history of Inverness

Breif History | The History Of Culloden House | The Battle Of Culloden

By the end of the 18th century Inverness, the largest town of the Highlands, was acknowledged as its capital with its theatre, Assembly Rooms and polite society. Its winter season dazzled the eyes of the townsfolk - balls, concerts and plays all diverted the local gentry and wealthy merchants who made the town their base for the dark winter months.

As the capital of the highlands, Inverness increasingly provided metropolitan sophistication and diversions as the town attracted wealthy families from all over the Highlands to settle. A ring of mansions and fine houses sprang up around the town where a civilized living style could be enjoyed distant from the noise and bustle of the town yet close enough to enjoy its facilities.

• 560AD - St Columba visits the Royal Court of the Pictish King Bridei

• 1040 - Legend has it that MacBeth - of Shakespeare notoriety - built his stronghold here.

• 1158 - Inverness is established as a Royal Burgh by King David of Scotland.

• 1307 - Robert the Bruce seizes the first of the city's five castles from English forces.

• 1562 - Mary Queen of Scots has the governor of Inverness castle hanged for refusing her entry.

• 1746 - Bonnie Prince Charlie sees his Jacobite troops defeated at the Battle of Culloden.

• 1822 - the spectacular Caledonian Canal is completed linking Inverness to the west coast of Scotland.

• 1921 - Inverness Town Hall hosts the only cabinet meeting of the British government ever held outside of London.