Maxwell
Maxwell Clan Tartan Collection
Celebrate Clan Maxwell with a bold red Scottish tartan tied to Caerlaverock Castle and Nithsdale — the great Wardens of the West March, under the defiant motto Reviresco, "I Flourish Again."
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About the Maxwell Clan Tartan
The Scottish Register of Tartans records Maxwell as a Clan/Family tartan. The Maxwell sett is a bold and handsome design of red crossed with green and black and lifted by fine white lines, a warm and striking pattern of the Scottish Borders, worn in both ancient and modern shades.
Clan Maxwell is one of the great Border clans of south-west Scotland, long seated at Caerlaverock Castle in Nithsdale. The clan motto Reviresco, "I flourish again," with its evergreen holly, speaks of a family that recovered from every reverse, making Maxwell tartan especially meaningful for family pride and Scottish ancestry gifts.
Maxwell Tartan Pattern and Colours
Maxwell tartan is recognised for its bold red ground crossed with green and black and lifted by fine white lines — warm, striking colours of the Border country. Ancient shades appear softer and lighter, while modern shades are deeper and more formal.
Maxwell Heritage
The Maxwells take their name from Maccus's Well, a pool in the River Tweed by Kelso, named for a Norse lord of the reign of David I. From the 13th century they rose to power in Nithsdale, building the great triangular fortress of Caerlaverock, and for three hundred years they served as Wardens of the West March, keeping order in the lawless Borders. Sir Eustace Maxwell even dismantled his own castle rather than let it serve the English, before following Robert the Bruce to Bannockburn.
Raised to be Lords Maxwell and Earls of Nithsdale, the family were among the most powerful in Scotland, though their long and bloody feud with the Johnstones cost a chief his life at Dryfe Sands in 1593. The fifth Earl of Nithsdale, a Jacobite condemned after the 1715 rising, made a famous escape from the Tower of London disguised as a serving woman. The crest is a stag couchant before a holly bush, the war cry Wardlaw, the motto Reviresco.
Who Is This Collection For?
This collection is made for Maxwell descendants, related septs such as the Herries, Pollok and Wardlaw families, Nithsdale and Galloway heritage lovers and anyone looking for a bold red Scottish tartan with deep Border meaning.
- ✓ Maxwell family and descendants
- ✓ Nithsdale and Galloway roots
- ✓ Caerlaverock Castle heritage
- ✓ Highland games clothing
- ✓ Scottish ancestry gifts
- ✓ Bold red tartan style
How to Wear Maxwell Tartan
Maxwell tartan works well across caps, shirts, hoodies, scarves, ties, jackets, blankets and keepsake gifts. The bold red palette makes a striking statement, suitable for everyday heritage wear, formal Scottish events and meaningful family gifts.
Maxwell Clan Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about Maxwell tartan, Caerlaverock Castle and why this design matters for Scottish heritage shoppers.
What is the Maxwell tartan?
Maxwell is recorded by the Scottish Register of Tartans as a Clan/Family tartan — a bold red sett with green and black, of the Border country.
What does the name Maxwell mean?
It comes from Maccus's Well, a pool in the River Tweed by Kelso, named for a Norse lord of the 12th century.
What is the Maxwell clan motto?
The Maxwell motto is Reviresco, "I flourish again"; the crest is a stag before a holly bush, and the war cry is Wardlaw.
Where is Clan Maxwell from?
From Nithsdale in Dumfriesshire, with the great triangular Caerlaverock Castle near Dumfries as the family's seat.
Does Clan Maxwell have a chief?
It is an armigerous clan today, without a chief since 1863, but with a proud and active heritage worldwide.
Who can wear Maxwell tartan?
People with Maxwell ancestry, related septs or a respectful connection to the clan and Scottish heritage can wear Maxwell tartan.
Wear the Tartan of Clan Maxwell
Discover Maxwell tartan clothing, accessories and gifts inspired by Caerlaverock Castle, Nithsdale and the defiant motto Reviresco.
View Maxwell Tartan Clothing