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The ancient market town developed toward the central area of Angus, which is considered the eastern section of Scotland. Celts long held the territory and chieftains regularly congregated in Forfar, devising plans to ward off the invading Romans. The Romans eventually prevailed and established a sizable military fort north of Forfar. The camp reportedly housed up to 60,000 troops at one time. Further north, the Romans continued establishing bases in Angus. After the Romans left the area, Picts began expanding their territory. King Nechtan ruled the region and constructed the Restenneth Priory during the 700s. The nation often waged war between leaders and Kenneth I seized the lands.
Control of Forfar and surrounding lands eventually passed to Malcolm II, who constructed a castle and defeated the Danes in 1012. William I rebuilt the fortress in stone during the 1170s and declared Forfar an administrative center. Forfar received Royal Burgh status by 1185.
Turmoil continued when England’s Edward I seized the castle in 1297, but the Scots regained control a year later. The fortress and town underwent constant battle between nations until Robert the Bruce had the castle destroyed before the end of the decade. Forfar prospered and grew without conflict until Cromwell’s army invaded and destroyed the town in 1651.
The community remained strong and developed a linen manufacturing industry in the 1700s. Using locally grown flax, 450 weavers created the much sought after fabric. A century later, 5,000 hand loom workers strove to compete with the modernized steam powered factories. Forfar also developed a spring bottled water industry, naming the product Strathmore Spring Water. The commodity soon outsold Perrier.
Coal prices fell, increasing the efficiency of steam powered machinery. Local brewers suffered as imports soon proved cheaper than locally manufactured products. Margaret Bridie, a woman from a neighboring village invented the concept of Bridie’s, a handheld pastry filled with seasoned beef. The idea caught on and soon the homemade product became a popular product.
Activities and Attractions
Visitors have the opportunity of obtaining a comprehensive look at Forfar by stopping by the local Meffan Museum and Art Gallery. The area was long ruled by a people known as the Picts. The museum delves into the culture and history of the civilization with the assistance of authentic relics that include detailed stone carvings. For about four centuries, the Romans dominated the land. Over the years archaeological discoveries in the area uncovered many Roman relics. The museum has these on display. During medieval times, the strict religious beliefs of the day prohibited deviance from tradition. See the instruments of torture and learn about the often innocent people accused of witchcraft. View early forms of transportation and the methods used for calculating and measuring commonly sold products.
Travel around the countryside on bike or by foot and explore the area. East of Forfar lie the remains of the Restenneth Priory, originally constructed in the 7th century by a Pictish king. Venture to the Angus Folk Museum and browse through the collections of agricultural and domestic relics used for daily living from the 1700s on. Located in a series of authentic historic cottages, the facility displays everything from common household items to farm implements and a horse drawn hearse.
Though the Forfar Castle has long been destroyed, visitors may travel north of town and see the remnants of the Edzell Castle and Gardens. Texted pictorals explain the history and evolution of the structure and the families that lived there. The tower house fortress bears interesting carved stone plaques and intricate geometric stonework. Climb the tower for commanding views over the structure and surrounding landscape. The well maintained gardens feature sculpted greenery and vast lawns.
Archaeological buffs venture north of town to Aberlemmo and see a series of ancient Pict standing stones bearing figures and symbols commonly used by the culture. Also in the vicinity, lies an ancient underground earth house, having a cavity measuring over 150 feet (45.72 metres) in length.
Places to Stay and Dining
Forfar hotel choices include splendid Victorian inns offering modern accommodations and alfresco dining, when weather permits. Facility bars provide the option of grabbing a quick bite to eat and tasting authentic Scotch whiskeys.
Visitors looking for unusual cuisine adventures travel to the Kookaburras Restaurant for a taste of authentic Australian specialties. Try seasoned crocodile meat wrapped in pastry and served with a sweet chili sauce. Kangaroo fillets are also on the menu and are served with mushrooms, mashed sweet potatoes and seasoned garden fresh vegetables.
Accommodation in Forfar
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