The Clan Jardine

The Clan Jardine

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Arms: Argent, a Saltire Gules, on a chief of the last three mullets of the first pierced in the Second
Crest: A spur rowel of six points Proper
Motto: Cave adsum (Beware I am here)
Tartan: Jardine Clan Society, Dress Jardine of Applegirth
Plant Badge: Apple blossom

As far as can be ascertained there was no one with the surname of Gardine or Jardine in the first half of the eleventh century (before the Norman invasion) - in fact very few people had surnames at all at that time.The first mention of the name Jardine is contained in Hollingshead's Chronicles of England as one of the knights that fought at the Battle of Hastings (AD 1066). There is also evidence that may suggest that the Jardines were of Norse (Viking) extraction and migrated to Normandy with a warrior named Ganger Rolf prior to 1066. From then till records were kept and land accounted for and enclosed, the family was known as de Gardine de Applegirth. In 1304 a William du Gerdyne is recorded as owning land around Kendal which accounts for the name spreading through England. The spelling variated from de Gardino, Gardyne, Jardin, Jardyne, Gardyne

In 1573 the King confirmed the grant of lands to Sir Alexander Jardine of Jardinefield in Berwickshire; Applegirth and Sibbaldbie in Dumfrieshire; Hartside and Wandel in Lanarkshire; and Kirkandrews in Kirkcudbright. It is recorded that he had to muster 242 men to fight for the King if required. It was these retaineers who then had no surnames who became known as "Jardine Men" and adopted Jardine as their surname.

The Jardines were present at the battles of Stirling Bridge & Falkirk along with many other Scottish nobles (Bruce, Lindsay, Maxwell etc) fighting for King Edward I of England against William Wallace. The Jardines have, throughout history, had a strong bond with the Bruce family and were present at the Battle of Bannockburn with King Robert de Bruis. They are recorded as being present at the courts of Kings David II, James I & II and they went on the Crusades with the grandfather of King Robert Bruce. They and several other Border families, were granted the use of the Shield, Saltire and Mullets of the Bruce's as depicted on the Jardine Crest/Badge.

In 1644 Sir Alexander Jardine was the Member of Parliament for Dumfries. At the same time Sir Alexander purchased (along with many other gentlemen) a Baronetcy of Nova Scotia from King Charles II. Another incident in the life of this Chief was the inprisonment (and subsequent death), for incendrianism of Dunty Porteus the miller. The ghost has haunted the family even up to these days. The family moved out of their castle (Keep, Tower) named Spedlins to a more spacious residence across the river and named it Jardine Hall. One reason for this may have been to escape the hauntings of Porteous.

Jardine Hall, is now in possesion of the Cunningham- Jardine family, who have finally demolished the ruins. Spedlins Tower has been restored to a very habitable state and is owned by a Mr. & Mrs. Grey.

Today there are other Baronial Jardine families. Sir Andrew Jardine Bt. is the head of the Jardine of Godalming family and reside in England. Then there is Sir Rupert Buchanan-Jardine, Bt. who is the head of the Jardine of Castlemilk family. This family is directly descended from the famous Dr. William Jardine, co-founder of the asian trading conglomerate, The Jardine-Mathieson Company. This was the famous Jardine, of which it may be said caused the three Opium wars with China in the early 1800's.

Information provided by Jerry Jardine of the Jardine Clan Society.