Agnew Clan Crest
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CREST: An eagle issuant and reguardant Proper MOTTO: Consilio non impetu TRANSLATION: By wisdom not by force VARIATIONS: |
| Clan Agnew is a distinguished family that has flourished in Wigtonshire and Galloway since the 14th century. With a rich history, this clan has deep roots in Scotland and has made a lasting impact on the country’s society, culture, and politics. | |
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| The origin of the clan’s name is disputed, with some asserting it to be Norman in origin from the Barony d’Agneaux, while others suggest a Celtic origin through the native Ulster sept of O’Gnimh. Regardless of its origin, the Agnew family has a strong connection to other prominent clans in Scotland, such as Macdonald and Macdougall, through the twelfth-century King of the Isles, Somerled.
The fortunes of the Agnew family in Scotland were established when Andrew Agnew of Lochnaw was granted the lands and constableship of Lochnaw Castle in 1426. He was appointed hereditary Sheriff of Wigtown in 1451, an office that is still held by his descendants to this day. Throughout the centuries, the Agnews continued to prosper, making many alliances through intermarriage with other prominent local families. One of the most notable members of the clan was Sir Andrew Agnew, the fifth Baronet, who was a distinguished soldier who commanded the 21st Foot (later known as the Scots Fusiliers) at the Battle of Dettingen in June 1743. He was also responsible for holding Blair Castle against the forces of the “Young Pretender,” Prince Charles Edward Stewart, in 1745. Sir Andrew was known for his wit, and it is said that when the King asked him how his regiment had let French cavalry in among them, Sir Andrew replied, “Yes, please your Majesty, but they didna win back again.” In the late 18th century, Andrew Agnew, son of the sixth Baronet, renewed the family’s links with Ireland when he married Martha de Courcy, daughter of the 26th Lord Kingsale. Many Agnews were early emigrants to the new colonies in the Americas, particularly Pennsylvania. Today, the world-wide family of Agnew has strong links with their Scottish homeland, largely through the efforts of the present chief, Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw, eleventh Baronet. Sir Crispin is a distinguished advocate and one of Scotland’s leading heraldic experts, and a thriving clan society exists, further uniting Agnews throughout the world. |
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