Description
Information about the family history and the coat of arms
Family history
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Family history Earl of March
Die Earls of March – Wächter der schottischen Ostgrenze
The Scottish history of the title of March began with Gospatric, an Earl of Northumbria. In the 11th century he was granted admission to King Malcolm III and received Dunbar with lands in East Lothian. His descendants named their coastal castle Dunbar. In the 12th century Waltheof appears as Earl of Dunbar; later the title Earl of March reflected the family’s role on the English-Scottish border.
The Dunbars were among Scotland’s magnates. Their position required decisions between the two kingdoms. Patrick, Earl of March, initially supported the English crown, but later approached Robert the Bruce and in 1320 was among the signatories of the Declaration of Arbroath. Dunbar Castle was even used as a refuge for King Edward II after the Battle of Bannockburn.
Berühmt wurde Agnes Randolph, genannt „Black Agnes“, die Gemahlin eines weiteren Patrick. 1338 verteidigte sie Dunbar Castle monatelang gegen eine englische Belagerung. Ihr Witz und ihre Entschlossenheit machten sie zu einer der eindrucksvollsten Gestalten der schottischen Überlieferung. Da ihre Ehe kinderlos blieb, folgte ein verwandter Zweig der Dunbars.
George Dunbar, der spätere zehnte Earl, geriet um 1400 in den Machtkampf zwischen den Häusern Douglas und Stewart. Nach Jahren im englischen Exil gewann er Titel und Besitz zeitweise zurück. 1435 zog König James I. jedoch die große Grenzherrschaft ein. Nebenlinien der Dunbars bestanden in Schottland weiter und führten den alten Familiennamen fort.
Der Titel March wurde später neu vergeben. 1697 erhielt ihn William Douglas, Sohn des ersten Duke of Queensberry. Über Lady Anne Douglas gelangte diese jüngere Titellinie 1810 an die Familie Wemyss-Charteris. Sie wird bis heute gemeinsam mit dem Earldom of Wemyss geführt. So lebt der Name March weiter – von Dunbars felsiger Burg bis in die moderne schottische Adelsgeschichte.
Sources: Historic Environment Scotland, National Records of Scotland, UK Parliament, Scottish History Society
Coat of arms & Heraldry
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Family coat of arms Earl of March
Das Wappen folgt den historischen Armen der Earls of March aus dem Haus Dunbar.
In Rot ein silberner Löwe, umgeben von einem silbernen Bord mit acht roten Rosen. Über dem Schild Grafenkrone und Helm mit einem gezäumten Pferdekopf als Helmzier; Decken rot-silbern.
Das Haus Dunbar führte die Grenzgrafschaft March. Löwe und Rosenbord sind auf Siegeln Patrick Dunbars und in mittelalterlichen Wappenrollen belegt.
Sources: Scottish Armorial Seals, Ragman Roll, Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, National Records of Scotland
Overview of your title package
What the title of nobility contains
Discover the fascination of historical noble titles. With each appointment, you receive a first-class package that perfectly combines tradition, personal recognition, and stylish representation:
Your certificate
Authentic design with a historic flair: For each region, we create a certificate of appointment in the distinctive, country-specific style – complete with the appropriate coat of arms of your chosen title.
Share this special moment: Upon request, you will receive a free partner certificate and certificates for your children, so that the whole family can participate in the tradition.
Your own coat of arms
Each title comes with the corresponding historical coat of arms, which you receive as a high-resolution file. You can use it completely freely in private and professional contexts – whether on letterhead, business cards, or seals.
The Companion Book
The book „My Title“ takes you in detail into the multifaceted world of your new aristocratic title and offers valuable practical tips for everyday life, stylish guidance, and background information on history.
Our accessories
Golden ID Card
Crafted from premium aluminum in business card format, the gold ID Card makes your title look stylish and mobile.
Gold coins
Fine gold and silver-plated medallions combine coats of arms, names and titles in a glossy, unique design.
Emblem stamp
The self-inking stamp quickly, cleanly and precisely transfers your personal emblem onto letterhead paper.
My own wine
Choose fine red or white wine with an elegant, personalized label for a stylish look.
Wappen Gläser
The masterfully engraved wine glasses display their coat of arms, name and title in stunning brilliance.
Precision pliers
The elegant embossing pliers embellishes letterheads or documents with a tactile, colourless relief embossing.
Honorary membership
Membership of the Noble Society Institute enriches your title with another dimension of exclusive representation. Validated by a magnificent certificate in your name, with no ongoing fees or obligations.
