ONE of Scotland’s “national treasures”, which had been owned by the family of the Dukes of Hamilton for more than 300 years, has found a home in the National Museum of Scotland.
The silver casket is also believed to have been owned by Mary, Queen of Scots and went on display at the Edinburgh museum for the first time last Thursday.
For three centuries, it was owned by the family of the Dukes of Hamilton, following its acquisition, around 1674, by Anne, Duchess of Hamilton.
According to a handwritten note stored with it from the late 17th century, she bought the casket, previously owned by Mary, Marchioness of Douglas, on the understanding that it had belonged to Mary, Queen of Scots.
The silver casket was previously at Lennoxlove House but now has a home at the National Museum of Scotland. Picture: National Museums Scotland
The casket has now been acquired by National Museums Scotland from Lennoxlove House Ltd, its owner since the middle of the 20th century, for £1.8 million, thanks to support from the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, the Scottish Government and several trusts, foundations and individual donors.
A spokesperson for Lennoxlove House Ltd said: “Although we are sad that the casket is leaving Lennoxlove House, its sale will enable the long-term maintenance of the house and its contents.
“We are delighted that National Museums Scotland have acquired it for the nation and that millions of visitors to the National Museum of Scotland will now be able to enjoy its exceptional story and exquisite beauty.”
The note records the belief that the casket played a dramatic role in Mary’s downfall when, in December 1568, a similar casket was produced at a hearing ordered by Elizabeth I against Mary at Westminster.
This contained what have become known as the Casket letters.
These letters, allegedly from Mary to her third husband, the Earl of Bothwell, implicated them both in a conspiracy to murder her second husband, Lord Darnley.
Picture: National Museums Scotland
Dr Chris Breward, director of National Museums Scotland, highlighted the significance of the item.
He said: “This extraordinary casket is truly one of Scotland’s national treasures.
“Venerated as a relic of Mary for centuries, it is believed to represent a momentous and disastrous moment in her turbulent life.
“Beyond this, the magnificence of the piece speaks to a queen at the height of her powers, wealth and position.
“I am delighted that this beautiful object has been acquired for the nation and I am grateful to the National Heritage Memorial Fund, Art Fund, and all the individuals whose generosity has made this acquisition possible.”
It is thought the casket was given to Mary by her first husband, François II of France, and came to Scotland with her in 1561 after his death.
Dr Simon Thurley, chair of the National Heritage Memorial Fund, which contributed £810,000 towards the acquisition, was “really excited” to support the acquisition of “this remarkable casket”.
He said: “Not only will memorial funding bring an object of great national importance into public ownership, it will bring to life the story and secrets of the casket and of Mary, Queen of Scots to a whole new generation of visitors at the National Museum of Scotland.”
Lennoxlove House, south of Haddington, is home to the current Duke, Alexander, the 16th Duke of Hamilton, and his family.
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