Using text and image, the Scotland and the Wider World: A Poster Exhibition displays some of the latest research on 'Scotland and the Wider World' conducted in St Andrews by current and former PhD students.
The International Context of the Scottish Reformation
Dr John McCallum's display will explore the international context of the Scottish Reformation, placing particular emphasis on developments in St Andrews and the surrounding area. It will cover the international factors in the events leading up to the Reformation of 1559-1560, the influence of continental ideas in Fife parishes, and relationships between Fife churches and reformers and their fellow Protestants elsewhere in Europe.
Scotland and France
Siobhan Talbott's research focuses on Scotland’s commercial relationship with France in the early modern period. It has often been assumed that in 1560, with the Scottish Reformation and the Treaty of Edinburgh, the Auld Alliance that had existed between the two countries since 1295 ended. She has looked particularly at the commercial relationship between the two countries and demonstrated that the Franco-Scottish trading relationship continued despite the domestic and international upheaval of the long seventeenth century. Her exhibition comprises four posters, an electronic database and examples of original documents. Siobhan Talbott will be present to answer any questions attendees may have about any aspect of the exhibition, or her research more generally. The subjects of the four posters are:1. The Auld Alliance, 2. Conflict and Commerce, 3. British Commercial Networks in France, 4. British Commercial Interests in La Rochelle.
Scotland, Spain and England, 1586-1603
Cynthia Fry's research explores the diplomatic relationships that Scotland had with Spain and England between 1586 and 1603. During this period Spain and England were at war, yet somehow James VI managed to stay on good terms with both kingdoms. Logistically Scotland was a vital ally of both England and Spain, and James used this to his advantage. From royal proclamations and official government policies to the undercover world of Scotland's secret agents, her exhibit will reveal the exciting world of Scottish Diplomacy in the late sixteenth century.
European Perceptions of Scotland and the Scots Laura Hedrick's work examines European opinions and perceptions of Scotland and the Scots between the years 1560-1714. From at least the twelfth century, historians have striven to categorise and order the peoples of Britain, generalising their cultures along the way. In the process, many of these cultures' distinctive traits have developed into ‘national’ stereotypes: myths perpetuated by authors with varying intentions. This research intends to analyse systematically the ways in which Early Modern Europeans felt about the Scots, and what factual occurrences may have triggered their perceptions. Laura's display will highlight some outstanding broadsheets and ballads by and about Scots which helped to propagate these stereotypes, as well as their themes and
significance in Scottish national identity.
Our researchers will be present on Friday, 24 September 2010 to answer any questions you may have on their research.