New evidence discovered of Jacobite siege of Stirling Castle
New evidence of the last ever siege of Stirling Castle by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite army is believed to have been discovered at the city’s only surviving medieval gate.
Article Source: Stirling Council
Last Updated: 29 January 2024 10:54
The Jacobites first laid siege to Stirling, which surrendered after a few days, and then unsuccessfully laid siege to Stirling Castle across January 1746 as part of Bonnie Prince Charlie’s campaign to seize the British throne on behalf of the Stuarts which began the previous year.
Damage to a recently-discovered medieval gate that is believed to have been caused by musket balls at the time of the siege has been uncovered by Stirling Council archaeologist, Dr Murray Cook, and a team of volunteers.
The gate is located by the cemetery and Cowane’s Hospital at the western edge of the walls that guard the castle and was found during the discovery of a new defensive tower at the castle last November.
Dr Cook reckons the damage at the gate is evidence of a previously unknown attacking probe on the castle’s defences by Jacobite troops 278 years ago.
Dr Cook said: “It’s remarkable that we’re still finding out new things about Scotland’s best preserved city wall. To stand where Jacobites and defenders of the city stood and not just glared at each other but exchanged shots is an astonishing experience!”
Stirling Council leader, Cllr Chris Kane said: “Stirling Council Archives has a letter from Bonnie Prince Charlie promising bloodshed if his forces weren’t allowed through the city gates in January 1746. The town council met and decided to avoid violence and destruction of property and let him in.
“Thankfully, we don’t have that sort of problem on council agendas anymore, but it would have been fascinating to be a fly on the wall to hear the debate! As we begin Stirling’s 900th anniversary year, Stirling continues to give up secrets from its rich past and this discovery is another reminder of just how varied and important Stirling is to the history of Scotland and the United Kingdom.
“It’s little wonder that people from all across the world come to Stirling to experience our story and we look forward to welcoming visitors during this special milestone year".
Image: Musket Ball Damage - Highlighted
Sponsored Links
Latest Stirling News
BTS fans take the spotlight in latest K Pop documentary heading to Vue
BTS Army: Forever We Are Young, a brand-new documentary celebrating the fans that helped catapult 21st century pop icons BTS into global stardom comes to Vue.
READ MORE
Plenty of summer family fun at Vue venues across Scotland
Family favourites and animated adventures are heading to the big screen this summer holiday at Vue venues across Scotland.
READ MORE
SAY Award opens submissions for eligible albums
Scotland’s national music prize – the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award – has opened submissions for 2025’s £20,000 prize.
READ MORE
Innis & Gunn Joins Forces with Stirling Highland Games in a 3 Year Cultural Celebration
The Stirling Highland Games has proudly announced a new three-year partnership with one of Scotland’s most iconic brewing brands, Innis & Gunn.
READ MORE
Great value summer holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres
This summer, gather the whole family and head to Dobbies Garden Centres for a day of fun-filled activities that will keep costs down.
READ MORE
FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores returns on 5th and 6th July
Summerfest, the FREE family festival at Loch Lomond Shores, is back on the 5th and 6th of July with lots of things to see and do!
READ MORE
Earlybird tickets drive buzz for 2026 Scottish Caravan, Motorhome & Holiday Home Show
The biggest show of its kind in Scotland returns with Earlybird tickets and a give-away with headline sponsor Border Caravans!
READ MORE
July events at Dobbies Garden Centres
Check out July at Dobbies with it's Little Seedlings Club on rainforests and Grow How on pest control and healthy gardens!
READ MORE
Historic Environment Scotland calls for public stories for national wellbeing exhibition
Historic Environment Scotland is calling for people across the country to connect with heritage to boost their wellbeing as a part of a national campaign, Historic Places, Breathing Spaces.
READ MORE
Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 adds two new categories and voting deadline extended!
Scotland's hospitality industry and customers have spoken, and the Scottish Bar and Pub Awards 2025 has listened!
READ MORE
25th year of Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway
Refugee Festival Scotland gets underway today, kick-starting nine days of dance performances, film screenings, visual art and photography exhibitions and community events across the country.
READ MORE
Exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland
Tickets are on sale for an exclusive Superman screening at Vue venues in Scotland, with fans in for an extra special treat to take home.
READ MORE
Acclaimed debut Only Here, Only Now from Tom Newlands chosen as Waterstones Book of the Month in Scotland
The paperback edition of Only Here, Only Now by Tom Newlands has just been released - and is already making waves.
READ MORE
Feedback sought on new Walk, Cycle, Live Stirling project
To mark Bike Week UK, people across Stirling are being encouraged to take part in a new survey that will help shape active travel in the area and support the shift to sustainable modes of transport.
READ MORE
Stirling BID team brighten up City Centre with Blooming Planters
Pollinator-friendly plants, funded and organised by Go Forth Stirling BID have added a welcome splash of colour across Stirling city centre.
READ MORE
Funding Boost for Charities at Scottish Building Society AGM
Scottish Building Society marked its Annual General Meeting (AGM) by announcing funding to support eight local charities and good causes across the country.
READ MORE
Classic car enthusiasts set to visit Loch Lomond Shores
Visitors are invited to come along and get up-close to some amazing cars, set against the beautiful backdrop of Loch Lomond, as part of a great day out.
READ MORE
Paws, play and heritage on parade
Bark by popular demand, the Gordon Setter Parade returns on Saturday 5th July as part of the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust (GWCT) Scottish Game Fair, held at the stunning Scone Palace.
READ MORE
Dobbies hosts brand new Fairy Garden Tea Party
Dobbies Garden Centres are inviting families across the UK along to its stores on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th of June to spend a magical afternoon filled with fun activities and good food.
READ MORE
Stirling celebrates its rich history at the Walking of the Marches
Stirling’s rich history and heritage was celebrated at its annual Walking of the Marches, which dates back to at least the 12th century, on Saturday (31 May).
READ MORE
Have your say on plans for a sustainable transport system in Stirling
People will have the opportunity to shape a future transport system for Stirling that is fair, clean and affordable with the launch of a new consultation.
READ MORE
How to train your Dad in 4DX Cineworld enlists Gerard Butler
Cineworld is launching a brand new 4DX Father's Day gift experience, containing two 4DX tickets and ponchos, perfect for experiencing the new live-action "How to Train Your Dragon" film.
READ MORE
Summer of Roses: Free gardening workshop at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is hosting a free Rose-themed Grow How workshop this June, sharing top tips for caring for this beloved flowering plant.
READ MORE
William Wallace Running Festival seeks Teams of Bravehearts
Teams of runners have the chance to race through Scotland’s most historic battlefields and stunning landscapes during an exciting new event - the William Wallace Running Festival.
READ MORE
Cheers to 30 years: Scottish Bar and Pub Awards celebrate with public voting now open
Scotland's longest-running hospitality awards turn 30 - and they want you to have your say!
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Unplugged is coming this weekend!
Loch Lomond Unplugged, our FREE showcase of talented buskers and singer/songwriters, is this weekend and we’re super excited to welcome great acts from across Scotland and beyond!
READ MORE
Restored Memorial to be unveiled in Stirling
Restored memorial to be unveiled in Stirling's old town cemetery to mark the 250th anniversary of the American War of Independence.
READ MORE
Dig into summer fun at Dobbies
Dobbies Garden Centres is inviting children to come along to its free-to-attend Little Seedlings Club, taking place across the country this June.
READ MORE
Aldi to gift year supply of free beer to biggest beer lover in Scotland
Aldi Scotland is on the hunt for the nation's biggest beer lover, as it revamps its popular Best Home Bar Competition by expanding the criteria.
READ MORE
Milestone year for Refugee Festival Scotland
Refugee Festival Scotland has officially unveiled the programme for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, running from 13 – 22 June.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links