I've always been interested in music of some sort, but have especially had a soul stirring interest in the Great Highland bagpipes. Maybe it's because of my family heritage. My middle name is Clark, given to me from my maternal side of the family.
The Scottish Clan Clark, also spelled as Clarke, has a rich and fascinating history.
The name “Clark” is Anglo-Saxon in origin. It derives from the Old English word “Clerec,” which itself comes from the Latin “clericus,” meaning “priest” or “scholar.” Well, since I have always loved academics, learning languages, studying and teaching, the Clark tartan seemed fitting for one who is an ordained minister, pastor, teacher.
The Clark motto: Nec Tamen Consumebatur. This is the motto of the church of Scotland. The Latin phrase translates roughly to: “And yet it was not consumed.” This wording originates from the Book of Exodus in the Bible (Exodus 3:1-6), specifically the account of Moses encountering the Covenant keeping LORD through the burning bush. Despite the intense flames, the bush remained unconsumed. The emblem first appearing in 1691 symbolizing resilience, endurance, and the idea that even in adversity, certain things endure unscathed.
Scholars suggest that the printer who introduced this Latin phrase in the emblem may have done so to celebrate the liberation following the bloodless revolution of 1689, signifying the end of suffering for the Church involving the monarchy and the Covenanters.
This motto also echoes the teachings of reformed theologian and preacher John Calvin, who viewed the burning bush as representative of the people of God—the Church—which may suffer but remains unconquerable by even the fiery gates of Hell.
Here's some more information you might find interesting.
Clan Chattan and Clan Clerich:
- Clan Clark (or Clan Clerich) was one of the 17 tribes of Clan Chattan.
- Clan Chattan’s territory extended mainly across east Inverness-shire, covering areas from Inverness in the north to Laggan in the south, and from Glenloy in the west to Glenshee and Invercauld in the east.
- The clan occupied upper stretches of significant Scottish rivers: the Nairn, Findhorn, Spey, and Dee.
Tartans and Variants:
- The Clark tartan is a modern variant of the “Clergy tartan.”
- If there are links to Lochaber or Badenoch, the Clark tartan may resemble patterns associated with Clans Cameron and Chattan.
- The name evolved from the Latin “clericus,” which described a person in holy orders, a scholar, or a scribe.
- When translated into Gaelic, it becomes “Chleirich,” resulting in variations like “Mac a’Chleirich” (son of the clerk), which survives in names like McCleary or MacChlery 2.
Sept Status and Connections:
- Families of Clarks or Clerks attached themselves to several clans, often serving as men of business to the chiefs.
- Clan Cameron in Lochaber and Clans Mackintosh and MacPherson in the Confederation of Clan Chattan recognize Clarks as septs.
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Clarks of Clan Chlerich trace their descent from Gillemichael vic Chleric, the personal servant of Malcolm, 10th Chief of Mackintosh during the 15th century 2.
Historical Figures:
- Roger clericus held land in Kelso in the 12th century.
- Richard Clark, a native of Montrose in Angus, became vice-admiral of Sweden in 1623.
- Hans Clerck (of a different family) rose to be an admiral in the same service.
The name still exists in Sweden and Finland as “Klerck” 2.
Notable Descendants:
- The Clark family of Paisley, originally farmers at Dykebar, were pioneers in the cotton industry.
- Sir Kenneth Clark (1903-1983), the art historian, descended from this family.
- James (Jim) Clark (1936-1968), the Scottish racing driver, hailed from Duns, Berwickshire 3.
In summary, the Clan Clark’s heritage intertwines with religious and scholarly pursuits, and its members have left their mark in various fields over the centuries.
Nec Tamen Consumerbatur