Stirling

sterling, a city of Scotland. It is situated on the River Forth, about thirty-six miles from Edinburgh and thirty from Glasgow. A bridge across the Forth at this place was for centuries a point which the Highlanders must pass on their way to the Lowlands, giving rise to the old saying, "Forth bridles the wild Highlander." Stirling Castle, perched on a high crag, was known as "Gray Stirling, bulwark of the North." The castle was a favorite place of residence of Scottish kings. Alexander I died here in 1124. James II and James V were born here. James III built a parliament house, thus making Stirling for the time the capital of Scotland. The articles of union between England and Scotland stipulate that the fortifications of Stirling shall be maintained. Another building of interest is the old Gothic church of Grey-friars, dating from 1494. The state religion of Scotland was changed officially from Catholicism to Presbyterianism in this historic building. The castle commands a magnificent view of the Vale of Menteith, Ben Lomond, Ben Venue, Ben Ledi, Ben Voirlich, and Dunbar. The closing scenes of Scott's Lady of the Lake are laid in Stirling Castle. During the early history of Scotland the castle was taken more than once by the English. In 1304 Edward I was obliged to send back to the Tower of London for besieging implements and reinforcements before he was able to take the fortress. The modern town at the foot of the crag has a population of 18,000 and is the seat of important woolen manufactures. The field of Bannockburn is but two miles distant. See Douglas; James