Cockburn Clan Crest
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CREST: A cock crowing Proper MOTTO: Accendit cantu TRANSLATION: He rouses us with song VARIATIONS: N/A |
| The Scottish Clan Cockburn is an ancient and illustrious family that has been traced back to the 13th century. While there is uncertainty about the origin of the family name, it is widely believed to be a corruption of the Old English name “Colbrand.” Over the centuries, the Cockburn family has produced notable figures in Scottish history, including judges, authors, and even a naval commander who conveyed Napoleon Bonaparte to his final exile on the island of St. Helena. | |
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| The Cockburn family’s heraldry consists of three cockerels on a red background, which is believed to symbolize their vigilance and readiness to fight. It is said that the family’s motto, “Accendit cantu” or “He arouses us with his song,” refers to the crowing of a cockerel in the morning, which symbolizes the beginning of a new day and the family’s readiness to face any challenges that may come their way.
The Cockburn family’s earliest recorded ancestor is Peres de Cockburne, who rendered homage in the Ragman Roll of 1296. The family’s fortunes were greatly enhanced when Sir Alexander de Cockburn married the daughter of Sir William de Vipont, owner of the lands of Langton in Berwickshire. The lands passed into the Cockburn family, and Sir Alexander was succeeded by a son of the same name who was created hereditary usher in 1373. The office of hereditary usher was thereafter held as an adjunct to the barony of Langton by a charter of James IV in 1504. This honor would cause one of the family members some inconvenience when the office of great usher was usurped by John, Earl of Wigtown. The incident prompted a committee of Parliament to consider the complaint and report, but Langton was not prepared to wait for such long-winded deliberations. When the king entered the Parliament chamber, Langton stepped forward, baton in hand, to protest his rights against those of the Earl of Wigtown. The king was offended at such disruption and immediately had the protesting great usher committed to Edinburgh Castle as a prisoner. He was released later that day on the petition of Parliament. The original chiefly line sold the barony and estate of Langton to a cousin who was created a baronet in his own right in May 1671. The Cockburn family produced many distinguished figures over the centuries, including Lord Cockburn (1779-1854), a distinguished judge and author, and Sir George Cockburn, who served as a naval commander and conveyed Napoleon Bonaparte to his final exile on the island of St. Helena. Today, the Cockburn family is still represented by the Baronets of Langton, who are listed on the Roll of Baronets. They continue to be an important part of Scottish history and culture, and their story serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of Scottish families over the centuries. |
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