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For some time I have been pondering the absence of any available information regarding clan affiliations for the Draffen family. I have been thinking that the most likely affiliation would be with Clan Douglas, and in some ways I am right. However, it now seems apparent to me that Douglas extends from the same family as Draffen, but a few generations later. I wonder if we should invite them to join our clan??? When one thinks of Scottish clans perhaps the mind is immediately drawn to kilted warriors screaming through the glens and, in truth, this element does exist. Certain families have aggressively pursued their aims and ambitions and loudly proclaimed their part in history. Perhaps I could also claim that history is not solely the province of the loud? Perhaps others have contributed to history in more discrete ways? Actually, I could relate some tales which may justify such a position, but that is for later. I take note of comments on the web page of the Lord Lyon regarding clans - "But the increasing interest in Scottish ancestry has led many families, who had not in the past been regarded as clans in their own right, to look for a leader who could rally the family as a group. While content historically to owe their allegiance as a sept or cadet to a particular clan, such families may now wish to have a distinct identity of their own. ----- Where such a family is able to prove that it has existed historically as an independent family group, then the Lord Lyon may be prepared to recognise them as a distinct clan or name. ----- If a person is able to prove descent from an individual who was historically accepted as the head of the main family within this group, then such a descendant might be confirmed in the Arms and recognised by the Lord Lyon as Representer of the name concerned." It seems clear to me that all the conditions exist for the Draffens to be identified as a distinct historical family group. They have supported the Scottish nation since the time of David I, the monarch most notable for the inception of modern Scotland who took the throne in 1124. They can identify a single senior survivng descendant of the armigerous family in the UK. Perhaps the time has come for the worldwide family of Draffen to take their place in history and be recognised? There is now little doubt in my mind that anybody who carries the surname of Draffen is a member of this one singular family. Other families that extend from the same origin as Draffen, junior lines of the family, are Lamington and Roberton and, I believe, there may be one or two more. Precise details are still unfolding. There may come a time when professional research is required, depending how much additional source information becomes available on the net. Watch this space! Comments from the wider Draffen family would be much appreciated.
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