Around September of 1666, the great outbreak ended. The Great Fire of London, which happened on 2-6 September 1666, may have helped end the outbreak by killing many of the rats and fleas who were spreading the plague. How did they stop the Great Plague in London? In the end, the only thing that stopped …
The Holyrood or Holy Rood is a Christian relic alleged to be part of the rood on which Jesus died. The word derives from the Old English rood, meaning a pole and the cross, via Middle English, or the Scots haly ruid (“holy cross”). Why is Scotland called Holyrood? The name ‘Holyrood’ comes from ‘holy …
Indianapolis has more historic monuments and memorials than any city in the United States (outside of Washington, D.C.). Which city has the most statues in the world? Beyond the impressive architecture, Venice had the highest marks among the top 10 cities for its number of monuments and statues (94 per million people), as well as …
David Rizzio. On the night of Saturday, 9 March 1566 Mary, Queen of Scots’ private secretary, David Rizzio, was murdered in the queen’s private chambers at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Who did they stab in Mary, Queen of Scots? Darnley seems to have harboured suspicions that Riccio was responsible for Mary’s pregnancy. While Darnley was …
Holyroodhouse was first conceived as an Augustinian monastery in 1128 by King David I, and named for the estate’s oldest relic, a holy cross. The palace was then home to Mary, Queen of Scots, during her tumultuous rule–she married both of her Scottish husbands on Holyroodhouse grounds. How did Holyroodhouse get its name? The name …
It is the most fatal pandemic recorded in human history, causing the deaths of 75–200 million people, peaking in Europe from 1347 to 1351. What was the plague in 1620? The Great Plague killed an estimated 100,000 people—almost a quarter of London’s population—in 18 months. The plague was caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium, which …
Over the centuries around 23 different siege attempts were made on Edinburgh Castle – making it the most besieged place in Europe. The castle witnessed a number of efforts, including a siege which saw a group of men scale the castle rock and one that lasted only 30 minutes. Was Edinburgh Castle ever invaded? The …
He will be known as King Charles III. That was the first decision of the new king’s reign. He could have chosen from any of his four names – Charles Philip Arthur George. He is not the only one who faces a change of title. What name will william take King? As a future King, …
Edinburgh’s New Town is a World Heritage site and the largest, best-preserved example of Georgian architecture in the UK. At the heart of this stylish, old money neighbourhood are the large communal gardens, including one of the largest and best preserved – Queen Street Gardens. Who can access Queen Street Gardens Edinburgh? Membership to the …
David Hume. Unveiled in 1995 and resting along its Royal Mile in front of the High Court Building is Edinburgh’s monument to David Hume, sculpted by the artist Alexander Stoddart (who also sculpted the nearby monument to Adam Smith). What is the statue outside St Giles Cathedral Edinburgh? the Equestrian Statue of Charles IILocated in …
