For Freedom Alone

The Declaration of Arbroath, 6 April, 1320, is one of the most noted documents to have been produced in medieval Europe. This book examines the origins of the Declaration of Arbroath and the ideas upon which it drew, while tracing the rise of its status in Scotland and exploring its possible impact upon Revolutionary America.

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The Declaration of Arbroath, 6 April, 1320, is one of the most remarkable documents to have been produced anywhere in medieval Europe. Quoted by many, understood by few, its historical significance has now almost been overtaken by its mythic status. Since 1998, the US Senate has claimed that the American Declaration of Independence is modeled upon 'the inspirational document' of Arbroath, and 6 April is celebrated annually as a day of national significance to all Americans, especially those of Scottish descent. To date, such claims have not been the subject of scholarly investigation; this is the first book-length study to examine the origins of the Declaration and the ideas upon which it drew, while tracing the rise of its mystic status in Scotland and exploring its possible impact upon Revolutionary America.