Turnbull Surname

Discover the bold Scottish Border heritage of the Turnbull surname (including historical allied variants such as Trumbull, Trimble, and Rule) through our curated collection of heraldic prints, clan history books, and family crest keepsakes. Originating in the valley of the Rule Water in Roxburghshire, the family gained its famous name and black bull's head crest in 1315 when William Rule saved King Robert the Bruce from a charging wild Caledonian bull in Callendar Woods, earning the royal charter to Philiphaugh and the motto "I saved the King." From their medieval strongholds at Bedrule Castle, Fatlips Castle on Minto Crags, and Fulton Tower—and the founding of the University of Glasgow by Bishop William Turnbull in 1451—to their storied history as fierce Border Reivers of the Middle March, explore authentic Fairbairn's Crests archival editions and heritage merchandise celebrating Clan Turnbull.