The Clan Anslie, also known as Clan Ainslie or Clan Ainsley, is a Scottish clan that originated in the Scottish Borders region. The name Anslie is thought to derive from the Old English words “an” and “slioch” meaning “one who is descended from a noble ancestor”.
The clan’s early history is not well documented, but it is believed that the Anslies were originally a powerful family in the Scottish Borders, with their stronghold located near Jedburgh. In the 14th century, the Anslies fought on the side of Robert the Bruce in the Scottish Wars of Independence.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Anslies were active in the Scottish Borders region, involved in both feuds and commerce. They were known for their expertise in horse breeding, and many Anslies were employed as horse traders and breeders.
In the late 17th century, the Anslies supported the Jacobite cause, which aimed to restore the Stuart dynasty to the British throne. Many Anslies fought in the Jacobite uprisings of 1715 and 1745, with some members of the clan being executed for their involvement in these rebellions.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the Anslies continued to be active in the Scottish Borders, with many members of the clan working as farmers and shepherds. Today, the clan has spread throughout the world, with members living in Scotland, England, Canada, the United States, and elsewhere.
The Anslie clan has a number of notable members throughout history, including James Ainslie, who was a member of the Scottish Parliament in the 18th century, and Charles Ainslie, who served as a brigadier general in the American Revolution.