The perfect festive gift: Archive Treasures

The original documents held by Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives span 1179 to the present day and are a wonderfully tangible connection to the rich history of the North East of Scotland. That’s why choosing just fifty items to represent the collections for a new book, “The Written Record” is but to scratch the surface of this amazing resource. 

Copies of "The Written Record"

The Archive was inscribed on UNESCO’s ‘UK Memory of the World Register’ in 2013 because of its status as the oldest and most complete archive of any Scottish town or city. It is amazing to think that the collection has witnessed historical events such as the Wars of Independence, outbreaks of the plague, the persecution of supposed witches, the Gunpowder Plot, the Battle of Justice Mills, a couple of Jacobite uprisings not to mention two World Wars. 

Arranged chronologically, the 50 documents that feature in the book are personal choices by those who know the archive best - the staff. The 50 chapters each feature a photograph of the relevant document and an article which places it in its context. 

The Stocket Charter, granted by Robert the Bruce to Aberdeen in December 1319

Some of the items are pivotal records in the history of the region and undoubtedly “star attractions”, such as the Stocket Charter which was granted to Aberdeen by Robert the Bruce in December 1319. Others, such as Stevenson’s plan of Stonehaven, are perhaps less well known, but selected to highlight a specific angle on the past. 

Each image is accompanied by an article about the document, in this case Robert Stevenson’s plan of Stonehaven harbour, c.1823  

Collectively the fifty items convey an idea of the range and breadth of subjects that the archive holds while also providing a fascinating insight into the history of the region over the last 800 years. 

“The Written Record: 50 Treasures from Aberdeen City & Aberdeenshire Archives” is available from the shop at Aberdeen Art Gallery, priced £12, or by mail order (p&p extra) by emailing archives@aberdeencity.gov.uk.

It would make a great present for the history geek in your life, but please note that Friday 16th December is the last day for posting first class mail for pre-Christmas delivery, so get your order in quick. We won't be posting between 23rd December-4th January while the Archive is closed for Christmas and Hogmanay, although copies should be available at the Art Gallery shop (please check the AAGM website for the Gallery's opening hours).