Clan Pringle Crest
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CREST: An escallop Or MOTTO: Amictia reddit honores TRANSLATION: Friendship gives honor VARIATIONS: N/A |
| The Pringle clan’s story begins with an emblem that tells a tale of pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Their coat of arms proudly bears three scallop shells, a symbol traditionally associated with those who embarked on sacred journeys to the Holy Land. This has led to the theory that the name “Pringle” may have evolved from “pelerin” or “pilgrim,” suggesting a connection to individuals who made the arduous pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Among these early Pringles, there might have been crusading knights seeking to fulfill a sacred duty.
The first recorded mention of the Pringle name appears in the form of “Hoppryngil” in a charter during the reign of Alexander III around 1270. Over time, the family became known as Hop Pringle. Some suggest that “Hop” could be derived from the Welsh “Ap,” which, like the Gaelic “Mac,” means “son of.” This could imply that the Pringles of Teviotdale were descendants of the son of a pilgrim to the Holy Land, further deepening their connection to the emblematic scallop shells. |
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| The Pringles of Teviotdale held substantial lands around Galashiels, establishing themselves as significant landholders. The Pringles of Whitsome were staunch supporters of Robert the Bruce, but their loyalty came at a price. They faced the forfeiture of their lands under John Balliol but were later reinstated following the Battle of Bannockburn in 1315. The Lairds of Whitsome also formed strong alliances with the influential House of Douglas.
One of the enduring legacies of Clan Pringle is the Tower of Smailholm. Perched resolutely on rocky hills at Sandyknowe, this tower stands as a testament to the family’s historical presence. The tower was so well-known that even the renowned novelist Sir Walter Scott, whose grandfather owned the farm at Sandyknowe, was familiar with it. Clan Pringle’s history is not devoid of valor and service. Members of the family, including David Pringle and his four sons, met their fate on the battlefield of Flodden in 1513. Meanwhile, Sir James Pringle of Smailholm held the prestigious position of sheriff principal of Etrick Forrest in 1622, although his extravagance led to the sale of significant portions of his estates. The Pringles of Whytbank played a role in politics, with Alexandra Pringle serving as an MP for Selkirkshire and a member of Sir Robert Peel’s government from 1841 to 1845. In more recent history, Alexander Pringle, the thirteenth Laird of Whytbank, served in India during World War II. Beyond Scotland’s shores, the Pringle name is synonymous with quality Scottish knitwear. Their knitwear has become iconic, carrying their family name across the world. The Pringle clan’s story also includes branches like the Pringles of Torwoodlee, who provided sanctuary to Covenanters during times of persecution. Additionally, Thomas Pringle, a border poet and writer born in Teviotdale in 1789, played a significant role in the abolition of slavery in Britain as the secretary of the Society for the Abolition of Slavery. |
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