Declaration of Arbroath, Signing of the

1320

Copy of the Declaration of Arbroath, Arbroath Abbey
©2011 Gazetteer for Scotland

The Declaration of Arbroath was drawn up on the 6th April 1320, most likely by the Abbot of Arbroath Abbey, Bernard de Linton, who was also the Chancellor of Scotland. The Wars of Independence had been ongoing for a decade and the declaration urged Pope John XXII to recognise the independence of Scotland from England. The Declaration used strong words, indicating that without acceptance of the Scottish case the wars would continue and the resultant deaths would be the responsibility of the Pope. It was signed and bore the seals of 38 Scots Lords. The Pope eventually accepted the Declaration.

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