Hunter Clan Crest
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CREST: A greyhound sejant Proper, gorged with an antique crown Or MOTTO: Cursum perficio TRANSLATION: I accomplish the hunt VARIATIONS: N/A |
| Scotland is known for its vibrant history and proud clans that have left an indelible mark on the country’s heritage. Among these illustrious clans is Clan Hunter, whose roots can be traced back to ancient times. From their early beginnings in Normandy to their arrival in Scotland and their enduring legacy, the Hunters have woven a remarkable tapestry throughout the centuries.
The Hunter clan claims a lineage that stretches back to the Viking era, where an ancestor is said to have been present during the sack of Paris in 896. They later served as huntsmen to the Dukes of Normandy, and their ties to the Conqueror’s queen, Matilda, led them to England. Interestingly, their names are not included in the list of the Conqueror’s companions. Moreover, the Hunter’s wife was lady-in-waiting to Queen Matilda, possibly involved in the creation of the famous Bayeux Tapestry. |
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| In the early 12th century, the Hunters made their way to Scotland, likely invited by David I, who had been raised in the Norman court in England. They were granted lands that eventually became known as Hunter’s Toune. By the 15th century, the Hunters had become hereditary keepers of the royal forests of Arran and the Little Cumbrae. This office was held by the family from an early date, and they claimed a long descent from similar offices held in England and Normandy.
The service rendered by the Hunters evolved over time, with military duties taking precedence in the 16th century. John, the 14th Laird, died alongside his king at the Battle of Flodden. His son, Robert, was exempted from military service due to illness, but his son, Mungo, met his fate at the Battle of Pinkie in 1547. In the following generations, the Hunters became peaceful Lairds, focused on managing their estates and caring for their tenants. Cadet branches of the family pursued careers as soldiers or in various professions, expanding the family’s influence. One notable figure in Clan Hunter’s history is Robert Hunter, a younger son of the 22nd Laird, who revitalized the family’s fortunes in the early 18th century. With vigor and accomplishment, he managed the estate and resolved the financial challenges the family faced. He was known for his consideration toward his tenants, recognizing their longstanding occupancy rights. Upon his death, his daughter Eleanora inherited the estate, marrying her cousin, Robert Caldwell, who assumed the name Hunter. Together, they embarked on extensive improvements, including the construction of the magnificent Hunterston House in the late 18th century. Lieutenant General Sir Aylmer Hunter-Weston, the grandson of Eleanora and Robert Caldwell, brought further honor to the clan. He served in various conflicts, including the Gallipoli campaign and commanding the 8th Army on the Western Front during World War I. His distinguished military career and political service as an MP for North Ayrshire and Bute spanned 27 years. Following the passing of Sir Aylmer Hunter-Weston and his widow, the estate passed to the descendants of Eleanora’s younger sister. Eleanora’s granddaughter, Neil, became the recognized 29th Laird and chief of Clan Hunter. Upon Neil’s death, his eldest child, Pauline, succeeded him as the chief, officially recognized by the Lord Lyon. |
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