The Broomhall House Collection: Indian photographs  

This is a wonderful photograph of Princess Jahan the Nawab Sultan Kaikhusrau Jahan Begum (1858-1930) as a child, who ruled as Begum of Bhopal (1901-1926). The Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal , was one of the few Princely States of India which was ruled by a female dynasty. This matriarchal period of rule began in 1819 on the succession …

English Lessons from Scottish Writers

In the library at Broomhall House, are some important books written by eighteenth century Scottish writers: Hugh Blair’s Lectures on Rhetoric and Belles Lettres and Tobias Smollett’s Expedition of Humphry Clinker. Hugh Blair (1718-1800) was the first academic to teach English Literature as a stand-alone subject. For Scots seeking to take advantage of the Act of Union (1707) to travel …

The Bruce Family and Britain’s armed forces

Over several centuries prominent members of the Bruce Family have served the British armed forces in a variety of roles. Raising a regiment In 1794 Britain was plunged into war with revolutionary France. Landowners responded to the emergency by raising regiments. Thomas Bruce (7th Earl of Elgin) raised a Fencible regiment of 300 men. They were garrisoned in Ireland where …

Family Business United visits the Bruce Family at Broomhall House

Taking a tour of Scotland in March, Paul Andrews, CEO of Family Business United visited around 20 well established family firms including Johnstons of Elgin, Apex Hotels, and Little’s Chauffeurs. Completing his journey at Broomhall House, Paul together with Susannah Simpson, Private Business Partner at PwC, was welcomed by Charles Bruce and Sophia Bruce, and given a guided tour of …

Broomhall House, a target destination for top US travel advisors

Despite the arctic weather, a warm welcome was extended to an intrepid party of Destination and Travel Consultants drawn from all over the United States, who visited Broomhall House recently. Arriving at Broomhall on the last leg of their Scottish trip, the party was given a personal tour of the house and its collection by Lord Bruce. In anticipation of …

Discovery of tomb of King Robert the Bruce commemorated in Dunfermline Abbey

Attending the 200th anniversary of the discovery of King Robert the Bruce’s bones in Dunfermline Abbey, Lord Bruce and Benedict Bruce joined the congregations of the Abbey Church and St Leonards Church at a special service on 18th February 2018. The body of King Robert was disturbed by workmen clearing the rubble of the collapsed Abbey tower in 1818. It …

Exhibition of Treasures from Broomhall House

Following Monday’s press announcement, the media wires have been buzzing with excitement over the upcoming Bonhams Scottish Week and our Treasures from Broomhall House and the Bruce Family exhibition. Lord Bruce has been gracing the media channels and front pages for the last couple of days. Among the many objects on display at the exhibition will be the Sword of State of Robert …

State Sword of Robert the Bruce on Public Display at Bonhams Scottish Week in Edinburgh

As part of Bonhams Scottish Week – a seven-day celebration of all things Scottish – the auction house will host an exhibition of Treasures from Broomhall House and the Bruce Family from 22–27 January at 22 Queen Street. It will also be running a free valuations service during this period. Among the many objects on display at the exhibition will …

Japanese link at Broomhall House

The Bruce Family, Broomhall House and an extraordinary connection to the birth of modern Japan

The Bruce Family was delighted to receive an important visitor from Japan – Dr. Hiroshi Kurushima, Director-General of the National Museum of Japanese History in Tokyo. Dr. Kurushima was visiting Scotland to discuss closer collaboration between Scottish and Japanese national collections. His visit to Broomhall House was arranged by the Consul General of Japan in Edinburgh, Mr. Daisuke Matsunaga. The …