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Clan Maxwell (Tartans, Crest) and The Story Behind

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Maxwell

Clan Crest: A stag couchant under a holly bush, Proper

CLan Motto: Reviresco (I grow strong again)

Origin of Name: A pool in the Tweed River from Maccus Well

Lands: Nithsdale

Historic Seat: Caerlaverock Castle

Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan

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Maxwell Clan History

The name Maxwell is derived from Maccus, a Norse chief and the son of Undweyn, who named Maccuswell, a pool on the Tweed near Kelso Bridge. John Maxwell, a grandson of Maccus, became chamberlain of Scotland before dying in 1241, and was succeeded by his brother Aylmer.

Many branches of the family descended from Aylmer and spread throughout the south-west of Scotland.

Under the leadership of Eustace Maxwell, the Maxwell clan fought alongside Robert the Bruce at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. James I knighted Herbert, the succeeding clan chief, for his services to the crown.

The Maxwell Lords continued a tradition of diplomacy and political intrigue - the fifth Lord was friendly with Henry VII of England, and the seventh Lord was involved in several plots to restore Mary, Queen of Scots to her throne. Following her execution, he continued to seek support for a Catholic revolution in Scotland, writing on a regular basis to Philip of Spain.

The Maxwells were created Earls of Nithsdale, and the fifth earl, a staunch Jacobite, was captured during the 1715 rising at the Battle of Preston. He was arrested, brought to London, tried for treason, and sentenced to death. He made a daring escape from the Tower of London on the eve of his execution, disguised as a serving woman. His wife helped him flee, and the two of them fled to the Continent, where they remained in exile.

Pollok House, the seat of the Maxwell Baronets of Pollok, is now of international significance because its grounds house the world-famous Burrell Collection.

Maxwell Places & People

Clan Maxwell Individuals

Maxwell, James Clerk

Maxwell, James Clerk (b.1831)

He was a well-known physicist who made significant contributions to this field of science. He is best known for developing electro-magnetic theory.

Sir Herbert Maxwell (1845-1937).

Gavin Maxwell, the author's father. Political figure and historian.

Maxwell, Gavin (1914-1969).

Novelist and naturalist from Scotland. Maxwell was born into a minor aristocratic family and raised in rural Wigtownshire, where he developed a lifelong love of nature. Maxwell served as a Commando instructor on Arisaig during the war, which sparked his passion for the Highlands.

Following the failure of a basking shark fishery, he turned to writing.

He is best known for writing 'Ring of Bright Water,' a moving account of his efforts to establish an otter sanctuary in Sandaig.

Maxwell Tartans

Maxwell's Hunt

Maxwell Contemporary

Maxwell Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan Maxwell Crest

Crest Description: A stag couchant beneath a holly bush.

Coats of Arms of Maxwell

A word about Coats of Arms:

A coat of arms is granted to an individual under Scottish heraldic law (with the exception of civic or corporate arms). A 'family coat of arms' does not exist. With the exceptions noted above, the arms depicted below are personal arms. Only the person who has been granted these weapons has the right to use them.