John Douglas Armorial

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According to Burke, this coat of arms was granted to a John Douglas in 1780, by the Albany Herald of Arms. However, there was an Albany Herald named John Douglas between 1768 and 1795.

This person may be Sir John Douglas a British officer of the Royal Marines, and the son of Louis Douglas, Esq. of Dalkeith in Scotland.

Sir John Douglas was born at Jean Fields, Dalkeith, near Edinburgh; he was the son of Louis Douglas, Esq.; his grandfather was a lord of Session. If the grandfather was also Lewis Douglas, then he was involved in the trial of Archibald Stewart for neglect of duty in 1745. Sir John became involved in the scandal of the alleged illegitimate child born to the Princess of Wales, Caroline of Brunswick.

Lewis Douglas of Garvald is mentioned in The Heraldry of the Douglases under person (86) in the Douglases of Cavers section.

Blazoning the Arms: The shield is the same as Douglas of Mains, except it features an engrailed green border containing eight golden crescents. The crest shows a black martlet. The motto of this Douglas is Sursum meaning “Upwards.”

Interpreting the Arms: Based upon the inclusion of the elements One may assume that this Douglas is a descendant off-shoot of the Mains branch of the Clan Douglas. The Martlet is a symbol of the fourth son and may signify one who has to subsist by virtue and merit, not inheritance. The engrailed line represents the earth or land. A Crescent signifies one who has been honoured by the sovereign; hope of greater glory. Knights returning from the crusades introduced the crescent, the badge of Islam, into the language of heraldry. Thus the crescent may have been incorporated into these arms because Sir John Douglas had served with the Turkish Army in the deserts around El Arish, and his coffin, decorated with the flag under which he served at Acre.



Research note:
•  There appears to be a connection with Steuart Douglas 18 September 1781.  John and Steuart are both mentioned in a handwritten note in the same book published in 1749.
•  13 Feb 1795 - In Monteith Close, Edinburgh, death of Mr John Douglas, Albany Herald, uncle of Sir Andrew Snape Douglas, Captain of the Royal Navy.

Thus he is be Dr William Douglas of Leith's brother.

 

 

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Last modified: Monday, 25 March 2024