BATTLEGROUND PERTHSHIRE is a concise account of the battles and minor military events that have taken place within the county of Perthshire. Comprising two thousand years of battles, raids, rebellions, sieges, riots, feuds, ambushes and skirmishes, Battleground Perthshire shines the spotlight on the military history of Scotland’s big county. Drawn from extensive primary and secondary sources: archives, eyewitness accounts and official records, it tells the fascinating stories of struggles for wealth, power, freedom and the right to self-determination. This chronicle of Perthshire’s military history stands as an important reminder of some of the events that have marked the development of the Scottish people. It will appeal both to the reader interested in the history of Scotland and to those interested in military history.

Battleground Perthshire can be bought from most bookshops in the Perthshire area: The Watermill at Aberfeldy; Sweet Words at Dunkeld; Waterstones - various stores including Perth; WHSmith - Perth and Pitlochry. And, in Perth Museum, the AK Bell Library, Gloagburn Farm Shop, the Brig Farm Shop by Bridge of Earn. Alternatively, it may be purchased for £7.00 with FREE postage and packing to any UK address {Please email for postage costs for locations outside UK}. Send cheque or postal order (payable to Tippermuir Books) to Tippermuir Books, c/o 3 Graham's Place, King Street, Perth, Perth, PH2 8HZ. It can also be bought through most of the UK online (internet) booksellers.

Spanish Thermopylae: Cypriot Volunteers in the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39 SPANISH THERMOPYLÆ is the story of the fifty-seven Cypriots who served in the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War, 1936-39. It is also the story of a war that defined the lives of a generation and whose outcome decided the fate of hundreds of millions of people across the world. Drawing on recently released records from the Comintern Archive in Moscow, Spanish Thermopylae will appeal both to the reader interested in the experiences of the Cypriot volunteers, and to anyone looking for a concise history of the Spanish Civil War. 'This is the first book devoted solely to the contribution made by Cypriots to the cause of democracy and progress in the Spanish Civil War. It bears witness to the injustice committed against humanity by fascism in Spain and the inspirational sacrifices made by a small band of Cypriot volunteers. Spanish Thermopylae is a fitting tribute to them, and the International Brigades.' Demetris Christofias, President of the Republic of Cyprus 'True to the best traditions of their Greek forefathers, the heroes of the Greek War of Independence, the Cypriots rallied to the support of Spanish democracy and independence, realising that a defeat for the Spanish people would have meant world war. On the Spanish battlefields was being decided the fate of Europe and with it that of Cyprus. They recognised fascism as the greatest enemy of humanity and volunteered to help crush it... Many Cypriots lie buried in the Spanish soil fighting fascism. Cyprus is proud of her heroic sons who fell in the anti-fascist cause, but the fight is not over. We fight on until fascism is destroyed from the face of the earth.' Ezekias Papaioannou, Cypriot International Brigades volunteer and General Secretary of AKEL (1949-88) "Before many years have passed, their own countries will feel equally proud of the volunteers. That will be their best and highest reward." Juan Negrín, Prime Minister of the Spanish Republic (1937-39). It is available from www.amazon.co.uk

 

 


HISTORY

The Mercat Cross

These notes are based on lectures given by Rhoda Fothergill - they were made by a local resident of Perth - Alan Darling - and have been passed to this website.

In 1651 Oliver Cromwell removed a Mercat Cross from the High Street in Perth using the stone to build his citadel (Oliver’s Mount) on the South Inch. The cross is said to have been a large structure.

In 1660 King Charles II was restored as king at the Restoration.

In 1669 a new Mercat cross of elaborate design was erected in the High Street, Perth. This cross stood until 1765 when it was removed as it was an obstruction to the traffic in the High Street.

In 1767 Magistrates and the Town Council of Perth passed an Act for “the taking down of the Mercat Cross” which was “an obstruction to the free passage of the street.” Unfortunately when being removed the column was broken by the negligent workmen.

The 1669 Mercat Cross may well have been designed by one of the Mylne Family - Master Mason to the King. The cross was octagonal of Longannet stone with sides of 11ft 9ins and a base diameter of 32 feet. At each corner were bastions and conduits ending in animal heads. The column or shaft was a single stone 20ft high and 18 inches in diameter. A stone unicorn on top faced east and held a saltire flag on the banner which was surmounted by a thistle. The height of the octagonal base was 11ft and the total height to the thistle on the banner was 31ft.

The octagonal wall was decorated:

East Side - Royal Arms of Charles II, date 1669.

West Side - Arms of the Town of Perth.

North Side - C.R. II with Imperial Crown.

South Side - Sword and Sceptre with Imperial Crown.

NE Side - Rose Crowned.

SE Side - Thistle Crowned.

NW Side - Fleur de Lis Crowned.

SW Side - Portcullis Crowned.

The last six mentioned were in oral moulded compartments. On the west side was a door with steps leading to the platform. The remaining seven sides had alcoves and stone benches. The cross, once dismantled, was sold in 1765 for £5-2s-6d.