Clan Skene
Clan Skene is a Scottish clan.
History
Origins of the clan
Traditional origins
The traditional origin of the Clan Skene is found in a legend of the Clan Robertson in the eleventh century. It is said that a younger son of the Robertson chief of Straun saved the life of the king by killing a savage wolf with nothing but his Sgian-dubh. He was rewarded with lands in Aberdeenshire which he named after the weapon that had brought him good fortune, and the family thereafter took the name of the lands. The feat is commemorated in the clan chief's shield which displays three wolves' heads impaled on daggers or Dirks.Recorded origins
The first bearer of the name on record was John de Skeen, who lived during the reign of Malcolm III of Scotland. After Malcolm died, Skeen supported the claim of Donald Bane who was a rival to the succession of Edgar, [King of Scotland]. As a result his lands were forfeited and were only restored when the Skenes joined the army of Alexander I of Scotland which marched against rebels in the north in 1118.John de Skeen's grandson, John de Skene, held the lands during the reign of Alexander III of Scotland.
Wars of Scottish Independence
John de Skene's son was Patrick who appeared on the Ragman Rolls of 1296, submitting to Edward I of England. Despite this the Skenes staunchly supported Robert the Bruce and after his victory the Skene lands were erected into a barony.15th and 16th centuries
In 1411 Adam de Skene was killed at the Battle of Harlaw. Four generations later Alexander Skene de Skene is among those listed as dead on the field of the Battle of Flodden in 1513. Another Skene laird was killed at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh in 1547.Other prominent branches of the Clan Skene were the Skenes of Curriehill and Skenes of Hallyards. John Skene, Lord Curriehill was a prominent lawyer of the sixteenth century who in 1594 was appointed to the Supreme Court Bench. He was knighted by James VI of Scotland. His son was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1626. His second son was John Skene of Hallyards who rose to high judicial offices as Lord Clerk Register. Philip Skene of the Skene of Hallyards founded Skenesborough on the shores of Lake Champlain.
17th century and Thirty Years' War
The Skenes were forced into exile for their support of Charles I of England. The clan chief then took service with the Swedish armies under Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden during the Thirty Years' War.19th century
The direct line of the chiefs of Clan Skene died out in 1827 and the estates passed to a nephew, James Duff, 4th Earl Fife.Another prominent branch of the Clan Skene were the Skenes of Rubislaw. James Skene of Rubislaw was a close friend of the novelist Walter Scott, and is said to have provided Scott with some inspiration for both Quentin Durward and Ivanhoe.
William Forbes Skene was a celebrated Scottish writer and historian who was appointed historiographer royal for Scotland in 1881.