Get a head start on Stirling’s history

Kings and Queens

As you all know Stirling is a place where history was made, we were the most strategically important location in Scotland for 2000 years.

You know all about the battles and how the castle changed hands eight times during the Wars of Independence, more times than any other in Scotland.

You know that last siege of the castle was by Bonnie Prince Charlie and that Wallace, Bruce, Edward I and II all walked our streets.

But did you know how many kings and kings were born, died, crowned and buried here? No? Three kings died here - Alexander I, William I and James II; two were born here (probably) - James III and James IV; and three were crowned here - James V, Mary Queen of Scots and James VI and finally only one king was buried here - James III.

Next question, of the kings and queens with such intimate connections to Stirling how many of them have statues? Easy peasy - there are three Robert the Bruces, one of Mary Queen of Scots (the first ever in Scotland), one James V and a wee tiny James IV. We also have wee busts of David I and his mum Margaret (Scotland’s only Royal saint) and a Queen Victoria. Finally, there are also two Wallaces (he was de facto king).

So I want to set you another puzzle for your daily exercise...today’s pictures include James IV, David I, St Margaret and Mary Queen of Scots. Do you know where they are? Here are some clues: the old High School of Stirling, the old Municipal Buildings and the Church of the Holy Rude ... but it’s not that easy!