When the deaths of Alexander III and his granddaughter Margaret, Maid of Norway, left Scotland without a monarch, Edward used the invitation to help choose a successor as an excuse to revive English claims of overlordship.

The Declaration was written during the long war of independence with England which started with Edward I's attempt to conquer Scotland in 1296.

Over the centuries various copies and translations have been made, including a microscopic edition. The Declaration was written in Latin and was sealed by eight earls and about forty barons. Mike Brooks © Queen’s Printer for Scotland, National Records of Scotland, SP13/7 The Declaration of Arbroath, 6 April 1320 The Declaration is a letter written in 1320 by the barons and whole community of the kingdom of Scotland to the pope, asking him to recognise Scotland's independence and acknowledge Robert the Bruce as the country's lawful king. These are the best known words in the Declaration of Arbroath, foremost among Scotland's state papers and the most famous historical record held by National Records of Scotland. It is in truth not for glory, nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting, but for freedom alone, which no honest man gives up but with life itself'. 'As long as a hundred of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be subjected to the lordship of the English.

The iconic and fragile 700-year-old document can only be displayed occasionally in order to ensure its long-term preservation. The Declaration has not been on public display for 18 years, when it was last displayed at the Scottish Parliament. The famous document will be on show from 3 June to 2 July 2023. The display has been organised in partnership between National Museums Scotland and National Records of Scotland. The Declaration of Arbroath will be displayed at the National Museum of Scotland this summer for the first time in 18 years.

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