Clan Wemyss

The name "Wemyss" is derived from the Gaelic word ‘uaimh’, meaning ‘cave’, and is believed to be taken from the caves and cliffs of the Firth of Forth in that part of Fife where the family of Wemyss made its home. Wemyss in Fife has been the seat of the chiefs since the twelfth century. They are one of the few Lowland families directly descended from the Celtic nobility through the Macduff Earls of Fife. In 1290, Sir Michael Wemyss and his brother, Sir David, were sent with Scott of Balwearie to Norway to bring back the infant Queen Margaret, the ‘Maid of Norway’.

In 1296, Sir Michael swore fealty to King Edward I of England. However during the Wars of Scottish Independence of the 14th century he changed his allegiance to King Robert the Bruce of Scotland. The clan seat, Wemyss Castle was later sacked by the English. In 1315 Wemyss witnessed the Act of Settlement of the Scottish Crown by Robert the Bruce at Ayr. His son, Sir David, was one of those who appended his seal to the famous Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. ....... more

Wemyss crest on the wall of Wemyss castle (pronounced "Weems")

• A1. Michael of Wemyss and Methil, lvd:1170/1210;
  • B1. Sir John of Wemyss and Methil, lvd:1202/1260;
    • C1. Sir Michael Wemyss of Wemyss, lvd:1231, m. N. Lochore;
      • D1. Sir David Wemyss, m. Marjory Ramsay;
        • E1. Sir John Wemyss;
          • F1. N. Wemyss;
            • G1. Sir John Wemyss of Leuchars, m1. Isabel Erskine, m2. N.;  ==>  Clan Erskine
              • H1. [m1]: Elizabeth Wemyss, lvd:1398/1470, m. Andrew Gray;  <==  Clan Gray
              • H2. [m2]: Sir Duncan Wemyss, lvd:1399, m. Elizabeth Erskine;  ==>  Clan Erskine
                • I1. Sir Thomas Wemyss of Rires;
                  • J1. Sir Patrick Wemyss of Rires;
                    • K1. David Wemyss, d:1502, m. Christian Douglas;
                      • L1. John Wemyss, m. Margaret Livingston;
                        • M1. Sir John Wemyss, d:1508, m. Margaret Livingston;
                          • N1. Sir John Wemyss, d:1513, m. Euphemia Lundy;
                    • K2. Margaret Wemyss, m. Sir John Forbes;  <==  Clan Forbes