The approach to Stirling is impressive with this incredible view of Stirling Castle (more of the castle in a future post) perched on top of the cliff. Its position was important in the line of defence and the town was granted a Royal Charter in the 12th century. It was witness to battles against the English during the Wars of Independence, including The Battle of Stirling Bridge and Bannockburn.
Once the newer could-be-in-any-town/city area has been navigated, you reach the old, medieval part of the city, the heart of which thankfully still survives today. Its narrower, ascending streets eventually lead up to the castle, passing buildings such as the Church of the Holy Rude where Mary, Queen of Scots worshipped, King James VI was crowned and John Knox was a regular preacher….
And the Old Town Jail which was opened in 1847. Unfortunately, it was closed so we were unable to experience what it might have been like to be imprisoned in the 1800s.
Another historic building is John Cowane’s Hospital. It was built beside the church in the mid 1600s as an alms house for elderly Guild members. John Cowane was a wealthy merchant who was also Dean of the Merchant Guild. The building was later used as a schoolhouse and hospital. The statue you can just see in the middle of the building has a strange legend attached to it as explained on the plaque below.
The weekly market, which was held after the city was granted the right to have a Merchant Guild, was held in Broad Street. Here also criminals were pilloried and/or executed, the last of which took place in 1843.
Definitely a place that requires another visit or two, there’s so much to see.
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Cathy, we had a visit to Stirling on our way to our Scottish housesit. Big bonus it was a fine day, a lovely area isn’t it!! Love your photos.
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Thank you. It is lovely. The old town and the castle are fabulous.
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stunning post today Cathy x
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Thanks so much, Tracy x
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Lovely photos…castles are so intriguing with all the history.
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I am in awe of these places that you visit. This one is fabulous in its beauty and history. Thanks for sharing, Cathy. Hugs.
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Gorgeous. Nice early morning mini History lesson.
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Thank you 😄
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Great photographs Cathy and Stirling is a lovely to place to visit. If you have not walked up to the nearby Wallace Monument yet that is a beautiful walk to do in dry weather. I noticed you used the hashtag #Sterling instead of #Stirling, you might want to change that ;o) xxx
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Thanks for the heads up on my error 🙄 😊 We didn’t walk up to the monument but had a good view from the castle. There’s so much to see and do round that area, we must have a return visit xxx
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You are very welcome Cathy and hopefully the weather will be kinder when you return to this area ;o) xxx
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Thank you xxx
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Cathy, I went to Stirling about twenty years ago and just loved the area. So so beautiful there. I don’t really remember much about the town, but iy looks beautiful in your photos. Maybe I only saw the could be anywhere parts! Lovely!
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Thanks, Val 🙂 The old part of the town is lovely, very atmospheric.
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