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Scottish Tattoo Designs >> Gordon

Gordon Clan Tattoos - The Gordons are one of the great families of the north-east of Scotland, and their surname has many suggested meanings, although the family originally were almost certainly of Anglo-Norman descent. There is also a tale which makes the first of the family the saviour of a Scottish king, in this case from a wild boar. This is said to explain the boars' heads, which appear, on the Gordon arms.

The first certain records of the name places the family in the Borders during the reigns of Malcolm IV and William the Lion. Richard de Gordon appears in numerous charters, and probably died around 1200. Sir Adam de Gordon was one of the wardens of the marches in 1300, and in 1305 was appointed one of the commissioners to negotiate with Edward I seeking settlement to the competition for the crown of Scotland.

The Castle of Strathbogie was to be renamed Huntly after a portion of the Gordon lands in Berwickshire. In 1436 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 Douglasses, devastated the Gordon lands and burned Huntly Castle. The Gordons were recalled and soon defeated their enemies. After the fall of the Douglasses, 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 grand new castle rose from the ruins of the old, and soon rivalled any of the great houses of the realm.

Clan Gordon Motto: Bydand ~ From Latin: Remaining

See also: Claddagh, Thistle Tattoos, Scottish Lion Tattoo Designs, Welsh Dragon Tattoos, Scottish Tattoo Designs, Celtic Tattoo Designs, Family Crests, Deer

 

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Scottish Tattoo Designs >> Gordon

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