Angus : A Quick History and a longer history
Angus - steeped in bloody battles, eerie tales, and quirky traditions. Here’s a wild and wonderful history.
Picts and Vikings: Tattoos and Terror
Long before Angus was known by its current name, it was home to the Picts, a fierce and mysterious people famous for their tattoos and stone carvings. These early residents left behind stunning artifacts like the Aberlemno Pictish Stones, which depict battles and mythical beasts. The Picts weren't just artists; they were warriors, often clashing with invading Viking forces who fancied a bit of Scottish plunder.
Medieval Madness: Castles, Conquests, and Carnage
Angus boasts some of Scotland’s most impressive castles, each with its own dark history. Take Glamis Castle, for instance, which is said to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland. The castle has a hidden room where, according to legend, a hideous monster was kept. King Malcolm II was allegedly murdered here in the 11th century, setting the stage for centuries of bloodshed and intrigue.
Arbroath Abbey: Declaration and Drama
Arbroath Abbey is a key historical site, where the Declaration of Arbroath was signed in 1320. This document declared Scotland’s independence from England, and its creation was a bold move against English rule. But the abbey wasn’t all about noble declarations; it also witnessed its fair share of scandal, including a few monks who were more interested in earthly pleasures than heavenly salvation.
The Witch Hunts: Trials and Terrors
Like much of Scotland, Angus was caught up in the witch hunt frenzy of the 16th and 17th centuries. Forfar was notorious for its witch trials, where many women were accused, tortured, and executed for supposed witchcraft. The witches of Forfar were dunked in the local loch or subjected to sleep deprivation until they confessed to consorting with the devil.
Industrial Revolution: Mills, Misery, and Murders
The Industrial Revolution brought massive changes to Angus, transforming it into a hub of textile production. Mills sprang up across the region, with towns like Dundee becoming industrial powerhouses. Working conditions were harsh, with long hours and dangerous machinery. Child labor was rampant, and the mills were often scenes of tragic accidents and grinding poverty.
The Battle of Arbroath: A Fishy Tale
In 1445, the Battle of Arbroath saw the Ogilvy and Lindsay clans clash in a brutal feud. Legend has it that the bodies were so numerous they blocked the Brothock Burn, and the surviving fish were said to have a peculiar taste for years after. This fishy aftermath is a testament to the sheer bloodiness of the encounter.
Fun Facts
The Declaration of Arbroath
In 1320, the Declaration of Arbroath was drafted at Arbroath Abbey in Angus. This document, sent to Pope John XXII, asserted Scotland's independence from England and is considered one of the most important documents in Scottish history. It famously declares, "For so long as a hundred of us remain alive, we will never in any way be subjected to the dominion of the English". It is said to have inspired the United States Declaration of Independence.
Not surprising as founding father, Benjamin Franklin, was a well-known visitor to the region.
Ancient Pictish Stones
Angus is home to several ancient Pictish stones, which date back to the early medieval period. These intricately carved stones provide insight into the culture and art of the Picts, a group of Celtic-speaking people who lived in what is now Scotland. Notable examples include the Aberlemno stones, featuring elaborate symbols and battle scenes.. (
Glamis Castle
Glamis Castle, located in Angus, has a rich history dating back to the 14th century. It is famously known as the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret. The castle is also reputed to be haunted, with legends of secret rooms and ghostly apparitions.
The Battle of Dunnichen (Nechtansmere)
The Battle of Dunnichen, also known as the Battle of Nechtansmere, took place in 685 AD near the village of Dunnichen in Angus. This significant battle saw the Picts, led by King Bridei III, defeat the Northumbrians, securing Pictish independence and significantly shaping the future of Scotland.
Arbroath Smokies
Arbroath, a coastal town in Angus, is famous for its smoked haddock, known as Arbroath Smokies. This traditional delicacy dates back to the late 19th century and is prepared using a unique smoking method that gives the fish a distinctive flavour. The process is so specific that it has been granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status by the European Union.
Montrose Air Station
Montrose Air Station, established in 1913, was Britain’s first operational military airfield. It played a crucial role during both World Wars, serving as a training ground for pilots. Today, it houses the Montrose Air Station Heritage Centre, preserving the history of aviation in the region.
Kirriemuir – Birthplace of J.M. Barrie
The town of Kirriemuir in Angus is the birthplace of J.M. Barrie, the famous author of "Peter Pan". His birthplace is now a museum maintained by the National Trust for Scotland, showcasing his life and works. The town also hosts an annual Peter Pan festival.
Brechin Cathedral and Round Tower
Brechin Cathedral, with its origins in the 13th century, is notable for its adjoining round tower, one of only two such towers in Scotland. These towers are a distinctive feature of early medieval Irish architecture, highlighting the historical connections between Scotland and Ireland.
Angus’s history is a wild ride of battles, witch hunts, industrial turmoil, and eerie legends. It’s a place where every stone has a story and every castle has a ghost.