The Hamilton Family Crest framed artprint. Beautifully illustrated. Carefully researched. Uniquely personal.
Whether it’s a gift to celebrate a milestone birthday, a wedding or a housewarming—this piece is an instant heirloom.
The origin of the name Hamilton
Hamilton is a legendary Anglo-Norman and Scottish clan surname (Clan Hamilton) derived from the manor of Hambledon in Leicestershire. Brought to Scotland in the 13th century by Sir Walter fitz Gilbert de Hamilton, who was granted the Barony of Cadzow (Lanarkshire) by King Robert the Bruce, the family rose to become premier peers of Scotland as Earls of Arran and Dukes of Hamilton, ruling vast ducal estates and commanding royal armies.
The symbolism of the Hamilton coat of arms
Regal and deeply historic, the Hamilton coat of arms features a quarterly shield: the first and fourth quarters display a red field charged with three golden cinquefoils (five-petaled flowers), while the second and third quarters feature an argent / silver or white field bearing an ancient lymphad galley with oars in action. In Scottish heraldry, the red field and gold cinquefoils represent high nobility, martial valour, and royal favor, while the silver field and lymphad galley denote the feudal lordship of the Isle of Arran and naval command. Positioned above the shield, the crest displays an oak tree penetrated by a frame saw, flanked by two chained ibexes. Unlike standard heraldic symbols, the oak tree and frame saw commemorate a dramatic 1323 event where Sir Gilbert de Hamilton, fleeing King Edward II's court after a duel, disguised himself as a woodcutter sawing an oak tree to evade pursuers, calling out "Through!" to keep his servant focused—a symbol representing perseverance, quick wit, and overcoming adversity under trial. The two chained ibexes signify acute vigilance, agility, and unyielding defense of domain. The formal recognition of this coat of arms was registered in the Public Register of All Arms and Bearings in Scotland (1672) for the Dukes of Hamilton and catalogued in Nisbet's System of Heraldry and A.C. Fox-Davies’ A Complete Guide to Heraldry.
Historical figures
James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran (c. 1475–1529): Scottish nobleman and Regent of Scotland.
Lady Anne Hamilton, 3rd Duchess of Hamilton (1632–1716): Powerful Scottish peeress who rebuilt Hamilton Palace and managed vast clan estates.
Alexander Hamilton (1755–1804): World-renowned statesman, Founding Father, and first Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
Product details
- Ayous wood 0.75″ (1.9 cm) thick frame from renewable forests
- Paper thickness: 10.3 mil (0.26 mm)
- Paper weight: 189 g/m²
- Lightweight & acrylite front protector
- Hanging hardware included
No Warehouses. No Waste. Just for you, made to order
This product is printed especially for you when ordered, one at a time, by royal decree of Mother Nature to keep the realm beautiful. Family Crests Store guarantees your custom treasure meets all EU and USA safety standards.
About the artist
Each coat of arms in the Family Crests Store is an artwork by heraldic artist Éamonn Breathnach. All are carefully researched, drawing from the earliest available records across multiple heraldic archives. Noted for their elegance and attention to detail, these artworks make meaningful gifts for family occasions.
Don’t see your family name?
I’m always happy to add new crests and products to the collection, so please get in touch if you can’t find what you're looking for. ⚜️
