Scottish Clans
Maxwell Tartans & Clan
Clan Maxwell's last Chief was William Maxwell of Carruchan who died in 1863. The Clan have no chief today and are an armigerous clan.
Who Wears Maxwell Tartan? - Associated Names
First of all to explain why there are so many tartans, way over 2000 in fact. There are an awful lot of Scottish clans to start with and on top of this each clan can have many different tartans and names associated with it.
- Adair
- Blackstock
- Dinwiddie
- Dinwoodie
- Edgar
- Herries
- Kirk
- Kirkland
- Latimer
- Latimore
- MacKittrick
- Maxton
- Mescall
- Monreith
- Moss
- Nithdale
- Nithsdale
- Paulk
- Peacock
- Pollock
- Pollok
- Polk
- Rawlins
- Sturgeon
- Wardlaw
Maxwell Tartans
3 variationsEach tartan can have multiple variations, the most common of which are Ancient, Modern, Weathered, Hunting and Dress
About tartan variations
- Ancient
- Modern
- Weathered
- Hunting
- One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if
Ancient Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans, mossy greens and sky blues, a more orangey red and some would say showing off the pattern to much greater effect as as the contrasts are much brighter than the Modern tartans. The pattern or sett remains the same across all variations of a single tartan, and only the shades or tones vary.
Helpful Advice
Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Modern Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer colours typical of the Ancient tartans. Post 1860 chemical dyes replaced the natural animal and vegetable dyes and the Modern Tartans were born with their stronger and bolder colours. The soft greens and blues become bottle green and navy blue, reds are scarlet.
Helpful Advice
The Modern tartans are often the more subtle combinations such as the classic Black Watch Modern
Weathered Tartan
Before 1860 fabrics were coloured using animal and vegetable dyes. This produced the softer, more earthy colours typical of the Weathered tartans, reminiscent of bolder colours subjected to wind, rain and sunshine producing beautiful faded tones, olive greens and browns, and very light blues with reds that are more pink than red.
Helpful Advice
Some mills refer to the Weathered tartans as Muted.
Hunting Tartan
The Hunting Tartans are the camouflage tartans and some clans don't have these variations because they are already predominantly green or brown and don't need amendment to blend in with nature's colours. The Black Watch or Gunn tartans are examples of these, whereas a tartan such as the Fraser is predominantly red and would not provide much cover for men out hunting.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if Tartan
The Dress Tartans were designed as the name suggests for celebrations and highland dance. The sett or pattern of the tartan remains the same and the main colour is changed to white, or extra white is added to the pattern to give it a brighter, more "fancy" appearance. The Scots do like to bend the rules and occasionally instead of white thread, yellow is used and this is where the rather wild MacLeod Dress Modern and Barclay Dress Modern came from.
Helpful Advice
One thing to remember if you are ordering your tartan to match an existing kilt or accessory is that although the sett and colours are the same, there can be a slight difference in colour from one mill to the next. This is purely down to yarn dying so if you need an exact match we suggest you order a swatch to double check.
From the start
Maxwell Clan Origins & History
Explore the history
How it all started
Territories
Clan Maxwell made a significant impact on their territory from the beginning. They initially made their name as Sheriffs of Teviotdale, before claiming Nithsdale as their chief land from the 13th century onwards. They frequently served as Wardens of the West March, taking on the challenging task of maintaining security along the turbulent border between England and Scotland. Several cadet branches of the family also rose to prominence, including the Maxwells of Cardoness, Monreith, Sprinkel, and Pollock, each achieving the admirable rank of baronet.
Clan Chief
Clan Maxwell is an armigerous clan, which means that the family is registered with the Court of Lord Lyon and has an official coat of arms, but does not currently have a chief. The last chief of Clan Maxwell, William Maxwell of Carruchan, passed away in 1863.
Where does the name Maxwell come from?
The Maxwell name is thought to have originated from a pool in the River Tweed by Kelso called ‘Maccus Well.’ Some historians think that the clan may have derived from Maccus, a 10th century king of Man and the Isles, but it is thought more likely that they descended from a Norman family who settled in the area surrounding the well.
Do Clan Maxwell have a Plant Badge?
Clan members would often wear a sprig of their plant badge attached to their sash at the shoulder, or to their hat, to help signify allegiance to their kin and loyalty to their chief.
Clan Maxwell's plant badge is holly, which is extremely sacred in Celtic mythology.
It is traditionally thought to bring peace and protect against ill-will, with many placing it outside their homes during winter to ward off lightning strikes.
Do Clan Maxwell have a Society?
If you are lucky enough to have Maxwell heritage and would like a way to connect with your peers, you’ll he happy to know that there is a thriving clan society you can join!
The Clan Maxwell Society was formed in 1964 in North Carolina, and has gathered members from across the globe, including Europe, South America, Canada, and Australia. Membership is open to everyone who descends from Clan Maxwell and includes access to a quarterly newsletter, the genealogy database, a membership directory, regular clan gatherings, and much more!
You will also get the joy of knowing that you are helping to preserve and promote Scottish culture, as well as maintaining the history of Clan Maxwell.
For more information, check out the Clan Maxwell Society website.
Do Clan Maxwell have a Crest?
Clan Maxwell's crest is described as ' a stag Proper, attired Argent, couchant before a holly bush Proper.'
This means it shows a stag in natural colours rearing up in front of a holly bush - an eye-catching and powerful image!
Caerlaverock Castle
Caerlaverock Castle is the historic seat of Clan Maxwell and it's located on the most southern coast of Scotland, just outside of Dumfries. The original castle was built in the 13th Century, but the castle has been destroyed and re-built many, many times since then. The Maxwells held Caerlaverock Castle from the 13th Century when it was built, until the 17th Century when they abandoned the castle.
Image credit: Simon Ledingham, CC BY-SA 2.0
Do Clan Maxwell have a War Cry?
Clan Maxwell’s motto is ‘Reviresco,’ meaning ‘I flourish,’ and their war cry is ‘Wardlaw.’
There are several different interpretations of this simple yet striking phrase. Some historians take it to mean ‘defenders of the warden’s law,’ as a reference to the clan chief’s role as warden of the Western Marches, while others believe that it functioned as a gathering cry.
There is a small hill beside the Maxwell’s ancestral seat, Caerlaverock Castle, called Wardlaw, so it is thought that the clan may have gathered there before battle.
Either way, it clearly reflects the Maxwell’s power, pride in their homeland, and loyalty to each other.
Are Clan Maxwell connected to a River?
Clan Maxwell has ties to the River Tweed dating back to the very beginning, as the Maxwell name itself is thought to have originated from a pool in the River Tweed by Kelso called ‘Maccus Well.’
The river is 97 miles long and flows east across the Scottish Borders into the north of England. One theory proposes that ‘Tweed’ came from an old Celtic name meaning ‘border.’
The river is most known for its world-renowned salmon fishing, as anglers have travelled from all over the world to enjoy the Tweed’s waters since the Victorian era.
It also seems to have served as an inspirational location for some of Scotland’s most iconic authors!
Sir Walter Scott spent many summers in Clovenfords and would sit on the banks of the Tweed to write such beloved works as Marmion, the Lady of the Lake, and Rob Roy. He even went on to have a grand home, Abbotsford, built within view of the river.
Robert Burns was also charmed by the Tweed, writing in his journal about its ‘enchanting views’ and ‘fine bridges’ following a visit to Kelso in 1787.
Image credit: VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Pollock House
Pollok House, the seat of the Maxwell Baronets of Pollok, is now of international importance, as it houses the world-famous Burrell Collection in its grounds. The Burrell Collection is an art collection which was steadily acquired over many years by Sir William Burrell. Sir Burrell then gifted the collection to the City of Glasgow in 1944.
Clan Battles
Clan Maxwell, much like many Scottish families, changed sides multiple times during the turbulent Wars of Independence. In 1300, their clan seat, Caerlaverock Castle, was besieged by an English army led by King Edward I. While the Maxwells put up a valiant fight, eventually Sir Eustace Maxwell allowed the English to use the castle as a stronghold, even receiving an allowance from King Edward II for the secure keeping of Caerlaverock.
Later, however, Maxwell formed an alliance with Robert the Bruce, going so far as to dismantle the castle so that the English could no longer use it against Scotland.
Clan Maxwell had a longstanding and bitter feud with Clan Johnstone, as the 2 families fought for control over the Borders. This feud came to a head in 1593 with the infamous Battle of Dryfe Sands.
The tale goes that Clan Maxwell planned a surprise attack on the Johnstones, but that the Johnstone chief got word of the plot, so called on support from the Grahams, Scotts, Carrutherses, Irvings, Elliots, and more, raising a strong army.
It is said that both chiefs offered a reward to whoever could bring them either the head or hand of the opposing clan’s chief.
When Lord Maxwell and his army approached the Johnstone territory, Lord Johnstone employed cunning tactics to confuse the Maxwells, only sending out a small portion of his men, before then surprising Clan Maxwell with the full force of his troops.
The plan worked, and the Johnstones killed over 700 Maxwells, including Lord Maxwell himself.
Unsurprisingly, this ramped up the feud even further, and the Maxwell chief’s son took revenge in 1608, shooting the chief of Clan Johnstone.
Image credit: Bob Cowan, CC BY-SA 2.0
Powerful in Parliament
The Maxwells’ strength, power, and charm led them to many high places in society. In 1445, Sir Herbert Maxwell of Caerlaverock was created a Lord of Parliament, and in 1455 was granted Eskdale and Carlisle.
Another member of the clan who made powerful allegiances was Robert, the 5th Lord Maxwell, who was appointed an Extraordinary Lord of the Session in 1532 by King James V, and a member of the Council of Regency in 1536. However, his most significant achievement arguably occurred in 1542, when he succeeded in passing a bill in the Scottish Parliament that protected the right to own and read the Bible in both Scots and English.
Do Clan Maxwell have a Tartan?
Owning your own clan tartan is a great way to feel connected to both your ancestors and your peers. Whether you are blessed with artistic talent and would like to fashion your own bespoke pieces from our high-quality fabric, or you'd like to buy a ready-made stylish dress or waistcoat, we can help!
We stock 3 different variations of Maxwell tartan, ancient, modern, and muted, each with a different tone and depth of colour, so you're sure to find one that suits you perfectly.
A Narrow Escape
The 5th Earl of Nithsdale was a staunch Jacobite who managed to pull off a daring escape plan. After being captured at the Battle of Preston during the infamous rising of 1715, he was imprisoned in the Tower of London and sentenced to death for the crime of treason. On the eve of his execution, he successfully made a break from the tower, having disguised himself as a serving woman, before fleeing to Rome with his wife.
Clan maxwell
Tartan Poll
There are three Clan Maxwell tartans to choose from - vote in our poll to let us know your favourite(s)!
TOP 5 FACTS
Clan Maxwell
Learn about Clan Maxwell's name origins, powerful allegiances and more.
Clan Maxwell
Famous Faces
The Maxwells are a talented and accomplished bunch. From science, to literature, to show-biz, they have achieved some amazing things!
Image credit: Gavin Maxwell by not known - Original publication: not known Immediate source: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/oct/13/the-basking-shark-returns-british-waters, Fair use
The Castles of Clan Maxwell
Clan Maxwell has an extremely rich and storied history and used their great power and influence to obtain numerous impressive homes and castles over the years. Come with us to explore a few of these grand sites and learn more about the Maxwell’s fascinating daily lives, from battles to ornate architectural renovations, to royal visitors.
Image credit: LornaMCampbell - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0
The turbulent history of Caerlaverock Castle
Clan Maxwell
Clan Maxwell’s ancestral seat is the grand Caerlaverock Castle, which stands against the sweeping Dumfriesshire countryside. Caerlaverock is not just remarkable for its architecture, it is arguably more interesting for its long and winding history. Find out more in our short video.
Clan Maxwell
Quiz
How much do you think you know about Clan Maxwell? Enough to get all 12 questions correct? Test your Maxwell Clan Knowledge now!
The groundbreaking achievements of James Clerk Maxwell
National Maxwell Day
To celebrate National Maxwell Day on 30th January, we’d like to spotlight one of the most impressive members of the family. You may not have heard of him, but if you’ve ever snapped a colour photograph, you’ll have him to thank! Find out more in our short video.
Clan Motto: Reviresco (I flourish)
Top image credit: Caerlaverock Castle by Orikrin1998 - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
