DUNNOTTAR CASTLE The Clan Keith Society USA, Inc.The ancient family of Keith is one of the oldest and most illustrious in Scottish history. It was once among the most powerful of the historical families of Scotland. First known authentic ancestor, Herveus de Keth (not Keith) who died before 1196, held office of Marischal under Malcolm IV and William I. His descendant, who succeeded the office of Marischal, was one of King Edward's Deputy Wardens of Scotland and joined the cause of Robert the Bruce for which he was rewarded with land grants. Sir William Keith accompanied Sir James Douglas on his expedition to the Holy Land, with the heart of King Robert Bruce in 1330. Sir Robert de Keith was commander of the Scots Cavalry at Bannokburn, and contributed greatly to that crowning victory, resulting in the annihilation of the English army. For this, he was rewarded many estates in Buchan. He was one of the Scottish magnates who signed the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, vindicating the independence of Scotland. Sir William Keith, who died before 1412, founded Dunnottar Castle which became the chief seat of the family. Remains stand today, south of Stonehaven, on the summit of a stupendous perpendicular rock projecting into the sea. Featured as the setting for the film "Hamlet", Mel Gibson and Glenn Close, fell in love with the area and the magnificent cliff-top setting. The title of Earl Marischal was given to Sir William Keith, Lord de Keith before 1458, as reward for eminent services. This office was hereditary in the Keith family from about 1196 until forfeited after the 1715 rebellion. 
William, 2nd Earl's standard, bearing three stags' heads and motto 'Veritas Vincit' and carried at Flodden Field is preserved at Advocates' Library, Edinburgh. By then, family estates were so great, one could travel from Berwick to John O'Groats, sleeping every night on his own lands. George, 5th Earl, Ambassador Extraordinary to Denmark, founded Marischal College, Aberdeen in 1593. William was 6th Earl, when the Scottish crown jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland were rescued and preserved from capture at Dunnottar, during Cromwell's invasion. The Crown, Sword and Sceptre, are the oldest regalia in the UK and among the oldest surviving in all of Christendom. During this ordeal, William suffered greatly and his wealth was virtually drained. He had the honor of presenting the saved Honours to Parliament in Edinburgh,and was escorted by no fewer than 400 relatives. "Quae Amissa Salva" - what is lost, is saved! George, 10th and last Earl Marishal, joined the Earl of Mar in 1715, and with his brother, Field-Marshal James Keith, escaped to the Continent where they attained great distinction. Their exploits rendered the name of Keith famous throughout the world. The Earl was Frederick the Great’s closest friend and the celebrated Field-Marshal, his greatest General. A marble statue of Field-Marshal Keith was erected in memorial at Berlin. The Earl died, unmarried, in 1778, ending the Earl Marischals. With his death, the chieftaincy passed to Keith of Revelston, who acted as Knight Marischal to George IV. John Keith , son of William 6th Earl Marischal, was created Earl of Kintore, Lord Keith of Inverugie and Keith Hall on June 26, 1677 for his prominent part in preserving the Scottish Regalia. William Keith, 2nd Earl of Kintore joined the Jacobite rising in 1715, for which he suffered. After shining brilliantly for seven and a half centuries, the star of the Keiths suddenly paled beneath the fiery vengeance of the dynasty erected upon the ruin of the Stuarts. Clan Keith Society was formed in 1973. Australia/New Zealand started their society in 1997. Canada followed in 1999. The Keith Highlanders Pipe Band based in Seattle Washington was formed in 1952 - the only band given permission to bear the Keith name and wear the Keith tartan. Chiefs of Clan Keith and Clan Gunn signed a “Bond and Covenant of Friendship for All Time” in 1978, ending 500 years of feuding and bloodshed. In 2002, in conjunction with the 1000th Anniversary Gathering of the Keiths in Scotland, the Chiefs of Clan Keith and Clan Irwin met and signed a formal peace treaty which amicably settled their feud of 600 years. Clan Keith Society USA, Inc. is delighted to be holding their Annual General Meeting in conjunction with this year’s Columbus Scottish Festival and we are honored to be the Honored Clan! The Clan of The Great Earls Marischal is here and growing strong! We invite you to celebrate your Scottish heritage. Please stop by our tent for a visit. |
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