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The ancestors of the Epirkerdore family were part of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. They lived in the old barony of Aberkirder, in Banffshire.
The first Thane of Aberkerder was John de Aberkerder (fl. 1242). He is thought to have died c. 1286-1289. His descendant Symon, Thane of Aberberder founded the Chaplainry of St. Marnan ("for the souls of his ancestors"). Symon was succeeded by his daughter, Sybil de Aberkerder, who died prior to 1328. (W. Douglas Simpson, 1931).
Aberchirder is a village, in the parish of Marnoch, "derived from Sir David Aberkerder, Thane of Aberkerder, who lived about the year 1400, and possessed great property here." 2
Kinnairdy Castle, 10 miles south of Banff, is the fortress seat of the Celtic Thane of Aberkerder. The tower portion was built about 1420 by Sir Walter Innes, whose father had married Janet de Aberkerder, heiress to the thanage. Her father Sir David Aberkerder, Thane of Aberkerder (fl.1400) held most of the parish or Aberchirder at that time.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Epirkerdore research. Another 63 words (4 lines of text) covering the year 1468 is included under the topic Early Epirkerdore History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Epirkerdore has been spelled Aberkirder, Aberkerdour, Aberchirdour and others.
More information is included under the topic Early Epirkerdore Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Epirkerdore: James Aberkirder who settled in Virginia in 1690.