Broadside entitled 'Discovery of Ancient Relics'

Commentary

This broadside begins: 'A Full, True, and Interesting Account of that Remarkable and Important Discovery made yesterday in taking down the old houses in the Castle-hill, when there was found a box containg several Ancient Coins, a Massy Gold Ring, an old fashioned Dirk, and a Wonderful Prophecy made in the year 1550, respecting great events which are to happen this present year.' It was printed in Edinburgh 'for the Booksellers', and priced at one penny.

Since the prophecy relates to the year 1831, it is safe to assume that this broadside was published in or around that year. The prediction itself, whilst rather obscure, suggests that 1831 will be a year of 'myghtie trobelles' during which the country will be on the brink of destruction. However, it is also suggested that Scotland will saved by men abounding in virtue and talent.

Broadsides are single sheets of paper, printed on one side, to be read unfolded. They carried public information such as proclamations as well as ballads and news of the day. Cheaply available, they were sold on the streets by pedlars and chapmen. Broadsides offer a valuable insight into many aspects of the society they were published in, and the National Library of Scotland holds over 250,000 of them.

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