SNP looks to bring last William Wallace possession home

Published on Sunday 13 June 2010 23:23

THE Scottish Government has started moves to repatriate the only surviving possession of William Wallace.

Top historians are to examine an ancient letter widely believed to have been in the possession of Wallace, which is currently being held at The National Archives in Surrey.

The SNP-led administration in Holyrood could then ask for its return once the academics have studied the historic document. The "letter of safe passage" was written by the King of France in 1300 and was intended to guarantee Wallace's safety on a planned visit to the Pope.

Campaigners have repeatedly called for it to be returned to Scotland and put on public display, insisting it is part of the nation's history. But ministers initially refused to publicly back the proposal, citing concerns by archivists that it may not be as significant as has been suggested.

But now, 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.

A Scottish Government spokesman said they will then begin talks on bringing the document back to Scotland, adding: "This will allow ministers to take forward discussions on the status of the document."

Medieval history experts from Scotland, England and France will investigate the 700-year-old document, and produce a report to Scottish and UK government ministers.

The National Archives of Scotland yesterday uploaded a high-resolution image of the document to its website to allow those interested 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.

"Modern technology will allow people interested in this important document to follow the progress of the research group online. 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."

Wallace became a legendary figure in 1297 after leading a Scottish army to victory against English forces at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. But he was arrested in Robroyston, near Glasgow, eight years later and taken to London where he was convicted of treason before being hanged, drawn and quartered.

The medieval "passport" is said to have been found in a pouch on his belt prior to his execution. George MacKenzie, Keeper of the Records of Scotland, said: "It is remarkable how a 700-year-old document still stirs such emotion today."

National Archives chief executive Oliver Morley said: "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."