Clan Crichton

'Clan Crichton is a Lowland Scottish clan.

Clan History

The lands of Kreitton formed one of the earliest baronies around Edinburgh and are mentioned in chaters of the early 12th century.

Early Crichtons

Thurstan de Cechtune was a witness to the foundation of the Abbey of Holyrood House by King David I of Scotland in 1128. Thomas de Crichton swore fealty to King Edward I of England in the Ragman Roll of 1296. Thomas had three sons each of whom extended the family holdings. His second son William Crichton married Isabel de Ross who was heiress to the barony of Sanquhar in Dumfrieshire.

15th Century

A descendant of his Robert de Crichton of Sanquhar was sheriff of Dumfries in 1464 and coroner of Nithsdale from 1468 to 1469. His eldest son Robert Crichton was created a peer with Lord Crichton of Sanquhar by King James III of Scotland in 1487.

Clan Conflicts

Another descendant of Thomas de Crichton was Sir William Crichton who was also the Chancellor of Scotland during the minority of King James II of Scotland. Following the death of his rival the Earl of Douglas sir William Crichton organised the infamous Black Dinner at Edinburgh Castle which he was also governer of at the time. The young King James was in residence and the new Earl of Douglas and his brother were invited to dine at the royal banquet. After dinner the two Douglases were dragged out to Castle Hill and executed. The Clan Douglas then laid siege to Edinburgh Castle. Crichton perceiving the danger surrended the castle to the King and was raised to the title of Lord Crichton.

In 1751 Clan Crichton took the side of Clan Forbes in their feud against Clan gordon.