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. The Whitehill Ramsays here acquired the house and lands with Simon Ramsay, who was Agent for the Royal Burghs, Keeper of the General Register of Hornings and Inhibitions, and was involved in witchcraft cases in 1629. His son Sir James purchased a baronetage of Nova Scotia in 1665. While the Ramsays of Whitehill, later Wardlaw Ramsays, flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, 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 septs. Where is the Duchy…
Read more...Charter of baronetcy
Velvet bag, embroidered This gorgeous velvet bag, densely embroidered with gold thread, has kept its precious contents safe for 400 years. As a family treasure…
Read more...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...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...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…
Read more...
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
Portrait of William Ramsay William was born about 1658, to James Ramsay and Anne Baird. His older brother John inherited the title of…
Read more...About Whitehill and the Quests
Whitehill Old House, with Georgian front The industrial history of East Lothian and Clackmannanshire is marked by historical events and individual decisions. The Wardlaw Ramsay…
Read more...