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Clan
Graham
Legend
has it that the first Graham was one Gramus who forced a breach
in the Roman Antonine wall known as Graeme's Dyke in 420 A.D.
However, historians generally believe that the Grahams were
of Norman descent. The first record of the name was William
de Graham who received the lands of Aberdeen and Dalkeith from
David 1 in 1127. From him descend all the Grahams of Montrose.
They became numerous in Liddesdale and the Borders and later
obtained lands in Strathearn and Lower Perthshi re, the area
with which the clan is now associated. The main line of Graham
chiefs were long and loyal supporters of the Scottish cause.
Sir John Graham of Dundaff, a friend and follower of Wallace
was killed at the Battle of Falkirk in 1298. His son Sir David
received the lands of Montrose for faithful service to King
Robert the Bruce. The 3rd Lord Graham was created earl in 1504
and fell at Flodden in 1513. James, the 5th earl was created
Marquis of Montrose. Two of Scotlands greatest generals have
been provided by the Grahams of Montrose. James Graham, 1st
Marquis led the war in Scotland on behalf of Charles I and John
Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee (Bonnie Dundee), led
the highly successful campaign for James VII during which time
he managed to organise the Highlanders into a strong single
force and gain great victories, notably the Battles of Inverlochy
and Killicrankie. He was so unreplaceable that the campaign
collapsed without him. It was the Marquis of Graham, later,
Duke of Montrose who moved the motion in parliament to repeal
the Act of Proscription of the Highland Dress passed in 1782.
Scholars have long debated whence came the people and name Graham.
Some say the Grahams are descendants of the Graeme who commanded
the armies of Fergus II in 404 AD. Others are equally convinced
that they are of Norman descent, while yet others claim a Flemish
or even Danish descent.
There is
a legend that the Roman Antonine Wall across Scotland was first
breached by a Graham and due to this it is sometimes referred
to as "Graeme's Dyke". More certainly, the Grahams
can be traced back to the 12th century when William de Graham
was granted lands of Abercorn and Dalkeith by King David I.
The name may have derived from the English town of Grantham
which was spelt Graham in the Domesday Book. The Grahams had
numerous branches in Menteith, Drymen, Angus and the Borders.
Sir John
Graham of Dundaff was described as the "richt hand"
of William Wallace and was killed at the Battle of Falkirk in
1298 (His gravestone and effigy can still be found in Falkirk
Old Parish Church). The 3rd Lord Graham was created Earl of
Montrose by James IV and fell at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
The 5th Earl was made Marquis of Montrose in 1644. A brilliant
military tactician, he campaigned in support of King Charles
I.
John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee, gained the title
of both "Bloody Clavers" and "Bonnie Dundee"
depending on whether you were a Covenanter or not, as he fought
to crush them. In 1689 at the Battle of Killiecrankie he led
a force of Jacobite Highlanders to victory over the forces of
King William of Orange. But Viscount Dundee was killed leading
the charge.
It was due to the efforts of the Marquis of Graham that the
1747 Act prohibiting or proscription of wearing tartan was repealed
in 1782.
Graham was
the 30th most frequent surname at the General Register Office
in 1995.
The clan
motto is "Ne oublié" ("Never forget").
The Bonar,
Bontine, Haddon and MacGrime families are septs (sub-branches)
of Graham.
The Clan Motto
"ne oublie" (do not forget)
The Clan Flower
Laurus Nobilis Laurel
Septs
of Clan Graham
Airth Buchlyrie Grim Monteith Allardyce Buntain (Grimes) Monzie
Auchinloick Bunting Hadden Orchille {Kilpatrich} Conyers Haldane
Pitcairn Ballewen Drumaguhassle Lingo Pyatt Blair Duchray MacGibbon
Pye Bonar Dugalston MacGilvern Pyott Bonnar Esbank MacGilvernoel
Rednock Bonner Glenny MacIlvern Sirowan Bontein Graeme MacShille
Sterling Bontine Grahame Menteith.
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