Armorial of James Workman.
Scope and Contents
The volume contains paintings of the arms of European rulers (folio 1), Scottish queens from St Margaret to Mary, Queen of Scots (folio 19), and Scottish nobility and gentry (folio 43). The full coats of arms are given, except for the gentry, where only their shields are shown.
Former owner Sir James Balfour of Denmilne has added numerous criticisms of Workman`s inaccurate heraldry. He also identified the arms of the gentry (folio 171). These corrections were made on the instructions of the Privy Council in 1630. See ‘The Armorial Register of Sir David Lindsay of the Mount`, page 14.
The manuscript was shown in the Heraldic Exhibition in Edinburgh in 1891 (see ‘Memorial Catalogue’, number 672).
Dates
- Creation: 1st half of 17th century.
Extent
0.00 Linear metres (178 + many blank folios. Folio.)
Language of Materials
English
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
Contemporary binding (rebacked) of brown sheepskin, gilt-stamped. Ties missing.
Custodial History
The manuscript belonged to Sir James Balfour of Denmilne. It was bought by the Advocates’ Library in 1723, at the sale of Sir Robert Sibbald`s library.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Presented, 1925, by the Faculty of Advocates to the nation on the foundation of the National Library of Scotland.
Bibliography
‘Memorial Catalogue, Heraldic Exhibition, Edinburgh, 1891 (Edinburgh, 1892).
Genre / Form
- Title
- National Library of Scotland Catalogue of Manuscripts
- Author
- National Library of Scotland
- Date
- 10 07 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