the most celebrated member of the Clan Crichton. He is known in history as "Admirable Crichton" due to his superb mental and physical prowess. He is said to have mastered all of the knowledge of his time and been able to speak and write in ten different languages, all by the age of twenty; he was also a feared swordsman. James Crichton studied at the University of St Andrews then travelled to Paris, where he challenged professors of the city to dispute with him on any branch of science or literature, offering to answer in any of his ten languages. The following day he was declared champion at a public joust. In 1582 Crichton was set upon by a gang, of which he killed five. Recognizing the sixth—the gang leader—as one of his own students, he dropped his guard, whereupon he was stabbed in the heart. 17th century and Civil War During the Civil War another James Crichton, 1st Viscount Frendraught supported the royalist James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose. Crichton was present at Montrose's defeat at the Battle of Carbisdale (also known as the Battle of Invercarron) in 1650. It is said that Crichton gave his horse to Montrose so that he could escape. Crichton was taken prisoner. Modern history The double-barrelled surname originates from the fact that the chiefs are direct descendants of the Maitland family, the Earls of Lauderdale, and Clan Makgill. Royal Navy Captain Frederick Maitland married Margaret Dick. Dick's grandmother was an heiress of Clan Makgill of Rankeilour and a descendant of James Crichton, 1st Viscount Frendraught of Clan Crichton through inter-marriage. One of their direct descendants Charles established his right to the chiefship and was recognised by a Lyon Court decree in 1980. Members of the extended Maitland-Makgill-Crichton family include distinguished military officers, many of whom served in the various Scottish regiments during both World Wars, such as Major-General Edward Maitland-Makgill-Crichton and Brigadier Henry Maitland-Makgill-Crichton. Clan Chiefs Incomplete list Charles Maitland-Makgill-Crichton (1942-1992) David Maitland-Makgill-Crichton (b. 1972) Clan castles Crichton Castle was the seat of the chief of Clan Crichton from the late 14th to 15th century. Sanquhar Castle was built by the Crichtons in the 13th century. Blackness Castle was built by the Crichtons in 1445. Monzie Castle is the residence of the current chief of Clan Crichton. Frendraught Castle was the home of the Crichtons titled Baron of Frendraught and Viscount Frendraught in