Medieval database set to be available to public

By CHRIS MARSHALL
Published on 05/09/2012 00:00

THOUSANDS of historical documents from Scotland’s past, featuring the likes of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce, pictured, are to be made available for the first time as part of a project launched today.

The People of Medieval Scotland project has catalogued about 21,000 people mentioned in 8,600 documents written between 1093 and 1314.

Its creators at Glasgow University say the database offers academics, students and history enthusiasts insight into how the social and cultural landscape evolved.

Professor of Scottish history Dauvit Broun, who led the project, said: “Understanding these documents is hugely important in detailing the foundations of modern Scotland and how the name of Scotland and Scots came to apply to a distinct country and people.”

Education secretary Mike Russell added: “This is a world-class resource which will inform current and future historians and members of the public about this important period in Scottish history.”