Menzies

'Vil God I Zal'

Menzies Tartan
©2010 Gazetteer for Scotland

The origin of the Menzies family lies in Normandy, France at a place called Mesnieres. Robert de Meyneris was recorded to have gained royal patronage from Alexander II (1198 - 1249) and had become chamberlain by the year of the king's death in 1249.

The Menzies were divided over their support for Charles I (1600 - 1649), with those in their homelands around Perth being opposed. The Menzies from further North were supporters, fighting alongside James Graham, the 1st Marquis of Montrose (1612 - 1650), who had killed the Clan Chief and his son during various battles of this period.

The Menzies were again divided over the issue of who should succeed James VII (1633 - 1701). Menzies fought for the Stuarts in both the Jacobite uprisings of 1715 and 1745.

In the 20th Century the Menzies became prominent in Australia with Sir Robert Menzies (1894 - 1978) being Prime Minister between 1939 and 1941. Sir Douglas Ian Menzies (1907 - 1974) had the position of Justice of the High Court of Australia. The present Clan Chief came back from Australia to take up residence on the Clan Lands.

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