Kennedy
Kennedy
Clan Kennedy of Scotland; Earls of Cassalis and Marquesses of Ailsa. Descended from Cunedda, the Pictish leader who founded the Celtic kingdoms of Wales about the time of Vortigern, King of the British tribes in what is now England. The clan was recognised in 1372 by Robert II after John Kennedy of Dunure was rewarded for his distinction at the Battle of Carrick. Gilbert was created Lord Kennedy in 1457; Gilbert was the brother of the celebrated Bishop James Kennedy, Chancellor of Scotland. Sir David Kennedy was created Earl of Cassalis in 1509 and died at Flodden in 1513. The second and third earls were murdered and the fourth was infamous for roasting Alan Stewart, Abbot of Crossraguel to obtain tracts of abbey land. The family supported Cromwell during the Civil War. The eleventh earl, Captain Archibald Kennedy, R.N. had settled in America when he became Clan chief and was the largest property owner in New York, but he was neutral during the American War of Independence and both sides mistrusted him, ending with much of his property being confiscated by the American government, including Number One Broadway. His son was created Marquess of Ailsa on the Coronation of William IV.
Arms: Argent, a chevron gules between three cross crosslets fitchée sable all within a double tressure flory counterflory of the second.
Crest: A dolphin naiant proper.
Motto: Avise la fin (Consider the end)..
