Are you a member of Clan Armstrong? If so, you’re in good company! Read on to discover some famous Armstrongs from past and present – from historical figures, brutal border reivers and of course the man behind the first moonwalk.
Clan Armstrong has many notable members, from fearsome warriors to moonwalkers, the clan certainly lives up to its impressive reputation!
Earl of Northumberland
Early members of the clan occupied a high place in society and had some noble family links. Tradition records the first Armstrong as Siward Beorn (sword warrior), also known as Siward Digry (sword strong arm), who was the Earl of Northumberland and nephew of Canute the Great. Canute was King of England from 1016, King of Denmark from 1018, and King of Norway from 1028 until his death in 1035, so the Armstrongs had expansive royal connections in the medieval world.
Similarly, the family is said to be related by marriage to both Duncan, King of Scots, and William the Conqueror!
However, the Armstrong clan were not only defined by their links to nobility, in fact they were far better known for their strength and power as warriors, as well as their loyalty to each other. A great example is the tale of Kinmont Willie of Stark and Scott of Buccleuch, a pair who ended up impressing even Queen Elizabeth of England.
Kinmont Willie of Stark
Kinmont Willie of Stark was widely respected and feared as an imposing reiver, infamous for crossing the border into England and raiding thousands of sheep and cattle at a time, bringing them home to feed his family and clan. One day, luck finally failed him, and he was unfairly caught by the English and imprisoned in Carlisle Castle, on what was supposed to be a day of truce. A fellow reiver and Armstrong, Scott of Buccleuch was outraged to hear of this, and immediately swore to rescue Willie. He led a daring and fearless mission and succeeded in breaking Willie free from the Castle and bringing him back home to Scotland.
Supposedly, on hearing of this bold escapade, Queen Elizabeth demanded to know how Buccleuch could have dared to invade her land and face her soldiers. He is said to have replied with the impressive tenacity expected of the Armstrong Clan, ‘what is it madam that a man dares not do?’
Despite herself, Elizabeth apparently could not help but be impressed by her enemy’s courage and spirit.
Johnnie of Gilnockie
Another famous reiver was Johnnie of Gilnockie, whose tale has been immortalised in a great number of ballads. He was a notorious plunderer and raider, with an influence great enough to threaten even royalty. In 1530, James V invited Armstrong to have talks with him, promising that he would not be put in any danger. Armstrong took him at his word and went out from Gilnockie Tower unarmed. Sadly, he soon discovered he had been tricked; the King considered him an irredeemable traitor and had never had any intention of talking with him. On Johnnie’s arrival, he immediately ordered his execution. Armstrong was horrified at this betrayal of trust but maintained his dignity and strength right until the end, bitterly exclaiming that he had been a fool to ‘seek grace’ in a ‘graceless face’.
This bold and daring attitude has endured across many generations and seems ever present in more modern descendants of the Armstrong Clan.
Neil Armstrong
Arguably the most famous member of the Armstrong Clan is Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. Neil was born and raised in Ohio, USA, but was of German, Scottish, and Scots-Irish descent. His passion and talent for aviation was obvious from a very early age; he became a licensed pilot on his 16th birthday, and a naval air cadet at the age of 17. He went on to study aeronautical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana, but his studies were interrupted in 1950 by his service in the Korean War, during which he survived his plane being shot down. His brave conduct during this time reflects his links to the courageous Armstrong clan, and he was awarded three Air Medals.
He finished his studies in 1955 and was employed as a research pilot by NASA. On the 16th of July 1969, Armstrong, along with Edwin E. Aldrin, Jr., and Michael Collins, blasted off in the Apollo 11 vehicle toward the moon, on his way to undertaking one of science’s greatest feats.
Just 4 days later, at 10:56 PM EDT on July 20, 1969, Armstrong stepped from the vehicle onto the Moon’s surface and spoke the now iconic words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” It was also undeniably a gigantic leap for Clan Armstrong, as in that moment they became the first clan to have made it to space – an enviable accolade!
One of the reasons NASA chose Armstrong for the mission is said to have been his humble and modest nature, which was made evident by the fact that after Apollo 11, he shied away from being a public figure, and dedicated himself mainly to more private academic work. However, he broke his usual customs to honour and embrace his Scottish ancestry and clan links, when on the 11th of March 1972 he visited the small town of Langholm – the traditional seat of Clan Armstrong.
Eddie Armstrong, the Langhom Town Clerk, had written to Neil during the Apollo 11 mission to invite him to become the town’s first and only Freeman, an honour similar to being granted the Keys of a City, and the town received his acceptance with much excitement and enthusiasm.
It seemed that Neil himself also gained a great sense of community and belonging from the experience, calling the small town his ‘home’ in the following, touching quote:
“My pleasure is not just at the honour accorded me in this the land of Johnnie of Gilnockie, but as the genuine feeling I have among those hills, and more particularly among these people. Thank you for this great honour. It is said that the most difficult place to be recognised is one’s hometown; and I consider this now my hometown.”
You can read more about Neil Armstrong on our Tartan Blog
Gary Armstrong OBE
Other modern-day descendants of the Armstrong Clan have achieved impressive physical feats closer to home, one notable example being former Scotland International Rugby Union Player, Gary Armstrong OBE. His links to the Clan seem to be reflected in his career, as he played for the Border Reivers, among other teams, and was given the nickname Border Terrier. He seems to have inherited the fearless nature of early warriors like Buccleuch, as in Jonny Wilkinson's book How to Play Rugby My Way, Wilkinson refers to Armstrong as ‘the scrap-yard dog,’ saying that he had never met anyone as ‘tough as him’.
Armstrong captained Scotland to victory in the 1999 Five Nations and has received many accolades for his career, including an OBE in the 2000s New Years Honours.
It is definitely poignant to see descendants of the clan achieving such great success in the same territories they ruled over so many centuries ago.
It’s clear to see that the Armstrong traits of daring, strength, and achievement are deeply rooted and ever present. If you’re lucky enough to have Armstrong blood, I hope you feel inspired having read about just some of the great accomplishments of your peers! Is there anyone you think we've forgotten? Get in touch and let us know! Look our for our upcoming Armstrong Blogs, but in the meantime check out the Armstrong Clan Page.
