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Clan Gray (Tartans, Crest) and The Story Behind

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Gray

Clan Crest: An anchor in pale, Or

Clan Motto: Anchor Fast Anchor

Origin of Name: Possibly from town of same name in France

Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan

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Gray Clan History

The name is possibly derived from Gray in Haute-Saone, France. Hugo de Gray was the first of the name in Scotland in 1248, when he was a witness in a charter signed by Walter de Lundin. Between 1250 and 1266, John Gray, mayor of Berwick, witnessed a gift of land to the Hospital of Soltre.

In 1296, Henry Grey of Fife paid homage, as did Huwe Grey, a juror on an inquest.

In 1327, while John Gray was Provost of Crail, William dictus Gray witnessed a charter signed by Muriel, the widow of Sir William de Roe (1333-63).

In 1357, John Gray of Broxmouth received a charter for the lands of Craigy in le Mernys, and in 1376, Ibbote Gray leased the land of Molyne.

Many Scottish families, including the Grays, fell victim to Edward I of England's power and pledged allegiance by signing the Ragman Rolls. They, on the other hand, switched sides and joined Robert the Bruce in his quest for Scottish independence. Sir Andrew Gray was rewarded for his services to the Scottish crown with land grants, including Longforgan in Tayside.

In 1950, Lord Lyon prohibited those with double-barrell names from holding clan chiefship. Clan Gray's chief at the time was Angus Diarmid Ian Campbell-Gray, the 22nd Lord Gray.

The surname is now fairly common throughout Scotland.

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Gray Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan Gray Crest

The crest is an anchor in pale, Or.

Coats of Arms in Gray:

A word about Coats of Arms:

A coat of arms is granted to an individual under Scottish heraldic law (with the exception of civic or corporate arms). A 'family coat of arms' does not exist. With the exceptions noted above, the arms depicted below are personal arms. Only the person who has been granted these weapons has the right to use them.