Macnaghten (MacNaughton) Clan

Macnaghten Clan Crest: A castle tower.

Macnaghten Clan Motto: I Hope In God.

History of Clan Macnaghten:
Descent is claimed from the Pictish rulers of Moray. In the 13th century, the Clan was settled in Lochawe, Gleanary, Glenshira and Loch Fyne.  In 1267, Alexander III appointed the MacNaughtons Hereditary Keepers of the Castle of Frechelen (Fraoch Eilean), a stronghold which guards the Pass of Brander.

The MacNaughtons joined with the MacDougalls in opposing Robert the Bruce, but seemingly changed sides as the Chief fought with the Scottish army at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Thereafter, the Clan was caught up in the rising power of Clan Campbell. Alexander MacNaughton of that Ilk was knighted by James IV and  fought with his King at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. 

The MacNaughtons also took part in an abortive rising against Oliver Cromwell which was led by the Earl of Glencairn in 1653. For this, Alexander, the MacNaughton Chief, was knighted after the Restoration. The MacNaughtons also rallied  to Viscount Dundee and fought at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. As  a consequence, the remainder of the MacNaughton lands were confiscated and passed to the Campbells.

Alexander, the next MacNaughton Chief, was a Captain in Queen Anne's Guards, but was killed on an expedition to Vigo in 1702. The Chiefship then passed to his brother, a Collector of Customs in Fife, but on his death the direct male line became extinct. In 1818, the Lord Lyon King of Arms recognised as Chief, Edmund MacNaghton of Bushmills, County Antrim, a descendant of John Macnaughten, Secretary to the Earl of Antrim in 1580.

In 1843, Daniel McNaughton was tried for the murder of Edward Drummond, Private Secretary to Sir Robert Peel. From the closing judgement come “The McNaughton Rules” which are still used in the trials of the criminally insane.

Surname distribution in Scotland: The MacNaughton name is most common found in the Highlands and Perth and Kinross.

Places of Interest:
Dundarave Castle, Loch Fyne, Argyll. Ancient stronghold of Clan MacNaughton. The surviving building is mainly 16th century and was restored in the early 19th century by Sir Robert Lorimer.

Innis Fraoch, Loch Awe, Argyll. The ruined castle of Fraoch Eilean was formerly the Clan NacNaughton stronghold.

Associated family names (Septs): Henderson, Hendrie, Hendry, Henry, Kendrick, Kenrick, MacBrayne, MacCracken, MacHendrie, MacHendry, MacHenry, MacKendrick, MacKenrick, MacKnight, MacMath, MacNachtan, MacNaghten, MacNair, MacNauchton, MacNaught, MacNaughtan, MacNayer, MacNeur, MacNevin, MacNiven, MacNuir, MacNuyer, MacQuaker, MacVicar, Nevin, Nevison, Niven, Nivison, Porter, Weir.

Clan MacNaughton members certificates.