The Wars of Independence, when Scotland
struggled to be free of English domination, took place around Stirling, at
Stirling Bridge in 1297 and at Bannockburn in 1314. In the uneasy peace that
followed, Stirling Castle evolved into a splendid renaissance palace and became
the favourite royal residence of the Stuart dynasty.
Stirling's town wall was constructed in 1547,
when King Henry VIII of England was seeking to force the infant Mary, Queen of
Scots, to marry his son Edward. Stirling at this time was the home of the
Scottish royal court and was continually under threat of attack. The wall did
not entirely surround Stirling. Beginning at the castle, it ran along the south
side of the burgh (where it can still be seen) to the main gate at the Barras
Yett (Port Street). There it turned north to the bastion or angle-tower now
restored under the Thistle Shopping Centre. From there a short section continued
north-west before petering out. The north- side of Stirling was protected by a
water-filled ditch.
With such a central place in Scotland's
history, it is fortunate that so much of Stirling's heritage has survived. Just
below the castle, the Old Town still has the finest concentration of historic
buildings in Scotland.
The Back Walk, a circular walkway, constructed
from around 1723 to 1791, follows the line of the Town Wall from Dumbarton Road
in the town centre to Stirling Castle, then continues around Castle Rock and
back towards the Old Town. The Walk has many local historical associations and
offers magnificent views of town and countryside.
The historic atmosphere of the Old Town is
further embellished in summer by a daily programme of historical re-enactments
and events designed to bring Stirling's fascinating past to life. Nearby, there
are still more places of historic significance. These include the National
Wallace Monument, commemorating Scotland's greatest patriot, Sir William Wallace
and the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, marking the site where Scotland's
hero-king, King Robert the Bruce, won his greatest victory and secured
Scotland's independence for over 300 years.
Stirling is an easy place in which to feel
close to Scotland's history. If you would like to visit and would like more
information, contact:
Stirling is an easy place in which to feel
close to Scotland's history. If you would like to visit and would like more
information, contact:
The Royal Burgh of Stirling Tourist Information Centre
Castle Esplanade
Stirling
Scotland
telephone +44 (0)1786 479901
