Clan Baillie (Baillie Tartan)

1. About Clan Baillie (Baillie Tartan)

2. Clan Baillie History (Baillie Tartan)

The surname Baillie is most likely derived from the French word bailif, which was used to refer to an estate manager.

The name was changed following the independence wars because of its association with the hated Balliol kings, contrary to the widespread belief that it originated with the surname Bailliol.

William de Baillie makes his first appearance in a record in 1311 when he serves on a jury for an inquest into forfeited lands. David II knighted Willaim Baillie of Hoprig in 1357, and he subsequently received a royal charter for the barony of Lamington.

A long Baillie dynasty that included the Baillies of Carphin, Park, Jerviston, Dunrogal, Carnbroe, Castlecarry, Provand, and Dochfour began with this.

Inverness Castle's constable was Alexander Baillie. James IV appointed Cuthbert Bailllie of Carphin Lord High Treasurer in 1512.

Another well-known Baillie was Sir William Ballie of Provand, who served as the Lord President of the Court of Session from 1565 until 1595 and was created "Lord Provand."

Sir William Baillie's properties were forfeited as a result of his participation in the Battle of Langside, just like the fortunes of many other Scottish families during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots.

The Marquis of Montrose defeated both his grandson and himself. These Baillies were ardent and vocal Protestants. Unfortunately, James VII's succession was attempted, and Robert Baillie of Jerviswood was involved.

He was executed in 1684, and his family escaped to Holland. The family properties were returned following the fall of James VII in 1688.

This branch of the family acquired the earldom of Haddington through marriage, while the Dochfour Baillies also acquired significant lands by Loch Ness through marriage.

3. Clan Baillie Tartans

3.1 Baillie Modern (also called Baillie of Polkemett, Green)

The one that is most frequently worn was created in 1937 by Mr. A. W. Geddes of Messrs. William Anderson, Edinburgh. It is based on the MacKenzie tartan, but instead of a single stripe, there are three delicate white lines on the green.

It was created for the Polkemett Barony's owners, the Baillies of Polkemett. Around the same time, Geddes also gave the Baillies a crimson sett.

3.2 Baillie of Polkemett, Red

3.3 Baillie (Wilsons of Bannockburn)

Adapted from the William Wilson and Sons, Bannockburn 1819 Key Pattern Book. With the addition of a black guard to the red, this is the same as MacLeod of Skye.

The Baillie tartan can be found with absolute certainty in the pattern books of the weavers Wilson's of Bannockburn.

Wilson provided different iterations of the fundamental "Black Watch" regimental sett to the MacLeods, MacKenzies, and Campbells.

In his 1962 book "History of Highland Dress," Telford Dunbar mentions a Baillie tartan and notes that it first appeared in William Wilson's stock list of 1800.

4. Clan Baillie Crest & Coats of Arms

4.1 Clan Baillie Crest

Worn by all of the name and ancestry

4.2 Clan Baillie Coat 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.

BAILLIE of Lamington Azure, nine stars (mullets), three, three, two and one, Argent

5. Clan Baillie Places & People

5.1 Clan Baillie People

5.1.1 Charles Baillie (1542–1625)

The Fleming Charles Baillie had Scottish ancestry. Following the assassination of her husband, Mary, Queen of Scots, welcomed him into her household as a papal emissary.

In 1571, Baillie was discovered in possession of papers outlining Mary's plot to have the Spanish territory in the eastern counties of England. He was taken into custody, but someway less damaging documents were used in their place.

Unfortunately, a spy who had been detained with him in an effort to learn more was going to reveal the conspiracy but was instead revealed.

Baillie was transported to the London Tower where he was beaten on a rack. He scratched the following inscription on the tower's walls, which is still legible today: "L. H. S. 1571 die 10 Aprilis.

Charles Bailly once said, "Wise men should see what they do, examine before they speak, prove before they act, beware of whose company they employ, and above all, to whom they trust.

Around 1574, he was let out of the tower, and he passed away around 1625. He was buried in the nearby town of La Hulpe.

5.1.2 Lady Grizel Baillie (1665–1746)

Scotswoman Lady Baillie wrote songs. At Redbraes Castle in Berwickshire, she was born Grizel Hume to Sir Patrick Hume. When she was 12 years old, Robert Baillie of Jerviswood, who was incarcerated at the time, was involved in a conspiracy.

As a result, Grizzle had to smuggle food to her father, who was forced to hide in the crypt of the Polwarth church. After Jerviswood was put to death, Lady Grizel wed George Baillie in 1992.

"And werena my heart light I wad dee," the most well-known of Lady Grizel's Scottish ballads, first appeared in William Thomson's Orpheus Caledonius, or a Collection of the Best Scotch ballads in 1725.

Grizel passed away in London on December 6, 1746, and on December 25, her 81st birthday, she was buried at Mellerstain.

7. Clan Baillie: A Rich History of Tartans and Heritage

Clan Baillie is a renowned Scottish clan with a rich history that dates back to the 14th century. With numerous Scottish clans, each having multiple tartans and associated names, there are over 2000 tartans in existence.

This article explores the origins, notable members, and unique heritage of Clan Baillie, shedding light on the significance of their tartans in Scottish culture.

8. The Origins of Clan Baillie

8.1 William de Baliol and the Property of Lamington

In the 14th century, William de Baliol acquired the property of Lamington in Lanarkshire. This marked the beginning of the Baillie family's connection to the land and their subsequent rise in prominence.

8.2 Sir William Baillie and the Rebuilding of Fortune

Sir William Baillie, the son of William de Baliol, officially took ownership of the Lamington property in 1358. He played a significant role in rebuilding the family's fortune and establishing the Baillie lineage.

8.3 Descendants and Branches of Sir William Baillie

The descendants of Sir William Baillie include several branches that have contributed to the rich heritage of Clan Baillie. These branches include Carphin, Park, Jerviston, Dunrogal, Carnbroe, Castlecarry, Provand, and Dochfour. Each branch has its own unique tartan and plays a vital role in the broader tapestry of Clan Baillie's history.

9. Alexander Baillie and the Constableship of Inverness Castle

9.1 Appointment by the Earl of Huntly

Alexander Baillie, a younger brother of Sir William Baillie, was appointed as the constable of Inverness Castle by the Earl of Huntly. This appointment further solidified the influence of Clan Baillie within the region.

10. Clan Baillie: An Armigerous Clan

10.1 Definition and Recognition

Clan Baillie is an armigerous clan, meaning it is registered with the Court of the Lord Lyon but currently does not have a recognized chief. Despite this, the clan retains its significance and continues to play an important role in Scottish heritage.

10.2 Debated Origin of the Name Baillie

The origin of the name Baillie is a subject of debate among historians and genealogists. Some suggest that it is derived from the French word "bailif," meaning estate manager. Others propose that it may have Norman roots, originating from the name Bailliol.

10.3 Name Change to Ballie

During the reign of Robert the Bruce as the Scottish monarch, the name Balliol fell out of favor. As a result, many individuals with the surname Baillie changed their name to Ballie, seeking to distance themselves from the unpopular Balliol name.

11. Notable Figures in Clan Baillie's History

11.1 Sir William Baillie of Hoprig

Sir William Baillie of Hoprig was knighted in 1357 and received a charter for the barony of Lamington in 1368. His contributions to the Baillie legacy laid the foundation for the clan's future endeavors.

11.2 Vacancy of the Baillie of Lamington Title

The title of Baillie of Lamington, which had been often held by females, became vacant in 1880. This marked a significant transition in the clan's history and ushered in a new era for Clan Baillie.

11.3 Decline of Fortunes and Battle of Langside

The fortunes of Clan Baillie declined after their lands were forfeited due to their support of Mary, Queen of Scots, in the Battle of Langside. This pivotal event had far-reaching consequences for the Baillie family and their ancestral lands.

11.4 George Baillie of St. John's Kirk

George Baillie of St. John's Kirk, a branch of the Lamington Ballies, acquired the lands of Jerviswood in 1636 and the estate of Mellerstain in 1643. These acquisitions further contributed to the clan's legacy and influence.

11.5 Robert Baillie of Jerviswood

Robert Baillie of Jerviswood, son of George Baillie, lived during a period of civil and religious reforms. His advocacy for these reforms led to his execution, forcing his family to flee to Holland. The actions of Robert Baillie and his family underscore the deep-rooted convictions of Clan Baillie members.

11.6 George Baillie of Jerviswood and Mellerstain

George Baillie of Jerviswood and Mellerstain, son of Robert Baillie, married Lady Grisell Hume in 1691. Together, they initiated the construction of Mellerstain House and are ancestors of the current earls of Haddington. Their contributions to the clan's prestige further solidify their place in Scottish history.

12. Clan Baillie Tartans and Significance

Clan Baillie tartans have a profound significance in Scottish culture, serving as a visual representation of the clan's identity and heritage.

While each branch of Clan Baillie has its own distinctive tartan, they all share a common thread that binds them together as part of a larger community.

13. The Clan Motto: "Quid Clarius Astris"

The clan motto of Clan Baillie is "Quid Clarius Astris," which translates to "What is brighter than the stars." This motto reflects the ambitions, aspirations, and determination of Clan Baillie members throughout history.

14. FAQs

14.1 How many branches are there in Clan Baillie?

Clan Baillie consists of various branches, including Carphin, Park, Jerviston, Dunrogal, Carnbroe, Castlecarry, Provand, and Dochfour.

14.2 What is the significance of Clan Baillie tartans?

Clan Baillie tartans serve as a visual representation of the clan's heritage and identity, showcasing their unique place within Scottish culture.

14.3 Who is the recognized chief of Clan Baillie?

As an armigerous clan, Clan Baillie does not currently have a recognized chief. However, the clan remains integral to Scottish heritage.

14.4 What is the debated origin of the name Baillie?

The origin of the name Baillie is debated among historians, with some suggesting it derives from the French word "bailif" and others proposing Norman origins from the name Bailliol.

14.5 What led to the decline of Clan Baillie's fortunes?

Clan Baillie's fortunes declined after their lands were forfeited for supporting Mary, Queen of Scots, in the Battle of Langside, marking a significant turning point in their history.

15. Conclusion

Clan Baillie's rich history and distinctive tartans are a testament to the endurance of Scottish heritage. With a legacy that spans centuries and encompasses notable figures, Clan Baillie continues to be a symbol of pride for its members.

As Scottish culture thrives, Clan Baillie serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving heritage and passing it down through generations.