Clan Hay
Hereditary Constables of Scotland — second only to the crown.
Motto
Serva jugum
— Keep the yoke
What does the Hay name mean?
From the Norman princes de La Haye, who came to England with William the Conqueror in 1066.
The history of Clan Hay
The Hays trace their history to the Norman princes de La Haye, part of William the Conqueror's army in 1066. Sir William Hay was created Earl of Errol in 1453, and from the time of Robert the Bruce this branch held the office of Hereditary Constable of Scotland — a title the family still retains, giving them precedence in Scotland second only to the royal family.
In the 15th century, Sir Gilbert Hay fought alongside Joan of Arc in France. On returning to Scotland he was killed alongside James IV and many others at Flodden in 1513.
Supporters of Mary Queen of Scots, the Hays rejected the Reformation. In 1806 Charles Hay, son of John Hay of Cocklaw, was raised to the bench as Lord Newton.