The Keiths

The Keiths were one of the most powerful Celtic families in Scotland and held the office of Great Marischal from the 12th century. The first authentic ancestor is Hervey Keith who held the office of Marischal under Malcolm the IV. His decendant was imprisoned by the English and was made one of King Edward's four Deputy Wardens of Scotland. In 1308 he joined the cause of Robert the Bruce.

As commander of the Scot's Cavalry at Bannockburn he played a major part in the defeat of the English army. For these actions he was granted vast lands and estates
principally in the north and played a prominent part in Scotland's affairs and battles. The Second Earl fought at Flodden and his Standard is preserved in the Advocates Library. Dunnottar Castle was Sir William Keith's main seat in 1390.

Marshall College in Aberdeen was founded by the Fourth Earl in 1593. The warlike qualities of the Keiths made them renowned soldiers on the Continent. Field Marshall James Keith after the Jacobite rising in 1715 retired to the Continent and became a General in the Russian army. Ten years later in the German army he was promoted to Field Marshall by Frederick The Great.

The present Chief's seat is at The Stables, Keith Hall, Inverurie In Aberdeenshire.