Manuscripts of early laws, statutes, and practicks, written from the 15th to the early 17th centuries, and combined probably in the early 17th century.
Scope and Contents
The contents of the volume are as follows:
(i) Notes of Acts of Parliament of circa 1606-1609 and from the reign of James I to that of James VI and I, early 17th century (folio 1 verso).
(ii) A collection of laws in six books, taking its material from the ‘Regiam Maiestatem, the ‘Quoniam attachiamenta’, the early statutes, the burgh and forest laws, etc., 15th-16th century (folio 10). An index is bound in at folio 102.
(iii) `Assise et statuta Regis David primi`, including also some of William and Alexander II, 15th century (folio 93). ‘Acts of the Parliament of Scotland’, i, pages 3-13.
Folio 98 verso originally blank (now taken up with pen trials).
(iv) `Statuta Regis Robert de Brws`, concluding with one of David II, 15th century (folio 99). ‘Acts of the Parliament of Scotland’, i, pages 107-114.
(v) Practicks of the Court of Session collected chronologically from 1540 to 1590, early 17th century (folio 103). The title ascribes these to Henry Sinclair dean of Glasgow, with no indication that from 1550 the collection is due to others (see ‘The Sources and Literature of Scots Law’, chapter 3). This is followed by notes of decisions, 1597 to 1633, in another hand (folio 219) and by an index in yet another hand (folio 251). Older material towards an index is at folios 266-271.
(vi) Notes on civil law, early 17th century (folio 260).
Dates
- Creation: 15th century-early 17th century.
Extent
0.00 Linear metres (271 folios. Folio (the paper of sections (iii)-(iv), probably an original gathering of 10(-10), is slightly shorter, 272 x 195 millimetres).)
Language of Materials
English
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Paper (watermark of section (ii) a one-handled pot, of sections (iii)-(iv) a bow and arrow). Sections (iii)-(iv) ruled with a dry point, ruled area 190-210 x 110 millimetres.
Custodial History
The name of an owner Joseph Myllar or Miller (perhaps the early 17th-century advocate of that name) occurs frequently. On folio 101 verso are the names John Crag and J Annand (16th-17th century). According to a pencil note on folio i the volume later belonged to Lord Hailes. Former pressmark: Jac.V.6.25 (formerly 23). The volume was bought by the Advocates’ Library in 1808.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Presented, 1925, by the Faculty of Advocates to the nation on the foundation of the National Library of Scotland.
Bibliography
‘Sources and Literature of Scots Law’ (Stair Society, 1936).
- Title
- National Library of Scotland Catalogue of Manuscripts
- Author
- National Library of Scotland
- Date
- 28 05 2015
- Description rules
- Finding Aid Prepared Using Local Descriptive Rules
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the National Library of Scotland Archives and Manuscripts Division Repository
Archives and Manuscript Division
National Library of Scotland
George IV Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1EJ
0131 623 3700
manuscripts@nls.uk