Lot 163
Covenanting manuscript - Kirkcudbright - instructions ordering a parish census, 1684
£3,800
Rare Books, Manuscripts, Maps & Photography
Auction: 13 January 2016 at 11:00 GMT
Description
Instructions [from] the Commissioners of the Privy Council to the Stewart of Kirkcudbright & his deputies, 9. October 1684, 1 folio folded, 4pp. each 29.2x18cm, with signatures of Queensberry, Drumlanrig and Colonel Grahame of Claverhouse, some creasing and folds, a little soiling, a few small holes and two repairs affecting text
Footnote
Note: This manuscript, comprising a list of instructions from the Commissioners of the Privy Council to the Stewart of Kirkcudbright, appears to order a parish census, amidst the Scottish Covenanting movement.
The manuscript instructs the Stewart of Kirkcudbright and his deputies to obtain lists of all the commoners in his area, question them about what arms they have and immediately remove all such objects from the people, make a list of those who refuse and to make an inventory of the weapons. The third point of the manuscript then reads: "The Stewart and his deputes are presently to proceed in judging all that are guilty of church disorders & irregularities according to the Law..."; the fourth point in the manuscript instructs the Stewart and his deputies to become aware of any rebels or people who have "disserted or fled from their houses since April 1683...and apprehend the persons of all rebels, their wives and children above 14 years of age..."; the fifth point orders the seizure of all "peddlers & chapmen", who are to be "examined upon their principles" and to be tested under the "oath of allegiance"; The manuscript also charges the Stewart and his deputies to "intimate the proclamation of safe conduct at the parish kirk in time of divine service..."; item 10 reads: "The Stewart and his deputies as to such refuse the test and are willing to take the oath of allegiance, they are to proceed against them for all bygone disorders and irregularities and to fine them under the utmost extent in law."
In 1638, the National Covenant was signed by members of the Scottish Presbyterian church, objecting to the interference of the Stuart monarchy in the affairs of the church. Notably, in 1637, Charles I had introduced the Book of Common Prayer to Scotland, declaring that it would be treasonous to oppose the newly enforced liturgy. Those who objected, especially those who refused to attend the Episcopalian church, were criminalised and fined. Parishioners were required to swear loyalty to the king, as head of the church. Refusal to do so could mean death.
Following the restoration of Charles II, in 1660, the situation intensified. In 1678, a Highland army was billeted in Lowland and Western Scotland, with the aim of repressing any rebellion. A 'Second Resistance' developed, leading to the Rutherglen Declaration, whereby Covenanters condemned government actions since 1660, and ultimately to the battle of Drumclog, where the Covenanters claimed victory. However, the Covenanting troops then lost the Battle of Bothwell Bridge, to government troops under the direction of the Duke of Monmouth.
Many of those captured in the Battle of Bothwell Bridge were deported to plantations in the Americas. The manuscript here states, "The Laird of Laigg in all this instructions is to act by himself or his deputes... And he is to seize upon the wives of all such as are banished to the plantations..."
Towards the end of Charles II's life, and as James II ascended to the throne between 1684 and 1685, a period of particular oppression of Covenanter sympathisers has become referred to as the "Killing Times". During this period, instructions were issued for parishes to make lists of their inhabitants. This document orders such a census to be carried out in Kirkcudbright.
The manuscript instructs the Stewart of Kirkcudbright and his deputies to obtain lists of all the commoners in his area, question them about what arms they have and immediately remove all such objects from the people, make a list of those who refuse and to make an inventory of the weapons. The third point of the manuscript then reads: "The Stewart and his deputes are presently to proceed in judging all that are guilty of church disorders & irregularities according to the Law..."; the fourth point in the manuscript instructs the Stewart and his deputies to become aware of any rebels or people who have "disserted or fled from their houses since April 1683...and apprehend the persons of all rebels, their wives and children above 14 years of age..."; the fifth point orders the seizure of all "peddlers & chapmen", who are to be "examined upon their principles" and to be tested under the "oath of allegiance"; The manuscript also charges the Stewart and his deputies to "intimate the proclamation of safe conduct at the parish kirk in time of divine service..."; item 10 reads: "The Stewart and his deputies as to such refuse the test and are willing to take the oath of allegiance, they are to proceed against them for all bygone disorders and irregularities and to fine them under the utmost extent in law."
In 1638, the National Covenant was signed by members of the Scottish Presbyterian church, objecting to the interference of the Stuart monarchy in the affairs of the church. Notably, in 1637, Charles I had introduced the Book of Common Prayer to Scotland, declaring that it would be treasonous to oppose the newly enforced liturgy. Those who objected, especially those who refused to attend the Episcopalian church, were criminalised and fined. Parishioners were required to swear loyalty to the king, as head of the church. Refusal to do so could mean death.
Following the restoration of Charles II, in 1660, the situation intensified. In 1678, a Highland army was billeted in Lowland and Western Scotland, with the aim of repressing any rebellion. A 'Second Resistance' developed, leading to the Rutherglen Declaration, whereby Covenanters condemned government actions since 1660, and ultimately to the battle of Drumclog, where the Covenanters claimed victory. However, the Covenanting troops then lost the Battle of Bothwell Bridge, to government troops under the direction of the Duke of Monmouth.
Many of those captured in the Battle of Bothwell Bridge were deported to plantations in the Americas. The manuscript here states, "The Laird of Laigg in all this instructions is to act by himself or his deputes... And he is to seize upon the wives of all such as are banished to the plantations..."
Towards the end of Charles II's life, and as James II ascended to the throne between 1684 and 1685, a period of particular oppression of Covenanter sympathisers has become referred to as the "Killing Times". During this period, instructions were issued for parishes to make lists of their inhabitants. This document orders such a census to be carried out in Kirkcudbright.
