Arriving in Britain from France after the Norman Conquest, the Barclay name is believed to have been derived from the original name of ‘de Berchelai, meaning ‘beautiful meadow’.
The family originally settled in Gloucestershire before eventually relocating north to Scotland, stopping in Aberdeenshire and Fife.
The Barclays would eventually establish themselves at the top of Scottish affairs and played a key role in the Scottish Wars of Independence with Sir David Barclay emerging as one of Robert the Bruce’s chief associates as he was present at most of his battles.
