A rare letter linked to William Wallace will be showcased across the UK as part of a new joint curatorial agreement between National Records of Scotland (NRS) and The National Archives (TNA).
The letter was written in 1300 from King Philip IV of France, instructing his agents in the Papal court to give Wallace his support. It is believed to be one of only two surviving documents with a personal connection to Wallace.
The document has been on loan to NRS since 2012 and is returning to TNA.
The letter will go on display at Kew in 2027 as part of TNA’s public programme, enabling thousands of visitors to see the document. TNA will also explore the option of displaying it at other locations in England.
The document will then return to Scotland from 2028 until 2031. This new loan will similarly allow for curated display in Edinburgh and potentially more widely across Scotland, working with other Scottish cultural institutions.
Chief Executive of NRS Alison Byrne said:
“This collaborative approach will help to maximise public access to the letter while reflecting its shared historical importance. I look forward to the letter returning to Scotland from 2028.”
Saul Nassé, Chief Executive and Keeper of Public Records at The National Archives, said:
"The Wallace letter speaks to our shared history, and this agreement provides an opportunity for anyone interested in the document to view it and to develop a deeper understanding of its historical significance."
Culture Cabinet Secretary Màiri McAllan, said:
"This is a document of huge historical significance, connecting us to one of Scotland's most important national figures. I believe the letter should be in Scotland and am pleased that after a short period of planned display in England, the Wallace letter will return to Scotland from 2028, ensuring people here can engage with this remarkable piece of our history.
"Given the letter and Wallace’s centrality to Scotland's history, we will continue our dialogue with the UK Government to discuss its longer term future.”
Future arrangements will be discussed before the end of the renewed loan period to NRS.
NRS has also gifted a high-quality copy of the letter to the Society of William Wallace to display at the group’s events and gatherings. The copy was created by conservator artist David Frank, matching both appearance and physical materials of the original letter.
More information about the letter including a translation can be found in this blog.
