Sir John Skene: 'Scotiae Veteres Leges et Constitutiones'

Scope and Content

An earlier MS of Regiam Majestatem. Scotiae veteres leges et constitutiones, 1607, describing laws of Scotland previous to James I (336 ff.). It contains laws from the time of Malcolm MacKenneth II to Robert III, as well as 'Leges Burgorum' (Laws of the Forest). On a flyleaf it reads 'Skenaei Leges Scotiae transcribed by James Mershall 1606 [=1607]. Leges Burgorum Scotiae'; the volume is signed throughout by Mershall. Most of the writing is in Latin, but the Laws of the Forest are in Scots.

Access Information

Unless restrictions apply, the collection is open for consultation by researchers using the Manuscripts Reading Room at Cambridge University Library. For further details on conditions governing access please contact mss@lib.cam.ac.uk. Information about opening hours and obtaining a Cambridge University Library reader's ticket is available from the Library's website (www.lib.cam.ac.uk).

Acquisition Information

Formerly Phillipps MS.9491. Purchased by the Library at Christie's, 15 March 1995 (Bute Library sale), lot 333.

Other Finding Aids

A catalogue of the collection can be found on ArchiveSearch.

Additional Information

Contemporary reversed calf, rebacked.