Clan Allardice (Allardice Tartan)

1. Clan Allardice History (Allardice Tartan)

Both Allardyce and Allardes are spelling variations of the name. The old barony of Allardice in the parish of Arbuthnott, Kinkardineshire, is where the name first appeared.

Taking his name from the region was the holder of a charter from William the Lion for the territories of Alrethis.

Alder and an unidentified second part, possibly the Gaelic word "deas," which means south (facing), are assumed to be the origins of the name Middle English "aller" (Old English pre-7th Century "alor"), alder.

"It is not a very common name, but all who bear it believe that they are descended from the old family that was established for such a long time on the banks of the Bervie Water."

The "Episcopal Register of Aberdeen," which was kept from 1292 to 1296 under the rule of John Balliol, Ruler of Scotland, reveals that Alexander de Allyrdas had his name spelled correctly for the first time in 1294.

It's possible that the Alexander de Allyrdas who witnessed a charter of the Glack lands in 1294 is the same Alisaundre de Allerdashe of the Kinkardyn county who paid tribute in 1296. In the same year, Walter de Allerdas also paid respects.

The L-plan tower house of the Allardice family, located one mile north-west of Bervie, was constructed towards the end of the 16th century on a terrace encircled on three sides by a deep river meander.

The castle degenerated into a farmhouse when it was married off to the Barclays of Urie in the late 18th century. After a fire damaged it in the 1970s, Aberdeen architect William Cowie repaired it in his home, which is still there today.

The third Earl Marischal's daughter, John Allardyce, who died in 1606, is thought to be the one for whom the castle was erected.

Sir John Allardice (1641–1766), his great-great-grandson, married a sister and co-heiress of the 8th Earl of Menteith and 2nd Earl of Airth, establishing a familial claim to these earldoms and establishing lineal lineage from King Robert II of Scotland.

Sir John Allardice lived from 1641 to 1676. Despite being generally known in the 18th century, the claim was not pursued until the 19th century, in large part because Sir George Allardyce left the family in debt and the money to contest the claim was difficult to come by.

The three failed claims made in the House of Lords between 1834 and 1907 were also impeded by the cost of the procedures.

Early in the 18th century, Scotland's MP and Master of the Mint, Sir George Allardyce (1672–1709), expanded the castle in 1695. James Allardice, his grandson, passed away in 1765, leaving behind only his daughter, who married Robert Barclay and therefore inherited the Allardice name and possessions.

Capt. Robert Barclay-Allardice, her son, rose to prominence as "the celebrated pedestrian" for a number of endurance walking feats in the early 19th century. He lived from 1779 to 1854.

He was the one who initially sought the family's claim to the Scottish earldoms in 1834. Margaret Barclay-Allardice (1816–1903), his daughter and heir, may have been born before her parents' union, but under Scottish law, she was recognized as such.

She moved to America, selling the Barclay and Allardice family properties in Ury and Allardice in 1854. Despite this, she continued to investigate her earldom claims in 1870.

She got married twice and used her maiden name again following the passing of each husband. Her older son, Robert Barclay-Allardice (b. 1841), who had acquired money as a stockbroker in New York and retired to Cornwall, made one more effort to obtain the earldoms in 1907.

He served as mayor of Lostwithiel from 1898 to 1900 and from 1904 to 1906. His daughter, the last member of the family to reside in England, was born shortly after he married his housekeeper, Beatrice Jeffrey, in 1909.

Although he was still living in 1914 when he was declared bankrupt, it is likely that he passed away soon after, most likely abroad, as no record of his passing has been discovered in the UK.

2. Clan Allardice Tartans

The Graham of Montrose tartans may be worn by Allardice because there is no Allardice Tartan recognized and they are considered a sept of Clan Graham.

Graham on Montrose Ancient

Graham of Montrose Modern

3. Clan Allardice Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan Allardice Crest

Worn by all of the name and ancestry

Crest Description:

A demi-savage holding in the dexter hand a scymitar, all Proper

3.1 Clan Allardice Coats of Arms

Note on Coats of Arms: A coat of arms is given to an individual under Scottish heraldic law (with the exception of civic or corporate arms). A 'family coat of arms' does not exist.

With the exclusions listed above, the weapons depicted below are personal weapons. The only person authorized to use these weapons is the grantee.

Arms: Argent, a fess waved gules between three erased sable boar's heads. (Silver/white shield with a crimson band between three heads of black pigs)

The Official Coat of Arms of the Chief of the Allardice Family granted by the Lord Lyon on 12 March 2007. (These are Richard’s Personal Arms as Chief)

Mrs. Margaret Barclay Allardice quartered and matriculated this crest as follows in 1883:
Allardice of Allardice; 2. Barclay of Ury; 3. Graham, Earls of Menteith and Airth; Quarterly, i. and ii. argent on a chief sable, three escallops or ii. and iii. or, a fesse cheqy azure and argent, in a chief a chevronel gules. Gules, doubled argent, is the mantling. Crests: On the sinister side, on a wreath of the liveries, a Bishop's mitre or; and on an escroll over the same this Motto, "In cruce spero" (for Barclay). Crests: On the dexter side, on a wreath of the liveries, a naked man from the middle holding a scimitar in his dexter hand all proper. Light blue and white facings make up the livery.

4. Clan Allardice People & Places

4.1 Clan Allardice Places

Allardice Castle

The Barons of Allardice, a family that was first mentioned in a 1197 charter, had their ancestral home at Allardice Castle, which was first constructed in 1542 and is now located close to Inverbervie in Aberdeenshire.

Over the years, the castle has seen numerous changes.

4.2 Clan Allardice People

Capt. Robert Barclay-Allardice (1779-1854)

The sixth Laird of Ury, Robert Barclay Allardice, lived from 1779 to 1854. He was a well-known Scottish walker in the early 19th century who went by the name Captain Barclay and was dubbed "the celebrated pedestrian.

7. The Captivating History and Heritage of Clan Allardice

The history of Scotland is brimming with tales of powerful clans that fought for their lands, preserved their culture, and left an indelible mark on the country's heritage.

One such clan that stands out is Clan Allardice, deeply rooted in the old barony of Allardice in Kincardineshire. This Scottish clan boasts a rich and captivating history that spans centuries.

In this article, we will delve into the origins of the Allardice name, explore the lineage of the clan, discover the connections with other prominent clans, and highlight notable members of the Allardice family.

Join us on this journey as we unravel the enduring legacy of Clan Allardice.

8. Unearthing the Origins of the Allardice Name

8.1 The First Recorded Mention in 1294

The Allardice name first surfaces in historical records in the year 1294. It is believed to have originated from the ancient barony of Allardice in Kincardineshire, Scotland.

The progenitor of the Allardices, Alexander de Allyrdas, held lands in the area during the reign of King Edward I of England.

This initial mention marks the beginning of a storied lineage that would shape the history of Clan Allardice.

8.2 Variations of the Allardice Name

Throughout history, surname variations have emerged due to different spellings or phonetic interpretations.

The Allardice name is no exception, with variations such as Allardyce and Allardes being used interchangeably. These variations reflect the evolving nature of language and naming conventions over the years.

9. The Storied Lineage of Clan Allardice

9.1 The Transformation of Allardice Castle into a Farmhouse

Allardice Castle, the ancestral seat of Clan Allardice, boasts a rich history that spans several centuries.

Originally built as a defensive structure, it stood strong against the test of time. However, in the 18th century, the castle was transformed into a farmhouse, marking a significant shift in its purpose and usage.

This transition echoes the changing times and the clan's ability to adapt to new circumstances.

9.2 The Influence of Sir James Allardice

Sir James Allardice, hailing from Clan Allardice, played a prominent role in the royal court during the reign of King James III.

His influence and positions of power exemplify the prestige and status of the Allardice family. Sir James Allardice's involvement in the court highlights the clan's connection to the broader political landscape of Scotland.

9.3 Marriages and Alliances with Prominent Families

The Allardice family solidified its position as one of the most esteemed clans in Scotland through strategic marriages and alliances.

Their connections with notable families, such as the Earls of Menteith, further elevated their status and influence.

These alliances united powerful clans, forging bonds and shaping the destiny of Clan Allardice.

10. Clan Chief Richard Christopher Barclay Allardice

10.1 Introducing Clan Chief Richard Christopher Barclay Allardice

The current Clan Chief or Commander of Clan Allardice is Richard Christopher Barclay Allardice of Allardice.

As a descendant of the ancient lineage, Clan Chief Richard Christopher Barclay Allardice carries the torch of the clan's heritage and continues to uphold the traditions and values that define Clan Allardice.

10.2 The Clan's Crest, Motto, and Seat

Every clan bears distinct symbols that represent their identity and values. Clan Allardice's crest features a falcon holding a sheaf of arrows. This emblem represents strength, agility, and the readiness to defend the clan and its lands. The clan's motto, "In Vinculis Invictus," translates to "Unconquered in Chains," reflecting the resilience and indomitable spirit of Clan Allardice. While Allardice Castle may have been transformed into a farmhouse, its historical significance as the seat of Clan Allardice cannot be understated.

11. The Connections Between Clan Allardice and Other Clans

11.1 Clan Allardice and Clan Graham

Clan Allardice shares a close connection with Clan Graham, a powerful clan with roots in Scotland's history.

The Allardices are considered a sept of Clan Graham, granting them the privilege of wearing the Graham of Montrose tartans.

The Graham of Montrose Ancient tartan, symbolizing the bond between Clan Allardice and Clan Graham, serves as a tangible reminder of their shared heritage.

12. Promoting Accuracy and Intrigue of Clan Allardice's History

12.1 Embracing Platforms like WikiTree

Enthusiastic about preserving the accuracy and sharing the intrigue of Clan Allardice's history, clan members and supporters can leverage platforms like WikiTree.

WikiTree provides an accessible and collaborative space for individuals to contribute their knowledge, research, and insights.

By actively engaging in online communities, Clan Allardice enthusiasts can ensure that the rich history of their clan is accurately documented and perpetuated.

13. Exploring the Allardice Tartan and Clan Shop

13.1 The Allardice Tartan

While Clan Allardice does not have a registered tartan specific to their name, they have the privilege of wearing the Graham of Montrose tartans as a sept of Clan Graham.

The Graham of Montrose Ancient tartan, with its vibrant colors and intricate patterns, serves as a visual expression of the connection between Clan Allardice and Clan Graham.

Clan members and enthusiasts can proudly don this tartan to showcase their allegiance and heritage.

13.2 Visit the Clan Shop for Merchandise

For those seeking to delve deeper into their Clan Allardice heritage or show their support for the clan's legacy, the Clan Shop offers a range of merchandise.

From clothing to accessories and collectibles, the Clan Shop provides a wide array of items that allow individuals to proudly display their affiliation with Clan Allardice.

By supporting the clan through these purchases, individuals contribute to the preservation and promotion of its history.

14. Notable Allardice Family Members

14.1 Sir James Allardice - A Prominent Figure

Sir James Allardice, a remarkable member of the Allardice family, became a highly influential figure in the royal court during the reign of King James III.

His positions of power and influence exemplify the reach and importance of the Allardice family in Scotland's history. Sir James Allardice's accomplishments serve as a testament to the dynasty's enduring legacy.

14.2 Margaret Barclay Allardice and Royal Earldoms

Margaret Barclay Allardice, a notable member of Clan Allardice, played a significant role in the family's history.

Through her marriage to Sir George Barclay, she claimed the title of Countess of Menteith, creating a direct link between the Allardice and Barclay families.

Margaret Barclay Allardice's association with royal earldoms demonstrates the far-reaching impact and social significance of the Allardice family.

15. The Enduring Legacy of Clan Allardice

As we journey through the captivating history and heritage of Clan Allardice, it becomes evident that their legacy transcends time.

From the first recorded mention in 1294 to the present day, Clan Allardice has preserved its storied lineage and continues to thrive under the name Barclay.

The connections forged with other prominent clans, the influence of notable figures like Sir James Allardice, and the dedication of Clan Chief Richard Christopher Barclay Allardice all contribute to the enduring legacy of this remarkable Scottish clan.

Delve into the captivating world of Clan Allardice, immerse yourself in its rich history, and join the ranks of those who champion its accuracy and intrigue.