Clan Campbell Timeline

Early Origins & Rise to Power (Pre-1300s)

Legendary Past: Clan Campbell traces its origins to Diarmid O’Duin, a nobleman from the ancient kingdom of Dalriada, and an early, partly mythical ancestor named Duibhne (leading to the early clan name Clann Duibhne).
Early 13th Century: The Campbells first appear in written records.
c. 1263–1280: Sir Gillespic Campbell serves as a prominent figure in the clan.
1280–1294: Sir Cailean Mór Campbell, considered the true founder of the noble line, serves as chief.
1296: Sir Cailean Mór Campbell is killed at the Battle of Red Ford fighting against the MacDougalls of Lorne, marking the beginning of a long rivalry.

Solidification of Power & Expansion (1300s – 1500s)

1294–1316: Sir Neil Campbell, son of Cailean Mór, serves as chief.
Wars of Scottish Independence (early 14th Century): The Campbells support Robert the Bruce, earning royal favour and significant land grants, particularly after the defeat of the MacDougalls.
1308: Sir Neil Campbell aids Robert the Bruce in defeating the MacDougalls at the Pass of Brander, leading to the Campbells gaining extensive former MacDougall lands and Dunstaffnage Castle.
1314: Sir Neil Campbell fights alongside Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn, further advancing Campbell power.
1316–1343: Sir Colin Campbell, 3rd of Lochawe, serves as chief.
1343–1394: Sir Archibald Campbell, 4th of Lochawe, serves as chief.
1394–1414: Sir Colin Campbell, 5th of Lochawe, serves as chief.
Mid-15th Century: The clan’s seat moves to Inveraray on Loch Fyne.
1414–1453: Sir Duncan Campbell serves as chief.
1445: Sir Duncan Campbell is made the 1st Lord Campbell, marking the family’s elevation to nobility.
c. 1450: Kilchurn Castle is built, becoming a vital stronghold for the Campbells of Glenorchy.
1453–1493: Colin Campbell, a descendant of Sir Duncan, serves as chief and is elevated to Earl of Argyll by King James II.
1470: The Campbell chief gains the territorial title of Lorne.
1489: Castle Gloom is acquired by Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll, and renamed Castle Campbell, serving as a key Lowland base.
1490: Campbells join the Drummonds in defeating the Murrays at the Battle of Knockmary.
1493: The MacDonald Lords of the Isles are forfeited, creating a power vacuum in the western Highlands that the Campbells exploit, leading to centuries of conflict with the MacDonalds.
1493–1513: Archibald Campbell serves as the 2nd Earl of Argyll and chief.
1499: Campbells defeat the Calders at the Battle of Daltullich, enabling their takeover of Cawdor Castle.
1510: The Campbells acquire Cawdor Castle near Nairn, extending their reach into the northeast.
1513: The 2nd Earl of Argyll leads Campbell forces and is killed alongside King James IV at the Battle of Flodden.
1513–1529: Colin Campbell serves as the 3rd Earl of Argyll and chief.
1523: The Campbells kill Lachlan Maclean of Duart in retaliation for his attempted murder of his Campbell wife, continuing the feud with Clan Maclean.
1529–1558: Archibald Campbell serves as the 4th Earl of Argyll and chief.
1558–1573: Archibald Campbell serves as the 5th Earl of Argyll and chief.
1560s: Grey Colin Campbell of Glenorchy murders a MacGregor leader, escalating the feud with Clan MacGregor.
1563: Castle Campbell hosts Queen Mary, underscoring the Campbells’ high status at court.
1567: The Campbells of Inverawe capture and drown leading members of Clan Arthur in Loch Awe, effectively ending their political and territorial significance.
1568: The Earl of Argyll leads Campbell troops in support of Mary, Queen of Scots, but is defeated at the Battle of Langside.
1573–1584: Colin Campbell serves as the 6th Earl of Argyll and chief.
1584–1638: Archibald Campbell serves as the 7th Earl of Argyll and chief.
1594: A young Earl of Argyll leads Campbell forces against Catholic rebels at the Battle of Glenlivet.

Civil War, Rebellions, and Massacres (1600s – 1700s)

1603: The Battle of Glen Fruin occurs, where MacGregors ambush and kill over 200 Clan Colquhoun men, allies of the Campbells. In retaliation, King James VI outlaws the MacGregor name, largely at Campbell urging.
1633: The Campbells of Loudoun are titled Earls of Loudoun.
1638–1661: Archibald Campbell serves as chief and is made the 1st Marquess of Argyll.
1645: Montrose’s forces, including MacDonalds, crush the Campbells at the Battle of Inverlochy during the Civil War.
1646: The Lamonts surrender after a siege during the Civil War, but are massacred by Campbell forces at Dunoon.
1646: Campbell militia suffers a defeat at the hands of MacColla’s Royalists at the Battle of Lagganmore.
1647: Campbell forces, with Covenanter support, rout the remaining Royalist Highlanders at the Battle of Rhunahaorine Moss.
1647: Campbell-led Covenanters force the MacDonalds to surrender at the Siege of Dunaverty and participate in their massacre.
1648: Campbell militia is defeated by Engagers loyal to Charles I at the Battle of Stirling.
1661–1685: Archibald Campbell serves as chief and is the 9th Earl of Argyll.
1678: The Campbells besiege Duart Castle and absorb much of the Maclean land, signaling the decline of Maclean power.
1680: The Campbells, led by John Campbell of Glenorchy, decisively defeat the Sinclairs at the Battle of Altimarlach in a title dispute.
1681: The Campbells of Breadalbane become Earls of Breadalbane.
1685: Archibald Campbell, 9th Earl of Argyll, leads a failed rebellion against King James VII (Argyll’s Rising), resulting in his execution.
1685–1703: Archibald Campbell serves as chief and is the 1st Duke of Argyll.
1692: Government troops, many of them Campbells, murder MacDonalds who had offered them hospitality during the Glencoe Massacre.

Jacobite Risings & Modern Era (1700s – Present)

1703–1743: John Campbell serves as chief and is the 2nd Duke of Argyll.
1715: The Duke of Argyll leads government forces, including Campbells, and halts the Jacobite advance at the Battle of Sheriffmuir.
1725: The Campbell (Black Watch) tartan is adopted by the Black Watch regiment.
1743: Construction begins on the present Inveraray Castle, replacing the 15th-century structure.
1743–1761: Archibald Campbell serves as chief and is the 3rd Duke of Argyll.
1745–46 Jacobite Rising: Clan Campbell firmly supports the British-Hanoverian government, raising companies of the Argyll Militia.
1746 (February): Campbell militia fights in the failed defense at the Battle of Falkirk Muir.
1746 (March – April): Campbells help successfully defend Fort William against a Jacobite siege.
1746 (April 16): Four companies of Campbell militiamen fight on the government’s left flank at the Battle of Culloden, contributing significantly to the decisive victory.
1746 (post-Culloden): Campbell forces help suppress remaining Jacobite resistance.
1746 (post-Culloden): Campbell militia defeats Jacobite stragglers in a street battle during the Skirmish of Keith.
1761–1770: John Campbell serves as chief and is the 4th Duke of Argyll.
1770–1806: John Campbell serves as chief and is the 5th Duke of Argyll.
1793: The Breadalbane Fencibles, a militia wearing the Campbell of Breadalbane tartan, are raised.
1801–1842: Taymouth Castle is rebuilt by the Campbells of Breadalbane, replacing Balloch Castle.
1804: The Hastings name enters the Campbell line via a noble marriage.
1806–1839: George W. Campbell serves as chief and is the 6th Duke of Argyll.
1839–1847: John D. E. H. Campbell serves as chief and is the 7th Duke of Argyll.
1842: Taymouth Castle famously hosts Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.
1847–1900: George D. Campbell serves as chief and is the 8th Duke of Argyll.
1900–1914: John Campbell serves as chief and is the 9th Duke of Argyll.
1914–1949: Niall D. Campbell serves as chief and is the 10th Duke of Argyll.
1941: Loudoun Castle burns down but remains historically important.
1949: The ghostly harp is reportedly heard at Inveraray Castle before the death of the 10th Duke of Argyll.
1949–1973: Ian D. Campbell serves as chief and is the 11th Duke of Argyll.
1973–2001: Ian Campbell serves as chief and is the 12th Duke of Argyll.
2001–Present: Torquhil I. Campbell serves as chief and is the 13th Duke of Argyll.