STIRLING, steeling. A river-port and capi tal of Stirlingshire, Scotland, on the Forth, 3.5 miles northwest of Edinburgh (Map: Scot land, 1) 3). The rich agricultural, mining, and manufacturing districts around it are the main basis of its prosperity. Situated at the head of navigation of the Forth, Stirling, strongly forti fied by nature, was the key to the Highlands. It owes its origin to the strong natural fortress of Castle Ilill, crowned by the venerable castle, which commands an extensive view of great beauty. From this hill, covering the declivity which slopes north and eastward to the plain, extends the oldest part of the town. Stirling Bridge. which existed in 1571. was until recent years the only one by which wheeled carriages could cross the Forth. Noteworthy are the East and West Churches—the former erected by James 1V. about 1494—a ml'Mar's Work,' an incom plete and richly ornamented structure, built in 1572. Ropes, malt, leather, soap, and mineral oils are manufactured. Vessels of one hundred and fifty tons can reach the port of Stirling, but its river trade has decreased since the advent of railroads.
Stirling (formerly Stryvelyne, or Estrivelin) is one of the most ancient and historically im portant towns of Scotland. Alexander 1. died in the castle in 1124. Near by, the battle of Stirling was fought in 1297. (See WALLACE, WILLIAM.) The town was taken by Edward 1. after a siege of three months, in 1304. in the vicinity, at Bannockburn (q.v.), the famous bat tle of that name was fought in 1314. The castle was the birthplace of 'James H. and of James V. James HI. built the Parliament House in the castle, and otherwise improved and embellished the fortress. James V. built the palace, the walls of which are profusely covered with gro tesque ornamentation. In the older part of the castle is the 'Douglas Room,' in which William, Earl of Douglas, was assassinated by James 11. In 1651, after the battle of Dunbar, the castle was taken by Monk; and it withstood a siege by the Highlanders in 1745. Population, in 1891, 16,800; in 1901, 18,403. Consult: History of the Chapel Royal of Stirling (Grampian Club, 1882) ; Charters of Stirling (1884).