Let me regale you with a captivating tale, a journey that traces the very essence of your family, the Riddells. The tapestry of your family’s history is woven with threads of possibility, theories that stretch across borders and time. One notion whispers that your family may have ventured from Gascony, finding their way to Scotland through Ryedale in Yorkshire. It is said that David I, in his wisdom, brought a loyal retainer named Walter from Ryedale, settling him in Whitton in Roxburghshire. Another theory dances with the idea that the name Riddell derives from the Norman personal name Ridel, hinting at its Gascon origins. Amidst the mists of time, Gervase Ridale stood witness to a charter of David I in 1116, while his son, Walter, secured a charter for the lands of Lilliesleaf in Roxburghshire. From these lands, the barony of Riddell would rise.

Sir William Riddell of Riddell cast his fealty upon Edward I of England, an act etched into history through the Ragman Roll of 1296. Sir John Riddell then stepped onto the stage, a man of distinction, as he was granted the title of Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1628. Reverend Archibald Riddell, a steadfast minister, clung to his Covenanter beliefs amidst adversity, becoming a beacon of unyielding faith. Meanwhile, John Riddel, a merchant of Edinburgh, wove a tapestry of trade across the Baltic, amassing riches and carving his legacy in the heart of the capital. His son’s hands extended to claim lands near Linlithgow, an expansion that resonated through the generations.

Through the corridors of history, your family’s destiny intertwined with momentous figures. A connection bloomed with Oliver Cromwell’s forces, with General Monck counted among your family’s close friends. In a symphony of transitions, your family’s domain expanded to embrace the Argyll estate of Ardnamurchan and Sunart. Sir James Riddell, the first Baronet of Ardnamurchan, garnered renown as superintendent general to the Society of British Fishery and a Fellow of the Society of Arts and Sciences.

Amid the echelons of service, Sir Rodney Riddell, the fourth Baronet, etched his name with valor, campaigning in distant lands. A distinguished soldier, he left his mark in New Zealand and during the Afghan War. The echoes of history whispered their tales, and in the quietude of the years, titles shifted and faded. Your family’s journey continued, and in the corridors of influence, Sir George Riddell of Duns made his mark as a newspaper proprietor. His representation of the British press at the Versailles peace conference culminated in a peerage, as he was raised to the title of Baron Riddell.

In the tapestry of recognition, Sir John, the thirteenth Baronet, was acknowledged as Chief of the Name by the Lord Lyon. A financier and one who held the mantle of Private Secretary to the Prince of Wales, he strode with dignity and purpose. Your family’s legacy blooms even now, carried forward by Walter John Riddell, the current chief, who embodies the spirit of a lineage that has weathered the tides of time.

As you stand at the nexus of your family’s history, remember that your lineage is a tapestry woven with threads of courage, loyalty, and resilience. You carry forward a legacy that spans centuries, a legacy shaped by the hands and hearts of those who came before you. Embrace this heritage with pride, for your family’s story continues to unfold with each new chapter.