Balfour Clan Crest
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CREST: A dexter arm in armor erect the hand holding a baton in bend Gules tipped Argent MOTTO: Forward TRANSLATION: N/A VARIATIONS: N/A Tartan Information: Click Here |
| Clan Balfour is a proud and historic Scottish clan with a rich heritage and tradition. The clan originated in the lands of Balfour in the parish of Markinch in Fife, and takes its name from the Orr River, a tributary of the River Leven. The earliest reliable record of the name Balfour dates back to a charter of William the Lion in favor of Michael de Balfour around 1196. | |
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| Throughout the centuries, members of Clan Balfour have made significant contributions to Scottish history, including Sir Duncan de Balfour, who fought for the cause of Sir William Wallace at the Battle of Blackironside in 1298. Sir John Balfour died in 1675 and his estates passed to his daughter Margaret, wife of Sir Robert de Bethune, who went on to play a prominent role in Scottish history through their descendants, such as Cardinal Bethune and Mary Beaton, one of the ‘four Maries’ who served as ladies-in-waiting for Mary, Queen of Scots.
Another branch of the Balfour family, the Balfours of Denmylne, Forret, Torry, and Kinloch, descended from Adam Balfour, brother of Sir John Balfour, and prospered through family connections with the powerful Madcuff Earls of Fife. Sir James Balfour of Denmylne was created Lord Lyon, King of Arms, in 1630, and was a renowned heraldic scholar and antiquary, who wrote important treatises on heraldry and chronicled the Scottish monarchy. Sir Andrew Balfour, Baronet of the house of Denmylne, was a distinguished botanist, physician, and the first president of the Royal College of Physicians in Scotland. He founded the Botanic Garden of Edinburgh, which now flourishes as the Royal Scottish Botanical Garden. Sir James Balfour of Forret was knighted in 1674 and became a judge of the High Court of Justiciary. The Balfours of Burleigh were raised to the peerage with the title of ‘Lord Balfour of Burleigh’ in 1606, but their fortunes took a downturn at the start of the 18th century when the fifth Lord Balfour formed a strong attachment to a girl of ‘unsuitable’ family. He was eventually declared a traitor and his title and estates were forfeited by an Act of Attainder in 1715, but the attainder was reversed in 1869 in favor of Mary, the heir of Lord Balfour’s sister. Alexander, the sixth Lord Balfour of Burleigh, was a Knight of the Thistle and Secretary of State for Scotland from 1895 to 1903. Arthur Balfour, of Balbirnie, served as Prime Minister from 1902 to 1905 and was created Earl of Balfour in 1922. In 1843, William Balfour of Trenabie in Orkney proved his descent from the principal family and was granted supporters as the head of the house. The Balfour arms were rematriculated in 1936. Clan Balfour continues to thrive today, with descendants of the Balfour family around the world, proud of their heritage and upholding the traditions of their forebears. Whether it be through military service, academic pursuits, or public service, the legacy of Clan Balfour remains strong and will continue to be a source of pride for generations to come. |
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