The Declaration of Arbroath laid out on a grey foam protective base set against a black background. The Declaration has dense Latin script across it with two small patches missing, and many strips dangling from the bottom affixed with green and red wax seals.
Past exhibitions

The Declaration of Arbroath

–

National Museum of Scotland

About The Declaration of Arbroath

The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter dated 6 April 1320 written by the barons and freeholders of the Kingdom of Scotland to Pope John XXII. The letter asked the pope to recognise Scotland's independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country's lawful king.

Despite the Scots' success at the Battle of Bannockburn, Robert I had not been recognised as king by either King Edward II of England or the Pope. At the time, the Pope desired peace between England and Scotland so that both kingdoms could help in a crusade to the Holy Land. The Declaration sought to influence him by offering the possibility of support from the Scots for his long-desired crusade if they no longer had to fear English invasion.

Written in Latin, it was sealed by eight earls and about 40 barons. It was authenticated by seals, as documents at that time were not signed. Only 19 seals now remain.

The surviving Declaration is a medieval copy of the letter, the original having been dispatched to the pope in Avignon. It is cared for by National Records of Scotland and is so fragile that it can only be displayed occasionally in order to ensure its long-term preservation. 

Read a full transcription from The National Records of Scotland.

In partnership with

You might also like

  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.
    Discover

    A brief history of James VI and I

    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…
    Keep reading
  2. A side view of a round silver metal brooch with raised decoration.
    Discover

    The mysterious Brooch of Lorn

    When Sir Walter Scott described the Brooch of Lorn in his 1815 poem The Lord of the Isles, the brooch itself had been missing for over 150 years. Here, we take an in-depth look at this intricate and intriguing object.
    Keep reading
  3. A wooden plate with a knife, fork and spoon as well as a small silver lidded jug.
    Discover

    The 'tappit hen': A drinking vessel used during the lifetime of Robert Burns

    These pewter drinking vessels were common in eighteenth century Scotland’s public houses because they were relatively cheap to make and could withstand use and, perhaps, abuse.The name ‘tappit hen’ is derived from the distinctive…
    Keep reading