The first known letter written by King James VI of Scotland, penned when he was no more than seven years old, has gone on show in Edinburgh as part of a new exhibition. This rare document held by National Records of Scotland (NRS) joins other treasures on display to mark 400 years since the king’s death. The World of King James VI & I is now on at the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait until September 14th.
The exhibition brings together precious documents with artworks, clothing and jewels to create an immersive experience. The display offers a special look into the life of the king who became the first to unite the crowns in 1603. Among the papers going on show is a childhood thank you letter. In it, young James expresses gratitude to his guardian’s wife, the Countess of Mar, for sending him fruit.
The oldest known letter in his own hand still in existence.
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. 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.”
The young James became king when he was just 13 months old, after his mother 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. King James VI of Scotland wrote this letter when he was six or seven years old. It is the oldest known letter in his own hand still in existence. King James VI & I died in England on 27 March 1625.
The World of King James VI & I is now open at National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, Queen Street, Edinburgh. For further details see: www.nationalgalleries.org/exhibition/world-king-james-vi-and-i
Main photo: Letter to Lady Minny. Photo courtesy NRS.