Unraveling the Armstrong Surname: A Scottish Heritage Study

Within the rich tapestry of Northern English and Lowland Scottish history lies the intriguing Armstrong family. This surname, marked by its complex and often turbulent heritage, has captivated historians, genealogists, and the general public. This article will delve into the origins of the Armstrong name, tracing its roots to the tumultuous borderlands between Scotland and England, and exploring its notorious past associated with the Border Reivers.

The Origins and Etymology of Armstrong

The name Armstrong, often confused with the Northern English surname Strongesthearm, has a fascinating etymology. It is derived from the Old English phrase "strong est arm," which translates to "strong arm." This description likely refers to the ancestral strength and martial prowess that characterized the early bearers of this name. One branch of the family hails from Cheshire and is known as Strongisthearm, a testament to the linguistic evolution of the name.

A Scotticised Legacy

Richard Osman's compere, Alexander Armstrong, comes from a Lowland Scots family, marking a significant connection to Scottish heritage. Interestingly, Alexander Armstrong is a distant relative of Osman, highlighting the intricate web of family ties within this enigmatic surname. This connection underscores the interplay between Northern English and Scottish lineage, a enduring feature of the border regions that has shaped numerous families over the centuries.

Blood, Feud, and the Border Reivers

Armstrong, like many other Border Reiver families, was synonymous with raiding, warfare, and a life lived on the fringes of law and order. The Border Reivers were a group of individuals who conducted cross-border raids and pillages, terrorizing both English and Scottish settlers. They were known for their use of peel towers, fortified stone buildings designed to withstand attacks. These towers served as both residences and defensive fortresses, with the bottom floor often used as a byre to house valuable livestock.

The design of peel towers was highly strategic. The lower levels were built with indoor cattle byres and stables, ensuring that the beasts' movements created noise that would alert the inhabitants to any approaching threat. The upper levels were used for habitation, and these were connected by narrow, right-handed spiral staircases. This design provided a tactical advantage, as the defenders could use their better arm for sword or dagger attacks, whereas the assailants were forced to use their weaker left hand, hence the adage that it 'gave the defenders an advantage in sword or dagger attacks.'

Hereditary Left-Handedness and the Kerr Family

Not all peel towers featured right-handed spiral staircases. The Kerr family, a notorious and powerful Border Reiver clan, constructed their staircases with a left-handed spiral. Why this deviation from tradition? The Kerrs were famous for their left-handedness across several generations, and there was a clear need for self-preservation. Left-handed Kerr staircases were a defensive strategy to protect the family's interests in an environment where every fight was a potential life-or-death struggle.

This unique characteristic of the Kerr family inspired the local nickname 'Kerry Fisted,' a term that has evolved over time and is now frequently pronounced as 'Corry Fisted' by many locals. This linguistic adaptation has led some to see it as slang or even an insult. However, it holds a deeper historical significance, reflecting the complex interplay between family traditions, practical necessity, and cultural identity in the border regions.

Legacy and Beyond

The story of the Armstrong family and other Reiver clans is a testiment to the enduring influence of these border families on Scottish and English history. Many of these families migrated to the New World, bringing their formidable skills and relentless spirits to the continents. Yet, as the United Kingdom was formed under the reign of the first King of a unified realm, such as James VI of Scotland and I of England, the incessant warfare between Border Reivers was curtailed. A pivotal meeting was convened where the leaders of these families were forced to lay down their arms, symbolizing the end of an era of conflict and the beginning of a more unified regional identity.

Conclusion

The Armstrong surname, steeped in the tumultuous history of the borderlands, embodies a rich tapestry of tradition, struggle, and survival. From the sturdy fortifications of peel towers to the left-handed stigma of the Kerr family, the story of the Armstrongs reflects the complex and fascinating heritage of the Scottish Lowlands. Understanding the origins and legacy of this surname not only illuminates the past but also provides valuable insights into the cultural and familial dynamics that have shaped the border regions for centuries.