View MAXWELL genealogical haplotree
About the Maxwell family
The earliest named ancestor of the Maxwells was Undwin, father of Maccus, born around 1070, and Maccus was a considerable landowner in Roxburghshire in the early 12th century. By the 13th century, however, the Maxwell’s principal residence was probably Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfriesshire. Genetically they are part of the R1b grouping.
Our research conclusions are currently provisional and further corroboration is being sought. Since documented descendants of Herbert Maxwell, b ca 1268 and John Maxwell of Nether Polloc, carry the SNPs M7884 and Y131342 respectively, but do not share them with one another, they indicate a descent from these individuals.
Test results from probable descendants of the father of Herbert Maxwell, b ca 1360 and the father of John Maxwell, 3rd Lord Maxwell, b ca 1450, also indicate that SNPs A1273 and Y2357 are distinct markers for descendants of Herbert and John.