Cockburn
Cockburn
Cockburn – Clan History, Crest & Heritage
Gaelic Name
Unknown
Clan Motto
"Accendit cantu" – “He rouses us with song” – a motto evoking spirit, alertness, and the stirring power of voice and presence.
Clan Crest Badge
A cock crowing Proper, symbolizing vigilance, awakening, and courage at the break of day.
Plant Badge
Unknown
Origins of the Clan
The Cockburn name originates from the place-name Cockburn, near Duns in Berwickshire, in the eastern Scottish Borders. The surname is among the older territorial designations in the Lowlands, and its early bearers were vassals of the Earls of March. The family’s fortune grew considerably in the 14th century, as they began acquiring significant estates and royal favor.
The principal family line descended from Sir Alexander de Cokburne of Langton, a noble who secured lands in Berwickshire and was appointed Keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland between 1389 and 1396. His legacy would form the foundation of multiple powerful branches across the Lowlands.
Historical Significance
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Sir Alexander Cockburn obtained the barony of Langton, and through marriage to Mary Vipont and later Mariota de Lindsay, extended his holdings across Berwickshire and Lanarkshire.
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His descendants include influential figures such as John Cockburn of Ormiston, a key supporter of the Scottish Reformation, and Sir William Cockburn of Skirling, who served as Keeper of the Great Seal and later Keeper of Edinburgh Castle (1601).
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Sir Alexander Cockburn of Langton, born in the 17th century, was made Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1671.
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Sir John Cockburn, who died in 1758, was a commissioner to England and a leading statesman of the union period.
Family Branches and Landholdings
The Cockburns held vast lands in Berwickshire, Lanarkshire, and East Lothian, including estates at:
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Langton
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Ormiston
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Skirling
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Clerkington
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Braidsholm
Marriage alliances further connected the Cockburns to notable Lowland families such as the Campbells of Breadalbane. The Langton branch, in particular, remained prominent until the 18th century, when the estate passed to the Marquis of Breadalbane through the female line.
Military and Political Roles
Cockburn men were frequently engaged in civil service, diplomacy, and military campaigns. Notable examples include:
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Sir George Cockburn, who famously conveyed Napoleon Bonaparte into final exile on Saint Helena.
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Lord Cockburn, a reformer and Scottish judge.
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Sir William Cockburn of Langton, who fell at the Battle of Flodden (1513), one of the most tragic days in Scottish military history.
The Cockburns were also noted for their support of Protestant reform and the modernization of Scottish agriculture and industry.
Tartan and Dress
The Cockburn tartan was adopted in the Napoleonic era, featuring traditional Lowland tones. While not as ancient as Highland tartans, it reflects the clan's growing identity during a time of national upheaval and military expansion.
Conclusion
Clan Cockburn is emblematic of Scotland’s noble Lowland families—rising through service, marriage, and strategic governance. Their motto, “Accendit cantu”—“He rouses us with song”—reflects a legacy of intellect, leadership, and vigilance. From the Reformation to royal service, and from Berwickshire to the courts of Europe, the Cockburn name remains a proud and enduring part of Scottish history.