Clan Wood

Welcome back to A Clan A Day Podcast, brought to you by bagtownclans.com. I’m your host, Colin MacDonald, and today we’re exploring the fascinating history of Clan Wood, a family whose story stretches back through centuries of service to the Scottish Crown, remarkable maritime achievements, and enduring loyalty. From medieval chancellors to naval heroes, the Woods have played an integral role in shaping Scotland's history.

Our tale begins with one of the earliest mentions of the name Wood, or de Bosco, meaning "of the wood" in clerical Latin. The name first appears in 1211, when Lord Wilhelmus de Bosco was appointed Chancellor of Scotland by King William the Lion. Wilhelmus was one of the most prominent figures of his day, overseeing royal affairs during a period when Norman influence was at its peak. Based in the Lothian region at Ogilface near Edinburgh, Wilhelmus also served as Archdeacon of Lothian until his death in 1231. It’s here that we find the roots of the Wood family's lineage, marking the start of a story that would span generations of loyalty and influence.

Over the ensuing centuries, the family grew in prominence, coalescing into an identifiable clan as Scotland faced turbulent times in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. When Scotland’s survival was at stake during the Wars of Independence, Thomas de Bosco of Ogilface rose to prominence. In 1305, Thomas, loyal to the Scottish cause, was captured and imprisoned by Edward I of England while defending Scotland’s Crown Jewels. His sacrifice paved the way for his descendants to remain steadfast defenders of Scotland’s sovereignty.

But it is Sir Andrew Wood of Largo—arguably the most celebrated member of Clan Wood—who truly etched the family’s name into Scottish history. Born in Leith in the mid-15th century, Sir Andrew came from a prominent merchant and ship-owning family. He was a skilled mariner who sailed the celebrated Flower and defended Scotland's coasts against pirates and English privateers. His unmatched naval prowess caught the attention of King James III, who commissioned him to captain royal ships, including the Yellow Caravel.

Sir Andrew’s feats at sea are legendary. In battles against marauding English squadrons, his strategic brilliance and the latest European ordnance helped him triumph. By 1488, he was appointed Lord High Admiral of Scotland, and his reward was the barony of Largo in Fife, where he constructed the impressive Largo Tower, remnants of which still stand today. From this strategic vantage point, Sir Andrew could watch over the Firth of Forth, safeguarding Scotland’s vital waterways.

The 1490s marked the height of Sir Andrew’s career. In 1494, he commanded a royal fleet, alongside King James IV, that subdued the rebellious Lords of the Isles, solidifying the king's authority over Scotland’s western isles. This campaign is seen as a turning point in naval warfare, as Sir Andrew effectively employed artillery bombardments to "soften" enemy strongholds before attacking—an innovation that placed Scotland’s naval forces ahead of their time.

Sir Andrew’s influence extended far beyond warfare. He was a trusted adviser to the Crown, overseeing the development of the New Haven of Leith, a shipbuilding hub that laid the groundwork for Scotland’s maritime expansion. He was also instrumental in the construction of The Great Michael, one of the largest ships of its era—a symbol of Scotland’s naval ambition.

When King James IV fell at the disastrous Battle of Flodden in 1513, Sir Andrew was tasked with escorting the Duke of Albany back to Scotland to assume the regency for the young King James V. This final act of service cemented his legacy as a loyal servant to the Stewart monarchs. Sir Andrew died around 1515, having secured his place as one of Scotland’s greatest naval leaders and the founder of the House of Wood of Largo.

The Wood family’s contributions didn’t end with Sir Andrew. Throughout the following centuries, the clan produced significant figures in politics, the military, and the church. By the 17th century, the Woods were deeply involved in the tumultuous Wars of the Three Kingdoms, fighting for King Charles I. However, like many Royalist clans, they paid a heavy price for their loyalty, with lands forfeited and family fortunes diminished.

Despite such setbacks, Clan Wood endured, and their legacy lives on today. The clan motto, Tutus in Undis, meaning “Safe amid the waves,” perfectly captures the resilience and maritime prowess that have defined this family. Their plant badge, the oak sprig, symbolizes strength and longevity, qualities the Woods have demonstrated throughout their storied history.

The present chief of Clan Wood is Joseph John Hugh Fawcett Wood of Largo, who continues to represent this proud family. The Clan Wood Society works tirelessly to preserve the heritage of this remarkable clan, celebrating its achievements and ensuring that its history is passed down to future generations.

From the halls of power in medieval Scotland to the stormy seas defended by Sir Andrew Wood, Clan Wood’s history is one of courage, loyalty, and ingenuity. They’ve weathered the storms of history—both literal and metaphorical—proving time and again that they are, indeed, Safe amid the waves.

Thank you for joining us on this deep dive into the history of Clan Wood. Be sure to visit their official website at www.clan-wood.org.uk for even more details and to connect with fellow clan members. I’m Colin MacDonald, and this has been A Clan A Day Podcast. Tune in tomorrow for another captivating story from Scotland’s rich tapestry of clans. And as always, Go n-éirí an bóthar leat!