Menu
16/06/2010
William Wallace Letter To Be Probed
A group of respected historians and archivists is to take a closer look at a letter widely believed to have been in the possession of Sir William Wallace.
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop has asked the Keeper of the National Archives of Scotland to assemble a group of experts that would be best-placed to establish exactly where and why the letter was produced.
The medieval history experts - from Scotland, England and France - will investigate the 700 year old document, held at The National Archives in London, and produce a report to Scottish and UK Government Ministers that will then allow discussions on the status of the document.
The National Archives of Scotland has uploaded a high-resolution image of the document to its website to allow people to make up their own minds about the letter. A seminar on the document will be held in Edinburgh in Spring 2011.
Ms Hyslop said: "There has always been tremendous interest in this letter and repeated claims that it should rightfully reside in Scotland's National Archives. It is right that we revisit such a case and I am delighted that such a distinguished group will be reviewing the evidence.
"The wonders of modern technology will allow people interested in this important document to follow the progress of the research group online and to make up their own minds on the letter by zooming in on the document in minute detail.
"I look forward to hearing the group's findings, which will no doubt be keenly anticipated by those interested in this document, in William Wallace and in this important part of Scotland's history."
George MacKenzie, Keeper of the Records of Scotland, commented: "It is remarkable how a 700 year old document still stirs such emotion today. This letter is still a mystery, but I hope that working with our colleagues at The National Archives in London, and with the help of these distinguished historians and archivists, we can begin to solve that mystery."
Oliver Morley, Chief Executive of The National Archives, added: "The National Archives welcomes the opportunity for academic discussion on this subject and looks forward to concluding on the purpose and origin of this valuable and historic document."
The research group will meet for the first time in August at The National Archives in London. The group will report to UK and Scottish Ministers in Spring 2011.
(GK/BMcC)
Culture Minister Fiona Hyslop has asked the Keeper of the National Archives of Scotland to assemble a group of experts that would be best-placed to establish exactly where and why the letter was produced.
The medieval history experts - from Scotland, England and France - will investigate the 700 year old document, held at The National Archives in London, and produce a report to Scottish and UK Government Ministers that will then allow discussions on the status of the document.
The National Archives of Scotland has uploaded a high-resolution image of the document to its website to allow people to make up their own minds about the letter. A seminar on the document will be held in Edinburgh in Spring 2011.
Ms Hyslop said: "There has always been tremendous interest in this letter and repeated claims that it should rightfully reside in Scotland's National Archives. It is right that we revisit such a case and I am delighted that such a distinguished group will be reviewing the evidence.
"The wonders of modern technology will allow people interested in this important document to follow the progress of the research group online and to make up their own minds on the letter by zooming in on the document in minute detail.
"I look forward to hearing the group's findings, which will no doubt be keenly anticipated by those interested in this document, in William Wallace and in this important part of Scotland's history."
George MacKenzie, Keeper of the Records of Scotland, commented: "It is remarkable how a 700 year old document still stirs such emotion today. This letter is still a mystery, but I hope that working with our colleagues at The National Archives in London, and with the help of these distinguished historians and archivists, we can begin to solve that mystery."
Oliver Morley, Chief Executive of The National Archives, added: "The National Archives welcomes the opportunity for academic discussion on this subject and looks forward to concluding on the purpose and origin of this valuable and historic document."
The research group will meet for the first time in August at The National Archives in London. The group will report to UK and Scottish Ministers in Spring 2011.
(GK/BMcC)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 November 2010
BBC Defends 'Fifa's Dirty Secrets' Investigation
The BBC has defended a Panorama documentary which alleges that three Fifa officials accepted bribes during the 1990s. The documentary alleges that Nicolas Leoz, Issa Hayatou and Ricardo Teixeira took money from a sport marketing firm awarded lucrative World Cup rights.
BBC Defends 'Fifa's Dirty Secrets' Investigation
The BBC has defended a Panorama documentary which alleges that three Fifa officials accepted bribes during the 1990s. The documentary alleges that Nicolas Leoz, Issa Hayatou and Ricardo Teixeira took money from a sport marketing firm awarded lucrative World Cup rights.
01 September 2004
One-size-fits-all speeding penalties to be scrapped
Motorists who are caught speeding at just above the limit could receive a lesser penalty than faster, more irresponsible drivers, under government plans published today. Penalties starting from £40 and two penalty points for the less serious offences, would be ramped up to £100 and six points for more serious speeding offenders.
One-size-fits-all speeding penalties to be scrapped
Motorists who are caught speeding at just above the limit could receive a lesser penalty than faster, more irresponsible drivers, under government plans published today. Penalties starting from £40 and two penalty points for the less serious offences, would be ramped up to £100 and six points for more serious speeding offenders.
25 February 2004
Blunkett calls for wider debate on reinforcing anti-terror security
The security services are to increase their manpower strength by half and regional networks of Special Branch "intelligence cells" are to be created over the next few years, the Home Secretary has announced today.
Blunkett calls for wider debate on reinforcing anti-terror security
The security services are to increase their manpower strength by half and regional networks of Special Branch "intelligence cells" are to be created over the next few years, the Home Secretary has announced today.
04 April 2011
National Archives Release MI5 'Secret Files'
A number of top secret files have been released by The National Archives (TNA). The files, available to the public online, include files from the Security Service MI5, revealing secret plans for assassination plots and use of poisons after the Second World War.
National Archives Release MI5 'Secret Files'
A number of top secret files have been released by The National Archives (TNA). The files, available to the public online, include files from the Security Service MI5, revealing secret plans for assassination plots and use of poisons after the Second World War.
08 August 2013
Border Staff Failing To Document Illegal Immigrants
Thousands of illegal immigrants trying to enter Britain from France are not being fingerprinted by UK border staff, inspectors have found. The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration found that UK border staff working in France had stopped photographing and fingerprinting immigrants caught trying to enter the UK illegally.
Border Staff Failing To Document Illegal Immigrants
Thousands of illegal immigrants trying to enter Britain from France are not being fingerprinted by UK border staff, inspectors have found. The Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration found that UK border staff working in France had stopped photographing and fingerprinting immigrants caught trying to enter the UK illegally.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
