137-586: Stirling Castle , located in Stirling , is one of the largest and most historically and architecturally important castles in Scotland . The castle sits atop an intrusive crag , which forms part of the Stirling Sill geological formation. It is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs, giving it a strong defensive position. Its strategic location, guarding what was, until the 1890s, the farthest downstream crossing of
274-499: A Brittonic origin, and the name was thought likely to be Brittonic by most commentators thereafter. However, in a comprehensive survey of the evidence in 2017, Thomas Owen Clancy showed that a Brittonic etymology is unlikely, and derived the name from Gaelic srib-linn , meaning "pool in the river". A geographical survey of Britain in the eighth-century Ecclesiastical History of the English People by Bede also mentions
411-527: A powder magazine being built in the castle gardens, and a formal garrison installed from 1685. At the accession of King George I in 1714, John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar was deprived of the governorship, as well as the post of Scottish Secretary. In response, he raised the standard of James Stuart , the "Old Pretender", in the Jacobite rising of 1715 . Government troops, under the Duke of Argyll, quickly moved to occupy
548-558: A royal burgh , and the castle an important administration centre. King William I formed a deer park to the south-west of the castle, but after his capture by the English in 1174, he was forced to surrender several castles, including Stirling and Edinburgh Castle, under the Treaty of Falaise . There is no evidence that the English actually occupied the castle, and it was formally handed back by Richard I of England in 1189. Stirling continued to be
685-431: A 9th-century legend, it was attacked by Danish invaders. The sound of a wolf roused a sentry, however, who alerted his garrison, which forced a Viking retreat. This led to the wolf being adopted as a symbol of the town as is shown on the 1511 Stirling Jug. The area is today known as Wolfcraig. Even today the wolf appears with a goshawk on the council's coat of arms along with the recently chosen motto: "Steadfast as
822-400: A Forework, extending as a curtain wall across the whole width of Castle Hill. At the centre is the gatehouse itself, which now stands to less than half its original height. The round towers at the outer corners rose to conical roofs, with battlements carried around the tops of the towers. These were flanked by more round towers, of which only traces now remain, and mirrored by further rounds at
959-458: A brother of the Earl of Douglas . The Burgundian knights were the victors. In 1452, it was at Stirling Castle that James stabbed and killed William, 8th Earl of Douglas , when the latter refused to end a potentially treasonous alliance with John of Islay, Earl of Ross and Alexander Lindsay, 4th Earl of Crawford . James III (reigned 1460–1488) was born here, and later undertook works to the gardens and
1096-514: A central passage, flanked by two separate pedestrian passages. This triple arrangement was unusual in its time, and Classical triumphal arches have been suggested as an influence. The gatehouse was dismantled gradually, and was consolidated in its present form in 1810. At each end of the crenellated curtain wall was a rectangular tower. The west tower, known as the Prince's Tower, probably after Henry, Prince of Scotland , survives to its full height, and
1233-530: A company making baby carriages was set up. These prams were exported to Canada, South America, India and South Africa. The Princes Street drill hall was completed in 1908 and the Municipal Buildings , which formed the headquarters of Stirling Burgh Council for much of the 20th century, were completed in 1918. After the blockades of the World Wars there was some increase in the use of the port including
1370-576: A compromise by which Hugh got the bishopric and John became bishop of Dunkeld . In 1188 William secured a papal bull which declared that the Church of Scotland was directly subject only to Rome, thus rejecting the claims to supremacy put forward by the English archbishop . The Treaty of Falaise remained in force for the next fifteen years. Then the English king Richard the Lionheart , needing money to take part in
1507-578: A conference centre, hotel and Vue multiplex cinema, that will ultimately expand the city centre area, linking it to the River Forth, which has been cut off from the city centre area since the construction of the A9 bypass under the railway station in the 1960s. In the service sector, financial services as well as tourism are the biggest employers. The financial services and insurance company Scottish Amicable Life Assurance , now part of Prudential , established
SECTION 10
#17328441170131644-525: A dispute. In the early 19th century an "exceedingly low" cost steamboat service used to run between Stirling and Newhaven or Granton . The coming of the railways in 1848 started the decline of the river traffic, not least because the Alloa Swing Bridge downstream restricted access for shipping. The railways did provide opportunity too with one Riverside company selling their reaping machines as far afield as Syria and Australia. Similarly, in 1861,
1781-475: A favoured royal residence, with William himself dying there in 1214, and Alexander III laying out the New Park, for deer hunting, in the 1260s. Stirling remained a centre of royal administration until the death of Alexander III in 1286. His passing triggered a succession crisis, with Edward I of England invited to arbitrate between competing claimants. Edward came north in 1291, demanding that Stirling, along with
1918-497: A huge brooch clasps Highlands and Lowlands together". Similarly "he who holds Stirling, holds Scotland" is sometimes attributed to Robert the Bruce . Stirling's key position as the lowest bridging point of the River Forth before it broadens towards the Firth of Forth made it a focal point for travel north or south. When Stirling was temporarily under Anglo-Saxon sway, according to
2055-508: A large and base at Craigforth on the outskirts of Stirling in the 1970s. In terms of tourism, the presence of such historical monuments as Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument and other nearby attractions like Blair Drummond Safari Park has bolstered Stirling's position as a significant tourist destination in Scotland. The University of Stirling and Stirling Council are two of
2192-573: A mock castle, and a masque designed by Bastian Pagez . Darnley was already estranged from the Queen and did not attend although he was resident at the castle. James' guardian, the Earl of Mar , was made hereditary governor of the castle in 1566. Mary was travelling from Stirling when she was abducted by the Earl of Bothwell , beginning the chain of events that led to her forced abdication and her flight to England. When Mary escaped from Lochleven Castle in May 1568,
2329-656: A non-Scots identity was retained in Stirling for some time after inclusion into the land controlled by the King of Scots. The second motto is: It has been claimed that the "Bridge" seal was regarded as the Burgh seal proper, the "Castle" seal being simply a reverse, used when the seal was affixed by a lace to a charter. This agrees with a description in an official publication (which spells Bruti with only one letter t). Clearer images are available with different lettering. Sibbald conflated
2466-415: A place called urbs Giudi ("the town of Giudi "). Although its location is not certain, a 2023 study found that "Stirling is the location of urbs Giudi favoured by most scholars", and itself supported this identification. This name is thought etymologically to be Celtic. The ninth-century Historia Brittonum mentions a similar-looking battle-site called urbs Iudeu , which many scholars have assumed
2603-489: A strategic military role during the 18th-century Jacobite risings . In 1715 , the Earl of Mar failed to take control of the castle. In January 1746 , the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie seized control of the town but failed to take the Castle . On their consequent retreat northwards, they blew up the church of St. Ninians where they had been storing munitions; only the tower survived and can be seen to this day. The castle and
2740-420: A tea trade with India. However, with normal shipping lanes open, the growth of the railways including The Forth Rail Bridge , left the harbour uneconomical and by the mid 20th century the port had ceased to operate. In terms of local government , the city of Stirling is a part of the wider Stirling Council area , which is based at Old Viewforth and governs on matters of local administration as set out by
2877-527: A variety of exhibitions and performances. There are many events at the Stirling Tolbooth and at The Albert Halls . Stirling has hosted the National Mòd several times: in 1909, 1961, 1971 and 1987. There are currently about 20 churches in the city. These include: Church of Scotland Roman Catholic Other churches Islam With Stirling's development as a market town and its location as
SECTION 20
#17328441170133014-445: A weather-dependent ferry or seasonal ford ) until the construction of the Alloa Swing Bridge between Throsk and Alloa in 1885. The city has two Latin mottoes, which appeared on the earliest burgh seal of which an impression of 1296 is on record. The first alludes to the story as recorded by Boece who relates that in 855 Scotland was invaded by two Northumbrian princes, Osbrecht and Ella . They united their forces with
3151-544: Is French-inspired, but the decoration is German in inspiration, and sources for the statues have been found in the work of the German engraver Hans Burgkmair . The statues include a line of soldiers on the south parapet, and a series of full-size figures around the principal floor. These principal figures include a portrait of James V, the Devil, St Michael , and representations of Venus and several planetary deities . Their arrangement on
3288-516: Is based on facts, the castle walls may have been the site of an attempt at human-powered flight , c.1509, by the Italian alchemist and abbot of Tongland , John Damian . The Captain of the Castle Andrew Aytoun kept an alchemist called Caldwell maintaining a furnace for "quinta essencia", the mythical fifth element , at the castle. The building works begun by James IV had not been completed at
3425-541: Is currently called Wallstale Dun on the southern end of Touchadam Craig, and Gillies Hill fort on the northwest end of the craig. The Wallstale structure is later than the Gillies Hill fort and is related in form to brochs, these appear to coincide with the Roman period and there are around 40 or so in the wider area. South of the city, the King's Park prehistoric carvings can still be found. Its other notable geographic feature
3562-418: Is its proximity to the lowest site of subjugation of the River Forth. Control of the bridge brought military advantage in times of unrest and excise duty, or pontage dues, in peacetime. Unsurprisingly excise men were installed in a covered booth in the centre of the bridge to collect tax from any entering the royal burgh with goods. Stirling remained the river's lowest reliable crossing point (that is, without
3699-684: Is mentioned with that city in Stirling Council's minutes of 1560. Around John Cowane 's time there is an account which states there were about 30,000 Scots families living in Poland although that was possibly an exaggeration. Trade with the Baltic also took place such as a timber trade with Norway. After the Jacobite threat had faded but before the railways were established, the Highland cattle drovers would use
3836-676: Is now attached to the later palace. At the east end, the Elphinstone Tower contained a kitchen and possibly an officer's lodging. It was cut down to form a gun battery, probably in the early 18th century when the Outer Defences were rebuilt. Within the Forework is a courtyard known as the Outer Close. To the south-east are Georgian military buildings; the late 18th-century Main Guard House, and
3973-407: Is now thought that the legend of Monenna results from a later confusion of early Christian figures, including Modwenna and Moninne . The first record of Stirling Castle dates from around 1110, when King Alexander I dedicated a chapel there. It appears to have been an established royal centre by this time, as Alexander died here in 1124. During the reign of his successor David I , Stirling became
4110-511: Is on a different alignment to both the King's Old Building and the adjacent Royal Palace. It has been suggested that this is an earlier 15th-century structure, dating from the reign of James I . Excavations within this building in 1998 revealed burials, suggesting that this may have been the site of a church or chapel. On the east side of the Inner Close is the Great Hall, or Parliament Hall. This
4247-553: The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders , although Balaclava Company, the sole surviving unit of the regiment, has been garrisoned at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh since 2014. The regimental museum is also located within the castle. The Outer Defences comprise artillery fortifications, and were built in their present form in the 18th century, although some parts, including the French Spur at
Stirling Castle - Misplaced Pages Continue
4384-478: The Childers Reforms , the 91st (Argyllshire Highlanders) Regiment of Foot and the 93rd (Sutherland Highlanders) Regiment of Foot amalgamated to form the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders with its depot in the barracks in 1881. The Royal Lodgings have now been returned to something approaching their former glory. A major programme of research and re-presentation, lasting ten years and costing £12 million,
4521-631: The Gateway to the Highlands and is generally regarded as occupying a strategic position at the point where the flatter, largely undulating Scottish Lowlands meet the rugged slopes of the Highlands along the Highland Boundary Fault . The starkness of this contrast is evidenced by the many hills and mountains of the lower Highlands such as Ben Vorlich and Ben Ledi which can be seen to the northwest of
4658-743: The Heart of Scotland . The Stirling seal has only the second part, in a slightly different form: Apparently the Latin is not first rate having four syllables in "cruce tuti" but the meaning seems to be that the Lowland Strathclyde Britons on the southern shore and the Highland Pictish Scots on the northern shore stand protected from each other by their common Christianity. A more modern translation suggests that rather than Briton, bruit might be better read as brute, i.e. brute Scots, implying
4795-605: The House of Commons of the parliament of the United Kingdom by first past the post system. Chris Kane of the Labour Party has been the MP for Stirling and Strathallan since the 2024 general election , when the seat was first contested - prior to this, Stirling was part of the constituency of Stirling . Historical voting records can be found in online databases. Stirling is renowned as
4932-479: The Kingdom of Scotland , Stirling was created a royal burgh by King David I in 1130. In 2002, as part of Queen Elizabeth 's Golden Jubilee , Stirling was granted city status . Stirling's name appears as Strivelin(g) in early sources, later becoming Stirveling and finally Stirling . Its meaning, and even its language of origin, are a matter of debate. In 1930, J. B. Johnston's Place-Names of Scotland suggested
5069-649: The Local Government etc (Scotland) Act 1994 . The current members of the Council were voted in 2017 for a term of office of 5 years. The May 2017 local government election resulted in the Scottish Conservative party and Scottish National Party each winning nine councillors, while the Labour Party won four seats and the Scottish Green Party won one. However, subsequently one Conservative councillor left
5206-687: The National Museum of Scotland , Edinburgh. Another two are on display in the Thieves Pot, a preserved 16th-century jail within the Thistles Shopping Centre . Stirling Stirling ( / ˈ s t ɜːr l ɪ ŋ / ; Scots : Stirlin ; Scottish Gaelic : Sruighlea [ˈs̪t̪ɾuʝlə] ) is a city in central Scotland , 26 miles (42 km) northeast of Glasgow and 37 miles (60 km) north-west of Edinburgh . The market town , surrounded by rich farmland, grew up connecting
5343-466: The River Forth , has made it an important fortification in the region from the earliest times. Most of the principal buildings of the castle date from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. A few structures remain from the fourteenth century, while the outer defences fronting the town date from the early eighteenth century. Before the union with England, Stirling Castle was also one of the most used of
5480-540: The Stirling Heads , described as "among the finest examples of Scottish Renaissance wood-carving now extant". Some of the heads may have been made by a French-born carver Andrew Mansioun . The carvings were taken down following a ceiling collapse in 1777, and of an estimated 56 original heads, 38 survive. Most were given to the Smith Institute in Stirling but now these are preserved in the castle, and three more are in
5617-627: The Stirling Old Bridge in 1297 and at the nearby village of Bannockburn in 1314 involving Andrew Moray and William Wallace , and Robert the Bruce respectively. After the Battle of Stirling Bridge , Moray and Wallace wrote to Hanseatic League leaders in Lübeck and Hamburg to encourage trade between Scottish and German ports. There were also several Sieges of Stirling Castle in the conflict, notably in 1304. Another important historical site in
Stirling Castle - Misplaced Pages Continue
5754-514: The Stirling Sill , a major defensive position which was at the lowest crossing point on the River Forth. Stirling stands on the Forth at the point where the river widens and becomes tidal . To the east of the city the Ochil Hills dominate the skyline with the highest peak in the range being Ben Cleuch , although Dumyat is more noticeable from Stirling. The Ochils meet the flat carse ( floodplain ) of
5891-601: The Third Crusade , agreed to terminate it in return for 10,000 silver marks (£6,500), on 5 December 1189. William then was able to address the turbulent chiefs in the outlying parts of his kingdom. His authority was recognized in Galloway which, hitherto, had been practically independent; he put an end to a formidable insurrection in Moray and Inverness ; and a series of campaigns brought the far north, Caithness and Sutherland , under
6028-496: The Union of the Crowns of 1603, when his father succeeded as King of England and the royal family left for London. After their departure, Stirling's role as a royal residence declined, and it became principally a military centre. It was used as a prison for persons of rank during the 17th century, and saw few visits by the monarch. The architect James Murray restored roofs and facilities of
6165-766: The Wars of the Three Kingdoms are clearly visible on the tower and apse of the church. Economically, the city's port supported foreign trade, historically doing significant trade in the Low Countries , particularly with Bruges in Belgium and Veere in the Netherlands. In the 16th century there were so many Scots in Danzig in Prussia that they had their own church congregation and trade
6302-531: The royal collection . The team of weavers visited The Cloisters , part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art , New York City , to inspect the 15th-century originals, and researched medieval weaving techniques, colour palettes and materials. The weavers worked both at the college in West Sussex , and at a studio at Stirling Castle. The project was completed in 2015. Stirling Castle remains the headquarters of
6439-449: The 18th-century defences. Following the attempted Jacobite invasion of 1708 , improvements to the castle's defences were ordered as a matter of priority. A scheme of new defences was proposed by Theodore Dury, although this was criticised by one Captain Obryan, who put forward his own, much more expensive, scheme. In the end a compromise was built, and was complete by 1714. The main front wall
6576-456: The Auld Brig on their way to market at Falkirk or Stenhousemuir . Three times a year, tens of thousands of cattle, sheep and ponies were moved together to the trysts in the south with some drovers going as far as Carlisle or even London's Smithfield . There is a record of a four-mile long tailback (of livestock) developing from St. Ninians to Bridge of Allan after a St. Ninians tollman had
6713-526: The Cromarty Firth opposite Cromarty . The aim was to discourage the Norse earls of Orkney from expanding beyond Caithness . A further rising in 1181 involved Donald Meic Uilleim , descendant of King Duncan II . Donald briefly took over Ross; not until his death in 1187 was William able to reclaim Donald's stronghold of Inverness . Further royal expeditions were required in 1197 and 1202 to fully neutralise
6850-548: The Cumbrian Britons in order to defeat the Scots. Having secured Stirling castle, they built the first stone bridge over the Forth. On the top they reportedly raised a crucifix with the inscription: "Anglos, a Scotis separat, crux ista remotis; Arma hic stant Bruti; stant Scoti hac sub cruce tuti." Bellenden translated this loosely as "I am free marche , as passengers may ken, To Scottis, to Britonis, and to Inglismen." It may be
6987-421: The Earl of Mar was ordered step up security at Stirling around the king and expel from the castle all but his closest friends and relatives. The young King James was crowned in July 1567 in the nearby Church of the Holy Rude , and grew up within the castle walls in the care of Annabell Murray, Countess of Mar and under the tutelage of the humanist scholar George Buchanan . A tennis court was built of timber for
SECTION 50
#17328441170137124-428: The English duly headed north, led by Edward II , to save the castle. On 23 June 1314, King Robert's forces met the English at the Battle of Bannockburn , within sight of the castle walls. The resulting English defeat was decisive. King Edward attempted to take refuge in the castle, but Mowbray was determined to keep to his word, and the English were forced to flee. Mowbray handed over the castle, changing sides himself in
7261-503: The English. Edward Bruce , the king's brother, laid siege to Stirling, which was held by Sir Philip Mowbray . After several months, on 24 June 1313, Mowbray proposed a bargain: that he would surrender the castle, if it were not relieved within one year by the English. Edward Bruce agreed, and withdrew. Scottish historian Patrick Fraser Tytler would describe Mowbray's offer, five centuries later, as "a truce involving conditions which ought on no account to have been accepted." As Tytler noted,
7398-412: The Guildry and Council. In 2014 the tradition was revived after an official abeyance of several years. There are about sixteen libraries and two mobile libraries in Stirling. The Smith Art Gallery and Museum is now free to tourists and residents alike. Shearer's 1895 Penny Guide to Stirling and Neighbourhood used to list it under "How to spend a few hours on a wet day". The Macrobert Arts Centre has
7535-419: The Lion ( Scottish Gaelic : Uilleam an Leòmhann ), sometimes styled William I ( Uilleam MacEanraig ; Medieval Gaelic : Uilliam mac Eanric ) and also known by the nickname Garbh , 'the Rough' ( c. 1142 – 4 December 1214), reigned as King of Alba from 1165 to 1214. His almost 49-year-long reign was the longest for a Scottish monarch before the Union of the Crowns in 1603. William
7672-459: The Officer's Mess. A number of new buildings were also constructed, including the prison and powder magazine, at the Nether Bailey, in 1810. Queen Victoria visited in 1842, and the Prince of Wales in 1859. In 1873 a system of recruiting areas based on counties was instituted under the Cardwell Reforms and the barracks became the depot for the 72nd (Highland) Regiment of Foot and the 91st (Argyllshire Highlanders) Regiment of Foot . Following
7809-414: The Orcadian threat. William also quarrelled with Pope Alexander III , a quarrel which arose out of a double choice for the vacant bishopric of St Andrews . The king put forward his chaplain, Hugh , while the pope supported the archdeacon, John Scotus , who had been canonically elected. A hostile interchange followed; then after the death of Alexander in 1181 his successor, Pope Lucius III , consented to
7946-430: The Palace comprises two apartments, one each for the king and queen. Each has a hall, presence chamber, and bedchamber, with various small rooms known as closets . The Renaissance decoration continued inside, although little has survived the building's military use, excepting the carved stone fireplaces. The ceiling of the King's Presence Chamber was originally decorated with a series of carved oak portrait roundels known as
8083-425: The River Forth to the east of the distinctive geographical feature of Abbey Craig , a crag and tail hill upon which stands the 220 ft (67 m) high National Wallace Monument . Top of the Town consists of Broad Street, Castle Wynd, Ballengeich Pass, Lower Castle Hill Road, Darnley Street, Baker Street (formerly Baxters St), St John Street and St Mary's Wynd. These streets all lead up to Stirling Castle and are
8220-424: The Rock". Once the capital of Scotland, Stirling is visually dominated by Stirling Castle . Stirling also has a medieval parish church, the Church of the Holy Rude , where, on 29 July 1567, the infant James VI was anointed King of Scots by Adam Bothwell , the Bishop of Orkney , with the service concluding after a sermon by John Knox . The poet King was educated by George Buchanan and grew up in Stirling. He
8357-473: The Scots after the English victory at Falkirk . Edward strengthened the castle, but it was besieged in 1299 by forces including Robert Bruce . King Edward failed to relieve the garrison, who were forced to surrender. By 1303, the English again held the upper hand, and Stirling was the last remaining castle in Scottish hands. Edward's army arrived in April 1304, with at least 17 siege engines . The Scots, under William Oliphant, surrendered on 20 July, but part of
SECTION 60
#17328441170138494-441: The Scots regaining their independence, Anglo-Scottish relations remained tense during the first decade of the 13th century. In August 1209 King John decided to flex the English muscles by marching a large army to Norham (near Berwick), in order to exploit the flagging leadership of the ageing Scottish monarch. As well as promising a large sum of money, the ailing William agreed to his elder daughters marrying English nobles and, when
8631-465: The Scottish Parliament (MSP) by the first past the post system of election, and the region elects seven additional members to produce a form of proportional representation. The constituency's Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) is Evelyn Tweed of the Scottish National Party (SNP). In terms of national government, the city of Stirling forms part of the county constituency of Stirling and Strathallan , electing one Member of Parliament (MP) to
8768-405: The Scottish average of 18.6%. Historical records also exist both in book form and in online databases. Walking the Marches is a custom probably started in the 12th century. The only way the town's boundaries could be protected was to walk round inspecting them annually. The walk was followed by a dinner. This was traditionally done by the Birlaw men made up from members of the Seven Trades,
8905-403: The Treaty of Falaise triggered a revolt in Galloway which lasted until 1186 and prompted the construction of a castle at Dumfries . In 1179, meanwhile, William and his brother David personally led a force northwards into Easter Ross , establishing two further castles, north of the Beauly and Cromarty Firths : one on the Black Isle at Ederdour ; and the other at Dunkeath, near the mouth of
9042-409: The area is the ruins of Cambuskenneth Abbey , the resting place of King James III of Scotland and his queen, Margaret of Denmark . The king died at the Battle of Sauchieburn by forces nominally led by his son and successor James IV . During the Wars of the Three Kingdoms , the Battle of Stirling also took place in the centre of Stirling on 12 September 1648. The fortifications continued to play
9179-479: The basis of the present Outer Defences. Guise employed an Italian military engineer called Lorenzo Pomarelli. From 1534 to 1584 Michael Gardiner was in charge of the artillery. Queen Mary returned to Scotland in 1561, and visited Stirling Castle frequently. She nursed Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley , through an illness here in 1565, and the two were soon married. Their son, James VI , was baptised here in December 1566 . The celebrations included fireworks, an assault on
9316-461: The biggest employers in the area. Knowledge related industries, research and development as well as life sciences have clustered around the university in the Stirling University Innovation Park, close to its main campus. Mauchline ware started producing wooden snuff-boxes in 1790 in Mauchline , Ayrshire. They were produced of the wood from the trees from the Castle craig. Today they are highly collectible. William I of Scotland William
9453-407: The birth of her first child, and James ordered the palace which was in "ruin and decay" to be repaired. Prince Henry was born in the castle in 1594, and the present Chapel Royal was constructed for his baptism on 30 August . Probably built by William Schaw , the chapel completed the quadrangle of the Inner Close. Like his predecessors Henry spent his childhood here under the 2nd Earl of Mar , until
9590-442: The castle for the return of James VI & I to Scotland, who stayed in Stirling during July 1617. From 1625, extensive preparations were made for the anticipated visit of the new king, Charles I , including works to the gardens and painting of the Chapel Royal. Charles did not come to Scotland until 1633, and only stayed in the castle briefly. Following the execution of Charles I, the Scots crowned his son Charles II , and he became
9727-527: The castle or the King. The keeper of the Castle, Alexander Erskine of Gogar was ejected by supporters of Regent Morton in April 1578, after his son was fatally wounded during a struggle at the gate. The rebellious Earls of Mar and Angus seized the castle in 1584, but surrendered and fled to England when the King arrived with an army. They returned the following year, forcing the King to surrender, although they proclaimed their loyalty to him. In December 1593 Anne of Denmark decided to come to Stirling for
9864-628: The castle's guns. Despite victory at Falkirk , the Jacobites withdrew north on 1 February. From 1800 the Castle was owned by the War Office and run as a barracks . Many alterations were made to the Great Hall, which became an accommodation block, to the Chapel Royal, which became a lecture theatre and dining hall, to the King's Old Building, which became an infirmary and to the Royal Palace, which became
10001-510: The castle. In 1424, Stirling Castle was part of the jointure (marriage settlement) given to James I 's wife Joan Beaufort , establishing a tradition which later monarchs continued. After James' murder in 1437, Joan took shelter here with her son, the young James II . He hosted a tournament at Stirling on Shrove Tuesday 1449, which included a combat between two teams of three, led by the Burgundian knight Jacques de Lalaing and James Douglas,
10138-402: The castle. Stirling Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument , and is now a tourist attraction managed by Historic Environment Scotland . Castle Hill, on which Stirling Castle is built, forms part of the Stirling Sill , a formation of quartz-dolerite around 350 million years old, which was subsequently modified by glaciation to form a " crag and tail ". It is likely that this natural feature
10275-531: The chapel royal. The manufacture of artillery in the castle is recorded in 1475. James' wife, Margaret of Denmark , died in Stirling Castle in 1486, and two years later James himself died at the Battle of Sauchieburn , fought over almost the same ground as the Battle of Bannockburn, just to the south of the castle. Almost all the present buildings in the castle were constructed between 1490 and 1600, when Stirling
10412-502: The church are shown on Blaeu 's map of 1654 which was derived from Pont 's earlier map. Standing near the castle, the Church of the Holy Rude is one of the town's most historically important buildings. Founded in 1129 it is the second oldest building in the city after Stirling castle. It was rebuilt in the 15th-century after Stirling suffered a catastrophic fire in 1405, and is reputed to be
10549-455: The city bypass to the east of Stirling. A major new regeneration project on the site of the former port area and the 40-acre (160,000 m ) former Ministry of Defence site, adjacent to Stirling Railway Station , is currently underway. Known as Forthside, it has the aim of developing a new waterfront district linked to the railway station via Forthside Bridge . The development comprises retail, residential and commercial elements, including
10686-588: The city come from the area around Cambusbarron . It had been thought that the Randolphfield standing stones were more than 3000 years old but recent radiocarbon dating suggests they may date from the time of Bruce. The earliest known structures in Stirling are now destroyed but comprised two Neolithic Cursus in Bannockburn. The earliest known surviving structure is a fort on Gillies Hill built by Iron Age people over 2000 years ago. Two structures are known: what
10823-452: The city. On the other hand, the Carse of Stirling , stretching to the west and east of the city, is one of the flattest and most agriculturally productive expanses of land in the whole of Scotland. The land surrounding Stirling has been most affected by glacial erosion and deposition . The city itself has grown up around its castle which stands atop an ancient quartz-dolerite sill , known as
10960-501: The cooling effects of the North Sea and the Firth of Clyde . The settlement of Stirling had a population of 48,440 in 2012. According to the 2001 census, 52.7% of the population was female compared to 47.2% male. Stirling had both a smaller proportion of under 16s, at 16.7% compared to the Scottish average of 19.2%, and a smaller proportion of those of pensionable age: 17.8% – compared to
11097-411: The cost of the English army's occupation of Scotland by taxing the Scots. The cost was equal to 40,000 Scottish marks (£26,000). The church in Scotland was also subjected to that of England. William acknowledged this by signing the Treaty of Falaise and was then allowed to return to Scotland. On 10 August 1175 he swore fealty to Henry II at York Castle and became his liege man. The humiliation of
11234-578: The defeat of the Northumbrians at the Battle of Dun Nechtain thirty years later. However, there is no archaeological evidence for occupation of Castle Hill before the late medieval period. Other legends have been associated with Stirling, or "Snowdoun" as it was more poetically known. The 16th-century historian Hector Boece claims in his Historia Gentis Scotorum that the Romans, under Agricola , fortified Stirling, and that Kenneth MacAlpin , traditionally
11371-538: The early 19th-century Fort Major's House. The early North Gate, giving access to the Nether Bailey, contained the original castle kitchens, which were probably linked to the Great Hall. The Great Kitchen which is now visible was constructed later, against the east wall of the castle. However, in 1689 these rooms were infilled with rubble to reinforce gun emplacements, known as the Grand Battery, which were built on top of
11508-407: The east end, date back to the regency of Mary of Guise in the 1550s. The French Spur was originally an ear-shaped bastion known as an orillon, and contained gun emplacements which protected the main spur. This projecting spur was fronted by an earth ramp called a talus , and was entered via a drawbridge over a ditch. Excavations in the 1970s showed that much of the original stonework remains within
11645-406: The effect "was to check the ardour of the Scots in that career of success, which was now rapidly leading to the complete deliverance of their country; it gave the King of England a whole year to assemble the strength of his dominions... We need not wonder, then, that Bruce was highly incensed, on hearing that, without consulting him, his brother had agreed to Mowbray's proposals." The following summer,
11782-586: The favourite haunt of tourists who stop off at the Old Town Jail, Mar's Wark , Argyll's Lodging and the castle. Ballengeich Pass leads to the graveyard at Ballengeich and the Castle Wynd winds past the old graveyard. The Top of the Town from Broad Street upwards is renowned for its cobblestoned roads, and cars can be heard rattling over the cobblestones on the way down. Craft shops and tourist-focused shops are evident on
11919-456: The first King of Scotland, besieged a castle at Stirling during his takeover of the Pictish kingdom in the 9th century. Boece is, however, considered an unreliable historian. Another chronicler, William Worcester , associated Stirling with the court of the legendary King Arthur . Tradition suggests that St Monenna founded a chapel here, as she is said to have done at Edinburgh Castle , although it
12056-455: The first times in Scotland. Robert Stewart , the future King Robert II, retook Stirling in a siege during 1341–1342. Maurice Murray was appointed as its keeper, who in the words of Andrew of Wyntoun "inforsyt it grettumly, for riche he was and full mychty" (enforced it greatly, for rich he was and full mighty). In 1360, Robert de Forsyth was appointed governor of Stirling Castle, an office he passed on to his son John and grandson William, who
12193-519: The focus of transport and communications in the region, it has developed a substantial retail sector serving a wide range of surrounding communities as well as the city itself. Primarily centred on the city centre, there are a large number of chain stores, as well as the Thistles shopping centre . However this has been augmented by out-of-town developments such as the Springkerse Retail Park on
12330-400: The following year, after the victory of Andrew Moray and William Wallace at the Battle of Stirling Bridge . Many of the garrison were killed during the battle, after which the English commanders William FitzWarin and Marmaduke Thweng retreated into the castle. However, they were quickly starved into surrender by the Scots. Next summer, the castle changed hands again, being abandoned by
12467-558: The fortress, then advanced to Sheriffmuir to block Mar's way. The Battle of Sheriffmuir was inconclusive, but the rising was effectively over. The Jacobite rising of 1745 saw Charles Edward Stuart lead his army of Highlanders past Stirling on the way to Edinburgh. Following the Jacobites' retreat from England, they returned to Stirling in January 1746. The town soon surrendered, but the castle governor refused to capitulate. Artillery works were set up on Gowan Hill, but were quickly destroyed by
12604-401: The garrison were ordered back into the castle by Edward, as he had not yet deployed his latest engine, " Warwolf ". Warwolf is believed to have been a large trebuchet , which destroyed the castle's gatehouse. Although Edward's victory seemed complete, he was dead by 1307, and Robert Bruce was now King of Scots . By 1313, only Stirling, Roxburgh , Edinburgh and Berwick castles were held by
12741-475: The hall was subdivided to form barracks. Two floors and five cross-walls were inserted, and the windows were altered accordingly. As early as 1893, calls were being made for the restoration of the Great Hall, but it was not until the army left in 1965 that the opportunity arose. It was agreed that a historically correct restoration could be achieved, and works began which were only completed in 1999. The hammerbeam roof and parapet were replaced, windows reinstated, and
12878-422: The king in 1576. Frequently used as a pawn in the struggles between his regents and the supporters of Mary, the young king was closely guarded. Stirling became the base for James' supporters, while those nobles who wished to see Queen Mary restored gathered at Edinburgh, under William Kirkcaldy of Grange . Grange led a raid on Stirling in 1571, attempting to round up the Queen's enemies, but failed to gain control of
13015-565: The kitchen's vaults. Excavations in the 1920s ascertained the extent of the surviving rooms, and the vaults were reconstructed in 1929. The small building above the North Gate is traditionally said to have been a mint , known in Scots as the Cunzie Hoose or "coining house". To the west of the Outer Close, the main parts of the castle are arranged around the quadrangular Inner Close: the Royal Palace to
13152-424: The last reigning monarch to stay here, living at the castle in 1650. The Royalist forces were defeated at Dunbar by those of Oliver Cromwell , and the King marched south to defeat at Worcester . General Monck laid siege to the castle on 6 August 1651, erecting gun platforms in the adjacent churchyard. After the garrison mutinied , Colonel William Conyngham was obliged to surrender on 14 August. Damage done during
13289-405: The late 1470s. It includes Renaissance details, such as the intersecting tracery on the windows, within a conventional medieval plan. Inside are five fireplaces, and large side windows lighting the dais end, where the king would be seated. It is 42 by 14.25 m (137.8 by 46.8 ft) across. The original hammerbeam roof was removed in 1800, along with the decorative crenellated parapet, when
13426-411: The lines laid down by his grandfather, David I . Anglo-French settlements and feudalization were extended, new burghs were founded (for example Perth in 1210), criminal law was clarified, the responsibilities of justices and sheriffs were widened, and trade grew. Traditionally, William is credited with founding Arbroath Abbey , the site of the later Declaration of Arbroath . The Bishopric of Argyll
13563-434: The many Scottish royal residences, very much a palace as well as a fortress. Several Scottish Kings and Queens have been crowned at Stirling, including Mary, Queen of Scots , in 1542, and others were born or died there. There have been at least eight sieges of Stirling Castle , including several during the Wars of Scottish Independence , with the last being in 1746, when Bonnie Prince Charlie unsuccessfully tried to take
13700-519: The new king, Malcolm IV. In 1157, William lost the Earldom of Northumbria to Henry II of England . Malcolm IV did not live for long, and upon his death on 9 December 1165 at age 24, William ascended the throne. The new monarch was crowned on 24 December 1165. His brother's steward, constable, and chancellor remained in office, and William confirmed Malcolm IV's last bequest to Dunfermline Abbey . In contrast to his deeply religious, frail brother, William
13837-513: The north, east and south faces of the Palace has been interpreted in relation to the quarters of the heavens. The 19th-century architectural historian R. W. Billings described the statues as "the fruits of an imagination luxuriant but revolting". The west façade is undecorated and incomplete, and the Privy Council of Scotland noted in 1625 that the building was "schote over the craig". Internally,
13974-460: The only surviving church in the United Kingdom apart from Westminster Abbey to have held a coronation. On 29 July 1567 the infant son of Mary, Queen of Scots , was anointed James VI of Scotland in the church. James' bride, Anne of Denmark was crowned in the church at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh. The Holy Rude congregation still meet and some 19th century parish records survive. Musket shot marks that may come from Cromwell 's troops during
14111-441: The other royal castles, be put under his control during the arbitration. Edward gave judgement in favour of John Balliol , hoping he would be a "puppet" ruler, but John refused to obey Edward's demands. In 1296, Edward invaded Scotland, beginning the Wars of Scottish Independence , which would last for the next 60 years. The English found Stirling Castle abandoned and empty, and set about occupying this key site. They were dislodged
14248-479: The outer walls were limewashed . To the left of the gatehouse, and forming the south side of the Inner Close, is the Royal Palace. The first Renaissance palace in the British Isles, this was the work of King James V . With its combination of Renaissance architecture , and exuberant late- gothic detail, it is one of the most architecturally impressive buildings in Scotland, covered with unique carved stonework. It
14385-605: The party to sit as an Independent. The Provost of Stirling is Cllr Christine Simpson. For the purposes of the Scottish Parliament , the city of Stirling forms part of the Stirling constituency of the Scottish Parliament constituency. The Stirling Scottish Parliament (or Holyrood ) constituency created in 1999 is one of nine within the Mid Scotland and Fife electoral region. Each constituency elects one Member of
14522-399: The power of the crown. William attempted to purchase Northumbria from Richard in 1194, as he had a strong claim over it. However, his offer of 15,000 marks (£9,750) was rejected due to wanting the castles within the lands, which Richard was not willing to give. In 1200, William did homage for Northumbria, not for Scotland, to Richard's successor, John , apparently to save face. Despite
14659-454: The process. King Robert ordered the castle to be slighted ; its defences destroyed to prevent reoccupation by the English. The war was not over, however. The second War of Scottish Independence saw the English in control of Stirling Castle by 1336, when Thomas Rokeby was the commander, and extensive works were carried out, still largely in timber rather than stone. Andrew Murray attempted a siege in 1337, when guns may have been used for one of
14796-456: The rear of the gatehouse. The overall design, as drawn by John Slezer in 1693, shows French influence, and has parallels with the forework erected at Linlithgow Palace . Like the Linlithgow structure, the Forework was probably intended more for show, evoking the " age of chivalry ", than for defence, as it would have offered little protection against contemporary artillery. The entrance was via
14933-652: The road running under the eastern wall of the castle. Ballengeich means "windy pass" in Gaelic . In 1533 a priest James Nicholson was in charge of the building fabric, and he also fed cranes, herons, peacocks, and bitterns for the king's table. James V continued and expanded his father's building programme, creating the centrepiece of the castle, the Royal Palace, built under the direction of Sir James Hamilton of Finnart and masons brought from France. James V also died young, leaving unfinished work to be completed by his widow, Mary of Guise . His infant daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots ,
15070-453: The royal citadel , the medieval old town with its merchants and tradesmen, the Old Bridge and the port. Located on the River Forth , Stirling is the administrative centre for the Stirling council area, and is traditionally the county town and historic county of Stirlingshire . Proverbially it is the strategically important "Gateway to the Highlands". It has been said that "Stirling, like
15207-410: The royal residences of Edinburgh, Falkland and Linlithgow , but the grandest works were at Stirling, and include the King's Old Building, the Great Hall, and the Forework. He also renovated the chapel royal, one of two churches within the castle at this time, and in 1501 received approval from Pope Alexander VI for the establishment of a college of priests . The Forework, of which little now remains,
15344-451: The siege can still be seen on the church and the Great Hall. After The Restoration of Charles II, the Earl of Mar was restored as governor, and the castle was frequently used as a prison, housing several Covenanters . James, Duke of Albany , later King James VII of Scotland and II of England, visited the castle in 1681. During this time, the castle's military role became increasingly important,
15481-439: The south, the King's Old Building on the west, the Chapel Royal to the north, and the Great Hall to the east. The oldest part of the Inner Close is the King's Old Building, located on the western side and completed around 1497. It was begun as a new residential range by James IV, and originally comprised an L-shaped building. The principal rooms were on the first floor, over cellars, and included two chambers with wide open views to
15618-505: The stone cross was a tripoint for the three kingdom's borders or marches ; the cross functioning both as a dividing territorial marker, and as a uniting witness stone like in the Bible story in Joshua 22. " Angles and Scots here demarked, By this cross kept apart. Brits and Scots armed stand near, By this cross stand safe here." This would make the cross on the centre of the first stone bridge
15755-483: The time of his death at the Battle of Flodden . His successor, James V (reigned 1513–1542), was crowned in the chapel royal, and grew up in the castle under the guardianship of Lord Erskine . In 1515, the Regent Albany brought 7,000 men to Stirling to wrest control of the young king from his mother, Margaret Tudor . James V as monarch was said to have travelled in disguise under the name "Gudeman of Ballengeich", after
15892-546: The treaty was renewed in 1212, John apparently gained the hand of William's only surviving legitimate son, and heir, Alexander , for his eldest daughter, Joan . Due to the terms of the Treaty of Falaise, Henry II had the right to choose William's bride. In 1184, William attended Henry II's court to request a marriage to Henry's granddaughter Matilda of Saxony, daughter of Duke Henry the Lion of Saxony and Matilda of England . The proposal
16029-438: The two mottos into a single rhyme; he gave no indication that he was aware of Boece's work. Stirling was first declared a royal burgh by King David in the 12th century, with later charters reaffirmed by subsequent monarchs. A ferry, and later bridge, on the River Forth at Stirling brought wealth and strategic influence, as did its tidal port at Riverside. Major battles during the Wars of Scottish Independence took place at
16166-472: The way up and once at the top, panoramic views are available across Stirling and beyond. All areas Historical place names for Stirling town in 1858–61 were compiled by O.S. map makers. Like most of the United Kingdom , Stirling has an oceanic climate ( Köppen Cfb ) with mild summers and cool, wet winters. Stirling has some of the warmest summers in all of Scotland, being relatively far away from
16303-422: The west, although the interiors have been much altered. The projecting stair tower has an octagonal upper section, which was copied for a second, later stair tower on the same building. In 1855, the north end of the building burned down, and was rebuilt in a Baronial style by the architect and historian Robert William Billings . At the southwest end of the range is a linking building, once used as kitchens, which
16440-426: Was begun in the 1530s, and was largely complete by the late 1540s. The Master of Works, until his execution in 1540, was Sir James Hamilton of Finnart , who also financed part of the work, in return for land and favours from the king. Further work was carried out during the regency of Mary of Guise, and the upper floor was converted to provide an apartment for the castle governor in the 18th century. The architecture
16577-470: Was born around 1142, during the reign of his grandfather King David I of Scotland . His parents were the king's son Henry and Ada de Warenne . William was around 10 years old when his father died in 1152, making his elder brother Malcolm the heir apparent to their grandfather. From his father, William inherited the Earldom of Northumbria . David I died the next year, and William became heir presumptive to
16714-468: Was brought to Stirling Castle for safety, and crowned in the chapel royal on 9 September 1543. She too was brought up here, until she was sent to Inchmahome Priory , and then to France in 1548. In the 1550s, during the Regency of Mary of Guise, Anglo-French hostilities were fought out in Scotland. Artillery fortifications were added to the south approach of the castle including the 'French Spur', and these form
16851-530: Was built by James IV following on from the completion of the King's Old Building in 1497, and was being plastered by 1503. Described as "the grandest secular building erected in Scotland in the late Middle Ages", it represents the first example of Renaissance -influenced royal architecture in that country. It was worked on by a number of English craftsmen, and incorporates some English design ideas, being comparable to Edward IV 's hall at Eltham Palace in Kent , built in
16988-509: Was completed in summer 2011. Since January 2002, the Tapestry Studio at West Dean College near Chichester in West Sussex has been working on a recreation of The Hunt of the Unicorn tapestries, four of which are now hanging in the restored Queen's Presence Chamber in the Royal Palace. Historians studying the reign of James V believe that a similar series of Unicorn tapestries were part of
17125-458: Was derived from French military architecture, although military details were added more for style than for defence. A new portcullis was painted with red lead and linseed oil. The gardener, George Campbell, built archery butts next to the stables in 1504. James IV played tennis at Stirling with the Spanish ambassador, Pedro de Ayala . If a satirical account in two poems by the poet William Dunbar
17262-504: Was developed as a principal royal centre by the Stewart kings James IV , James V and James VI . The architecture of these new buildings shows an eclectic mix of English, French and German influences, reflecting the international ambitions of the Stewart dynasty . James IV (reigned 1488–1513) kept a full Renaissance court, including alchemists , and sought to establish a palace of European standing at Stirling. He undertook building works at
17399-412: Was established (c. 1192) in the same year as papal confirmation of the Scottish church by Pope Celestine III . William was not known as "the Lion" during his own lifetime, and the title did not relate to his tenacious character or his military prowess. It was attached to him because of his flag or standard, a red lion rampant with a forked tail ( queue fourchée ) on a yellow background. This (with
17536-433: Was extended outwards, to form Guardhouse Square. This had the effect of creating two defensive walls, both of which were fronted by ditches defended by covered firing galleries known as caponiers . One of the caponiers survives and is accessible from Guardhouse Square by a narrow staircase. To the rear of the walls, chambers called casemates were built to strengthen the wall, and to provide gun emplacements. The French Spur
17673-406: Was governor in 1399. Under the early Stewart kings Robert II (reigned 1371–1390) and Robert III (reigned 1390–1406), the earliest surviving parts of the castle were built. Robert Stewart, Earl of Menteith , Regent of Scotland as brother of Robert III, undertook works on the north and south gates. The present north gate is built on these foundations of the 1380s, the earliest surviving masonry in
17810-403: Was later also crowned King of England and Ireland on 25 July 1603, bringing closer the countries of the United Kingdom. Modern Stirling is a centre for local government, higher education, tourism, retail, and industry. The mid-2012 census estimate for the population of the city is 36,440; the wider Stirling council area has a population of about 93,750. One of the principal royal strongholds of
17947-489: Was modified slightly to allow more cannons to be mounted. The buildings within Guardhouse Square date from the 19th century. Outside the castle is the early 19th-century Esplanade, used as a parade ground, and now as a car park and performance space. The gatehouse providing entry from the outer defences to the castle proper was erected by King James IV , and was probably completed around 1506. It originally formed part of
18084-565: Was not very successful, and it was many years before they had an heir. William and Ermengarde's children were: Out of wedlock, William I had numerous illegitimate children, their descendants being among those who would lay claim to the Scottish crown . By a daughter, name unknown, of Adam de Hythus: By Isabel d'Avenel: William died on 4 December 1214 and was succeeded by his son Alexander. Despite continued dependence on English goodwill, William's reign showed much achievement. He threw himself into government with energy and diligently followed
18221-612: Was occupied at an early date, as a hill fort is located on Gowan Hill, immediately to the east. The Romans bypassed Stirling, building a fort at Doune instead, but the rock may have been occupied by the Maeatae at this time. It may later have been a stronghold of the Manaw Gododdin , and has also been identified with a settlement recorded in the 7th and 8th centuries as Iudeu, where King Penda of Mercia besieged King Oswy of Bernicia in 655. The area came under Pictish control after
18358-489: Was powerfully built, redheaded, and headstrong. He was an effective monarch whose reign was marred by his ill-fated attempts to regain control of his paternal inheritance of Northumbria from the Anglo-Normans . After his accession to the throne William spent some time at the court of King Henry II; then, quarrelling with Henry, he arranged in 1168 the first definite treaty of alliance between France and Scotland. William
18495-473: Was referred to the pope and was forbidden on the grounds of consanguinity. Henry instead chose Ermengarde de Beaumont , a great-granddaughter of King Henry I of England , although through an illegitimate line. They married at Woodstock Palace on 5 September 1186. Edinburgh Castle was her dowry and Henry II paid for the four days of festivities. After the wedding she was escorted to Scotland by Scottish nobles and Jocelin, Bishop of Glasgow. The marriage
18632-509: Was the same as Bede's urbs Giudi , but this identification is uncertain. A stone cist , found in Coneypark Nursery in 1879, is Stirling's oldest catalogued artefact. Bones from the cist were radiocarbon dated and found to be over four millennia old, originating within the date range 2152 to 2021 BC. Nicknamed Torbrex Tam, the man, whose bones were discovered by workmen, died while still in his twenties. Other Bronze Age finds near
18769-811: Was then a key player in the Revolt of 1173–1174 against Henry II , which was led by Henry's sons with some short-lived assistance from Louis VII of France. In 1174, at the Battle of Alnwick , during a raid in support of the revolt, William recklessly charged the English troops himself, shouting, "Now we shall see which of us are good knights!" He was unhorsed and captured by Henry's troops led by Ranulf de Glanvill and taken in chains to Newcastle , then Northampton , and then transferred to Caen then Falaise in Normandy . Henry then sent an army to Scotland and occupied it. As ransom and to regain his kingdom, William had to acknowledge Henry as his feudal superior and agree to pay for
#12987