1. The common ancestor
It’s interesting to speculate about the importance of a cohesive narrative in preserving a sense of family continuity. In the Ramsays’ case, they were able…
Read more...1. Origins
The origins of the Ramsay family date back to the reign of King David 1, who invited Normans to settle in Scotland. These early Ramsays distinguished themselves in royal service, and sided with the Bruce. Indeed, they were successful in establishing a multiple descendance and by the 19th century there were a great many Ramsays in Scotland, Canada, the Americas, and Australia. For their part, the Wardlaw Ramsays flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, but the lack of a male heir in the 20th century means that the sept is now extinct. The family portraits that are featured here were displayed in the vast dining room at Whitehill House, and are now dispersed among current family members.
Complete baronetage, by George E. Cokayne
1904, vol iv, pp. 242-243 The Ramsays’ century as Scotch Baronets is registered below, with tantalising glimpses of other Ramsay relatives. Where is the Duchy…
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3. Charter of baronetcy
This gorgeous velvet bag, densely embroidered with gold thread, has kept its precious contents safe for 400 years. As a family treasure and evidence of…
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4. Ramsay Baronetcy – semper victor
The Ramsay Baronetcy, of Whitehill in the County of Edinburgh, was created in the Baronetage of Nova Scotia on 2 June 1665 for John Ramsay….
Read more...5. Whitehill Aisle – the vault
The vaults were opened in 1835, presumably in anticipation of Robert Wardlaw Ramsay’s death in April 1836, and again in 1882, when Robert Balfour tried…
Read more...6. Whitehill – the old house
Whitehill house was the Ramsays’ ancestral home, though their employments required homes in Edinburgh and London, at various times. We are fortunate in having a…
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7. Whitehill Aisle – the burial plot
St Kentigern’s was the parish church for Carrington village. Founded in 1243 by Sir Andrew Ramsay of Whitehill, it was used as the traditional burial…
Read more...William Ramsay
This portrait of William Ramsay shows him in a red velvet suit; an early representation of what would develop into an enduring fashion for velvet…
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