GordonHist

The history of Clan Gordon is unique and one of the features which undoubtedly makes it so is the position and character of the clan country, which lies in the north-east of Scotland in the counties of Aberdeen and Banff. While living on the edge of the Highlands they were able to establish a link with Aberdeen, one of the wealthiest trading burghs of the kingdom, affording trade and foreign travel unusual for a Highland clan. Because the country was flat enough and rich enough to rear and use horses, unique among the clans, the Gordon cavalry was a considerable asset. With these advantages of position and resource it is not surprising that the Gordons played a greater part in the development of Scotland than any other Clan. The Gordons were exceptionally steadfast in loyalty to their Chief, particularly well organized and eager to fight. Their history is therefore national history. There were no internal disputes such as weakened so many clans.

The village of Gordon from which the Gordons took their name is south of Edinburgh in Berwickshire. This is the area of the earliest Scottish home of the Gordons, before moving to Aberdeenshire in the 14th century. Under the rule of King James II, the then Duke of Gordon was given the position of Governor of Edinburgh Castle. The Earl of Huntly, with many Gordons, fought at the Battle of Flodden for King James IV against the English army of King Henry VIII. The Earl was one of the few nobles who survived. The King himself was slain as was one archbishop, two bishops and 13 Earls.

Huntly Castle in Aberdeenshire was the home of the Gordons from 1376 to 1752 and although now a ruin is truly splendid. The great Renaissance Palace built by the first Marquess of Huntly between 1597 and 1602 remains in all its glory, roofless and tenantless, but otherwise almost entire. Its outstanding features are the stately row of first-floor windows, the grand doorway with its armorial bearings and the splendid carved fireplaces.

In Aberdeen is the Regimental Museum of the Gordon Highlanders. In 1794 the beautiful 4th Duchess of Gordon recruited men for the Gordon Regiment by going from place to place with an escort of six pipers and offering a kiss and a guinea bounty to all recruits. The Gordon Highlanders of today still maintain the traditions of the clan. Their battle honours are legendary and among their many famous feats the Gordon are remembered for their charge at the Battle of Waterloo when, clinging to the stirrups of the Scots Greys for greater impetus, they scattered the French to the cry of "Scotland forever".

The Gordons however did not confine themselves to their clan lands. There were clansman who served with the Scots Brigade in Holland between 1572 and 1782; several of the clan were in the army of the Tsar of Russia; Thomas Gordon became Governor of Krinstadt; Lady Katherine, youngest daughter of the second Marquess, married a Polish nobleman and her grandson became King of Poland. There were famous Gordons throughout history such as Lord Byron whose mother was a Gordon of Gight; Gordon of Khartoum; Sir John Gordon of Haddo was a baronet of Nova Scotia; the 4th Earl of Aberdeen was Prime Minister of Great Britain; the 7th Earl and 1st Marquess of Aberdeen was Governor General of Canada and later Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

The Gordon name is synonymous with the rich history of Scotland and dates back to the 11th century. It is a family name to be proud of and deserves your interest and support.

Each of us that trace our heritage to Scotland or any Celtic Nation today, consider tartan as an essential part of national dress, and a source of identity and pride. The Clans may be the more recognizable but many Family and Districts have setts just as old and recognizable. I take some personal satisfaction from asking the Question, "who really won the Battle of Culloden?" The answer I give is "us," for today as a direct result of the "brutality and persecution" the Clans suffered Scotland is a united nation, not the one which fought a near civil war at that time. Our clansmen were forced to flee (or were cleared and deported) and spread through the whole country and many colonies, the Scotts were appalled by their treatment. As always the Gales adapted and spread their heritage throughout the World, today everybody with a trace of ancestory wants to be Scotts and belong to a Clan or be Scottish.

The bagpipe banned as an instrument of war is now played in parades and national events in every corner of earth, not to mention all the weddings, festive occasions, funerals and games

The highland dress is now the national dress. (no more can one be deported imprisoned or hanged for wearing it) indeed many nations and some states and provinces now have their own setts, and almost every city or district (and some sporting clubs?) in Scotland has come up with one.

The Gaelic has not been so fortunate, it may not be spoken in Parliament, and is not accepted as a language of Law or Business. But unlike when I went to school, you were punished and ridiculed for its use, today it is to be heard on TV and is finally being offered at school.

Have you ever heard of an English games and gathering? I answer "no." Today Highland Games and Clan Gatherings are held world wide (in California alone there is at least one a month) not to mention all the other events. Highland dancing is world wide as are the Fiddlers and Pipers.

Now who really won the 1745 Battle at Culloden? Scotland and all her people! Our culture is beyond the grasp and control of others, we are Yet a Nation!

WILLIAM PAUL