Clan Macnaghten

Macnaghten Crest badge Crest: A castle embattled, Gules. Motto: I hoip in God.[1] War cry: Fraoch Eilean meaning The Heathery Isle Profile Region Strathtay, Lewis, Argyll, Galloway District Highland and Lowland Plant badge Trailing Azalea Proper[2] Gaelic name MacNeachdainn

Chief Sir Malcolm Macnghten, 12th Baronet Seat Dundarave Castle Dundarave House Clan branches MacNaghten of MacNaghten MacNaghten of Dundarave

Clan Macnaghten is a Scottish clan who claim descent from the eighth century Pictish king, Nechtan.^[3]

History

Origins of the clan

The earliest reference to the Clan Macnaghten is in connection with great Pictish rulers of Moray. The name 'Nechten' which means "pure" or "clear" was popular in the Pictish royal line. The originator of the clan is believed to have been "Nechtan Mor" who lived in the 10th Century.

13th century Castle in Loch Awe

By the time of the Renaissance, Clan Macnaghten had developed four distinct branches, or "septs," each recognized by the Crown with its own coat of arms. The senior line, MacNauchtan of Argyll, is assumed to descend from Sir Gilchrist MacNauchtan, who was granted land in Argyll in the early 13th century by Alexander III, King of Scotland. Parchments from 1247 and 1267 bearing the seal of Sir Gilchrist MacNauchtan are among the oldest existing charters in Scotland. They took up residence on an island in Loch Awe called Fraoch Eilean, which name they used as a battle cry. Also in this century the sept MacNaught broke away from the main clan and moved to Galloway and Ayrshire although they kept a strong connection with the main clan for protection.

14th century and Robert the Bruce

During the 14th Century the MacNaghtens were opposed to Robert the Bruce and his claim to the throne of Scotland; however, he did eventually become King Robert I of Scotland. As a result, the MacNaghtens forfeited many of their lands. Clan Macnaghten also fought against Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Dalrigh in 1306. The fortunes of the clan were restored, however, when King David II of Scotland granted them lands in Lewis. The MacNaughts were on Robert the Bruce's side because they lived in part of his lands.

16th century and Anglo Scottish Wars

In the sixteenth century during the Anglo-Scottish Wars the Clan Macnaghten led by Chief Alistair MacNaughten, who was knighted by King James IV of Scotland fought at the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513. However the Chief was killed during the course of the battle. The MacNaughts did not put their faith in the Stewarts and opted more for the freedom that the presbyterian church offered.

17th century and Civil War

In the 17th century during the Civil War Chief John MacNaghten and his clan were Royalist supporters. The MacNaghtens had a strong force and joined King James VII's general the Viscount Dundee and is said to have taken a leading part when the Clan Macnaghten were victorious at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. By this point the MacNaughts had a lot of septs such as MacKnight (which is the direct translation of the name into English), MacNeight, MacNett, MacNitt and MacNutt.

Early 17th century and Ulster Plantation

The MacNaughtens were one of the families brought in by the McDonnells of the Glens of Antrim. Black John MacNaughten (known locally as Shane Dhubh) became The Earl of Antrim's Chief agent. Black John was buried in the family burial ground at Bonamargy Friary near Ballycastle, County Antrim.^[3]. The MacNaughts were also moved to Ulster.

Clan profile

• Clan chief: Sir Malcolm MacNaghten of MacNaghten, Bt.^[4]
• Chief's Motto: I hoip in God.^[1]
• Chief's Slogan & War Cry: "Fraoch Eilean" (The Heathery Isle).
• Chief's Crest: A castle embattled, Gules.
• Clan Badge: Trailing Azalea.

Historical forms of the name

Macnaghten, Macnauchtan, Macnachten, Macnaught, Macnaughtan, Macnaughtens, Macnaughton, Macnechtan

Origin of the name

• Gaelic name: Mac Neachdainn for "Son of Nechtan").
• Gaelic Names: MacNeachdainn (Surname) & Clann 'icNeachdainn (Collective).

Clan seat

• Dundarave (or "Dunderawe"), Bushmills, Antrim, Ireland.^[5]
• Dundarave Castle, Scottish seat in Argyll and Bute
• Kilquhanty,Scottish seat of the MacNaughts of Kilquhanty

Branches

• MacNaghten of Dundarave
• MacNaghten of MacNaghten
• MacNaught of Kilquhanty

Septs of Clan Macnaghten

• Ayson
• (Mac)Coll
• (Mac)Cracken
• (Mac)Harry(ie)
• (Mac)Hendry

• (Mac)Henrie
• (Mac)Kendrick
• (Mac)Knight
• (Mac)Nair(y)
• (Mac)Naught

• (Mac)Neid
• (Mac)Natt
• (Mac)Nett
• (Mac)Nitt
• (Mac)Niven

• (Mac)Norton
• (Mac)Portland
• (Mac)Quake(r)
• (Mac)Rac(k)
• (Mac)Racken

• (Mac)Nutt
• (Mac)Vicar(s)
• (Mac)Vicker(s)
• Mannis(e)
• Porter
• Weir

See also

Macnaghten Baronets

Notes

1. ^ ^{a b} The Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs Clan Chiefs Retrieved on 2007-12-29
2. ^ http://www.clanmacnaughton.net/
3. ^ ^{a b} Robert A. Bell, Book of Ulster Surnames, Page 172, published by The Blackstaff Press in 1988.
4. ^ The Highlander, the Magazine of Scottish heritage; April 2009; 2009 Directory; Published by Angus J. Ray Associates, Inc.; ISSN 0161-5378, USPS 579200
5. ^ McNitt, V.V.. "2. MacNauchtans in the Golden Age". The Macnauchtan Saga. Archived from the original on 2009-10-22. http://web.archive.org/web/20091022121234/http://geocities.com/the_macnauchtan_saga/macnauchtan_saga_2.htm. 

References

• McNitt, V.V.. "The Macnauchtan Saga". Archived from the original on 2009-10-22. http://web.archive.org/web/20091022114654/http://geocities.com/the_macnauchtan_saga/macnauchtan_saga_1.htm. 

External links

• Clan Macnachtan Association Worldwide