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Hope Clan Crest

Clan Hope Crest
Clan Hope Crest
CREST: A broken terrestrial globe surmounted by a rainbow issuing out of a cloud at each end all Proper
MOTTO: At spcs infracta
TRANSLATION: But hope is unbroken
VARIATIONS: N/A
The Scottish Clan Hope traces its origins back to ancient times, with its roots deeply embedded in Scottish history and culture. The name “Hope” is believed to have derived from the Borders family of Hop or Hoip, with early mentions of John de Hop of Peeblesshire and Adam le Hoip appearing on the Ragman Roll in 1296. These records indicate their submission to Edward I of England during a tumultuous period in Scottish history.

Another suggested origin of the name comes from the family de H’oublons of Picardy in France, where “oublon” translates to “hop” in English. Over time, this French term evolved into the Scottish name “Hope.” The migration of John de Hope from France to Scotland in 1537, as part of Magdalen’s retinue, the first wife of James V, marked an important chapter in the clan’s history.

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John de Hope settled in Edinburgh, where he married and thrived. His son, Edward, played a significant role in the religious and political landscape of Scotland. As one of the commissioners for Edinburgh, Edward participated in the first General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1560, a momentous event that shaped the country’s religious direction.

The Hope family’s influence continued to grow through subsequent generations. Sir Thomas Hope, the grandson of Edward, achieved great renown as one of the most prominent lawyers of his time. His legal work, known as “Hopes Practicks,” remains relevant even today, cited by Scottish lawyers in their profession.

In recognition of his exceptional legal acumen, Sir Thomas Hope was appointed Lord Advocate by Charles I. His accomplishments extended beyond the legal realm, as he acquired the estate of Craighall in the parish of Ceres in Fife, establishing it as the principal designation of the Hope family.

The legacy of Sir Thomas Hope and his descendants is deeply intertwined with the political and social landscape of Scotland. His son, who succeeded to the Baronetcy, adopted the judicial title of “Lord Craighall.” This branch of the Hope family saw two of its members elevated to the Supreme Court Bench, solidifying their prominence in the legal sphere.

The Hope family’s impact extended to other domains as well. Sir Thomas Hope, the eighth Baronet of Craighall, was an esteemed agricultural improver. He left his mark on the land, overseeing the development of the parkland known as The Meadows, which borders Hope Park in Edinburgh.

In the 18th century, another branch of the family emerged, originating from Sir James Hoe, the younger son of the renowned Lord Advocate. Sir James acquired lands in West Lothian and adopted the territorial style of Hopetoun. His son, John Hope of Hopetoun, met a heroic end, perishing in the wreck of the frigate Gloucester while saving the life of the Duke of York, who would later become James VII.

This act of bravery propelled John’s son, Charles, into a remarkable trajectory. As soon as he reached adulthood, Charles was elected to Parliament for Linlithgow and swiftly appointed to the Privy Council. On April 52, 1703, he was elevated to the peerage as the Earl of Hopetoun, Viscount Aithrie, and Lord Hope.

The Earl of Hopetoun’s grand vision materialized in the form of Hopetoun House, a grand mansion planned during his infancy. Designed by the renowned architect William Adam, the estate stands as a testament to architectural brilliance and is considered one of Adam’s masterpieces.

Citations:

  • – Descriptive catalogue of the clan tartans and family tartans of Scotland with a brief note on their antiquity: also roll of the landlords and Baillies of lands in the Highlands and isles, A.D. 1587: roll of the clans; badges of the clans,
  • – John Catto and Company, King Street, Toronto, CanadaScottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia”, by Collins, HarperCollins Publishers 1994
Clan Hope Scottish History Poster