Clan Inglis History, Crest & Tartan | Discover Your Lowland Heritage
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What is Clan Inglis?
Clan Inglis is an armigerous Lowland clan—meaning it bears legally registered arms yet currently has no chief—whose surname simply meant “the Englishman” in early Scots. Its crest shows a demi-lion Argent and the stirring motto “Nobilis Est Ira Leonis” (“The lion’s anger is noble”).scotlandshop.comscotcrest.com
How did Clan Inglis begin?
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Early charters (12th c.). Richard Anglicus witnessed a charter of King David I to Melrose Abbey, marking one of the earliest records of the name.scotclans.comen.wikipedia.org
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Ragman Roll (1296). When Edward I invaded Scotland, John, Walter, and Philip de Inglis—all substantial landholders—swore fealty, documenting the family’s reach across the Borders and Lothians.en.wikipedia.org
Where did Clan Inglis settle?
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Douglasdale, Lanarkshire. An Inglis household there warned the Douglases of an English plot to seize Douglas Castle; gratitude earned them burial rights in St Bride’s Church, where their arms are still visible in the south transept (ideal photo opportunity—alt: Stone relief of Inglis arms inside St Bride’s Church, Douglas).en.wikipedia.orgscotclans.com
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Murdostoun & Cramond. Branches expanded to estates such as Murdostoun in Lanarkshire and Cramond House near Edinburgh (built 1680 by John Inglis).scotclans.cominglis.uk.com
What does the Inglis crest, motto & tartan mean?
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Crest. A silver half-lion rampant embodies courage rising from challenge.
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Motto. “Nobilis Est Ira Leonis” frames righteous anger as honorable duty.scotcrest.com
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Tartan. Though not as widespread as Highland setts, a modern Inglis tartan exists—deep navy and forest tones with subtle lines—and many Inglises also wear Douglas tartans in homage to their historic alliance (alt: Inglis Modern tartan swatch folded on wooden table, filename “inglis-modern-tartan.jpg”).scotlandshop.comen.wikipedia.org
Who are the famous Inglises?
| Century | Figure | Achievement | Home Branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16th | James Inglis | Master tailor to King James VI | Douglasdale |
| 17th | Sir James Inglis, Bt. | Baronet 1687; son became Postmaster-General of Scotland | Cramond |
| 18th–19th | Lt-Gen. Sir William Inglis | Hero of the Peninsular Wars | Roxburghshire |
| 19th | John Inglis, Lord Glencorse | Lord Justice General (Scotland’s top judge) | Edinburgh |
| 20th | Dr Elsie Inglis | Pioneering surgeon, suffragist & WWI hospital founder | Edinburgh |
How is Clan Inglis connected to other clans?
The Inglises’ lifesaving aid to the Douglases forged a bond so strong that the three Douglas stars appear in the Inglis arms today. Many genealogists list Inglis as a sept of Clan Douglas, giving Inglis descendants the right to rally under Douglas leadership at gatherings.en.wikipedia.org
Modern clan life & global diaspora
From Glasgow to Sydney, Chicago to Dunedin, thousands of Inglis families celebrate their roots at Highland Games, on genealogy forums, and by wearing tartan at weddings. Because the clan lacks a present chief, local Clan Inglis societies worldwide act as custodians of heritage—organizing St Andrew’s dinners, scholarship funds, and DNA projects connecting Inglises across four continents.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an official Clan Inglis gathering?
Events are generally coordinated under Douglas clan tents; check the Scottish Highland Games calendar for dates near you.
What if I can’t find an Inglis product?
Type “Inglis” into our green “Search Clan Name” bar at the top of every page to browse gifts instantly.
Honor your heritage: wear the lion proudly 🏰
Feel the call of the lion every time you suit up in our best-selling Inglis Clan-Crest T-Shirt—featuring the demi-lion, Douglas stars, and your choice of color.
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