Clan Forrester

Clan Forrester is a Lowland Scottish clan.

History

Origins of the Clan

It is believed that the Clan Forrester is of Celtic origin. The founder of the clan is believed to be a man called Marnin Forrester who held lands in Dunipace, Stirlingshire in about 1200.

Sir Adam Forrester is the first confirmed Forrester from contemporary evidence and is also regarded as the first confirmed founder of the Clan Forrester. He was an ambassador, merchant, Provost of Edinburgh, Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland and Deputy Chamberlain of Scotland. In 1376 he aquired the estate of Corstorphine in Midlothian where Corstorphine Castle once stood.

15th Century & Clan Conflicts

Sir Adam's son, Sir John Forrester also became Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland , Chamberlain of Scotland and Keeper of the Household to King James I of Scotland Together they fought in support of the King in 1402.

16th Century & Anglo-Scottish Wars

In the 16th century during the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan Forrester led by the leader of a cadet branch Sir John Forrester of Niddry fought at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513 where he was slain.

The Clan also fought at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547 where the seventh chief. Sir James Forrester was there slain.

17th Century & Civil War

The tenth chief Sir George Forrester was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia and raised to Lord Forrester of Corstophine in 1633. On his death the title became dormant and still awits to be claimed.

James and William Baille, the sons in law of the first Lord Forrester assumed the name and arms of Forrester and inherited the title under a regrant of the peerage of Scotland.

During the Civil War the Clan Forrester supported the Royalist cause. As a result James, chief of Clan Forrester was fined heavily by Oliver Cromwell and the estates became burdened with debts. James was murderdby his mistress, Mrs Christian Nimmo, when his brother who was mad, inherrited the title.