Clan Middleton


Clan Middleton is a Lowland Scottish clan. It is recognized as such by the Court of the Lord Lyon, but as it does not currently have a chief recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms it is considered an armigerous clan.

History

Origins of the clan

Although there are multiple lands in Scotland that are named Middleton, it is believed that the family took its name from those near to Laurencekirk in Kincardineshire. These lands were confirmed by a charter from William the Lion. In 1296, Humfrey de Middleton of Kincardyn appeared on the Ragman Rolls rendering homage to Edward I of England. Robert de Middleton was taken prisoner at Dunbar Castle in the same year.

17th century

The Middleton family came to prominence in the 17th century. John Middleton, son of Middleton of Coldham, was a professional soldier who served the king of France, in Hepburn's Regiment. In 1642 he returned to Scotland and supported the opponents of Charles I of England. Firstly, as a cavalry commander and later as a general. Middleton was with David Leslie, 1st Lord Newark's cavalry when they surprised and defeated James Graham, 1st Marquess of Montrose at the Battle of Philiphaugh in 1645, pursuing him northwards. Middleton also negotiated the terms when Charles I surrendered for Montrose to take ship to the Continent. Middleton later joined forces with James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Hamilton in an attempt to rescue the king in 1648, but was taken prisoner after the Battle of Preston. He later escaped and re-joined the royalists only to be wounded and captured again at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. He was tried for treason, but again escaped and joined Glencairn's rising, only to be defeated by George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle, and went into exile again on the Continent. At The Restoration, Charles II of England created him Earl of Middleton as well as Lord Clermont and Fettercarin. He was later also created Lord High Commissioner to the Parliament of Scotland and Governor of Tangier in 1667, where he died. His only son was Charles, the second and last Earl of Middleton who was ambassador to the imperial court of Vienna and Secretary of State for Scotland. Charles did not approve of the actions of James II of England and VII of Scotland, but did not support the Glorious Revolution of 1688 or the subsequent ascension of Queen Mary and William of Orange, fleeing to France. His sons were captured attempting an invasion of Scotland with French troops and were subsequently sent to the Tower of London, but later released. The title was then forfeited and never restored.

20th century

was a distinguished agriculturalist and deputy director general of the Department of Food Production during World War I. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1936.

Castles

Castles that have been owned by the Clan Middleton have included: