The Declaration of Arbroath, 1320

The Declaration of Arbroath is a letter written in 1320 and addressed to Pope John XXII. It was signed by 51 Scottish barons and constituted King Robert I’s response to his excommunication for disobeying the Pope’s demand in 1317 for a truce in the First War of Scottish Independence. The letter asserts the antiquity of the independence of the Kingdom of Scotland and denounces English attempts to subjugate it.

The Declaration of Arbroath was part of a broader diplomatic campaign aimed at asserting Scotland’s position as an independent kingdom and lifting the excommunication of King Robert the Bruce. The Pope had recognized England’s claim to overlordship of Scotland in 1305, and Bruce was excommunicated for murder in 1306. The excommunication was lifted in 1308, but the Pope threatened Robert with excommunication again in 1317 if he did not agree to a truce with England.

The text of the Declaration of Arbroath describes the ancient history of Scotland, in particular the Scoti, the Gaelic forbears of the Scots. The Declaration claims that the Scoti have origins in Scythia Major and migrated via Spain to Great Britain. It also highlights the Scots’ struggle for independence, including their fight against the English in the Wars of Scottish Independence.

The Declaration of Arbroath was intended to assert Scotland’s status as an independent, sovereign state and defend Scotland’s right to use military action when unjustly attacked. It was written in Latin and little known until the late 17th century. In the 1680s, the Latin text was printed for the first time and translated into English, and the Declaration was sometimes described as a declaration of independence.

Scotland’s Declaration of Arbroath is a significant historical document that has shaped the nation’s identity and asserted its independence. It is a testament to the courage and determination of the Scottish people and a reminder of their rich and proud history. Today, the Declaration of Arbroath remains a symbol of Scottish sovereignty and a source of national pride.