The
history of Stirling is rich with legends and events from
the figuire of William Wallace who fought and won the battle
of Stirling Bridge in 1297 against an occupying English army,
to the Battle of Bannockburn where Robert the Bruce's defeat
of another English army in June 1314 secured Scottish independence.
Stirling heritage dates back 800 years to the twelfth century, when the
town first received the burgh title. It was granted a Royal Charter, becoming
one of the most important towns of medieval Scotland.
Stirling's importance developed from the fact that it controlled the lowest
crossing point of the River Forth. The land to the west of the river was
bog and marshland making it impassable for armies to cross. The land was
eventually drained in later centuries.
The town was occupated in 1745 by Bonnie Prince Charlie's army. John Knox
regularly preached in the Church of the Holy Rude next to Stirling Castle.
The area of the burgh covers most of the region spreading outwards to include
villages such as St. Ninians, Causewayhead, Bridge of Allan and Torbrex,
which were once very separate communities, making them part of the bigger
picture of Stirling as the ancient ‘Royal Capital’. For more on Stirling's
Town history visit the Old
Town section. Or check out some of the links on the right. |
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