Armstrong

Clan Armstrong descends from Siward Digry, the last Anglo‑Danish Earl of Northumberland. Tradition says the name comes from Fairbairn, an armour‑bearer who rescued a Scottish king. The first Scottish Armstrong held Mangerton in Liddesdale from 1376. In 1525, John Armstrong of Gilnockie was hanged by King James V, who saw the clan as a threat. The notorious reiver “Kinmont Willie” was rescued from Carlisle prison by Sir Walter Scott of Buccleuch in 1596. After losing their lands to the Scotts, many Armstrongs moved to Ulster. Famous descendants include Arctic explorer Sir Alexander Armstrong and Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon – who carried Armstrong tartan with him.

Length 9cm