Armstrong

Armstrong

Clan Armstrong of Scotland. The legends and tradition of this powerful Borders family hold that the first of the name was Siward Beorn (‘sword warrior’), also known as Siward Digry (‘sword strong arm’), who was the last Anglo-Danish Earl of Northumberland and a nephew of Canute, King of England who reigned until 1035. The family is said to have been related by marriage both to Duncan, King of Scots and William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England. The name was common over the whole of Northumbria and the Borders, and the Armstrongs became a powerful and warlike border clan around Liddisdale. Adam Armstrong was pardoned at Carlisle in 1235 for causing the death of another man and Gilbert Armstrong, steward of the household of David II, was ambassador to England in 1363. In 1425 John, brother of Armstrong of Mangerton, in Liddisdale, built a strong tower, and about this time, they became virtual rulers of the Borders, so much so that King James V had John Armstrong, Laird of Gilnockie hanged because he posed a threat. The clan was completely dispersed by 1610, when the last laird was hanged in Edinburgh.

Arms:(of Mangerton) Argent, three pallets azure.

Crest: An arm from the shoulder, armed proper.

Motto: Invictus Maneo (I Remain Unvanquished).

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