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 The city of Perth Scotland
is the county town of Perthshire and also known as St John's Town
or even as the Fair City.
Known to the Romans as Bertha
from the Celtic 'Aber The' meaning mouth of the Tay thus modern
Perth.
The city centre is compact with two
large and open public parks - the North and South Inches on each side and
the mighty River Tay along side. Much of the High Street is a traffic free
precinct with a wide variety of large and small shops. Many of the streets
around the centre are comprised of elegant terraced Georgian houses.
Perth has been a Royal Burgh since
the 13thC and was a Royal residence throughout the middle ages. Perth is
often refered to as the Ancient Capital of Scotland on this account.
The City has probably always
been a centre for farming and as such, less dependent on the traditional
Scottish industries of textiles, fishing and engineering. Not only did this
give rise to it's relatively small size but also to it's air of prosperity.
Nearby Scone is the ancient coronation
site of Scottish monarchs. All kings and queens of Scotland having been crowned
there up until the Union into the United Kingdom. Today the site is marked
by the early 19thC Palace of Scone.
In 1396 the Battle of the Clans took
place on the North Inch. This was a gladiatorial fight to the death to settle
a long running feud between the powerful Chattan and Mackay clans. 30 warriors
from each formed before Robert III. All Mackays died, except one who swam
the Tay, to the loss of 10 Chattans. Legend has it that the Chattans were
a man short so a local saddler was paid to take the place. He survived, having
joined the winning side!
James I was murdered at Blackfriars
in 1437. This was his favourite residence. When assassins burst into his
bedroom he attempted to escape through a tunnel. Unfortunately he forgot
that he had ordered the far end blocked by a grill. This had been fitted
to prevent him losing tennis balls down the uncovered exit!
The Reformation and rise of Protestantism
in Scotland began in Perth in 1559 when John Knox gave a sermon in St John's
Kirk. There has been a church on this site in the centre of the city for
at least a 1000 years. The present building dates from the 15thC but was
restored in the 1920s.
Perth was occupied by Montrose in 1644
and by Jacobites in 1689, 1715 and 1745.
Today Perth Scotland is a bustling
market town with much to offer the tourist. Shops, galleries and theatre
in the town centre. Scenery, castles, history, walks and attractions in the
country around. Nearby Scone offers the Palace and Perth Race Course. |
