DNA being collected from our charters

Testing the Genetic Analysis of our Charters

By analyzing the DNA found in the parchment, we can learn about which animal was used to produce them, including their breed, sex, and health. We also learn about livestock economies, genetic diversity, animal migration, and the diseases and parasites that impacted them. 

For example, in the 14th and 15th centuries there were 6 different breeds of sheep in Scotland. However, there is evidence of breeding experiments that may have taken place with the intention of improving wool. Further DNA analysis could reveal information about these breeding experiments. Another example is the Great Cattle Plague of 1319, a disease that had a terrible impact on livestock. Analyzing the DNA from parchment produced during this period could reveal the nature of the outbreak.

A goat on the banks of Loch Scresort

DNA samples were taken from several of the Campbell of Monzie charters, using two different methods. The first method is the triboelectric extraction method, where the parchment was rubbed with a clean eraser across a small area of the parchment where there was no writing. The eraser crumbs were then collected in test tubes and sent to be tested. The second method is the brushing method, where medical brushes were rubbed on a small area of the parchment. The brush heads were then collected in test tubes and sent off for testing.

The DNA samples provided some interesting results. It had been assumed that all the charters would be made of sheepskin, due to Scotland being a major exporter of wool, woolfells, and sheep hides. However, the test results revealed that two of the charters were made of from cow hide, two from sheep, and two from goatskin. 

XS1 MS A001 Doc 15-2

Confirmation of Lands granted by Duncan Campbell of Lochawe, to his son Colin Campbell (XS1 MS A001 Doc 15-2)

The charter pictured here is one of several in our collection that relates to the Campbells of Loch Awe. DNA analysis of this charter has revealed that its parchment is made from goatskin. This finding is surprising because it was thought that goats were comparatively rare in late medieval Britain. Also, it was held that most legal documents were made from sheepskin, owing to the high lipid content that made forgery more difficult. But there are reports of feral goat colonies living near Loch Lomond in the fourteenth century, not far from Glenorchy.