Hamilton
Hamilton Tartan Collection
Celebrate a clan at the heart of Scotland's story with the Hamilton collection — the Dukes of Hamilton, premier peers and once heirs to the throne itself, under the bold single word Through.
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About the Hamilton Tartan
Clan Hamilton is one of the great Lowland clans, long the most powerful family in Scotland after the royal Stewarts. The house springs from Walter Fitz Gilbert of Hameldon, first recorded in 1294, who received the lands of Cadzow from Robert the Bruce. A clan with its own chief, the Duke of Hamilton, premier peer of Scotland, the Hamiltons bear their own bold red-and-blue tartan and the pithy motto Through.
Whether you bear the Hamilton name, descend from Lanarkshire, or simply admire a clan at the very heart of Scottish history, this collection brings the Hamilton tartan into wearable apparel, everyday accessories, home decor and meaningful heritage gifts.
Hamilton Tartan Pattern & Colours
The Hamilton tartan is one of Scotland's boldest — a striking sett built on a rich red ground crossed by broad blue stripes and fine white lines, a confident pattern right for a family that spent centuries at the heart of Scottish power. The Hunting Hamilton offers a quieter green-based sett for everyday and outdoor wear.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Hamilton tartan collection is a meaningful choice for the Hamilton family and its septs, including the Cadzows, Bannatynes and MacGibbons, descendants of Lanarkshire and Arran, and anyone drawn to a great clan of Scottish history.
- Hamilton family & septs
- Lanarkshire & Arran roots
- Cadzow & Bannatyne branches
- Clan gatherings
- Birthday & Christmas gifts
- Bold everyday tartan style
Hamilton Clan Heritage
Walter Fitz Gilbert held Bothwell Castle for the English, but came over to Robert the Bruce and was rewarded with the barony of Cadzow, once the Comyns', which in time became the town of Hamilton. His son Sir David was captured beside King David II at Neville's Cross in 1346. In the 15th century James Hamilton married Princess Mary Stewart, daughter of James III, and was created Lord Hamilton; his descendants became Earls of Arran.
The 2nd Earl of Arran was Regent of Scotland during the childhood of Mary, Queen of Scots, and was made Duke of Châtellerault in France; for much of that century a Hamilton stood next in line to the throne. Raised to Marquess in 1599 and Duke of Hamilton in 1643, the family gave Scotland statesmen and soldiers, and the Reformation martyr Patrick Hamilton. From an Ayrshire branch sprang Alexander Hamilton, a founding father of the United States. The crest is an oak tree cut by a saw, the motto Through.
Hamilton Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Hamilton tartan, who can wear it, and why Hamilton products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
What is the Hamilton tartan?
It is the clan tartan of Clan Hamilton, a bold red sett with broad blue stripes and white lines; the Hunting Hamilton is a quieter green-based sett.
Who can wear the Hamilton tartan?
Anyone can wear it. It is especially meaningful for those of the Hamilton name and its septs, and for anyone with Lanarkshire ancestry.
What does the motto "Through" mean?
It is one of the shortest mottoes in Scottish heraldry, expressing the family's drive to push through every rival and obstacle to the top.
Were the Hamiltons really heirs to the throne?
Yes. For much of the 16th century the Hamiltons stood next in line to the Scottish throne, and the 2nd Earl of Arran served as Regent for Mary, Queen of Scots.
Who is the chief of Clan Hamilton?
The chief is the Duke of Hamilton, premier peer of Scotland; the family's historic seats included Hamilton Palace and Brodick Castle on Arran.
Is Hamilton tartan a good gift?
Yes. Hamilton products make thoughtful gifts for family members, clan gatherings, birthdays, Christmas and Scottish heritage celebrations.
Celebrate Your Hamilton Heritage in Style
Discover Hamilton tartan apparel, accessories and meaningful Scottish-inspired gifts that honour Lanarkshire, the Dukes of Hamilton and the bold motto Through.
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