A Brief Background
The Border Marches of Scotland and englandUnderstanding My People"The Surnames of Scotland" states "The name Bell was common on the Scotish Border for centuries and the Belles are included in the 1587 list of unruly clans in the West Marches. Families of the name long predominated in the parish of Middlebie, insomuch that the 'Bells of Middlebie' was a current phrase throughout Dumfriesshire."
J. A. Rennie, in 'The Scotish People, their Clans, Families and Origins' writes on the Lowland Clans. He states, "In many ways the great families found on each side of the Border resembled the Highland Clans. The more prominent Scotish Border families had chiefs, clan badges, and slogans and wore bonnet and plaid. On the English side, few families were as powerful as those of the Scottish Barons; the families tended to be smaller and more localized. Families whose chiefs were landed gentlemen though not possessing baronies included ....Bell." It all becomes a bit of a confusion as much of the history of the Bells was not proven but bear with me and decide if this is the theory you want to embrace for your Bells. In "The Scotch-Irish," Vol II, by Charles A. Hanna, Baltimore Genealogical Publishing Co, 1968, the Bells are listed under the heading of Border and Lowland Clans in 1547 of Annandale. There is also a listing for Border Clans and Chiefs in 1597 including the Bells of Annandale. Additional data regarding Clan status is that in 1596, thirty-seven hostages were taken from every division of the clans, including the Bells. (Caledonia, III., 112). This old West Marche Clan, one of the eight great riding families of the Scottish Border since the early 1100s, were retainers of the Great House of Douglas and also allied with the best border families through blood and friendship. Their land holdings were extensive, and to survive, they engaged in the ‘reiving’ of the period and participated in many battles against the English. Our ancestors used to number their horses in the hundreds and their cattle and sheep in the thousands. There were also Bells in Gilsland on the English side of the border. In the 1500s and 1600s, they had close ties with their Middlebie cousins, but today, none remain. The Bells of Middlebie were quite well known, especially for their fighting skills. The raiding party which rescued Kinmont Willie Armstrong from the Carlisle Castle Gaol is identified as having four Bells, including our Chief William Bell, called Redcloak, of Blackethouse. Kinmont Willie and William Bell were said to be brothers-in-law. Declared "unruly" by the Scottish Parliament, many of the Clan emigrated to the Ulster Plantation after 1610. The Albie branch of the Bells, Pennersax Parish, was of considerable importance in the district and quite possibly among the first Bells to hold land in Middlebie Parish prior to 1300. From this branch of the clan sprang the holders of Blackethouse, Godsbrig (of Scotsbrig), Auldhall, Satur and Land. In the 1600s, Middlebie Parish encompassed approximately 40,000 acres and was populated by 31 major Bell families. * The above information from Clan Bell International. A review of the Border Clan, its history and present day world-wide impact by William Bell.
1 Comment
Heather Douglas
6/17/2021 07:01:58 pm
What an interesting Blog I was checking the DNA results for my brothers Y test and wanted a bit more information about the Bells along the Border at Wigton where our Bell and Douglas family have lived as far back as records go and up came your blog with such a simple explanation and good graphics. I hope you are all well and 2021 is starting to make life easier for you.
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Stephanie Bell-Boissonneault"When researching Family never leave a stone unturned, not even a pebble." Archives
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