Smith Art Gallery & Museum | Details | The Ancient Key of Stirling

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Actions Displays	The Ancient Key of Stirling Remove from selection Add to selection Reproduction Download mediaDownload as zip file Object number19806.38 TitleThe Ancient Key of Stirling DescriptionWhat can be more intriguing than an old key – what secrets can it unlock? The Ancient Key of Stirling is a perfect example, a symbol of both freedom and defeat. Placed into the hands of Bonnie Prince Charlie by the burgh council as they surrendered to the Jacobite army in January 1746. Stirling is itself a key crossing point on the River Forth, romantically described as the brooch that clasps Highland and Lowland Scotland together. This was why Prince Charles Edward Stuart and the Jacobites were desperate to gain control of the burgh during their retreat through Scotland. While the burgh surrendered to save it being plundered, the Castle remained under the command of the government troops. This situation lasted only a few short weeks – the Jacobites fled north away from the advancing army of the Duke of Cumberland, who entered the town on 2nd February. The key reappeared at an auction in Bannockburn in 1960. It was rescued and returned to the people of Stirling by philanthropist and businessman Charles A Hepburn the following year. Production period18th Century Object nameKeys, Royal Burgh of Stirling Keys War, Civic TechniqueCast

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Object number19806.38

TitleThe Ancient Key of Stirling

DescriptionWhat can be more intriguing than an old key – what secrets can it unlock? The Ancient Key of Stirling is a perfect example, a symbol of both freedom and defeat. Placed into the hands of Bonnie Prince Charlie by the burgh council as they surrendered to the Jacobite army in January 1746. Stirling is itself a key crossing point on the River Forth, romantically described as the brooch that clasps Highland and Lowland Scotland together. This was why Prince Charles Edward Stuart and the Jacobites were desperate to gain control of the burgh during their retreat through Scotland. While the burgh surrendered to save it being plundered, the Castle remained under the command of the government troops. This situation lasted only a few short weeks – the Jacobites fled north away from the advancing army of the Duke of Cumberland, who entered the town on 2nd February. The key reappeared at an auction in Bannockburn in 1960. It was rescued and returned to the people of Stirling by philanthropist and businessman Charles A Hepburn the following year.

Production period18th Century

Object nameKeys, Royal Burgh of Stirling Keys

War, Civic

TechniqueCast