Clan Johnston/e

A powerful Border clan which held the central lands of Annandale. The name Gilbert Johnstone appears after 1194. Wautier Jonesone of Berwickshire rendered homage to Edward I of England in 1296, and there is a tradition that it was the Johnstone Chief who warned Robert the Bruce that his life was in danger from Edward I, sending him a sign to flee from the English Court. His descendant was appointed Warden of the Western Marches in 1381.

The Johnstones thereafter became involved in the conflict between the Royal House of Stewart and the House of Douglas and were rewarded with confiscated lands near the Douglas stronghold of Threave Castle in Galloway. A long standing feud existed with the Maxwells, who sometimes alternated with the Johnstones as Wardens of the West March. In the 16th century, the 8th Lord Maxwell was all powerful in the south-west of Scotland, but was killed at the battle of Dryfe Sands, near Lockerbie, in 1593. At a meeting to settle their differences fifteen years later, the Johnstone Chief was killed by the 9th Lord Maxwell. For this deed, Lord Maxwell was executed in 1614.

In 1633, James Johnstone was created Lord Johnstone of Lochwood by Charles I. In 1643, he was created Earl of Hartfell and fought for the Royalist Cause with the Marquis of Montrose. He was captured and imprisoned, but after the Restoration was given the additional earldom of Annandale.

Arthur Johnston (1587-1641), son of the Laird of Caskieben, became Rector of King's College, Aberdeen. Archibald Johnston of Warriston (1611-63) became a Lord of Session and Lord Advocate, and was a principal framer of the National Covenant. He took part in the Cromwellian administration and was executed in Edinburgh. Arthur Johnston (1587-1641), son of Archibald, served as Secretary of State for Scotland from 1692-06. Alexander Johnston (1804-71) co-founded with his brother William (1802-88) the map-producing firm of W. & A.K. Johnston in 1826. Thomas Johnston (1882-1965) was Secretary of State for Scotland from 1941-45.

For more information on Clan Johnston(e) https://www.johnston.asn.au/