Description
Information about the family history and the coat of arms
Family history
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Family history Earl of March
The Earls of March – Guardians of the Scottish Eastern Frontier
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.
Agnes Randolph, known as „Black Agnes“, the wife of another Patrick, became famous. In 1338, she defended Dunbar Castle for months against an English siege. Her wit and determination made her one of the most impressive figures in Scottish history. Since she remained childless, a related branch of the Dunbars followed.
George Dunbar, the later tenth Earl, became embroiled in a power struggle between the houses of Douglas and Stewart around 1400. After years in exile in England, he gained titles and briefly regained possession of property. However, in 1435 King James I imposed the Great Border Rule. Sub-lineages of the Dunbars continued to exist in Scotland and carried on the old family name.
The title of March was later reassigned. In 1697 it was given to William Douglas, son of the first Duke of Queensberry. Through Lady Anne Douglas, this younger line of title passed to the Wemyss-Charteris family in 1810. They continue to be jointly held with the Earldom of Wemyss to this day. Thus, the name of March lives on – from Dunbar’s rocky castle to modern Scottish noble history.
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
The coat of arms follows the historical arms of the Earls of March from the House of Dunbar.
In red, a silver lion surrounded by a silver border with eight red roses. Above the shield is a crown of Count and a helmet with a tufted horse's head as a decorative element; the mantle is red-silver.
The House of Dunbar ruled the County of March. The lion and rose emblem are depicted on seals of Patrick Dunbar and in medieval coat of arms.
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.
