Clan Cleland History and Origin

Nestled in Clydesdale, Lanarkshire, Clan Cleland stands as one of the oldest and most distinguished families in the Scottish Lowlands. For centuries, the legacy of this martial house has been woven into the fabric of Scotland’s struggle for independence, religious liberty, and territorial survival. Originally appearing in medieval records as "Kneland" or "Kneiland," the name represents a family of immense martial prowess, administrative utility, and regional dominance.

Famous as hereditary foresters to the ancient and powerful Earls of Douglas, the Clelands are renowned for their blood ties to Sir William Wallace and their unyielding support of King Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn. From the bloody fields of Flodden to the desperate urban street fighting of the Battle of Dunkeld, Clan Cleland has consistently stood at the crossroads of Scottish history, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's military and cultural heritage. Today, the clan's legacy is celebrated by a global diaspora, making the history and origins of Clan Cleland a subject of profound fascination for genealogists, history enthusiasts, and descendants worldwide.

The Origin & Name Meaning

The etymology and earliest origins of Clan Cleland are steeped in both folklore and rich historical documentation, prompting considerable debate among Scottish philologists. Before the spelling of Scottish surnames was standardized, the family name appeared in an array of phonetic variants, including Kneland, Kneiland, Clelland, Clealand, and Cleiland.

Linguistically, three distinct theories explain the origin of the surname:

• The Germanic Derivation (Knechtland): The most widely accepted theory among family historians, including nineteenth-century genealogist George Grossart, traces the name to the Old German word knecht (signifying a knight, servant, or soldier). Combined with land, the original compound Knechtland or Kneland referred to "one who for his land served the king in peace or war," or alternatively, the family who acted as the hereditary land-servants and foresters of the Earls of Douglas. Over generations, the hard "Kn" sound softened into the modern "Cleland."
• The Celtic Christian Derivation (Mac Giolla Fhaolain): Another compelling theory links Cleland to a common Celtic ancestry shared by the names Gilfillan and MacClelland. This hypothesis derives the name from the Gaelic patronymic Mac Giolla Fhaolain, translating to "son of the servant of St. Fillan" (with Faolan being a diminutive of faol, meaning wolf). This theory is geographically supported by St. Fillan’s Well, a sacred spring situated in the river directly below the ancestral Cleland House, indicating ancient local veneration of the saint by the family's forebears.
• The Anglo-Saxon Locational Derivation (Clay-land): Modern onomastic databases sometimes suggest the name simply means "clay-land," referring to clayey soil in Motherwell, Lanarkshire. However, this theory is historically rejected by genealogical authorities. The family's oldest estate was recorded as Clelandtoun (meaning "Cleland's dwelling or residence"). This proves that the family patronymic preceded the naming of the estate, with the kin group bestowing their name upon the land rather than deriving it from the physical soil.

The First Recorded Ancestors

The historical record of the clan officially begins in the late thirteenth century during the reign of King Alexander III. The first officially documented namebearer is Alexander Kneland of that Ilk, who is listed in state charters dating back to 1275. Alexander contracted a highly prestigious marriage to Margaret Wallace, the daughter of Adam Wallace of Riccarton and sister of Sir Malcolm Wallace. Because Margaret was the paternal aunt of Sir William Wallace, Alexander Kneland was Wallace's uncle by marriage. This crucial familial bond placed the Clelands at the center of the Wars of Scottish Independence.

Rise to Power & Key Alliances

Following their strategic alliance with the House of Wallace, the Clelands rapidly expanded their territorial influence and political power across Lanarkshire and West Lothian. Alexander Kneland’s son, James Cleland (2nd of that Ilk), was William Wallace's first cousin and most trusted companion-in-arms. The medieval minstrel Blind Harry celebrated James's unwavering loyalty, writing: "Kneland was thar, ner cusyng to Wallace, Syne baid with hym in many peralowse place".

James fought alongside his cousin in nearly all of his historic campaigns, including Loudoun Hill (1296), Stirling Bridge (1297), High Street in Glasgow (1300), and Falkirk (1298). He also assisted in capturing the French pirate Thomas Longueville, known as the "Red Rover." Following Wallace’s execution, James Cleland transferred his allegiance to King Robert the Bruce. Alongside his eldest son, John, James fought valiantly at the Battle of Bannockburn (1314), where he was wounded. For his outstanding loyalty and military service, King Robert I rewarded James with extensive land grants in the Barony of West Calder in West Lothian, laying the foundation for the clan's prosperity.

The family's martial reputation was further solidified in subsequent national conflicts. John Cleland (3rd of that Ilk) fought at the Battle of Durham (1346), where he was taken prisoner alongside King David II. Over a century later, Alexander Cleland (9th of that Ilk) and his cousin, William Cleland of Faskine, died side-by-side defending the royal standard of King James IV at the bloody Battle of Flodden (1513).

Crucial Dynastic Alliances

The Clelands maintained their noble status through strategic marriages with several of Scotland's most powerful houses:

• The House of Somerville: In 1450, James Cleland (7th of that Ilk) married Janet (Jean), the youngest daughter of William, 2nd Lord Somerville, securing a massive dowry of 1,500 merks and twenty milk kine.
• The House of Bothwell: James Cleland (10th of that Ilk), a favorite hunting companion of King James V, married a daughter of Hepburn of Bonnytown, linking the family directly to the powerful Earl of Bothwell.
• The House of Hamilton: Alexander Cleland (11th of that Ilk) married Margaret, daughter of Hamilton of Haggs, while his descendant Alexander married Mary Hamilton, sister of John, 1st Lord Bargeny, which brought substantial landholdings into the family.

Feuds and the Darker History

Lowland Scottish history is notoriously defined by violent blood feuds, political conspiracies, and dramatic family rivalries, and the annals of Clan Cleland are no exception.

Implication in the Murder of Lord Darnley

The most notorious chapter in the clan's history occurred in 1567, during the tumultuous reign of Mary, Queen of Scots. Alexander Cleland (11th of that Ilk), owing to his close blood ties with the Earl of Bothwell (Queen Mary's third husband), became deeply embroiled in the conspiracy to assassinate the Queen’s second husband, Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, at Kirk o' Field. Alexander, along with his brother Arthur Cleland of Knowenoblehill, was formally indicted before Parliament as being "art and part" in Darnley's murder and the assassinations of the two subsequent Regents.

The Feud with the House of Lauchope

The Clelands maintained a long-standing, bitter local feud with their neighbors, the Muirheads of Lauchope (Lauchope House). This rivalry turned Lanarkshire into a virtual war zone for decades, forcing the Cleland Lairds to frequently fortify their dwellings and utilize the secret natural caves beneath their estates to escape ambush.

The Usurpation of the Chiefship

The dramatic greed of early modern inheritance fractured the family from within. In 1634, Alexander Cleland, the heir apparent of the clan, died prematurely during the lifetime of his father. This left his young son, born around 1620, an orphan under the guardianship of his uncle, James Cleland. Taking advantage of his nephew's youth, James wrongfully assumed the title "of that Ilk" and used gold and legal coercion to force the boy to sell him the ancestral estates of Cleland. This act of betrayal sparked centuries of bitter resentment from the direct line of descendants.

Clan Castles & Territories

As landowners in Clydesdale, Clan Cleland held several strongholds throughout Lanarkshire:

Cleland House

The principal ancestral seat of the clan was Cleland House, situated on a dramatic precipice directly overlooking the foaming waters of the South Calder River. The estate has seen three distinct castles and mansions over the centuries:

• The First Cleland House (c. 1450): An early defensive stone fortress built to guard the river crossing.
• The Second Cleland House (c. 1535): A formidable fortified tower and fortalice that stood as the main seat of "Clelandtown" until it was sold in 1702 to meet the family's debts. It was demolished in 1780.
• The Third Cleland House (c. 1804): A grand Palladian mansion designed in the style of William Adam. It sadly burned down in August 1957, and the historic site is now occupied by the clubhouse of Dalziel Park.

Wallace's Cave

Located on the steep rock directly below Cleland House, this natural cavern was heavily improved by medieval artifice. Historically capable of holding forty to fifty men, it featured an iron gate fixed in the solid rock, a cut fireplace, and a chimney. Sir William Wallace famously used the cave as a hiding place during his campaign against the English, and it later served as a sanctuary for the Covenanters during the "Killing Times." Though rockfalls have reduced it to a narrow ledge, it remains a monument to Cleland history.

Monkland House

Originally a monastery seized during the Protestant Reformation, Monkland House was purchased in 1607 by Sir James Cleland. Sir James built a massive house with two flanking wings and four corner turrets. Local folklore states that Monkland House was connected to the old Cleland strongholds of Faskine and Gartness by ancient underground passages.

Symbols & Identifiers

The visual heraldry and traditional identifiers of Clan Cleland are deeply rooted in their early role as foresters and guardians of the Scottish wilderness:

• The Clan Motto: The principal Latin motto of the clan is "Non Sibi", translating to "Not for himself". At other times, they carried the English motto "For Sport".
• The Plant Badge: The visual emblem worn in the bonnets of Cleland clansmen in battle is the Harebell (the Scottish Bluebell).
• The Crest: The authorized crest features a falcon standing upon a gloved left (sinister) hand, proper.
• The Coat of Arms: A striking blue shield (Azure) featuring a leaping silver hare (a hare salient argent) with a green hunting horn (Vert) garnished in red (Gules) hanging about its neck.
• The Supporters: Uniquely, the Chiefs of Cleland possessed the rare noble right to carry supporters—specifically, two greyhounds proper, collared or. This right was so fiercely guarded that the chief once personally painted over the supporters on a cousin’s carriage in Princes Street, Edinburgh, to punish his unauthorized use of the chief's heraldry.
• The Clan Tartan: The official Cleland tartan features green, blue, and black stripes, representing the Lowland landscape. For those unable to procure the specific Cleland sett, the Royal Stewart tartan is traditionally recommended, as the King of Scots is considered the "Chief of Chiefs".

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Clan Cleland a Highland or Lowland clan?

Clan Cleland is historically a Lowland Scottish clan. Their primary ancestral lands, seats, and administrative power were centered in the parish of Dalziel in Clydesdale, Lanarkshire.

What is the Clan Cleland war cry?

Historically, Clan Cleland does not have a recorded Gaelic war cry in state records. During the religious conflicts of the seventeenth century, the Cameronian Clelands fought under Covenanter banners bearing the rallying cry, "For Christ and His Truths".

Why does the Cleland coat of arms feature a hare and a hunting horn?

The hare and hunting horn are symbols of the clan’s ancient office as hereditary foresters to the Earls of Douglas. This prestigious administrative post involved managing the baronial hunting stock, woodlands, and game laws in Lanarkshire.

Is Clan Cleland related to Clan MacLellan?

Yes. While historically distinct Lowland families, genealogical records and clan registries frequently classify Cleland and Clelland as recognized septs of Clan MacLellan. This was a common medieval practice where smaller Lowland houses allied with larger baronial networks for mutual protection.

References

1. Cleland, J. B. (1905). The Ancient Family of Cleland: Being an Account of the Clelands of that Ilk, in the County of Lanark; of the Branches of Faskine, Monkland, etc.; and of Others of the Name. London: Hicks, Wilkinson & Sears.
2. Grossart, G. (1880). History of the Parish of Shotts. Glasgow: A. M'Laren.
3. Hamilton, W. (1710). A Description of the Sheriffdoms of Lanark and Renfrew, Compiled about M.DCC.X. Edinburgh: Maitland Club.
4. Nisbet, A. (1722). A System of Heraldry, Speculative and Practical: With the True Art of Blazon. Edinburgh: J. MackEuen.
5. Squire, R., & Way, G. (1994). Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Edinburgh: HarperCollins Publishers.
6. Wodrow, R. (1721). The History of the Sufferings of the Church of Scotland from the Restoration to the Revolution. Edinburgh: James Watson.