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Clan Montgomery (Tartans, Crest) and The Story Behind

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Montgomery

Gaelic Name: MacGumerait

Clan Crest: A lady dressed in ancient apparel Azure holding in her dexter hand an anchor and in her sinister hand the head of a savage couped suspended by the hair, all Proper

Clan Motto: Garde bien (Watch well)

Origin of Name: Placename, Norman

Lands:Eglinton, Ardrossan and Kintyre

Historic Seat: Eglinton Castle

Clan Chief: The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Eglinton and Winton

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Montgomery Clan History

Montgomery derives its name from an ancient Norman family that held the Castle of St. Foy de Montgomery near Lisieux, France. According to legend, the name derives from a Roman commander named Gomericus.

Another ancestor, Roger de Mundegumbrie, was related to William the Conqueror and received lands in England from him. He later invaded Wales, giving his name not only to a town, but also to an entire county.

The name Montgomery appears in Scotland for the first time in 1165, when Robert Montgomery obtained the lands of Eaglesham in Renfrewshire. Sir John Montgomery, a descendant of this Robert, was one of the heroes of the Battle of Otterburn. He made a name for himself by apprehending Sir Henry Percy, also known as "the Hotspur."

This encounter was immortalized in a rousing Borders ballad:

"Percy and Montgomery met."

That either of us was fain;

They exchanged swords and swat

And, indeed, blood ran down between."

The Percy family paid a large ransom for Hotspur's release, and this money allowed the Montgomery clan to build the Castle of Polnoon. The Montgomery clan's chiefs now live in the old castle of Skelmorlie, near Largs.

Montgomery Places & People

People of Clan Montgomery

Hugh Montgomery (died in 1588)

He was the third Earl of Eglinton and a staunch supporter of Mary Queen of Scots, fighting for her at the Battle of Langside, where he was captured. He was found guilty of treason, but repented and accepted James VI in 1571. He later became a member of parliament and a prominent political figure of the time.

Montgomery, General Field Marshall

Montgomery, Bernard Law (1928-1977).

He was known as "Montgomery of Alamein" and was a respected military officer as well as a successful businessman. In 1946, he was made a Viscount.

David Montgomery was born in 1937.

A well-known American photographer best known for portraits of the Royal Family and politicians such as Margaret Thatcher.

Montgomery Tartans

Montgomery the Elder

Montgomery Contemporary

Montgomery Crest & Coats of Arms

Montgomery Clan Symbol

Crest Description: A lady in ancient attire Azure holding an anchor in her dexter hand and the head of a savage couped suspended by the hair in her sinister hand, all Proper

Coats of Arms of Montgomery:

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.

MONTGOMERIE (simple)

Or, three fleurs-de-lis azure.

The emblazoned Coat of Arms depicts the full achievement of Philip (Herbert), Earl of Montgomery, KG, 1616, with argent, azure, and gules wreath, a Wyvern crest (a reptilian creature with wings--a European dragon), and dexter supporters of a Panther incensed and Earl's cornet (crown). This shows a nobel helmet, as you can see. Cornets/crowns can be beneath or on top of the helm, with or without a crest.