THE BOYLE MOTTO
Dominus Providebit = The Lord Will Provide
THE BOYLE BADGE
The Boyle badge is a two headed eagle, half red and half silver. The words “Dominus Providebit” are stamped into the leather belt surrounding the eagle
WHO CAN WEAR THE CLAN BADGE?
“The chief wears a crested badge surmounted by three feathers. It was the practise, however, for chiefs to allow their followers to wear the crest and motto in a silver strap-and-buckle badge. This is the clansmen’s badge and if you are a member of the clan you may wear it. If the clan lacks a chief, no badge is worn.”
[Excerpt from “The Scottish Tartans” by Sir Thomas Innes.]
HISTORY OF THE TARTAN
Scottish people have been associated with plaids for centuries. However, very few of the plaids were associated with specific families, regions or regiments historically, with notable exceptions such as the Black Watch tartan. Plaids were chosen on the basis of individual taste and not based on family affiliation, much as you would buy a suit today.
Following the defeat of Bonnie Prince Charlie in’45, the wearing of kilts and tartans was banned by the Hanoverians except for Scottish Regiments. Scottish culture was not only out of fashion, it was largely illegal. Later, these restrictions were repealed. In the early nineteenth century, there was a revival of interest in Scottish culture which was romanticised by Sir Walter Scott and Robbie Burns.
During this time of “Scottish revival”, George IV made a tour of Scotland. Although grossly obese, he liked fancy clothes and proudly wore the Royal Stewart tartan. He held a great ball for the leading families of Scotland, who all wore traditional Scottish dress. Most family tartans are the plaids that were chosen by the Clan Chief to wear to this famous ball.
WEAVING A KILT
Want to make your own kilt? Visit www.houseoftartan.co.uk