The Proud Story of Clan Henderson: History, Landmarks, and Legacy
Share
The Proud Story of Clan Henderson: History, Landmarks, and Legacy
Clan Henderson, or Clann Eanruig in Gaelic, is one of Scotland’s most historically significant clans, with unique lineages in both the Highlands and Lowlands. Though not always in the spotlight, the Hendersons have quietly shaped the course of Scottish history through religious reform, battlefield bravery, and close alliances with powerful clans. In this blog, we’ll explore the clan’s origins, ancestral landmarks, major events, notable individuals, and their relationships with other Scottish clans.
Origins of Clan Henderson
The name Henderson means "son of Henry" and has roots in multiple regions of Scotland, leading to several distinct Henderson lineages. These include the Hendersons of the Scottish Borders, the Hendersons of Glencoe in the Highlands, and the Hendersons of Caithness in the far north. Each of these groups contributed to the overall legacy of Clan Henderson in their own way.
Lowland Hendersons
The Lowland Hendersons were prominent around the Edinburgh and Fife areas. They were well-educated and influential, with members serving in legal and civic roles as early as the 14th century. The family seat at Fordell Castle became the center of Henderson power in the Lowlands, and their influence extended deeply into Scottish political life.
Hendersons of Glencoe
In the Highlands, the Hendersons of Glencoe—known as MacEanruig—served as hereditary pipers and bodyguards to the powerful Clan MacDonald of Glencoe. Their traditions are steeped in ancient Gaelic customs, and they are believed to descend from Eanruig Mor, a Pictish prince and son of King Neachtain who ruled in the early 8th century.
Hendersons of Caithness
The northern branch of the Hendersons traces its lineage to Henry Gunn, the youngest son of George Gunn, the 15th-century chief of Clan Gunn. After a family dispute, Henry established a new line in Caithness. This group is often considered a sept (sub-group) of Clan Gunn.
Clan Landmarks and Historical Sites
Clan Henderson’s history is etched into the Scottish landscape, from ancient tower houses to memorial stones in the Highlands.
Fordell Castle – Seat of the Lowland Hendersons
Located in Fife near Inverkeithing, Fordell Castle served as the ancestral seat of the Henderson chiefs for over 300 years. James Henderson, the 3rd Laird of Fordell, added significant extensions to the castle in 1566. It was burned in 1568 and sacked again during the Civil War in 1651, but it remains a symbol of Henderson resilience and prestige.
Otterston Tower
Another key Henderson landmark, Otterston Tower, was built in the early 16th century and showcases the clan’s architectural legacy. Though it later passed into the hands of the Mowbrays, the tower was originally a stronghold of the Hendersons and stands as a testament to their prominence in the Fife region.
Henderson Stone – Glencoe
One of the most haunting symbols of the clan is the Henderson Stone (Clach Eanruig), a granite boulder in Glencoe said to be the site where a Campbell soldier issued a cryptic warning to the Hendersons and MacDonalds before the infamous Glencoe Massacre of 1692. Today, it stands as a somber reminder of the clan’s loyalty and the tragedies of betrayal.
Key Historical Events and Battles
The Battle of Flodden – 1513
James Henderson, Lord Advocate of Scotland and laird of Fordell, fell at the Battle of Flodden in 1513. This catastrophic clash between the Scots and the English resulted in the death of King James IV and many Scottish nobles, including this prominent Henderson leader. His loss marked a pivotal moment in the clan's history and Scotland's political landscape.
The Massacre of Glencoe – 1692
Perhaps the most tragic chapter in the clan’s Highland story is their involvement in the Massacre of Glencoe. The Hendersons, serving as pipers and bodyguards to the MacDonald chiefs, were among those targeted by government troops. “Big Henderson of the Chanters,” a well-known piper, was killed during this betrayal. The event solidified the clan’s legacy as loyal, honorable, and tragically wronged.
Notable Figures from Clan Henderson
Throughout history, many members of Clan Henderson have left their mark in fields ranging from religion and politics to science and the arts.
Alexander Henderson (1583–1646)
Born in Fife, Alexander Henderson was one of the most influential religious reformers in Scotland. He co-authored the National Covenant of 1638, which resisted King Charles I's attempts to impose Anglican practices on the Scottish Church. He also helped draft the Solemn League and Covenant, forging a crucial alliance with English Puritans during the English Civil War. His theological and political work had a lasting impact on Presbyterianism.
Thomas Henderson (1798–1844)
A trailblazer in science, Thomas Henderson became the first Astronomer Royal for Scotland. He was the first to measure the distance to a fixed star using parallax, a method that laid the groundwork for modern astronomy. His work helped establish Scotland as a center of scientific innovation in the 19th century.
Connections to Other Scottish Clans
Clan MacDonald of Glencoe
The Hendersons of Glencoe were deeply embedded in the culture and hierarchy of Clan MacDonald of Glencoe, serving as hereditary pipers, armor-bearers, and bodyguards. This close relationship ultimately placed them at the center of the Glencoe Massacre, further binding their fates together in history.
Clan Gunn
The Hendersons of Caithness are considered a sept of Clan Gunn. This lineage traces back to Henry Gunn, and while distinct in their own right, the Hendersons of this region share in the proud and warrior-like heritage of the Gunns.
Clan MacDonald (Wider Association)
Some accounts also connect the Hendersons to the broader Clan MacDonald through the story of Dougall MacHenry’s daughter bearing a child to Aonghus Óg of Islay, a famed MacDonald leader. This offspring would eventually become part of the MacIain line of Glencoe chiefs.
Clan Motto, Crest, and Tartan
-
Motto: “Sola Virtus Nobilitat” – "Virtue alone ennobles"
-
Crest: A cubit arm holding an estoile (a six-pointed star), symbolizing divine guidance and honor
-
Tartan: The Henderson tartan features red and green tones with subtle blues and blacks—elegant, timeless, and perfect for a proud heritage gift
Clan Henderson Today
Clan Henderson remains active today through organizations and societies that celebrate Scottish heritage and history. Events, clan gatherings, and Highland games across the world continue to draw Henderson descendants eager to reconnect with their roots.
The current chief of Clan Henderson is Alistair Donald Henderson of Fordell. While he resides in Australia, he continues to support clan activities and heritage preservation efforts around the world.
Celebrate Your Henderson Heritage
Whether you proudly carry the Henderson surname or descend from its noble bloodline, displaying your clan pride is a meaningful way to honor your ancestors. At Celtic Ancestry Gifts, we offer a wide selection of custom Clan Henderson gifts, including t-shirts, mugs, blankets, ornaments, and more.
🎁 Explore all Clan Henderson products here:
👉 https://celticancestrygifts.com/search?q=henderson&options%5Bprefix%5D=last
All our designs feature the official Henderson crest and carefully selected tartans. You can wear your clan with pride or give a unique gift to someone in your family who shares this historic name.
Final Thoughts
Clan Henderson may not be as widely known as some of the larger Highland clans, but their impact on Scotland's religious, political, and cultural life is undeniable. With roots in both the Highlands and Lowlands, connections to powerful clans, and landmarks etched into the Scottish landscape, the Hendersons have carved out a noble place in history.
If you're part of this proud lineage, take time to honor it—learn about your ancestors, explore your heritage, and surround yourself with symbols of your clan’s enduring legacy.