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The Northumberland KiltAnd as such makes it the oldest tartan known, preceding all other Scottish tartans. It is the official tartan of the county. It is sometimes referred to as the "Falkirk tartan" as a fragment of the cloth was discovered in Falkirk around the third century A D. But its more common names are "Shepherd's Plaid" or "Border Drab", as it was originally worn by shepherds in the borders area of the UK. The kilt is very distinctive, and looks unlike any other I have seen. It was originally woven using the natural fleece of black and white sheep, later such plants as the water flag and alder bark were used to colour the wool. Below you can see a photo of the tartan used in the making of the kilt.
County Tartan It is widely believed that Sir Walter Scott who is credited with the revival of Scottish tartans and their association with Scottish clans, also helped to popularize this particular tartan by wearing a pair of trousers around London, made from this material. As this fashion craze took off in London society the famous Border woollen mills were established, several of them are still in operation today. This particular kilt is also the official dress of the Duke of Northumberland's piper, and the pipers of the counties regiment. It is a little known fact that such an important tartan historically speaking, belongs to a county in England. And its a county whose residents are rightly proud to wear and be associated with this unique kilt. Return from Northumberland Kilt to Home page
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