Clan Turnbull: The Fearless Border Clan of Strength, Loyalty, and Legendary Courage
Clan Turnbull, one of the most iconic families of the Scottish Borders, is renowned for bravery, formidable strength, and fierce loyalty to the Crown. Centered in Rulewater, Jedburgh, and the rugged lands of Roxburghshire, the Turnbulls earned a reputation as powerful Border warriors — feared as horsemen, respected as defenders, and remembered in legend for saving the life of a king.
Their motto, “I Saved the King” (commonly linked to their origin story), and their official motto, “I Hope” (“Je l’Espere” in French), reflect both their legendary beginnings and their enduring spirit of resilience and faith.
Origins and Early History
1. The Legend of the Turn Bull
Clan tradition credits the founding of the clan to:
William “Turn-e-Bull” (13th–14th century)
A massive, fearless Borders man who saved King Robert the Bruce from being charged by a wild bull.
By turning the bull aside with his bare hands, he earned both a new name — Turn Bull, meaning “one who turns a bull” — and royal favour.
Bruce is said to have rewarded him with lands in Rulewater, establishing the Turnbulls as a powerful Border family.
2. Early Records
The earliest written references appear in the 14th century, including:
William Turnebull of Rulewater
Thomas Turnebull of Minto
By the 15th century, the Turnbulls were among the most numerous and influential families in Teviotdale.
Territories and Clan Seats
1. Rulewater (Roxburghshire)
The heartland of Clan Turnbull — a fertile yet fiercely contested valley along the River Rule.
2. Bedrule
Home to several generations of Turnbull lairds and one of the earliest clan centres.
3. Minto
The Turnbulls of Minto emerged as a distinguished branch with political and military influence.
4. Barnhills and Philiphaugh
Other significant areas where the Turnbulls established fortified houses, farms, and strongholds.
Though many tower houses once existed, most have not survived intact — a testament to centuries of Border conflict.
Crest, Motto & Clan Symbols
Crest:
A bull’s head, erased and gorged with a collar — symbolising:
Raw strength
Fearlessness
Noble service (the collar indicating loyalty to the Crown)
Motto:
“Je l’Espere”
“I Hope.”
This official motto reflects determination, optimism, and a forward-looking spirit.
Alternative Motto:
The legendary phrase “I Saved the King” is often celebrated by Turnbull descendants due to the clan’s heroic origin story.
Badge:
The Turnbull clan badge is the bull’s head, sometimes paired with thistle or oak leaves.
Arms:
Typical arms include:
A red bull’s head
Gold and silver colours
Symbols of martial strength and family pride
Clan Turnbull Tartans
Several tartans are associated with the Turnbull name:
Turnbull Tartan (Modern)
A bold design of:
Dark green
Blue
Black
Red overchecks
Turnbull Ancient
Lighter, earthier tones based on natural dyes.
Turnbull Hunting
A deeper, darker tartan suited for outdoor or formal Highland wear.
These tartans reflect the rugged Borders landscape and the clan’s martial legacy.
Alliances and Feuds
Alliances:
Like many Border families, Turnbull alliances traditionally depended on region and politics. They often aligned with:
Clan Kerr
Clan Douglas
Clan Scott
Clan Rutherford
Clan Johnstone
These alliances strengthened defence and reinforced clan power.
Feuds:
The Turnbulls were not strangers to conflict. Their key disputes included:
1. Feuds with English March Families
Turnbull riders regularly fought against Northumbrian families in cross-border clashes.
2. Rivalries with other Border families
Occasional conflicts arose with:
Elliots
Armstrongs
Grahams
These feuds were typical of the Reiver era, shaped by cattle raids, territorial disputes, and political loyalties.
Turnbulls in Scottish Warfare
1. Border Reiver Era (13th–17th centuries)
The Turnbulls were formidable riders — expert at:
Fast raids
Cattle lifting
Defensive skirmishes
Ambush tactics
They built a reputation for unmatched strength and fearlessness.
2. Battle Involvement
Turnbulls appear in the records of major conflicts, including:
Battle of Homildon Hill (1402) – where a Turnbull famously defied the English archers
Battle of Otterburn (1388)
Battle of Flodden (1513) – where many Turnbulls fell with King James IV
3. The Reformation & Civil Wars
Turnbull branches supported both sides — Royalist and Covenanter — depending on local loyalties.
4. The Jacobite Era
Although a Border clan (and not traditionally Highland Jacobites), some Turnbulls joined the Jacobite cause in 1715 and 1745.
5. Modern Military Service
Turnbull descendants served with distinction in:
The King’s Own Scottish Borderers
The Royal Scots
Scots Greys
British cavalry regiments
Continuing their celebrated martial tradition.
Notable Turnbull Figures
William Turn-e-Bull
Founder of the clan; legendary hero who saved Robert the Bruce.
Archibald Turnbull (16th century)
A powerful laird involved in regional politics and border administration.
Gavin Turnbull (1747–1801)
Poet and dramatist associated with the early Romantic movement.
Robert Turnbull (19th–20th century)
Respected colonial administrator and military figure.
Modern Turnbulls
The surname appears prominently in:
Law
Literature
Academia
Military leadership
Engineering
Public service
Clan Status and Modern Identity
Though armigerous, Clan Turnbull has an active global presence.
Clan Turnbull Societies thrive in:
Scotland
USA
Canada
Australia
New Zealand
England
With thousands of members preserving Border history, genealogy, tartan culture, and the clan’s proud storytelling heritage.
Clan Turnbull Facts at a Glance
Clan Name: Turnbull
Region: Scottish Borders (Rulewater, Roxburghshire)
Chief: None (armigerous)
Crest: Bull’s head gorged with a collar
Motto: Je l’Espere — “I Hope”
Badge: Bull’s head
Tartan: Turnbull Modern, Ancient, Hunting
Allies: Kerr, Douglas, Scott, Johnstone
Feuds: Armstrong, English March families
Notable Members: William Turn-e-Bull, Gavin Turnbull
Status: Recognised Scottish Border family without a chief.
Conclusion
Clan Turnbull is a symbol of strength, bravery, and undying loyalty. From the legendary moment its founder saved Robert the Bruce, to centuries of service as Border horsemen, the Turnbulls have upheld a proud tradition of courage and honour.
Their motto — “I Hope” — reflects an enduring spirit of optimism, resilience, and determination.
Today, Turnbull descendants around the world celebrate a heritage shaped by legend, loyalty, and the rugged beauty of the Borderlands.