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AberdeenAberdeen is located in the northeast of Scotland, stands between the mouths of the Rivers Dee and Don; it is the 3rd largest city in Scotland. The old city developed around the areas of Pittodrie and Seaton in the 12th century; St. Machar's Cathedral dates from around this time. Overlooking Pittodrie Stadium, where Aberdeen's football team plays, is Gallow Hill, which was used for executions until 1776. The hill is now referred to as Miser's Hillie as people come here to watch the matches for free. Other executions took place at Castlegate, near the tollbooth, at Gallowgate, Heading Hill and Hangman's Brig. Witches were drowned in the Pottie, near Shore Brae. In 1562 Sir John Gordon, the son of the Earl of Huntly, was executed following the Battle of Corrichie. The Earl actually died during the battle, but he was still put on trial. In 1688 two dogs were hanged as their Catholic owner called them Calvin and Luther! By the 13th century Aberdeen was an important trade and fishing centre. It was developed into a major commercial port and by the 19th century shipbuilding was an important industry. These declined in the mid 20th century, but then, in the late 1960s, oil fields in the North Sea were discovered. In 1297 William Wallace is said to have burnt a fleet of English ships. The town was destroyed by Edward III in 1336. Montrose's fight against the Covenanters in 1644 took place at the How Burn near Hardgate. The Mercat Cross dates from 1686 and was described as the finest of its kind in Scotland by Lord Cockburn. The Bridge of Dee, dating from the 1520s, has seven arches and a total span of 122m/400ft. The Aberdeen Canal was opened in 1807, connecting Aberdeen with Inverurie - at the point where the River Urie joins the River Don. The canal was used for the export of grain and the import of coal and building materials until it was replaced by the railway in 1854; part of the canal bed was used for the tracks. |
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