The clan claims descent from the Herons of Chipchase Castle in Northumberland, in the English Middle-march.
In a survey made of the Border in 1522, it was reported that: "Chipchase was the most convenient house for the keeper of Tynedale" and the Herons were described as "A hot tempered race, regularly in trouble with the authorities".
He was granted land in Essex and his descendants spread to Northumberland, Hertfordshire, Scotland and Ireland.
In 1300, Gerald Heron fought on the side of Robert the Bruce, and he was awarded the rich lands of Kirroughtree where a branch of the clan resided for 400 years.
)[5] A border lord, Sir Gerard Heron, put one thousand men in the saddle to attack William Wallace after he captured Kinclaven Castle.