|
HOME CLAN HISTORIES SCOTTISH CASTLES SCOTTISH WEDDINGS ROBERT BURNS CONTACT |
 MEAN SPEAK AND DO WELL Clan Crest © Art Pewter Silver Ltd, East Kilbride, Scotland |
 |
|
The name Urquhart is considered to be of Gaelic origin and has been variously translated as “by a rowan wood” or “fort on a knoll”. The name Urquhart is derived from the lands of Urquhart in Cromarty that lie on the north side of the Great Glen with the Castle Urquhart dominating the eastern end of Loch Ness. Traditionally springing from a seafaring tribe, they are of minor importance in Scottish history but certainly of ancient origin, and originally linked with Clan Forbes. In fact, the writer Sir Thomas Urquhart compiled his own genealogy and described himself as being 143rd in direct descent from Adam and Eve.William Urqhuart of Cromartie was recorded as Sheriff of Cromarty at the beginning of the 14th century. He married a daughter of the Earl of Ross and their son Adam was granted the hereditary sheriffdom of Cromarty by David II in 1357. The family continued to prosper and the estates were greatly increased by further marriages with their powerful neighbours. Sir James Urquhart of Cromarty who married Helen, daughter of Lord Abernethy is alleged to have been the father of 11 daughters and 25 sons, seven of whom were killed at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547. His grandson, John of Craigfintry and Culbo was tutor to his grandnephew, Sir Thomas and was thus named “Tutor of Cromartie” in the Roll of Landlords in 1587. The family history of erudition and learned pursuits is epitomised by Sir Thomas Urquhart, who was a renowned writer of the seventeenth century and considered one of the most eccentric geniuses in Scottish history. He travelled Europe, collecting written works and on his return was taken prisoner by the English. While imprisoned in the Tower of London he published the first book of Rabelais, one of the world’s masterpieces of translation. He died in 1660 from a fatal stroke brought on, according to tradition, by a fit of laughter when he was informed of the Restoration of the King. The estates passed onto a cousin, John Urquhart of Craigston, who sold them to the Mackenzies, afterwards Earls of Cromarty.The line was kept alive by descendants of Sir Thomas’ great-uncle John. One of these descendants, George Urquhart (1733-99), emigrated to Florida, while his son, David, later settled in New Orleans. Louisiana is still the home of the present chief, Kenneth Trist Urquhart of Urquhart. |