Clan Agnew

Clan Agnew is a Lowland Scottish clan from Galloway and Wigtownshire , in the southwest of Scotland. The clan’s Gaelic name is Clann Mac a’ Ghnìomhaid.Way, George of Plean; Squire, Romilly of Rubislaw (1994). Collins Scottish Clan & Family Encyclopedia. Glasgow: HarperCollins (for the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs). pp. 64–65. ISBN 0-00-470547-5.

The origin of the name is not certain. The most accepted idea is that it comes from Normandy. from a place called Agneaux. People with that name first settled in England , and later moved to Scotland. Another story says the name may come from the O’Gnimh family of Ulster. That name was anglicised to Agnew.The Kingdom of the Scots by Professor GWS Barrow, Edward Arnold 1973, where the author comments "William, incidentally, may be regarded as the first of the Scottish Agnews."The Hereditary Sheriffs of Galloway cit. Chapter XI

In 1426, Andrew Agnew was given lands and made constable of Lochnaw Castle.Lochnaw Papers GD154 No 2, National Archives He became Sheriff of Wigtown in 1451,Lochnaw Papers No. 5 a role his family held for many generations.Matriculation (1976) by Sir Crispin Agnew of Lochnaw 11th Bt, Lyon Register Vol 60-page 39 From then on, the clan grew in power and local importance.

The clan crest shows an eagle looking backwards, and the motto is "Consilio non impetu", which means “By wisdom, not by force.” Their historic home was Lochnaw Castle, and today the clan chief is Sir Crispin Agnew, the 11th Barnet of Lochnaw, who still uses the family heritage.Burkes Peerage & Baronetage cit. page 45

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Category:Scottish clans