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The historically fascinating city strategically developed between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. Stone Age people first settled here and left behind standing stones and mysterious carvings. Iron Age people constructed a fort in Stirling around 500 BC. Wars began early on and in 655AD, battles pit the armies of Mercia against the forces of Northumbria.
The Danes invaded the territory, established a settlement and continually fought with the Picts for territorial rights. A great battle occurred in 839 AD between the Danes and the Picts. The Danes emerged victorious. Four years later, Kenneth MacAlpin declared himself king of the Picts and Scots and constructed the Stirling Castle on top of a rocky hill.
The village developed around the fortress and down toward the foothills of the Ochil Hills. Being close to the River Forth, an established port provided an export and import trade. Local artisans made everything from fine cloth to cooking utensils, pottery and tools. David I had a close relationship with Stirling, acquiring household items and exotic foods through local trades and imports.
The famous Church of the Holy Rude developed in 1129. Next to Westminster Abbey, this is the only other location serving as the location for a royal coronation. The king awarded Stirling with the title Royal Burgh in 1130. The king made Stirling his primary residence. The local port and a bridge spanning the river brought prosperity and prestige.
The importance of the community enticed many to obtain ownership and centuries of battles followed. The castle endured seige over one dozen times in a power struggle between the English and the Scots. William Wallace enjoyed victory over the English at the battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The plague struck Stirling in 1369 and a major fire caused considerable damage to the village in 1405.
The drunk and disorderly conduct of the townspeople frequenting the pubs caused the town council to prohibit the consumption of alcoholic beverages after 10 PM in 1608. In later years, the community taxed and limited the amount of alcohol purchased.
Cromwell and his army invaded Stirling and musket fire rang out in the center of the town. Holes caused by the shots remain visible in the tower of the Church of the Holy Rude. Wars continued into the 1700s, with the Earl of Mar attempting an unsuccessful castle siege in 1715. Bonnie Prince Charlie managed to gain control of Stirling, but not the castle in 1746.
Through all of the turmoil surrounding Stirling, port trade continued prospering. Imports included exotic teas from India and fine timber from the Baltic. Local coastal river trade began decreasing with the introduction of the railways in 1848.
Activities and Attractions
Standing high on the cliffs overlooking the newer part of Stirling sits the famous Stirling Castle. The Hollywood movie “Braveheart,” only made the fortess more popular and intriguing. A paved road travels up the back of the estate, which displays immense gardens and gravestones around the winding path.
Entering the outer defences, visitors see a number of structures that include the Palace, Great Hall and the King’s Old Building. Notice the array of statues worked into the castle’s architecture. See the memorial to King Robert. Some structures have modest furnishings and bare stone walls, representative of early medieval times.
Rooms in the palace indicate later, more elaborate times with tapestry covered walls and handcrafted furnishings. The Queen’s Chamber harbours a large four poster bed covered in the royal colours of the day. The room also displays an array of furniture. The King’s Old Building, once the primary domicile of he royal leader, now features the regimented museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
The Nether Bailey, once used as an armoury and shooting range, now houses the tapestry studio. The facility displays tapestries from the palace and employees in the building demonstrate the methods used in creating the works of art. Hear about the many royal events that occurred in the massive open space of the Great Hall. Marvel at the complex design of the open wooden beamed ceiling.
See the stained glass windows bearing the castle’s coat of arms. The royal table and thrones lie on the far south end of the building. Hear the tales of elaborate celebrations, which include a specially handcrafted wooden ship created to celebrate the christening of Prince Henry in 1594.
The castle grounds also contain a chapel, guard house and magazine storage building. Walk along the wall of the outer defences and experience the view over the countryside. The grounds also house a café, gift shop and a Clan Craft and Gift shop, offering demonstrations of medieval crafts and the opportunity of finding unique gifts.
Standing 220 feet (67 metres) tall and towering above the Ochil Hills, visitors see the William Wallace Monument from quite a distance away. The structure includes the tower, which bears a gothic styled crown and a lookout area. Inside, guests find 4 levels and 246 steps climbing above the ground floor, each having a peace of the history revolving around the country’s heroes and the violent times of war. See the 700 year old Wallace sword. While most men in the 1200s stood a mere 5 feet (1.5 metres) tall, the sword spans approximately 5.25 feet (1.6 metres) in length. Some say Wallace, like Rob Roy, towered over the average man at a height of at least 6.5 feet (1.9 metres).
Places to Stay and Dining
Guests feel like royalty when staying at converted baronial mansions. Located on the outskirts of Stirling, expansive lawns and carefully kept gardens surround the luxurious properties. Enjoy the pampering of the upper class, with the many extras facilities frequently offer.
Enjoy Italian cuisine in a timeless nostalgic atmosphere at the family owned and operated Papa Joe’s restaurant. Choose from a selection of specially prepared stone oven baked pizzas, or delight in a plateful of pasta.
Accommodation in Stirling
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