For Freedom Alone: The Declaration of Arbroath, 1320 (Scottish History Matters series)

The Declaration of Arbroath, 6 April 1320, is one of the most remarkable documents to have been produced anywhere in Medieval Europe. Quoted by many, understood by few, its historical significance had now almost been overtaken by its mythic status. The beginning of a new century, in the wake of the re-establishment of the Scottish Parliament, seems an appropriate moment to re-examine one of Scotland's long-cherished historical icons. Since 1998 the US Senate has claimed that the American Declaration of Independence is modelled upon 'that inspirational document', and 6 April is celebrated annually as a day of national significance to all Americans, especially those of Scottish descent. So far such claims have not been the subject of scholarly investigation. This is the first book-length study to examine the origins of the Declaration and the ideas upon which it drew, while tracing the rise of its mythic status in Scotland and exploring its possible impact upon Revolutionary America.