Tag: Scotland

20th Century, History

The Glen Cinema Disaster: 71 Children Dead on Hogmanay 1929, Scotland’s Forgotten Tragedy

On 31 December 1929, Hogmanay, seventy-one children died and more than fifty were injured when young cinema-goers panicked after thick smoke billowed around the darkened auditorium during a children’s matinee performance of The Dude Desperado at the Glen Cinema, Paisley, Scotland. Calls of ‘fire’ prompted terrified children to flee towards the exits. Survivor Sadie Elias said she had chosen the Glen Cinema as it had … Continue reading The Glen Cinema Disaster: 71 Children Dead on Hogmanay 1929, Scotland’s Forgotten Tragedy

HistorianRuby33 Comments
Blogmas, History

Christmas 1950: Stolen, the Stone of Scone

In 1296, King Edward I, who earned himself the nicknames, ‘Hammer of the Scots’ and ‘Longshanks’, deposed Scottish King John Balliol and brought the ‘Stone of Scone’ from Scotland to London where it was given pride of place under a specially made Coronation Chair in Westminster Abbey.  It stayed in Westminster Abbey for over 650 years until Christmas Day 1950, when it vanished. The Stone … Continue reading Christmas 1950: Stolen, the Stone of Scone

HistorianRuby10 Comments
History

The National Wallace Monument, Stirling

The National Wallace Monument at Abbey Craig, Stirling, Scotland, holds a commanding place within sight of Stirling Bridge, where, in 1297, William Wallace’s army defeated King Edward I’s English invaders. It sits majestically high up on a hill, visible from the motorway below, and peers out from above the trees. It was designed by architect J T Rochead, whose design came first in a national … Continue reading The National Wallace Monument, Stirling

HistorianRuby7 Comments
History

The Churchyard of Dunblane Cathedral

I recently visited the churchyard of Dunblane Cathedral. Although a Sunday afternoon, I wasn’t compelled to explore inside and concentrated on walking around the outside of the building and thought I’d share a few photos of my all-too-brief visit. The church dates back to the twelveth century and is overseen by Historic Scotland. It is the parish church of Dunblane and is of the Church of Scotland … Continue reading The Churchyard of Dunblane Cathedral

HistorianRuby11 Comments
History

Pictures of History: Rosslyn Chapel

Welcome to the second in my new Pictures of History series! Over the years I’ve visited many historic locations and taken lots of photos alongside other visitors.  I was a little reluctant to share my experiences of these fascinating sites as various amounts of time has passed and potentially exhibits may have been updated. However, feedback from other bloggers indicated their interest and so Pictures … Continue reading Pictures of History: Rosslyn Chapel

HistorianRuby12 Comments
History

The Kelpies

As a new monument I’ve questioned whether The Kelpies should be on my history blog. But working on the premise that yesterday is history and indeed, in twenty years’ time this monument should still be drawing visitors, it’s made the cut. The Kelpies are a landmark feature of The Helix Environmental Regeneration Scheme on the Forth and Clyde Canal near Falkirk, Scotland. Designed by sculptor … Continue reading The Kelpies

HistorianRuby13 Comments