MS 1467
Encyclopedia
MS 1467, earlier known as MS 1450, is a mediaeval Gaelic manuscript
which contains numerous pedigrees for many prominent Scottish individuals and clan
s. Transcriptions of the genealogies within the text were first published in the early 19th century and have ever since been used by writers on the clan histories. The 19th century transcriptions and translations from the manuscript have long been considered inadequate; yet there is no modern, scholarly edition of the manuscript.
. The MS 1467 is one of two manuscripts which are bound together in a document known as the MS 72.1.1. The first section of the MS 72.1.1, folios 1–9, is the MS 1467; the second section is known as the Broad Book, and dates to 1425. The MS 1467 is made of vellum
and measures 23 by. It was written by Dubhghall Albanach mac mhic Cathail; according to Ronnie Black, he was likely a member of the MacMhuirich bardic family
, and a native of Kintyre
. According to Wilson McLeod, Dubhghall Albanach wrote the manuscript at Ballybothy, in Co Tipperary, Republic of Ireland
.
The first folio of MS 1467 contains many pedigrees for prominent individuals and families. Folios 2–9 consist of a sermon
ascribed to King Solomon; an account of the deaths of St Philip, St Andrew, St James, Christ
and John the Baptist
; a part of the Liber Scintillarum
, translated from Latin
; a poem about how John the Baptist was executed by a Gael
; several pious anecdotes; and an account of St Paphnutius. These folios are written much more carefully than the preceding folio which contains the genealogies. Black suggested that this may reflect that Dubhghall Albanach was much more interested in such religious topics than the genealogies.
The quality of the text of the genealogies is very poor; in some places the writing degrades into scratches and scribbling. Other stains and rubbing marks have also deteriorated the manuscript; these are derived from the forming of the front and back covers. In the 19th century, the eminent Scottish historian William Forbes Skene
, in an attempt to render portions of the text more legible, added chemicals to the portions of text which were difficult to read. The unfortunate result was that brown, green, and blue stains appear on the manuscript. In some cases these stains improve the legibility of the text, but they also prevent any examination under ultra-violet light.
in 1738. Sometime later the Broad Book was likewise in the possession of the society and the two manuscripts were bound together in 1813.
In 1847, the Iona Club printed a collection of papers, edited by Donald Gregor and Skene, titled Collectanea de Rebus Albanicis. This publication included a paper titled "Genealogies of the Highland Clans, extracted from Ancient Gaelic MSS", which included a transcription and translation of the manuscript, with notes by Skene. The manuscript was titled "Gaelic MS, written circa A.D. 1450". The publication stated that the manuscript had been found by accident the previous year, within the collection of the Faculty of Advocates
. At the time of 'discovery', the last leaf was extremely faded and described as being nearly illegible in places. At first, careful examination of the manuscript showed that it must have been written roughly about 1450. Later, after more examination, the specific date of 1467 was found within the manuscript itself. Later in 1880, Skene again had portions of the manuscript printed in an appendix to his multi-volume work Celtic Scotland, under the title "Legendary Descent of the Highland Clans, according to Irish MSS". A second, lightly edited, edition was published ten years later. Within the Celtic Scotland transcription, Skene omitted many words, phrases and even entire genealogies which he could not read, or understand. In Celtic Scotland, Skene made several corrections to his earlier transcriptions. However, he also added text from other sources. In consequence, this hybrid has been confused by many writers to be a literal and verbatim transcription of MS 1467.
From the 19th century to the early 20th century, the manuscript was considered to have been written by a person of the name Maclachlan
—as the pedigree of Clanlachlan is much more detailed than other clans and various intermarriages are given within the clan itself. In consequence, it was assumed that the manuscript once formed part of the Kilbride Collection, which was long preserved by the Maclachlans of Kilbride.
There is no modern, scholarly edition of the manuscript.
, one of Skene's greatest critics, stated that Skene relied far too much on the pedigrees within the manuscript; and urged that the pedigrees should be used with caution. Over the years such sentiments have been echoed by others; for example, in the early 20th century, writer George Eyre-Todd stated that Skene had a "fatal propensity for setting
up theories on insufficient foundations, and his blind devotion to the MS. of 1467". More recently, David Sellar
stated that Skene's transcription of the manuscript was indeed far from perfect. Sellar noted that Skene's "Table of the Descent of the Highland Clans", which appears in Skene's Highlanders, is "exceedingly speculative" and misleading, as it is partially derived from inaccurate transcriptions from the manuscript. Even so, Sellar noted that the conclusions which Skene derived from it had been relied upon for too long.
Manuscript
A manuscript or handwrite is written information that has been manually created by someone or some people, such as a hand-written letter, as opposed to being printed or reproduced some other way...
which contains numerous pedigrees for many prominent Scottish individuals and clan
Scottish clan
Scottish clans , give a sense of identity and shared descent to people in Scotland and to their relations throughout the world, with a formal structure of Clan Chiefs recognised by the court of the Lord Lyon, King of Arms which acts as an authority concerning matters of heraldry and Coat of Arms...
s. Transcriptions of the genealogies within the text were first published in the early 19th century and have ever since been used by writers on the clan histories. The 19th century transcriptions and translations from the manuscript have long been considered inadequate; yet there is no modern, scholarly edition of the manuscript.
Description of the manuscript
The manuscript known as MS 1467 is a mediaeval Gaelic manuscript held in the National Library of ScotlandNational Library of Scotland
The National Library of Scotland is the legal deposit library of Scotland and is one of the country's National Collections. It is based in a collection of buildings in Edinburgh city centre. The headquarters is on George IV Bridge, between the Old Town and the university quarter...
. The MS 1467 is one of two manuscripts which are bound together in a document known as the MS 72.1.1. The first section of the MS 72.1.1, folios 1–9, is the MS 1467; the second section is known as the Broad Book, and dates to 1425. The MS 1467 is made of vellum
Vellum
Vellum is mammal skin prepared for writing or printing on, to produce single pages, scrolls, codices or books. It is generally smooth and durable, although there are great variations depending on preparation, the quality of the skin and the type of animal used...
and measures 23 by. It was written by Dubhghall Albanach mac mhic Cathail; according to Ronnie Black, he was likely a member of the MacMhuirich bardic family
MacMhuirich bardic family
The MacMhuirich bardic family, known in Scottish Gaelic as Clann MacMhuirich and Clann Mhuirich, was a prominent family of bards and other professionals in 15th to 18th centuries. The family was centred in the Hebrides, and claimed descent from a 13th century Irish bard who, according to legend,...
, and a native of Kintyre
Kintyre
Kintyre is a peninsula in western Scotland, in the southwest of Argyll and Bute. The region stretches approximately 30 miles , from the Mull of Kintyre in the south, to East Loch Tarbert in the north...
. According to Wilson McLeod, Dubhghall Albanach wrote the manuscript at Ballybothy, in Co Tipperary, Republic of Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
.
The first folio of MS 1467 contains many pedigrees for prominent individuals and families. Folios 2–9 consist of a sermon
Sermon
A sermon is an oration by a prophet or member of the clergy. Sermons address a Biblical, theological, religious, or moral topic, usually expounding on a type of belief, law or behavior within both past and present contexts...
ascribed to King Solomon; an account of the deaths of St Philip, St Andrew, St James, Christ
Christ
Christ is the English term for the Greek meaning "the anointed one". It is a translation of the Hebrew , usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach...
and John the Baptist
John the Baptist
John the Baptist was an itinerant preacher and a major religious figure mentioned in the Canonical gospels. He is described in the Gospel of Luke as a relative of Jesus, who led a movement of baptism at the Jordan River...
; a part of the Liber Scintillarum
Liber Scintillarum
Liber Scintillarum is a late seventh or early eighth-century florilegium of biblical and patristic sayings in Latin. It was compiled by Defensor, a monk who in the preface identifies himself as a member of St Martin's Abbey at Ligugé, near Poitiers, and who wrote the work at the behest of his...
, translated from Latin
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
; a poem about how John the Baptist was executed by a Gael
Gaël
Gaël is a commune in the Ille-et-Vilaine department of Brittany in north-western France.It lies southwest of Rennes between Saint-Méen-le-Grand and Mauron...
; several pious anecdotes; and an account of St Paphnutius. These folios are written much more carefully than the preceding folio which contains the genealogies. Black suggested that this may reflect that Dubhghall Albanach was much more interested in such religious topics than the genealogies.
The quality of the text of the genealogies is very poor; in some places the writing degrades into scratches and scribbling. Other stains and rubbing marks have also deteriorated the manuscript; these are derived from the forming of the front and back covers. In the 19th century, the eminent Scottish historian William Forbes Skene
William Forbes Skene
William Forbes Skene , Scottish historian and antiquary, was the second son of Sir Walter Scott's friend, James Skene , of Rubislaw, near Aberdeen....
, in an attempt to render portions of the text more legible, added chemicals to the portions of text which were difficult to read. The unfortunate result was that brown, green, and blue stains appear on the manuscript. In some cases these stains improve the legibility of the text, but they also prevent any examination under ultra-violet light.
History of the manuscript
According to Black, the genealogies within the MS 1467 appear to have been copied from an older text, possibly dating from about 1400. Black noted that these pedigrees are untidily put together, which suggests that it was hastily written. The manuscript was obtained by Rev. John Beaton, and subsequently passed into the possession of Rev. David Malcolm of Duddingston, who presented it to the Edinburgh Philosophical SocietyRoyal Society of Edinburgh
The Royal Society of Edinburgh is Scotland's national academy of science and letters. It is a registered charity, operating on a wholly independent and non-party-political basis and providing public benefit throughout Scotland...
in 1738. Sometime later the Broad Book was likewise in the possession of the society and the two manuscripts were bound together in 1813.
In 1847, the Iona Club printed a collection of papers, edited by Donald Gregor and Skene, titled Collectanea de Rebus Albanicis. This publication included a paper titled "Genealogies of the Highland Clans, extracted from Ancient Gaelic MSS", which included a transcription and translation of the manuscript, with notes by Skene. The manuscript was titled "Gaelic MS, written circa A.D. 1450". The publication stated that the manuscript had been found by accident the previous year, within the collection of the Faculty of Advocates
Faculty of Advocates
The Faculty of Advocates is an independent body of lawyers who have been admitted to practise as advocates before the courts of Scotland, especially the Court of Session and the High Court of Justiciary...
. At the time of 'discovery', the last leaf was extremely faded and described as being nearly illegible in places. At first, careful examination of the manuscript showed that it must have been written roughly about 1450. Later, after more examination, the specific date of 1467 was found within the manuscript itself. Later in 1880, Skene again had portions of the manuscript printed in an appendix to his multi-volume work Celtic Scotland, under the title "Legendary Descent of the Highland Clans, according to Irish MSS". A second, lightly edited, edition was published ten years later. Within the Celtic Scotland transcription, Skene omitted many words, phrases and even entire genealogies which he could not read, or understand. In Celtic Scotland, Skene made several corrections to his earlier transcriptions. However, he also added text from other sources. In consequence, this hybrid has been confused by many writers to be a literal and verbatim transcription of MS 1467.
From the 19th century to the early 20th century, the manuscript was considered to have been written by a person of the name Maclachlan
MacLachlan
MacLachlan is a Scottish surname, and may refer to:* Angus MacLachlan* Ewen MacLachlan, Gaelic scholar and poet* Kyle MacLachlan* Malcolm MacLachlan* Patricia MacLachlan* Robert Mac Lachlan* Ross MacLachlan...
—as the pedigree of Clanlachlan is much more detailed than other clans and various intermarriages are given within the clan itself. In consequence, it was assumed that the manuscript once formed part of the Kilbride Collection, which was long preserved by the Maclachlans of Kilbride.
There is no modern, scholarly edition of the manuscript.
19th century use of the manuscript
Gaelic scholar Alexander MacbainAlexander Macbain
Alexander Macbain was a Scottish philologist, best known today for An Etymological Dictionary of the Gaelic Language .-Early life and education:...
, one of Skene's greatest critics, stated that Skene relied far too much on the pedigrees within the manuscript; and urged that the pedigrees should be used with caution. Over the years such sentiments have been echoed by others; for example, in the early 20th century, writer George Eyre-Todd stated that Skene had a "fatal propensity for setting
up theories on insufficient foundations, and his blind devotion to the MS. of 1467". More recently, David Sellar
David Sellar
William David Hamilton Sellar is a Scottish solicitor and officer of arms. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in history and the University of Edinburgh with a degree in law. He qualified as a solicitor in 1966. In 1968 he joined the Faculty of Law at the University of...
stated that Skene's transcription of the manuscript was indeed far from perfect. Sellar noted that Skene's "Table of the Descent of the Highland Clans", which appears in Skene's Highlanders, is "exceedingly speculative" and misleading, as it is partially derived from inaccurate transcriptions from the manuscript. Even so, Sellar noted that the conclusions which Skene derived from it had been relied upon for too long.
List of pedigrees
The manuscript contains pedigrees for the following clans and individuals.| Gaelic | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caimbeul | Campbell Clan Campbell Clan Campbell is a Highland Scottish clan. Historically one of the largest, most powerful and most successful of the Highland clans, their lands were in Argyll and the chief of the clan became the Earl and later Duke of Argyll.-Origins:... |
The earliest known pedigree which gives the clan a "British" ancestry (from Uther Pendragon Uther Pendragon Uther Pendragon is a legendary king of sub-Roman Britain and the father of King Arthur.A few minor references to Uther appear in Old Welsh poems, but his biography was first written down by Geoffrey of Monmouth in his Historia Regum Britanniae , and Geoffrey's account of the character was used in... , and Arthur King Arthur King Arthur is a legendary British leader of the late 5th and early 6th centuries, who, according to Medieval histories and romances, led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the early 6th century. The details of Arthur's story are mainly composed of folklore and literary invention, and... ) |
| Camshron | Cameron Clan Cameron Clan Cameron is a West Highland Scottish clan, with one main branch Lochiel, and numerous cadet branches. The Clan Cameron lands are in Lochaber and within their lands is the mountain Ben Nevis which is the highest mountain in the British Isles. The chief of the clan is customarily referred to as... |
|
| Clann Ghille Ádhagáin | MacLennan Clan MacLennan Clan MacLennan, also known as Siol Ghillinnein, is a Highland Scottish clan which historically populated lands in the north-west of Scotland. The surname MacLennan in Scottish Gaelic is Mac Gille Fhinnein meaning the son of the follower of St Finnan.-History:-Origins:According to tradition the... |
|
| Clann Ghille Eadhráin | ||
| Clann Raghnaill etc. | Macdonald of Clanranald etc. | |
| Clann Shomhairle | Macdougall Clan MacDougall Clan MacDougall is a Highland Scottish clan consisting of the descendants of Dubgall mac Somairle, son of Somerled, who ruled Lorne and the Isle of Mull in Argyll in the 13th century... |
|
| Dáibhidh, rí Alba | David I David I of Scotland David I or Dabíd mac Maíl Choluim was a 12th-century ruler who was Prince of the Cumbrians and later King of the Scots... , King of Scotland |
|
| Iarla Leamhna | Earl of Lennox Earl of Lennox The Mormaer of Lennox or Earl of Lennox was the ruler of the long-lasting provincial Mormaerdom/Earldom of Lennox in the Medieval Kingdom of the Scots. The first Mormaer is usually regarded as Ailin I , but the genealogy of the Mormaers gives earlier names... |
The ancestry of Duncan, Earl of Lennox. |
| Lulach, rí Alba | Lulach Lulach of Scotland Lulach mac Gille Coemgáin was King of Scots between 15 August 1057 and 17 March 1058.He appears to have been a weak king, as his nicknames suggest... , king of Scotland |
|
| Mac an Aba Uaine | ||
| Mac an Tóisigh | Mackintosh Clan MacKintosh Clan Mackintosh is a Scottish clan from Inverness with strong Jacobite ties. The Mackintoshes were also chiefs of the Chattan Confederation.-Origins:... , Clan Chattan |
|
| Mac Aoidh Ugadail | MacKay of Ugadale | |
| Mac Beathadh, rí Alba | Macbeth Macbeth of Scotland Mac Bethad mac Findlaích was King of the Scots from 1040 until his death... , king of Scotland |
|
| Mac Cainnigh | Mackenzie Clan MacKenzie Clan Mackenzie is a Highland Scottish clan, traditionally associated with Kintail and lands in Ross-shire.-Origins:The Mackenzies, a powerful clan of Celtic stock, were not among the clans that originated from Norman ancestry. Descendants of the long defunct royal Cenél Loairn of Dál Riata, they... |
|
| Mac Dhomhnaill | Macdonald | |
| Mac Dhubhghaill | Macdougall Clan MacDougall Clan MacDougall is a Highland Scottish clan consisting of the descendants of Dubgall mac Somairle, son of Somerled, who ruled Lorne and the Isle of Mull in Argyll in the 13th century... |
|
| Mac Dhuibhshithe | Macfie Clan Macfie Clan Macfie is a Scottish clan. Since 1981, the clan has been officially registered with the Court of the Lord Lyon, which is the heraldic authority of Scotland... |
|
| Mac Eichthighearna | MacEacharn Clan MacEacharn Clan MacEacharn were a group of families who occupied lands in the Kintyre, Islay, and Morvern regions of Scotland. They are traditionally known as one of the oldest Western Highland family names... |
|
| Mac Eoghain | MacEwen of Otter | The only known pedigree for this clan. |
| Mac Fhinnghuine | Mackinnon Clan MacKinnon Clan Mackinnon or Clan Fingon is a Highland Scottish clan associated with the islands of Mull and Skye, in the Inner Hebrides.Popular tradition gives the clan a Dalriadic Gaelic origin. The 19th century historian W. F. Skene named the clan as one of the seven clans of Siol Alpin - who according to... |
|
| Mac Gabharáin Earca | MacLennan Clan MacLennan Clan MacLennan, also known as Siol Ghillinnein, is a Highland Scottish clan which historically populated lands in the north-west of Scotland. The surname MacLennan in Scottish Gaelic is Mac Gille Fhinnein meaning the son of the follower of St Finnan.-History:-Origins:According to tradition the... |
|
| Mac Ghille Anfaigh, faic Camshron | ||
| Mac Ghille Eadhráin | ||
| Mac Ghilleoin | Maclean Clan MacLean Clan Maclean is a Highland Scottish clan. They are one of the oldest clans in the Highlands and owned large tracts of land in Argyll as well as the Inner Hebrides. Many early MacLeans became famous for their honour, strength and courage in battle. They were involved in many clan skirmishes with... |
|
| Mac Gille Ainnrias | Gillanders Clan Gillanders Gillanders is a personal name and a surname. It is an Anglicised form of a Gaelic name meaning "the servant of Andrew". The surname can be represented in Scottish Gaelic as MacGill-Andreis and NicGill-Andreis ; GillAndrais and GhillAndrais ; Mac'Ill'Anndrais and Nic'Ill'Anndrais ; and... |
|
| Mac Griogair | MacGregor Clan MacGregor Clan Gregor, Clan McGregor, Clan MacGregor or Clan M'Gregor is a Highland Scottish clan. It is the most senior clan of Siol Alpin, translated as referring to King Kenneth I, descending from the ancient Kings of the Picts and Dál Riata... |
|
| Mac Guaire | Macquarrie Clan MacQuarrie Clan MacQuarrie is a Highland Scottish clan, associated with the islands of Ulva, Staffa and the Isle of Mull, which are all located in the Scottish Inner Hebrides. The last chief of Clan MacQuarrie died in 1818 and since the clan does not have a current Chief recognized by Lord Lyon it can be... |
|
| Mac Labhartaigh ? | ||
| Mac Lachlainn | Maclachlan Clan MacLachlan Clan Maclachlan, also known as Clan Lachlan, is a Highland Scottish clan that historically centred on the lands of Strathlachlan on Loch Fyne, Argyll on the west coast of Scotland... |
|
| Mac Ladhmainn | Lamont Clan Lamont Clan Lamont is a Highland Scottish clan. Clan Lamont claim descent from Lauman who lived in Cowal in 1238. Tradition gives this Lauman a descent from an Irish prince of the O'Neill dynasty, Ánrothán Ua Néill, son of Áed, son of Flaithbertach Ua Néill, King of Ailech and Cenél nEógain, died 1036... |
|
| Mac Mathghamhna | Matheson Clan Matheson Clan Matheson is a Highland Scottish clan.-Origins of the clan:The name Matheson has been attributed to the Gaelic words Mic Mhathghamhuin which means Son of the Bear or Son of the Heroes... |
|
| Mac Mhaoilein | MacMillan Clan MacMillan Clan MacMillan is a Highland Scottish clan.-Origins of the clan:The MacMillans are one of a number of clans - including the MacKinnons, the MacQuarries, and the MacPhees - descended from Airbertach, a Hebridean prince of the old royal house of Moray who according to one account was the... |
|
| Mac Neacail | MacNeacail Clan MacNeacail Clan MacNeacail, sometimes known as Clan MacNicol, is a Scottish clan long associated with the Isle of Skye. The clan is closely associated with Clan Macleod, with whom the MacNeacails have been aligned since around the 14th century... |
|
| Mac Neachtáin | Macnaghten Clan MacNaghten Clan Macnaghten is a Scottish clan who claim descent from the eighth century Pictish king, Nechtan.-Origins of the clan:The earliest reference to the Clan Macnaghten is in connection with great Pictish rulers of Moray. The name 'Nechten' which means "pure" or "clear" was popular in the Pictish... |
|
| Mac Ruaidhrí | MacRuairi Clan Macruari Clan Macruari was a Scottish clan. The founder of Clan Macruari is Ruaidhri mac Raghnaill, a son of Raghnall mac Somhairle who was a son of Somhairle mac Gillebride. The lands of Clan Macruari were in Bute, Uist, Barra, Eigg, Rùm, and Garmoran.... |
|
| Mac Shomhairle | MacSorley of Monydrain |