THE first map of Scotland detailing the Kingdom of the Scots is on display at the University of St Andrews.
The university’s Wardlaw Museum hosts the 15th century Hardyng Map of Scotland, on loan from the British Library as part of its Treasures on Tour programme, until July 3. The document is one of the earliest maps of Scotland.
Drawn in the 1400s, the map includes a colourful depiction of St Andrews, showing the now-ruined St Rule’s Church. Visitors will be able to explore the Middle Ages in depth as the map will be displayed alongside another exhibition – Cult, Church, City: Medieval St Andrews – which brings together items from across the UK to tell the story of the town during this period.
It is thought the map was drawn from knowledge of Scotland gained by English chronicler John Hardyng on a secret mission to Scotland, on which he was sent to spy out the land by the English King Henry V. Hardyng included the map in his later chronicle, telling the history of England and its neighbours.
Principal and vice-chancellor of the university, Professor Sally Mapstone, is an expert in Medieval and Renaissance Scottish literature and, as a medievalist, is delighted to welcome Hardyng’s map to the university.
Mapstone said: “Hardyng’s map provides important context to the dynamic relationship between Scotland and England throughout the ages. It has broad appeal, not only to those studying here in St Andrews, but also to anyone interested in the ways in which Scotland’s geographical, political and cultural conditions have changed over centuries.
“Every map tells a story and I look forward to the discussion, debate and reflection that will be sparked at this critical juncture in Scotland’s future while the map is on display at the Wardlaw Museum.”
Dr Claire Breay, head of Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern manuscripts at the British Library, said: “We are thrilled to be loaning the Hardyng Map of Scotland to the Wardlaw Museum.
“The British Library’s collections are for everyone and we hope this map, which is going on alongside other works connected with medieval St Andrews, will inspire new audiences, young and old.”
Treasures on Tour: John Hardyng’s Map of Scotland and Cult, Church, City: Medieval St Andrews will be at the Wardlaw Museum until July 3. Entry is free and a full programme of events will be offered. Details can be found on the University Museum web page.
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