The family name comes from the Leslie lands of Aberdeenshire and was to become famous in Germany, Poland, France and Russia. A Flemish noble named Bartholf settled in this area and in the 12th century one of his sons obtained a charter for the Barony of Lesly from William the Lion.
The Clan Leslie held several castles including Balgonie Castle in Fife, and Fetternear Palace in Aberdeenshire, as well as Leslie House in Fife until 1919, and Balquhain Castle, Aberdeenshire. The Irish Leslies still reside at County Monaghen, Ulster, in their 17th-century family home Castle Leslie and its surrounding 1000 acre estate. The Castle is no longer private, and is now open to guests. While visiting, they enjoy beautiful vistas, great food and mild eccentricity. The Castle is also used for functions, weddings and now boasts a brand new Cookery School and Day Spa. In 2002 Beatle Paul McCartney married Heather Mills in the Family Church just adjacent to the Castle.