Background to Scotland – The 700th Anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath 

 

  The Setting of the Declaration in Scottish History     

2020 marked the 700th year anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath. Probably the single most important historical document in Scottish history. It emerged from the epic struggles to re-establish Scottish Independence after the invasion of Scotland  by Edward I King of England in 1296.  It was signed on the 6th April 1320 and had several intended purposes. The Declaration of Arbroath was in fact one of three letters sent to the Pope of the time. Namely the declaration itself, a letter from Robert Bruce and another from the Scottish Bishops.

  The Purpose of the Declaration

The purposes of these letters was twofold. One to reinforce the political campaign of asserting Scotland’s continuing sovereignty as an independent kingdom.  in the face of counter claims by the Kings of England.  Then secondly to persuade the papacy to lift the excommunication of Robert Bruce imposed after his murder of John Comyn. Lord of Badenoch in 1306. As well stating the reasons for the current conflict with England, and giving the determination of the Community of the realm of Scotland to resist the attacks by the King of England. The declaration also stated that the question of Scottish independence should be decided by the Scottish people.

 The Uniqueness of the Declaration

Going further in a unique move the declaration also declared that Robert Bruce would be rejected himself if he failed to continue to support Scottish independence. This is often seen as one of the first manifestations of popular sovereignty while also being a justification for the rejection of the previous king John Balliol. Though there is no record of a response to the Declaration at the time. Eight years later in 1328 the Treaty of Edinburgh/Northampton was signed. This acknowledged Robert the Bruce as King of Scots and as Scotland as a completely independent kingdom. The Declaration of Arbroath will be on show in Edinburgh during this anniversary year.