The Family Crest

King Malcolm II of Scotland had three daughters and no sons. His eldest daughter, Bethoc, was married to the Senescal of Kings Rents, the Athbane of Dule, Duncan Erivine. Their son, also named Duncan, was named King on the death of Malcolm II, his grandfather in 1004A.D. Within a few years, the son of Malcolm's second daughter and Duncan's first cousin named McBeth (yes, that McBeth) killed Duncan and assumed the throne. Duncan's three sons, including Malcolm his eldest, fled to the north of England and lived with Lord McDuff. When Malcolm came of age 17 years later, he raised an army and invaded Scotland (Lead on, McDuff). Two years later, he defeated and slew McBeth in battle. Soon after, he defeated and slew McBeth's son, Lulach. Malcolm III ruled Scotland until 1093 A.D. This line of Erivine kings ruled Scotland until the death of Alexander III in 1295 AD and his daughter, the princess of Norway. It was William Wallace who next took up the cause of Scottish freedom as depicted in 'Braveheart' following the death of King Alexander, against the tyranny of Edward I of the Longshanks.

Duncan, the father of the slain King Duncan, had two brothers. One of these married a Norman princess in 1018 and established the Towers of Bonshaw as the Erivine home. Following the demise of William Wallace, it was Robert the Bruce who took up the fight for freedom for Scots against Edward I of the Longshanks. In searching for allies that he could trust, Robert came to Bonshaw castle, the home of his kinsmen, and recruited William De Irwyn as his armor bearer and clerk register. Robert was heir-apparent to the throne of Scotland, being an Irvine through the female side of the line. Shortly after, Robert was put to flight on foot by his enemies and, once the chase had ended, fell asleep beneath a Holly Tree while his inner circle and entourage stood gaurd over him. Holly leaves have beeen a part of the clan crest for any of the Irvines from that time.

Edward I died of TB on the way north to meet Robert and Edward II took up the cause of the English. Robert the Bruce and his army met Edward II at a place called Bannockburn (Bannock Creek) in 1314. Robert destroyed the English army and liberated all of Scotland. King Robert awarded to William de Irwyn Drum Castle and the Royal Forest of Oaks that surround it, in 1323. Robert ruled until 1329 when he died of leprosy.

Aattached is the crest of Bonshaw. 'Haud Ullis Labentia Ventis' means 'Standing steadfast against the wind'. Attached also is the Family Crest of Drum. 'Sub sole sub umbra verens' means 'flourishing in both sun and shade'. The family crest which appears at the top of this page is used by Halberts to sell T-shirts, coffee mugs and mouse pads, and has nothing to do with our family history as described in detail in 'Burke's Landed Gentry' in the OHS library.