Clan Cockburn (Cockburn Tartan)

1. About Clan Cockburn (Cockburn Tartan)

2. Cockburn Clan History (Cockburn Tartan)

 Regarding the origin of this surname, there are various theories. One posits a connection to a location near Duns in Berwickshire, while another contends that it derives from the old Scots word "gowk," which means "cuckoo," and is related to Cukooburn in Roxburghshire.

The fact that the crest is a cockerel might appear odd in light of this, but it can be explained by a practice known as "canting," in which a person's surname is occasionally punned into the design of their crest.

Peres de Cockburne and Thomas de Cockburn of Roxburgshire are two of the Cockburns whose signatures appear on the Ragman Roll of 1296.

The holdings at Langton in Berwickshire belonged to Sir William de Vipont, who fought at the Battle of Bannockburn but was killed, and Sir Alexander de Cockburn acquired them after marrying the Vipont's daughter.

The Great Seal of Scotland was given to "Alexander Cockburn de Langton" in 1390. He made his son, who bears his name, the hereditary great usher of Scotland. This was established for the Barony of Langton in a charter issued by James IV in 1504.

The position was usurped, according to Balfour's Annals, by John, Earl of Wigtown.

The matter was referred to a committee of parliament, but Langton was so outraged that when the King arrived at parliament, he was met with a frontal protest from Langton, who was then imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle for a day (see top photo).

One of the nobility killed during the Battle of Flodden in 1513 was Sir William Cockburn of Langton, a descendant of Sir Alexander.

The family stuck by the Stuart cause and sided with Mary Queen of Scots, which led to the destruction of Stirling Castle. When a relative was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1671, the principal line sold him their holdings.

The Scottish Enlightenment's leading personality and the legendary Lord Melville's nephew, Lord Cockburn (1779–1854), is one of the notable Cockburns.

The lines to the lament "The Flowers of the Forest" were written by Alison Cockburn (1713–1744), and Admiral Sir George Cockburn (1772–1853) transported Napoleon to exile on the island of St. Helena.

 3. Cockburn Clan Tartans

Thought to be a Wilson's of Bannockburn tartan, the Cockburn tartan may have been given its name in honor of General Cockburn, who enjoyed some notoriety in the early 1800s.

'Modern' refers to the dye shades, which are often darker, and 'ancient' alludes to the employment of lighter colored dyes.

Cockburn Modern

Cockburn Ancient

4. Clan Cockburn Crest & Coats of Arms

4.1 Clan Cockburn Crest

Worn by all of the name and ancestry

Crest Description:

A cock crowing, Proper

4.2 Clan Cockburn 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.

COCKBURN of that Ilk

Argent, three cocks, Gules

Coat of Arms for Richard Cockburn of Clerkington

5. Clan Cockburn Places & People

6. Associated Names

COBURN COGBURN DE COCKBORNE

More information

7. The Origins of the Cockburn Surname

• Discuss the place name near Duns, Berwickshire as a possible origin
• Explore the debate about the Scots word for cuckoo as another possibility
• Provide historical context for the surname's usage and evolution

7.2 Clan Cockburn in the Early Years

• Mention John Kocbrun, a landowner in Fife, ceding lands to the Monastery of Lindores in 1250
• Highlight Thomas de Cokeburn of Roxburgshire rendering homage to Edward I of England in 1296
• Showcase the marriage of Sir Alexander de Cockburn and the acquisition of Langton lands

7.3 Notable Figures in Clan Cockburn's History

Sir Alexander Cockburn de Langton: Keeper of the Great Seal and Hereditary Great Usher

• Discuss Sir Alexander's appointment as Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland in 1390

• Detail the grant of the Barony of Carriden by David II

• Highlight the dispute over the Hereditary Great Usher office and Cockburn's protest

Sir William Cockburn of Langton: Battle of Flodden and Supporter of Mary Queen of Scots

• Discuss Sir William's involvement in the Battle of Flodden in 1513 and his tragic death
• Explore the Cockburns' support for Mary Queen of Scots and the consequences for their castle at Skirling
• Mention the eventual sale of the barony of Langton and the Nova Scotia baronetcy

Adam Cockburn of Ormiston: Lord Ormiston and Agricultural Improvements

• Highlight Adam Cockburn's role as a Lord Justice Clerk and his creation as Lord Ormiston
• Discuss the achievements of his son, John Cockburn, as an agricultural improver
• Highlight Lord Cockburn's contribution to the Scottish Enlightenment and his famous diary and journal

Alison Cockburn: Prominent Poetess and Social Figure

• Discuss Alison Cockburn's prominence in the Edinburgh social scene
• Mention her contributions as a poetess, including the lyrics for "The Flowers of the Forest"
• Highlight her impact and influence on Scottish culture

Admiral Sir George Cockburn: Escorting Napoleon Bonaparte and First Sea Lord

• Discuss Admiral Sir George Cockburn's role in escorting Napoleon Bonaparte into exile on St Helena
• Highlight his position as First Sea Lord and his important contributions to the Royal Navy

7.4 Landmarks Associated with Clan Cockburn

Cockburnlaw: A Conical Hill in Berwickshire

• Discuss the location and significance of Cockburnlaw in northwest Duns, Berwickshire
• Mention its historical and cultural importance to Clan Cockburn

Cockburnspath Tower: The Inspiration for Sir Walter Scott's "Ravenswood"

• Highlight Cockburnspath Tower's connection to Sir Walter Scott's novel "Bride of Lammermoor"
• Explore the history and features of this notable landmark in Cockburnspath, Berwickshire

Skirling: Former Cockburn Family Holding in Peeblesshire

• Discuss the historical ownership of Skirling by the Cockburn family until 1568
• Mention the significance and relevance of Skirling to Clan Cockburn

Bonally Tower: Home of Lord Cockburn and Present-Day Apartments

• Discuss Bonally Tower's association with Lord Cockburn and its current status as apartments
• Highlight the historical importance of Bonally Tower in Colinton, Edinburgh

Carriden: A Barony Conferred to Sir Alexander Cockburn

• Provide context for the conferred barony of Carriden by David II to Sir Alexander Cockburn
• Mention the significance of Carriden in West Lothian to Clan Cockburn

7.5 Distribution of the Cockburn Surname

• Mention the prevalence of the Cockburn surname in the Scottish Borders, Edinburgh City, and the Lothians
• Highlight specific regions where the surname is most commonly found, including Berwickshire, Peeblesshire, Roxburghshire, Selkirkshire, and parts of Midlothian

7.6 FAQs about Clan Cockburn

7.6.1 What is the significance of the Cockburn tartan?

• Discuss the symbolic importance of the Cockburn tartan to Clan Cockburn
• Provide insight into the design and colors of the tartan

7.6.2 What does the clan crest of Clan Cockburn represent?

• Explain the meaning behind the clan crest featuring a crowing cock
• Elaborate on the symbolism or historical significance of the crest

7.6.3 Who is the most famous member of Clan Cockburn?

• Discuss the contributions and achievements of Lord Cockburn as a Court of Session judge and influential figure of the Scottish Enlightenment
• Mention other notable members, such as Mrs. Cockburn and Admiral Sir George Cockburn

7.6.4 Are there any traditions or celebrations associated with Clan Cockburn?

• Explore any existing traditions, gatherings, or celebrations specific to Clan Cockburn
• Mention any events or activities that honor the clan's heritage and history

7.6.5 Are there any other notable landmarks associated with Clan Cockburn?

• Discuss any additional landmarks or locations associated with Clan Cockburn
• Provide brief information about their historical or cultural significance

7.6.6 How can I learn more about Clan Cockburn and its history?

• Recommend credible sources or references for further research on Clan Cockburn's history and legacy
• Mention any specific books, websites, or organizations dedicated to the clan's history

8. Conclusion

• Recap the main points discussed in the article regarding the rich history and legacy of Clan Cockburn
• Highlight the significance of the Cockburn tartan, clan crest, and notable members
• Encourage readers to continue exploring and learning about Clan Cockburn's fascinating history