"There are in Scotland several places named Wardlaw, from which this surname may have been derived, but there is no evidence of the existence of Wardlaws of that Ilk" (Stodart. 11. p. 182). The place name Wardlaw, net Beauly, "the hillock where watch and ward was :pt by the retainers of the Norman lord of the Aird, John Byset," occurs so early as 1210 (as Wardelaue) and is interesting as showing the early introduction of the English language there. The first of the surname in Scotland appears to have been Henricus de Wardlaw who received a charter from Robert I of half the barony of Wiltone in Roxburghshire (RMS., I, 17). Master Walter de Wardlaw, doctor 'sacre pagine,' was canon of Aberdeen in 1358 (Bain, IV, 17). Walter de Wardlaw, archdeacon of Lothian in 1363 (Egidii, p. 18) was afterwards the celebrated bishop of Glasgow, cardinal, and ambassador lo England. Henry of Wardelawe had a safe conduct into England in 1397 (Bain, IV, 490). Henry Wardlaw, nephew of the Cardinal, was bishop of St. Andrews (1403-1440), one of the most famous men of his time, a benefactor of his country, and founder of the University of St. Andrews. From his brother William (died 1420) was descended the Waidlaws of Pitreavie. Sir Patrick of Warlaw witnessed a charter by Hugh Fraser of Lovat in 1436 (Athole, p. 707), John of Wardlawe of Recardton received a safe conduct into England in 1464 (Bain, IV, 1346), and Alexander Wardlaw or Warlaw of Warenston was a witness in Edinburgh in 1467 (Neubotle, 299,300). Vardlaw 1465, Wartlaw 1657 Vardlau.

An ancient parish, merged in that of Kirk-hill, co. Inverness.

Local. The parish of Kirkhill, in Moray, Scotland, was formerly called Wardlaws, because the garrison of Lovat were accustomed to keep watch or ward on the law or hill.

From Wardlaw, an ancient parish of Scotland, co. Inverness. See Law.