Disclothing Act of 1746

Last updated 6 Mar 2002

Note that this act did not ban all use of tartan, but only banned certain kinds of typically Highland clothing and the use of tartan cloth for certain kinds of clothing. Also keep in mind that in 1746, the idea of "clan tartans" had not yet been invented; the association of a particular tartan sett pattern with a specific family or region was not invented until the early 19th century.

Original.

Unfortunately, at the moment I don't know where the originals may be found, other than that it is an act of the UK parliament with the reference "19 George II, Chap. 39, Sec. 17, 1746" for those who know how to look up British Acts...

The Act for Abolition and Proscription of the Highland Dress, 19 George II, cap. 39, sec. 17, 1746 ... (1, 7)

That from and after the first day of August one thousand seven hundred and forty-seven, the man or boy within that part of Great Britain called Scotland, other than such as shall be employed as Officers and Soldiers in His Majesty's Forces, shall, on any pretext whatsoever, wear or put on the clothes commonly called Highland clothes the Plaid, Philabeg, or little Kilt, Trowse, Shoulder-belts, or any part whatsoever of what peculiarly belongs to the Highland Garb; and that no tartan or party-coloured plaid or stuff shall be used for the Great Coats or upper Coats, and if any such person shall presume after the said first day of August to wear or put on the aforesaid mentioned garments or any part of them, every such person so offending being convicted thereof by the oath of one or more credible witness or witnesses before any Court of Justiciary, or any one or more Justices of the Peace for the Shire or Stewartry or Judge-ordinary of the place where such offence shall be committed, shall suffer imprisonment without bail during the space of six months and no longer, and being convicted of a second offence before the Court of Justiciary or at the circuits, shall be liable to be transported to any of His Majesty's plantations beyond the seas, there to remain for the space of seven years. (7)

Works Cited for the above:

"1."The Troubles" , Failte 97, Š 1997."

"7.Albert MacKie, Scottish Pageantry, pgs 72-79, Š1967 London: Hutchinson & Co Ltd."

The Acts Against Highland Dress at Gathering of the Clans: Scottish History and Culture web site

Abolition and Proscription of the Highland Dress
19 George II, Chap. 39, Sec. 17, 1746
"That from and after the first day of August, One thousand, seven hundred and forty-seven, no man or boy within that part of Britain called Scotland, other than such as shall be employed as Officers and Soldiers in His Majesty's Forces, shall, on any pretext whatever, wear or put on the clothes commonly called Highland clothes (that is to say) the Plaid, Philabeg, or little Kilt, Trowse, Shoulder-belts, or any part whatever of what peculiarly belongs to the Highland Garb; and that no tartan or party-coloured plaid of stuff shall be used for Great Coats or upper coats, and if any such person shall presume after the said first day of August, to wear or put on the aforesaid garment or any part of them, every such person so offendingÉ.shall be liable to be transported to any of His Majesty's plantations beyond the seas, there to remain for the space of seven years. "

19 GEORGE 11, CHAP. 39, SEC. 17, 1746

'That from and after the first day of August, One thousand, seven hundred and forty-seven, no man or boy within that part of Great Britain called Scotland, other than such as shall be employed as Officers and Soldiers in His Majesty's Forces, shall, on any pretext whatever, wear or put on the clothes commonly called Highland clothes (that is to say) the Plaid, Philabeg, or little Kilt, Trouse, Shoulder-belts, or any part whatever of what peculiarly belongs to the Highland Garb; and that no tartan or partly-coloured plaid or stuff shall be used for Great Coats or upper coats, and if any such person shall presume after the said first day of August, to wear or put on the aforesaid garments or any part of them, every such person so offending......shall be liable to be transported to any of His Majesty's plantations beyond the seas, there to remain for the space of seven years'.

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