Branches of
the Forsyths were established from early days in most areas of Scotland. In 1296 Robert de
Fauside signed the "Ragman Roll" by which the nobles and landowners of Scotland,
after military defeat, were made to swear allegiance to Edward I of England. Subsequently,
his descendants supporting King Robert the Bruce fought against the English to regain
independence were rewarded with lands in Stirlingshire, and became members of the Scottish
Royal Household. A later Robert was appointed Const able of the Royal Castle of Stirling
in 1368. As with other clans, ancient records were lost during transportation to England
as spoils of war in the mid 17th century and the then chief failed to re-register his
claim to the name and Armorial bearings when Charles II instituted a Public Register of
Clans in 1672. However on St. Andrew's Day 1978, the Lord Lyon King of Arms once again
recognized the Clan Forsyth as one of the old clans of Scotland and Alastair Forsyth of
that Ilk as its Chief.
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