Stirling Castle

Rook
Bannockburn Scottish (Light) Side

Available only with complete set

This great rock-top fortress overlooked and secured the first point where the Forth estuary might be crossed by a bridge in the old days. It was the ancient seat of the Scots royal line and the strongest hold in the land. Unfortunately, early in the years of Independence, it was betrayed into English hands, and remained so, since it was easy proof against early artillery and siege machinery.

However, it was the eventual factor in precipitating the Battle of Bannockburn. Bruce's impetuous brother Edward, unsuccessfully besieging it in 1313, made a foolish bargain with its Keeper, Sir Philip Moubray, (actually a Scottish Knight loyal to Edward of England) that if the castle was not relieved within the year, it would surrender. This left Edward the Second with no option but to come to its relief, a prospect which dismayed the Bruce, realising that this challenge, above all others, would be a rallying call for the whole of England.
This piece represents the Inner Gate through which the castle is entered to this day, although the parapets and conical rooflines no longer exist.

Stirling Castle

Rook
Bannockburn Scottish (Light) Side

Available only with complete set

Contact Us

Cornerstone Gallery
Bridge of Allan, Stirling
FK9 4EE, Scotland
Phone: +44 (0) 7977 261314
e-mail: info@cornerstone-gallery.co.uk