The Armstrongs were the most feared of the riding clans along the frontier and at the height of their power could muster several thousand horsemen. The Union of Scotland and England in signalled an end to the border warfare that had existed for centuries. The Armstrong powerbase was broken and many families left the border area for pastures new. This fine example of a Scottish pele tower was fully restored in the 's and now hosts the Armstrong clan visitor centre. Mangerton Tower, Newcastleton, Borders.
Little is left of this 16th-century pele tower house, once the main seat of the Armstrong clan. The tower was attacked, burned and rebuilt several times throughout its turbulent history. Scientists now say the Scottish Borderland Armstrong family stems from further north — and from one man. Armstrong males are being asked to take a DNA test to confirm exciting new research. And now, it seems, these riders and raiders came not from Southern Scotland, but from further north.
Geneticists say new evidence shows that this powerful reiving clan originated in places like Angus, Moray, or Fife — and that all Borderland Armstrongs may stem from one man. How is it possible to be sure? Dr Wilson has recognized just such a cluster in Armstrong men originating in the Borderlands.
We know that kings, princes and other powerful men mated with different women in the past. The original Armstrongs must have been able to access several females and were able to spread their DNA widely and have many sons, who, in turn, could repeat the process. An example of this was in 15 th century Ireland. If the same level of enthusiasm and fertility were sustained, Lord Turlough would have had great grandsons and 1, great, great grandsons.
In four generations, the man could have bred an army. This is thought to be the pattern of genetic inheritance that happened with the first Armstrong who came from ancient Pictland to settle in the Borders: the begetter of a great name, and also of men who shaped Scottish history.
Gilnockie Castle is a nearby ruin. The tower was built around by Johnnie Armstrong, burned, rebuilt, damaged by English raids and rebuilt for a third time. In the tower was restored from a roofless ruin. Clan History: So heinous were the Armstrong crimes that, in , the Bishop of Glasgow issued a curse, which was read from pulpits, across Scotland.
One of the finest Border ballads tells how Johnnie Armstrong pleaded for his life and when it was refused said: To seek hot water beneath cold ice, Surely it is a great folly - I have asked for grace at a graceless face, But there is none for my men and me! Louis Armstrong, "Satchmo" trumpeter, singer and one of the most influential jazz musicians.
Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. And finally: Are Armstrongs a clan? Follow us on YouTube.
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