Gladstone (Gladstanes)
Gladstone Tartan Collection
Honour an old Clydesdale name with the Gladstone collection — the family of the kite's rock near Biggar, small farmers of Lanarkshire who rose to give Britain a great Prime Minister.
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About the Gladstone Tartan
The Gladstone name — older form Gladstanes or Gledstanes — is an old territorial one, taken from the lands of Gledstanes near Biggar in the upper ward of Lanarkshire, in Clydesdale. The name comes from the Old English for "the kite's stone," the rocks of the district being haunts of that bird of prey. An old armigerous family, later linked with Teviotdale in the Borders, the Gladstones have their own distinctive tartan.
Whether you bear the Gladstone or Gladstanes name, descend from Lanarkshire or the Borders, or simply admire an old family that rose from the land to the heights of public life, this collection brings the Gladstone tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Gladstone Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Gladstone tartan is a bold and handsome sett built on a deep red ground crossed with green and lined with black and white — warm, dignified colours fitting for an old Clydesdale family whose roots lie in the farms and stony braes of the upper Clyde near Biggar.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Gladstone collection is a meaningful choice for the Gladstone and Gladstanes family, descendants of Lanarkshire and the Borders, those with Biggar or Teviotdale roots, and anyone drawn to an old name of the upper Clyde.
- Gladstone & Gladstanes family
- Lanarkshire & Border roots
- Biggar & Teviotdale ties
- Family gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Bold everyday tartan style
Gladstone Family Heritage
Herbert de Gledstanes of Lanark, the first of the name on record, set his seal — an eight-leaved flower — to the Ragman Roll in 1296. Sir William of Gledstanes was present at the Battle of Poitiers in 1356, and John Gladstanes, claiming descent from Gledstanes of that Ilk, was raised to the Supreme Court bench in 1542. The chief line in time removed to the Borders, while younger branches remained as small farmers and maltmen around Biggar and Libberton.
From these humble Clydesdale farmers sprang a remarkable rise: John Gladstones of Toftcombes near Biggar had a son Thomas who prospered as a trader in Leith, and the family fortunes grew from there. In 1835 the head of that line took by royal licence the settled form of the name, Gladstone; his son, William Ewart Gladstone, became one of the towering figures of the age, serving four times as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
Gladstone Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Gladstone name, the tartan its members wear, and why Gladstone products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Gladstone tartan?
It is the family tartan of the Gladstones, a bold red sett with green, black and white — warm colours recalling their Clydesdale homeland near Biggar.
Who can wear the Gladstone tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Gladstone or Gladstanes name and for anyone with Lanarkshire or Border ancestry.
Where does the Gladstone name come from?
From the lands of Gledstanes near Biggar in Lanarkshire; the name is Old English for "the kite's stone."
Is Gladstone connected to the Prime Minister?
Yes. The four-time Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone descended from the Gladstones of the Biggar district in Lanarkshire.
Is it spelled Gladstone or Gladstanes?
Both are used. Gladstanes and Gledstanes are the older Scottish forms; Gladstone is the settled modern spelling, adopted by royal licence in 1835.
Is Gladstone tartan a good gift?
Yes. Gladstone products make thoughtful gifts for family members, gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Gladstone Heritage in Style
Discover Gladstone tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Biggar, the upper Clyde and an old name of Clydesdale.
View Gladstone Tartan Products