| [image] |
| [image] |
| [image] |
Stirling is an ancient town, clustered around a large castle and medieval old-town. It is a centre for government, retail, and light industry. Its population (as of the 2001 census) was 45,115.
A former capital of Scotland, Stirling was known as a Royal Burgh until 2002 when, as part of Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee, Stirling was granted City status.
Stirling has been strategically significant since at least the Roman occupation of Britain, due to its easily defensible hill (latterly the site of Stirling Castle) and its commanding position beside the River Forth. A ford, and later bridge, of the river at Stirling brought the city wealth and influence, as did its port. Major battles in Scotland's long conflict with England took place at the Stirling Bridge in 1297 and at the nearby village of Bannockburn in 1314.
The town motto, which was adopted in 1296, is:
The fortifications continued to play a strategic military role during the 18th century Jacobite Risings. In 1715, the Earl of Mar failed to take control of the castle. In January 1746, the army of Bonnie Prince Charlie seized control of the town but failed to take the Castle. On their consequent retreat northwards, they blew up the church of St. Ninians where they had been storing munitions; only the tower survived and can be seen to this day.
Standing near the castle, the Church of the Holy Rude (Holy Cross) is one of the town's most historically important buildings. The church, which was built in the late 1400s, is the only church in the UK apart from Westminster Abbey, to have held a coronation. On the 29 July 1567 the infant son of Mary Queen of Scots was crowned James VI of Scotland here. Gun shot marks from Cromwell's troops during the civil war are clearly visible on the tower and apse.
Famous residents include Mary, Queen of Scots, King James VI of Scotland, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman (former British Prime Minister), documentary film pioneer John Grierson, film music composer Muir Mathieson, animation pioneer Norman McLaren, and TV presenter Kirsty Young.
The University of Stirling opened in a 1967 greenfield site outside the town. It has grown into a major research centre, attracting students from nearly 80 countries.
Local sporting teams include the football team Stirling Albion F.C., and the Rugby union team Stirling County. Footballers Billy Bremner and Duncan Ferguson were born in Stirling, as was rugby international Kenny Logan and Jockey Willie Carson.
Stirling is twinned with Dunedin, Florida in the United States and with Villeneuve d'Ascq in northern France.