Clan Maxwell
Maxwell is the name of a Scottish clan, which originated from the area of traditional Scottish Borders. As a clan, he is recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms; However, today has no chief, and is therefore counted as armigerous clan.
History
The Clan Maxwell performs his ancestry to " Maccus " back. This was a son of Undwin, which in turn probably one of the Norman conquerors of the 11th century. From about 1150 they were settled with possessions to Melrose in the eastern Scottish Borders, but already before 1300, they settled in the West in the area of their ancestral castle later. The original area of Maccus was named Maccuswell; this should have meant "The little pond of Maccus in the River Tweed ."
John de Maccuswell († 1241 ), was the grandson of Maccus and in the counting of the first Maxwell of Caerlaverock. He left in 1220 to build the Caerlaverock Castle First, after its sinking established his nephew Herbert 1270 Caerlaverock New Castle.
As a result, the lords of " Maxwell, Caerlaverock and Mearns " became a politically powerful and locally influential family. They questioned the Sherrifs in their region, were " Warden of the Marches " and were even called twice to the office of Chamberlain of Scotland. The various branches of the family remained close together, so that marriages in the second generation between the various branches of the family were not uncommon.
Herbert Maxwell was appointed in 1445 to the Lord Maxwell, he and his heirs led continuing this item. 1581 followed for John Maxwell was appointed " Earl of Morton "; due to a procedural defect had this title be renamed for his son Robert in " Earl of Nithsdale " in 1620.
Because he participated in the First Jacobite William Maxwell, 5th Earl of Nithsdale, 14th Lord Maxwell, 9th Lord Herries of Terregles in 1716 were denied all titles. Only William Constable - Maxwell, whose grandson, could regain the title of Lord Herries of 1746 at least. 1918 was the title of the Dukes of Norfolk, he is currently borne by Anne Cowdrey. The other two titles were not awarded since 1716.
The honorary title of clan chief was passed over a branch of the family; the last recognized by the Lord Lyon King of Arms Chief William Maxwell of Carruchan died 1863.
Clan castles
- Caerlaverock Castle, historic seat of the Chief of Clan Maxwell.
- Threave Castle, owned by the Clan Maxwell 1526-1640.
- Maxwell Castle. Built in 1545 and already in 1570 destroyed by English troops.
- Newark Castle, Port Glasgow, built by members of the Clan Maxwell in the 15th century.
- Haggs Castle, owned by the Clan Maxwell 1585-1972.
- Pollock House, until 1966 the seat of the " Maxwell Baronets of Pollok ." Of international interest, since there the Burrell Collection can be found today.