An elaborate gold locket with pearls around one of its edges. It is open to reveal a portrait of a woman and of a boy.
Scottish History & Archaeology

Renaissance and Early Modern History

Our Renaissance and Early Modern collections contain objects relating to Scottish history from c.1450-1750.

This period encompasses the cultural developments of the Scottish Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, and the seismic events of the Union of the Crowns, the Covenanting Revolution, the Anglo-Scottish Union of 1707 and the Jacobite Rebellions of 1715 and 1745.

Collections include decorative arts, jewellery, metalwork, furniture and weaponry, and objects relating to monarchical power, religion, trade and everyday life. Many of our objects were made in Scotland, but others were not, material evidence of the connections between Scotland, Europe and further afield.

Most notable are iconic pieces related to Mary, Queen of Scots, the Stewart kings, the Darien Venture, and the Jacobites. Star items include the Penicuik Jewels associated with Mary, a sword, targe and travelling canteen belonging to Prince Charles Edward Stuart, the awe-inspiring execution device, the Maiden, and the Company of Scotland’s large iron-bound chest related to the Darien Venture, the financially disastrous colonial scheme.

Meet the team

Renaissance and Early Modern History stories

  1. A book illustration of a man with curly hair and a beard looking upwards, wearing a beret, an armour breast and a coat over it.

    Who was Rob Roy MacGregor?

    History and cultures, Scotland

    Born in Glengyle in 1671, Robert McGregor would became famous as an outlaw, known as the 'Scottish Robin Hood'. McGregor's nickname ‘Rob Roy’ comes from Ruadh, which means red in Gaelic – a reference to his fiery red hair. Rob Roy the…
    Short read
  2. A close up or a rain drop shaped gold vessel with inscribed Latin lettering.

    Anointed with oil: The coronation ampulla of Charles I

    History and cultures, Scotland

    This object is one of the earliest surviving pieces of Scottish-made gold. It was used at the Scottish coronation of Charles I, which was held in Edinburgh eight years after his coronation in London. 
    Film
  3. Highly decorated Jacobite round shield or targe with silver mounts. Medusa's face is in the centre surrounded by quivers, flags, swords and guns.

    Gifts for a Prince: Bonnie Prince Charlie's targe and backsword

    History and cultures, Scotland

    The targe and backsword described in this film were presented to Bonnie Prince Charlie before the Battle of Culloden, but abandoned when he fled the field after the Jacobites were defeated.Included in the film is a portrait of James VIII…
    Film