A TRUE ACCOUNT AND DESCRIPTION OF THE ORIGINAL OF THE NAME AND ARMS OF TURNBULL

The following true account and description of the original of the name and arms of Turnbull was taker from the Standard Bock of Scots Heraldry in the British Herald office at Doctor’s Commons in London, the 9th day of May 1759 by the proper Clerk in that office in my presence, and from the following description the principal Limner in said office made a drawing of the Arms properly coloured, which I caused to be engraved on a copper plate by one of the best Engravers in London. An impression of which is here exhibited all at the desire and expense of me James Turnbull. Then Clerk to Robert Dundas of Armiston Esq. His Majesty’s Advocate for Scotland and Member of Parliment for the Shire of Edinburgh.

(If you look closely you can make out part of the motto Favet and an indented border. The rest is not very clear.)

The Heads of Bulls are frequent in Arms and as all other Heads of which before represents the whole creature.

The Name of Turnbull carried Argent a Bull’s head erased sable, of late three of them dispersed 2 and 1.

The first of the Name with us was a strong man of the Name of Ruel who turned around a Bull by the head which violently ran against King Robert Bruce in Stirling Park for which he got from that King the Lands of Badyruel in Teviotdale and the Name of Turnbull.

Edward Howes in his history of England page 231 mentions this man in the minority of King David Bruce at the Battle of Polydownhill his words are “To certain stout champion of great stature who for a fact done’ by him was “Called Turnbull - advanced before the Scotts Army and a great mastive dog with him, and challenged any of the English army to fight with him a combat. One Sir Robert Venala Norfolk man by the King of England leave, took him up, and killed him and his dog too.

This gentleman’s son Sir James Turnbull with, Sir John Halyburton were killed near Nisbet Muir in the Merse in an engagement with the English. Anno 1355 for which see Abercrombies History - Vol. 2 Page 105.

I have seen the Armorial of Turnbull of Minto appended to a Charter of 1455 (Penis Comiston de Homis) which had only one Bull’s head, and that cabosed. Of late this of that Name multiply the Heads to three.

John Turnbull of Strickcathrow descended off the family of Badyruel, carries Argent three Bull’s Heads erased, Motto (Audaci Favet Fortuna) New register.

John Turnbull of Know, descendent off the Family of Minto carried Argent one ear of Rye vert between three Bull’s Heads, erased sable armed of the Second Crest a Bull s head cabosed, sable vert Motto “Courage”.