Stirling Castle
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Church of the Holy Rude
St. John Street
Stirling
FK8 1ED
Tel: 01786 475275
Email: holyrude@holyrude.org
The Church of the Holy Rude is the second oldest building in Stirling, after the castle. It was founded in 1129 during the reign of David I (1124 - 1153) as the parish church of Stirling.
'Holy Rude' means Holy Cross, giving it the same origin as Holyrood in Edinburgh. David I's church was destroyed with much of Stirling by a catastrophic fire in March 1405. Shortly afterwards a grant was made by the Lord Chamberlain of Scotland to have a new church built. The Nave, South Aisle with rounded Scots pillars, Gothic arches and original oak-timbered roof and the Tower were completed about 1414.
Tradition says that King James IV may have helped masons build the later eastern end during the early 16th century. In 1567 the infant King James VI was crowned here, following his mother, the ill-fated Mary, Queen of Scots. Bullet marks on the tower may date from a siege of Stirling Castle by Cromwell's troops in 1651.
Because of its close links with the castle, the church always had the support and patronage of the Stuart kings, especially in the 15th, 16th and early 17th centuries. It is reputed the only church in the United Kingdom other than Westminster Abbey to have held a coronation and still be a living church today.
On the 24 May 1997, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was present in the Church of the Holy Rude to witness a re-enactment of the coronation of her ancestor and to unveil a commemorative inscription to mark the event.
Recently and extensively renovated and now with an improved information service for visitors, the Church of the Holy Rude, a significant and living church, tells the story of a proud 800 year existence, playing its part in the growth of Stirling.
The church's stained glass windows and vaulted roof are impressive. You can also meander among ancient headstones in the surrounding grave yard, which gives magnificent views to Stirling Castle and the Carse of Stirling.
Prices: Admission free.
