Clan Stewart The most famous "occupational" name in Scotland, the name is derived from the office of steward (from Old English "stig" meaning house and "weard" meaning keeper). A Norman knight, William Fitz Alain became hereditary Great Steward of Scotland during the reign of King David I and was given estates in Renfreshire and East Lothian.. His descendants, using the name Stewart, obtained lands in Kintyre, Arran, Cowal and Bute. Other branches of the family became established in Strathearn and Atholl in Perthshire, Appin in Argyle and also in Strathspey. During the First War For Scottish Independence, the Steward of Scotland aided William Wallace with political support and troops just before the Battle of Stirling Bridge, 11 September 1297. Walter, the 6th High Steward married Marjory, daughter of Robert the Bruce. Bruce's own son, King David II died childless and Bruce's grandson, Robert Stewart, through Marjory, became King Robert II in 1371, thus starting the Stewart Dynasty which lasted until the death of Queen Anne in 1714. The royal male line of Stewarts probably ended with the death of Bonnie Prince Charlie Currently, Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales, is High Steward of Scotland as the female-line descendant of Walter Fitz Alan. The "Stuart" spelling arose because there was no letter "w" in the French language and Mary Queen of Scots, in particular, became Mary Stuart, following her marriage to the Dauphin of France, later King Francis II. The Royal Stewart Tartan (pictured right,) is the most recognizable kilt pattern and is the most common kilt worn. (Mostly by those not actually in the clan, but desiring to wear a kilt.) Clan Motto: Virescit Vulnere Virtus "Courage grows strong at a wound." |  .jpg) |
