Chief of the Clan

Pringle of that ilk (i.e. Pringle of Pringle/Hoppringle of Hoppringle)
The Hoppringles of that ilk, afterwards the Pringles of Torsonce, on Gala Water, were the Chiefs of the clan and the senior branch of the family. The last Clan Chief was John Hoppringle of that Ilk and Torsonce, who died on 21st December 1737. His only daughter, Margaret, married Gilbert Pringle, 2nd son of the 2nd Baronet of Stitchell, carried the estates into that branch of the family (sold by the 6th Baronet).

According to Burkes Landed Gentry, John Pringle of Lees then became heir male, but his family is also is extinct. (See ‘Burke's Landed Gentry’, Supp. P.262)

However, according to the book ‘Records of the Pringles’, John Hoppringle of that ilk had a younger brother called James Pringle, who had two sons. The eldest called Thomas Pringle, and the younger called James Pringle, who was a wright and burgess of Edinburgh. So perhaps the Pringles of that ilk didn’t die out, but just lost their lands! (See ‘Records of the Pringles of the Scottish Border’, pages 26-29). This needs further research!

Are the Pringles a clan?      
Being from the lowlands, many people ask if the Pringles are really a clan. But yes, according to an act passed of the Scottish Parliament in 1587. Which was 'for the quieting and keeping in obedience of the inhabitants of the Borders, Highlands and Isles,' and contained a roll of 'the Clans that have Captains, Chiefs and Chieftains... as well on the Borders as the Highlands.' This proves that so long ago as the sixteenth century Border families were described as clans, and one of the most important of these families was the Pringles.

The Lineage of the Hoppringills/Pringles of that ilk and Torsonce.

• Robert De Hoppryngil (Reign of Alexander III of Scots)
• Elias De Hoppringill (Tenant of the bishop of St Andrews) Also spelt Elys De Obrinkel and Helias De Hoprigkil.
• Thomas and Adam De Hoppryngel (Squires to the Earls of Douglas) Also spelt Oppringyl, Hopprynghil, Hoppryngill and De Hoppringill.
• William Hoppringill of that ilk.
• Adam (1) Hoppringill of that ilk. Who had 3 sons: Thomas, Archibald, Sir Andrew.
• Thomas Hoppringill of that ilk.
• Mariotte of that ilk (Daughter of Thomas of that ilk).
• Adam (2) of that ilk and De Burnhouse (son of Archibald), (Royal Guardsman of King James III of Scots).
• Alexander Hoppringill of that ilk and Burnhouse Who had 5 sons: John, James of Tynnes (founder of the Pringles of Buckholm), George, William, Robert.
• John (1) of that ilk, Torsonce and Burnhouse. Who had 4 sons: Thomas, Michael, James and Archibald of Torquhan.
• Thomas Hoppryngill of that ilk and Torsonce. Who had 2 sons: James and George.
• James of that ilk. Who had 2 sons: John and Robert.
• John (2) Pringill of Torsonce. Who had 4 sons: James, Thomas of Symington, William and John.
• James (2) Hoppringle of that ilk and Torsonce. Who had 4 sons: George, William, James of Rowchester and John.
• Captain George Hoppringle of that ilk and Torsonce. (Royalist Army of Charles II, in 1676 appointed Lieut-Colonel of the Duke of Monmouths and Buccleuchs Militia Regiment of Foot). Who had 2 sons: John and James.
• John (3) hoppringil of that ilk and Torsonce. Who had a daughter: Margaret. His brother James had 2 sons: Thomas and James.

For more information about clan chiefs, see: http://www.clanchiefs.org/heraldry/the-search-for-clan-chiefs/

© 2005-10 James Pringle. All rights reserved.