Clan Gordon/House of Gordon

Clan Gordon, or as it is sometimes referred to, the House of Gordon is a important highland clan that can trace its roots back to wealthy emigrants from Normandy, who arrived after the Norman conquest in 1066.  The earliest mention of Gordon on record was Richard the Baron of Gordon who in 1150 granted land to the Monks of St. Mary at Kelso.

The motto of clan Gordon is Bydand, which means steadfast, and, the clans crest features from a crest coronet, a stags head.

The historic seat of clan Gordon is Huntly Castle located in Aberdeenshire.  The castle was granted to Sir Adam Gordon in the 14th century.  The castle ruins were owned by the Gordon family until 1923 and it is now owned and maintained by Historic Scotland.

In the 12th century the Gordon Clan was granted the lands of Strathbogie, in Aberdeenshire,  after they were confiscated by Robert the Bruce from the Earl of Atholl.  The lands were a gift from Robert for the Gordon’s support of his cause.

In the 16th and 17th centuries the Gordons were considered to be one of, if not, the most powerful clan in the North of Scotland.  During that time the clan chief was often referred to as the “Cock o’ the North”.

The House of Gordon Society was formed in 1961 and has branches in five countries.  The society is very active hosting numerous tents at highland games around the world. The Clans current seat is at Aboyne Castle and the chief of clan Gordon has hosted their highland games since 1867, on the first Saturday of August.  This also acts as a gathering for the clan.

Read More:
The Gordon Highlanders