There is only the "shell" that remains of this once splendid, Renaissance style town house. It was a very grand building for its time ans still is quite impressive. Both its age and architecture are amazing... built in 1569 as the residence for the powerful Earl of Mar, the hereditary Keeper of Stirling Castle.
Its front is decorated with stone carving, panels and gargoyles. It was damaged by Jacobite cannon fire in1745 and fell to ruin after that.
Right next to Mar's Wark is the Church of The Holy Rude. Is the second oldest holy building in Stirling after the castle. It was founded in 1129 and used as the parish church of Stirling! The origianl structure was destroyed by fire, but the rebuilding began in 1414. However you look at it, it is an OLD church!
The boys outside the churchyard....
Walking down the road back to the car...I love the hilly streets and quaint houses that line them.
A "driveby" shot of the Stirling Old Bridge. It was built around 1500 and for four centuries was the lowest crossing point over the River Forth. There is a covered booth in the middle of the bridge where customs men would be stationed. They would charge heavy duties on the goods coming into the burgh.
Before this bridge was built, there were other structures , including a wooden bridge, which was where Sir William Wallace defeated the English in the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.
Before this bridge was built, there were other structures , including a wooden bridge, which was where Sir William Wallace defeated the English in the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297.
A better picture ....
Hope you were able to "tie" together some of the history of Stirling through our very adventurous day!
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