|
The
Declaration of Arbroath 1320
___
The
Declaration of Arbroath, known also as the Scottish
Declaration of Independence, is the best known and
most treasured document in Scottish history. It is
a letter from the earls and barons of Scotland to
the Pope during the War of Independence, expressing
the country's independent national identity and asking
him to urge the English King to cease his aggression
towards Scotland.
The Declaration
of Arbroath was drafted on the 6th April 1320,
a day the United States of America has declared to
be Tartan Day, and like
the American
Declaration of Independence it is seen by many as
the founding document of the Scottish nation.
'It is in truth not for glory, nor
riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for
freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives
up but with life itself.'
Extract from the Declaration
of Arbroath, 1320.
The
document which was written in Latin was sent to Pope
John XXII in April/May 1320. History reveals it was
most likely drafted in the scriptorium of Arbroath
Abbey by Abbot Bernard de Linton on behalf of the
barons and nobles
of Scotland. It was one of three letters that was
sent to the Pope in Avignon, the other two being from
King Robert Bruce himself and from four Scottish bishops,
attempting to abate papal hostility.
The Declaration of Arbroath received
the seals of several Scottish barons
and, under the extraordinary circumstances of the
Wars of Independence, was a prototype of contractual
kingship in Europe.
The
Official Poster
The
official lithographic poster of the
Declaration of Arbroath
Published
to coincide with the 675th anniversary.
The size of the poster is 27 inches wide by 39
inches high and comes complete with a modern English
translation and background notes detailing the
history behind this important document in Scottish
history.
£15.99
(approx.
$29 U.S.D.)
______________________________________
|
|
|
