The Clan System

The clan system probably developed after the Romans left Britain around 410 AD and was mainly based in the Highlands and Islands of the country we now know as Scotland.

Clan in Gaelic means ‘family’ so clans differentiated themselves along ‘family’ lines. All members of a clan bore – in theory at least – the same name, often claiming descent from very ancient chiefs and kings. There were also branches of a clan known as ‘septs’ which allied themselves with a particular clan and owed allegiance to the clan chief.

The clan chief, who owned the land, was responsible for the safety and general welfare of his clansmen and women, and in return they were obliged to give him part of their crops. In addition, as well as fighting to defend their own clan, they were duty bound to fight for the chief for whichever side or cause he supported.

A clan protected not only its own people and associated septs but it could be called upon to help smaller clans being persecuted by other larger clans. Czytaj całość »