Our Glynn Family History Since 1292 A.D.
Origins of the Clan Name
The Clans of Scotland, in their true and unique context, did not come about until after Robert the Bruce, himself of Norman descent, had beaten back the English invasion which began in 1296, thus unifying Scottish interests against those of English imperialism. It was his great victory at the Battle of Bannockburn which truly consolidated Scotland’s sense of National identity, even though by then the majority of its ruling class was of Norman blood.
Clan Glen (sometimes simply “Glenn” or “Glynn” or “Glennie”) is a small clan whose existence has been documented as early as the year 1292. The very name “Glen” speaks of a feature of the land itself, meaning “Valley”. It is Celtic and found in Wales (usually “Glyn”) Scotland, often “Glenn” or “Glin”, and in Ireland as “Glynn” or “McGlynn” (common in Donegal). It appears that distinct families bearing this name arose independently in the regions of Peebles, Renfrewshire, and even across the border in England.
According to the accounts of Thomas Allen Glenn, the lordship of Glen – encompassing the lands of Bar, Gaytflat, Lynthills, Brigend, and others – was originally bestowed by King David I upon Walter the Steward. Glenn surmises that Richard, lord of the Glen, or his forebears, must have acquired this lordship through marriage to a woman of the Stewart lineage. The Glen surname itself originates from this lordship of Glen in Renfrewshire.
The limited Y DNA data that has been published concerning the Glens suggests that the ancient origins of the Glens of Bar may lie in Anglo-Norman ancestry. This aligns with Thomas Allen Glenn’s hypothesis that the Glen family were originally known as de Ness and accompanied Walter fitz Alan from Ness in Shrewsbury, England. Glenn believed that the Stewarts granted them the lands within the lordship of Glen. Indeed, a Roger de Ness witnessed a charter of Walter fitz Alan to Paisley Priory around the year 1173. Furthermore, a Henry de Ness appears in several charters of Alan Stewart, son of Walter fitz Alan, relating to the lands of Paisley. Notably, the Glens continued to hold lands rented from Paisley Abbey well into the 16th century.
Many volumes have been penned about the Glens, yet few remain in print or are readily available in digital form for our perusal.
Our present focus shall be upon Clan Glen within Renfrewshire, its connection to Peebleshire, tracing its branches through Bar and thence to Ulster and the distant shores of America.
The Glen Clan Connection to the Mackintosh Clan
The Gaelic word ‘clann’ means ‘children’: the central idea of a clan is kinship, or family. The Glens were never numerous enough to form a clan with a Capital “C”, but are a sept of the Clan Mackintosh , which is Gaelic for Mac-an-Toisich, ‘son of the chief’, as it was founded by a son of the Macduff clan. The 7th Chief of Clan Mackintosh became Baron of Moy , near Inverness – a title now held by the 30th Chief.
The Mackintosh’s arch-enemies of the 16th and 17th centuries were the Gordons, the Camerons and the MacDonalds of Keppoch, against whom in 1688 they fought the last clan battle . Unfortunately, the Mackintoshes were on the losing side!
Pins, Coats of Arms & Other Insignia
Glen Clan Coat of Arms
The Glen Coat of Arms prominently features three martlets, mythical birds traditionally depicted without feet, symbolizing a knight-errant’s endless journeying, according to heraldry expert William Newton. However, the martlets on this shield are shown with feet, diverging from their usual representation. The colors and symbols on the coat of arms hold rich meaning:
- White, Grey, and Silver: Represent peace and sincerity.
- Black (Sable): Denotes constancy and, at times, grief.
- Red (Gules): Embodies military strength and magnanimity, prominently displayed on the “Fess” (the horizontal band across the shield).
- Green (Vert): Signifies hope, joy, and loyalty in love.
- Gold (Or): Reflects generosity and elevation of mind.
Each emblem contributes uniquely to the coat of arms’ overall significance.
Combined, these elements craft a compelling story of honor, perseverance, and noble heritage.
Glen Clan Pin
“Alta Pete”, Latin for “Aim High”, is the motto for the Clan.
Glynn Clan Coat of Arms (Scotland)
Text
Mackinstosh Clan Coat of Arms
The arms of Clan Mackintosh have two wildcats supporting a shield showing a right hand holding a heart (as a badge of faithfulness to King Robert the Bruce in killing his enemy the Cumming), the red lion of Scotland (from their ancestor Macduff, thane of Fife), a boar’s head (from a marriage to the Gordons of Lochinver), and a lymphad (in memory of ancestors being driven to the coast of Caithness in the Clearances ). The Clan slogan is ‘Loch Moy’, from the ancestral area of the Mackintoshes, near Inverness.
Mackintosh Clan Pin
The Clan motto is ‘Touch not the cat bot a glove’ – the old Scots word ‘bot’ meaning without – and the cat being a wildcat echoes the Scottish motto ‘Nemo me impune lacessit’ . This – ‘No one attacks me with impunity’, or rendered in Scots as Wha daur meddle wi’ me? or ‘Cha togar m’ fhearg gun dìoladh’ in Scottish Gaelic.
Early Historic Records
The name “Glen” first graces the historical record in the year 1292, when King Edward I confirmed a charter concerning the lands of Gaytflat by Richard, lord of the Glen, in favor of his son John. It is noted that a man named Robert Nase (or Richard Ness) had previously held possession of these lands under Richard’s predecessors. This Richard, lord of Glen, may well be the first recorded Glen hailing from the Lennox region.
The prior charter appears to have been recorded after Richard’s demise, for a mere two days later, the lands of the late Richard de Glen were held in wardship pending the marriage of his heirs.
“November 14th, 1292. Grant by the king, overlord of Scotland, to Richard Freser, for a fine of 100 marks, whereof he will pay 25 marks a year, of the wardship of the lands late of Richard de Glen, tenant in chief of the royal dignity of Scotland, until the full age of the heirs with the marriage of the same.”
However, the lands do not appear to have been restored upon the marriage of any heir of Richard de Glen, as they were forfeited in the year 1298, perhaps due to the actions of a son of Richard de Glen.
The surname next surfaces in the year 1296 in a petition submitted by various widows “whose husbands had died in the army against the king.” Sarah, the widow of Duncan of the Glen (who died in 1292), swore an oath of fealty to King Edward I and beseeched the king for the restoration of her husband’s lands.
“Sarah, who was the wife of Duncan of the Glen, who has remained a widow for four years, petitions for her inheritance which is seised in the hand of Earl Patrick, by reason of the war.”
As we shall discuss further, this Duncan of Glen may be the first recorded Glen of Peebleshire.