Description of the attraction
Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most significant castles in Scotland, both historically and architecturally. Located on a high hill, surrounded on three sides by high cliffs, the castle is in a very favorable position for defense. The castle also provides control over the crossing of the Forth River. The bridge over the Fort at Sterling has been the downstream crossing of the river for many centuries and was of strategic importance.
Probably, the fortifications on the hill existed in the prehistoric period. But the Romans bypassed it by building a fortress in neighboring Dawn. The earliest documentary evidence of the existence of the castle in Sterling dates back only to the 12th century, when King Alexander I ordered the construction of a chapel here. During the reign of his successor, King David, Sterling acquired the status of "royal burg", and the castle became the most important administrative center. Stirling remained the royal residence until the death of Alexander III in 1286. During the Scottish Wars of Independence, the castle repeatedly passed from hand to hand, most often the defenders could not withstand long sieges. The castle witnessed two of the most significant battles of the period - the Battle of Stirling Bridge and the Battle of Bannockburn.
The oldest surviving parts of the castle were built at the end of the 14th century, during the reign of the first Stuarts. Most of the buildings were erected in the 15th-17th centuries, when Sterling was considered the royal residence of the Stuarts. The buildings of that time bear the influence of French and German architecture, and scientists and alchemists work at the court of the Scottish kings, which is characteristic of the Renaissance in Europe. Under Jacob IV, the Old Royal House and the Great Hall were built, under Jacob V - the Royal Palace.
In 1603, after England and Scotland were united by the Union and the royal family moved to London, the castle loses its status as a royal residence and becomes a military fortress. Barracks, military depots and artillery are located here. Until 1964, the castle belonged to the Ministry of Defense, it also housed the headquarters of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders regiment.
The castle is currently undergoing restoration work and is returning to its former royal splendor. The Old Royal House, built at the end of the 15th century, and partially rebuilt in the 19th century in the baronial style, has been restored. Excavations show that a chapel was most likely adjacent to it. Also in the courtyard of the castle is the Great Hall - one of the largest secular buildings of that time, 42 meters long and 14 meters wide.
The Royal Palace is the first Renaissance building in the British Isles. The combination of Renaissance style with elements of late Gothic décor makes it one of the finest buildings in Scotland. The palace features magnificent stone carvings.
The castle is home to many ghosts, the most famous of which are the Ghost of the Soldier and the Green Lady (one of the maids of Mary Stuart).
Description added:
Irina Gorshkova 08.08.2018
In 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I of England, receiving the English crown. The Union Act entered into force on May 1, 1707. The Union Act is a legislative act that provided for the creation of a single union state of Great Britain, so it would be more accurate to say that in 1603 there was an
Show full text In 1603, James VI of Scotland became James I of England, receiving the English crown. The Union Act entered into force on May 1, 1707. The Union Act is a legislative act that provided for the creation of a single union state of Great Britain, therefore it would be more accurate to say that in 1603 the crowns of England and Scotland were unified, an unofficial union. happened in 1707 (official, legislative association).
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