| 
|
|
rich history and heritage
surround Ayrshire, and it has had an influence far beyond its own
boundaries over the centuries. Woven into the area's past are the
lives of kings and heroes.
William Wallace had his roots here and Robert the Bruce, perhaps the
most celebrated of Scotland's kings, was born at Turnberry. The very
first Scottish parliament, held after his victory at the Battle of
Bannockburn, was held in Ayr itself.
The Cromwellian Conquest 1651-60
Following his conquest in 1651, Oliver Cromwell built massive fortifications
at places like Ayr, Inverness and Perth to keep Scotland under control.
He also imposed a single parliament which covered Scotland, England
and Ireland, although this was little more than a nod in the direction
of Scottish parliamentary representation as most of the Scottish
members were officers in Cromwell’s occupying army.
Almost universally, the Scots hated Cromwell’s
occupation, with very few actively participating with the regime.
This tense situation lasted until Cromwell died in 1659 and the
regime crumbled without his guidance. Within a year Charles II was
restored to the throne and Scotland’s parliament operated once
more.
Mary Queen of Scots
Mary Stuart was born at Linlithgow Palace on 7th December 1542,
the daughter of James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise. Six days
after her birth her father died, and she became Queen of Scotland.
From her infancy, Scotland's rival pro-English and pro-French factions
plotted to gain control of Mary. Her French mother was chosen as
regent, and she sent Mary to France in 1548.
Mary lived as part of the French royal family.
In April 1558 she married the Dauphin Francis; she secretly agreed
to bequeath Scotland to France if she should die without a son.
In July 1559 Francis succeeded his father becoming King Francis
II and Mary became Queen of France as well as of Scotland. In addition,
many Roman Catholics recognised Mary Stuart as Queen of England
after Mary I died and the Protestant Elizabeth I succeeded her to
the throne in November 1558.
Mary Stuart's claim to the English throne
was based on the fact that she was the grand-daughter of Margaret
Tudor, sister of Henry VIII - Elizabeth's father. To the Roman Catholics,
Mary's claim appeared stronger than Elizabeth's because they viewed
Henry's marriage to Anne Boleyn as illegal. Mary's young husband,
Francis II, died in December 1560 after a reign of 17 months. Mary,
who was about to become 18 years of age, was left in a difficult
position. Unwilling to stay in France and live under the domination
of her mother-in-law, Catherine De Medicis, she decided to return
to Scotland and take her chances with the Protestant reformers.
|
|
|
