Scrimshire History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsEtymology of ScrimshireWhat does the name Scrimshire mean? Some surnames are derived from the occupation of the person who first held the name. Scrimshire is most likely such a name, referring to one who was a fencing-master, coming from the old French "eskermisseour", meaning "fencer" and which came in turn from the old high German word "skirmen", which meant "to defend". Such fencing-masters always found plentiful employment in medieval Europe, though they were officially banned from some large cities, such as London, because they could be a dangerous influence on others. Notice the similarities between the name Scrimshire and the modern English word "skirmisher". Scrimshaw is the name given to scrollwork, engravings, and carvings done in bone or ivory. No one known why this name was attributed to whalers who spent their leisure time carving such works. Scrimshire Coat of Arms CreationThis name means "a hardy fighter," a new name given to Sir Alexander Casson, and the head of the family was made hereditary standard-bearer to the kings of Scotland because of the founder's bravery in the following circumstances: In the time of Alexander I. a plot against the King was discovered, and the plotters took to flight. They were pursued by the King at the head of a fighting party up the banks of the Spey. The rebels swam the river ere the King's men came up, who, when they saw the river overflowing its banks, hesitated to follow. Sir Alexander Casson took hold of the Scottish standard, swam across, and encouraged the others to follow. He fought valiantly with a crooked sword, and he was there and then made hereditary standard-bearer for the Kings of Scotland. They have for their crest a lion's paw holding a crooked sword, and the motto, " Dissipate " (Disperse). 1 Early Origins of the Scrimshire familyThe surname Scrimshire was first found in Fife, where some records speak of a Clan Scrymgeour, who held the position of hereditary standard-bearers of Scotland. One of them, known originally as Alexander, son of Colyn, son of Carun, obtained in 1293 a lease of the land or Torr from Thomas de Kylmaron for his services in this position of standard-bearer. By 1298, Alexander had adopted the name 'Skirmeschur' and had a charter for some lands near Dundee from Sir William Wallace, Guardian of the Kingdom. Along with the lands came the title of Constable of the Castle of Dundee and this became a hereditary office of the Chief of the Scrimgeours. Eight years later, he was taken as a prisoner of war and was hung at Newcastle-on-Tyne on the express orders of Edward I. Early History of the Scrimshire familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Scrimshire research. Another 280 words (20 lines of text) covering the years 1106, 1124, 1298, 1310, 1411, 1503, 1505, 1538, 1544, 1550, 1572, 1575, 1576, 1612 and 1668 are included under the topic Early Scrimshire History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Scrimshire Spelling VariationsSpelling variations of this family name include: Scrimgeor, Scrimshaw, Scrimshawe, Scrimshire, Scrimsger, Scrymgeour, Scrymgeor, Scrimger and many more. Early Notables of the Scrimshire familyNotable amongst the family at this time was Henry Scrimgeour or Scrymgeour (c. 1505-1572), Scottish born diplomat and book collectorJohn Scrimgeour of Myres Castle, Fife was Master of Work for royal buildings for James V and Mary, Queen of Scots, and Precentor of the Scottish Chapel Royal fl 1538.John Scrymgeour, 3rd Viscount Dudhope and 1st Earl of Dundee (d. 1668), was a Scottish peer who fought in the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. Sir James Scrymgeour (1550?-1612), of Dudhope, "Constable of Dundee, was descended from Sir Alexander Carron, called 'Skirmisheour,' who was standard-bearer to Alexander I (1106-1124), an office still held...
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Scrimshire Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto. Motto: Dissipate Motto Translation: Dispursed.
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