ISSUE #48 Winter 2009/Spring 2010 IS NOW AVAILABLE IN THE MEMBERS AREA
All newsletters will be delivered via email in PDF format unless otherwise indicated. We need to have all current emails (and addresses too) for all members. If you are unsure of our having your current email, please send an email to Stephen Maxwell (the webmaster and newsletter editor- link on Executive page) with your email and current address.
Thank you.
Because Canada has the largest land mass in the world, we realize how difficult it might be to serve Members. However, we endeavour to do so through our Newsletter, published at least three times annually.
The objectives of The CLAN MAXWELL SOCIETY OF CANADA are to cultivate pride in, and foster a spirit of kinship among all Members; encourage each Member to offer aid and hospitality to other clansmen; provide accurate, interesting and timely information on MAXWELL history, activities and people; to encourage young people in Clan activities; and to collect historical as well as genealogical records of the family.
The MAXWELLs for almost five hundred years were one of the most powerful and respected families along the Scottish southwest border. The family has held numerous titles and offices such as Earl of Nithsdale, Earl of Morton, Earl of Dirleton, Lord Maxwell, Lord Carlyle, Lord Elbottle, Lord Eskdaill, Lord Herries of Terregles, Lord Kingston, Lord Farnham, Lord DeRos, Warden of the Western Marches, and Chamberlain of Scotland.
They have held five Baronetcies; that of Calderwood in Lanarkshire, Cardoness in Kirkcudbrightshire, Monreith in Wigtonshire, Pollock in Renfrewshire, and Springkell in Dumfriesshire.
The first mention we have of the MAXWELLs is Sir John Maxwell, who was Chamberlain of Scotland, and who died without issue in 1241. He was succeeded by his brother.
Many castles and historic homes have belonged to the MAXWELLs over the years, such as Threave, Annan Tower, Lochmaben, Langholm, Hills, Terregles, Maxwell's Castle (Dumfries), Barend, Kirkconnell House, Hoddom, Cardoness, Orchardtown, Corra, Preston (Wrieth's Tower), Castlemilk, Cowhill, Fourmerkland, The Isle, Friar's Carse, Myretown Tower, Auldhouse, Monreith, and in Strathclyde: Pollock, Haggs, Calderwood, Newark, Stainley, and Dargavel House.
Howver, the great castle of the MAXWELLs and their Clan seat, is CAERLAVEROCK Castle, situated south of Dumfries by the Solway, an unique and beautiful sight even in it's partially ruined state today. It is well worth the visit!