Clan Ruthven
The Clan Ruthven () is a Lowland Scottish clan.
History
Origins
The Ruthven lands in Perthshire, Scotland take their name from the Scottish Gaelic, Ruadhainn which means Dun uplands. The clan chief's family are of Norse origin. They first settled in East Lothian but by the end of the twelfth century they were in Perthshire.
Between 1188 and 1199, Swein is recorded as giving lands that included Tibbermore to the Monks of Scone. Swein's grandson was Sir Walter Ruthven who was the first to adopt the name Ruthven.
Wars of Scottish Independence
Sir Walter Ruthven swore fealty to Edward I of England in 1291 and 1296. However, in 1292 he had led thirty men to help William Wallace at the siege of Perth. Ruthven was also with Christopher Seaton when Jedburgh was reclaimed from the English. In 1313 Perth was recaptured and Robert the Bruce appointed Sir William Ruthven to be sheriff of the royal burgh, which was then called St Johnston.
15th and 16th centuries
A descendant of Sir William Ruthven, Sir William Ruthven of Balkernoch, spent three years as a hostage in England for the ransom of James I of Scotland. This William Ruthven was a substantial nobleman. His income was stated to be about four hundred merks annually, which was about £100 at the time. In 1488 his great-grandson was created a Lord of Parliament with the title Lord Ruthven, by James III of Scotland. He married twice and his sons by his first wife were granted a letter of legitimization in 1480. The eldest of the sons was William, Master of Ruthven who was killed at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
