History, Wonder Tales, Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends The Flemish | Page 92

THE ORIGINS OF THE GRAHAMS
by Nellie Graham Lowry
Scholars have long debated whence came the people and name Graham. Some say
the Grahams are descendants of the Graeme who commanded the armies of Fergus
II in 404 AD. Others are equally convinced that they are of Norman descent, while yet
others claim a Flemish or even Danish descent. Even the early officers of Clan
Graham Society could not agree, with first President Harry L. Graham holding to a
Norman connection although first Society Genealogist J. Kenneth Graham was in the
Pictish Scot (Graeme) camp. Which is correct? We will examine the writings of these
and other scholars and allow you to draw your own educated conclusions.
Harry L.Graham and researcher Thomas Dickson Graham of Clearwater, Florida,
wrote in From Whence the Montrose Grahams (1979):
"William de Graham was the youngest son of William de Tancarville of Danish
descent, and Matilda d’Arques, direct descendent of the Anglo-Saxon and Danish
kings. The father was a baron of Normandy, and went to England with William the
Conqueror in 1066, and for his services received a great barony in Lincolnshire called
Grantham. He also had great properties in Normandy. Eventually he turned his
Norman properties over to his eldest son, Rabel, and moved to England where he
later became Treasurer for King Henry I and Justice of England."
William de Graham was born about the time of the Norman invasion, whether in
Normandy or in England is unknown, probably Normandy. As soon as he was old
enough, he became Seneshal (business manager) for his father at the Barony of
Grantham in Lincolnshire, England. He took the name William de Grantham which
was soon shortened to William de Graham (sometimes written Graeme). The book,
The Norman People says: "In all the early records of England, Graham means
Grantham in Lincoln; and William de Graham settled in Scotland in the time of King
David I, (1124-1153) and obtained Abercom and Dalkeith.
"The English branches of the de Tancarvilles were generally named Chamberlain. The
banner of the Chamberlains of Lincoln bore three escallops, which also appear in the
arms of de Graham or de Grantham, originally from Lincoln. (Sir John Graham of
Dundaff carried a banner with three golden escallops on a field of black. The same
three golden escallops are a part of the Montrose Coat of Arms.) From this family
descended the famous Marquis of Montrose and the brave Viscount of Dundee; also
Sir James Graham of Netherby, the eminent statesman."

Evidence from The Falaise Roll
The Falaise Roll (a list of those who assisted William the Conqueror) says, "William de
Chamberlain de Tancarville, had a son, William (de Grantham) de Graham, from
whom descended the Famous Marquis of Montrose, the Viscounts of Dundee and the
Graham family."
The Encyclopedia Britannica, 13th edition, says under Grantham: "Although there is
no authentic evidence of Roman occupation, Grantham (Graham, Granham in the
Domesday Book) from its situation on the Ervine Street, is supposed to have been a
Roman station. Grantham, in Lincolnshire, England was situated...on the River
Witham -105 miles north by west from London."

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