Scotland, with its rich medieval history and unique legal traditions, has long fascinated scholars and travelers alike. Among its many historic institutions, the concept of the royal burgh stands out as a key part of Scotland’s development during the Middle Ages and beyond. A royal burgh was not just a town; it was a significant symbol of privilege, authority, and economic autonomy under the Scottish Crown. The number of royal burghs in Scotland has varied over time, and understanding their origins, roles, and eventual decline offers a glimpse into Scotland’s administrative and social evolution.
What Is a Royal Burgh?
A royal burgh was a type of Scottish burgh (town) granted a royal charter by the monarch. This charter allowed the burgh to trade independently, hold markets, and elect local officials such as provosts and bailies. These towns had legal and economic privileges not available to ordinary towns or burghs of barony. Being designated as a royal burgh was a prestigious mark that signified both loyalty to the Crown and a degree of self-governance.
Origins in Medieval Scotland
The earliest royal burghs appeared during the reign of King David I in the 12th century. He founded many royal burghs, inspired by the Norman and English systems of town governance. These burghs were intended to boost commerce, promote orderly settlement, and strengthen the king’s control across Scotland.
- Aberdeen
- Berwick-upon-Tweed (now part of England)
- Edinburgh
- Stirling
- Perth
These early burghs were strategically located near rivers, trade routes, or castles. Their charters often included the right to collect tolls, hold weekly markets, and enjoy special trading protections.
How Many Royal Burghs Were There?
At the height of the system, there were 70 royal burghs in Scotland. This number includes towns that received royal charters between the 12th century and the early modern period. Each of these royal burghs had its own unique history, economic base, and role in the kingdom’s administration.
Some of the most prominent royal burghs included:
- Edinburgh Scotland’s capital and the political center of the kingdom.
- Aberdeen A hub for fishing, shipbuilding, and trade with northern Europe.
- Dundee Known for textiles and maritime industries.
- Inverness The gateway to the Highlands, crucial for regional control.
Geographic Spread of Royal Burghs
Royal burghs were spread throughout the Scottish Lowlands and coastal regions. While most were in the southern and eastern parts of the country where agriculture and trade were strong, a few were situated in the Highlands or more remote locations to promote control over those areas. This wide distribution helped unify the kingdom under the king’s legal and commercial oversight.
Privileges of a Royal Burgh
Royal burghs enjoyed numerous rights and privileges that allowed them to flourish economically and politically. Some of these included:
- The exclusive right to foreign trade (called free burgh status).
- The ability to form merchant guilds and trade associations.
- Representation in the Parliament of Scotland and later the British Parliament.
- The right to appoint their own magistrates and manage internal affairs.
These benefits allowed royal burghs to become powerful urban centers, often with impressive architecture, guildhalls, and townhouses.
Decline of the Royal Burghs
Although royal burghs were central to Scottish life for centuries, their influence began to decline in the 19th and 20th centuries. Industrialization shifted economic activity to newer towns and cities. In addition, political reforms reduced the autonomy of royal burghs.
Important Reforms
- The Burgh Reform Act of 1833 standardized local governance across Scotland, weakening the unique powers of royal burghs.
- In 1975, the Local Government (Scotland) Act abolished the legal distinction between royal burghs and other types of municipalities.
Although the titles and rights were removed, the legacy of the royal burghs is still visible in town names, local traditions, and ceremonial roles.
Fun and Lesser-Known Facts About Royal Burghs
Unique Titles and Traditions
Many royal burghs maintained quirky customs, like riding the marches, a ceremonial patrol of the town’s boundaries. This ancient practice symbolized independence and property rights, and in places like Edinburgh and Selkirk, it’s still observed today as a cultural event.
Burghs Sent MPs to London
Following the 1707 Act of Union, royal burghs gained the right to send representatives to the British Parliament. Groups of burghs would often form a district that collectively elected one MP. This unusual arrangement was a result of Scotland’s smaller population and historical structure.
Royal Charters Were Treasured
The original royal charters, often written on vellum and sealed with wax, were closely guarded by burgh councils. Losing or damaging a charter could result in a legal crisis. Many of these charters are now preserved in local archives and museums.
Some Royal Burghs Are No Longer in Scotland
Berwick-upon-Tweed was once a royal burgh of Scotland but changed hands several times due to Anglo-Scottish conflict. It is now firmly within England, although it retains a curious dual heritage.
Legacy of the Royal Burghs Today
While no longer legally distinct, many towns still proudly refer to themselves as Royal Burgh of X. This designation lives on in local signage, historical societies, and civic ceremonies. For example, the Royal Burgh of Linlithgow is still celebrated for its ancient ties to the monarchy and its medieval architecture.
Preserved Urban Layouts
Many former royal burghs still retain medieval street plans, central marketplaces, and historic buildings. These urban features continue to attract tourists, historians, and locals interested in Scotland’s past.
Important to Scottish Identity
The royal burghs played a key role in developing the sense of civic identity that helped shape Scotland’s political culture. The legacy of self-governance, merchant pride, and legal tradition continues to influence modern local government and community life in Scotland.
So, how many royal burghs were there in Scotland? The answer is 70 at their peak. But beyond the number lies a deeper story of medieval innovation, economic ambition, and royal favor. From their medieval beginnings under King David I to their modern-day echoes in Scottish culture, royal burghs helped build the framework of a nation. Their legacy remains woven into the fabric of Scotland’s towns and cities, offering a fascinating glimpse into a past where royal charters shaped the course of local and national history.