Sir Gilbert de Hamilton's Audacious Escape

In the annals of Scottish nobility, few tales capture the imagination quite like that of Sir Gilbert de Hamilton. His story, interwoven with the origins of the Hamilton family's emblematic crest and motto, is not merely a chapter in history but a narrative rich with intrigue, valor, and mystery. The Hamilton crest, distinguished by an oak tree and a frame saw, alongside the succinct motto "Through," transcends mere heraldry. These symbols narrate a saga of survival, courage, and ingenuity, with Sir Gilbert de Hamilton at its epicenter. But who was this enigmatic figure, and how does his personal odyssey reflect the essence of the iconic Hamilton insignia?

The Flight from King Edward II: A Tale of Escape and Disguise

The year 1323 stands out in British history as a time fraught with political tumult and royal intrigue. It was during this period that Sir Gilbert de Hamilton's destiny would intertwine dramatically with the power struggles of King Edward II's court. According to lore, Sir Gilbert found himself ensnared in the perilous web of court politics, forcing him into a precarious predicament that demanded not just bravery but also cunning and resourcefulness.

Legend paints a vivid picture of Sir Gilbert's audacious escape. Faced with imminent capture by the king's forces, he and his servant ingeniously swapped their noble attire for the unassuming garb of woodcutters. This act of quick thinking and adaptability was more than a mere change of clothes; it was a transformation into invisibility amidst the common folk, a masterstroke of survival strategy. As they feigned their labor, the pursuers, oblivious to the deception, passed by, leaving Sir Gilbert and his servant undetected. The moment the danger receded, a single word is said to have marked their successful evasion — "Through." This utterance, laden with relief and triumph, is believed to be the origin of the Hamilton family's enduring motto, symbolizing not just physical escape but the overcoming of adversity.

The Legacy of the Crest: From Boar's Head to Frame Saw

The enthralling narrative of Sir Gilbert's escape and the birth of the motto "Through" is, however, muddied by historical records that point to a more complex evolution of the Hamilton symbols. The family's heraldry, particularly the crest, has undergone notable transformations that invite scrutiny and contemplation. Initially, the seal of Sir John Hamilton in 1388 bore the image of a boar's head, a symbol markedly different from the later depiction of an oak tree and frame saw. It was not until the era of the first Lord Hamilton in 1477 that the now-iconic crest emerged, suggesting a gradual evolution of family symbols rather than a sudden inception tied to a single event.

Further complicating the narrative is the timing of the motto's appearance. The word "Through" found its earliest recorded usage on the Seal of the Duke of Chatelherault in 1560, several centuries after Sir Gilbert's supposed proclamation. This discrepancy between legend and record provokes a deeper investigation into the origins, underscoring a narrative that is perhaps more intricate and multifaceted than the simple tales of yore.

The Essence of "Through": Beyond the Literal

While the literal accuracy of Sir Gilbert de Hamilton's escapade may be shrouded in the mists of time and the allure of legend, the metaphorical significance of the motto "Through" holds a timeless appeal. It embodies a philosophy of perseverance, encapsulating the Hamiltons' ability to navigate the tumultuous seas of history and emerge with their legacy intact. The motto transcends the specifics of its origin, symbolizing a steadfast determination and an unyielding will to endure challenges, both literal and metaphorical.

This ethos of resilience is mirrored in the Hamiltons' broader historical journey. Their narrative is punctuated by strategic alliances, battles for power, and a relentless pursuit of influence and status. The family's evolution from holders of a boar's head crest to bearers of the oak and frame saw insignia mirrors their adaptive strategies and their capacity to thrive amidst the ever-changing dynamics of Scottish nobility.

Sir Gilbert de Hamilton: A Legacy Revisited

In revisiting the tale of Sir Gilbert de Hamilton, one is compelled to recognize the intricate tapestry of history, where fact and folklore are seamlessly interwoven, each strand enriching the narrative. Sir Gilbert's story, whether steeped in myth or grounded in truth, serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of symbols and the stories we craft around them. The Hamilton motto "Through" and the accompanying crest do not merely represent a family or heraldic tradition; they narrate a saga of survival, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of continuity amidst the relentless tides of time.

Adapted From: Johnston, G. H. (1909). The heraldry of the Hamiltons: With notes on all the males of the family, descriptions of the arms, plates and pedigrees. W. & A. K. Johnston, Limited.