Clan Stewart
The Stewarts
The Stewarts and their adherents are intertwined in every aspect of Scottish history. Known as “The Protectors” even among living Scots, the name in one of its many versions is the most common surname In modem Scotland, evidence of the ubiquity of the Stewart lineage.
The Stewarts are not a clan in the usual sense (though there were Highland branches, principally the Stewarts of Appin), nor are they a family. The origin of the Stewart structure was Alan Fitz Faald, the Celtic Briton, who came to Britain with or shortly after William the Conqueror, two of his sons entered the service of David I of Scotland, and one of them, Walter Fitz Alan, became Hereditary High Steward of Scotland. Thus the family mane originates in an occupation, like so many others.
For about 250 years after Walter became High Steward, the Stewarts multiplied and developed alliances for common prosperity and defense and married into the Bruce family. David Il, son of the great Robert
Bruce, died without direct heir in 1371. Robert Stewart, then David Il’s High Steward (and son of Bruce’s daughter), became King Robert Il of Scotland. With Robert Il began the line of monarchs who reigned in Scotland and England for nearly 350 years. Queen Elizabeth Il is of Stewart relationship, but contrary to many family legends, there are no surviving heirs to Mary Queen of Scots or any of the other Stewart monarchs. Charles and Diana’s children have substantial Stewart ancestry through both parents.
At least eight variations of the name are known. One common spelling, Stuart, is incorrectly assumed to be “royal.” More prosaically, it simply echoes the fact that many Stewarts were exiled to France during the s&uggles for succession to the throne with both the Tudors at the beginning of their dynasty on the British throne and with the Hanover’s during the Jacobite rebellions at the end. These Stewarts adopted the French spelling and language during their exile. There is no “w” in the French or Gaelic alphabet, hence the new spelling evolved.
At one time or another, Stewarts have held dukedoms, at least 17 earldoms, scores of other noble positions, and have been identified with more than 160 Scottish localities. Among the major branches, which developed across the expanse of Scotland, were Stuart of Bute and the Stewarts of Galloway, Appin, and Atholl. The Stewarts of Appin were strong supporters of the Jacobite rebellion to the very end on the moors of Culloden. The Robert Stevenson novel Kidnapped is based on the true story of the Appin murder of Cohn Roy Campbell (The Red Fox), factor to King William, which was falsely blamed on James of the Glen, the chief of the Stewarts of Appin.
Many families and towns affiliated with the Stewarts for fame, fortune, or protection. So many other tradesmen associated with the Stewart family that it is also known as the Clan of Tinkers and Kings.