Stirling

Pageant Society

Arbroath Abbey Pageant Society – Keeping History Live for the Future

The Arbroath Abbey Pageant Society was founded in 1947 by local citizens to commemorate and promote a high point in the history not only of Arbroath but for all free peoples, the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath on the 6th of April 1320 within the walls of Arbroath Abbey.

The Society regularly performed a spectacular and colourful pageant re-enacting the famous event until 1981 when a devastating fire destroyed everything. It was not until 1999 that the Society phoenix-like returned to mark the 400th anniversary of Arbroath’s Royal Charter. Since then the Society have staged full pageants in 2000 and 2005 as well as annually marking the 6th of April with a special commemorative event.

Almost 200 volunteers are involved with the Pageant. They are young and old and come from every sector of the community. The group is strictly non-political and completely voluntary.

The Letter of April 1320 from the Barons of Scotland to Pope John XXII, the Declaration of Arbroath, was composed during a truce in the long war with the English. More than five years after the Battle of Bannockburn (1314) and despite other Scottish victories, Edward II persisted in war and consistently refused to recognised Robert Bruce as King.

As a diplomatic move, the Scots sent this collective Letter to the Pope to convince him they were united in their resolve to preserve their independence. The Letter in the most polished and eloquent Latin is believed to be the work of Bernard de Linton, Abbot of Arbroath and Chancellor of Scotland. The Letter was signed and sealed in the presence of Robert Bruce on the 6th of April 1320 within Arbroath Abbey before being send to the Pope then at Avignon.

President of the Arbroath Abbey Pageant Society, Miss Anita Walker said “It is a great honour to be invited to take part in this year’s Tartan Day events in Stirling. This area of course was the scene of much activity in time of Robert the Bruce.” Miss Walker continued, “Through the Pageant we hope to engage the imagination of the current generation to celebrate the aspirations of a small but significant and beautiful country.”

Dr Richard Irvine, Vice President remarked, “I would encourage people to come along on the 9th April, it promises to be something a bit special.” He continued “If you like what see, then why not support our aim for a full length flood lit Pageant in August 2009 in the historic ruins of Arbroath Abbey?”

More information can be found at the website or from Anita Walker on 01241 874498.