OLIFANT and OLIFARD

The first of the descendants of this Norman, occurring in the public records, was DAVID OLIFARD, who served in the army of King Stephen in 1141. A conspiracy was formed against the Empress Maud, who escaped from Winchester, attended by David I. Surrounded by the enemy, the Scottish King owed his safety to the exertions of his godson Olifard, who, although in the adverse party, aided his Royal opponent. In recompense, the rescued Monarch gave to his preserver, who settled in North Britain, the Lands of Crailing and Smallham in Roxburghshire, and conferred on him the dignified office of Justiciary. Thus was established the famous family of Oliphant, so distinguished in the annals of Scotland. Among its early members, Sir William Oliphant, of Aberdalgy, the gallant defender of Stirling Castle against Edward I., stands prominently forward. Stirling, under Oliphant, was the last fortress that remained in the hands of the Scots. Edward laid siege to it in 1304; every engine known in those days was employed in the attack. The King, though far advanced in years, exposed his person with the fire and temerity of a young soldier. The defence was obstinate and bloody. All the works were ruined, many breaches made, the ditch filled up, and the Castle reduced to a heap of rubbish. The siege commenced 22nd April; in July, Sir William Oliphant sought to capitulate; the King would listen to no terms, and the Garrison was obliged to surrender at discretion, 20th July following. The sixth in descent from this knightly warrior was LAURENCE, LORD OLIPHANT, ancestor of the noble House of Oliphant, the Oliphants of Gask, the Oliphants of Condie, &c.

--(This name appears on the Battle Abbey Roll).