Royal Burgh of Stirling is one of the most important towns in Scotland's history. Stirling has borne witness to many of the important events of the past, which significantly shaped the country's future. From very early times Stirling was established as a place of importance; the great rock was the obvious choice on which to build a fortress, and the flat lands beneath were the lowest point for a river crossing. The exact date of the first settlement is uncertain, but it is believed that Stirling first became a fortification in the Iron Age. By the 12th century, it is recorded that Alexander I had a castle in Stirling where he died in 1124.
In 1297 the famous battle of Stirling Bridge took place, a triumphant day for Scotland when William Wallace defeated the English army. These were turbulent times; the Scots and English were to fight many battles in the wars of independence. Perhaps the most famous of all was the Battle of Bannockburn, which took place on the 24th June 1314, two miles south of Stirling. King Robert the Bruce leading an army only one-third the size of the English side, broke the English lines and drove Edward II and his army from the field.
Standing near the castle, the Church of the Holy Rude (Holy Cross) is one of the town's most historically important buildings. The church, which was built in the late 1400s, is the only church in the UK apart from Westminster Abbey, to have held a coronation. On the 29 July 1567 the infant son of Mary Queen of Scots was crowned James VI of Scotland here. Gun shot marks from Cromwell's troops during the civil war are clearly visible on the tower and apse.
Famous residents include Mary, Queen of Scots, King James VI of Scotland, Sir Henry Campbell-Bannerman (former British Prime Minister), documentary film pioneer John Grierson, film music composer Muir Mathieson, animation pioneer Norman McLaren, and TV presenter Kirsty Young.
The University of Stirling opened in a 1967 greenfield site outside the town. It has grown into a major research centre, attracting students from nearly 80 countries.
Local sporting teams include the football team Stirling Albion F.C., and the rugby union team Stirling County. Footballers Billy Bremner and Duncan Ferguson were born in Stirling, as was rugby international Kenny Logan and jockey Willie Carson.
Stirling is twinned with Dunedin, Florida in the United States and with Villeneuve d'Ascq in northern France.
