Kirkcaldy

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Kircaldy are a Scottish kin-group without a chief, therefore considered an armigerous clan.

Origins

Kirkcaldy arms as shown in the memorial to William Kirkcaldy of Grange at Edinburgh Castle

The families which have this name originated in Fife and the major town which later developed there. <ref>Plean, Squire, Encyclopedia, 411</ref> Early family members styled themselves 'de Kyr Caudi' and one of the earliest recorded is Willilmus de Kyrcaudi who was in holy orders in Stirling in 1299. <ref>Plean, Squire, Encyclopedia, 411</ref>

Middle Ages

Andreas de Kirkcaldy was granted a pension by David II in 1363.<ref>Plean, Squire, Encyclopedia, 411</ref> The main family gained lands in Inchture in Perth and Grange in Fife. However the house of Inchture ended early in its direct line with the marriage of Marjory, daughter and heir of John of Inchture to Reginald, son of Richard Kinnaird of that Ilk. <ref>Plean, Squire, Encyclopedia, 411</ref> They called themselves 'of Inchture' and Lord Kinnaird of Inchture is their descendant.<ref>Plean, Squire, Encyclopedia, 411</ref>

Sixteenth Century

William Kirkcaldy of Grange

The family of Grange continued with the name 'Kirkaldy'. Sir James Kirkcaldy of Grange (d.1556) was treasurer to James V.<ref>Plean, Squire, Encyclopedia, 411</ref> He was later involved in the murder of Cardinal Beaton at St. Andrews. In 1556 St. Andrews Castle fell and Kirkcaldy was taken with others, including John Knox, prisoner to France. <ref>Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/15659?docPos=2 (accessed 20th May 2014)</ref>

His son, William, was a noted soldier. James V visited the house of Kirkcaldy of Grange following the disastrous Battle of Solway Moss in 1542 and died at Falkland soon afterwards with Kirkcaldy family members in attendance. <ref>Plean, Squire, Encyclopedia, 411</ref>

William Kirkcaldy was a follower of Mary, Queen of Scots. He held Edinburgh Castle for her until forced to surrender by Regent Morton. Despite a promise of fair treatment he and his brother were hanged at the Market Cross in Edinburgh.<ref>Plean, Squire, Encyclopedia, 411</ref> Despite this the family lands were later restored to a nephew. In 1664 the family revived their baronetcy, but it became extinct in 1739.<ref>Plean, Squire, Encyclopedia, 411</ref>

Today

Despite the loss of lands and title the Kirkcaldy kin-group are still in existence and have recently organised a gathering. In 2009 Bruce Kirkcaldy organised the first ever Clan Kirkcaldy gathering in the town from which they take their name. After searching on the internet for others with their uncommon surname, Kirkcaldy located a number of cousins. Many contemporary Kirkaldys are descendants of William Kirkcaldy of Grange. <ref>http://www.deadlinenews.co.uk/2009/09/24/clan-kirkcaldy-gathering-in-fife-this-weekend-1875/</ref>A monument to William Kirkcaldy of Grange exists in Edinburgh Castle and features the family heraldry.


References

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