The Lindsay family

The Lindsay family

The name and the clan

Tartan – Burgundy and dark green

Crest badge – A swan rising from a coronet, proper

Motto – Endure fort (endure with strength)

Lindsay ‘ane surname of renown’, was probably originally spelt Limesy, from the place name in Seine-Maritime, France. Ralph de Limsey and his brother Roger, were major landholders in England at the time of the Domesday Book in 1086.

The ancient administrative district in Lincolnshire called Lindsey may have some connection with the Lindsay family.

Through association with David, Earl of Huntingdon, the Lindsays came to Scotland, and the name first appears in the Borders during the 12th century. Baldric de Lindsay is the first recorded name of the family in Scotland. William de Lindsay acquired the property of Crawford in Lanarkshire in 1180. Sir David Lindsay acquired Glenesk in Angus in the 14th century.

Sir Alexander de Lindsay supported both Wallace and Bruce in the Wars of Independence and forfeited his English lands as a result. His second son became Sir William Lindsay of the Byres, whose line produced three Lords Lyon King of Arms.

The Lindsays’ great holdings in Angus provoked hostility amongst their neighbours, most notably the Ogilvies. Also the blood-feud with the Lyons of Glamis lasted for over 200 years.

The family remained loyal to the Stuarts in the Revolution of 1688, and the Jacobite Rising of 1715.

Sir David Lindsay of the Mount (1490-1567), poet and reformer, and Robert Lindsay of Pitscottie, author of The Chronicles of Scotland, are two of Scotland’s celebrated literary men.

The current Chief is The Right Honourable Robert Alexander Lindsay, 29th Earl of Crawford.

Lindsays are now to be found all over the globe – but one tradition still holds true, and in most families, the name David is commonly used, as it has been back through the generations.

 

My Lindsay ancestors settled in the village of Ackworth, Yorkshire, from the year 1770.

 

Two interesting Lindsay websites

 The Clan Lindsay

Clan Lindsay USA

 

Lindsay graves at St. Cuthbert’s Church, Ackworth, Yorkshire

Photographs of William Henry Smith and Sarah Ann Lindsay with their family

Grave of William Henry Smith and Sarah Ann Lindsay at Wragby church

Ackworth in 1822 from Baines’ Directory of the West Riding of Yorkshire

Ackworth in 1927 from Kelly’s Directory of the West Riding of Yorkshire

 

 More to follow

 

© Angela Petyt 2001. All rights reserved.

 Permission is granted for all free personal and non-commercial uses.

Commercial use of any portion contained herein is expressly prohibited.

 

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