Stirling Castle

The city Stirling was build around the castle, which is one of the most important fortresses in Scottish history. It is a renaissance building that lays upon a rock. The legend tells that king Arthur won the castle from the Saxons. There has been a castle on this place from 1124, but the buildings which we see today are from 1400 – 1500. It is surrounded by cliffs to tree sides, and therefore it has a strong defensive position.

Stirling Castle played an important role in the wars of independence. In 1226 England invaded Scotland, and this was the beginning of the wars of independence, which lasted for 60 years. The English were beaten by the Scots who had William Wallace as their leader at the battle of Stirling Bridge. This monument stands not far from Stirling Castle, and it should remind us of the actions of William Wallace during the wars. It is called the Wallace - monument:

One year after, the English won the Castle back, after their victory at Falkirk. But in 1299, the English had to surrender to Robert Bruce who was now the leader of the Scots.There is a statue of him by the Castle.

Early Scottish History:

Now we have found some cool information about the Scottish History. The first people in Scotland were sailing to the small islands around Scotland. In the year of 78 the romans came and tried to take over Scotland. But they never went further than to the place were Scotland is narrowest (smallest) Because of Scotland’s tuff Nature.

Around the year 800 the Danish vikings captured Scotland, and this time the nature didn’t protect the Scottish people. The vikings killed all men and boys to unpopulate Scotland. They ruled until 1469. King Christian the 1^st gave the Orkney Islands and Shetland back to the Scottish people and in return King James the 3^rd of Scotland married Princess Margethe. In this way the Danish king had a connection to Scotland

For many years the Scottish people tried to become independent from England. William Wallace (also known as Brave hard) was one of the front figures in the fight agents England. He managed to defeat the English men with a fight at Stirling Bridge. But he was betrayed and executed in the tower of London.

What were they fighting for?

Hey! We're a group of danish students going to Scotland in the end of this month (March 2012). Therefore we've chosen to learn a bit about Scottish history, since personally the only thing I know about that is what happens in the film Braveheart. Not impressive really.. But hopefully this will change very soon. I would like to know why they were fighting, wether they won or not (don't think they won, cause why would it be a part of GB now then?).. And in which way have the battles influenced today's Scotland?..
If you want to follow this progress you're welcomme to visit this blogg as often as you like.

Fighting scene from Braveheart

Sigurd, Simone, anne, Sidse og Ita er nice