Armstrong

directed from The Clans

This variation of the Norman name Fortinbras has been known in the West Marches since the 13th century. Before the Union of the Crowns in 1603, this small border clan found themselves in an area of sharp contention, and the Armstrong chiefs adopted a traditional right of wide foray and tribute-levying into the ‘Auld Enemy’s’ territory. At length, such diplomatic embarrassments from his over-active subjects moved James V to suppress them in 1529 by an expedition disguised as a great hunting tour. Several border ballads recount the aggrieved shock of ’Johnnie Armstrong of Gilknockie’ and other leaders preparing to welcome their sovereign and finding themselves facing the hangman instead. That not all the clan were alike is obvious from the Gilbert Armstrong who was High Steward to King David II and his ambassador to England. It was not until 1237 that the frontier between Scotland and England was established by treaty where it remains today, and as late as the 16th century parts of it were still debateable. In the west, Cumberland which had been inhabited by Welsh-speaking Britons before the English invasions from Northumbria, liest to the south of it. It is not surprising that so many border names such as Inglis, Scott, Fleming and Wallace denote ethnic origins. To whichever of these groups the Armstrongs belonged, they are first found south of the border. It is a curious fact that the earliest reference to an Armstrong in Liddesdale occurs as late as 1376, especially considering how prolific and powerful the name was to become in this area. The last Chief was Archibald Armstrong of Mangerton who died about 1610. The Clan is currently represented globally by the official Clan Armstrong Trust in the Scottish border region. The President of the Armstrong Clan Trust is Micheil Armstrong of Mungbyhurst.

Septs:

• CROZIER
• CROZER
• FAIRBAIRN
• GROZIER
• NIXON