The first mention we have of the Maxwell clan is Sir John Maxwell, Chamberlain of Scotland, who died without issue in 1241. He was succeeded by his brother, who, with other children, had two sons, Herbert and John. Sir Herbert's descendant in the seventh degree was created Lord Maxwell, and had two sons Robert, 2nd Lord, and Sir Edward. From the latter come the Maxwells of Monreith.
Robert, 2nd Lord Maxwell, was succeeded by his son John, who fell at Flodden 1513, when the title went to his son. The latter had two sons-Robert, 5th Lord, and Sir John, who became Lord Herries of Terregles. Robert, 5th Lord, was succeeded by his son, 6th Lord, who in turn was succeeded by his son John; the latter was executed for murder, and the title fell to his brother, Robert, afterwards Earl of Nithsdale.
His son, Robert, dying without issue, the estates reverted to his cousin, Lord Herries, whose son and grandson held the Earldom in turn. The latter was sentenced to death as a Jacobite, but, by the aid of his wife, escaped to Rome, where he died in 1744. He left a son, William, whose great grandson proved his claim to the Barony of Herries. He died in 1876, succeeded by his son, Marmaduke (Lord Herries). Sir John Maxwell of Pollok, great grandson of Sir John, second son of Sir Aymer, had two sons, Sir John and Sir Robert. From the latter come the Maxwells of Cardoness, also those of Farnham. From the former come the Maxwells of Pollok, Baronets. The great Border castle of Caerlaverock was long the seat of the Maxwell Chiefs.

Clan Seat: Caerlaverock Castle, Dumfriesshire.
Plant: Rowan.