Lord of Arbroath or Baron of Arbroath[3][4] is a title of nobility in the Baronage of Scotland that was raised to a free lordship, barony, regality and lord of parliament by royal charter back in the 17th century,[5] historically associated with the town of Arbroath in Angus, Scotland.[6][7]
| Lordship of Arbroath | |
|---|---|
  | |
| Creation date | 1605[2] |
| Creation | Baronage of Scotland |
| Created by | James VI of Scotland |
| First holder | James, 2nd Marquess of Hamilton |
| Present holder | Alan Bartlett, Baron of Arbroath |
| Status | extant |
Lordship of Arbroath
editThe original Crown Charter[8] for the Lordship of Arbroath was granted to James, 2nd Marquis of Hamilton, during the reign of James VI of Scotland and marked a significant moment in Scottish history, as lands formerly under the control of the Arbroath Abbey, one of Scotland's wealthiest ecclesiastical estates, were transferred to a powerful noble family. Following the Scottish Reformation, the dissolution of monasteries and abbeys led to the redistribution of church lands to loyal nobles.
The Crown Charter for the Lordship of Arbroath granted Hamilton not only control over the extensive lands but also regality powers, giving him near-sovereign control over the territory. As a regality, Hamilton had the right to hold courts, administer justice, and even impose capital punishment—powers usually reserved for the crown itself. This exceptional level of authority, often referred to as "pit and gallows," distinguished regalities from regular baronies, making Hamilton's control over Arbroath one of the highest forms of local governance in Scotland at the time.
Arbroath Abbey, originally founded in 1178 by King William the Lion, had been a crucial religious site, also notable for its connection to the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320. By transferring these lands to Hamilton, the crown solidified the transition of control from the church to the Scottish nobility.
The judicial and economic powers associated with the regality granted Hamilton control over the collection of taxes and the right to oversee local markets, adding to the wealth and influence of the family.
This transfer of the Lordship and Regality of Arbroath was part of the broader strategy by the Scottish crown to consolidate its power by rewarding loyal nobles with formerly ecclesiastical lands, while also ensuring greater centralised control over the Scottish nobility.
Declaration of Arbroath
edit
The town of Arbroath is of significant historical importance, particularly because of its connection to the Declaration of Arbroath. Drafted in 1320, the Declaration was a letter addressed to Pope John XXII by Scottish nobles and barons, asserting Scotland's independence from England and affirming Robert the Bruce's right to rule.[9]
The Declaration is widely regarded as one of the earliest expressions of national sovereignty in Europe and was placed on the UK Memory of the World Register in 2016.[10]
The document was largely the work of Abbot Bernard, who played a key role in its drafting. The nobles and barons who supported Robert the Bruce's fight for independence were united in their appeal for Scottish self-determination. The letter was authenticated by seals, rather than signatures, as was customary at the time.[10]
The Battle of Arbroath
editAnother notable event in the town's history is the Battle of Arbroath, which took place in 1445. The battle occurred near Arbroath Abbey, a significant religious centre at the time, and was part of a broader conflict between rival Scottish factions.[10] This battle highlights the political and military importance of Arbroath during the medieval period.
Arbroath Abbey
editThe town of Arbroath is also known for Arbroath Abbey, a ruined Tironensian abbey founded in 1178 by King William the Lion. The abbey is one of the most significant historical sites in Scotland and was the location where the Declaration of Arbroath was likely finalised and sent to the Pope. Today, the abbey is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and remains a symbol of Scotland's national identity.[10]
Present Baron
editThe title is held by Alan Frank Bartlett, Baron of Arbroath.[5][11] Although there is no longer a direct link between the title and the ownership of land, the title remains a recognised part of the Scottish nobility.[12]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Burke's Peerage & Gentry International Register of Arms, Volume 1 (Volume 1 ed.). Martin S. J. Goldstraw. 2011. ISBN 9780956815712.
- ^ "Crown Charter". Parliament.
- ^ Burke's Landed Gentry Scotland (19th ed.). Hugh Preskett. 2001.
- ^ "Records of the Parliaments of Scotland". www.rps.ac.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ a b "Title: Arbroath (created 17c, infeft 1998 Prof Alan Frank Bartlett) – Baronage – Registry of Scots Nobility". Registry of Scots Nobility. Retrieved 2024-09-05.
- ^ Glenbervie), Sir Robert Douglas (of (1798). The Baronage of Scotland, Containing an Historical and Genealogical Account of the Gentry of that Kingdom. Colected from the Public Records and Chartularies of this Country, the Records and Private Writings of Families and the Works of Our Best Historians. Bell & Bradfute, W. Creech, J. Dickson, E. Balfour, P. Hill, W. Laing, A. Guthrie, J. Watson, Manners & Miller, And A. Constable: And By Cadell & Davies, London. p. 343. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ "Baron of Arbroath confirmed in the Scottish Barony Register". Scottish Barony Register. 25 June 2024. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ "Records of the Parliaments of Scotland". www.rps.ac.uk. Retrieved 2024-09-08.
- ^ Team, National Records of Scotland Web (2013-05-31). "National Records of Scotland". National Records of Scotland. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
- ^ a b c d Blog, Guest (2020-04-03). "The People of the Declaration of Arbroath | Hist Env Scotland". Historic Environment Scotland Blog. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
- ^ "Barony title Arbroath || Alan Frank Bartlett || listed in Debretts". debretts.com. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
- ^ Burke's Peerage 107th Edition (107th ed.). Hugh Preskett. 2003. pp. Feudal Baronies pp. liii.