John Nicoll (chronicler)

John Nicoll (dates of birth and death unknown) was a Scottish chronicler active primarily in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. He is best known for his chronicle, often referred to as the ''Nicoll Chronicle'', which covers the period from approximately 1488 to 1542. This chronicle provides a valuable, though often biased, account of Scottish history during a turbulent era marked by the reigns of James IV, James V, and the early years of Mary, Queen of Scots.

The ''Nicoll Chronicle'' is written from a predominantly pro-Scottish perspective, often portraying the English as aggressors and highlighting Scottish victories and achievements. While offering important details about battles, political machinations, and social conditions of the time, it must be read critically, acknowledging its inherent partiality. It contains vivid descriptions of events, often including anecdotal information and personal observations, giving readers insight into the contemporary atmosphere and sentiments.

The original manuscript of the ''Nicoll Chronicle'' is no longer extant. Its survival is dependent on later copies and transcriptions, creating potential challenges in determining its original accuracy and intent. Scholars continue to debate the precise authorship, with some questioning whether "John Nicoll" was a pseudonym or a name representing a collective of scribes or a single individual.

Further research is needed to establish a more complete biographical account of John Nicoll himself. The lack of readily available biographical information hinders a more thorough understanding of his life, motivations, and the context in which he compiled his chronicle. The precise location where he lived and worked also remains uncertain. Despite these limitations, his chronicle remains a significant primary source for studying late medieval and early Renaissance Scotland.