Elphinstone Clan Crest
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CREST: A lady, from the waist upwards, richly habited in red, her arms extended, the right hand supporting a tower and the left holding a branch of laurel, all Proper MOTTO: Cause cauit TRANSLATION: Caue caused it VARIATIONS: N/A |
| The Scottish Clan Elphinstone is a historic clan that traces its roots back to the lands of Airth in Stirlingshire. The family name is believed to have originated from the Gaelic “Ailpein’s tun,” which means the farmstead of Alpin, or from Flemish knights called Helpenstein. The clan’s history is rich and varied, with members who played important roles in politics, law, education, and the military. | |
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| The first recorded mention of the Elphinstone name appears in a deed from 1235, where a John de Elfinstun is mentioned as acquiring lands in East Lothian. However, the family’s most famous member is William Elphinstone, who was born in 1431 and became Bishop of Aberdeen in 1484. He played a key role in founding King’s College in Aberdeen and left a significant sum of money to build a bridge across the River Dee. William was also a prolific writer on Canon Law and other topics.
Another notable member of the clan was George Keith Elphinstone, who rose to the rank of Admiral in the British Navy. He served with distinction in the American station and led the fleet that captured the Cape of Good Hope from the Dutch. He was later made a baron, and then a viscount. The Elphinstone family also had members who were involved in politics, including the fourth Lord Elphinstone who became a judge of the Supreme Court of Scotland and later Lord High Treasurer. The family had a branch that were made peers with the title Lord Balmerino, and were staunch Jacobites. The 6th Earl was taken prisoner after Culloden and was beheaded, displaying great courage. The clan’s tartan features a red base with black, yellow, and green stripes. The crest is a silver elephant’s head, and the motto is “Fide et fortitudine,” which means “By faith and fortitude.” Today, the Elphinstone clan continues to thrive, with members spread out across the globe. The current chief of the clan is Alexander Lord Elphinstone, who inherited the title in 1985. The clan has a strong sense of identity and continues to celebrate its rich history and heritage through various events and gatherings. The Scottish Clan Elphinstone is a historic clan with a rich and varied history. From William Elphinstone’s contributions to education to George Keith Elphinstone’s military achievements, the clan has produced many notable members who have left a lasting impact on Scottish history. Today, the clan continues to thrive and celebrate its heritage. |
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