The Charter

Some events in Scotland and beyond which took place around this time:

  • Columbus ‘discovers’ America – 1492
  • Aberdeen University (Scotland’s third) founded – 1494
  • Spain and Portugal agree to divide between them the unexplored parts of the globe – The Treaty of Tordesillas, 1494
  • Scotland’s first Education Act passed – 1496
  • Vasco de Gama discovers sea route to India – 1498
  • Marriage of King James IV to Margaret Tudor – 1503

This is the earliest surviving Charter, dated 10th May 1499, and granted under the Great Seal of King James IV. It gave Fordyce the status of Burgh of Barony under Bishop Elphinstone of Aberdeen. Fordyce’s status as the centre of a large parish was enhanced by the comparatively peaceful times.

Produced by the Forward Planning Projects Section of Aberdeenshire Council, in association with Gilbert Summers, writer.

The Burgh of Barony