The ancient family of Ramsay is of Anglo-Norman origin. Simundus de Ramesia was the first of the name to appear on record in Scotland. Originally from Huntingdonshire in England, he received lands in Lothian from David I and in 1140 witnessed a charter to the monks at Holyrood. He was founder of the main line and the first Ramsay to acquire land at Dalwolsey.
Sir William Ramsay de Dalwolsey, signed the Ragman Roll in 1296, and joined the forces of Sir Robert Bruce at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. He signed the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320 asserting the independence of Scotland to the Pope.
In 1400, Sir Alexander of Dalhousie successfully withheld a six month siege by English forces under Henry IV at Dalhousie Castle. Sir Alexander was killed two years later at Hamildon Hill and his great, great grandson, Alexander was killed at Floddenin 1513. In August 1618, the family received Royal recognition when Sir George Ramsay was created a Lord of Parliament by the title of Lord Ramsay of Melrose, which he later had changed to Lord Ramsay of Dalhousie. Sir George's son, William, was created Earl of Dalhousie and Lord Ramsay of Keringtoun in June 1633. The earldom of Dalhousie was passed on to another George, 2nd Earl, then William, 3rd Earl, and to George, 4th Earl.
Until the turn of the 20th Century, Dalhousie Castle served as the home of the Earls of Dalhousie. The original structure was built in the 13th century and the main parts of the present baronial mansion were constructed in 1450. Edward I spent a night at Dalhousie before going on the defeat William Wallace at Falkirk. Oliver Cromwell spent some time at the castle in October 1648. Queen Victoria once stayed at Dalhousie Castle. The Ramsays have reason to be proud of their historic eight hundred year old clan seat. For only the Ramsays of Dalhousie may boast about possession of the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.
