An elaborate gold locket with pearls around one of its edges. It is open to reveal a portrait of a woman and of a boy.
Scottish History & Archaeology

Renaissance and Early Modern History

Our Renaissance and Early Modern collections contain objects relating to Scottish history from c.1450-1750.

This period encompasses the cultural developments of the Scottish Renaissance, the Protestant Reformation, and the seismic events of the Union of the Crowns, the Covenanting Revolution, the Anglo-Scottish Union of 1707 and the Jacobite Rebellions of 1715 and 1745.

Collections include decorative arts, jewellery, metalwork, furniture and weaponry, and objects relating to monarchical power, religion, trade and everyday life. Many of our objects were made in Scotland, but others were not, material evidence of the connections between Scotland, Europe and further afield.

Most notable are iconic pieces related to Mary, Queen of Scots, the Stewart kings, the Darien Venture, and the Jacobites. Star items include the Penicuik Jewels associated with Mary, a sword, targe and travelling canteen belonging to Prince Charles Edward Stuart, the awe-inspiring execution device, the Maiden, and the Company of Scotland’s large iron-bound chest related to the Darien Venture, the financially disastrous colonial scheme.

Meet the team

Renaissance and Early Modern History stories

  1. Ornate silver chest pointed at diagonally to view two sides at once. A heavy lock guards it and a coat of arms is inscribed on one side.
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    Mary, Queen of Scots and the silver casket

    The Mary, Queen of Scots Casket is one of Scotland’s most cherished treasures, thanks to its long-standing association with the controversial queen. Take a closer look at this extremely rare work of early French silver and its associations…
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  2. A silver coin with inscription to the edge and a profile portrait of a man in shoulder length curly hair wearing metal armour.
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    Exile, rebellion, and vanquishment: The Jacobite challenge

    In 1689, James VII and II was deposed. There then followed over half a century of attempts to reclaim the throne of Great Britain for the Stuart dynasty: the Jacobite challenge. National Museums Scotland now cares for a variety of objects…
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  3. A close up photograph of the royal archers green abd red tartan uniform , with buttons at the front and a green and yellow ribbon on the left side of the jacket. set against black background.
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    Jacobites and tartan: Symbolism and style

    Tartan has long been one of the most recognisable symbols of Scotland. The cultural significances of tartan are often reflections of and responses to the social context in which it was produced and worn. The 18th century tartans garments…
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