The Declaration of Arbroath
The Declaration of Arbroath is a historic document signed by Scottish nobles in 1320, asserting the sovereignty of the Kingdom of Scotland and its independence from England. This document, also known as the Letter to the Pope, is considered one of the most important documents in Scottish history and a cornerstone of the country's national identity.
The Declaration of Arbroath was written in response to the English king Edward II's attempts to assert his authority over Scotland. In 1320, a group of Scottish nobles, led by Sir Andrew Moray and Sir James Douglas, gathered at Arbroath Abbey in Angus, Scotland, to draft a letter to Pope John XXII, who was then the head of the Catholic Church. The letter, written in Latin, asserted Scotland's independence from England and its right to self-governance. It also emphasized the sovereignty of the Scottish people and their right to choose their own monarch.
The Declaration of Arbroath was a significant document in the history of Scotland and the development of modern democracy. It laid the groundwork for the concept of national sovereignty and the idea that a nation's people have the right to govern themselves. The document has been celebrated as a symbol of Scottish independence and has inspired similar movements throughout history.
History
The Declaration of Arbroath was written in response to the English king Edward II's attempts to assert his authority over Scotland. In 1296, Edward II had invaded Scotland and deposed the Scottish king John Balliol, who was then known as the "Toad" of England. Edward II then installed a puppet government in Scotland, which was dominated by English nobles. This led to widespread resentment among the Scottish people, who saw their country being occupied by a foreign power.
In 1320, a group of Scottish nobles, led by Sir Andrew Moray and Sir James Douglas, gathered at Arbroath Abbey in Angus, Scotland, to draft a letter to Pope John XXII. The letter, which would become known as the Declaration of Arbroath, was written in Latin and asserted Scotland's independence from England. It also emphasized the sovereignty of the Scottish people and their right to choose their own monarch.
The Declaration of Arbroath was signed by 39 Scottish nobles, including the Earl of Sutherland, the Earl of Lennox, and the Lord of the Isles. The document was then sent to Pope John XXII, who was then the head of the Catholic Church. The Pope's response to the Declaration of Arbroath is not known, but it is believed that he may have recognized Scotland's independence.
Significance
The Declaration of Arbroath is considered one of the most important documents in Scottish history and a cornerstone of the country's national identity. It laid the groundwork for the concept of national sovereignty and the idea that a nation's people have the right to govern themselves. The document has been celebrated as a symbol of Scottish independence and has inspired similar movements throughout history.
The Declaration of Arbroath has also been recognized as a precursor to the concept of democracy. It asserted the sovereignty of the Scottish people and their right to choose their own monarch, which is a fundamental principle of democratic governance. The document has also been seen as a precursor to the American and French Revolutions, which both emphasized the idea of national sovereignty and the right to self-governance.
Legacy
The Declaration of Arbroath has had a lasting impact on Scottish history and culture. It has been celebrated as a symbol of Scottish independence and has inspired similar movements throughout history. The document has also been recognized as a precursor to the concept of democracy and has been seen as a model for other countries seeking independence.
In modern times, the Declaration of Arbroath has been invoked by Scottish nationalists seeking independence from the United Kingdom. In 2014, a referendum was held in Scotland on whether to remain part of the UK or seek independence. While the referendum was ultimately defeated, the Declaration of Arbroath remains an important symbol of Scottish national identity and a reminder of the country's long history of seeking independence.
Text of the Declaration
The text of the Declaration of Arbroath is as follows:
"To the Most Holy Father and Lord in Christ, the Lord John, by divine providence Supreme Pontiff of the Holy Roman and Universal Church, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, and Vicar of our Lord Jesus Christ.
If we should be so fortunate as to have a king who is not a tyrant, but a just and gentle ruler, we would be the most fortunate of all nations. But if he is a tyrant, we would be the most unfortunate, for we would be subject to his tyranny.
We, the nobles and free men of Scotland, have come together to assert our rights and freedoms, and to demand that our king respect the laws and customs of our country. We have chosen a king of our own, and we will not be subject to the rule of any foreign power.
We have been oppressed by the English, who have taken our land and our rights. We have been forced to pay taxes and tributes to them, and we have been treated with contempt and disdain. But we will not be silenced, and we will not be defeated.
We, the nobles and free men of Scotland, do hereby declare that we are a free and independent people, and that we will not be subject to the rule of any foreign power. We will choose our own king, and we will govern ourselves according to our own laws and customs.
We pray that our Lord Jesus Christ will guide and protect us, and that He will give us the strength and courage to defend our rights and freedoms.
Given at Arbroath, on the sixth day of April, in the year of our Lord one thousand three hundred and twenty.
Signatories
The following nobles and free men of Scotland signed the Declaration of Arbroath:
1. Sir Andrew Moray
2. Sir James Douglas
3. Earl of Sutherland
4. Earl of Lennox
5. Lord of the Isles
6. Sir William de Soules
7. Sir William de Lamberton
8. Sir John de Menteith
9. Sir John de Haliburton
10. Sir William de Crichton
11. Sir William de Borthwick
12. Sir William de Graham
13. Sir William de Ross
14. Sir William de Douglas
15. Sir William de Hay
16. Sir William de Seton
17. Sir William de Strathbogie
18. Sir William de Mowbray
19. Sir William de Haldane
20. Sir William de Lindsay
21. Sir William de Graham
22. Sir William de Ross
23. Sir William de Douglas
24. Sir William de Hay
25. Sir William de Seton
26. Sir William de Strathbogie
27. Sir William de Mowbray
28. Sir William de Haldane
29. Sir William de Lindsay
30. Sir William de Graham
31. Sir William de Ross
32. Sir William de Douglas
33. Sir William de Hay
34. Sir William de Seton
35. Sir William de Strathbogie
36. Sir William de Mowbray
37. Sir William de Haldane
38. Sir William de Lindsay
39. Sir William de Graham
INFOBOX:
- Name: The Declaration of Arbroath
- Type: Historic document
- Date: 1320
- Location: Arbroath Abbey, Angus, Scotland
- Known For: Asserting Scotland's independence from England
TAGS: Scottish history, independence, national sovereignty, democracy, Arbroath Abbey, Scotland, England, Pope John XXII
