Friday, 20 March 2009

Kings, witches and lions ...


At Stirling Castle, the Historian and I end up gazing off the battlements into the highland hills with Frank, a Historical Scotland guide who had taken rather a shine to us on account of our insatiable interest and has given us an extended tour ... he is extremely well versed and we learn:
  • Troop movements for the Battle of Bannockburn
  • Mary Queen of Scots's favourite view
  • How William Wallace booby-trapped Stirling Bridge
  • The social effects of the Highland Clearances
  • James I of England & VI of Scotland owned two Abyssinian lions
  • Edward II wasn't up to much in warfare and statecraft, preferring thatching
  • James I wrote Daemonologie and persecuted witches because he had issues with his mother
Most enjoyable ...

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