Colville Clan Crest
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CREST: A hind’s head couped at the neck Argent MOTTO: Oublier ne puis TRANSLATION: I cannot forget VARIATIONS: N/A |
| The Scottish Clan Colville has a long and storied history that dates back to medieval times. The name Colville is of Norman origin, derived from the town of Colvile in Normandy. The family first arrived in Scotland when Philip de Colville appeared as a witness to a charter by Malcolm IV to the Monastery of Dunfermline prior to 1159.
Over the years, the Colvilles rose to prominence and were granted various baronies and lands in Roxburghshire, Ayrshire, and Stirlingshire. They also played important roles in Scottish history, serving as hostages, witnesses to charters, and even as soldiers in battles. |
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| One of the most prominent members of the Colville family was Thomas de Colville, son of Philip. He was unjustly suspected of imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle but regained royal favor and died on his own estates in 1219. His son, William de Colville, acquired the barony of Kinnaird in Stirlingshire, which remains the seat of the family to this day.
E’stace, the heiress of Sir William Colville of Oxnam, was married to Sir Reginald Cheye of Inverugie, an elderly knight who died around 1291, leaving his widow considerable wealth. Nisbet in his System of Heraldry attributes the foundation of the fortunes of the Colvilles to her considerable abilities. Robert Colville confirmed a grant by E’stace de Colville to the Abbey of Melrose of the church at Ochiltree in 1324, describing himself as ‘Baro baronial de Ochiltree’ – Baron of the barony of Ochiltree. Throughout the centuries, the Colville family continued to hold various titles and play important roles in Scottish history. In 1604, Sir James Colville of Easter Wemyss was raised to the peerage with the title of ‘Lord Colville of Culross’, a title still held by the chiefs of the family. The family continued to have a strong military presence, with several members serving in important battles and rising through the ranks. One notable member of the Colville family was Sir Charles Colville, who served with distinction in the Peninsular War and at the Battle of Waterloo. He was created a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the Bath. His son, Charles, succeeded to the peerage and was Chief Equerry to Queen Victoria and Lord Chamberlain to Queen Alexandra. He was created Viscount Colville of Culross in the peerage of the United Kingdom in 1902. Today, the Clan Colville continues to hold a prominent place in Scottish society and history. The current Viscount Colville of Culross is the thirteenth Lord Colville of Culross and succeeded to the title in 1945. The family’s historic seat, Kinnaird Castle, remains an important landmark in Stirlingshire and a testament to the family’s enduring legacy. The history of the Clan Colville is a testament to the enduring legacy of one of Scotland’s oldest and most prominent families. From medieval times to the present day, the Colvilles have played important roles in Scottish history, serving as soldiers, witnesses to charters, and even as peers in the House of Lords. Their contributions to Scottish society are an important part of the country’s heritage and will continue to be celebrated for generations to come. |
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