Search for descendants of those who signed famous document

Experts hope to trace ancestors of Declaration of Arbroath signatories as its 700th anniversary nears

Academics have launched a search for descendants of signatories on the iconic Declaration of Arbroath before the historic document’s 700th anniversary in 2020.

With major plans centred on the Angus town and its ancient abbey well advanced to mark the milestone, Strathclyde University researchers have revealed they are exploring the lineage of people whose names are associated with the distinctive wax seals on the 1320 document.

Identified male-line descendants are being invited to take DNA tests to confirm their heritage, alongside documentary evidence discovered by the researchers.

The outcomes of the study, titled the Declaration of Arbroath Family History Project, are to form part of an exhibition at Arbroath Abbey that will be part of the anniversary programme.

Graham Holton, a lead tutor in Strathclyde’s genealogy staff team, said: “The Declaration of Arbroath

The Declaration of Arbroath continues to influence our perspective on historical events and is still relevant today. GRAHAM HOLTON, STRATHCLYDE UNIVERSITY

continues to influence our perspective on historical events and is still relevant today.

“It has a particular relevance to people who have a personal connection to it and we are aiming to establish the continuity of descent from several of the declaration’s signatories.

“We can confirm direct ancestry by evaluating the Y chromosomes of maleline descendants, even if there is a lack of documentary evidence.

“The Y chromosome passes more or less unchanged from father to son. This is particularly useful in genealogy as it can be difficult, or even impossible, to find details such as births, marriages and deaths from the medieval period.”

Several descendants have already agreed to take part in the study.

Postgraduate genealogical studies students at Strathclyde are carrying out the research into the signatories, who numbered around 50 and were largely barons and noblemen.

The Arbroath initiative follows a previous study into the Battle of Bannockburn that identified genetic connections between people living today and their ancestors who fought in the 1314 battle.

Last month the National Museum of Scotland revealed the declaration would go on display next year for the first time in 15 years.

It will be exhibited at the Edinburgh museum for a month in the spring.

The Arbroath 2020 anniversary programme includes the creation of a grand tapestry and plans for a pageant event through the town to coincide with the anniversary date.

Pictures: Kris Miller/PA. The statue in Arbroath commemorating the Declaration of Arbroath, which is pictured above and will go on display in Edinburgh next spring.