Written in the Scars

The Church of Holy Rude, Stirling

   Built high on sandstone rock overlooking the Forth Valley in Scotland, sits  the second oldest building in Stirling, the Church of Holy Rude. The oldest building being, Stirling Castle, sits majestically on the neighbouring  promontory.

     I visited the church the other day and the blue sky and icy cold west wind that blasted my face, seemed to make the beauty that surrounded me more outstanding.

Stirling Castle

    The Holy Rude, which was built in the twelfth century, is the only church apart from,Westminster Abbey, where a coronation has taken place that still continues to function as a place of worship.

    Following the abdication of his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, one-year-old James Stuart was crowned, King James VI of Scotland here. Also being the great-grandson of King Henry VIII, James went on to become King of England and Ireland on the death of Queen Elizabeth I.

The Ochil Hills, from the church-yard

  During turbulent times between Scotland and England, Lieutenant-General George Monck led English troops southwards, after defeating the Scots at Perth in 1651. Under the orders of Oliver Cromwell, Monck's army attacked Stirling Castle and the tower of the church still bear the marks of musket shot.

    The church and its yard are steeped in history and the story is written for all to read in its scars. I will be writing more about this area in forthcoming blogs. For now, I'll leave you with some of the pictures I took of the church, its yard and surroundings. I hope you enjoy.