News by email Donate

Suggestions

Bonnie-Prince-Charlie-2-main_article_image.jpg
National Museum of Scotland
UK News

Vatican's Jacobite artefacts to be shown in the UK

They're among more than 300 items linked to the Stuarts dynasty drawn from across Europe to be showcased at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh from Friday.

David Forsyth, principal curator, said: "Bonnie Prince Charlie is the one that people know about, but I think that the visitors will be quite taken aback by the longevity of the Jacobites' cause.

"It's a story that has inspired artists, writers, poets. It's a story that still continues to have an interest and a resonance for people."

Creative Commons

Bonnie Prince Charlie (Charles Edward Stuart) led the 1745 uprising, the last of five Jacobite challenges for the thrones of Scotland, England and Ireland.

The Battle of Cullodee one year later ruled the Stuarts out of any realistic prospect of reclaiming their kingdoms.

Mr Forsyth added: "Charles Edward Stuart is actually the final chapter in a story which starts in 1688 with the deposing of his grandfather, James VII and II of England and Scotland, sending the Stuarts into courtly exile."

The five month exhibit will include three marble grave markets - formerly located in St Peter's Basilica - of Bonnie Prince Charlie, his younger brother Henry Benedict and their father James VIII of Scotland and III of England.

Mr Forsyth went on to say: "...as the exhibition shows, whilst Scotland is the battleground, it is in Europe - first France and latterly in Rome - where the Stuart story unfolds over this period, with courts held, honours dispensed, tributes accepted and campaigns planned.

A gold communion set, known as the York Chalice and Paten and inlaid with 130 diamonds, is joining the exhibition from the Sacristy Museum at St Peter's Basilica. It belonged to Henry (Cardinal York).

Experts think the pieces illustrate the high-esteem which Stuarts were held in Roman society, where the family held their exiled courts during Charles' early years.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

Connect

Donate