Stirling Castle Scotland's Wars of Independence Against the British, 1296‐1356, Centered on a Volcanic Rock Between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland
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Scotland's Largest/Strategic: Stirling Castle Scotland's wars of independence against the British, 1296‐1356, centered on a volcanic rock between the Highlands and Lowlands of Scotland. From the castle's vantage point crossing the River Forth was checked by Stirling Castle for centuries. Historical figures such as William Wallace, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie were part of the castle. "Stirling Castle is one of the most naturally well defended and largest castles in all of Scotland. Cliffs defend 75% of the castle walls." <winederlusting.com Stirling Castle, once a capital city, remains a symbol of Scottish independence and national pride. First noted in 1107 AD through 1603, almost every Scottish monarch either lived, died or was crowned there. The castle was designed as a bastion for defense. Successive rulers added to the castle, from the king's chamber, a great hall, a royal palace to a chapel. "During the Wars of Independence, which were civil wars among the Scots as well as a struggle between Scotland and England, the castle changed hands eight times in 50 years." <stirlingcastle. scot> Battles and leaders have become 20th and 21st century movies (Braveheart) and documentaries include the victories and loses from dozens of battles which made Stirling Castle a key place in the struggle for Scottish peace and independence. " The English Army had at least 10,000 foot soldiers and over 250 cavalries before the Battle of Stirling Bridge. The Scots had 30 odd cavalry and roughly 8,000 foot soldiers." <winederlusting.com> Stirling Castle is 40 miles northwest of Edinburgh and 30 miles from Glasgow. It is located at the lower crossing of the Firth of Forth which is the traditional boundary line between the Scottish Lowlands and the Highlands. The volcanic rock outcrop on three sides made it an ideal defensive place to build a castle. In 1800, the castle found itself undergoing a dramatic change. It became a British Army barracks and the headquarters of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. The Great Hall was an accommodation block and the Royal Palace was an Officer's Mess. <primaryfacts.com> The army ceased using the castle as a barracks in 1964, but still has a headquarters placement as well as regimental museum in place. Stirling Castle has undergone restoration and today is a tourist attraction. Sources: Tour with guides, https://www.stirlingcastle.scot/discover/about‐the‐castle/, https://www.visitscotland.com, https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit‐a‐place/places/stirling‐castle/history/, http://winederlusting.com/travel‐resources/20‐facts‐about‐stirling‐ scotland‐things‐to‐do‐in‐stirling/, https://www.highlandtitles.com/blog/stirling‐castle, http://www.destination360.com/europe/uk/stirling‐castle and http://primaryfacts.com/1035/10‐facts‐about‐stirling‐castle/. acuri.net John R. Vincenti Scotland's Largest/Strategic: Stirling Castle .