Motto FLOREAT MAGESTAS District East Lothian | Region Lowlands Historic seat Carsluith Castle | |
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Seat Colstoun House near Haddington, East Lothian | ||
Clan Broun also known as Clan Brown is a Scottish clan.
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Origins of the Name
The more usual form of the surname Broun is Brown. It is an extremely common name and is usually a reference to coloring. The historian, Black, asserts that Browns of Celtic origin might have been named after their descent from native judges, who were known as brehons.
The Scottish Lowland name of Brown achieved prominence in the early twelfth century in East Lothian. Sir David Le Brun was a witness to the laying of the foundation of Holyrood Abbey in 1128. He had given lands to the abbey in return for prayers said for the health of his son.
The chiefly family, the Brouns of Colstoun enjoyed considerable royal favor, which may have been because of their claimed descent from the royal house of France. The chief's arms even bear the three gold lilies of France. The family married into other noble families such as that of the chiefs of Clan Hay.
During the Civil War, Sir John Brown of Fordell commanded the royalist army at the Battle of Inverkeithing in 1651. Patrick Broun of Colstoun was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia in 1686.
Clan profile
Clan Castles
Seats of the Clan Broun have included: Bruntsfield House and Carsluith Castle.