Let me tell you the story of your family, the Lindsays, and their historical background. The Lindsays rose to prominence during the later eleventh century, both in England and Scotland. Your ancestor, Sir Walter de Lindissie, accompanied David, Earl of Huntingdon, brother of Alexander I, to Scotland to claim the throne. The name Lindissie referred to Lincoln’s Island or Marsh, as it was within the jurisdiction of the town of Lincoln. Recent research suggests that Walter may have descended from Ralph, the Flemish Lord of Alost, based on clues found in his heraldry.

Sir David Lindsay, a notable figure in your family’s history, was one of the barons who signed the famous letter to the pope in 1320, known as the Declaration of Arbroath, asserting Scotland’s independence. In 1346, his second son and heir, Sir James de Lindsay, married Ejidia, the daughter of Walter the High Steward of Scotland and half-sister to Robert II.

During the tournament at London Bridge in 1390, Sir David de Lindsay, your ancestor, emerged victorious in the presence of Richard II of England. As a result, on 21 April 1398, he was granted the title Earl of Crawford. Ludovic Lindsay, who gained military experience on the Continent, fought for Charles I during the civil war. As he died without children, he first relinquished his earldom to the Crown, which then regranted it to your kinsman, John, Earl of Lindsay. The title remained within this branch of your family until the nineteenth century when it passed to the Earls of Balcarres. They descended from a younger son of the ninth Earl of Crawford and were created earls in their own right in 1650 due to their services during the civil war. The present chief of your family is the descendant of Alexander, the sixth Earl of Balcarres, who became the twenty-third Earl of Crawford. The twenty-ninth Earl now holds the title.

Another notable branch of your family is the Lindsays of Edzell, who traced their lineage back to a son of the ninth Earl of Crawford. Although Edzell Castle, located north of Brechin, is now mostly in ruins, it is renowned for its splendid Renaissance garden, which has been fully restored. Your family’s contributions to Scottish heritage also include the work of Sir David Lindsay of the Mount. His play, Ane Satyre of the Three Estaitis, which satirizes corruption in the Church and State, was first performed in 1540. The seat of the current chief of your family is still at Balcarres in Fife. The earldom of Lindsay has also been revived, and this line now bears the compound surname of Lindsay-Bethune.

Thus, your family, the Lindsays, has a rich and storied history that spans centuries and has seen its members play significant roles in the realms of politics, military prowess, and cultural contributions. From the early days of Sir Walter de Lindissie’s arrival in Scotland to the esteemed Earls of Crawford and the Lindsays of Edzell, your ancestors have left a lasting mark on Scottish heritage. The legacy of your family continues to thrive, with the current chief proudly bearing the title of Earl of Crawford and preserving the noble traditions of the Lindsays. As you delve into your family’s past, may you find inspiration in the resilience and achievements of your forebears, and may their legacy guide and inspire future generations of the Lindsays.