Tartan Focus - Brown Clan

The Brown clan also known as the Broun clan, is a clan will a long history of scottish heritage. As the second most common second name in Scotland, and is highly seen in England, Wales & the USA.

Today's blog covers the Brown clan, their history, tartans & clan crest.

Who are Brown Clan? -

The Brown clan was primarily associated with the East Lothian area & can be traced back as far 11th century. The surname appeared in multiple locations & septs during the past few centuries. The Brown clan was most commonly referred to as the Broun clan, Other brown families were also septs of clans like Lamont & Macmillan. There is a rich history behind the brown / Broun name as the second most common surname, with many families and centuries worth of heritage.

Many people actually adapted the name as their own, to disguise their Gaelic names during political times. The name is believed to trace back to multiple roots from France, America, Ireland Scotland, Australia & Canada. Some researchers have proposed that certain Celtic origins might be linked to local judges known as "brehons."

Brown Clan History -

The clan is most commonly recognised for its ties to Walterus Brown who participated in Glasgow's church & signing the ragman roll in 1296 under King Edward 1 of England. In 1073, Walterus Le Brun travelled from France to Scotland as the leader of a band of warriors to the aid of King Malcolm of Scotland.

Holyrood Abbey 1128

Documents record Walterus Le Brun as a baron from early twelfth century who flourished in Scotland. Documented as the progenitor of the Brouns of Colstoun, he was witness to an instrument of the Inquisition of the possessions of the Church of Glasgow, made by David I, Prince (Earl) of Cumberland, in 1116, in the reign of his brother, King Alexander I of Scotland.

The brown family traces for 850 years to the Scottish lowlands and was suspected to have initiated from Sir David Le Brun who witnessed & contributed to the founding of the Holyrood Abbey in 1128 as donated the land for the abbey in exchange for prayer for their sons health.

The Brouns of Colstoun, regarded as the leading family of the name, owned the Colstoun estate by the mid-1500s and were believed to have held these lands for about 300 years before that time.

This branch of the Brouns claimed descent from French royalty, which was reflected in their heraldry. Their coat of arms featured three gold lilies, a symbol of France. The version of their arms officially registered with the Lord Lyon includes a lion rampant holding a French "fleur-de-lis." Their clan motto, "Floreat Majestas," translates to "Let majesty flourish."

Clan Brown / Broun Tartans -

The classic modern Brown tartan is the most commonly seen and associated tartan with the Broun/Brown clan. It does have a more uncommon ancient colour version of the tartan. Although the brown tartan traces back quite far in history it is one of the few clan tartans with limited tartan variations compared to other clans such as Macdonald or Anderson.

Modern Brown

Ancient Brown

The modern features a striking contrast between the bold red, dark navy & black base, with a green centreline. The ancient has more muted colours but still a unique contrast between the burnt orange, teal and black base.

Brown watch

Brown watch is a common tartan that despite its name has no official clan affiliation. It is a popular variation of the famous Blackwatch tartan which has links to the British army & military uniforms.

Due to its lack of clan affiliation it is seen as a universal tartan anyone can wear, making it suitable to a wide range of people. The Brown/Broun name has links to multiple clan septs including Douglas, Lamont, Macmillan, the Strathclyde, Aberdeen, Edinburgh & Roxburgh area districts. So people under the brown name may opt to wear the tartan for any one of those septs as it still has connections to the brown names.

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