Stirling Woods and Castle

Historical significance to Turnbulls:  Stirling Woods is a part of King’s Park of Stirling Castle.  This is where William of Rule saved King Robert the Bruce’s life by turning the raging bull’s head and was consequently dubbed Sir Turn-e-bull.

Interesting Facts:  William I (William the Lion) created a royal hunting park at Stirling.  This is most likely the park where William of Rule saved the life of King Bruce.

William Wallace and Andrew Murray lead the Scots to victory at the Battle of Stirling Bridge below the castle in September 1297.  Stirling Castle was consequently surrendered by the English to the Scots.  The Scots abandoned Stirling Castle after their loss at the Battle of Falkirk and Edward I again resumed control in 1298.  In 1299, Robert the Bruce successfully layed siege to Stirling Castle and regained it from the English.

King’s Park, looking down from Stirling Castle.

Sights to see:  A visit to Stirling Castle should include the following within the castle walls.

The King’s Old Building:  This was built for James IV in about 1496. Its north end is located on the highest part of the castle rock.

The Great Hall: Most historians agree that James IV built this structure and he clearly intended to impress. The Great Hall was the largest ever built in Scotland, measuring 138ft by 47ft.  It is heated by five fireplaces. The space seems huge to our 21st Century eyes. It must have been truly awe-inspiring in the 1500s.

The Palace:  In 1538, when James V was to marry Mary of Guise, he wanted something to show that Scotland could match the best he had seen in France.

King Robert the Bruce from Stirling Castle, with the Wallace monument in the background

The result was the Palace at Stirling Castle.  At its center is the paved area known as the Lion's Den.

The Kitchen:  The kitchens were excavated and partially restored in 1921 and can be accessed by steps leading into the basement of the Master Gunner's House.

Chapel Royal:  It is believed that that there has been a chapel within Stirling Castle for as long as there has been a castle.

King’s Park and Stirling Woods:  From the garden area of the castle, one can look out and see King’s Park and where Stirling Woods once stood.

Statue of Robert the Bruce and Wallace Monument:  In front of the castle is a commemorative statue of Robert the Bruce.  Looking across the wall, one can see the Wallace Monument in the distance.

Stirling Castle proudly overlooks King’s Park and Stirling Woods.