Clan, Family, House - What's the difference?

[ASinclair]

I've read the explanation that there are Highland clans and Lowland families. But why are there houses (House of Burnett and House of Gordon)? Can someone explain or recommend a book that discusses this subject?

[creagdhubh]

According to the Clan Gordon (House of Gordon):

"The Gordon clan has included both Highland and Lowland branches of the family since
the 15th century and also has branches of the family in Russia, Germany, Belgium, The
Netherlands, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States as well as
other parts of the world. It was felt that to be called a Highland Clan only did not truly
reflect the history of the Gordons, therefore the Chief chose to call the clan by the name
House of Gordon."

http://www.houseofgordonusa.org/aboutus.html

It is likely that this is the same reasoning why other Scottish families/clans, such as the House of Burnett, use the prefix of "House of . . ." As a term referring to a 'collective identity' containing branches from the Highlands, Lowlands and the Borders. The same could be said of the House of Stuart, which we all know is a Royal house.

[ASinclair]

Not sure why it didn't occur to me to just checkout the websites of various "House of . . " and see if they explain it. Thanks, Kyle!

[creagdhubh]

Not sure why it didn't occur to me to just checkout the websites of various "House of . . " and see if they explain it. Thanks, Kyle!

No worries, Allen. I actually have a two good mates; one of the House of Gordon and the other of the House of Burnett. When I read your post, I initially recalled both of them telling me some time ago the main reasons why their clan/family is referred to as "House of . . .," but I wanted to double check with the official website(s) of both families, just to be certain!

[Grizzly]

According to the Clan Gordon (House of Gordon):

"The Gordon clan has included both Highland and Lowland branches of the family since
the 15th century and also has branches of the family in Russia, Germany, Belgium, The
Netherlands, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States as well as
other parts of the world. It was felt that to be called a Highland Clan only did not truly
reflect the history of the Gordons, therefore the Chief chose to call the clan by the name
House of Gordon."

http://www.houseofgordonusa.org/aboutus.html

It is likely that this is the same reasoning why other Scottish families/clans, such as the House of Burnett, use the prefix of "House of . . ." As a term referring to a 'collective identity' containing branches from the Highlands, Lowlands and the Borders. The same could be said of the House of Stuart, which we all know is a Royal house.

An excellent interpretation and explanation Kyle! am out of Ayes so a huge plus 1 from me.

[TheOfficialBren]

There are also Polish Gordons. I have a friend who is such a Gordon.

[Father Bill]

... and Polish police use Polish polish!

[MonkeyRogue]

Good Heavens my head just exploded.