Description
Information about the family history and the coat of arms
Family history
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Family history Viscount of Dundee
Viscount of Dundee
The history of this title belongs to the Graham of Claverhouse family, a younger branch of the Graham family. John Graham, a great-grandson of the viscounts, acquired the lands of Claverhouse north of Dundee in 1530. With this, the family gained a seat in Angus and established close ties with the trading city. Later, further possessions were added; Dudhope Castle became the centerpiece of their position.
The most famous member was John Graham, born around 1648 as the son of Sir William Graham and Lady Madeline Carnegie. He studied at St Andrews, gained military experience on the continent and after his return entered the royal service. In the religious conflicts of the late 17th century he was strongly opposed to armed Covenanters and services of worship. Therefore his memory remained divided: opponents called him „Bluidy Clavers“, admirers „Bonnie Dundee“.
John proved himself a cavalry leader and royal administrative official. In 1684 he married Lady Jean Cochrane, although her family was close to the Presbyterian camp – a connection that shows how surprising alliances could be in that era. King James VII appointed him Viscount of Dundee and Lord Graham of Claverhouse on November 12, 1688.
When Jacob soon thereafter lost the throne, Dundee remained loyal to him. In 1689, he gathered Highland clans and led the first Jacobite rebellion. At Killiecrankie, his smaller force achieved a brilliant victory; Dundee was fatally wounded in the process. His son James inherited the title for only a few months, after which John's brother David succeeded. His support of the Stuarts led to the forfeiture of the title and possessions in 1690.
Other members of the Graham family adhered to the family tradition and participated in the Jacobite enterprises in 1715 and 1745. The name „Bonnie Dundee“ lives on in songs, literature, and in historical places – as a reminder of courage, loyalty, and the contrasts of Scottish history.
Sources: Historic Environment Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, The Complete Peerage
Coat of arms & Heraldry
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Family coat of arms Viscount of Dundee
This Coat of arms uses the family coat of arms of the Grahams for John Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount of Dundee.
In gold a black shield with three golden jellyfish; over the Viscount crown and helmet a golden falcon above a silver stork; the mantles are black-golden.
John Graham of Claverhouse was made Viscount of Dundee in 1688. The shell emblem is part of the heraldic tradition of the Graham family.
Sources: The Complete Peerage, The Scots Peerage, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Register of the Court of the Lord Lyon
Overview of your title package
What the title of nobility contains
Discover the fascination of historical noble titles. With each appointment, you receive a first-class package that perfectly combines tradition, personal recognition, and stylish representation:
Your certificate
Authentic design with a historic flair: For each region, we create a certificate of appointment in the distinctive, country-specific style – complete with the appropriate coat of arms of your chosen title.
Share this special moment: Upon request, you will receive a free partner certificate and certificates for your children, so that the whole family can participate in the tradition.
Your own coat of arms
Each title comes with the corresponding historical coat of arms, which you receive as a high-resolution file. You can use it completely freely in private and professional contexts – whether on letterhead, business cards, or seals.
The Companion Book
The book „My Title“ takes you in detail into the multifaceted world of your new aristocratic title and offers valuable practical tips for everyday life, stylish guidance, and background information on history.
Our accessories
Golden ID Card
Crafted from premium aluminum in business card format, the gold ID Card makes your title look stylish and mobile.
Gold coins
Fine gold and silver-plated medallions combine coats of arms, names and titles in a glossy, unique design.
Emblem stamp
The self-inking stamp quickly, cleanly and precisely transfers your personal emblem onto letterhead paper.
My own wine
Choose fine red or white wine with an elegant, personalized label for a stylish look.
Wappen Gläser
The masterfully engraved wine glasses display their coat of arms, name and title in stunning brilliance.
Precision pliers
The elegant embossing pliers embellishes letterheads or documents with a tactile, colourless relief embossing.
Honorary membership
Membership of the Noble Society Institute enriches your title with another dimension of exclusive representation. Validated by a magnificent certificate in your name, with no ongoing fees or obligations.
