The Early Kirkconnell Generations
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The Mediaeval Kirkconnells The first Kirkconnell lairds were Anglo-Norman extraction according to P. H. McKerkie's History of the Lands and their owners in Galloway. The inhabitants had been partially Romanized up to A.D. 400, overlain thereafter by Gaelic-speaking immigrants from Ireland and a Norse domination in the 12th century. The feudal system was introduced in the 12th century reign of David I (1124-1153) but remained under native lords Fergus, his sons Uchtred and Gilbert, grandsons Duncan and Roland, and great-grandson Alan - as tributaries of the Scottish Crown. After Alan's death in 1234, the present Stewartry of Kirkcudbright passed into the hands of his Anglo_Norman son-in-law, John de Balliol of Barnard, and a revolt of the native Celtic gentry was but down by Balliol's overlord, King Alexander II of Scotland. The first document showing the name of a laid of Kirkconnell was sighed about A.D. 1235 by William fitz Michael de Kirkeconeual. The form of the name is Anglo-Norman. The coat of arms of the Kirkconnell's is in keeping with their notable early devotion to the Church and with the Great Abbey built on their estate - not to mention the far more ancient "kirk of Saint Connell" from which the estate and family names are derived. In the top half is a miter and in the bottom half two croziers in the saltaire adorse, crossed back to back, all on an azure field.
The family motto is; Numquam non paratus. "Never Un-prepared" This information was taken from the "Kirkconnell Pedigree" by Watson Kirkconnell |
