Our Scottish ancestors had been crossing the Irish sea to Ireland for many centuries. Analysis of pollen in different levels of lake sediment in Ireland indicates that land was being cleared for agriculture by around 4000 BC. Archaeological sites, dating from around 7000-4000 BC, revealed that these people lived in circular huts which were about 6 meters in Diameter, these were constructed by driving saplings into the ground, then bending them over to form the frame which would provide shelter for about 12 people. Inside there would be a central hearth, used to provide heat and for cooking their diet of fish, wild pigs and birds.
Many of these Scottish ancestors who crossed the Irish sea were traders and “gallowglass”. My guess, from what I have discovered so far, is that most of our male ancestors were “gallowglass’. Based on the knowledge that they were given land and titles and that some of their wives were of noble birth, 9th great-grandfather John Collins, Sheriff, Keeper of the Gaol of Maidstone and 8th great-grandmother Mary Long whose grandfather was 10th great-grandfather Sir Henry Long Knight, for example.
The gallowglass or Gaelic gall o’giargh , were a class of elite mercenary warriors who were principally members of the Norse-Gaelic clans of Scotland between the mid 13th century and the 16th Century. They were known for their favorite weapon a six foot long, razor sharp, double sided battle-axe called the “Sparth”. The earliest Collins I can find a place of birth is 16th great-grandfather David Collins 1362 in Ireland. I have found some reference to a 22nd great-grandfather Aron in 1237.
The Norse-Gaels were a people of mixed Gaelic and Norse ancestry and culture.
Webster definition: Norse- relating to ancient Scandinavia Gael- Gaelic speaking inhabitants of Ireland, Scotland, and the Isle of man.
The name Leslie- Originates in the Scottish Language and means ” holly orchard” . It has been used since the end of the 19th century.
Collins Families 