Rare King James letter to go on display to mark 400 years since death

The letter written by King James <i>(Image: National Records of Scotland)</i>
The letter written by King James (Image: National Records of Scotland)
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The first letter ever written by King James VI of Scotland will be displayed in a new exhibition to mark 400 years since his death.

The rare document is the first known letter written by the king and is believed to have been written when he was seven-years-old.

It has been held by National Records of Scotland and will join other treasures to mark the anniversary.

The World of King James VI & I opens at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait on April 26 and bring precious documents together with artworks, clothing and jewels to create an immersive experience.

The display offers a special look into the life of the king who united the crowns in 1603. Among the papers going on show is a thank you letter from the young James to his guardian’s wife, the Countess of Mar, for sending him fruit.

Other documents to be displayed include papers about the coronation of Queen, Anne, and letters between James and Anne's brother Christian, King of Denmark.


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Dr Alan Borthwick, Head of Medieval and Early Modern Records at National Records of Scotland, said: "These records are rarely seen in public. They help us understand James's remarkable story, from becoming king of Scots as a baby, his mother’s exile, his childhood and going on to become the first monarch to rule Scotland, England and Ireland."

James became king when was just 13 months old after Mary, Queen of Scots, was forced to abdicate.

These documents help tell his story from those early days through to his time ruling his much wider kingdom.

'The World of King James VI & I' opens on Saturday 26 April at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, Queen Street, Edinburgh.

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