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Clan Murray (Tartans, Crest) and The Story Behind

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Murray

Gaelic Name: MacMhuirich

Clan Crest: A mermaid holding in her dexter hand a mirror and in her sinister hand a comb, all Proper

Clan Motto: Tout Prest (Quite ready)

Origin of Name: Placename, Morayshire

Lands: Morayshire

Clan Chief: His Grace The Duke of Atholl

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Murray Clan History

The Murray family is descended from Freskin, a Flemish knight who flourished in the 12th century. David I granted him lands in West Lothian, and he and his sons intermarried with the house of Moray in order to consolidate their power.

This family's descendants were known as "de Moravia," which became "Murray" in Lowland Scots.

The Murrays built Bothwell Castle, one of the most powerful and visually striking strongholds in Scotland, and it served as the chief's seat until 1360. Sir Andrew Murray took up the cause of Scottish independence in 1297, rising against Edward of England with Sir William Wallace. Following this, the Murray family spread throughout Scotland, and many branches of the Murray family contested the chieftainship.

In 1360, the Murrays lost the lordship and the great house of Bothwell to the Douglas family, and it was not until the 16th century that the Murrays of Tullibardine were mentioned again.

Murray Places & People

Clan Murray of Atholl People

Walter Murray, Sir

Sir Walter married an Oliphant heiress and rose to the position of Lord of Bothwell. He was one of Scotland's Regents and oversaw the construction of Bothwell Castle.

Sir Andrew Murray died in 1297.

Fought for Scottish independence alongside Sir William Wallace. He was killed in the Battle of Stirling Bridge, and Wallace assumed command of the forces. Historians generally believe that if Murray had lived, the war against the English would have ended in favor of the Scots. Murray, George.

Murray, George

Lord George Murray died in 1760.

Lord George Murray was the great Jacobite general and architect of the 1745 rising's early successes. He fled to the Continent after Culloden and died in exile in the Netherlands.

Murray, John (1715-1777).

As Prince Charles' secretary, John Murray arrived in Scotland in 1745. He was captured after Culloden and taken to London, where he was persuaded to save his life by turning king's evidence. He became known as "Mr Evidence Murray" after that.

Murray Tartans

Tullibardine Murray

Murray of Atholl Historic

Modern Murray of Atholl

Weathered Murray of Atholl

Murray Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan Murray Crest

Crest Description: A mermaid holding a mirror in her dexter hand and a comb in her sinister hand, all Proper

Coats of Arms Murray

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.