer to themselves as "house of "? Ok, Egan see if you can find this one! Tag! (Egan really is extremely intelligent but we can't let him know that so keep this a secret ok folks) actually he's so intelligent he's weird! Haven't decided what language he speaks, something called Jersey accent gets in the way. |
| Posted by: jpmoore 20-Jan-2005, 02:49 PM | ||
No, but I think I had better find out! I feel like I am in school again!  |
| Posted by: Annabelle 20-Jan-2005, 09:56 PM |
| Come on JP give it a try |
| Posted by: Sekhmet 20-Jan-2005, 10:43 PM |
| Oooh! Oooh! I know!! ::waves hand frantically:: |
| Posted by: jpmoore 21-Jan-2005, 12:22 PM |
| Okay I give up! I looked but could not find it. (of course I am at work and cannot spend too much time on this ...  ) |
| Posted by: Annabelle 22-Jan-2005, 10:02 AM |
| Sekhmet you want to answer this one for JP? Give it a try! |
| Posted by: A Shrule Egan 22-Jan-2005, 12:52 PM | ||
 I'm just a decendant of an old Irish potato farmer. What do I know about something Scottish, House of........????JERSEY ACCENT???? Sit on da cuwrb and feed da buwrds. Yo, chief, don't drink da wader. Youse guys are always making fun of us here in New Jewsy and New Yourk. We tawlk like everyone else but thankfully, we don't say, YA'LL.   |
| Posted by: Annabelle 22-Jan-2005, 04:45 PM |
| Do DA! Do Da! Camp town races !!!!! Gee isn't your mother Dutch? Although the Gordon family in Scotland rose to become the predominant power in the northeast of Scotland there were not natives to that part nor to Scotland and were considered Feudal rather than Gaelic in origin. Of Norman descent they were one of the many famnilies welcomes into his kingdom by David I. By the early 12th century they had settled in the village and estates of Gordon, near Kelso in the Scottish Borders under the protection of their kinsman, the Earl of Dunbar. Because the Gordon family did not start as a "clan" it is referred to as the House of Gordon which comes from their Norman descent. Many publications use the more common Clan term as does the book "Scottish Clan and Family Encyclopedia" which is the premiere authority. Some Gordons claim to be a clan while others use "house". Both are synonymous and either term is proper. A Gordon for me A Gordon for me if ye're no a Gordon ye're no use to me. The black watch are braw the Seaforths and a', But the cocky wee Gordon the pride o' them a'. There is also a site of the House of Gordon Scotland http://www.cockothenorth.com/whisky_and_the_House_of_Gordon.html enjoy all ya Gordons |
| Posted by: jpmoore 24-Jan-2005, 11:08 AM |
| Cousin Annabelle, I noticed on the above website that Moore is not listed amongs the Gordon septs. On other listings it is there.  Have I been "cast out", to forever wander, clanless among the heathen?  |
| Posted by: jpmoore 26-Jan-2005, 10:57 AM |
| Hullo! Annabelle! Egan! Sekhmet! Anyone home? Hullo?  |
| Posted by: Annabelle 26-Jan-2005, 05:54 PM |
| Heck no JP! No you haven't been eliminated! The mark of a Gordon is the more the merrier!!!!! and who's got the change to buy the drinks! ha ha!!!! What's up cuz? |
| Posted by: jpmoore 26-Jan-2005, 07:27 PM |
| Just trying to stay warm on this winters night. btw, my in-laws have traveled to the British Isles. Knowing my fascination with family history, they bought us a wool blanket, with the Ancient Gordon tartan!  |
| Posted by: jpmoore 27-Jan-2005, 05:36 PM |
| Please Annabelle, share with us more Gordon "trivia". |
| Posted by: Killian 28-Jan-2005, 12:10 PM |
| I am A House of Gordan Clan Member also Aitken |
| Posted by: jpmoore 05-Feb-2005, 07:08 AM |
| Are there any good written histories of the House of Gordon out here? |
| Posted by: Annabelle 06-Feb-2005, 08:12 PM |
| JP, how many would you like? |
| Posted by: jpmoore 08-Feb-2005, 11:38 AM |
Maybe just one good one to start me off...  |
| Posted by: jerry 11-Mar-2005, 01:24 PM |
| I am a McNeill on my father's side of the family, and thus, a sept on the MacNeil of Barra clan, but I also have connections to Clan Gordon through my mother, who was a Gordon. I met representatives of the House of Gordon at the Richmond Highland games last oct., and was invited to join. |
| Posted by: j Padraig moore 31-Mar-2005, 02:43 PM | ||
Yes...whenever one has a chance to meet members of the family, such as at Scottish Games or festivals, the folks manning the booth are very friendly and welcoming. |
| Posted by: Nova Scotian 19-Apr-2005, 03:33 PM |
| My Great Grandfather was an Atkins which is a sept of clan Gordon. Also my Great Great Grandmother was a Reid which is a sept of clan Robertson. |
| Posted by: Annabelle 25-Apr-2005, 10:21 PM |
| Silly! Of course Gordon Rep's are friendly! Party animals! I've never been to a scottish games where there was a Gordon tent that everyone there was very friendly.... Annabelle Gordon House of Gordon Huntley Scotland, Home in my heart! |
| Posted by: Celeste 17-May-2005, 08:05 AM |
| Well get a load for this Annabelle and I are realted!! I'm a Gordon thru the Lowry surname. My 3xs great grand father added an "E" when he came to America with is Irish bride. See I knew I liked you for a reason! |
| Posted by: Ride a Cowboy 08-Jun-2005, 05:58 PM |
| Sept related through and through on me Fathers, Fathers side... Kay on me Fathers, Mothers side. Hamilton on me Mothers, Fathers side, and Malcom on me Mothers, Mothers side. *sigh* Couldn't hide if I wanted tae.  |
| Posted by: Annabelle 21-Jun-2005, 07:51 PM |
| Celeste don't say that real loud! Being related to me may not be a good thing! |
| Posted by: Celeste 22-Jun-2005, 07:39 AM |
| well I can't think of anyboy I would rather be related to! |
| Posted by: HighGravityBrewer 24-Jun-2005, 02:09 PM | ||
I am in the middle of searching for my heritage. I am a Lowry by surname but have heard and read conflicting information that has me confused as to weather I am member of the House of Gordon or am a member of the Clan MacLaren. Can anyone help me out with more probable information. I am thinking about doing the DNA search to see which I am. I wonder if they can use my paternity test results for this or if they will require more? Anyways, I am glad I found this site and I sure hope it helps me out. Hope you guys can help, John William Lowry, Jr. |
| Posted by: Vafuth 10-Feb-2008, 02:23 PM |
| Greetings all. Aitchison Sept here... I found the page for NYCs Tartan Day parade....the list of participating clans is sorely lacking Gordons... theres only one wee Gordon pipe band and an additional lone piper. http://www.tartanweek.com/ |
| Posted by: skye10 24-Feb-2008, 02:07 PM |
| Hey you all! I am Mary Joe Gordon McQuestion. I have belonged to the House of Gordon. I am active in Clan Donald as my husband is part of that clan from the Isle of Skye. As so many of us, both of our families started out in Scotland, moved to Northern Ireland and on to US and Canada. We were lucky enough to go to the International Gathering of the House of Gordon in 2000. The festival was held at Huntley Castle. It was quite a place. Long story about what happened at another time. We also went to The Isle of Skye where we visited Jack's "castiel." It is a pile of rocks on the shore. It is next to the house where Flora McDonald died. While attending the parade in Huntley I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Most were older men and looked like my dad and brother. I started crying. They both died many years ago. My father came from a long line of Dr.s. His dad was a Dr. and eight of his brothers were the same. He got his medical degree and then a doctorate in theology. I have traced his branch back to Chester, SC. for sure. When I started the search I didn't even know my grandfathers first name. I friend on myfamily.com found my father's name on an 1880 Census report in Bond County, Greenville, Illinois. It was there that I found out they had roots first in SC and probably before that in Va. As you know the Scots and Irish believe in freedom and the Gordons started the North West Treck to escape the Civil War. They went first to Huntsville, Al., then to Mississippi, Arkansas and on to Illinois. I found my grandfathers bio on the same Bond County site. It could have been written about our whole family. If any of you are interested I can send it. My dad went to medical college in St. Louis and my half brother was born there. They moved to Texas and his 1st wife died. He remarried and she died in childbirth having my brother. So wife number three was who I lived with. I wish I remembered more of his stories as the ones I do remember have turned up in the web articles I have found. DNA My husband has had it with Clan Donald and he is cousins with many of the different spellings of McQuestion. We have a very active web site and much research has come through our expanding site. We started with about 20 members and now have hundreds. Anyone going to the Clan Gathering 2009 in Edinburgh? |
| Posted by: darklighter 19-Jul-2008, 08:18 PM |
| Cool Gordon Clan mugs if anyone is interested. http://cgi.ebay.com/A-Pair-of-Gordon-Crest-Engraved-34oz-1-liter-Beer-Mugs_W0QQitemZ130240177878QQihZ003QQcategoryZ115731QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem |
| Posted by: TexanScot 15-May-2009, 09:03 AM |
| Hello to all Gordons from the Huntley family! I am in Texas. I have done a lot of research on the family and it is so very interesting and exciting. I am looking forward to the Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games in June in arlington. anyone else in the area? Hoping to have my first kilt by the festival. Too poor right now to get a truly authentic kilt right now, but i found a great company that sells really great and really CHEAP kilts. Stillwater kilts An Gordonach! An Gordonach! |