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Clan Henderson

Sola virtus nobilitat (Virtue alone ennobles)

Clan Henderson has no single point of origin: the Clan Henderson Society traces separate lines in Glencoe, where the Hendersons were the MacDonald chief's traditional pipers, in Caithness through Henry Gunn, in Shetland, and in the Lowlands at Fordell in Fife. The Lowland line rose with James Henderson, who became Lord Justice Clerk, or Lord Advocate, of Scotland in 1494 and for whom the lands of Fordell were erected into a barony in 1511. Fordell became the designation of the Lowland chiefly line, and the present chief, Alistair Henderson of Fordell, is on the membership list of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs.

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Clan Henderson Crest

Clan Henderson Crest

Welcome offer $10 off orders of $20 or more with code WELCOME10 One use per customer. Cannot be combined with other offers.
 

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Personalized Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration QF34

Personalized Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
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£20.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP
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Bagpiper Ornament

Henderson · Ancient

Personalized Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
From £16.00 GBP
£20.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP
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Bagpiper Ornament

Henderson · Modern

Personalized Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Drummer Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
From £16.00 GBP
£20.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP
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Drummer Ornament

Henderson · Ancient

Henderson Weathered Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name

Personalized Clan Henderson Weathered Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Henderson Weathered Tartan Bagpipe Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree DecorationCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this unique wood & acrylic tartan ornament. Perfect as a personalized Christmas decoration or a meaningful gift for friends and relatives on special occasions such...
From £16.00 GBP
£20.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP
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Bagpiper Ornament

Henderson · Weathered

Henderson Modern Tartan Shirt with Scotland Coat of Arms & Custom Name RN70Personalized Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Shirt with Scotland Coat of Arms & Custom Name, view 2

Personalized Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Shirt with Scotland Coat of Arms & Custom Name - Henderson Modern

Henderson Modern Tartan Shirt with Scotland Coat of Arms & Custom NameCelebrate your Scottish heritage with this Henderson Modern Tartan Shirt with Scotland Coat of Arms & Custom Name RN70, featuring a bold Scotland Coat of Arms and your custom name on the back....
From £31.00 GBP
From £31.00 GBP
  • Henderson Modern

Personalized Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Shirt with Scotland Coat of Arms & Custom Name

Henderson · Modern

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Crest Gnome Round Ceramic Ornament HU52 Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Christmas Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Crest Gnome Round Ceramic Ornament HU52 Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Christmas

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Crest Gnome Round Ceramic Ornament - Henderson Ancient Tartan

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Crest Gnome Round Ceramic Ornament One of the best things about Christmas is that it gives you an excuse to dress up your home with all of the lovely ornaments we associate with the holiday season. With so many...
From £15.00 GBP
From £15.00 GBP
  • Henderson Ancient Tartan

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Crest Gnome Round Ceramic Ornament

Henderson · Ancient

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Star Ceramic Ornament AX87 Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Christmas Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Star Ceramic Ornament AX87 Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Christmas

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Star Ceramic Ornament - Henderson Ancient Tartan

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Star Ceramic Ornament One of the best things about Christmas is that it gives you an excuse to dress up your home with all of the lovely ornaments we associate with the holiday season. With so many different types...
From £15.00 GBP
From £15.00 GBP
  • Henderson Ancient Tartan

Tartan Ornament

Henderson · Ancient

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Christmas Santa Hat WO74 Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Santa Hat Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Christmas Santa Hat WO74 Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Santa Hat

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Christmas Santa Hat - Henderson Ancient Tartan

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Christmas Santa Hat Product Detail: Material: Polyester Design Area: Single side full width printing Sizes:'S (26 x 38 cm); L (32.5 x 45 cm) Discover the Clan Henderson heritage page, shop the full Clan Henderson tartan collection or see...
From £20.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
  • Henderson Ancient Tartan

Tartan Cap

Henderson · Ancient Tartan

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Christmas Ceramic Ornament Highland Cows Style JJ24 Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Ornament Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Christmas Ceramic Ornament Highland Cows Style JJ24 Henderson Ancient Tartan Tartan Ornament

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Christmas Ceramic Ornament Highland Cows Style - Henderson Ancient Tartan

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Christmas Ceramic Ornament Highland Cows Style Product Detail:One of the best things about Christmas is that it gives you an excuse to dress up your home with all of the lovely ornaments we associate with the holiday season. With so...
From £12.00 GBP
From £12.00 GBP
  • Henderson Ancient Tartan

Tartan Ornament

Henderson · Ancient

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Bow Tie

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Bow Tie - Henderson Modern Tartan Clan

Henderson Modern Tartan Clan Bow Tie Product detail: Unique item with your custom design can be worn on various occasions, such as weddings,'anniversaries, and birthday parties. 100% polyester satin, silky and durable. Adjustable neckband fits neck sizes 11.5' to 20' Flat measurement without knot:...
£27.00 GBP
£27.00 GBP
  • Henderson Modern Tartan Clan

Tartan Bow Tie

Henderson

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Garden FlagClan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Garden Flag, view 2

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Garden Flag - Celtic Thistle - Henderson Ancient Tartan Clan

Henderson Ancient Tartan Clan Crest Garden Flag - Celtic Thistle Product Detail: Welcome guests to your home with this seasonal flag. Available in 2 sizes: Small size 12'x18' and Large size 28'x40' Material: 100% polyester, PU and carbon black. Weatherproof and fade resistant fabric...
£28.00 GBP
£28.00 GBP
  • Henderson Ancient Tartan Clan

Tartan Flag

Henderson

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Black Garden FlagClan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Black Garden Flag, view 2

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Black Garden Flag - Gold Thistle - Henderson Ancient Tartan Clan

Henderson Ancient Tartan Clan Crest Black Garden Flag - Gold Thistle Product Detail: Welcome guests to your home with this seasonal flag. Available in 2 sizes: Small size 12'x18' and Large size 28'x40' Material: 100% polyester, PU and carbon black. Weatherproof and fade resistant...
£28.00 GBP
£28.00 GBP
  • Henderson Ancient Tartan Clan

Tartan Flag

Henderson

Henderson Modern tartan canvas table runner with the Clan Henderson crest hanging over the end of an oak table by the fireClose-up of the Henderson Modern tartan table runner end hanging over the table, with the Clan Henderson crest

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - Henderson Modern Tartan

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the Henderson Modern tartan with the crest badge of Clan Henderson printed three times: once at each end, where it hangs over the edge of the table, and once in the centre....
From £23.00 GBP
From £23.00 GBP
  • Henderson Modern Tartan

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

Henderson · Modern Tartan

Henderson Ancient tartan canvas table runner with the Clan Henderson crest hanging over the end of an oak table by the fireClose-up of the Henderson Ancient tartan table runner end hanging over the table, with the Clan Henderson crest

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner - Henderson Ancient Tartan

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner A table runner in the Henderson Ancient tartan with the crest badge of Clan Henderson printed three times: once at each end, where it hangs over the edge of the table, and once in the centre....
From £23.00 GBP
From £23.00 GBP
  • Henderson Ancient Tartan

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Crest Canvas Table Runner

Henderson · Ancient Tartan

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a Henderson Modern tartan Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag, with a custom name on the hatExample of the personalized Highland cow piper ornament with the name "Henderson" on the Santa hat

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A fluffy Highland cow calf playing the bagpipes, dressed for Christmas in a Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag of the Henderson Modern tartan. The white fur band of the hat carries the...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP

Tartan Ornament

Henderson · Modern

Acrylic Highland cow calf ornament playing the bagpipes, in a Henderson Ancient tartan Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag, with a custom name on the hatExample of the personalized Highland cow piper ornament with the name "Henderson" on the Santa hat

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Piper Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A fluffy Highland cow calf playing the bagpipes, dressed for Christmas in a Santa hat, scarf and pipe bag of the Henderson Ancient tartan. The white fur band of the hat carries the...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP

Tartan Ornament

Henderson · Ancient

Christmas piper ornament in the Henderson Modern tartan hanging on a Christmas tree, with the customer photo used for the faceAcrylic bagpiper Christmas ornament in the Henderson Modern tartan with a gold hanging cord

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo A Santa-style Highland piper playing the pipes, dressed in a kilt, plaid and hose in the Henderson Modern tartan. Send us a photo and our designers put the face on the piper, so the...
From £20.00 GBP
£25.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
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Tartan Ornament

Henderson · Modern

Christmas piper ornament in the Henderson Ancient tartan hanging on a Christmas tree, with the customer photo used for the faceAcrylic bagpiper Christmas ornament in the Henderson Ancient tartan with a gold hanging cord

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Ornament with Custom Photo A Santa-style Highland piper playing the pipes, dressed in a kilt, plaid and hose in the Henderson Ancient tartan. Send us a photo and our designers put the face on the piper, so the...
From £20.00 GBP
£25.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
Save £5.00

Tartan Ornament

Henderson · Ancient

Personalized Christmas piper plaque in the Henderson Modern tartan, standing on a snowy log base with a name plaqueClose-up of the piper face made from your photo, Henderson Modern tartan plaid on the shoulder

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name A Christmas piper in the Henderson Modern tartan, playing the pipes on a snowy log base with a lantern, a little tree and a snowman. Send us a photo and our designers...
From £20.00 GBP
£26.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
Save £6.00

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Henderson · Modern

Personalized Christmas piper plaque in the Henderson Ancient tartan, standing on a snowy log base with a name plaqueClose-up of the piper face made from your photo, Henderson Ancient tartan plaid on the shoulder

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name A Christmas piper in the Henderson Ancient tartan, playing the pipes on a snowy log base with a lantern, a little tree and a snowman. Send us a photo and our designers...
From £20.00 GBP
£26.00 GBP
From £20.00 GBP
Save £6.00

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Christmas Piper Plaque with Custom Photo & Name

Henderson · Ancient

Clan Henderson crest in the centre of a stained-glass style thistle Christmas tree topper with the Henderson Modern tartan behind the thistleStained-glass style thistle Christmas tree topper with a gold bagpipe emblem and the Henderson Modern tartan behind the thistle

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper A stained-glass style tree topper: Scotland's thistle, framed in gold, standing in front of a round window of the Henderson Modern tartan. A Scottish heritage finish for the top of your Christmas tree. Choose your design:...
From £23.00 GBP
From £23.00 GBP

Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Henderson · Modern

Clan Henderson crest in the centre of a stained-glass style thistle Christmas tree topper with the Henderson Ancient tartan behind the thistleStained-glass style thistle Christmas tree topper with a gold bagpipe emblem and the Henderson Ancient tartan behind the thistle

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper A stained-glass style tree topper: Scotland's thistle, framed in gold, standing in front of a round window of the Henderson Ancient tartan. A Scottish heritage finish for the top of your Christmas tree. Choose your design:...
From £23.00 GBP
From £23.00 GBP

Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Thistle Christmas Tree Topper

Henderson · Ancient

Wooden Highland cow Christmas ornament wearing a Henderson Modern tartan scarf, with a ribbon banner for a custom nameExample of the personalized Highland cow ornament with the name "The Henderson Family" on the ribbon banner

Personalized Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Henderson Modern Tartan Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A shaggy Highland cow, Scotland's favourite, wrapped up for winter in a scarf of the Henderson Modern tartan, with a sprig of holly between its horns. The ribbon banner below carries the name...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP

Tartan Ornament

Henderson · Modern

Wooden Highland cow Christmas ornament wearing a Henderson Ancient tartan scarf, with a ribbon banner for a custom nameExample of the personalized Highland cow ornament with the name "The Henderson Family" on the ribbon banner

Personalized Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name – Scottish Christmas Tree Decoration

Personalized Clan Henderson Ancient Tartan Highland Cow Ornament with Custom Name A shaggy Highland cow, Scotland's favourite, wrapped up for winter in a scarf of the Henderson Ancient tartan, with a sprig of holly between its horns. The ribbon banner below carries the name...
From £16.00 GBP
From £16.00 GBP

Tartan Ornament

Henderson · Ancient

Crest & Motto

Clan Henderson Crest Badge & Motto

The motto of Clan Henderson is Sola virtus nobilitat (Virtue alone ennobles). It appears on the Clan Henderson crest badge: the chief’s heraldic crest set inside a strap and buckle that carries the motto.

In Scotland a crest belongs to the chief, not to everyone with the surname. Clan members may wear the crest badge, with the crest inside the strap and buckle, to show that they belong to the clan. The plain crest without the strap remains the chief’s own.

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Tartan Identity

Clan Henderson’s Tartans

Henderson tartan swatch

Henderson

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Discover the Full Henderson Collection

Personalised gifts, apparel and heritage decor for Clan Henderson.

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The Henderson Story

  1. 1494

    James Henderson becomes Lord Justice Clerk, or Lord Advocate, of Scotland[4]

  2. 1511

    The lands of Fordell are erected into a barony for James Henderson[4][3]

  3. 1513

    James Henderson and his eldest son are killed at Flodden[4]

  4. early 1500s

    Henry Gunn leaves the Gunn-Keith fighting; his descendants become the Hendersons of Caithness[3]

  5. 1582

    The King of Denmark gives the patronymic Henryson to the later generations of William Magnusson in Shetland[3]

  6. 1630s

    Alexander Henderson, moderator of the Assembly, is named by the clan society as author of the National Covenant[3]

  7. 1692

    The clan society records that 22 of the 38 people killed in the Massacre of Glencoe were Hendersons[3]

Clan Henderson Crest & Plant Badge

Plant badgeCotton grass

Visit the Henderson Homeland

Map of Scotland with Henderson places marked

Fordell Castle, Fife

Category A listed fortified house of 1580, built for James Henderson of Fordell and in his family until recently; the Fordell lands had been erected into a barony for an earlier James Henderson in 1511.[5][4]

Glencoe, Argyllshire

Home of the Glencoe Hendersons, who served the MacDonald of Glencoe chief, MacIain, as the traditional pipers of his clan.[3][4]

Map outline: Natural Earth (public domain). Pins use official Historic Environment Scotland grid references.

Clan Henderson Today

ChiefAlistair Henderson of Fordell.
Clan societyClan Henderson Society

Surnames linked to Clan Henderson

These family names are connected with Clan Henderson. Each list says who records the link.

Listed by the clan society or COSCA

  • Hendry
  • Henry
  • Henryson
  • Kendrick
  • MacKendrick

Not your surname? Find your clan by surname →

Questions about Clan Henderson

Where does the Henderson name come from?

Clan Henderson has no single origin. The Clan Henderson Society traces separate lines in Glencoe, in Caithness through Henry Gunn, in Shetland, and in the Lowlands at Fordell in Fife.

Who is the Henderson chief?

Alistair Henderson of Fordell.

What is the Henderson connection to Glencoe?

At the time of the Massacre of Glencoe in 1692 the Hendersons served the MacDonald chief, MacIain, as the traditional pipers of his clan, and the Clan Henderson Society records that 22 of the 38 people killed were Hendersons. Of MacIain's hereditary piper, Big Henderson of the Chanters, the Society says little else is known.

What is the Henderson motto?

Sola virtus nobilitat, Latin for 'Virtue alone ennobles'.

Where was the Lowland Henderson seat?

Fordell Castle in Fife, a category A listed fortified house of 1580 built for James Henderson of Fordell; the Fordell lands had been erected into a barony for an earlier James Henderson in 1511.

Sources

  1. Find a clan: Henderson, Council of Scottish Clans & Associations (COSCA)
  2. Members of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs, Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs
  3. History, Clan Henderson Society
  4. Historical Henderson Branches, Clan Henderson Society
  5. Fordell Castle (LB3652), Historic Environment Scotland