That it remains a mark of honour is indisputable, and embodied in the process of arms being granted, is the ennoblement of the recipient by “Letters Patent” issued by the heraldic authorities in the British Isles. From the very earliest days of heraldic development, armorial ensigns have been used by individuals bearing the name of Anderson, and later by MacAndrew and Gillanders. It is an aim of the Association to record, archive and publish for the benefit of members, all know coats-of-arms that have been associated with the names Anderson, MacAndrew or Gillanders.
The earliest that arms appear in the many ancient ‘rolls of arms’ ascribed to the name of Anderson, arises in the late 15th century with an entry in the “Shirley Roll” for Monsire Roger Anderson de Wraby, Co. Lincoln (seen here to the left). In the following century, a book was compiled for Lord Lyon, King of Arms in Scotland, in which is depicted a coat-of-arms ascribed to “Anderson of that Ilk” (seen here on the right), which incorporated a saltire (St Andrew’s cross) alluding to the origin of the name. At about the same period, tombstone evidence in the churchyard at Dumbennan, just outside Huntly in the north-east of Scotland, depicted arms for one “Alexander Anderson of Bruntstane,” again with a saltire (shown left). In September 1547, “Henry Anderson of Newcastle” was granted arms (shown right) by Gilbert Dethick, Norroy King of Arms from the ‘College of Arms’ in London.
From the 16th century onwards throughout the British Isles, there is much evidence of Andersons using armorial bearings and several of these families have come to prominence at various times since. Apart from archival records, it is also possible to see evidence of Anderson arms in stone carvings.
To the left are the arms of “Anderson of Noth,” shown on a stone in the burial ground at Kennethmont, near Huntly. ‘Patrick Anderson of Milton of Noth’ was the eldest son of Alexander Anderson of Bruntstane above. From a younger son, sprang “Anderson of Westerton & Ardbrake” who enjoy a significant status to this day. In the old kirkyard at Botriphnie in Banffshire, memorials can be
A number of scions have sprung from this family and although the main line took up residence in southern Ireland in the late 17th century, they remain to this day, one of Scotland’s premier families of the name.
Another carved stone showing arms of both Anderson & Douglas can be seen on the frontage to Drummuir Castle at Botriphnie (see right), which may have come from the old house at Ardbrake which is close by. The Laird of Ardbrake registered his arms at the Court of the Lord Lyon sometime between 1673-1675 (Vol. 1, fol. 239), probably handled by his brother Alexander, who was in practice as an Advocate in Edinburgh. With an option to register both arms and crest, the absence of a crest may well have presented Alexander Anderson with a dilemma and it is difficult to resist the assumption that he used a signet from his wife’s family, the Forrests of Rousland, whose arms and crest were oak trees. Thus, the Laird of Ardbrake became the lawful owner of the oak tree crest that has for Andersons the world over, become their clansman’s crest badge (see right). However, it should not go un-noticed that Andersons in Northumberland had used oak tree devices in their arms a century earlier. The remains of their house at Westerton in Banffshire, bears a carved armorial stone dated 1664 (see left).
found for this family (see left) who adopted boar’s heads in their arms in respect of intermarriage with ladies of the house of Gordon.
The descendants of Alexander Anderson, Advocate brother to the Laird, retained the saltire but with different tinctures (see left), settling in 1691 at Kinneddar in the Laich o’ Moray near Elgin.
On registering arms in 1780, Anderson of Newbigging & Kingask, Fife, claimed to be descendants of the Ardbrake line, yet the arms (known to have been used as early as 1665 - see carved stone and arms to the right), has a chevron rather than a saltire.
The stone and arms to the left are those of Anderson of Candacraig in Strathdon, a family in residence there for ten generations. Although there is no known connection, the motto “Stand Sure” and the oak tree crest are the same as that for the house of Ardbrake.
