[8] The Sinclairs of Roslin (Rosslyn) laid claim to be hereditary Grand Master Masons of Scotland. Normandy, William the Conqueror, who became King of England. 3. who, with King Harald Fairhair, conquered the Orkney Isles and Although Niven Sinclair may have exaggerated in writing that the battle was “perhaps the greatest tragedy to befall the Clan,” it was certainly a low point in Sinclair family/clan history. THE SINCLAIR CLAN Written by: The Rt. In Scotland the early history of the Sinclairs was well documented by the Rosslyn family’s celebrated genealogist, Father Hay, and in The Enigmatic Sinclairs: The First 350 Years (2015) by Gerald Sinclair and Rondo B. George Sinclair was killed with most of his men in an ambush. Finally we have modern history, … Clan Sinclair. The name was originally "Saint-Clair" which was a place name. [6] In 1739 forty-four Scottish Freemasons' Lodges met in Edinburgh to found the Grand Lodge of Scotland. [8] The Jacobite rebel, John Mackenzie, Lord MacLeod, tried raising the Sinclairs in arms but had little success: only about thirty men under Sinclair of Scotscalder arrived at the place of muster, and Sinclair of Scotscalder's estates were later forfeited. Ian Barlow Sinclair, 88, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2014, in Fatima Hospital, North Providence. The Sinclair DNA study was started in 2004 and has grown to over 500 DNA kits managed. Saved by Patricia Patscheck. (e.which == 3 || e.which == 2)) Sinclairs have played and are still playing a prominent role in I have … Castle Sinclair Girnigoe is located about 3 miles north of Wick on the east coast of Caithness, Scotland. [8] The Battle of Donibristle took place in 1317, William Sinclair, Bishop of Dunkeld, rallied the Scots army to defeat an English invading force in Fife. Clan Sinclair has played an important role in the history of Scotland, Europe, Christianity and the discovery of the America's. Clan History and Origins It is likely the Sinclairs came from St Clare in Normandy. … He was succeeded by his son George Sinclair 4th Earl of Caithness. Margaret was succeeded as President of CSA in 2001 by her mother, Jean Sinclair Stokes, who served in the position until May 2005. [8], On 4 June 1745, Sir James Sinclair of Rosslyn, a lieutenant general with the Royal Scots regiment, was appointed the commander of the British Forces in Flanders. The current chief is Malcolm Sinclair, 20th Earl of Caithness. Meet the members of Clan Sinclair in this STEAMY first installment of the five book Highland romance series. This project is for users researching the Scottish clan Sinclair, its history, and descendants. History Sinclair is one of the oldest surnames in Europe, first adopted by our ancestors in Normandy after a local saint, Saint Clare, and also spelled numerous ways, such as Sinkler and St. Clair. [7], William Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Caithness was killed fighting for James IV of Scotland at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. [6] They, or at least their bones, are said to be buried in Rosslyn Chapel. The Sinclairs supported the Scottish Crown during the Scottish–Norwegian War and the Wars of Scottish Independence. We're growing rapidly and are adding important members of the clan with known paper documentation dating back over 400 years and more. Me, available from St. Clair Publications. Although Caithness and Orkney is considered of the family in Norway, Sweden, France and Germany. Jarls, most of whom owed allegance to both the Scandinavian and He was succeeded by John Sinclair of Murchill (Murkle) 8th Earl, his cousin. Highlights in the History of Clan Sinclair The proud and noble Scottish family of Sinclair (St. Clair) is of hearty Viking stock with duel roots extending more than a millennium back in time to the ancient Norse earldoms of Orkney and Caithness and the dukedom of Normandy. [6], On 17 June 1739 Major Malcolm Sinclair 'A good and faithful servant of Sweden' was charged with affairs of State, he was assassinated at Grunberg in Silesia by agents of Tsaritsa Anna of Russia. During the Jacobite rising of 1715 the Sinclairs supported the Jacobite cause, but during the Jacobite rising of 1745, while the clan largely had Jacobite sympathies, their chief, the Earl of Caithness, supported the British-Hanoverian Government. Orkney was established in the mid 14th century when Sir William St higher antiquity, a nobler illustration, or a more romantic It comprises the ruins of two castles: the 15th-century Castle Girnigoe; and the early 17th-century Castle Sinclair. Use the search engine provided here to locate further … Ian Barlow Sinclair - Glocester. Sinclair Name Meaning. CLAN SINCLAIR TRUST - Free company information from Companies House including registered office address, filing history, accounts, annual return, officers, charges, business activity All variant spellings are welcome. In the 16th century the Sinclairs fought against England during the Anglo-Scottish Wars and also feuded with their neighbors the Clan Sutherland. Clair of Roslin married Isabella daughter and heiress of Malise, throughout the UK but worldwide. relative of William the Conqueror, was given the life barony of Hon. “Wine is strong, a King is … Early Sinclair History: The Sinclair lineage can be traced back to Norway in the first millennium, through Normandy in France, where there are many places named for Saint Clair. This is a global DNA study of the Sinclair / St. Clair family. Sinclair, Viscount Thurso and Sir Patrick Sinclair of Dunbeath. [8], In 1680 a feud took place between George Sinclair of Keiss and Sir John Campbell of Glenorchy over the right to the lands and title of the earldom of Caithness. alert("This website is protected by copyright"); The word ‘clan’ derives from the Gaelic word clann, meaning “children”. He was later reappointed for his life. [17] However, the Clan Sinclair was strongly Jacobite, but after hearing the news of the Jacobite failure at the Battle of Culloden, this apparently made them "sneak home again". The chiefs of Clan Sinclair (formerly St Clair) were the Barons of Roslin and later the Earls of Orkney and Earls of Caithness. Legend has it that they hold the key to the discovery of the Holy Grail and that they founded a colony in North … Sir Walter Scott Some might a wee bitty concerned that the Sinclair family is not a ‘real’ clan. The name Sinclair is of Norman origin from "Saint-Clair-sur-Elle" and was established in Scotland in 1162 when Henry de St Clair of Roslin was granted lands in Lothian. This summary of Sinclair history and future was received in February 1999 from Ian Sinclair iansinclair@clansinclair.freeserve.co.uk. Journey through time with a professional genealogist and STGA Tour Guide - follow the Sinclairs the Earls of Caithness. (event.button == 2 || event.button == 3)) { No certain record exists but it is likely that the Sinclairs came from Saint-Clair in Normandy. Surnames regarded as septs (sub-branch) of the Sinclair clan include Caird, Clyne, Linklater, Lyall and Mason. [6] There was a loss of 300 Sinclairs including George Sinclair of Keiss, Henry 3rd Lord Sinclair, Sir John Sinclair of Herdmanston, The Bishop of Caithness as well as James IV of Scotland. In 1379, the family obtained the Earldom of Orkney, and in the 1455 received land in Caithness.The earldom or kingdom of Orkney was later resigned by order of James III. Clan Sinclair; D. Jessie Alexander (Downie) Sinclair abt 25 Nov 1894 Wick, Caithness, Scotland, United Kingdom - abt 1980; Debra L. (Downs) Allison 1950s - unknown; Barbara (Drever) Sinclair 10 Sep 1752 Sanday, Orkney, Scotland - abt 1800; Catherine (Drever) Sinclair abt 8 Jan 1796 Orkney, Scotland - 27 Aug 1868; Charlotte (Dunbar) Dunbar, Lady Sinclair of Dunbeath abt … [6] In 1391, he conquered the Faroe Islands. GET STARTED. The Sinclair DNA Project is a global project and open to all who are interested in this family's genealogy. [8] Henry, his son, was also captured and later sent to St Briavels Castle,[8] and in 1296 he swore fealty to Edward I of England. Richard of Saint-Clair and Brittel of Saint-Clair are both mentioned in the Domesday Book. The print is supplied in an Soft White quality mount, 8 inches x 8 inches, ready to fit into a standard frame of the same size. interest than that of St. Clair” Last updated It comprises the ruins of two castles: the 15th-century Castle Girnigoe; and the early 17th-century Castle Sinclair. It is considered to be one of the earliest seats of Clan Sinclair. the late 9th Century was a Norwegian, Rognvald, Jarl of Moeri, This period includes the Battle of Flodden and the Battle of Altimarlach in the Last Clan War. Each member of the Scottish clan faces challenges as they meet their fated match, but all of the Sinclairs find their HEA. [7], One of the earliest recorded Sinclairs in Scotland was Henry of Saint-Clair/Sinclair, who obtained a charter for the lands of Herdmanston in Haddingtonshire in 1160. The chiefs of Clan Sinclair (formerly St Clair) were the Barons of Roslin and later the Earls of Orkney and Earls of Caithness. and maintained by Iain Laird and all rights donated to the Clan Sinclair Trust. Its purpose is to promote and perpetuate family tradition within the context of Scottish history and culture. They have helped crown kings and also to dispose of them.They have fought in many battles, sometimes being the victor and sometimes the vanquished. Equally, [8] The Battle of Neville's Cross took place in 1346 where Sir John Sinclair of Herdmanston was taken prisoner[8], In 1379, Sir Henry Sinclair, who was also Admiral of Scotland claimed the Earldom of Orkney through his mother and received it from Haakon VI of Norway. History. This allows Niven Sinclair to demonstrate the Clan's lineage back to a Norse raider called Hrolf the Ganger who invaded Normandy in the 10th Century. Isla St Clair, singer and musician, is far right on second row. The great stronghold of Girnigoe Castle is the most spectacular ruin in the north of Scotland and is built on a high peninsular rock with precipitous cliffs to the sea on three sides. www.valleybreeze.com. Origins of the Sinclairs in Scotland Like many other clans and families Sinclairs have had to rely on ‘old’ works and books usually printed in the 1800’s when researching family history. notes From Stirnet's "Sinclair01" page (link below): " BP1934 (Sinclair) reports that 'Two important families bearing the name of Sinclair (or St. Clair ) co-existed in the 12th century, distinguished as of Rosslyn, in Midlothian, and of Herdmanstoun , in East Lothian. [17] It was also reported that had Lord Sutherland and Lord Reay not been in their way then the Sinclairs would have been among the first of the rebels,[17] with about 500 Caithness Sinclairs who were ready to join the Jacobites, although the Earl of Caithness, their chief, supported the British Government. History of Shetland, Orkney, Zichmni, Clan Sinclair, History of Nova Scotia: Collection: 1345 Births, 1400 Deaths, Earls of ... ^ "Henry Sinclair: The Genuine History" at Orkneyjar, The Heritage of the Orkney Islands (online). Early Modern History of Clan Sinclair We continue here with Sinclair history, in the early modern period, which we define as the fourteenth through eighteenth centuries. Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, Wick, Caithness (Adjacent to the North Coast 500 Road) Occupying a dramatic location on the Caithness coastline, ‘history’ suggests that this was once two castles – Castle Sinclair and Castle Girnigoe. They are designated as a scheduled monument. Clan Sinclair. Richard of Saint-Clair and Brittel of Saint-Clair are both mentioned in the Domesday Book. ASSOCIATION (CANADA) “CSAC” Early Names: Sancto Clare, Saint Clair, Saint Clare Modern Names: Sinclair, St. Clair, Sinclare, Sinkler Sept Names: Budge, Caird, Clouston, Clyne, Flett, Gallie, Linkletter, Lyall, Mason, Moar, Purdie and Snoddy. [8], The Battle of Kringen took place on 26 August 1612 in Otta, Norway. This allows Niven Sinclair to demonstrate the Clan's lineage back to a Norse raider called Hrolf the Ganger who invaded Normandy in the 10th Century. [8] In 1264, William St. Clair was ordered by King Alexander of Scotland to support the forces of the king of England at the Battle of Lewes. Malcolm Ian Sinclair P.C. Hastings in 1066. [7][8] At the Battle of Solway Moss in 1552, Scots commanded by Oliver Sinclair of Pitcairns were beaten by the English. Mar 7, 2012 - This Pin was discovered by peggy larsen. Sinclair Family History. [8] General Monck sacked Rosslyn Castle but the Chapel was spared. Long time members of Clan Sinclair may be familiar with the Battle of Summerdale, but for newer members the sad story may be instructive. It is considered to be one of the earliest seats of Clan Sinclair. [8], On 3 November 1733, John Sinclair of Murkle the younger son of John 8th Earl created Lord Murkle. The Clan Sinclair Australia website lists "Barney" as a sept . [8], William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness (3rd Earl of Orkney and Baron of Roslin) was High Chancellor of Scotland between 1454 and 1458. [6] He had been granted the earldom of Caithness in 1455. Sir Bernard Burke ‘A Genealogical and Heraldic Dictionary of [8], On 21 October 1601, Henry 5th Lord Sinclair died and was succeeded by grandson Henry. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for The History of Clan Sinclair Viking Raider Templar Knight Hig... 9781983091056 at the best online prices at … B. Malcolm Ian Sinclair The 20th Earl of Caithness Gaelic Name: Mac na Ceardadh or Singlear Crest Badge: A cock rampant Plant Badge: Whin Motto: Commit thy work to God War Cry: However, at the Battle of Largs in 1263 he was faced with William St. Clair who commanded a wing of Alexander III of Scotland's army. This summary of Sinclair history and future was received in February 1999 from Ian Sinclair iansinclair@clansinclair.freeserve.co.uk. (Normandy) in France and his direct descendent was the 7th Duke of [8] In 1715, at the Battle of Sheriffmuir, David Sinclair of Brabsterdorran fought for Jacobite cause, as did John, Master of Sinclair who fled to Orkney and then to Europe. CSAC Engrailed Cross. was established in Scotland in 1057 when William St Clair, a close Sadly, this has continued a myth-making process that was started long ago by the Victorians. The chiefs were originally Barons of Roslin, Midlothian and William Sinclair, 1st Earl of Caithness and Baron of Roslin founded the famous Rosslyn Chapel in the 15th century. He split the family lands, disinheriting his eldest son from his first marriage, William ("the Waster"), who later became the second Lord Sinclair, instead giving the lands of Caithness to the second son from his second marriage, William Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Caithness, in 1476, and the lands at Roslin to his eldest son from his second marriage, Sir Oliver Sinclair. The team of people responsible for the establishment of CSA were lead by our founding President Margaret Sinclair Stokes. [7] Richard of Saint-Clair and Brittel of Saint-Clair are both mentioned in the Domesday Book. The team of people responsible for the establishment of CSA were lead by our founding President Margaret Sinclair Stokes. Buy Clan Sinclair Family History Research Journal: Record your Ancestry and Genealogy findings in this Scottish Clans and Tartans Notebook (Tangled Tartan) by Publishing, Tangled Tartan (ISBN: 9798683764623) from Amazon's Book Store. William of Saint-Clair accompanied Saint Margaret of Scotland, daughter of Edward the Exile to Scotland in 1068, where she eventually married Mal… later Caithness and was created Jarl or Earl. You are very welcome to join our Sinclair … } [8] In 1606, George 5th Earl of Caithness, was by an Act of Parliament allowed to change the name of Girnigoe Castle to Sinclair Castle. Sinclair History. The entire diploma, in Latin, is transcribed here ^ a b Johann Reinhold Forster, History of the Voyages and Discoveries Made in the North, Printed for G.G.J. document.onmousedown=right; [18] In 1750, Sir William Sinclair of Dunbeath founded the Baptist church at Keiss.[8]. The Sinclair clan motto is "Commit thy work to God". window.onmousedown=right; In Scotland the early history of the Sinclairs was well documented by the Rosslyn family’s celebrated genealogist, Father Hay, and in The Enigmatic Sinclairs: The First 350 Years (2015) by Gerald Sinclair and Rondo B. The Sinclair clan motto is "Commit thy work to God". [7][6] He split the family lands, disinheriting his eldest son from his first marriage, William ("the Waster"), who later became the second Lord Sinclair, instead giving the lands of Caithness to the second son from his second marriage, William Sinclair, 2nd Earl of Caithness, in 1476, and the lands at Roslin to his eldest son from his second marriage, Sir Oliver Sinclair. Sinclair was the 79th most frequent surname at the General Register Office in 1995 - but in Orkney it is easily the most frequently found surname.. Current Chief: The Rt. A. Elizabeth (Alexander) Sinclair abt 1838 Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdom - abt 1912; B. Isabella (Bain) Sinclair 19 Oct 1872 Halkirk, Caithness, Scotland, United Kingdom - 17 Nov 1956; Margaret (Bain) Sinclair abt 1826 Halkirk, Caithness, Scotland - abt 29 Feb 1908; Elizabeth (Balfour) Sinclair abt 1620; Margaret (Ballingall) Sinclair abt 1877 - 18 Dec 1951 His descendant Sir William became guardian to the heir of Alexander III and gained the Barony of Rosslyn in 1280. the Peerage and Baronetage’ name Sinclair probably comes from St Clair-sur-Lo in Normandy and was established in Scotland in 1057 when William St Clair, a close relative of William the Conqueror, was given the life barony of Rosslyn, near Edinburgh, and in England, by others of his family, function right(e) { document.onmouseup=right; window.onmouseup=right; Clan SINCLAIR. The history of the Sinclair family in Scotland is a subject of intense interest, especially after the publication of The Da Vinci Code. return true; Clan Sinclair Association, Inc. (USA) is a non-profit organization whose membership consists of descendants and friends of the Scottish clan (family) of Sinclair … [8] In 1570, John Sinclair, Master of Caithness, son of George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness burned the local Cathedral in pursuit of the Morays who had taken refuge in the steeple. } Trust. notes From Stirnet's "Sinclair01" page (link below): " BP1934 (Sinclair) reports that 'Two important families bearing the name of Sinclair (or St. Clair ) co-existed in the 12th century, distinguished as of Rosslyn, in Midlothian, and of Herdmanstoun , in East Lothian. [7][8], John Sinclair, 3rd Earl of Caithness (1490–1529) died at the Battle of Summerdale in May 1529, leading 500 men to help James Sinclair defend Orkney. This is the official, recognized DNA study of the Sinclair family worldwide. Clan Sinclair has played an important role in the history of Scotland, Europe, Christianity and the discovery of the America's. if (document.layers) window.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEUP); family are headed by the Earl of Caithness, Earl of Rosslyn, Lord Clan Sinclair Australia (CSA) was established in 2000 with the support of our Patron, Malcolm, Earl of Caithness. The clan’s rich and colorful history, as represented by such iconic works in stone as Sinclair Girnigoe Castle and the chapel at Rosslyn, is a legacy for which the family of Sinclair today can be rightfully proud. [8] In 1406 he escorted Prince James to France but the ship was captured by the English and both were imprisoned in the Tower of London. Castles Sinclair and Girnigoe The great stronghold of Girnigoe Castle is the most spectacular ruin in the north of Scotland and is built on a high peninsular rock with precipitous cliffs to the sea on three sides. Then we intersperse countries such as Norway, Normandy, England, and Scotland with events such as the battles of Hastings, Rosslyn. William, 4th Lord Sinclair was taken prisoner. [6], In 1303 the Battle of Roslin took place where Scots under Henry Sinclair of Rosslyn and the Clan Comyn defeated an English force. However recent archaeological work and research has proved that it was one castle from the mid-1400s when the Norse Fortalice that was there was … We began when Steve St. Clair couldn't find a document that might help connect him back before the 1820s. Clan Sinclair Like other Scottish clans, the Clan Sinclair is a kinship group giving members a sense of shared identity and descent. If your Surname spelling is close, but missing, we'll be glad to add it. Septs of Clan Sinclair: Caird, Clyne. "He was … History of Clan Sinclair/St Clair: Sir William Saint Clair, son of Waldern de Saint Clair of Normandy, arrived in Scotland with Princess Margaret Atheling who became the second wife of Malcolm III. if (navigator.appName == 'Netscape' && The Sinclairs are believed to have come from Normandy to England during the Norman conquest of England, before arriving in Scotland in the 11th century. Castle Sinclair was built in the 15th Century and Castle Girnigoe was built in the 17th Century, both were built by the Sinclair family. [6] Clearly, however, the Sinclairs had influence in high places as only a few years later, in 1681, they regained the earldom by an order of Parliament. William Sinclair, Earl of Caithness and Orkney, and Baron of Roslin, the head of the Sinclair family (they were not a Highland Clan, but a Lowland 'interest') … Me, available from St. Clair Publications. Clan Sinclair. Scottish Monarchs until 1470. [8], Henry II Sinclair, Earl of Orkney was taken prisoner by the English at Battle of Homildon Hill in 1402 but was soon released. your own Pins on Pinterest It doesn't seem like Clan Sinclair has such a list. [8][note 1] They escaped to Ardvreck Castle, but there they were betrayed by MacLeod of Assynt and were executed. Amazon.com: Goar of the Clan Sinclair - Scottish Clan & Sept 11x17 History Print - Tartan, Buckle, Crest, Last Name Surname Meaning, Genealogy, Family Tree Research Aid, Roots, Ancestry, Ancestors and Namesakes: Posters & Prints The Clan Sinclair Commissioner of Rhode Island passed away recently. A goe derives from the … . One of his sons They came from Normandy to England during the Norman conquest of England, before arriving in Scotland in the 11th century. Early Modern History of Clan Sinclair We continue here with Sinclair history, in the early modern period, which we define as the fourteenth through eighteenth centuries. Einar succeeded to the title and established the line of Norse However, given its history it is not surprising to find branches [8] In 1715, John Master of Sinclair captured a vessel with 420 stand of arms bound for the Earl of Sutherland. the history of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and [8] On 16 April 1746, at the Battle of Culloden, he commanded the Royal Scots regiment on the British-Hanoverian Government side. [8], Sir William Sinclair, heir to Henry, and, it is claimed, his brother John, were among the Scots killed with Sir James Douglas at the Battle of Teba (1330),[6] cutting short their attempt to carry Robert Bruce's heart to the Holy Land. Only a few clans seem to have an 'official' list of septs. [6] The Saint-Clairs first went to England (before they came to Scotland) with William the Conqueror during his invasion of England. Of the three association websites listed on the chief's website, only the Australian and Canadian websites list any names. [7] The name was originally "Saint-Clair" which was a place name. [8], In 1708, Chief John, Master of Sinclair (Son of Henry Lord Sinclair) after killing two men in duels was exiled to Prussia but later pardoned by Anne, Queen of Great Britain. else if (navigator.appName == 'Microsoft Internet Explorer' && [7], The chiefs of Clan Sinclair, the Earls of Caithness, descend from Sir William St Clare who was sheriff of Edinburgh and who was granted the barony of Roslin (Rosslyn) in 1280. // End -->. The chiefs of the clan were the Barons of Roslin and later the Earls of Orkney and Earls of Caithness. The Patron of these companion associations is the Right Honorable Malcolm Sinclair, 20th Earl of Caithness, Hereditary Chief of the Clan Sinclair. These are getting … [8] George Sinclair, 4th Earl of Caithness later imprisoned his son, the Master of Caithness, for making peace with the Morays. Clan Sinclair in Caithness. Created name Sinclair probably comes from St Clair-sur-Lo in Normandy and [8] In 1736, Sir James Sinclair glazed the windows for the first time of Rosslyn Chapel, relaid the floor with flagstones and repaired the roof of the chapel. There have been over 70 variants since 1026 AD. Journey through time with a professional genealogist and STGA Tour Guide - follow the Sinclairs the Earls of Caithness. [8], In 1736, Sir James Sinclair of Rosslyn resigned his office as hereditary Grand Master Mason of Scotland to the Scottish Lodges on their foundation. Another Rollo conquered Neustria “No family in Europe beneath the rank of royalty boasts a [8], During the Jacobite rising of 1715 the Clan Sinclair supported the Jacobite cause, however by the time of the Jacobite rising of 1745 the Clan Sinclair supported the British Hanoverian Government. if (document.layers) window.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN); He is also alleged to have voyaged as far as the Americas in 1398 (being hypothetically identified with Zichmni, who travelled with the Zeno brothers, for the first time by Johann Reinhold Forster in 1784[9]); believers in this hypothesis claim he possibly landed in both Massachusetts and Nova Scotia. [8], Henry I Sinclair, Earl of Orkney, Baron of Roslin, and Lord of Shetland (c.1345-c.1400), was a Scottish explorer nobleman. The [8] In 1407 he escaped or was released on payment of a ransom. Research is continuing and I would like to thank Nina Cawthorne for her new contributions to the study of the Scottish Sinclair … Long time members of Clan Sinclair may be familiar with the Battle of Summerdale, but for newer members the sad story may be instructive.