The names of some of our buildings may seem self-explanatory: it is fairly easy to understand why names like General Register House, West Register House, and New Register House were chosen. However, we are often asked about the name of our newest archive building, Thomas Thomson House, which is at Sighthill to the west of … Continue reading Who was Thomas Thomson?
Court photos show 1950s Glasgow life
You might expect the pictures contained within Sheriff court Records to be graphic or disturbing, showing the details of crimes and their victims. Of course, this is often the case – but sometimes the pictures can instead give us a glimpse into social or local history. In a payment case for damages for injuries occurring … Continue reading Court photos show 1950s Glasgow life
Three roads to Hampden?
Hampden Park is today known as the iconic home of Scotland’s national football team (and, of course, of Queen’s Park F.C.) However, did you know that there have been three different Hampden Parks since the formation of the SFA in 1873? Hampden Park #1 was the first home of Queen’s Park and they played there … Continue reading Three roads to Hampden?
The Marquis of Montrose’s death and re-assembly
On 21 May 1650 the royalist hero James Graham, Marquess of Montrose, was publicly executed by hanging on a scaffold at the Mercat Cross in Edinburgh, and his body dismembered. A remarkable account of expenses held by National Records of Scotland throws light on how, a decade later, Montrose’s remains were reassembled with pomp and ceremony, … Continue reading The Marquis of Montrose’s death and re-assembly
A window into the 18th century: John Home’s estate plans
The NRS maps and plans collection contains many exceptional items, but we’re looking today at the estate plans of John Home. Home was a land surveyor who worked across Scotland during the mid to late 18th century. It was something of a golden age of surveying in Scotland – a time when estate plans were … Continue reading A window into the 18th century: John Home’s estate plans
Preview: Medieval Charters Exhibition
NRS archivist Dr Tristram Clarke, Head of Outreach, talks about Scribes & Royal Authority: Scotland's Charters, 1100-1250, a free exhibition at General Register House, Edinburgh. The exhibition, which runs from 5 April to 17 May, is a rare opportunity to see examples from two of Scotland’s most important collections of medieval charters. You can find out more here.
Medieval Charters Exhibition
Scribes and Royal Authority: Scotland's Charters 1100-1250 5 April - 17 May 2017 Free Exhibition, Matheson Dome, General Register House For the first time precious examples from two of Scotland’s most important collections of medieval charters are going on show in National Records of Scotland. The charters from Holyrood Abbey and Melrose Abbey reveal how … Continue reading Medieval Charters Exhibition
Manuscript pedicure
There are many exciting things a Conservator can find between the pages of a manuscript. Not only animal droppings, human hair originating from unknown body parts, and other delights, but also something that looks very much like toe nail clippings. Except, at a closer look, they are actually quill pen shavings! After lines and lines … Continue reading Manuscript pedicure
Open Book 