Clan Campbell

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Clan Campbell was one of the largest Highland Scottish clans.

The Arms of the Chief of Clan Campbell
Image:Clancampbellcrest.jpg

1 Origin of the name
2 History
3 Castle Campbell/Castle Gloom
- 3.1 Inveraray Castle
4 Clan Battles
5 Jacobite Uprisings
6 Gaelic names
7 Motto & slogan
8 Pipe music
9 Tartans
10 Plant badge
11 Chief
12 Branches
13 Septs of Clan Campbell
14 External links

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Origin of the name

Caim Beul (Gaelic for "crooked mouth")

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History

The origins of the Campbells are uncertain, it is claimed that the name is derived from the French de Campo Bello, there are a number of competing theories including the theory that the name is from the Gaelic cam beul meaning "curved mouth". The dispute over the name is part of a wider disagreement on origins of the clan between those who point to a Britannic Celtic origin and those who claim Irish descent. The relatively new field of genetic genealogy seems to suggest however that the Campbells are neither - and indeed seem to share a common Scottish ancestor with many of their ancient Argyll foes.

The name is first mentioned in written records in the late 11th century, when Archibald Campbell was made Lord of Lochawe, more certain records first mention the name in the 1230s.

The name was well established in Argyll at the end of the 13th century, as followers of the Earl of Lennox, with Campbells owning lands in Kintyre and the famous warrior Cailein Mor (Great Colin) knighted (1380) and established at Loch Awe. Cailein Mor's (Great Colin's) older brother established at Strachur forming the oldest branch of Clan Campbell, see Campbell of Strachur. The family of Colin went on to become firm supporters of Robert the Bruce and benefited from his successes with grants of lands, titles and good marriages. Image:CastleCampbell2.jpg The first Lord Campbell was created in 1445. It was from the 15th century that the Campbells came to take an increasingly prominent role, Colin Campbell was en-nobled as the Earl of Argyll in 1457 and later became Baron of Lorn and was also granted lands in Knapdale, signs that the Argylls were one of the major forces in Scotland. His son, Archibald, became the first Argyll to be appointed Lord of the Isles. In the centuries, various Campbell Clan Chiefs, including Archibald Campbell, 5th Earl of Argyll, Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll, and John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll, have played key roles in Scottish and, indeed, British history.

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Castle Campbell/Castle Gloom

Image:CastleCampbell1.jpg The castle was originally a property of the Stewarts, but passed by marriage to Colin Campbell, 1st Earl of Argyll, and Chancellor of Scotland. He had the name of the castle changed by an act of Parliament to Castle Campbell in 1489. The Marquis of Montrose tried to take the castle in 1645, but failed. Despite his failure, the 8th Earl of Argyll had Montrose hung, drawn, and quartered in 1651 for the attempt.

The Hall Range was constructed c.1500 and would have originally provided additional lodging and public reception. The tower house was built in the late fifteenth century and was called Castle Gloom until 1489 when it was renamed Castle Campbell.

Campbells' luck ran out when they were faced with the choice of King or Cromwell. Initially choosing the King, later the Marquis (8th Earl) of Argyll switched his allegiance to Cromwell. Cromwell's forces occupied the castle in 1653, and only part of the castle was restored after it was burned in 1654 by Scots in retaliation for Campbells support to Cromwell and its use as a residence ended. Just seven years later the 8th Earl of Argyll was executed for treason to the King. Image:InverarayAriel.jpg

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Inveraray Castle

Argyll became the centre of the Clan and the castle of the Chief was established at Inveraray Castle. Other Campbell lands were scattered across Angus, Ayrshire (Loudoun), Clackmannan (Argyll), Nairnshire (Cawdor) Perthshire, Seahouses (Northumberland).

In 1948 Castle Campbell was given into the care of Historic Scotland and remains owned by the Government.

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Clan Battles

Battle of Red Ford, Lorn 1296; Battle between Clan Campbell & Clan MacDougall

Battle of Flodden Field 1513, Clan Campbell fought on the side of the Scottish King James IV against an English Army.

Battle of Inverlochy (1645), This battle was between the Scottish Argyll government forces of Clan Campbell led by Archibald Campbell, 1st Marquess of Argyll and the Royalist forces of the Marquess of Montrose mainly made up from Clan MacDonald, Clan MacLean and other MacDonalds and men from Ireland. Through cunning tactics the Royalist force of 1500 MacDonalds & MacLeans defeated the Argyll Campbell force of 3000.

1647; Siege of Duart Castle; In 1647 Duart Castle was attacked and laid siege to by the Argyll government troops of Clan Campbell but they were defeated and driven off by the Royalist troops off Clan MacLean.

Battle of Altimarlech 1678; A battle took place between Clan Campbell and Clan Sinclair.

1678; Archibald Campbell the 9th Earl, son of the Marquess of Argyll, invades the Clan MacLean lands on the Isle of Mull and garrisons Duart Castle.

In 1692, 78 unarmed MacDonalds were murdered in the Massacre of Glencoe when an initiative to suppress Jacobitism was entangled in the long running feud between Clan MacDonald and Clan Campbell. The slaughter of the host MacDonalds at the hands of their Campbell guests was a major affront of Scottish Law and Highland tradition.

Battle of Sheriffmuir 1715; Here the British Army forces of Clan Campbell fought against the Jacobites of Clan MacDonald who were under MacDonald of Keppoch. However there were in fact some Campbells who took the side of the Jacobites led by the son of Campbell of Glenlyon whose father had commanded the government troops at the Massacre of Glencoe 22 years earlier. The two young men "buried the hatchet" and swore to be brothers in arms, fighting side by side in the Battle of Sheriffmuir. The British forces of Clan Campbell defeated the Jacobites.

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Jacobite Uprisings

The Clan Campbell supported the British Government and fought against the rebel Jacobites at the Battle of Falkirk (1746) and the Battle of Culloden 1746.

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Gaelic names

Caimbeul (Surname)
Caimbeulach (Singular)
O Duibne (Collective)

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Motto & slogan

Motto: Ne Obliviscaris (Do Not Forget)
Slogan: "Cruachan!" (from the mountain north of Loch Awe, overlooking the bulk of the Campbell lands in Argyll)

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Pipe music

"Baile Inneraora"

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Tartans

Ancient Campbell, also known as Black Watch, although generally in lighter shades. Each branch, Campbell of Breadalbane, Campbell of Loudoun, and Campbell of Cawdor, also have a separate Tartan.

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