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{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2011}}
{{Short description|Lowland Scottish clan}}{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox clan
{{Infobox clan
|image badge =
|image badge =Clan member crest badge - Clan Mar.svg
|clan name =Clan Mar
|clan name =Clan Mar
|chiefs crest =On a chapeau Gules furred Ermine, two wings, each of ten pen feathers, erected and addorsed, both blazoned as in the Arms.
|chiefs crest =On a chapeau Gules furred Ermine, two wings, each of ten pen feathers, erected and addorsed, both blazoned as in the Arms.
|chiefs motto =''Pans Plus'' (Think More)<ref name="ScotClans">[http://www.scotclans.com/scottish-clans/clan-mar/ Clan Mar Profile] scotclans.com. Retrieved 9 April 2014.</ref>
|chiefs motto =''Pans Plus'' (Think More)<ref name="ScotClans">[http://www.scotclans.com/scottish-clans/clan-mar/ Clan Mar Profile] scotclans.com. Retrieved 9 April 2014.</ref>
|chiefs slogan =
|chiefs slogan =
|district =Aberdeenshire
|district =[[Aberdeenshire]]
|region =[[Scottish Lowlands|Lowlands]]
|region =[[Scottish Lowlands|Lowlands]]
|origins =
|origins =
|gaelic names =Marr
|gaelic names =Marr
|image arms =
|image arms = Coat of arms of the Earl of Mar.png
|plant badge =
|plant badge =
|animal =
|animal =
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|seat =[[Great Witley]], Worcestershire
|seat =[[Great Witley]], Worcestershire
|historic seat =[[Kildrummy Castle]]
|historic seat =[[Kildrummy Castle]]
|septs =Marr, Marrs, Mair, Mairs, Mayers, Morren, [[Clan Strachan|Strachan]], Tough.
|septs =Marr, Marrs, Mair, Mairs, Mayers, Morren, [[Clan Strachan|Strachan]], Tough, Mahr.
|branches =
|branches =
|Allied clans =[[Clan Bruce]]
|Allied clans =[[Clan Bruce]]
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}}
}}


'''Clan Mar''' is a [[Scottish clan]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar">Way, George and Squire, Romily. (1994). ''Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia''. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The [[Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs]]). pp. 266 - 267.</ref> It is also officially known as the '''Tribe of Mar'''.<ref name="Tribe of Mar">[http://tribeofmar.com/ Tribe of Mar Official Website] retrieved November 21, 2016.</ref> The chiefs of the Clan Mar were the original [[Earl of Mar|Earls of Mar]], although this title later went via an heiress to the Douglases in the late fourteenth century, and then to the Stewarts before going to the Erskines. The current chief of Clan Mar is Margaret of Mar, Countess.
'''Clan Mar''' is a [[Scottish clan]] of the [[Scottish Lowlands]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar">Way, George and Squire, Romily. (1994). ''Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia''. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The [[Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs]]). pp. 266 - 267.</ref> It is also officially known as the '''Tribe of Mar'''.<ref name="Tribe of Mar">[http://tribeofmar.com/ Tribe of Mar Official Website] Retrieved 21 November 2016.</ref> The chiefs of the Clan Mar were the original [[Earl of Mar|Earls of Mar]], although this title later went via an heiress to the Douglases in the late fourteenth century, and then to the Stewarts before going to the Erskines. The current chief of Clan Mar is Margaret of Mar, Countess.


== History ==
== History ==
[[File:TartanClanMar.gif | thumb | 220x124px | right | Mar tartan ]]

=== Origins of the Clan ===
=== Origins of the Clan ===


One of the seven ancient provinces or kingdoms of [[Scotland]] that was ruled by a ''[[Mormaer]]'', which was an ancient [[Pictish]] equivalent of an Earl, was the ''Mormaerdom of Mar''.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> The territory of the [[Earl of Mar|Earldom of Mar]] was in [[Aberdeenshire]], between the [[River Dee, Aberdeenshire|River Dee]] and the [[River Don, Aberdeenshire|River Don]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>
One of the seven ancient provinces or kingdoms of [[Scotland]] that was ruled by a ''[[Mormaer]]'', which was an ancient [[Pictish]] equivalent of an Earl, was the ''Mormaerdom of Mar''.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> The territory of the [[Earl of Mar|Earldom of Mar]] was in [[Aberdeenshire]], between the [[River Dee, Aberdeenshire|River Dee]] and the [[River Don, Aberdeenshire|River Don]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>


Donald, Mormaer of Mar fought alongside the [[High King of Ireland]], [[Brian Boru]], against the [[Viking]] invaders at the [[Battle of Clontarf]] in 1014.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> In a charter of 1114, erecting [[Scone Abbey]], Rothri, Mormaer of Mar is named and is given the [[Latin]] title ''Comes'' which equates to the modern rank of Earl.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>
[[Domnall mac Eimín|Donald]], Mormaer of Mar fought alongside the [[High King of Ireland]], [[Brian Boru]], against the [[Viking]] invaders at the [[Battle of Clontarf]] in 1014.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> In a charter of 1114, erecting [[Scone Abbey]], Rothri, Mormaer of Mar is named and is given the [[Latin]] title ''Comes'' which equates to the modern rank of Earl.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>


Sometime before 1152 [[Morggán, Earl of Mar|Morggán (or Morgund)]] witnessed a charter to [[Dunfermline Abbey]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> [[Uilleam, Earl of Mar|Uilleam (William)]] was one of the Regents of Scotland and in 1264 he was the Great Chamberlain of the Realm.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> William's son was [[Domhnall I, Earl of Mar|Domhnall (Donald) I]] who was knighted at [[Scone, Scotland|Scone]] in September 1270 by [[Alexander III of Scotland]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Donald witnessed the contract of marriage between [[Eric II of Norway]] and [[Margaret of Scotland, Queen of Norway|Margaret of Scotland]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Donald also acknowledged Eric's daughter, [[Margaret, Maid of Norway]] as the lawful heir to the throne.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> However, Margaret died in [[Orkney]] en route to claim her kingdom.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>
Sometime before 1152 [[Morggán, Earl of Mar|Morggán (or Morgund)]] witnessed a charter to [[Dunfermline Abbey]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> [[Uilleam, Earl of Mar|Uilleam (William)]] was one of the Regents of Scotland and in 1264 he was the Great Chamberlain of the Realm.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> William's son was [[Domhnall I, Earl of Mar|Domhnall (Donald) I]] who was knighted at [[Scone, Scotland|Scone]] in September 1270 by [[Alexander III of Scotland]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Donald witnessed the contract of marriage between [[Eric II of Norway]] and [[Margaret of Scotland, Queen of Norway|Margaret of Scotland]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Donald also acknowledged Eric's daughter, [[Margaret, Maid of Norway]] as the lawful heir to the throne.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> However, Margaret died in [[Orkney]] en route to claim her kingdom.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>


=== Wars of Scottish Independence ===
=== Wars of Scottish Independence ===
[[File:Ruins of Kildrummy Castle - geograph.org.uk - 1319488.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The ruins of [[Kildrummy Castle]] which was the seat of the original chiefs of Clan Mar. It is believed to have been built during the lordships of [[Uilleam, Earl of Mar|William, 5th Earl of Mar]] and [[Domhnall I, Earl of Mar|Donald I, 6th Earl of Mar]].<ref name="Tribe of Mar"/>]]
[[File:Ruins of Kildrummy Castle - geograph.org.uk - 1319488.jpg|thumb|right|300px|The ruins of [[Kildrummy Castle]] which was the seat of early chiefs of Clan Mar. It is believed to have been built during the lordships of [[Uilleam, Earl of Mar|Uilleam (William)]] and [[Domhnall I, Earl of Mar|Domhnall (Donald) I]].<ref name="Tribe of Mar"/>]]
The Earls of Mar supported [[Robert the Bruce]]'s claim to the throne.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Donald's eldest daughter was [[Isabella of Mar]] who was the first wife of Robert the Bruce.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Isabella's brother was [[Gartnait, Earl of Mar|Gratney, 7th Earl of Mar]] who married Bruce's sister, [[Christina Bruce]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Gratney was succeeded by his son, [[Domhnall II, Earl of Mar|Donald II, 8th Earl of Mar]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> This Donald was captured at the [[Battle of Methven]] in 1306.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> He was then taken as a hostage to [[England]] and was not released until after the Scottish victory at the [[Battle of Bannockburn]] in 1314, when several other hostages including the wife, sister and daughter of Robert the Bruce were exchanged for the [[Earl of Hereford]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Mar was chosen as Regent of Scotland in 1332 but he only held the title for ten days.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> On the eve of his election to the post, [[Edward Balliol]] marched with his English troops to Perth while Mar gathered his troops to confront the invaders.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> In the dead of night the English fell upon the Scots army while they were asleep and totally routed them.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> The Earl of Mar was among those who were killed.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>
The Earls of Mar supported [[Robert the Bruce]]'s claim to the throne.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Donald's eldest daughter was [[Isabella of Mar]] who was the first wife of Robert the Bruce.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Isabella's brother was [[Gartnait, Earl of Mar|Gartnait (Gratney)]] who married Bruce's sister, [[Christina Bruce]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Gratney was succeeded by his son, [[Domhnall II, Earl of Mar|Domhnall (Donald) II]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> This Donald was captured at the [[Battle of Methven]] in 1306.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> He was then taken as a hostage to [[England]] and was not released until after the Scottish victory at the [[Battle of Bannockburn]] in 1314, when several other hostages including the wife, sister and daughter of Robert the Bruce were exchanged for the [[Earl of Hereford]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Mar was chosen as Regent of Scotland in 1332 but he only held the title for ten days.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> On the eve of his election to the post, [[Edward Balliol]] marched with his English troops to Perth while Mar gathered his troops to confront the invaders.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> In the dead of night the English fell upon the Scots army while they were asleep and totally routed them.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> The Earl of Mar was among those who were killed.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>


Donald's son, the next earl, [[Thomas, Earl of Mar|Thomas, 9th Earl of Mar]], died without issue and the title passed to [[Margaret, Countess of Mar]] who was his sister.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> From Margaret the title passed to her daughter, [[Isabel Douglas, Countess of Mar]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Isabella's second husband was [[Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar]], son of [[Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan]], the feared ''Wolf of Badenoch''.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>
Donald's son, the next earl, [[Thomas, Earl of Mar|Thomas]], died without issue and the title passed to [[Margaret, Countess of Mar]] who was his sister.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> From Margaret the title passed to her daughter, [[Isabel Douglas, Countess of Mar]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Isabella's second husband was [[Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar]], son of [[Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan]], the feared ''Wolf of Badenoch''.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>


=== 15th to 16th Centuries ===
=== 15th to 16th Centuries ===


[[Isabel Douglas, Countess of Mar]] died without issue and the Earldom of Mar passed to Robert Erskine who was descended from Elyne, daughter of [[Gartnait, Earl of Mar|Gratney, 7th Earl of Mar]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Robert Erskine was ''de jure'' thirteenth Earl of Mar.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>
[[Isabel Douglas, Countess of Mar]] died without issue and the claim to the Earldom of Mar passed to [[Robert Erskine, 1st Lord Erskine]] who was descended from Elyne, daughter of [[Gartnait, Earl of Mar|Gartnait (Gratney)]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Robert Erskine was recognized retrospectively as an Earl of Mar by [[Earl of Mar#19th century|an 1885 Act of Parliament]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>


=== 17th century and Civil War ===
=== 17th century and Civil War ===


In 1615 Chief John Erskine, 20th Earl of Mar was appointed governor of [[Edinburgh Castle]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> He supported [[Charles I of England]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Lord Erskine fought for the royalists at the [[Battle of Kilsyth]] in 1645.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> The family estates were forfeited for their support of the royalists but were later restored by [[Charles II of England]] in 1660.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>
In 1615 Chief [[John Erskine, Earl of Mar (1585–1654)|John Erskine]] was appointed governor of [[Edinburgh Castle]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> He supported [[Charles I of England]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> Lord Erskine fought for the royalists at the [[Battle of Kilsyth]] in 1645.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> The family estates were forfeited for their support of the royalists but were later restored by [[Charles II of England]] in 1660.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>


=== 18th century and Jacobite risings ===
=== 18th century and Jacobite risings ===


Chief [[John Erskine, 22nd Earl of Mar]] supported the [[House of Stuart]] and the Jacobite cause during the uprisings.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> His son John 23rd Earl and Duke of Mar had his honours forfeited for supporting the Jacobite cause.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> These honours were restored in 1824 by Act of parliament.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>
Chief [[John Erskine, Earl of Mar (1675–1732)|John Erskine]] (known as "Bobbing John") supported the [[House of Stuart]] and the Jacobite cause during the uprisings.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> He had his honours forfeited for supporting the Jacobite cause.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> These honours were restored in 1824 by Act of parliament.<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/>


== Clan Chief ==
== Clan Chief ==


The current chief of Clan Mar is [[Margaret of Mar, 31st Countess of Mar]] who descends from the [[Earl of Mar#Earls of Mar, first creation (1404) (as deemed by Act of Parliament in 1885)|Earls of Mar, first creation (1404) (as deemed by Act of Parliament in 1885)]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> She is chief of the name and arms of Mar.<ref>[http://www.clanchiefs.org/p/chiefs.html Search for Chief of Clan Mar] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726201953/http://www.clanchiefs.org/p/chiefs.html |date=26 July 2011 }} clanchiefs.org. Retrieved 03 August, 2013.</ref>
The current chief of Clan Mar is [[Margaret of Mar, 31st Countess of Mar|Margaret, Countess of Mar]] who descends from the [[Earl of Mar#Earls of Mar, first creation (1404) (as decided by Act of Parliament in 1885)|Earls of Mar, first creation (1404) (as deemed by Act of Parliament in 1885)]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> She is chief of the name and arms of Mar.<ref>[http://www.clanchiefs.org/p/chiefs.html Search for Chief of Clan Mar] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726201953/http://www.clanchiefs.org/p/chiefs.html |date=26 July 2011 }} clanchiefs.org. Retrieved 3 August 2013.</ref>


The [[Clan Erskine]] has a separate chief; [[James Erskine, 14th Earl of Mar]] who descends from the [[Earl of Mar#Earls of Mar, seventh Creation (1565) (as deemed by the House of Lords in 1875)|Earls of Mar, seventh Creation (1565) (as deemed by the House of Lords in 1875)]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> He is chief of the name and arms of Erskine.<ref>[http://www.clanchiefs.org/p/chiefs.html Search for Chief of Clan Erskine] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726201953/http://www.clanchiefs.org/p/chiefs.html |date=26 July 2011 }} clanchiefs.org. Retrieved 03 August, 2013.</ref>
The [[Clan Erskine]] has a separate chief; [[James Erskine, Earl of Mar and Kellie]], who descends from the [[Earl of Mar#Earls of Mar, seventh creation (1565) (as decided by the House of Lords in 1875)|Earls of Mar, seventh Creation (1565) (as deemed by the House of Lords in 1875)]].<ref name="Clan.Encyclopedia.Mar"/> He is chief of the name and arms of Erskine.<ref>[http://www.clanchiefs.org/p/chiefs.html Search for Chief of Clan Erskine] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726201953/http://www.clanchiefs.org/p/chiefs.html |date=26 July 2011 }} clanchiefs.org. Retrieved 3 August 2013.</ref>


== Clan Castle ==
== Clan Castle ==


*[[Kildrummy Castle]] in [[Kildrummy]], [[Aberdeenshire]] was the main strong-hold of the earldom of Mar.<ref>Coventry, Martin. (2008). ''Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans''. pp. 555. {{ISBN|978-1-899874-36-1}}.</ref> It is believed to have been built during the lordships of [[Uilleam, Earl of Mar|William, 5th Earl of Mar]] and [[Domhnall I, Earl of Mar|Donald I, 6th Earl of Mar]].<ref name="Tribe of Mar"/>
*[[Kildrummy Castle]] in [[Kildrummy]], [[Aberdeenshire]] was the main strong-hold of the earldom of Mar.<ref>{{cite book |last=Coventry |first=Martin |year=2008 |title=Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans |location=[[Musselburgh]] |publisher=Goblinshead |page=555 |isbn=978-1-899874-36-1}}</ref> It is believed to have been built during the lordships of [[Uilleam, Earl of Mar|Uilleam (William)]] and [[Domhnall I, Earl of Mar|Domhnall (Donald) I]].<ref name="Tribe of Mar"/>


== See also ==
== See also ==
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* [http://tribeofmar.com/ Tribe of Mar Official Website]
* [http://tribeofmar.com/ Tribe of Mar Official Website]
* [http://tribeofmarcanada.com/ Tribe of Mar Society of Canada]
* [http://tribeofmarcanada.com/ Tribe of Mar Society of Canada]
* [http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/families/mar.htm ElectricScotland.com, ''The Great Historic Families of Scotland - The Ancient Earldom of Mar''] by [[James Taylor (minister)|James Taylor]]
* [http://www.electricscotland.com/webclans/families/mar.htm ElectricScotland.com, ''The Great Historic Families of Scotland - The Ancient Earldom of Mar''] by [[James Taylor (Presbyterian minister)|James Taylor]]
* [http://www.scotclans.com/scottish-clans/clan-Mar/ Clan Mar at ScotClans.com]
* [http://www.scotclans.com/scottish-clans/clan-Mar/ Clan Mar at ScotClans.com]


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[[Category:Scottish clans|Mar]]
[[Category:Scottish clans|Mar]]
[[Category:Scottish Lowlands]]

Latest revision as of 18:12, 17 March 2024

Clan Mar
Marr
Crest: On a chapeau Gules furred Ermine, two wings, each of ten pen feathers, erected and addorsed, both blazoned as in the Arms.
MottoPans Plus (Think More)[1]
Profile
RegionLowlands
DistrictAberdeenshire
Chief
Margaret of Mar
The 31st Countess of Mar
SeatGreat Witley, Worcestershire
Historic seatKildrummy Castle
Septs of Clan Mar
Marr, Marrs, Mair, Mairs, Mayers, Morren, Strachan, Tough, Mahr.
Allied clans

Clan Mar is a Scottish clan of the Scottish Lowlands.[2] It is also officially known as the Tribe of Mar.[3] The chiefs of the Clan Mar were the original Earls of Mar, although this title later went via an heiress to the Douglases in the late fourteenth century, and then to the Stewarts before going to the Erskines. The current chief of Clan Mar is Margaret of Mar, Countess.

History

[edit]
Mar tartan

Origins of the Clan

[edit]

One of the seven ancient provinces or kingdoms of Scotland that was ruled by a Mormaer, which was an ancient Pictish equivalent of an Earl, was the Mormaerdom of Mar.[2] The territory of the Earldom of Mar was in Aberdeenshire, between the River Dee and the River Don.[2]

Donald, Mormaer of Mar fought alongside the High King of Ireland, Brian Boru, against the Viking invaders at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014.[2] In a charter of 1114, erecting Scone Abbey, Rothri, Mormaer of Mar is named and is given the Latin title Comes which equates to the modern rank of Earl.[2]

Sometime before 1152 Morggán (or Morgund) witnessed a charter to Dunfermline Abbey.[2] Uilleam (William) was one of the Regents of Scotland and in 1264 he was the Great Chamberlain of the Realm.[2] William's son was Domhnall (Donald) I who was knighted at Scone in September 1270 by Alexander III of Scotland.[2] Donald witnessed the contract of marriage between Eric II of Norway and Margaret of Scotland.[2] Donald also acknowledged Eric's daughter, Margaret, Maid of Norway as the lawful heir to the throne.[2] However, Margaret died in Orkney en route to claim her kingdom.[2]

Wars of Scottish Independence

[edit]
The ruins of Kildrummy Castle which was the seat of early chiefs of Clan Mar. It is believed to have been built during the lordships of Uilleam (William) and Domhnall (Donald) I.[3]

The Earls of Mar supported Robert the Bruce's claim to the throne.[2] Donald's eldest daughter was Isabella of Mar who was the first wife of Robert the Bruce.[2] Isabella's brother was Gartnait (Gratney) who married Bruce's sister, Christina Bruce.[2] Gratney was succeeded by his son, Domhnall (Donald) II.[2] This Donald was captured at the Battle of Methven in 1306.[2] He was then taken as a hostage to England and was not released until after the Scottish victory at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314, when several other hostages including the wife, sister and daughter of Robert the Bruce were exchanged for the Earl of Hereford.[2] Mar was chosen as Regent of Scotland in 1332 but he only held the title for ten days.[2] On the eve of his election to the post, Edward Balliol marched with his English troops to Perth while Mar gathered his troops to confront the invaders.[2] In the dead of night the English fell upon the Scots army while they were asleep and totally routed them.[2] The Earl of Mar was among those who were killed.[2]

Donald's son, the next earl, Thomas, died without issue and the title passed to Margaret, Countess of Mar who was his sister.[2] From Margaret the title passed to her daughter, Isabel Douglas, Countess of Mar.[2] Isabella's second husband was Alexander Stewart, Earl of Mar, son of Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, the feared Wolf of Badenoch.[2]

15th to 16th Centuries

[edit]

Isabel Douglas, Countess of Mar died without issue and the claim to the Earldom of Mar passed to Robert Erskine, 1st Lord Erskine who was descended from Elyne, daughter of Gartnait (Gratney).[2] Robert Erskine was recognized retrospectively as an Earl of Mar by an 1885 Act of Parliament.[2]

17th century and Civil War

[edit]

In 1615 Chief John Erskine was appointed governor of Edinburgh Castle.[2] He supported Charles I of England.[2] Lord Erskine fought for the royalists at the Battle of Kilsyth in 1645.[2] The family estates were forfeited for their support of the royalists but were later restored by Charles II of England in 1660.[2]

18th century and Jacobite risings

[edit]

Chief John Erskine (known as "Bobbing John") supported the House of Stuart and the Jacobite cause during the uprisings.[2] He had his honours forfeited for supporting the Jacobite cause.[2] These honours were restored in 1824 by Act of parliament.[2]

Clan Chief

[edit]

The current chief of Clan Mar is Margaret, Countess of Mar who descends from the Earls of Mar, first creation (1404) (as deemed by Act of Parliament in 1885).[2] She is chief of the name and arms of Mar.[4]

The Clan Erskine has a separate chief; James Erskine, Earl of Mar and Kellie, who descends from the Earls of Mar, seventh Creation (1565) (as deemed by the House of Lords in 1875).[2] He is chief of the name and arms of Erskine.[5]

Clan Castle

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Clan Mar Profile scotclans.com. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai Way, George and Squire, Romily. (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. (Foreword by The Rt Hon. The Earl of Elgin KT, Convenor, The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 266 - 267.
  3. ^ a b c Tribe of Mar Official Website Retrieved 21 November 2016.
  4. ^ Search for Chief of Clan Mar Archived 26 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine clanchiefs.org. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  5. ^ Search for Chief of Clan Erskine Archived 26 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine clanchiefs.org. Retrieved 3 August 2013.
  6. ^ Coventry, Martin (2008). Castles of the Clans: The Strongholds and Seats of 750 Scottish Families and Clans. Musselburgh: Goblinshead. p. 555. ISBN 978-1-899874-36-1.
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Clan_Mar&oldid=1214230508"