New Montrose Letter Exhibition Remembers 1664 Battle of Aberdeen

Provost Skene’s House will mark the 380th anniversary of the Battle of Justice Mills by displaying one of its most significant artefacts: the Montrose Letter. This rare letter, part of Aberdeen City Archives, will be on view until Sunday, 8th September, commemorating a dark chapter in the city's history, also known as the 'Battle of Aberdeen.'

The battle was fought on 13th September 1644, when the Royalist army, led by James Graham, 1st Marquis of Montrose, attacked Aberdeen. At that time, the city was controlled by the Covenanting forces. They supported the Scottish government in their conflict against King Charles I's Royalists. In his letter, written in a hurried scrawl, Montrose demanded the town's surrender. Refusing to yield, the city's Provost and officials, assembled at a house on The Green, resisted his threats.

A fierce battle ensued at Justice Mills, resulting in the deaths of over 100 Aberdonians and leaving the town in ruins as the Royalist forces unleashed three days of terror and violence upon its inhabitants.

The Montrose Letter is a unique survivor from the Battle of Justice Mills, providing a wonderfully tangible connection to this turbulent chapter in Aberdeen’s history. I encourage everyone to come along on Saturday to meet members of The Sealed Knot,  the UK’s oldest re-enactment society.

- Cllr Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council

Visitors to Provost Skene’s House will have a unique opportunity to view this letter and learn more about the events surrounding the battle. On Saturday, 7th September, from 11 am to 4 pm, visitors can also meet re-enactors representing the Royalist forces of the Marquis of Montrose and the Covenanter forces of Lord Burleigh in the Painted Gallery, bringing history vividly to life.

The exhibition is a rare chance to see an important part of Aberdeen's history for yourself and explore the dramatic events that unfolded nearly four centuries ago.

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