Tour Scotland 4K short Spring travel video clip of the old bridge which spans the River Forth, on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit to Stirling, Britain, United Kingdom. This Scottish bridge was built around 1500 and was the lowest bridging point over the River Forth for almost four centuries. The southern arch was rebuilt in 1749, the original arch having been blown up in 1745 to prevent the Highland army entering Stirling. Taxes were charged on all goods entering the Burgh and customs men occupied a covered booth in a niche at the centre of the bridge. In 1571 Archbishop Hamilton was executed by being hung from a specially constructed gallows set up on the bridge. In 1745 the Old Bridge played a part in Bonnie Prince Charlie's Jacobite Rebellion. As the Prince's Highlanders advanced on Stirling, General Blackney, in charge of the defences, blew up the southernmost arch to prevent the rebels from crossing. The bridge was rebuilt in 1749. In 1297, William Wallace fought the Battle of Stirling Bridge against the English army, and won. It was a critical point in Scottish History, effectively marking the start of the Scottish resurgence that led to victory at Bannockburn 17 years later. The only downside of the battle was that the old timber bridge was destroyed, leaving Stirling without a crossing of the river. Doubtless ferryboats would have provided a service in the interim, but it is believed that the bridge was rapidly replaced. The bridge also played a part in the Jacobite Rising of 1745, when an arch was removed to forestall Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces as they marched south. The bridge today remains one of the best medieval masonry arch bridges in Scotland. The original bridge was sited a little to the north of the current structures, but it's replacement may have been nearer the current site. The River Forth rises in the Trossachs, a mountainous area 19 miles West of Stirling. Ben Lomond's eastern slopes drain into the Duchray Water, which meets with Avondhu River coming from Loch Ard. The confluence of these two streams is the nominal start of the River Forth. From there it flows roughly eastward through Aberfoyle, joining with the Kelty Water about 3 miles further downstream. It then flows into the flat expanse of the Carse of Stirling, including Flanders Moss. Just west of the M9, it is joined by the River Teith, which itself drains Loch Venachar, Loch Lubnaig, Loch Achray, Loch Katrine, and Loch Voil. The next tributary is the Allan Water, just east of the M9. From there the Forth meanders into the ancient port of Stirling. At Stirling the river widens and becomes tidal. This is the location of the last, seasonal, ford of the river. From Stirling, the Forth flows east, accepting the Bannock Burn from the south before passing the town of Fallin. It then passes two towns in Clackmannanshire: firstly Cambus, where it is joined by the River Devon, closely followed by Alloa. Upon reaching Airth, on the river’s south shore, and Kincardine, on its north shore, the river begins to widen and becomes the Firth of Forth. Spring in the northern hemisphere technically starts on the 20 March, at the equinox, and lasts until the 20 or 21 June, the Summer solstice. This is also the case in Scotland.The months that make up the Spring season are March, April and May. However, for travelling at this time of year, I will be referring to April and May. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to visit one day. Find things to see and do in Scotland where you are always welcome
All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.
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