Rodney Karr's Patriarchal (Father's) Clan

The Kerr (Karr) Clan

Rodney Karr's patriarchal family clan is Clan Kerr. His grandfather rejected going back to his ancestral lands, the lowlands of Scotland, when he was offered in the 1920's to become the Earl of Lothian. Clan Kerr are known as the guardians of the marches (the border lands between Scottland and England). The ancient Earls of Lothian were important supporters of Queen Mary, Queen of the Scots, and had rescued her from jail at one point in Scotland, only to have her go against their advice, and go to England, seeking protection from Queen Elizabeth, at which point she was arrested by Queen Elizabeth. They attempted to free her from prison in England, but failed, and she was eventually executed many years later. According to family mythology, the Earls of Lothian, are the descendants of King Lot of Lothian (a proported Faery King). According to the Artherian Legends, King Arthur's aunt, sister to his morther Igraine. Morgause according to legend, was foster mother to her grand nephew, Mordred, who was the son of King Arthur and his half-sister Morgain, the product of a Beltaine sexual right. King Arthur and his son did battle with each other. Mordred was killed, and King Arthur was taken away into the faery world, to live eternally, by the faery women. Some of the most important faery tradition poems which maintained the Druid philosophies in secret language through the Christian period, were written in the lands and territories of Clan Kerr. These include the following two poems, The Ballad of Thomas Rhymer, and Young Tame Lin, or Tamlane. The Kerr's are entitled with being the Barrons of Roxbrugh, and the Earls of Lothian. The main character in the poem, Tame Lin (Tame Lin) is referred to in the poem, as being the grand-son of Roxbrugh. These two important poems which demonstrate the process of initiation, descent, and return from the faery world, follow.

Kerr* Crest Badge: The Sun in his splendor Motto: Sero sed serio (Late but in earnest) Gaelic Name: Cearr; MacGhillechaer. Origin of Name: British caer

Kerr*
Crest Badge: The Sun in his splendor
Motto: Sero sed serio (Late but in earnest)
Gaelic Name: Cearr; MacGhillechaer.

Traditionally the Kerrs were of Anglo-Norman origin and descended from two brothers who settled in Roxburgh in the 14th century, but it is also claimed that the name is derived from the Celtic word meaning strength. The names, Ker, Kerr, and Carr were on the Borders.

The Kerrs of Cessford were wardens of the marches and prominent Border conflicts. They were granted old Roxburgh by James IV, and Sir Walter Cessford fought on the side of James VI at Langside in 1568. Sir Robert, born in 1570, was created Lord Roxburghe in 1600, and in 1616 was elevated to the Earldom of Roxburghe and appointed Lord Privy Seal in 1637. By Marriage with the Earl's daughter, Jean, Sir William Drummond became 2nd Earl of Roxburghe and assumed the name Ker. John, 5th Earl, supported the Union of 1707 and was a noted book-collector, and the sale of his library was a famous event in the literary world. The direct line having failed, Lord Bellenden became 4th Duke, and his death without surviving issue led to a long and confused contest. Sir James Innes succeeded as 5th Duke and assumed the name Ker.

Mark Ker was Abbot of Newbattle in 1547, and his son Mark had the lands od Newbattle erected a barony in 1587 and in 1606 he was created Earl of Lothian. His son Robert, 2nd Earl, had no male issue, and the title passed through his daughter to her husband William Kerr, son of the 1st Earl of Ancrum, who became 3rd Earl of Lothian in 1631. Robert, 4th Earl, was raised to the Marquissate of Lothian in 1701.

*From The Clans of Scotland and Ireland by Robert Bain, 1938-1984, Fontana/Collins, Glasgow and London




The John Kerr Family - Rodney's great grandfather, John in lower left who came to America from Scotland to fight in the Civil War and free the slaves. He was the youngest son of the Earl of Lothian. Rodney's grandfather Roy, is in the upper left of the photo.


Fairy Princess only daughter - who left her body shortly after this picture was taken.

These poems are bardic poems which may date back thousands of years with the oral tradition, and express the processes of the bardic druid faery traditions. They may be used as guided journeys / meditations to enter and return from the faery worlds.
Tame Lin
The Ballad of Thomas the Rhymer