Stirling, Scotland – A Medieval Travel
Stirling, a small and pretty town about 40 miles from Scotland’s capital city, Edinburgh, was the first place upriver that the cold, rapid waters of the Forth could be safely crossed. Anyone who wanted to travel from the wild, mountainous country of northern Scotland to the milder, flatter terrain of the south had to pass over Stirling’s narrow medieval bridge. It was, therefore, a place of vital strategic importance. To protect it, ancient Scottish kings erected a castle. The castle still stands. Driving into town and seeing it looming over the surrounding countryside, perched on a high volcanic crag, is one of the magnificent sights in Britain. Walking around it, you can soak up the history of a place that was once passed through by Braveheart, Robert the Bruce and Mary Queen of Scots.
Aside from it, there are also some places that are worth visiting in Stirling and here are some of them.
National Wallace Monument
This gothic tower, a monument to rebel fighter William Wallace, stands on the Abbey Craig, a volcanic crag above Cambuskenneth Abbey. It was from this vantage point that Wallace was said to have watched the gathering of the army of King Edward I of England, just before the Battle of Stirling Bridge. A number of artefacts believed to have belonged to Wallace are on display, including the Wallace Sword, a 1.63-metre (5ft, 4in) long sword.
Doune Castle
A few miles outside Stirling is the 14th century Doune Castle. It was home to Robert Stewart, the 1st Duke of Albany, ruler of Scotland, in all but name, from 1388 to 1420. Doune’s most striking feature is the 100ft gatehouse, which includes the splendid Duke’s Hall with its musicians’ gallery, double fireplace and carved oak screen. It’s also a popular TV location, having appeared in Monty Python and the Holy Grail and Game of Thrones.
Church of the Holy Rude
Nearby the castle is a medieval parish church, The Church of the Holy Rude, where a triumphant King James VI was crowned King of Scots on 29 July 1567. The Holy Rude still functions as a church today with a service every Sunday.
Plane Castle
Fifteen minutes from Stirling and set amid beautiful countryside, the medieval Plane Castle is made up of the Fortalice, the Tower and the Manor. The latter two are available to rent; the Plane Tower features a banqueting hall in which guests can enjoy the views from stone seats that have been used for 650 years, or head to the castle battlements to see the Ochil Hills and the beginning of the Highlands. The Manor House, which dates back to 1528, is riddled with a series of secret passageways.
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