Somerville Clan Collection

I. Introduction

In the intricate weave of Scotland’s historical fabric, the Somerville Clan stands as a thread of noble resilience, its legacy stretching from the Norman conquests to the turbulent heart of Scottish feudalism. Rooted in the fertile lowlands and rising to prominence through loyalty and valor, the Somervilles carved their name into the annals of a nation defined by its fierce independence and enduring spirit. Their story is one of adaptation, service, and an indelible mark on Scotland’s cultural and political landscape.

II. Origins of the Somerville Clan

The surname "Somerville" traces its roots to Norman soil, derived from the French de Somerville, meaning "from Somerville," a village in Normandy. The clan’s Scottish journey began in the 12th century when Sir Gualter (Walter) de Somerville arrived from England, accompanying David I upon his return from exile in 1124. Granted lands in Clydesdale—specifically at Carnwath in Lanarkshire—Sir Gualter established the family’s foothold, his Norman heritage blending with Scotland’s Celtic tapestry. The name first appears in Scottish records in 1174, when William de Somerville witnessed a charter, signaling the clan’s early integration into the feudal order.

III. Historical Evolution of the Somerville Clan

A. Medieval Ascendancy

The Somervilles rose swiftly in medieval Scotland, their lands in Lanarkshire providing a foundation for influence. Sir William de Somerville, known as the "second lord," earned renown in 1355 by slaying a monstrous serpent terrorizing Linton in Roxburghshire—an act of bravery that secured him the barony of Linton from King David II. This tale, steeped in legend, underscores the clan’s early martial prowess and their role as protectors of the realm. By the 14th century, their loyalty to the Scottish crown solidified their status among the lowland nobility.

B. Political and Military Engagement

The Somervilles’ history is entwined with Scotland’s struggles for sovereignty. Sir Thomas Somerville, elevated to the peerage as Lord Somerville in 1430 by James I, exemplified the clan’s ascent, his title reflecting their service in the Wars of Independence and beyond. The clan stood firm during the 16th century’s religious and political upheavals, with Hugh, fifth Lord Somerville, supporting Mary, Queen of Scots, at the Battle of Langside in 1568—a loyalty that cost them favor under James VI. Their fortunes waned as the title fell dormant in 1618, yet their legacy persisted through cadet branches and landholdings.

C. Transition to Lothian

In the 17th century, the Somervilles shifted eastward, acquiring the estate of Drum in Midlothian near Edinburgh. This move, spurred by James, sixth Lord Somerville, marked a new chapter as they adapted to a changing Scotland, their influence enduring despite the loss of their peerage. The Drum estate, with its imposing tower house, became a symbol of their resilience, anchoring the clan through the Jacobite era and into modernity.

IV. Clan Somerville Crest and Motto

A. Crest Symbolism

The Somerville Clan’s crest features a dragon vert, spouting fire, perched atop a wheel or—a vivid emblem of strength and vigilance. The dragon, a nod to the serpent-slaying legend, embodies the clan’s protective valor, while the wheel suggests steadfastness and the turning of fortune, reflecting their journey through triumph and trial.

B. Clan Motto

The motto "Fear God in Life" encapsulates the Somervilles’ guiding principle—a blend of piety and duty that shaped their actions from feudal service to noble governance. It speaks to a clan rooted in faith and honor, navigating Scotland’s storms with a steady moral compass.

V. Clan Somerville Tartan

As an armigerous clan with noble rather than Highland origins, the Somervilles lack a specific tartan tied to their name in medieval records. However, modern descendants often adopt tartans linked an features a color scheme of red, blue, green, beige, pink, and yellow, and is associated with the Somerville family, who were granted lands in Lanarkshire by David I in the 12th century. The absence of a distinct weave reflects their status as a feudal family rather than a traditional clan, yet their heritage finds expression in the broader palette of Scotland’s textile tradition.

VI. Prominent Figures of the Somerville Clan

A. Sir William de Somerville (d. circa 1360)

Sir William, the serpent-slayer of Linton, stands as a legendary figure in the clan’s lore. His valor in 1355 not only won him lands but also cemented the Somervilles’ reputation as defenders of the weak, a tale immortalized in Scottish ballads and heraldic pride.

B. Hugh, Fifth Lord Somerville (1540–1597)

Hugh, fifth Lord Somerville, embodied the clan’s loyalty to the Stuart cause. His stand at Langside in 1568 for Mary, Queen of Scots, showcased their commitment, though it led to a decline under Protestant rule. His life reflects the Somervilles’ entanglement in Scotland’s religious and royal dramas.

VII. Conclusion

From their Norman origins in Clydesdale to their enduring presence in Lothian, the Somerville Clan has traced a path of noble service and quiet fortitude through Scotland’s complex history. Their dragon crest and steadfast motto echo a legacy of courage and faith, forged in the fires of medieval legend and tempered by the trials of a nation in flux. Though their peerage faded, the Somervilles remain a proud emblem of Scotland’s lowland heritage—a clan whose deeds, from slaying serpents to shaping estates, continue to resonate in the land they helped define.