Leslie

The Clan Leslie originate from the north of Scotland in Aberdeenshire. The origins come from as far back as the 12th Century when Bartholomew, a noble of Flemish descent, received the Barony of Leslie. It is from him that the Earls of Rothes descend, the title being confered upon George de Lesly of Rothes, whose grandson was murdered at the Battle of Flodden.

The Leslies past has sometimes been less than noble. In the records, it is observed that the Leslies were concerned in the murder of Cardinal Beaton, although no Leslie was ever found guilty of this deed.

The Leslies claimed allegiance to Mary Queen of Scots, and the 6th Earl was a mighty leader of the Covennanters. With the death of John the 7th Earl who had received the title of Duke, there was a cessation of the Dukedom of the Rothes but the Earldom continued through the daughter.

Many Leslies were brave warriors, including General Alexander Leslie of the Balgonie family, who served under Gustavus Adolphus, King of Sweden and rose to be Field Marshal. Under the rule of the Covenanters he was later to capture Edinburgh Castle, and in 1640 fought against the English army at Newburn and in 1641 concilliated the Scots after the Treaty of Ripon. He was then made Earl of Leven.

David Leslie , who was a grandson of the 5th Earl, also served in the Swedish army, and later defeated Montrose at Philiphaugh. Unfortunately, Cromwell captured him at Dunbar in 1650 and held him prisoner in the Tower of London for nine years afterwards. He eventually became Lord of Newark in 1651.

The Leslie name is now combined with the Melvilles.