State Papers Online Part III
A Resource for Scottish History
State Papers Online is an online archive of English/British State documents from the 17th
century. The range of documents is enormous and covers economic, political and social
developments in Scotland. England’s relations with Scotland, including Highland rebellions,
the Act of Union and the Treaty of Berwick are covered in the large numbers of manuscripts.
Searches performed on the subject of ‘Scotland’__________________________________
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Scotland____________________________________________________________________
“Observations [by a Scotchman] on the treaties between Scotland and France; the
command of the Scotch Guard in France; reciprocal naturalization of French and
Scots” ([undated] 1605?) SP 14/17 f.190
“Council of Scotland to the King” (August 7 1606) SP 14/23 f.2
The masters and shipowners think the flag ordered to be used by the subjects of both
kingdoms, derogatory to Scotland, the cross of St. George being preserved whole,
and drawn through the cross of St. Andrew.
“Objections of the merchants of Loudon, against certain clauses on commerce, in the
proposed deed of Union between England and Scotland” [Dec. 4.] 1606 SP 14/24 f.4a
“Clause in the Act for Abolition of Hostility between England and Scotland, [afterwards
omitted,] concerning the repeal by Parliament of any hostile statutes that may be
discovered in future” ([Dec. 3.] 1606) SP 14/24 f.3
“Difference of the rates paid by England and Scotland for specified articles of
commerce, according to English and Scottish weights and measures” ([Dec. 4.] 1606) SP
14/24 f.18
“Copy of paper [read in Parliament]
declaring the manner of proceeding
upon criminal causes in Scotland”
[June 4.] 1607) SP 14/27 f.133
“Dedication by Sir Thomas Craig to
James I., of his treatise on “The Origin
and Practice of Feudal Law in England
and Scotland” (April ? 1607) SP 14/27
f.1
Lauding the King's endeavour to
promote the Union, in spite of
opposition.
“Arguments for collecting the assize
herring from strangers fishing in the
North seas of Scotland” (April ? 1608)
Difference of the rates paid by England and Scotland, 1606
SP 14/24 f.18
SP 14/32 f.51
“The King to the Council of
Scotland” (Dec. 15 1616) SP 14/89 f.147
Hopes he will not be coldly received in Scotland, from false prejudices as to the
motives of his visit, which are, a desire to revisit his native kingdom, to hear
complaints, and reform abuses. Has no intention to disturb the civil or ecclesiastical
government of the kingdom, without the people's concurrence, nor to urge things,
good in themselves, but generally disliked by them.
“Notes for perfecting the coats-of-arms of the nobility, gentry, &c. in England, Scotland,
and Ireland” ([undated] 1616?) SP 14/89 f.249
“The King to the Sheriffs” (Jan. 22 1618) SP 14/103 f.159
Authorizes Proclamations. for the observation through Scotland of certain Christian
festivals, viz., Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Ascension Day, by
Act of Privy Council.
“Special licence to Sir Geo. Hayes to import and sell any glass melted and made in
Scotland” (June 14 1621) SP 14/141 f.160
“Remonstrance of certain Catholics of Scotland to the King on the persecution to which
they are exposed” ([undated] 1628) SP 16/124 f.158
They pray the King's order to the Council of Scotland and the Archbishop of St.
Andrews that the Catholics should be absolved from excommunication, by virtue of
which they are deprived of all civil rights.
“Book of legal collections relating to allegiance, to the union of England and Scotland,
and to the King's prerogative in coinage” ([undated] [1630 ?]) SP 16/178 f.180
“Copy of a printed book, entitled “The sea law of Scotland, “shortly gathered and
plainly dressed for the ready use of all “seafaring men.”” ([undated] 1631) SP 16/208
f.272
“Sir William Pelham to Edward Viscount Conway and Killultagh” (May 16 1634) SP
16/268 f.22
The greatest news from the country is of a huge pack of witches which are lately
discovered in Lancashire, whereof it is said 19 are condemned, and that there are at
least 60 already discovered, and yet daily there are more revealed; there are divers of
them of good ability and they have done much harm. It is suspected that they had a
hand in raising the great storm wherein his Majesty was in so great danger at sea in
Scotland.
“The King to the Lord Treasurer.” ([undated] [1637?]) SP 16/377 f.42
His Majesty having condescended to a
contract made between the salt-masters
of England and Scotland, whereby salt
imported from Scotland was limited to
8,000 wey yearly
“Proclamation of the King “to our lovits,
heraulds, maissers, messengers, pursuivants,
and sheriffs in that part” (Scotland)” (April
25 1639) SP 16/418 f.118
Whereas we have by many fair and calm
ways and “alanerly” [only] by them
endeavoured to reclaim our subjects,
but especially such as have been
seduced into seditious courses, and have
laboured by the same fair means to reestablish and settle our royal authority
Proclamation of the King, SP 16/418 f.118
and government there, but hitherto all in vain, our clemency producing no better
effects in many of them than increase of their insolencies towards us, and such a
height of violent rebellion as taking our royal forts and castles, with our crown and
all our ancient regal ornaments, munition for war, and whatsoever belongs to us, and
fortifying of towns against us.
“Strictures on the arguments advanced in support of the demands made by the
Covenanters deputed from the Parliament of Scotland to the King” [Mar. 10.] (1639–40)
SP 16/447 f.139
Touching the Act which they require for excluding the third estate, and by
consequence the taking away his Majesty's royal prerogative, which all the Kings
of Scotland have had, in the nomination and choice of some of the Lords of the
Articles, they answered that there was no necessity of having any Lords of Articles at
all, but only such a committee as the Parliament itself should choose when they were
assembled; but when it was represented to them that this was new, and in effect not
only an alteration of the whole frame of the Parliament, and an exclusion of his
Majesty's just and royal prerogative, they replied that it could not be called new,
seeing that way of choosing Lords of Articles was not until tin; time of Robert
Bruce, which was not passing three hundred years since
“Submission of the Scottish Covenanters to the King” June 18 1639 SP 16/424 f.15
“Information written to
the King out of Scotland
narrating the proceedings
of the Covenanters” (April
1640) SP 16/451 f.233
“Act of the Scottish
Parliament anent the
chartering of the
[Covenanters'] forces,
horse and foot, in the
shires [of Scotland] within
specified” (June 19 1640)
SP 16/457 f.187
Submission of the Scottish Covenanters to the King, SP 16/424 f.15
“Printed pamphlet, entitled “The Intentions of the Army of the Kingdom of Scotland,
declared to their brethren of England by the Commissioners of the late Parliament [of
Scotland]” [Aug.?] (1640) SP 16/465 f.230
“The four reasons to dissuade the King from his journey into Scotland for 14 days
longer” (Aug. 7 1641) SP 16/483 f.41
“The Parliament of Scotland to the King” (July 28 1663) SP 29/77 f.120
Acknowledge the blessings of church government, peace, and liberty, following on
the Restoration.
“Petition of Sir John Falconer, master of the Mint in Scotland, to the King.” (Jan. ?
1661) SP 29/49 f.130
“Demands of the Scottish Commissioners appointed to consider the freedom of trade
between England and Scotland” (Jan. 21 1668) SP 29/233 f.17
That the same privilege of trading to the English plantations may be allowed to the
Scots, as was granted to the English, Irish, and Welsh, by the Act of Navigation, and
that they may not lie debarred by the clause against aliens… Complain of heavy
impositions on Scottish goods imported to
England.
“‘The Genealogy of the Stuarts and their ascent to
the throne of Scotland with their several fates,’ being
short historical notes by Robert Ferguson” [undated]
[After 1668.] SP 29/444 f.30
“The King to the Parliament of Scotland” (Oct. 19
1669) SP 29/266 f.181
We acknowledge the loyalty and ready
compliance of our subjects; we much desire to
settle union between our kingdoms, and
request you, on these and other matters, to give
full credence to our Commissioner.
“News from Scotland.” (Sept. 23 1678) SP 29/406
f.192
Printed pamphlet, 1640, SP 16/465 f.230
Our conventicles increase daily and come to that insolency that on the 18th, our
public fair day at Dumfries, five of those rebellious ministers walked up and down
the streets publicly and no person durst challenge them, our people are all so inclined
to them.
“The Declaration of the Rebels in Scotland.” [June 13] (1679) SP 29/411 f.438
“Account of the horrid murder committed upon the late Lord Archbishop of Saint
Andrews, primate of Scotland” [June ?] (1679) SP 30/G f.52
With a detection of the lies published in a late scandalous relation of the murder and
of the pretended occasion thereof.
“The Reasons of the sufferings and actings of the true (though greatly reproached and
persecuted) Presbyterian, Anti-prelatick, Anti-erastian party in Scotland.” (May 8 1683)
SP 29/424 f.107
“The Act and Appeal of the Presbyterians of [Scotland]” (July 12 1683) SP 29/428 f.251
“It is reported by some of the dissenting party that the Duke of Monmouth is in the
north of Scotland.” (February 10 1685) SP 31/1 f.8
As yet there is no place appointed, and the delay puts that party into a great doubt
whether the King and the Duke have not a correspondence together.
“The King to the Prince of Orange, declining the Prince's offer to go to Scotland with
the Scotch Regiments.” (June 2 1685) SP 8/3 f.271
“A paper giving details of the King's forces in Scotland and setting out the writer's
views of how the country might best be invaded” [undated] [1688.] SP 8/2/2 f.113
“Account of the yearly revenue of the kingdom of Scotland, amounting in the whole to
115,500l” (Dec 1689) SP 8/6 f.178
“Memorial concerning the assurance and oath of allegiance in Scotland” [undated]
[1690.] SP 8/8 f.41
“Memorial concerning affairs in Scotland” [undated] (1691) SP 8/11 f.7
By the agreement or verbal contract made between my Lord Breadalbane and the
Highlanders, it is evident that it was owing to necessity and not to any good will
towards the Government or for the public welfare which forced them to ask for and to
accept the treaty of last summer… The Highlanders being people without any
principle of religion or honour, will be always ready to strike a blow without caring
what they have promised, if one does not prevent them by disarming them; the only
way of feeling sure of these people is by restraining them by means of small
garrisons.
“Fragment of a proclamation from the King concerning the submission of the rebels in
Scotland” [undated] (1692) SP 8/13 f.39
And for encouraging those Highlanders to return to their duty we do hereby
empower the said Viscount to offer in our name, such honor, under that of Earl, and
such sums of money, not exceeding 2,000l. sterling to any one chief and tribe of those
above mentioned, and also
to secure them in all that
they possess by law, or
were secured in by gifts
from our royal uncle King
Charles under his Great
Seal of Scotland, and so
indemnify them and every
one of them, who shall
come in and submit to us
and our laws in manner
aforesaid, against all
accusations, punishments,
and dangers for all crimes
and deeds committed by
Map of Scotland. Image taken from The Mercator atlas of Europe
© The British Library Board
them, preceding their
submission.
“An essay on the history and constitution of Scotland, and suggestions for remedying the
grievances under which the country labours, especially in the matter of Church
government” [undated] 1692 SP 8/13 f.279
“Similar resolution and order to present an address to the queen praying that the
Commissioners of Excise in Scotland give an account of their revenues since the Union”
Feb 7 1708/[9] SP 34/10 f.183
“List of proclamations for fasts in England and Scotland, with their respective dates,
during the years 1709—1711” [undated] [?1710] SP 34/17 f.36
“List of Officers of State in Scotland” [undated] SP 8/1/2 f.272
The Glencoe Massacre________________________________________________________
“Memorial of proceedings in the Parliament of Scotland” (June 18–20 1695) SP 8/15
f.184
The Macdonalds and the Campbells being the two great names in the Highlands,
and emulous the one of the other, and the Macdonalds having defeated the 12,000l.
negotiation, it is evident that dominion and resentment have been at the bottom of the
business
“Colonel Hill to the Earl of Portland” (Feb. 28 1692) SP 8/12 f.79
Those men of Glencoe that (by help of the storm) escaped, would submit to mercy if
their lives may be granted them, upon giving security to live peaceably under the
government, and not to rob, steal, or receive stolen goods hereafter, and I humbly
conceive (since there are enough killed for an example and to vindicate public justice)
it were advisable so to receive them, since it will be troublesome to take them, the
Highlanders being generally allied one to another, and they may join with other
broken men
“Report of the commission given by his Majesty for inquiring into the slaughter of the
men of Glencoe.” (June 20 1695) SP 8/15 f.185
“Address of the Scotch Parliament to the King touching the murder of the Glencoe
men” (July 10 1695) SP 8/15 f.194
We cannot but acknowledge your Majesty's clemency upon this occasion, for had
you, without new offers of mercy, given positive orders for executing the law upon
the Highlanders that had already despised your repeated indemnities, they had but
met with what they justly deserved. But it being your Majesty's mind still to offer
them mercy, and the killing of the Glencoe men being upon that account
unwarrantable, and the manner of doing it barbarous and inhumane, we proceeded to
vote it a murder, and to enquire who had given occasion to it, and who were the
actors in it.
Berwick Treaty______________________________________________________________
“Sec. Coke to Sec. Windebank” (May 9 1639) SP 16/420 f.284
All advance towards Berwick. At this present, by a despatch from Scotland,
advertisement is given that the Covenanters refuse to accept his Majesty's gracious
pardon, or to surfer it to be published.
“Henry de Vic to Sec. Windebank” (April 13 1639) SP 16/417 f.193
Yesterday came one to
my Lord of Essex with
a letter from the
nobility of Scotland.
The contents I hear
were to offer a treaty
of accommodation
between six deputies of
each side, to assure that
they desire no war with
his Majesty, and that he
would be better
informed of the truth of
their proceedings.
“Scottish Exposition of the
Treaty of Berwick” ([June ?]
1639) SP 16/424 f.262
Scottish Exposition of the Treaty of Berwick SP 16/424 f.262
Entitled “Some Conditions of His Majesty's Treaty with his subjects in Scotland,
before the English Nobility are set down here for remembrance.” To which is
subjoined “The [Scottish] Army's Declaration anent their acceptance of the King's
Majesty's Answer.”
“Act of State concerning the seditious gloss upon the Pacification” (Aug. 4 1639) SP
16/427 f.29
On Sunday, the 4th inst., his Majesty being in
Council acquainted the Lords with a paper which
he had seen at Berwick, entitled “Some conditions
of his Majesty's treaty with his subjects of
Scotland are set down here for remembrance” [see
Vol. ccccxxiv., No. 113], which paper being in most
parts full of falsehood, dishonour, and scandal to
his Majesty's proceedings in the late Pacification
given to his subjects of Scotland, has been very
frequently spread in England and avowed by some
in Scotland to have been approved and allowed, as
truth, by some of those lords of England who
attended his Majesty, and were present at the
Pacification in the camp.
“Sir John Conyers to Edward Viscount
Conway” (Oct. 9 1640) SP 16/469 f.145
The Scots, notwithstanding the treaty, raise all the
forces they can in Scotland, and the Earl of Argyle
Information from the Scottish nation to all the
is still drawing all the volunteers of the kingdom
true English concerning the present expedition,
together, We hear the King has disbanded all the
SP 16/464 f.184
trained bands.
“The above-mentioned book or printed sheet, entitled, “Information from the Scottish
nation to all the true English concerning the present expedition.”” Aug. 23 1640 SP
16/464 f.184
Causes which necessitate their advance into England. We declare that no soldiers
shall be allowed to commit any outrage or do the smallest wrong. That we shall take
neither meat nor drink, nor anything else but for our money, and when our money is
spent for sufficient surety. We neither have spared nor will we spare our pains,
fortunes, and lives in this cause of our assurance and your deliverance. Identity of the
interests in England and, Scotland. We are brethren; your worthy predecessors at
the time of Reformation, vouchsafed us their help and assistance. We have for many
years lived in love; we have common desires of the purity of religion and quietness
of both kingdoms; our hopes are to see better days in this island; our enemies also
are common; let us not upon their suggestions or our own apprehensions be friends to
them and enemies to ourselves.
Edinburgh__________________________________________________________________
“The like of provisions in the Castle of Edinburgh” (Mar. 11 1639–40) SP 16/447 f.187
“Secret account by Nicholas of the pretended plot in Edinburgh against the Marquis
Hamilton and the Earl of Argyle” Oct. 14 1641 SP 16/484 f.161
“The King's speech to the Parliament of
Scotland at Edinburgh” (Aug. 17 1641)
SP 16/483 f.111
“News-letter describing the King' entry
into Edinburgh” (May 26 1617) SP
14/92
“The King to General Riven [Patrick
Ruthven Lord Ettrick, Governor of
Edinburgh Castle]” (Nov. 11 1639) SP
16/432 f.76
The disorders in our kingdom of
Scotland still continuing, and the
View of Edinburgh, 1588
castle of Edinburgh, committed
©
The British Library Board
to your trust, being a place of such
consideration as that it concerns us very highly to have a watchful eye upon it, we
require you not only to use extraordinary care in securing it against any surprise, but
to give us an account of the present state of the garrison, ammunition, and victuals
there, and for how long time you are already provided. Further, our pleasure is that
before your provisions fail you shall force the town by battery of ordnance or
otherwise, if by fair means they will not yield to it, to supply you with victuals or
other provisions at reasonable rates and prices upon our account, that so ye be not
forced to spend your own store until a formed siege be laid to you, for doing whereof
this shall be your warrant.
“Bill read in the Scotch Parliament at Edinburgh, entitled “An Act for the relief of the
common charge.”” [Nov. 14?] (1639) SP 16/432 f.112
“The King to the Provost and Bailies of Edinburgh” (Jan. 22 1639–40) SP 16/442 f.157
Whereas we have thought fit to send some men and ammunition to our castle of
Edinburgh, we do hereby command you upon your allegiance, and upon pain of
incurring the punishment of high treason, not only to suffer the same to be landed
and conveyed into the castle, in such numbers and parcels and at such times as the
bearer hereof shall direct, but likewise to be aiding and assisting in this service to
Capt. Slingesby and Capt. Shipman, to whom we have committed the charge
“A note of ordnance and, ammunition in the Castle of Edinburgh” (Mar. 11 1639–40) SP
16/447 f.185
“Note of defective arms received by Gardner at Edinburgh and Leith” (June ? 1654) SP
18/72 f.180
“Petition of Wm. Thomson, for the city and corporation of Edinburgh, to the Protector”
(March ? 1654) SP 18/68 f.228
Parliament granted us an order for an imposition of 4d. Scotch on each pint of ale or
beer brewed or sold within the corporation, towards our public debts... We beg you
to make this order effectual
“List of the Ostenders in Plymouth and Edinburgh, whom they promised to try to get
released” [undated] (1657) SP 18/158 f.169
“Declaration by the Protector. Considering the condition of Edinburgh University,
founded but lately, since the reformation in Scotland” (July 15 1658) SP 25/78 f.751
“Note of the arrival of the Edinburgh mail, and of the time which is occupied in
travelling between several stations on the road” (Dec. 1 1666) SP 29/179 f.28
“News that the Dutch ships firing all night on Burntisland caused uproar in Edinburgh”
(April 30 1667) SP 29/198 f.130
Drums beating, bells ringing, soldiers marching to Leith, and planting cannons, &c.;
the people of Leith removed into the city, and a ship is placed across the harbour, to
be sunk if they attempt an entrance, which it is thought they will do.
“News from Edinburgh of a dispute between the citizens and the soldiers” (Dec. 2
1667) SP 29/224 f.9
Three companies are ordered to quarter there, but the citizens keep them out,
demanding their privilege granted by Act of Parliament, of keeping guard
themselves. They continue their meetings, think the Act of Oblivion dubiously
penned, and will not depend on it.
“The offer of the city of Edinburgh to maintain a company of 108 soldiers besides
officers, a third to be constantly on guard for the security of the city” (May 13 1682) SP
29/419 f.20
“Extract from the Gazette de Paris, being news from Edinburgh” (June 8 1697) SP 32/7
f.87
Place and Regions in Scotland________________________________________________
“An index of the principal Acts of the Assembly at Glasgow” [undated] (1638–9) SP
16/409 f.137
Deprivation and excommunication against John Spottiswood, pretended Archbishop
of St. Andrew's, and five others of the Scottish bishops
“William Earl of Stirling to the King” (April 1 1639) SP 16/417 f.4
“Petition of the inhabitants of Glasgow to the Protector” July 11 1654 SP 18/73 f.60
Beg that it may be paid in to the Committee for distributing relief to the distressed
people of Glasgow who suffered by fire.
“Notes by Thos. Dodson, plumber, and John Ball,gunner, of stores required for
Inverness Castle and Citadel” (Sept. 14 1658) SP 18/182 f.182
“The King to the [Fellows?] of the College of Aberdeen” (May 30 1661) SP 29/36 f.70
“Obligation by David Wemys, burgess of Dundee, to procure the broad seal of Scotland
to a bond of that Parliament” [undated] (1660?) SP 29/26 f.101
“Archbishop of Glasgow to Williamson” (Feb. 20 1666) SP 29/148 f.130
The ejected ministers convocate hundreds and thousands of people, chiefly armed,
and the tumults are not repressed. Hopes his counsels will be heard before it is too
late.
“Council of Scotland to the King” (July 14 1668) SP 29/243 f.42
We are sorry to acquaint you with an act of wickedness. An attempt was made to
shoot the Archbishop of St. Andrews and Bishop of Orkney riding in their coach,
whereby the left arm of the latter was broken. The culprit escaped in the confusion,
but a proclamation is issued for his apprehension.
“The Lords Livingstoun, Dunmore and Dundee to the Prince of Orange” (December 11
1688) SP 8/2/2 f.77
We humbly represent to your Highness that the Troop of Guards, the Regiments of
Horse and Dragoons under our commands came some time ago into this Kingdom by
order of the King and Council of Scotland. And that now the King having left this
Kingdom we think ourselves obliged to make our humble application to your
Highness to know if you will have the goodness to allow us to march them back into
Scotland.
“Memorial concerning affairs in Scotland” [undated] (1691) SP 8/11 f.7
One may say that the middle course which his Majesty has chosen, in leaving the
Government to the presbyterians on one side, and favouring the episcopalians with
his royal protections on the other, is the surest and only way of preserving the peace
in Scotland. Finally two regiments of infantry, each of two companies, of which one
would be quartered in Inverness and Aberdeen, and the other in the south, two
regiments of dragoons dispersed in places between Glasgow and Elgin in Moray
would be sufficient with the garrison of Iverlochy reduced to 300 men, and that in
Edinburgh Castle and Stirling. I say these four regiments joined to these three
garrisons would be all that would be necessary to maintain peace in this country in
spite of all those who desire to disturb it, and for the payment Scotland could provide
it without troubling England
“Memorial as to the revenue of the castles in Scotland” [undated] (1693) SP 8/14 f.259
The castle of Edinburgh has a revenue paid in grain which is received by the
governor, yearly about 400l.
The castle of Stirling has a revenue paid yearly and received by the governor (the
Earl of Mar), about 150l.
The castle of Dumbarton has a yearly revenue of about 300l. paid to the Duke of
Lennox.
The Bass has a rent of “solangeese” which is received yearly by the governor, 80l.
The Earl of Mar has the lordship of Stirling “intack” which is either expired or near
expiring, and yearly worth 330l.
“Plan and three views of Stirling Castle” [undated] (1696) SP 8/16 f.234
“Petition to the queen from the Quakers of Aberdeen, in which they seek the freedoms
and liberties due to them within the city” (Nov 3 1711) SP 34/30 f.112
“Copy of the oath of the burgesses of Aberdeen, which all those taking office are
required to swear by and sign” [undated] (1711) SP 34/30 f.108
“Petition to the queen from Alexander Grant; seeking to have appointed as Sheriff of
Inverness”
The present sheriff, their father Ludovic Grant, being very ill and anxious to see the
post pass to his kinsman
Orkney and the Shetland Islands______________________________________________
“Copy of a letter, without signature, addressed to a person styled “ my Lord,” reporting
the landing of the Spaniards in one of the Shetland Islands, and detailing the outrages
committed by them” (Aug 1627) SP 16/75 f.153
“Suggestions by Sir William Monson how to proceed in the establishment of a fishing
about Orkney, Shetland, and Lewes” [Nov. 30?] (1629) SP 16/152 f.128
Besides the granting of privileges to fishing adventurers, he proposes the institution
of a government in every island, the erection of a principal town in each, the
instruction of every child of the islanders in the English or Scottish language, with
other education according to their abilities, and the hindering correspondence
between the inhabitants of the islands and the Highlanders, considering the danger of
their too great friendship, “who are naturally the most dangerous and worst people
living.”
“Order of the Estates of Parliament of Scotland, settling the proportion of horse and
foot for Orkney and Zetland.” (June 30 1650) SP 18/9 f.142
“Declaration by the Protector for collecting the Excise in Scotland” (May 16 1655) SP
25/76A f.29
By the Ordinance
for uniting Scotland
with England, it is
ordained that all taxes
and impositions be
borne proportionably
by the whole people
…the rates which are
paid in England and
Wales are also to be
levied through
Scotland and the
Orkney and
Shetland Isles
Map of Scotland with the Outer Hebrides and Orkney Islands
© The British Library Board
“The King to the Lord Mayor, &c., of London” [Sept. 2] (1662) SP 29/59 f.9
The late King established, in 1632, a society of fishers, for advancement of trade and
the navy...free subscriptions for raising a stock to provide nets and barrels, which will
also be recommended throughout the kingdom, that when provisions are ready, and
storehouses built about the Thames, the vessels may sail to the Shetland Isles, to take
the privilege of fishing before other nations.
“—— to [Williamson]” (May 3 1665) SP 29/120 f.45
Thinks the spirit of rebellion as vigorous in the south and west of Scotland as it was
when the Scots entered into that wicked covenant, the bane of these three nations.
Col. Gibbe Ker [Gilby Carr?] is said to have taken a commission from the Hollanders
to levy men in Scotland, and to have built up some forts in Shetland.
“Proclamation by the King for the apprehension of the person guilty of a late attempt to
shoot the Archbishop of St. Andrews, and Bishop of Orkney, in the High Street of
Edinburgh” (July 14 1668) SP 29/243
By which the latter was cruelly wounded, to the dishonour of both Church and
kingdom; offering pardon and 2,000 marks Scots to any accomplice who will
discover him
King James IV of Scotland____________________________________________________
“Nath. Brent to [Carleton]” (Jan. 14 1617) SP 14/90
f.28
The King is so set on his journey to Scotland that he
calls those traitors who oppose it. His object is to
establish the English hierarchy in Scotland, which the
Scots dislike.
“List of noblemen, &c. appointed to attend the King
on his progress to Scotland” (March 13 ? 1617) SP
14/90 f.211
“Chamberlain to Carleton” (May 24 1617) SP 14/92
f.132
King James I of England and VI
of Scotland (1566-1625)
© National Portrait Gallery
The Burghers of Edinburgh received the King in
scarlet gowns, 100 of them in velvet coats and gold
chains, and 300 musketeers in white satin doublets and
velvet hose, and they. gave him 10,000l. in gold. He
has ordered his fruit to be sent from the Low Countries, as being nearer.
“John R. [Sir Ant. Weldon] to ——“ (June 22 1617) SP 14/92 f.173
Invective against Scotland, satirizing its natural productions, and the food of its
inhabitants. Corn is plentiful, because since the King's coming was talked of, the
common people were forbidden to eat it. Opinions of the Scots on his household, &.;
they will pull down the images in his chapel when he leaves, as savouring of idolatry,
but will keep the organ, as being
something like a bagpipe.
“— — to [Carleton]” (June [27?]
1617) SP 14/92 f.183
Proceedings of the King in Scotland.
His reception at Edinburgh, and
hunting at Falkland and Kinnaird.
His speech in Parliament, confirming
the statements of his former letter to
the Council [see Dec. 15,1616] as to
the motives of his visit, and wishing
,the Scots would imitate England in
worthy things, as they do in “tobacco
takin, and the glorie of apparel.”
Questions of church government
postponed to an assembly at St.
Andrews.
List of noblemen, &c. appointed to attend the King
on his progress to Scotland, SP 14/90 f.211
Union with Scotland and England______________________________________________
“Proclamation for the Union of England and Scotland” (May 19 1603) SP 14/73 f.20
“The King to the House of Commons” (May 1 1604)
SP 14/8 f.2
Urges them to dismiss jealousies, and appoint a
commission to consider the terms of Union with
Scotland.
“Abstract of a speech in the House of Commons, in
favour of the union of the two kingdoms” : [April 18]
(1604) SP 14/7 f.99
Indorsed “Reasons for the union with Scotland,
gathered out of Hollinshead.”
“List of the Commissioners for England and
Scotland, appointed to treat on the Union of the
kingdoms” [July 11] (1604) SP 14/8 f.205
Proclamation for the Union of England and Scotland,
SP 14/73 f.20
“Discourse on the proposed Union between
England and Scotland, founded on the opinions of historians ancient and modern” (Sept.
? 1604) SP 14/9A f.83
“The miraculous and happy Union of England and Scotland, by how admirable means it
is effected, how profitable to both nations, and how free of any inconvenience, either
past, present” (Dec. ? 1604) SP 14/10A f.137
“Ordinance for uniting England and Scotland into one commonwealth” (April 12
1654) SP 18/69 f.94
His Highness—considering how this union, after these unhappy wars, would tend to
the glory of God and peace of the nation, and that in December 1651, Parliament sent
commissioners to the people of Scotland to invite it, who by elected deputies
consented to it,—ordains by advice of Council that all the people of Scotland and the
Orkney and Shetland Isles be constituted into one commonwealth with England,
and that in every Parliament 30 persons serve for Scotland… All kingly offices, and
right of the 3 estates in Scotland to assemble is taken away. The St. Andrews' Cross
of Scotland, is to be received into the arms of this commonwealth, and all official
seals in Scotland to carry the arms of this commonwealth. All goods to pass custom
free between the 2 countries, and all prohibitions of imports and exports in England to
hold good in Scotland. All taxes to be borne henceforth proportionably by the whole
people of the united commonwealth.
“Instructions from his Highness to the Council in Scotland, for government of that
nation” (June 10 1658) SP 25/78 f.882
The Council of Scotland being herewith appointed are to observe the following
regulations:—
1. To repair at once to Scotland, study the state of the country, and consider how the
peace and good government thereof may best be preserved.
2. To promote the preaching of the Gospel, and see that those concerned pay the
various preachers thereof, whom they find pious and loyal, their stipends and arrears,
and invest them with their rectories.
3. To have power to visit all universities, schools, &c., and suspend any statutes or
persons whose action does not promote the good of the State, and propose fresh
statutes and persons in their places. Also to remove any who are scandalous or
insufficient, and appoint godly and learned persons in their place.
4. To see that none hold the office of
magistrate who have been disabled by the
petition and advice of the knights, citizens,
and burgesses of Parliament, and if any
do, to remove them.
“Pres. Harrington to Gen. Geo. Monk,
Commander-in-chief of the forces in Scotland”
(May 31 1659) SP 25/98 f.9
Parliament has referred it to Council to settle
the administration of justice, Act of Union,
and other Scotch affairs, which they have
to-day debated, in order to a report to
Parliament and a speedy settlement.
“Note of proceedings in a meeting of the English
Commissioners for trade between England and
Scotland” (Jan. 27 1668) SP 29/233 f.140
A manuscript pamphlet with pictorial cover,
addressed to the queen,
SP 34/9 f.101
“Extract from the articles of union between England and Scotland; that the laws and
customs of each kingdom remain the same, and that all Scottish causes be tried in
Scotland only” (Jan. 27 1668) SP 29/233 f.142
“The King to the Parliament of Scotland” (Oct. 19 1669) SP 29/266 f.181
We acknowledge the loyalty and ready compliance of our subjects; we much desire
to settle union between our kingdoms
“The King to the Parliament of Scotland” (July 28 1670) SP 29/277 f.136
Thanks for your dutiful affection. The English Parliament having done all that is
requisite towards the union of the kingdoms, we request you to do the same to
render the treaty effectual. We refer you to our Commissioner in all other matters.
“A manuscript pamphlet with pictorial cover, addressed to the queen, covering many
subjects, including: regret at loss of Sir Cloudesley Shovel; comments on the union of
Scotland with England” [undated] [?1707] SP 34/9 f.101
Claire Napoli for Julia de Mowbray
Please contact Julia de Mowbray with any questions (julia.demowbray@cengage.com)