Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Alphabet Soup
Let's say you are the king of Scotland -- where would you sit? Generally in the most strategically important point of attack from your primary enemy -- the English. That would be Stirling Castle. Sitting atop an ancient volcanic ridge on the primary approach from the south Stirling has guarded the Scots from the English for centuries and been the location of most of the most famous battles, most notably Bannockburn wherein Robert the Bruce secured Scottish independence for many generations. Thus Stirling Castle is the "S" in our alphabet soup.
Picutres above are the thrones in the Great Hall. The castle now belongs to Historic Scotland and is being renovated and is available for rent for weddings and such.Here you see the primary approach to the castle and why it was such a stronghold. Pretty formidable, huh. Edward II was trying to solidify his hold on Scotland post-Falkirk (that's were William Wallace took in on the chin) by taking Stirling -- the Bruce stopped him before he ever got there.
Here's an aerial view -- the place meant business, as you can see.Stunning to look at, well appointed, heavily fortified and with a view for miles in every direction. Easily defended and difficult to siege, let alone take, Stirling remains one of the greatest fortifications in history. It would still work today were in not for air travel and the ability to penetrate behind such fortifications.
And this is the view from the castle across the valley to the Victorian Era monument to William Wallace. This place sit truly at the heart of Scotland, at least the lowlands. You just canot get to Scotland without going through here, thus it matters a lot. The castle was not yet constructed, but even the Romans could not really advance past this point in their efforts to conquer Britainnia.Few places I have ever been have at more history, more distinguished history and more beauty. A must-see if you are anywhere near Scotland.
Related Tags: travel, Scotland, Stirling Castle, Robert the Bruce, William Wallace, Edward II, Scottish Independance
