Exhibition retells story of iconic moment in Scotland’s history

A new exhibition will tell the story of the Declaration of Arbroath as part of its 700th anniversary celebrations.

The event – delayed by a year due to coronavirus – will commemorate one of the most important documents in Scottish history.

The declaration was sent from Arbroath Abbey to Pope John XXII by Scotland’s barons in 1320.

Together, they asked the Pontiff to recognise Robert the Bruce as the lawful king of Scots.

Arbroath Abbey’s newly refurbished visitor centre will host the exhibition and will open to the public today at 10am.

About 50 historical artefacts will be on display, including a facsimile of the original Declaration of Arbroath document and the Arbroath Tapestry.

The tapestry, designed by artist Andrew Crummy, was recently handmade by local embroiderers to celebrate the anniversary.

The new exhibition will also display a digital reconstruction of the abbey around the time of the declaration.

Visitors will learn the story of the abbey, which was founded in 1178.

Alex Paterson, chief executive of Historic Environment Scotland, said: “We are delighted to retell the key role Arbroath played in the story of Scotland’s rich history.”

The opening of the new exhibition forms part of the wider Arbroath 2020 (+1) festival activities, which will run until September.

Visits need to be prebooked at a reduced admission rate while work takes place at the site.

The Arbroath Tapestry is one of the pieces in the new exhibition.