The Kerr Crest: Dexter, the sun in his splendour. Sinister, a stag's head erased Proper (Kerr)

Clan Kerr is a Scottish clan that played an important role in the history of the Border country of Scotland. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Clan map of Scotland Scottish clans (from Old Gaelic clann, children), give a sense of identity and shared descent to people in Scotland and to their relations throughout the world, with a formal structure of Clan Chiefs officially registered with the court of the Lord Lyon, King of Arms which... The Border country is the hilly area of Lowland Scotland on the border between Scotland and England. ... Motto (Latin) No one provokes me with impunity Cha togar mfhearg gun dioladh (Scottish Gaelic)1 Wha daur meddle wi me?(Scots)1 Anthem (Multiple unofficial anthems) Scotlands location in Europe Capital Edinburgh Largest city Glasgow Official languages English, Gaelic, Scots Government Constitutional monarchy  -  Queen Queen Elizabeth II...

History

Ferniehirst Castle, the border stronghold

Image File history File links FerniehurstCastle1. ... Image File history File links FerniehurstCastle1. ... Ferniehirst Castle (sometimes spelt Ferniehurst) is an L-shaped construction on the east bank of the river Jed about a mile and a half south of Jedburgh, Borders, Scotland. ...

Origins of the Name

The origins of the name Kerr are disputed as being either:

• Caer (British for "fort")
• Ciar (Scottish Gaelic for "dusky")
• Ceàrr (Scottish Gaelic for "left handed" - carrie handit

in Lowland Scots) // Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) is a member of the Goidelic branch of Celtic languages. ... // Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) is a member of the Goidelic branch of Celtic languages. ... Scots (or Lallans, meaning Lowlands), properly Lowland Scots, is used in Lowland Scotland, as well as parts of Northern Ireland and border areas of the Republic of Ireland, where it is known in official circles as Ulster Scots or Ullans but by speakers simply as Scotch or Scots. On the...

• Mac Ghiolla Cheara (Irish language)
• Kjrr (Old Norse for "marsh dweller")

Asked how to say his name, Admiral Mark Kerr told The Literary Digest "In Scotland the name rimes with care. Since many of the family have come to England the pronunciation in this country rimes with car, which we have entirely submitted to." (Charles Earle Funk, What's the Name, Please?, Funk & Wagnalls, 1936.) Percentage of Irish speakers by county; Northern Ireland is also included. ... Old Norse or Danish tongue is the Germanic language once spoken by the inhabitants of the Nordic countries (for instance during the Viking Age). ... Mark Edward Frederick Kerr (September 26, 1864 - January 10, 1944), British Rear Admiral was a son of Admiral Lord Frederick Kerr. ... The Literary Digest was an influential general-interest magazine in the early 20th century United States. ...

Origins of the Clan

The great Clan Kerr is well remembered in Scotland as one of the most loyal but warlike Clans of the turbulent Border territories. The name is of ancient origin, stemming back to the Norse settlement of Normandy where the Kerrs were an important family. The name itself derives from the old Norse "kjrr" meaning "men from the marshes", and the name has been spelled in many forms since, including Kerr, Ker, Carr and Carre. The Kerrs arrived in Britain after William I's conquest of England in 1066, and the Clan Kerr descend from two brothers, Ralph and John Ker, who settled in Jedburgh around 1330. The Clan soon grew and prospered, building themselves a position of influence through their sheer strength and tenacity. The Clan Kerr controlled two castles on the border with England, and were quick to fend off any intrusion by the Southerners, but were not indisposed to a quick venture across the divide whenever they fancied some prime English beef for their tables. Rival Scottish border clans included Clan Heron and Clan Scott. Clan Scott Crest: “Amo” (I Love) Clan Scott is a Scottish clan. ...

15th Century

Clan Kerr territories on the borders of Scotland. (England is not shown)

By the 15th Century the Clan Kerr were considered highly important Crown vassals, and with loyalty came rich rewards. In 1451 Andrew Kerr was granted the barony of Old Roxburgh, and by 1457 had been created the Warden of the Marches. By the close of the 15th Century, the Clan Kerr held the honours of possessing the Castle and Barony of Cessford, and the Barony of Oxnam, a considerable achievement for any Border Clan. Image File history File links ClanKerrMap. ... Image File history File links ClanKerrMap. ...

The Kerrs were often at feud with other Scottish boarder clans including Clan Scott and Clan Heron. They would meet for battle at a place called Bellendean. The feuding would cost the lives of both the Clan Kerr and Clan Scott Chief. Clan Scott Crest: “Amo” (I Love) Clan Scott is a Scottish clan. ...

16th Century, Clan Conflicts & Anglo-Scottish Wars

In 1502 the barony of Oxnam became Sir Andrew Kerr of Ferniehurst's by royal charter and he became warden of the middle marches. A few years before the Battle of Flodden Field three Englishmen killed Sir Robert Kerr, a former warden of the middle march, while he was attending a march across the Border, and his son tracked down one of the murderers and gave him what was known as "Jeddart justice".

In the 16th century during the Anglo-Scottish Wars Clan Kerr fought against the English at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513. The Clan Kerr's faithfulness to the Crown of Scotland continued throughout the centuries, and the Clan were always willing to take up arms for the sake of their proud nation. The Kerrs fought under their chief, Sir Andrew Kerr, at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513, standing beside King James IV of Scotland in his conflict with the English armies. Once when defending one of the Border Country Castles from an English attack, it is said that the English besiegers believed the Kerrs defending were being aided by the 'devil himself', as they fought so ferociously. The Anglo-Scottish Wars were a series of wars fought between England and Scotland during the sixteenth century. ... Combatants England Scotland Commanders Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey James IV † Strength 26,000 approx 30,000 approx Casualties 1,500 dead 10,000 dead Western side of the battlefield, looking south-south-east from the monument erected in 1910. ... Combatants England Scotland Commanders Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey James IV † Strength 26,000 approx 30,000 approx Casualties 1,500 dead 10,000 dead Western side of the battlefield, looking south-south-east from the monument erected in 1910. ... James IV (March 17, 1473-September 9, 1513) was King of Scots from 1488 to his death. ...

After the Battle of Flodden Field some of the Leddesdale clans put themselves under the Kerr of Ferniehurst's protection, but in 1523 his castle was taken by the English after a bold defence. It is said that the English attackers believed the Kerr defenders of Ferniehursts castle were being aided by the devil, because they fought so ferociously. The Chief Kerr of Cessford, who had worked as warden for peace and co-operation with England, was killed by a follower of Clan Scott of Buccleuch in the attempt to rescue King James V of Scotland from the Clan Douglas. Clan Scott Crest: “Amo” (I Love) Clan Scott is a Scottish clan. ... James V (April 10, 1512 – December 14, 1542) was king of Scotland (September 9, 1513 – December 14, 1542). ... Clan Douglas Crest: Jamais arriere (Never behind) Douglas is the name of an ancient Lowland Scottish clan originating in South Lanarkshire which since spread through the Scottish Borderland, Angus, Lothian and beyond. ...

Thirteen years after the Battle of Flodden Field, Sir Andrew laid down his life in defence of the infant King James V of Scotland when the royal procession was attacked on the way to Edinburgh Castle. With such sacrifice came great rewards for the Clan Kerr. James V (April 10, 1512 – December 14, 1542) was king of Scotland (September 9, 1513 – December 14, 1542). ... The castle dominates the Edinburgh skyline as seen here from Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh Castle is an ancient fortress which, from its position atop Castle Rock, dominates the sky-line of the city of Edinburgh, and is Scotlands most famous (and most visited) landmark. ...

The feud between the Clan Scott and Clan Kerr continued and in 1552 the Chief of Clan Scott of Buccleuch was killed by the Kerrs of Cessford in Edinburgh. Fighting between the two clans continued until a peace agreement was signed in 1602. Clan Scott Crest: “Amo” (I Love) Clan Scott is a Scottish clan. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ...

Honours continued to be heaped upon the Clan down through the years, with the titles bestowed on the Kerrs including the Barony of Newbattle, the Earldom of Lothian, the Lordship of Jedburgh, the Earldom of Ancram, and the Dukedom of Roxburghe.

Mark Kerr, had his lands of Newbattle and Prestongrange erected into the barony of Newbattle by a charter of 1591

17th Century, Earldoms and Lordships

In 1606 Mark Kerr was created Earl of Lothian. This title failed when his son died in 1624 without male issue. Sir Andrew Kerr of the Ferniehurst line was created Lord Jedburgh in 1621. The title of Marquess of Lothian was created in the Peerage of Scotland in 1701 for the 4th Earl of Lothian. ... The title of Marquess of Lothian was created in the Peerage of Scotland in 1701 for the 4th Earl of Lothian. ...

The third peerage to come to the family was the earldom of Ancram, which was bestowed upon Sir Robert Kerr who was descended from a younger son of Sir Andrew Kerr of Ferniehurst. Sir Robert of Cessford, who now spelt his surname with a single ‘r’, was created Earl of Roxburghe in 1616. To add to the plethora of honours showered on the family, Sir William Kerr, son of the Earl of Ancram, was granted a new earldom of Lothian in 1631. His son, Robert, who was advanced to the rank of Marquess, also succeeded to the earldom of Ancram on the death of his uncle. The Duke of Roxburghe (pronounced Roxbruh) is a title in the peerage of Scotland created in 1707 along with the titles Viscount Broxmouth, Marquess of Bowmont and Cessford and Earl of Kelso. ...

During the Civil War the Clan Kerr supported the Parlimentry Covenantor army of General David Leslie. In 1649 a rebellion took place in the north by the Covenantors of the Clan MacKenzie who were opposed to Leslie's parlimentry forces. As a result Leslie's forces under Colonel Kerr took the MacKenzie's Redcastle, demolished it and hanged the garrison.[1] David Leslie, Lord Newark (c. ... Clan MacKenzie Crest: I Shine, Not Burn. ...

18th Century & Jacobite Uprisings

The Earls of Lothian were advanced to the rank of Marquess at the beginning of the 18th Century.

At the beginning of the 17th century King James of Scotland was also made King of England in the Union of the Crowns in 1603, after Queen Elizabeth I of England died without heir. A century later in 1707 the Treaty of Union was decalred officially uniting England and Scotland. This was supported by the Kerrs. The Union of Crowns refers to the accession to the thrones of England and Ireland of King James VI of Scotland in March 1603, following the death of his unmarried and childless cousin, Elizabeth I, the last monarch of the Tudor dynasty. ... Year 1603 (MDCIII) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Saturday of the 10-day slower Julian calendar). ... Elizabeth I redirects here. ... Events January 1 - John V is crowned King of Portugal March 26 - The Acts of Union becomes law, making the separate Kingdoms of England and Scotland into one country, the Kingdom of Great Britain. ... The Acts of Union were twin Acts of Parliament passed in 1707 (taking effect on 26 March) by the Parliament of England and the Parliament of Scotland. ...

Lord Mark Kerr son of the Chief Marquess of Lothian, was a distinguished professional soldier and is reputed to have had a high sense of personal honour and a quick temper. He fought several duels throughout his military career but rose ultimately to the rank of general, and was appointed governor of Edinburgh Castle in 1745. The title of Marquess of Lothian was created in the Peerage of Scotland in 1701 for the 4th Earl of Lothian. ... The castle dominates the Edinburgh skyline as seen here from Princes Street Gardens Edinburgh Castle is an ancient fortress which, from its position atop Castle Rock, dominates the sky-line of the city of Edinburgh, and is Scotlands most famous (and most visited) landmark. ...

During the Jacobite Uprisings Clan Kerr supported the British government. At the Battle of Culloden in 1746 Lord Mark Kerr's younger brother, Lord Robert Kerr, who was captain of the grenadiers in Barrel's regiment, received the first charging Cameron on the point of his Spontoon, but then a second cut him through the head to chin. He has the dubious distinction of being the only person of high rank killed on the Government side. Combatants British Army Jacobite Forces Commanders William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender Strength ca. ... A Spontoon is type of European lance that came into being after the pike-man craze, coming into play in the middle of the 17th century. ...

The eldest of the brothers, Lord Mark Kerr, later the fourth Marquess of Lothian, commanded three squadrons of Government cavalry at the Battle of Culloden and survived to serve under the Duke of Cumberland in France in 1758. The title of Marquess of Lothian was created in the Peerage of Scotland in 1701 for the 4th Earl of Lothian. ... Combatants British Army Jacobite Forces Commanders William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland Charles Edward Stuart, the Young Pretender Strength ca. ... Duke of Cumberland is a peerage title that was conferred upon junior members of the British royal family. ...

Castles

• Ferniehirst Castle is where the 12th Marquess of Lothian resides. Although the principal seat of Clan Kerr is considered to be the fabulous mansion of Monteviot. Ferniehirst Castle (sometimes spelt Ferniehurst) was built around 1470. It has been occupied in this century as a Youth Hostel for fifty years. It was built to hold the gate for Scotland and to serve as a base for military raids and cattle-lifting forays. It commands the road to Otterburn and Newcastle.
• Newbattle Abbey or Newbattle Castle near Edinburgh became a secular lordship for the last commendator, Mark Kerr, 1st Earl of Lothian (Ker) in 1587.
• Floors Castle is another great monument to the Kerr's success. Also, were Roxburgh Castle and Castle Holydean.

Ferniehirst Castle (sometimes spelt Ferniehurst) is an L-shaped construction on the east bank of the river Jed about a mile and a half south of Jedburgh, Borders, Scotland. ... Newbattle Abbey was a Cistercian monastic community founded in 1140 by monks from Melrose Abbey. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... Mark Kerr (or Ker) (1553 - 1609), 1st Earl of Lothian was a Scottish nobleman and politician. ... Floors Castle in 1880. ... Roxburgh Castle was a castle sited near modern Roxburgh, in the Borders region of Scotland. ... Holydean Castle (pronounced hollydeen) was a castle sited near Kelso in Bowden, 1. ...

Left-Handed Kerrs

The Kerrs have typically been associated with left-handedness; some of their buildings, such as Ferniehirst Castle, have been explicitly designed with this in mind.^[1] There is an anecdotal link between the Kerrs and left-handedness, although it is unclear whether or not present-day individuals with the surname of Kerr have a higher incidence of left-handedness than the general population^{[citation needed]}. An article appearing in the BMJ - it might have been 1972 - confirmed that about 30% of those with the surname Kerr were left-handed as opposed to a background 10% of the population. Ferniehirst Castle (sometimes spelt Ferniehurst) is an L-shaped construction on the east bank of the river Jed about a mile and a half south of Jedburgh, Borders, Scotland. ...

Clan Chief

• The current Chief of Clan Kerr is Michael Andrew Foster Jude Kerr, 13th Marquess of Lothian

Michael Ancram The Most Honourable Michael Andrew Foster Jude Kerr, 13th Marquess of Lothian, PC, QC (born 7 July 1945), known as Michael Ancram, is a UK Conservative Party politician. ...

Clan Profile

• Motto: Dexter, Sero sed serio (Late but in earnest)
• Motto: Sinister, Forward in the name of God
• Family Creed: Late but in Earnest
• Badge: A Kerr knot Or
• Plant Badge: Bog Myrtle
• Arms: Quarterly, 1st & 4th, Azure, the sun in his splendour Or (for the peerage of Lothian); 2nd & 3rd, Gules, on a chevron Argent, three mullets of the field (Kerr)
• Gaelic Names: Cearr (Surname), MacGhillechearr (Surname), Cearrach (Singular), Na Cearraich (Collective) and Clann 'icGhillechearr (Collective).

Lothian (Lowden in Scots, Lodainn in Gaelic) forms a traditional region of Scotland, lying between the southern shore of the Firth of Forth and the Lammermuir Hills. ...

Clan Tartans

Clan Kerr has two recognized tartans:

• Kerr (Modern)
• Kerr (Hunting)

Clan Seat

• The 12th Marquess of Lothian resides at Ferniehirst Castle, although the principal seat of Clan Kerr is considered to be the fabulous Monteviot Mansion, Roxburgh, Scotland

Ferniehirst Castle (sometimes spelt Ferniehurst) is an L-shaped construction on the east bank of the river Jed about a mile and a half south of Jedburgh, Borders, Scotland. ... Roxburghshire (Siorrachd Rosbroig in Gaelic) is a traditional county of Scotland. ... Motto (Latin) No one provokes me with impunity Cha togar mfhearg gun dioladh (Scottish Gaelic)1 Wha daur meddle wi me?(Scots)1 Anthem (Multiple unofficial anthems) Scotlands location in Europe Capital Edinburgh Largest city Glasgow Official languages English, Gaelic, Scots Government Constitutional monarchy  -  Queen Queen Elizabeth II...

Branches

• Kerr of Cessford
• Kerr of Ferniehurst
• Kerr of Linton
• Ker of Kersland

Septs of Clan Kerr

• Kear
• Carr(e)
• Carrach
• Cessford
• Kar(e)
• Ker
• Mac Ghiolla Cheara
• Kier
• Linton
• Herriott

References and footnotes

External links

• Kerr Family Association
• http://www.myclan.com/clans/Kerr_60/default.php
• Kerr Heraldry