Scotland History: Difference between revisions

Effective family research requires understanding the historic events that affected your family and the records about them. Learning about wars, local events, laws, migrations, settlement patterns, and economic or religious trends may help you understand family movements. These events may have led to the creation of records, such as poor law records or military records, that mention your family.  

Your ancestors will be more interesting if you learn about the events that shaped their lives. For example, a history may tell you what events occurred in the year your ancestor married and how those events may have impacted their decisions.  

83 or 84 Battle of Mons Graupius Romans reportedly defeat the Caledonians although there is some debate about the actual outcome of the battle.

685 Battle of Dunnichen Picts defeat Northumbrians at Dunnichen in Angus

'''843'''Kenneth MacAlpin becomes king of the Picts and Scots. This marks the first united kingdom in Scotlland.  

'''1174''' William the Lion surrenders the independence of Scotland to Henry II in the Treaty of Falaise.  

'''1306''' Robert Bruce assumes leadership of a rebellion against English rule.  

'''1314''' Robert Bruce defeats the English in Battle of Bannockburn, maintaining Scottish independence.  

'''1325''' The English recognise Robert Bruce as King Robert of Scots

'''1514''' The recording of testaments (wills) begins in Scotland.  

'''1552'''The General Provincial Council orders each parish to keep a register of baptisms and banns of marriage.  

'''1560'''Protestantism is established. The authority of the pope is abolished, and celebrating mass becomes illegal.  

'''1592''' The Presbyterian Church is formally established.  

'''1600'''The calendar changes from the Julian Calendar to the Gregorian Calendar.  

'''1603'''The crowns of England and Scotland unite.  

'''1608''' The Plantation of Ulster in Ireland is established to prevent Irish revolts against English rule. By 1640 there were 40,000 Scots in northern Ireland.  

'''1690'''The Presbyterian Church is permanently restored and becomes the Church of Scotland.  

'''1707''' The Act of Union is formed between Scotland and England, creating Great Britain.  

'''1715''' Thousands of Scots support James Edward Stuart, called "Old Pretender," as the king of Great Britain. This is called the first Jacobite rising.  

'''1745''' Many Scots support James’ son Charles Edward Stuart, also called Bonnie Prince Charlie and the "Young Pretender," as the king of Great Britain. This is called the second Jacobite rising.  

'''1746'''The Government forces defeat the forces of Charles Edward Stuart in the Battle of Culloden. After this battle, the English executed many clansmen and outlawed kilts,tartan,bagpipes and carrying of weapons. These restrictions were removed in 1782.  

'''1779''' The Industrial Revolution begins to affect Scotland.  

'''1829''' Roman Catholics are permitted by law to buy and inherit property and keep records.  

'''1841''' The first census of genealogical value is taken.  

'''1855''' Civil registration begins.  

For dates and information concerning battles and wars, see the "[[Scotland Military Records|Military Records]]" section of this outline. For key dates and information concerning church records, see the "Church History" section of this outline.  

The following are a few of the available sources to help provide you with a perspective of the historical events. Major research libraries may have these books:

Cook, Chris, et. al. ''British Historical Facts''. London, England: Macmillan Press, 1975-. (FHL book 942 H2ccb.) This source lists key dates, offices, and office holders in Scottish and English history.  

Moody, David. ''Scottish Towns: A Guide for Local Historians.'' London, England: B. T. Batsford, 1992. (FHL book 941 H27m.) This source describes the background and structure of Scottish towns, and discusses sources for researchers.

Sinclair, Cecil. ''Tracing Scottish Local History: A Guide to Local History Research in the Scottish Record Office''. Edinburgh, Scotland: Scottish Record Office, 1994. (FHL book 941 H27s.) This book describes local historical records available in the Scottish Record Office.

Smout, T.C. ''A History of the Scottish People 1560- 1830''. London, England: Collins, 1969. (FHL book 941 H2sm.)  

Smout, T.C. ''A Century of the Scottish People 1830- 1950''. London, England: Collins, 1986. (FHL book 941 H2sma.)  

Smout, T.C., and Wood, Sydney. ''Scottish Voices 1745-1960.'' London, England: Fontana Press, 1990. (FHL book 941 H2stc.)

SCOTLAND - HISTORY  

GREAT BRITAIN - HISTORY  

 

 

Many bibliographies of history are also available. Look in the Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalog under SCOTLAND - HISTORY - BIBLIOGRAPHY to find the ones available at the Family History Library.  

You can find local histories listed in the Locality Search of the Family History Library Catalog under SCOTLAND, [COUNTY], [PARISH] - HISTORY.  

 

The year 1599 consisted only of nine months: January, February, and March (1-24) 1599 became January, February and March (1-24) 1600.  

For calendar conversions, go to:  

*http://www.fourmilab.ch/documents/calendar/