Earliest known Campbell – Gilleasbaig of Menstrie, father of Cailean Mor

Cailean Mor (Great Colin) knighted and established at Loch Awe

Cailean Mor killed in a skirmish with the MacDougall’s at the String of Lorne

Bruce defeats MacDougall’s in Pass of Brander. Dunstaffnage Castle taken and placed under a Campbell constable

Battle of Bannockburn – Campbells fought with Bruce and defeated Edward II
Family rewarded with marriage between Mary (Robert the Bruce’s sister) and Sir Niall Campbell. Their son, John Campbell, was created Earl of Atholl and was killed 1333 at the Battle of Halidon Hill

1st Lord Campbell created

First Inveraray Castle built

Colin Campbell created 1st Earl of Argyll

2nd Earl given title of Master of the Royal Household in Scotland. Title still held by the Duke today

2nd Earl killed fighting the English along with many of his clan

Battle of Langside – Archibald Campbell, 5th Earl commanded forces who fought for Mary Queen of Scots

Earl of Argyll has Royal Grant of Kintyre

8th Earl/Marquess of Argyll leads the Covenanters opposed to Charles I. Inveraray invaded by Royalists under Montrose and surrounding area is devastated.Young Irish Harpist murdered in State Bed of the MacArthurs of Loch Awe, now in the MacArthur room. One of the many ghosts which allegedly haunt the castle today.

Argyll’s pursuing army is destroyed by Montrose at the Battle of Inverlochy. Argyll escapes

Argyll places crown on King’s head

Argyll expects reward but is instead executed

9th Earl leads abortive rebellion in Scotland, along with Monmouth’s rebellion in England. Attempt fails. Argyll captured and executed

10th Earl raises Regiment for the Crown, The Earl of Argyle’s Regiment of Foot

Massacre of Glencoe

10th Earl granted Dukedom of Argyll

2nd Duke of Argyll in command of Government forces defeats Jacobite army at Battle of Sherrifmuir ending rebellion.

2nd Duke of Argyll granted Dukedom of Greenwich (title lapsed as no male heirs)

John Vanbrugh asked to design plans for a new residence in Inveraray to befit the Dukedom

3rd Duke of Argyll inherits Dukedom. Another distinguished soldier, he leaves the army for politics and subsequently becomes Lord Justice General of Scotland. Plans to develop the garden and surrounding policies implemented. Over the next 40 years the ‘Watch Tower’ at the top of the hill, the Doocot, Frew’s Bridge amongst others constructed. Sections of the River Aray canalised and cascades set in place to enhance the sound of flowing water.

Foundation stone of the castle laid

‘Colonel Jack’, later 5th Duke commands Argyll Militia at Culloden

Colin Campbell ‘Red Fox’ of Glenure shot in Appin. Story made famous in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Kidnapped

4th Duke of Argyll inherits title

5th Duke of Argyll inherits title

Linnell designs the furniture in the castle

Robert Mylne designs State Dining Room plasterwork

5th Duke orders the displays of arms in Armoury Hall still seen today.

State Dining Room painted by Girard and Guinand.

Inveraray Castle completed

Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochnell raises Argyleshire Highlanders for the 5th Duke. They later become the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders

6th Duke inherits title

7th Duke inherits title Worked hard to restore the family fortunes and reputation

8th Duke inherits title. A successful politician, Cabinet minister and author of scientific and scholarly works, Duke gives Isle of Iona to the Church

Neil Monro, author of Para Handy, born in Inveraray

Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s 4th daughter, marries the Marquess of Lorne (will become 9th Duke) Sir Matthew Digby Wyatt designs entrance porch to castle known as Paddington Station

Major fire at Inveraray Castle. Architect Anthony Salvin employed to repair and improve damaged building. Conical towers added to the turrets and third floor.

9th Duke inherits title. He became Governor General of Canada. Lake Louise and Alberta both named after Princess Louise

10th Duke inherits title. Duke Niall was something of a scholarly recluse and an expert on the history of the clan and family

Inveraray becomes chief training area for the Combined Operations

11th Duke inherits title. A gallant officer taken prisoner with most of the Highland Division in France in 1940, his predilection for cafe society recalled his predecessor the 6th Duke

Inveraray Castle opened to the public for the first time

Marriage of Ian, future 12th Duke of Argyll to Iona Colquhoun of Luss

Birth of Torquhil Ian Campbell, the present Duke

12th Duke inherits title

Second major fire at castle. Top storey of Castle destroyed.

13th Duke, Torquhil Ian Campbell inherits title

Marriage of 13th Duke to Eleanor Cadbury

Birth of Archie Frederick, Marquess of Lorne

Birth of Lord Rory James Campbell

Birth of Lady Charlotte Campbell