Allow me to share the captivating history of your family, the Pennycooks, a journey woven into the rich tapestry of Scottish heritage. Your ancestral name, Pennycook, is a testament to the barony and town of Penicuik in Midlothian. The origins of this placename trace back to the ancient Romano-British language, where ‘pen-y-cok’ translates to ‘cuckoo’s hill’. It’s a name that carries the echoes of time and place, reflecting the connection between your family and the land they cherished.

As you explore your family’s history, you’ll find the enigmatic story of the Pennycooks taking shape. The details of their origins remain shrouded in mystery, obscured by the diverse mix of peoples that inhabited the Lothians during that era—Celts, Saxons, and Normans, all contributing to the intricate tapestry of the region.

The first recorded presence of your family name graces the annals of Scottish history in 1241. William de Pennycook emerged as a pivotal figure, appointed to define the boundaries of the lands of Lethenhop during the reign of Alexander II. His loyalty to the king earned him the title of ‘fidelis,’ a sworn man bound by duty. This loyalty and connection might shed light on the subsequent presence of Sir David de Penicoke, a knight who left his mark by witnessing charters in 1251.

Amid the tumultuous times marked by the Ragman Roll, your family’s resilience shines through. In 1296, as the English invasion swept the land, Hugh of Penicuik and Margaret, wife of Niall (or Nigel) of Penicuik, pledged their homage to Edward I of England, alongside their fellow landowners. The aftermath of these turbulent times might hold the unspoken tale of how your family endured the Wars of Independence, possibly standing by the side of Robert the Bruce.

Among the threads of history, your family’s name resounds through the centuries. Alexander de Penycuyk, a ‘magistr artium,’ graced the church of Kilconquhar in Fife around 1463, a testament to the enduring influence of your lineage. In the bustling city of Edinburgh, the Pennycooks made their presence known, etching their name in the records of burgesses and baillies during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.

As time wove its course, the barony transitioned into the hands of the Clerk family. Today, Sir John Clark of Penicuik stands as a living connection to this ancestral land, residing at Penicuik House—a symbol of your family’s enduring legacy. Throughout the years, notable figures like Alexander Pennecuik emerged—a doctor and poet born at Newhall near Edinburgh in 1652. His work, ‘A Description of Tweeddale,’ captured the essence of antiquity and botany, a testament to your family’s diverse talents.

Another remarkable Alexander Pennycook graced the early eighteenth century with his presence. A poet and author in Edinburgh, his words brought to life the vivid history of the craftsmen’s guilds, their banner serving as a symbol of trade rights and unity.

As you embrace your family’s past, you’re embracing a legacy of resilience, loyalty, and rich heritage. The Pennycooks have navigated the tides of time, leaving an indelible mark on Scotland’s history. Your story is one of connections—between people, land, and the enduring spirit that shapes generations.