Details of the Treaty of Union are agreed - On this day in history

c19aacfd-983f-4be5-9aa6-a848bce6e212

22 July 2016
|
22-July-512px-Treaty_of_Union-41707.jpg Scottish Exemplification (official copy) of the Treaty of Union of 1707
The details of the Treaty of Union were agreed on 22 July 1706

On this day in history, 1706: The details of the Treaty of Union were agreed by commissioners from the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of Scotland. Separate Acts of Union were then passed by the parliaments of England and Scotland to ratify the Treaty and put it into effect. This led to the creation of the Kingdom of Great Britain - the political union took effect on 1 May 1707.

It is this treaty or Act of Union that lies behind the seemingly arbitrary mixture of Scottish and British laws and records relating to Scots which can so often confuse anyone new to Scottish research.

Pictured: Scottish Exemplification (official copy) of the Treaty of Union of 1707.

If you’re new to Scottish research, or need a refresher, check out our guide to tracing your Scottish ancestors here.