A new book which highlights fifty treasures in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s archives has being launched.
The Written Record: 50 Treasures from Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire Archives tells the story of fifty documents – spanning from 1179 to the present day – chosen from the 800-year-old-collection.
Choosing just 50 documents was a difficult task given the collection’s status as the most complete of any Scottish town or city, which resulted in the in it being inscribed on Unesco’s “UK Memory of the World Register” in 2013.
Arranged chronologically, the 50 documents that feature in the book are personal choices by the staff, with each chapter featuring a photograph of the relevant document and an article which places it in its context.
Some of the items are pivotal records in the history of the region, such as the Stocket Charter, which was granted to Aberdeen by Robert the Bruce in December 1319.
Others, such as the Aberdeenshire poor relief records, are perhaps less well known, but has been selected to highlight a specific angle on the past.
‘The book is an exciting opportunity to use them to learn about our past’
Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman, Martin Greig said: “This selection of items offers an excellent way for exploring our local history. Our archives are extremely rich and the book is an exciting opportunity to use them to learn about our past.
“Each document takes the reader on a fascinating journey of discovery and our experts have made a wide range of choices to help us understand those who came before us. I would not be surprised if the book is a sell-out and it would make a splendid Christmas gift.”
City archivist, Phil Astley added: “It is extraordinary to think that the collection bears witness to events such as the Wars of Independence, outbreaks of the plague, the Gunpowder Plot, a couple of Jacobite uprisings, not to mention two world wars.
“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 book, which costs £12, has been printed in a limited run of 750 copies and can be purchased at the Aberdeen Art Gallery shop or by mail order at archives@aberdeencity.gov.uk.
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