Maxwell Allied and Dependent Families
• Wardlaw •

Wardlaw hill is a high area near the Maxwells’ ancient Caerlaverock Castle. From the earliest times onward, it was a watch station and signal fire, and it was the traditional gathering place of Clan Maxwell in times of strife. It is from this hill that the Maxwells took their slogan: “Wardlaw! I bid ye bide Wardlaw!”

There are several other places in Scotland named Wardlaw, so there are undoubtedly Scots and persons of Scottish descent who, in actuality, have no ancestral affiliation with the Maxwells. However, those who can trace their origin to the area near Wardlaw hill near Dumfries obviously have a clear and historically significant association with the Clan Maxwell.