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Clan Wardlaw (Tartans, Crest) and The Story Behind

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Wardlaw

Clan Crest: An estoile, Or

Clan Motto: Familias Firma Pietas (Religion strengthens families)

Clan Chief: None, armigerous clan

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Wardlaw Clan History

There are several Wardlaws in Scotland, but it is impossible to say which one the surname derives from, assuming the name is of territorial origin. However, there is no evidence of a Wardlaw family of that ilk.

There is a Wardlaw near Beauly in the Highlands, "the hillock where watch and ward was kept by the retainers of the Norman lord of the Aird, John Byset," which appears as early as 1210 (though as Wardelaue) and demonstrates the early introduction of the English language to the area.

The first mention of this surname in Scotland appears to be Henricus de Wardlaw, who was granted a charter by Robert I for half of the barony of Wiltone in Roxburghshire.

Master Walter de Wardlaw (d. 1387) was a doctor,'sacre pagine,' and canon of Aberdeen in 1358.

The same Walter de Wardlaw was archdeacon of Lothian in 1363, and later a popular and celebrated bishop of Glasgow for twenty years, from 1367 to 1387, probably in September. During the Western Schism, when Scotland sided with the Avignon Papacy in 1383, Avignon Pope Clement VII elevated Wardlaw to the rank of cardinal priest. He also served as an ambassador to England.

Henry Wardlaw, Walter Wardlaw's nephew, was the bishop of St. Andrews from 1403 to 1440, and he was said to be one of the most famous people of his time, as well as the founder of the University of St. Andrews. Pitreavie Wardlaws were descended from Henry's brother William (d. 1420).

Hugh Fraser of Lovat's charter was witnessed by Sir Patrick of Warlaw in 1436, and Alexander Wardlaw, or Warlaw, of Warenston was recorded as a witness in Edinburgh in 1467.

Henry of Wardelawe was granted safe passage into England in 1397, and John of Wardlawe of Recardton was granted safe passage into England in 1467.

Wardlaw Places & People

Wardlaw Locations:

Fife's Balmule House. Wardlaw of Balmule built a newer house with a portion of the original tower house incorporated.

Pitreavie Castle, Fife - Pitreavie Castle was also built by the Wardlaws of Balmule.

Wardlaw Tartans

Wardlaw Tartan

Wardlaw Crest & Coats of Arms

Clan Wardlaw Crest

Description of the Crest: An estoile, Or

Coats of Arms of Wardlaw:

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.