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 Known to the Romans as
Bertha from the Celtic 'Aber The' meaning mouth of the Tay.
The city 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.
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 of Perth. 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 (rise of Protestantism)
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.
The city was occupied by Montrose in
1644 and by Jacobites in 1689, 1715 and 1745.
Also check out About
The Fair City. |
