RAMBLING HISTORY

The Battle of Largs: Norway’s Death Throes in Scotland

May 25, 2020

The Battle of Largs, which took place on 2nd October 1263, was by and large an inconclusive engagement between the kingdoms of Scotland and Norway.

Although the battle itself proved rather indecisive, the repercussions of this engagement were immense; heralding a downturn in Norse influence in Scotland, the death of a king and the consolidation of Scottish influence in the north of Britain. … More The Battle of Largs: Norway’s Death Throes in Scotland

Black Agnes: One of Scotland’s Most Fearless Female Figures

May 21, 2020

British history has featured some exceptional, innovative and fearless women. From Boudica to Elizabeth I, Ada Lovelace to the Suffragettes, the list goes on.

One of the most fascinating and relatively unknown characters from Scottish history is Agnes Randolph, Countess of Dunbar. … More Black Agnes: One of Scotland’s Most Fearless Female Figures

The Cadaver Synod

May 12, 2020

Commonly known as the Cadaver Synod, the ecclesiastical trial of Pope Formosus began in 897AD and is an event that wouldn’t be out of place in a Monty Python sketch. … More The Cadaver Synod

Fact or Fiction? Scotland’s Darkest Historical Events

May 7, 2020

Scottish history is rich, vibrant and littered with colourful tales of bravery, deceit, violence and lust. It is no surprise that George RR Martin drew some inspiration from it.

There are many tales from Scotland’s past that aren’t immortalised in fantasy fiction, however, yet they are every bit as brutal and harrowing. … More Fact or Fiction? Scotland’s Darkest Historical Events

On This Day, 1937: The Hindenburg Disaster

May 6, 2020

As the largest airship ever built, the Hindenburg was a symbol of mankind’s quest to conquer the skies and of Nazi Germany’s ongoing rise in power.

However, on the 6th of May, 1937, disaster struck the airship as it came into land in New Jersey, USA. … More On This Day, 1937: The Hindenburg Disaster

The Legend of Saint Andrew

May 3, 2020

On 30th November each year, Scotland honours Saint Andrew. Many Scots will be familiar with the patron saint but how many actually know his story and legend? Saint Andrew is said to have been born in Galilee in the early 1st century AD, and it is claimed in the New Testament that he was the … More The Legend of Saint Andrew

Historic Hysteria: The Dancing Plague of 1518

May 3, 2020

Delving into the outright bizarre today we will be looking at the Dancing Plague of 1518. … More Historic Hysteria: The Dancing Plague of 1518

Dreams of the Past: A United Celtic Kingdom

March 23, 2020

Throughout the late 13th to early 14th century, Britain and Ireland was the scene of intense bloody conflict. The Scottish Wars of Independence – which saw Robert Bruce secure his position as King of Scotland – were arduous, brutal conflicts that tore the very fabric of medieval Britain. Scotland had long been prized by the … More Dreams of the Past: A United Celtic Kingdom

HISTORY, MYTHOLOGY, CURIOSITIES