Scottish History Society

Professor Annie Tindley introduces the Perth kirk session books 1577-90, a fascinating resource that allows us to share in the everyday concerns and joys of the townsfolk of 16th-century Perth

Perth Kirk Session Books 1577-90

Elsewhere in this issue (page 34), we have been able to read a fascinating special report on kirk session records. This presents a wonderful opportunity to highlight the rich publishing history of these records by the Society, and in particular the most recent example: kirk session records from 16th-century Perth. Perth was one of Scotland’s most important urban settlements and royal burghs in the medieval and early modern periods.This volume presents the reader with a gloriously-detailed account of the activities and purview of its kirk session across the tumultuous years of the reformation.

Its pages are thick with detail on all aspects of life: from the everyday behaviour (and misbehaviour) of the good parishioners of Perth to the complex politics of the reformation and the hive of economic and trading activity taking place.

Given the chronological focus of the records published here, they are also an extraordinary resource for understanding how ordinary people responded to the message of the reformers and adapted it in their own ways. Best of all, they capture this in their voices: from well-off merchants and craftsmen to beggars and servants, men and women, young and old. Although primarily a record of religious organisation, they offer a rich tapestry of commentary on Scottish society and culture: the weather, disease, crime, neighbourhood gossip and disputes, sports and celebrations. They are a treasure-trove for any historian, which is why they feature prominently in the publishing record of the Society.

Margo Todd (ed.), The Perth Kirk Session Books, 1577-1590: series six, vol. 2, 2008 (2012). Explore the records at https:// scot.sh/34MuiOB

The Scottish History Society is the leading publisher of original sources relating to the history of Scotland. Founded in 1886, the Society has published over 170 volumes. Membership is open to all and benefits include a free hard copy of our annual volume, and invitations to our events, including our AGM, Presidential Lecture and Publications Workshops.To join, please see: https://scot.sh/joinshs. Our entire publications list has also been recently digitised in partnership with the National Library of Scotland.To access the digital edition for free, please see: https://scot.sh/publicat.