Acts (1715, 1724, 1748 & 1782) restraining the use of Highland Dress, the carrying of weaponry, and the convening of large groups of Scotsmen, due to the Rebellions of 1715 & 1745. Also the taking over of Scotland’s banks and having clergy and schoolmasters take an oath of ‘Britishness’. They were to have the people speak English rather than Gaelic and the schoolmasters had full reign to punish the speaking of Gaelic by schoolchildren [this was a continuation of the School Establishment Act (1616) & the Education Act (1696), before Scotland was in Union with the Westminster government]. The hope was they’d bring the English language home to their parents. When they were deemed fluent enough, they were sent to lowland schools and even to schools in the north of England. This way they returned home after their education fully denuded of their inherited culture. The Acts were designed to last a generation to give British nationalism a chance to take root within the indigenous population. It’s incredible after the 17 pages (1748) really ticking all the boxes on what the Scots couldn’t do, it only took a mere 2 pages (1782) to repeal the whole lot.
The Acts themselves aren’t just a fascinating read, they feel amazing. I think they’re comprised of a cotton/paper blend(?) and the imprint of the lettering is very satisfying. I’m sure you can see the texture in the scans.
1715 – “An Act for the more effectual securing the Peace of the Highlands in Scotland.”, ‘Statutes at Large’ (Disbound), chpt.54, p.161.
1724 – “An Act for the more effectual Disarming the Highlands in that Part of Great Britain called Scotland; and for the better securing the Peace and Quiet of that Part of the Kingdom.”, (small format, disbound), Watson, chpt.25, pp. 368-369.
1748 – “An Act to amend and enforce so much of an Act Made in the Nineteenth Year of His Majesty’s Reign, as relates to the more effectual disarming the Highlands in Scotland; and restraining the Use of the Highland Dress,…”, Baskett (Disbound), p. 949.
1782 -“An Act to repeal so much of an Act, made in the Nineteenth Year of King George the Second, (for the more effectual disarming the Highlands in Scotland, and for other purposes therein mentioned), as restrains the Use of the Highland Dress.”, ‘Annual Volume for the Year’ (Disbound), p. 969.
