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. Portrait of Mary, Queen of Scots dressed in a vivid pink doublet lined with gold and pearls, looking stoically ahead against a bright blue background.

    Mary, Queen of Scots

    History and cultures, Scotland

    Mary, Queen of Scots is one of the most famous yet enigmatic figures in Scottish history. Our collection contains a rich selection of objects associated with Mary. Explore her dramatic story and separate out the facts from the myths that…
    Article
  2. A black oval shaped tortoiseshell oval box with white ridge set against the black background. A white portrait of a woman wearing a curly shoulder length wig, dressed in a white jacket with golden brooch.

    Flora MacDonald: An unlikely Jacobite heroine

    History and cultures, Scotland

    Flora MacDonald famously helped Charles Edward Stuart escape Scotland after the 1745 rising was crushed. A silver snuffbox, a treasured heirloom of her clan, links the romantic pair. 
    Long read
  3. A close up photograph of the royal archers green abd red tartan uniform , with buttons at the front and a green and yellow ribbon on the left side of the jacket. set against black background.

    Jacobites and tartan: Symbolism and style

    Fashion and textiles, History and cultures, Scotland

    Tartan has long been one of the most recognisable symbols of Scotland. The cultural significances of tartan are often reflections of and responses to the social context in which it was produced and worn. The 18th century tartan garments…
    Long read