Barclay

Aut Agere Aut Mori (Either to do or die)

Barclay Hunting Tartan
©2022 Gazetteer for Scotland

Barclay Hunting Tartan

The Barclays are descendants of a French family that arrived in Britain with the Norman Conquest of 1066. Originally de Berchelai, the name was corrupted over the years to Barclay. Lands were granted to the family around Towie in Aberdeenshire, by King Malcolm III (1031 - 1093) after his marriage to Margaret in 1069. Barclays quickly found positions of power, with Sir Walter de Barclay becoming Chamberlain of Scotland in 1165. Sir David Barclay became a chief associate of King Robert I (1274 - 1329), fighting alongside him until his capture at the Battle of Methven.

A branch of the family established itself at Urie near Stonehaven (Aberdeenshire) and became Quakers. Despite their persecution, Robert Barclay, the 2nd Laird of Urie, achieved high status in the court of King Charles II (1630 - 1685). He moved to London where his son, David Barclay, founded Barclay's Bank.


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