The Clan Wallace Society Worldwide
“The Clan Wallace Society represents all Scots of any clan and  all others who wish they were Scots. Its purpose is educational with particular emphasis on Scottish history, heritage, and achievements of those claiming Scottish descent. Membership is broadly extended to the Clan and Family of Wallace, those related to them by blood, marriage, or common heritage, or with those having a common interest in the purposes of the Society.” Quoted directly from the Clan Wallace Society Worldwide membership pamphlet.
A very special thanks goes out to all the Clan Wallace Society members who helped me with information on this site. The Clan Wallace Society has shown its hospitality and enduring strength through its support and encouragement of members. The Clan Wallace Society hosts a member site full of information concerning our Society’s activities and some pictures of members at the events. It’s a great way to get to know the wonderful people who make up the Society. Please take a few minutes to visit their site and I’m sure you’ll be convinced to join once you see all the friendly faces and fun things we do. If you'd like to join The Clan Wallace Society Worldwide, please visit their website for an application.
Clan Wallace Society Worldwide
Wallace Motto
The Clan Wallace Motto is Pro Libertate which means “For Freedom”. In the late 1200’s and early 1300’s, a Scottish Patriot named William Wallace stirred his nation to rebel against the harsh rule of England’s King Edward I Plantagenet also known as “The Longshanks”. William Wallace became High Protector of Scotland and was knighted for his patriotism and leadership in the rebellion. He was eventually defeated in battle and was imprisoned and tortured to death by the English. It was not until the year 2000 that Sir William Wallace’s dream of freedom for Scotland became a reality. Scotland instituted it’s first Parliament in 2000 with Queen Elizabeth of England in attendance to support the event.
“For as long as but a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be brought under English rule. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but FOR FREEDOM -- for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself.”
Excerpted from the Treaty of Arbroath (Scottish Declaration of Independence)
Wallace Bagpipe Tunes
According to The Clan Wallace Society, official tunes include “The Clan Wallace March” written by Charles MacTaggart in 1985, and “Wallace the Brave” sung or played to the tune of “Scotland the Brave”.
Wallace Tartans
The English monarchy banned the wearing of tartan about 1747 since they viewed it as a symbol of war and Scottish defiance. The ban was eventually lifted in 1782, and by the 1820’s it was once again popular to wear clan tartans. It is not known exactly what the tartan of Sir William Wallace’s time might have looked like, thus the “Braveheart Plaid” seen in the movie is not a true rendition of the Wallace Ancient Tartan. You can view the “Braveheart Plaid” at MacBraveheart. The tartans shown here are proper wear for anyone involved with Clan Wallace.
Wallace Plant Badge
Long before we had the nice, shiny metal Clan Crest Badges, plant badges were worn as an emblem of a clan. The plants were often tied together and placed on helmets or shoulders so that during battle, the men could distinguish who was on their side. Later, as the people were better able to craft with metals, they created badges and brooches more similar to what is seen today. Clan Wallace’s plant badge is officially a spray of oak leaves with acorn.
Wallace Clan Crest
Long ago, during battle, the Clan Chief wore a distinguishing badge on his helmet which his followers could recognize in the heat of action. This was known as The Crest of the Chief and it appears at the top of his full Coat of Arms. For Clan Wallace, the Chief’s Crest is signified by a crown with an armored arm wielding a sword. Anyone bearing the same surname or having an ancestor with a Sept name of a Scottish Chief is a “Clansman of the Chief” and has the privilege of wearing the crest surrounded by a strap and buckle garter to denote his clan allegiance.
|
