A NEW book translating Pope John XXII’s reply to the Declaration of Arbroath and investigating the signatories of the document is to be published.
On August 28, 1320, the Pope responded to the declaration and Papal historian Dr Roger Collins has provided a fresh translation of the response received.
The book titled Conquered By No One – a collaboration between more than 50 writers – also explores the motivation behind the declaration’s 39 signatories.
Neil McLennan of Aberdeen University edited the book that explores the document that hoped to confirm Scotland’s status as an independent sovereign state.
Speaking to the PA news agency, McLennan said: “For a long period, there has been a lot of debate about the document itself – but people seemed to have missed out that there were 39 names on that document.”
He said the book aimed to explore the role and motives of those involved in the document who have rarely been studied.
McLennan said it was fascinating that Robert the Bruce managed to draw together a “disparate” group of people to sign the declaration.
He added that the declaration was a relatively democratic document, which said if Bruce was no longer fit for the role, they could remove him – one of the first moves away from the divine rights of kings.
The situation faced by Scotland in 1320 is not dissimilar to the one some Scots face in 2020 according to McLennan, he said: “In many ways, the story is almost a repeat of the complex politics we live through 700 years on.”
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