The Douglas Archives

A collection of historical and genalogical records

There's nothing official about this Banner. It's more of just a passing interest to see how it looks.
An explanatory note about the Clan Douglas Australia banner.
I had an idea I wanted to run with which incorporates the Scottish Flag; the Southern Cross (Eureka) Flag and a famous Clan Douglas family badge.
The concept is merging the Eureka and St Andrews Cross but I need one small change - the stars contain seven points and not eight which is depicted on the original southern cross flag. The seven pointed star is known as the 'Commonwealth Star' on the Australian Flag and each point represents each of the states and territories.
The Eureka flag is chosen because it is the first ever Australian flag flown on Australian soil in the spirit of independence and equality; raised by a multicultural mix of people in rebellion against harsh colonial rule. The link is also with Scotland's long running fight for independence against the English under the banner of St Andrews Cross.
The stars also represent the 'Southern Cross' - a symbol very strong in Australian culture.
The cross of St Andrew represent our link to our Scottish heritage and of Scotland's incredible contribution to the development of Australia.
At the centre of the flag where the cross meets I wanted to position the famous Clan Douglas badge - the heart and crown. I chose this image for two important reasons;
Firstly this image was initially on a shield carried by Douglas ancestors during medieval times; especially during the Scottish wars of independence. The heart represents the heart of King Robert Bruce - the most famous of Scottish Kings who shortly before he died entrusted his heart to a Douglas ancestor to be carried to the Holy Land. The crown represents loyalty to the Scottish crown.
For this very reason alone the heart and crown is a very proud symbol for the Douglas Clan.
Secondly this image is also very famous in Celtic culture where the heart and crown is shown on the 'Claddagh' symbol - the heart represents love and the crown represents loyalty.
Minus the hands on the Claddagh symbol this image alone is very popular in Celtic culture that continues today.
Replacing the blue background on both flags I chose the modern Douglas Tartan.
So as you can see the banner I'm trying to produce is rich in symbols and meaning.

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Comment by J Ruaidri Douglas on May 24, 2015 at 8:47

Awesome design Andrew!

Making conections

The more information you can give about the people you mention, the more chance there is of someone else connecting with your family.

Dates and places of births, deaths and marriages all help to place families.

Professions also help.

'My great-grandmother mother was a Douglas from Montrose' does not give many clues to follow up! But a bit of flesh on the bones makes further research possible. But if we are told who she married, what his profession was and where the children were baptised, then we can get to work.

Maybe it is time to update the information in your profile?


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