Branches of Clan Graham

First of all we have to know what is meant by such terms as 'branch' and 'sept' before a greater understanding of the clan can be gained. If you consider that the main trunk of the clan is that of Montrose (the chiefs and their immediate family down through the ages), just like a tree you will get main branches leading to minor branches right down to the twigs and leaves at the very end. It would be the eldest son that carried on the trunk, while younger sons created branches - their eldest son would carry on the major branches, while the younger sons created smaller branches and so on... There are around 78 branches of the Grahams that form the basis of our clan.

The largest branch is the Menteith Grahams - created through a royal marriage and they themselves throw out many Graham branches. Sir Patrick Graham, second son of the Graham chief married Euphemia Stewart, daughter of the Earl of Strathearn and granddaughter of King Robert II (1316-1390). As the title of Strathearn was much coveted by King James I (1394-1437) their son, Malise Graham was created Earl of Menteith in 1427 in return for the crown gaining back the Strathearn titles. Sir Patrick Graham had been slain in a feud with the Drummonds, which meant Malise (still a minor) could be taken full advantage of by the King who sent him to England as a hostage. His kin were outraged and after several attempts to free him by pleading with the King, Robert Graham led a small group that assassinated James in 1437. The Menteith Grahams became chieftains in their own right and through younger sons created many smaller branches including the Grahams of Gartmore, Rednock, Boquhapple and those of Eskdale who became border reivers, outlawed from their country.

Other major branches were born from another royal marriage. Sir William Graham of Kincardine took as his second wife, Mary Stewart, second daughter of King Robert II (1316-1390). He had five sons – the first was Sir Robert Graham of Strathcarron – ancestor of the Grahams of Fintry, Claverhouse and Duntrune. Another son was William Graham, ancestor of the Grahams of Garvoch and Walter Graham, ancestor of the Grahams of Knockdolian. Through the next few generations the Grahams through younger sons of the younger sons created more branches still. Through the second Lord Graham came the ancestors of Calendar, while from the third came the Grahams of Inchbrakie. The Grahams of Killearn, Orchil and Braco would follow.

The Grahams now number a million worldwide!