| The city of Perth in Scotland is the
county town of Perthshire and also known as St John's Town
or even as the Fair City.
Perth's city centre is compact with two
large and open public parks - the North and South Inches on each
flank and the mighty River Tay along side.
Much of Perth's High Street is a
traffic free precinct with a wide variety of shops large and
small. Many of the streets around the centre are comprised of
elegant Georgian terraced houses.
Perth has probably always been a centre
for farming and less dependent on the traditional Scottish
industries of fishing, textiles and engineering. This gave rise to its relatively small size
and its
air of prosperity.
The city 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 is historic Scone Palace and Perth
Racecourse.
| 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 |
|
Distance from the cottage - only 30 miles by direct
motorway connection.
Excellent train and bus services operate daily. |
