A rare royal thank you letter penned by the first monarch to rule Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland when he was only seven years old is set to go on display for the first time.
King James VI of Scotland wrote the touching note at a young age despite a tumultuous childhood and it will be displayed as part of a new exhibition marking 400 years since his death. It was held by the National Records of Scotland.
The National Galleries Scotland: Portrait in Edinburgh will display the letter among many historic items from Saturday, April 26 in the exhibition titled: The World of King James VI & I.
He was the longest serving Scottish monarch with 57 years and 246 days on the throne. He spent more tan 22 years as King of Ireland, Wales and England after the union of crowns in 1603, until his death in 1625. Wales was politically united with England in 1536
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He was born at Edinburgh Castle on June 19, 1566 son to of Mary, Queen of Scots and her second husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley.
His father was murdered just before his first birthday and his mother was forced to abdicate her throne when James was only 13 months old. He was crowned on July 29, 1567.
Despite instability in his early years, the future King of England, Wales and Ireland was given a classical education growing into an accomplished poet, write and theologian. He would go on and write one of the most significant translations of the Holy Bible known as the King James Bible.
He acceded the English throne in 1603 following the death of childless Elizabeth I, the last Tudor monarch, as he was the nearest royal relative and heir to the English throne. He died on March 27, 1625 and was succeeded by his second son Charles, who would become King Charles I.
The National Galleries describe the exhibition as exploring themes of friendship, ambition and feuds, while also touching on contemporary topics such as queer history, spirituality, belief and national identity.
It will showcase more than 140 artefacts including jewels, textiles, paintings and important loans from collections across the UK reflecting his impact on the flourishing artistic and cultural scene of the 16th and 17th centuries.
The galleries state that the documents set to be featured will chart his journey from a child monarch to ruler of Britain revealing his personal and political stories behind one of the most important reigns in British history.
In the note, the future king expresses his gratitude to the Countess of Mar, the wife of his guardian, for sending him fruit, offering a rare glimpse into his early years.
Dr Alan Borthwick, head of medieval and early modern records at National Records of Scotland, said: "These records are rarely seen in public.
"They help us understand James’s remarkable story, from becoming king of Scots as a baby, his mother's exile, his childhood and going on to become the first monarch to rule Scotland, England and Ireland."
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