| 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.
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.
| Perth has
probably always been a
centre for farming and
less dependent on the
traditional Scottish
industries of fishing,
textiles and engineering.
Not only did this give
rise to it's relatively
small size but also to
it's 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.
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