The Scottish National Covenant of 1638 was a defining moment in Scottish and wider British history. It triggered off a series of events which culminated in the British Civil Wars; its ghost was still keenly felt during the reigns of Charles II and James VII & II, and it continued to haunt our more recent history. Each generation of historians has projected the attitudes, trends and politics of their own time back on the Covenant. Was it a unifying early attempt of Scottish Independence, a bold statement upholding the Protestant succession or an inconveniently violent episode in Scotland’s journey to becoming a modern nation?

Interpreting the Covenant for modern audiences is mired in countless myths, inaccuracies and complications. In this talk, Nico Tyack will attempt to unlock the secrets hidden in this unique document. Join us as we unpick fact from fiction, understand the origins and context of the Covenant, and take a close look at the fine example of the document displayed at the Museum of Edinburgh.

Speaker

Nico Tyack

Nico Tyack has been working at Museums & Galleries Edinburgh as Collections Information Officer since 2010. During this time, he has built up a wealth of knowledge about the collections here, and a particular interest in the early modern period of Scottish history.