Dorward Tartan Collection
Dorward Family Tartan Collection
Celebrate the Dorward name with a Scottish heritage tartan — from the door-ward of the king's hall, an office held by one of the most powerful men in thirteenth-century Scotland.
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About the Dorward Family Tartan
The Dorward name — also Durward — comes from a great office of the medieval Scottish court: the door-ward, or usher, who kept the door of the king's hall. In Norman French the same officer was l'Ussier, and in Latin the hostarius; the English form gave the family their name.
As a family name rather than a Highland clan, Dorward is most fittingly matched with a family or district tartan. This collection brings a fitting Scottish tartan into wearable apparel, accessories, home decor and heritage gifts.
Dorward Tartan Pattern and Colours
This collection draws on warm reds and greens with darker lines — colours of standing and office, fitting for a family that kept the door of the king's hall and held great lands in Angus and Mar.
Dorward Heritage
Unlike most holders of great royal offices in that age, the Durwards were not an Anglo-Norman family but of native Gaelic stock, a branch of the old comital house of Mar. The office of door-ward was held by them across generations, and they took its name for their own.
The greatest of them was Alan Durward, who died in 1275: Justiciar of Scotia and for a time regent of the kingdom during the minority of Alexander III, he was among the most powerful men in Scotland. He built the castle of Coull in the Howe of Cromar in Aberdeenshire, whose ruins still stand, and held lands across Angus, Mar and the north-east.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for those of the Dorward and Durward name, families with Angus, Mar and Aberdeenshire roots, lovers of medieval Scottish history and anyone who wishes to honour an old Scottish name of office.
- ✓ Dorward and Durward family
- ✓ Angus and Mar roots
- ✓ Coull and Aberdeenshire heritage
- ✓ Medieval Scottish history lovers
- ✓ Scottish ancestry gifts
- ✓ Warm red tartan style
How to Wear Dorward Tartan
A Dorward family or district tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts — easy to style for everyday heritage wear, family occasions and meaningful gifts.
Dorward Family Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Dorward name, the tartan its members wear and why it matters for Scottish heritage shoppers.
Does Dorward have its own clan tartan?
Dorward is a family name rather than a Highland clan, so it is most fittingly worn with a family or district tartan.
What does the name Dorward mean?
From the door-ward, the officer who kept the door of the king's hall — the hostarius of the Latin records.
Were the Durwards Norman?
No — unusually for holders of a great royal office, they were of native Gaelic stock, a branch of the old comital house of Mar.
Who was Alan Durward?
Justiciar of Scotia and for a time regent during the minority of Alexander III, among the most powerful men in thirteenth-century Scotland.
What is Coull Castle?
The castle Alan Durward built in the Howe of Cromar in Aberdeenshire; its ruins still stand in the parish of Coull.
Who can wear the Dorward tartan?
Anyone of the Dorward or Durward name, or with a family connection.
Carry the Dorward Name with Pride
Discover family and district tartan clothing, accessories and gifts for the Dorward family — honouring Mar, Coull and the king's door.
View Dorward Tartan Clothing