Home > Memories >

The Montgomerie clan and family crest

by Roger Griffith 23 May
  • The family crest on an old Livery Button

The Montgomerie clan and family heraldic crest is a standing lady, holding a severed head in her left hand and her right hand resting on an anchor.

The origin of this somewhat gruesome family crest is unclear, however a link may exist with the popular biblical story of Holofermes, an Assyrian general of Nebuchadnezzar. The general laid siege to Bethulia, and the city almost surrendered. It was however saved by Judith, a beautiful Hebrew widow who entered Holofernes's camp, seduced, and then beheaded Holofernes while he was drunk. She returned to Bethulia with Holofernes head, and the Hebrews subsequently defeated the Assyrian army.

Judith is considered as a symbol of liberty, virtue, and victory of the weak over the strong in a just cause. The anchor is seen as a symbol of good luck. Together these are good reasons for why the family adopted her as their crest.

Another story is that many years ago a besotted and rejected suitor kidnapped one of the earl's daughters and sailed away with her. The daughter however got the suitor drunk and severed his head, frightening the ship's crew so much that they returned her safely to her home. The family then adopted her for their crest in honour of this bold and determined defence of personal liberty from a time when 'might was right'.

The Montgomerie heraldic crest can still be seen on Eglinton Castle and on the stables within Eglinton Country Park.

 


Add a comment

23 May | 10:34:46

Brian Newton says

Ahh there she is in all her glory......Fantastic!

Thank`s for sharing the story Roger, makes for a very interesting read.

24 May | 8:39:16

Roger Griffith says

Hello Brian,

Have a look at the News section as well.

The Minie Ball is most interesting.

Roger

24 May | 10:36:17

Brian Newton says

Yes the Minie Ball was yet another very interesting find also found at the same location only a stones throw from the Button.

As you`ll know Roger this was used with the British issue Pattern 1853 Enfield Rifle AKA the P53 Enfield amongst other oversea`s rifles of it`s time, also notice this Minie has no Tamiser grooves which is a good indication of it being one of the early Minie`s of it`s time.

Brian

26 May | 8:00:00

Roger Griffith says

Brian, See the article about your musket ball finds. Thanks again.

26 May | 10:32:02

Brian Newton says

Superb Roger, not a problem always happy to help and thanks also for taking the time to share these finds.

Brian

15 November | 10:22:30

Roger Griffith says

Brian,

 

I have a site that I woukld like a metal detectorist to have a look at. Contact me at the park (01294-551776) if you are interested.

Roger

1 March | 7:50:49

Brian Newton says

Been trying to get a hold of your good self the past couple of days Roger, as only just noticed this message regarding your request for me to look into something.

Always happy to help Roger, feel free to call me 01294-213337 any time, just wish i had only noticed this sooner.

Have your say...

Add your own comment

Add

You need to be logged in to add memories & pictures. If you haven't already, it's quick & easy to Sign up.

Sorry, there were some problems with your request

Please check that the email address you are using is the same one that you signed up with. If you have forgotten your password we can send you a reminder.

Sign In
  4. Forgotten Password?

Sorry, there were some problems with your request

Please check that the email address you are using is the same one that you signed up with.

Password reminder

  1. If you have forgotten your password, simply enter the email address associated with your account below and we will send you a link to reset it.

    Please note for security reasons the link will expire within 1 hour. After that you will need to request another link.

  4. <<Return to Login

Your sign in details have been retrieved and an email is on its way to you!

<<Return to Login

Contribute

  1. By posting on s1kilwinning you’re agreeing to abide by our Posting Policy. Your email address won’t be displayed to the public.

  1. Here's your chance to make sure your contribution is exactly as you'd like it.

  3. Your photos will be uploaded when you click 'Send it'

    Your video will be uploaded when you click 'Send it'

    Your photos and video will be uploaded when you click 'Send it'

  4. By clicking 'send it' you’re agreeing to abide by our Posting Policy.

Memories, Nostalgia & History

History doesn't have to be in black & white

Your memory of a local character or a school photo from the last ten years can be just as interesting as wars and Victorians.

Add

You need to be logged in to add memories & pictures. If you haven't already, it's quick & easy to Sign up.

Sorry, there were some problems with your request

Please check that the email address you are using is the same one that you signed up with. If you have forgotten your password we can send you a reminder.

Sign In
  4. Forgotten Password?

Sorry, there were some problems with your request

Please check that the email address you are using is the same one that you signed up with.

Password reminder

  1. If you have forgotten your password, simply enter the email address associated with your account below and we will send you a link to reset it.

    Please note for security reasons the link will expire within 1 hour. After that you will need to request another link.

  4. <<Return to Login

Your sign in details have been retrieved and an email is on its way to you!

<<Return to Login

Contribute

  1. Write as much or as little as you like. Sometimes just a picture says it all, although please give enough detail for people to know what it is.

    Posting Tips

  4. If your contribution is about a specific location, please enter the nearest postcode (if known)

  1. Here's your chance to make sure your contribution is exactly as you'd like it.

  3. Your photos will be uploaded when you click 'Send it'

    Your video will be uploaded when you click 'Send it'

    Your photos and video will be uploaded when you click 'Send it'

  4. By clicking 'send it' you’re agreeing to abide by our Posting Policy.

More kilwinning Memories

  • BUG HUT [KINGSWAY CLUB]

    by Brian Jardine 25 April

    A FRIEND OF MINE IS 87 NEXT WEEK,HE SAW THE CLYDE VALLEY SYOMPPERS AT THIS VENUE AROUND THE SIXTIES , WHERE CAN I GET A PICTURE OF THE BUG HUT? THANKING YOU ALL IN ANTICIPATION… 1 Comment

  • RMS TITANIC

    by Margaret Biagi 8 April

    Unsinkable! That's what they said, She was worth her weight in gold, All aboard were merry, without...…

  • The Montgomerie family Crest

    by Roger Griffith 19 January

    The Eglinton Country Park rangers were spring cleaning in the 'Historic Cottage' and came across...… 3 Comments

  • Hewlett family

    by Anne-Marie Hewlett 4 January

    I was wondering if anyone remembers a Sidney Hewlett living in Kilwinning around 1942. He was married to Susan Wilson and they had my father, Sydney Hewlett. I just wanted to know because my father died back in 2010 and I want to return some of his… 2 Comments

Want a site like this for your community? Suggest a new location
© Herald & Times Group. All rights reserved.
Contact us | Terms of use | Privacy policy | Newsquest Media Group