Clan Campbell of Cawdor

Clan Campbell of Cawdor is a highland Scottish clan and a branch of the larger Clan Campbell. While the clan is recognised by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, the clan does not have a clan chief recognised by the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs. Also, because the clan does not have a clan chief recognised by the Lord Lyon King of Arms it is considered an armigerous clan. The head of the Clan Campbell of Cawdor is the Earl Cawdor.

In 1510, Muriel Calder, daughter of John Calder, 7th Thane of Calder, married Sir John Campbell, third son of the 2nd Earl of Argyll. From 1524 to 1546, Sir John Campbell of Calder lived at Calder (now Cawdor) Castle, until his death. After Muriel's death in 1573, the Thanedom was resigned in favour of her grandson, John Campbell. In the 17th century, Sir John Campbell of Calder sold Croy and disposed of Ferintosh to Lord Lovat, in order to buy the Isle of Islay. Islay was held by the Campbells of Calder from 1612-1726 when it was bought by Daniel Campbell of Shawfield. Sir John Campbell, 8th of Calder, married Mary, eldest daughter of Lewis Pryce (or Pryse) of Gogerddan in Cardiganshire. Campbell of Cawdor died in 1777 and was succeeded by his son, Pryse Campbell of Calder, who was a MP for Cromartyshire and Nairnshire. His son, John, was made Lord Calder of Castlemartin in 1797. On his death in 1821, he was succeeded by his son, John Fredrick Campbell, 1st Earl of Cawdor. From the 1st Earl of Cawdor descend the Earls of Cawdor. (Source: records of the Scottish Privy Council, 1613–1616)

The name "Cawdor" is the English pronunciation and spelling of the ancient and original Highland name of CALDER. In the early 19th century, Lord John Campbell of Calder was residing in England and changed the name of the castle, town and clan overnight so that it would match the Shakespearean designation (reference: Cawdor Historical Society).

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