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Clan Wauchope Crest

 

Clan Wauchope Crest
Clan Wauchope Crest
CREST: A garb Proper
MOTTO: Industria ditat
TRANSLATION: Industry enriches
VARIATIONS: N/A
The lands of Wauchopedale, nestled in the parish of Langholm in the Borders, served as the cradle of Clan Wauchope. The clan’s history can be traced back to medieval times, with the earliest recorded mention of Ada de Waleuhop, who witnessed two charters to the Abbey of Melrose during the reign of William the Lion.

Clan Wauchope’s noble lineage included knights and warriors who played significant roles in Scotland’s history. Alan de Walchope, for instance, witnessed a charter by Tomas de Lundin between 1203 and 1214, while Robert de Waluchop received part of the lands of Culter near Aberdeen from Alexander II in 1247. Robert was also one of the twelve Scottish knights appointed by parliament to settle border disputes with England.

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The Wauchopes faced turbulent times, as evidenced by Robert de Walchop of Kulter swearing fealty to Edward I of England in the Ragman Roll of 1296. However, the family’s fortunes eventually turned, and they regained royal favor. John Wauchope of Niddrie was knighted by Charles I in 1633, and the king even graced the christening of John’s second son, bestowing a precious heirloom—a gold and enamel chain.

One of Clan Wauchope’s most esteemed members was the favored child mentioned earlier, who would later become a judge in 1672, taking the title “Lord Edmonstone.” This title reflects the family’s enduring connections to royalty and nobility. In fact, the Wauchopes were related by marriage to the powerful Comyn Earls of Buchan, a relationship evident in their coat of arms, featuring a gold wheatsheaf—reminiscent of the Comyn arms—on their shield.

While the family faced challenges and forfeitures over the centuries, they endured. Today, Clan Wauchope is represented under the compound surname of Don-Wauchop. John Wauchop succeeded his kinsman Sir William Don, the seventh Baronet of Newton, in 1862. The family’s history, traditions, and contributions to Scottish society continue to be cherished.

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, Canada
  • Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia”, by Collins, HarperCollins Publishers 1994