Boswell
Boswell Tartan Collection
Honour a name of letters and law with the Boswell collection — the Norman family of Balmuto and Auchinleck that gave the world James Boswell, biographer of Dr Johnson, under the motto Vraye Foi, "true faith."
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About the Boswell Tartan
Clan Boswell is a Lowland Scottish clan of Norman origin, descended from the de Bosvilles who came north with David I in the 12th century, the name taken from a manor in Normandy. Recognised by the Lord Lyon, Boswell is an armigerous clan — one without a chief at present. The family seats were at Balmuto Castle in Fife and, later, Auchinleck in Ayrshire. As the Boswell tartan is a restricted sett, members traditionally also wear the Fife or Tweedside District tartans of the clan's home country.
This collection celebrates the Boswell name — also found as Boswall — and its heritage of letters, law and Norman descent, bringing fitting tartans into apparel, accessories, home decor and heritage gifts for those who carry the name or trace their line to Fife and Ayrshire.
Boswell & District Tartan Colours
Worn through the Fife and Tweedside District tartans, the collection draws on the cool, dignified palette of the Lowlands — blue and green with black and a fine white line — quiet, refined colours fitting for a family of judges, lairds and men of letters.
Who Is This Collection For?
The Boswell collection is a meaningful choice for the Boswell and Boswall family, descendants of Fife and Ayrshire, lovers of literature and the law, and anyone drawn to a Norman-Scottish family of great distinction.
- Boswell & Boswall family
- Fife & Ayrshire roots
- Balmuto & Auchinleck lines
- Family gatherings
- Birthday & holiday gifts
- Everyday tartan style
Boswell Family Heritage
Robert de Bosville witnessed charters in the reign of William the Lion, and Walter de Bosville was taken prisoner by the English at the Battle of Dunbar in 1296. A younger son of the Border family was the first to settle in Fife, marrying the co-heiress of Sir William of Lochore and acquiring the barony of Balmuto. Sir Alexander Boswell of Balmuto fell at Flodden in 1513, and his son David at Pinkie in 1547 — the family paying in blood for its loyalty.
In the 17th century the Boswells acquired Auchinleck in Ayrshire and became lawyers of great eminence. Alexander Boswell was raised to the bench as Lord Auchinleck in 1756; his son James Boswell, 9th Laird of Auchinleck, won lasting fame as the biographer of Dr Samuel Johnson, his Life of Johnson among the greatest in the English language. The crest is a hooded falcon, and the motto Vraye Foi means "true faith."
Boswell Tartan FAQ
Quick answers about the Boswell name, the tartans its members wear, and why Boswell products make meaningful Scottish heritage gifts.
Does Boswell have its own tartan?
There is a Boswell tartan, but it is a restricted sett. Members traditionally also wear the Fife or Tweedside District tartans of the clan's home country.
Where does the Boswell name come from?
Clan Boswell is of Norman origin, descended from the de Bosvilles who came to Scotland with David I, the name taken from a manor in Normandy.
Who was James Boswell?
James Boswell, 9th Laird of Auchinleck (1740–1795), was the celebrated biographer of Dr Samuel Johnson, whose Life of Johnson is among the greatest biographies in English.
What does the motto "Vraye Foi" mean?
Vraye Foi is old French for "true faith," paired with a crest of a hooded falcon.
Who can wear the Boswell district tartan?
Anyone of the Boswell or Boswall name, or with Fife or Ayrshire roots, can wear a suitable district tartan such as the Fife or Tweedside sett.
Is Boswell tartan a good gift?
Yes. Boswell products make a meaningful gift for the Boswell family and for those with Fife, Ayrshire or Norman-Scottish heritage.
Carry the Boswell Name with Pride
Discover Boswell and district tartan apparel, accessories and gifts — honouring Balmuto, Auchinleck and a family of letters under the motto Vraye Foi.
View Boswell Tartan Products