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 painting of a man from the waist up with brown wavy hair and a mustache and goatee. He wears a black hat with a jewelled brooch and a white jacket with a lace collar under a black cloak.

    A brief history of James VI and I

    History and cultures, Scotland

    James VI and I was a hugely significant Stewart king. But he has been overshadowed by his notorious relations. His predecessor in Scotland was his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots. In England, his cousin, Elizabeth I, and finally his successor…
    Long read
  2. Detail of a marble tomb, showing a female head with ruffle collar.

    The life, death, and legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots

    History and cultures, Scotland

    Arguably the most famous and controversial figure in Scottish history, Mary Stewart has become something of an enigma. Intrigue and romance have often obscured the hard facts of her life and reign.
    Short read
  3. 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