Stirling Scotland

Sterling Castle

Stirling Castle is rich in history as one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. It sits on the top of Castle Hill and is surrounded on three sides by steep cliffs. It overlooks what was once the furthest downstream crossing of the River Forth. We walked through buildings that date back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries with some fourteenth century structures also remaining. Scottish Kings and Queens crowned at Stirling Castle include Mary, Queen of Scots in 1542. The castle has seen eight documented sieges including those during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The last documented siege occurred in 1746 when Bonnie Prince Charlie unsuccessfully attempted to take control of he castle.

Robert the Bruce at the castle

Robert I who was King of Scotland from 1306 to 1329 known as Robert the Bruce (Gaelic: Roibert a Bruis) and the genuine Brave Heart lived from 1274 to 1329. He was one of the most famous Scottish warriors, leading Scotland in the Wars of Scottish Independence against England. Today he is a national hero.

Bruce was a descendant of Scottish royalty and was among a group of Scots claiming the right to the throne. He fought with William Wallace in the revolt against Edward I and England. Later circumstances caused him to pledge loyalty to King Edward I and England. Then he murdered his rival inside the Greyfriaers Monistery which did not go down well with the Pope. He got that worked out, became King of Scotland and took up the cause of Scottish independence. Then in 1328 Robert the Bruce was successful as Edward III signed the treaty confirming Scottish independence. Scotland was free and Robert the Bruce had lead them to that freedom!

Only one year later on his death bed in an effort to make peace with God, Robert the Bruce requested that his heart be removed and taken on a religious crusade. Sir James Douglas did just that. Off went the Scots with Bruce's Heart to Spain and a crusade. During the ensuing battle as things were not going at all well Sir James took the heart attached to a chain and swung it around over his head throwing it at the adversaries and shouting "Lead on Brave Heart".  The outnumbered Scots charged and were successful. You just can't make this stuff up! At least that is the version of history passed on to us…truly amazing stuff.

The castle gardens

The Church of  the Holy Rude

The Church of the Holy Rude (meaning Holy Cross) sits just below the Sterling Castle and is a medieval parish church. It was founded in 1129 during the reign of David I. The current structure dates back to the 15th century. The church became associated with the Stewart Kings and hosted some notable royal baptisms and coronations.

The Chancel of Church of the Holy Rude was completed in 1555 a full century after the construction of the nave and not long before the Reformation.  Here on 29 July 1567 the 13 month old son of Mary, Queen of Scots was crowned James VI King of Scots. The sermon was preached by John Knox and, for the first time, the rights were Protestant and the ceremony was delivered in the Scottish language rather than in Latin. Today this is the only surviving church in Scotland that was the site of a coronation.

Monument to Sir William Wallace

Wallace Monument near the site of the battle of Stirling Bridge.

Sir William Wallace (Medieval Gaelic: Uilliam Uallas) was a Scottish landowner who became one of the leaders during the Wars of Scottish Independence. He was known for defeating the English army at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in September of 1297. He was later defeated at the Battle of Falkirk in July of 1298. In August of 1305 he was captured and was handed over to King Edward I of England. He was tried at Westminster Hall in London was held at the Tower of London and was drawn and quartered. He became an iconic hero of the people of Scotland. 

Wallace Monument

"Sir William Wallace"

Overlook of site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge