Craig Clan Crest
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CREST: A chevalier on horseback in full charge grasping a broken lance in bend Proper MOTTO: Vive Deo et vives TRANSLATION: Live for God and you shall have life VARIATIONS: N/A |
| Clan Craig is a Scottish clan that traces its origin to the rugged, rocky cliffs that are found throughout Scotland. The name itself is derived from the Scottish word for a steep or rocky cliff, and it is often found as a prefix to place names throughout the country. However, it is impossible to identify any particular point of origin for the clan. | |
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| In the fifteenth century, there were three families of that name styling themselves “of that Ilk,” which means “of the same place.” However, the Craigs of Riccarton were to become the most notable family of this name. Sir Thomas Craig of Riccarton was a great institutional writer on feudal law in Scotland. Born around 1538, he studied at the University of St Andrews before proceeding to Paris where he studied both civil and canon law. His great work, Jus Feudale, is still referred to by Scottish lawyers today.
The name of Craig continued to be associated with the law, and William Craig was raised to the Supreme Court Bench with the title, “Lord Craig.” He retired from the Bench in 1812. The estate of Riccarton passed, through marriage to a daughter of Sir Thomas Craig, to the family of Gibson, who assumed the additional surname of Craig. Sir James Gibson-Craig was an eminent Edinburgh politician who was created a baronet for political services. He was a great supporter of the work of Sir Walter Scott. Sir James Craig, his family, and followers left Scotland for Ireland in 1610 as part of the plantation of Ulster. His descendant, James Craig of County Down, was the son of a self-made whiskey millionaire and was a main organizer of the Ulster Volunteer Force in the struggle against Home Rule in Ireland in the 1920s. He became the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland in 1921 and was elevated to the peerage, taking the title “Viscount Craigavon.” The new town of Craigavon in County Armagh was named after him. He died in 1940. Today, Clan Craig is a small but proud Scottish clan with a rich and storied history. Despite its small size, the clan has made significant contributions to the fields of law, politics, and culture. Sir Thomas Craig’s work on feudal law in Scotland remains an important part of Scottish legal history, while Sir James Gibson-Craig’s political career helped shape the course of Scottish politics in the 19th century. And of course, the legacy of James Craig, the first Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, continues to be felt to this day. The history of Clan Craig is a testament to the enduring power and influence of Scottish culture and tradition. Though the clan may be small, its impact has been felt across Scotland and beyond, and its legacy will continue to inspire future generations for years to come. |
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