Royal Pardon for Treachery

This document grants a royal pardon by King James VI in favour of John Cunningham of Drumquhassle and others for treachery and the fortification of Dumbarton Castle where munitions and six large cannons were kept. The great seal is attached at the bottom. Today, our conservation team attach seals to bills with Royal Assent in a very similar way to how this was done in 1580! 

Royal Pardon for Treachery, 5 March 1580

Credit: Crown copyright, NRS, GD430/179 (Link to the Online Catalogue entry)