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The seaport town emerged during Roman times on the eastern coast of Angus in eastern Scotland. Romans arrived here and developed a port for maintaining sea trade. David, brother of Willam the Lion, acquired the land and a charter for establishing a settlement in the late 1100s. Dundee soon grew and prospered from sea trade. The community passed to David’s descendant, John of Balliol. When John received the crown of Scotland in 1292, Dundee became a Royal Burgh. The community saw centuries of conflict and war beginning when England seized the town during the Wars of Independence. Robert the Bruce regained control of the land for Scotland in 1312.
Batle again waged in Dundee with the War of Rough Wooing in 1543. Englishman Andrew Dudley once again gained control of the town and territories for England. The Scots invaded in 1547, and unable to fend off the army, Dudley instead burned the town. The Marquess of Montrose captured Dundee during the War of Three Kingdoms in 1645. The community fell to complete destruction at the hands of the Parliamentarians in 1651. Besides farming and fishing, Dundee residents obtained financial subsistence by exporting raw wool. Residents eventually turned the wool into fibres and wove finished cloth for retail. With government assistance, the community constructed massive four story mills in the early years of the 1700s.
Independent industries also developed, including a family owned operation that manufactured marmalade beginning in 1795. A whaling industry emerged, along with shipbuilding. The shipyard constructed over 200 vessels while in existence, including the Royal Research Ship Discover, which sailed to Antarctica. The industrial increase soon brought many new residents and the population steadily increased by the end of the century. Because the community imported flax, the cost of producing fabric became prohibitive. In 1825, weavers discovered that jute fibres saturated with whale oil provided an adequate and cheaper alternative.
The new method of cloth manufacturing saved factories approximately 75 percent of the cost. Irish migrants flooded to Dundee causing a population explosion. In the early 1800s, jute mills employed 50,000 workers. The local government developed and improved the waterfront property in 1815. The railway made its way to Dundee and later the community became the site of one of the worst train disasters in history. In 1879, as a train passed over the Tay Bridge the structure collapsed, claiming 75 lives. The jute industry declined at the start of the 1900s, but was replaced by other industries. Microengineering companies moved to Dundee, producing watches and other small electronic products.
Activities and Attractions
Not only are bike rides and walks along the River Tay scenic, but provide an excellent opportunity for local attractions.
The Discovery Point ship remains docked on the river and offers visitors the chance to climb aboard and tour the historic vessel. View the complex and intricate rigging on the ship’s decks and examine the massive engine. Journey below deck and explore the captain’s quarters in addition to the small areas occupied by the crew. Enter the ship’s galley, observe the typical rations used and the meals consumed by captain and crew while sailing on extended voyages. Imagine being confined to the minute living and working spaces while spending months at sea. A Discovery Centre further provides information concerning the ship, crew and voyages.
Stroll down to the docks of Dundee, where another ship welcomes explorers. The Royal Navy commissioned the construction of the H.M. Frigate Unicorn in the first quarter of the 1800s. As she never saw battle, the vessel remains in mint condition. Examine the intricate exterior detailing then climb aboard and investigate the workings of this authentic warship. Learn how early sailors navigated the ships through open water by visiting the wheelhouse. Venture to the decks below and see the array of cannons used in times of battle. Stop by the elegant captain’s cabin and down to the war room where stategies developed often changed the course of battles.
Visitors get a glimpse of Dundee’s expansive history by touring the McManus Art Gallery and Musuem. Housed in an interesting Gothic styled building, the facility contains exhibits originating from ancient times. Beginning in the Mesolithic era, guests see artefacts covering everything from fossilized animals to ancient tools. The collection continues through the medieval period with evidence of pottery and relics from the whaling industry. Community, domestic and working exhibits display everthing from period clothing to antique appliances and common tools of various trades. Artefacts and exhibits also include collections obtained from around the world. The art gallery hosts exhibits containing decorative and fine art. Browse through the selection of elaborately designed tiles, paintings, historic photographs and sculptures.
Guests have the opportunity to see living history up close and personal by travelling to nearby locations. North of Dundee, vistors witness an ancient method of underground storage at the Tealing Souterrain. Measuring over 79 feet (24 metres) in length, 7 feet (2.3 metres) wide and 6 feet (2 metres) in height, farmers in ancient times used the stone lined structures for storing grain and other products. As traces of Roman relics remained in the partial building, commodities were probably sold to the soldiers.
East of Dundee stands the remarkably intact Claypotts Castle. Constructed in the 1500s, the structure provides an excellent example of early Scottish architecture. The unusual Z shape of the home consists of a round tower on two diagonal corners of the main square keep.
Places to Stay and Dining
If desiring scenic views over the River Tay and surrounding valley, guests may find a room at any number of chain or indepently operated facilities. As the river meanders through the centre of Dundee, visitors are never far from popular destinations.
Adventurous guests get the chance to sample authentic Scottish meals at the Beiderbecks Restaurant. Try a feast containing cheese, haggis, mushrooms and steak, prepared in a flaky pastry with a creamy sauce. Indulge in a traditional steak pie, consisting of tender cuts of beef in a rich gravy in a pastry crust.
Accommodation in Dundee
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