Recently, while reading a historical fiction novel by Nigel Trantor, a theory occurred to me regarding the origin of the name "Strange" in Scotland, which I thought might be worth sharing with interested researchers on the Strong-List. As many of you may know, the name Strong seems to be derived in Scotland from an evolution of the names Strange > Strang> Strong, with little or no known occurance of the name Lestrange. This, of course, contrasts with the situation in England, where it can be shown that the surname Lestrange occurs following the Norman Conquest, and thereafter apparently evolves into Strange, Straunge, Strong, etc. Our late compatriot, John R. Mayer, carried this so far as to theorize that although the English and Scottish names were similar, they in fact did not have a common origin. He pointed out that there is no evidence that Norman knights from England stayed in Scotland and thereafter gave genesis to the Strange name. See: "Part III- Comments regarding the significance of his work" in the John R. Mayer Memorial Web Page: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/7530/jrmmem.html for John's dicussion regarding Strange origins in Scotland. In part, John R. Mayer concluded: "Thus, even if we discover specific routes of migration across the Atlantic, we still must solve these questions about ultimate origins. Throughout British history, we can trace the separate and parallel activities of (1) Extraneus of England and (2) Strange of Balcaskie, and our extant records seem to show us that these two families distributed themselves in overlapping patterns. Thus, we may fairly easily detect a dichotomy between Extraneus and Strange of Balcaskie in such places as London, Ireland, and Wessex. Elsewhere and otherwise, the two families were consistently distinct and exclusive of one another. " The research theory which has occurred to me arises out of the following discussion by Nigel Trantor (for those who are unfamiliar with Trantor, he is a remarkably well informed Scottish author of "historical faction"... popularizing the history of Scotland from the days of St. Columba through the "Rising" of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 in some fourty novels... probably largely based on factual knowledge he gained while writing a multi-volume discourse on the history and architecture of the Castles of Scotland). In "The Lion's Whelp", published by Hodder and Stoughton, London (1997), at page 163 ff, set in the years between 1437 and 1460, Trantor writes: "Thanks to Bishop Kennedy.... the situation improved for members of the royal family... (the minor King James II being held in close control by contending political factions in the Scottish court)... Oddly enough, troubles at the Vatican itself aided in this, especially increasing the (Scottish) Primate's power and influence. A schism developed in the papacy, a faction amongst the cardinals rebelling against (Pope) Eugenius and setting up, at Basle, Amadeus, Duke of Savoy, as Pope Felix the Fifth. A majority at Rome itself supported Eugenius, but a number of important states favoured Felix, for political reasons. So there was now the scandal of two Popes. This had its impact on Scotland, and Kennedy, for Eugenius, seeking to strengthen his position, sent special nuncios to various lands, one not unexpectedly to his friend (Kennedy) in Scotland. This was one Bishop William Croyser, a Scot himself from Rome, and with him two aides named Turnbull and Lithgow. These were to remain with Kennedy more or less permanently, not just on any visit, but to counter efforts by Felix from Basle. They took up residence at St. Andrews, and greatly enhanced Kennedy's position. To have a papal nuncio as his constant support was as highly advantageous as it was unusual... Now (King) James was allowed to visit his famiy frequently,.... " So the Church in what Eugenius was calling his loyalest northern kingdom was very much in the ascendant, and its Primate (Kennedy) in a position to exert major weight and sway. His nephew King James was a primary beneficiary.... ".... one such opportunity occurred. This was the arrival of envoys from France to interview and more or less inspect the Princess Isabella as bride for Francis de Montfort, heir to the Duke of Bretagne, this match mooted for some time.... "The Frenchmen brought satisfactory assurances and conditions, also gifts, and themselves went away satisfied. Isabella was the quietest of the family, but very pretty. She would go to Brittany in the autumn. The envoys would also report back to the King of France regarding the other daughters of (Dowager Queen) Joanna as an alternative wife for his heir the dauphin (or heir apparent of the French crown)." There is, of course, much more to the story, and I recommend it, along with Trantor's other novels, as an interesting read for anyone interested in Scottish history. The point for us here, as Strong genealogists, is that this scenario gives us the real possibility that the Strange family of Balcaskie may have had origins in BRITTANY... which is the source of the Lestrange family of England! (Refer to my chapter "What's in a name?" in the manuscript on my website: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/7530/whatnam2.html The leStrange name apparently came to England born by Breton knights in the service of the Norman, William the Conquerer. (This is why I display the flag of Brittany in my website)! Balcaskie is located in Fife, not far from the ancient seat of the Catholic church in pre-reformation Scotland: St. Andrews (yes, where they play golf, too). The Strange family seat of Balcaskie was acquired in the 15th century... in the time period being discussed by Trantor above. Could it be that the Strange progenitor of the Balcaskie line came over to Scotland (and stayed) as part of the entourage of the envoys from the "Duke of Bretagne (Brittany)"???? Could this be the missing link tieing the Scottish and English Strange families together???? I invite your further comment, RESEARCH, and investigation!!! Regards, David B. "Dave" Strong Email: [email protected] Website, "Researching Strong(e)s and Strang(e)s in Britain & Ireland" http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/7530