Clan Ross

The clan Anrias or Ross - called in Gaelic clan Roisch na Gille Andras, or the offspring of the follower of St Andrew - by which can be meant only the chiefs or gentry of the clan, are descended from the Earls of Ross, and through them from the ancient Maormors of Ross. According to Mr Smibert, the mass of the clan Ross was swallowed up by and adopted the name of the more powerful Mackenzies. "The generality", he says, "had never at any time borne the name of Ross, the gentry of the sept only were so distinguished. Thus, the common people, who must naturally have intermingled freely with the real Mackenzies, would ere long retain only vague traditions of their own descent; and when the days of regular registration, and also of military enlistment, required and introduced the use of stated names, the great body of the true Ross tribe would, without doubt, be enrolled under the name of Mackenzie, the prevailing one of the district. In all likelihood, therefore, the old Rosses are yet numerous in Ross-shire".

The first know Earl of Ross was Malcolm, who lived in the reign of Malcolm the Maiden (1153-1165). Ferquhard, the second earl, called Fearchar Mac an t-Sagairt, or son of the priest, at the head of the tribes of Moray, repulsed Donald MacWilliam, the son of Donald Bane, when, soon after the accession of Alexander II in 1214, that restless chief made an inroad from Ireland into that province. .... more

DECLARATION OF ARBROATH


The last Earl of Ross died at the battle of Verneuil in France in 1424

  • A1. Ferquard MacTaggart, 1st Earl of Ross, lvd:1234;
    • B1. William Ross, 2nd Earl of Ross, d:1274, m. Jean Comyn;  ==>  Clan Comyn
      • C1. William Ross, 3rd Earl of Ross, d:1323;
        • D1. Sir Hugh Ross, 4th Earl of Ross, d:1333 Halidon Hill, m1. Matilda Bruce  ==>  House of Bruce
          m2. Margaret Graham;  ==>  Clan Graham
          • E1. [m1]: Marjory Ross, m. Malaise de Strathearn;  ==>  Earls of Strathearn
          • E2. [m1]: Wlliam Ross, 5th Earl of Ross, Lord of Skye, d:1372, m. Mary MacDonald;  ==>  Lords of the Isles
            • F1. Margaret Ross, m. Sir David Hamilton;  <==  Clan Hamilton
            • F2. Joanna Ross, m. Sir Alexander Fraser;  <==  Clan Fraser
          • E3. [m2]: Eupheme Ross, m. King Robert Stewart;  <==  House of Stewart

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