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. Cluster of silver objects on a black surface viewed from above. Two decorated metal strips in the centre with 9 brooches, mostly round, surrounding them.

    Understanding hoards in the Viking Age

    Archaeology, History and cultures, Scotland

    To understand the Galloway Hoard, we need to understand the the world around AD 900. Historical context and comparisons with other Viking-age hoards is essential. We lay out what a hoard is, how historians and archaeologists have…
    Long read
  2. Light green crystal jar with gold base, lid and mesh-like covering against a black background with hand for scale. Jar is no taller than a finger.

    Investigating the Galloway Hoard rock crystal jar

    Archaeology, History and cultures, Scotland

    Some of the Galloway Hoard's most precious treasures were found packed in a silver-gilt lidded vessel. One of them was a unique object made of rare rock crystal fitted with gold. It has a fascinating history as well as an intriguing name…
    Long read
  3. A half length portrait of a man turned sideways, left elbow resting against a pillar. He is wearing a long curly white wig, brown coat and blue drape, draped over the right shoulder.

    A tartan suit owned by an English Jacobite

    Fashion and textiles, History and cultures, Scotland

    Not all supporters of the Jacobite cause were Scottish. Find out more about a magnificent tartan suit that belonged to Sir John Hynde Cotton - known to some as ‘one of the most zealous Jacobites in England’.
    Film