Cunningham Clan Crest
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CREST: A unicorn’s head couped, Argent, armed, Or MOTTO: Over Fork Over TRANSLATION: N/A VARIATIONS: N/A TARTAN: Red ground, Black checks, Black, White, and Red lines. |
| The clan’s origins are placed in the 12th century, with the progenitor of the Cunningham family, Warnebald, receiving a grant for the land of the Manor Cunningham between 1135 and 1140. The clan’s traditional lands were located in Cunninghame, in the northern part of Ayrshire. During the Wars of Scottish Independence, the Cunninghams supported Robert the Bruce in their fight for Scottish independence. However, prior to this, their name appeared in the Ragman Rolls, swearing fealty to Edward I of England in 1296. Bruce was generous to his supporters, and after his victory, the lands of Lamburgton were added to that of Kilmaurs in 1319 by royal charter. | |
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| In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Clan Cunningham feuded with the Clan Montgomery over the Baillieship of Cunninghame. This feud lasted for over a century and included burning down castles and killing family members. The feud finally ended when the chiefs of the two clans shook hands.
Throughout history, the Clan Cunningham has held several castles, castle houses, and great estates, including Finlaystone Castle, Kilmaurs Place, Glencairn Castle, Caprington Castle, Aiket Castle, Robertland Castle, Kerelaw Castle, and Corsehill Castle. The clan has had many notable members throughout history, including Sir William Cunningham of Kilmaurs, who was amongst the Scottish noblemen offered as a hostage to David II of Scotland’s English captors in 1354. The fifth Cunningham Earl of Glencairn was a Protestant reformer and a patron of John Knox. Alexander Cunningham was a historical writer who was the British envoy to Venice from 1715 to 1720. William Cunningham of Robertland was a friend of the poet Robert Burns. Allan Cunningham was a poet and writer who some believe was only eclipsed by Burns himself. In modern times, the chief of the Clan Cunningham is Cunningham of Corsehill, after Sir John Christopher Foggo Montgomery Cunninghame, Baronet of Corsehill, was recognized by Lord Lyon as Clan Chief in 2013, following a vacancy of over 200 years. The history of the Scottish Clan Cunningham is a rich and complex one, filled with stories of bravery, loyalty, and power struggles. Today, the clan continues to celebrate its traditions and heritage, keeping alive the memory of its illustrious past. |
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