| Clan Middleton | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Motto | FORTIS IN ARDUS ("Brave in difficulty")[1] |
| Profile | |
| District | Laurencekirk,Kincardineshire |
| Clan Middleton no longer has a chief, and is anarmigerous clan | |
| Historic seat | Fettercairn House[2] |
Clan Middleton is a LowlandScottish clan. It is recognised as such by theCourt of the Lord Lyon, but as it does not currently have a chief recognised by theLord Lyon King of Arms it is considered anarmigerous clan.
The early history of Clan Middleton is described in detail in the 17th century work of Frederic van Bossen, who claimed that the first Lord of Middleton was Freskin, the brother of Kenneth de Cunninghame; and the son of Kenneth and Lady Sponsa, who was the sister of Albinack ap Crinain. Freskin's name was an assumed name, and he was christened at birth with the name Malcolm. He was a direct descendant (the great-grandson) of Prince Malcom of Cumberland (Strathclyde). Though it is claimed by van Bossen that his great-great-grandfather was King Duffus, a careful review of Frederic van Bossen's notes refutes this and argues that the father of Prince Malcolm is more likely to be King Dyfnwal of Strathclyde. In these records an extended family line with the names of both spouses is provided for all five generations, except for the name of Freskin de Middleton's de Fettercairn's brother, Kenneth.[3][4][5]
Although there are multiple lands inScotland that are named Middleton, it is believed that the family took its name from those near toLaurencekirk inKincardineshire.[6] This agrees with Clan Cunningham records, which show a Robert de Cunningham held land in the region of Laurencekirk in the late 12th century.[7] These lands were confirmed by a charter fromWilliam the Lion (c. 1142 – 4 December 1214).[6] In 1296, Humfrey de Middleton of Kincardyn appeared on theRagman Rolls rendering homage toEdward I of England.[6] Robert de Middleton was taken prisoner atDunbar Castle in the same year.[6]
The Middleton family came to prominence in the 17th century.[6]John Middleton, son of Middleton ofCaldhame, was a professional soldier who served the king ofFrance, inHepburn's Regiment.[6] In 1642 he returned to Scotland and supported the opponents ofCharles I of England.[6] Firstly, as a cavalry commander and later as a general.[6] Middleton was withDavid Leslie, 1st Lord Newark's cavalry when they surprised and defeatedJames Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose at theBattle of Philiphaugh in 1645, pursuing him northwards.[6] Middleton also negotiated the terms when Charles I surrendered for Montrose to take ship to theContinent.[6] Middleton later joined forces withJames Hamilton, 1st Duke of Hamilton in an attempt to rescue the king in 1648, but was taken prisoner after theBattle of Preston.[6] He later escaped and re-joined the royalists only to be wounded and captured again at theBattle of Worcester in 1651.[6] He was tried for treason, but again escaped and joinedGlencairn's rising, only to be defeated byGeorge Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle, and went into exile again on the Continent.[6] AtThe Restoration,Charles II of England created himEarl of Middleton as well as Lord Clermont and Fettercarin.[6] He was later also createdLord High Commissioner to the Parliament of Scotland andGovernor of Tangier in 1667, where he died.[6]
John Middleton's only son wasCharles, the second and last Earl of Middleton who was ambassador to the imperial court ofVienna andSecretary of State for Scotland.[6] Charles did not approve of the actions ofJames II of England and VII of Scotland, but did not support theGlorious Revolution of 1688 or the subsequent ascension ofQueen Mary andWilliam of Orange, fleeing to France.[6] His sons were captured attempting an invasion of Scotland with French troops and were subsequently sent to theTower of London, but later released.[6] The title was then forfeited and never restored.[6]
Sir Thomas Middleton of Rosefarm was a distinguished agriculturalist and deputy director general of the Department of Food Production duringWorld War I.[6] He was made a Fellow of theRoyal Society in 1936.[6]
Castles that have been owned by the Clan Middleton have included:
