480-year-old cipher from Mary, Queen of Scots reign to go on show at Scottish university

National Records of Scotland is lending two items from Scotland’s National Archive for an exhibition on the early reign of the queen at Wardlaw Museum at the University of St Andrews.

An escape room inspired by the cipher is also to be launched alongside the exhibition later in the year.

Mary was three years old when the ledger was filling up with the expenses of protecting her kingdom. The Earl of Arran, Regent of Scotland, had renounced an earlier treaty promising her in marriage to Prince Edward of England. She was to marry the Dauphin of France instead. This triggered war with England.

The ledger shows the money spent on soldiers, spies and sending messages. The work of the state had to be conducted in coded letters. The cipher to be displayed is connected to the siege of Broughty Castle – an English stronghold near Dundee.

Eilidh Lawrence, head of collections at the Wardlaw Museum, said: “Loans from the National Records of Scotland are central to telling the stories of Scotland’s people during a violent period of warfare. We are grateful to NRS for supporting the exhibition.”

Mary, Queen of Scots, who was born at Linlithgow Palace, was first in line of succession to the English throne after her cousin Elizabeth I. Catholics considered Mary to be the legitimate sovereign and Elizabeth had her imprisoned for 19 years because she was seen as a threat. Mary was eventually executed aged 44 for her alleged part in a plot to kill Elizabeth.

She is known to have used a complex series of ciphers in the correspondence written by her during her last years of captivity in England.

Dr Amy Blakeway, senior lecturer in 16th century Scottish history at the University of St Andrews, said: "These two loans from the National Records of Scotland tell the story of a country under enormous pressure. The Treasurers' Accounts show how Scotland was stretched to its financial limits by war. Prices and government spending rose. People faced higher taxes and demands for military service.

"The cipher shines a light on espionage during the conflict. It survives in papers linked to the English garrison at Broughty Castle. Perhaps it was captured by Scottish spies, or found when the castle fell in 1550.”

The loans will be placed alongside records from communities throughout the country.

NRS chief executive Alison Byrne said: “We proudly preserve Scotland’s historical records for the nation. I’m delighted NRS is able to lend these items for this fascinating exhibition about the early reign of Mary, Queen of Scots.

“At almost 480 years old and relating to one of Scotland’s most iconic historical figures they are without doubt treasures worth seeing.”

War, Destruction and Reform: the Early Years of Mary, Queen of Scots runs seven days a week from 7 March to 20 September.

A programme of talks and events for people of all ages accompanies the exhibition. This includes an escape room inspired by the cipher that will run in the summer.