Post by Admin on May 25, 2020 9:25:40 GMT -7
A BRIEF HISTORY OF SCOTLAND for GENEALOGISTS
BC 55 Julius Caesar (102-44 BC) landed in Britain. Present day Scotland was inhabited by the Novantae in Galloway, the Slegovae in the Tweed Valley, the Votadini in Lothian, the Merse and Damnonii around the estuary of the Clyde, and the Caledonians along the Great Glen.
AD 80 Julius Agricola [Roman Governor of Briton] invaded Scotland, built fortifications as far north as Strathmore.
84 Agricola won the battle of Mons Graupius [site uncertain]
121 Hadrian's Wall was built
142 Antonine's Wall or Graham's Dyke was built
196 Caledonians victorious over Romans, the land now called CALEDONIA
209 Campaign of Emperor Severus
300 Picts settled in Strathmore
397 St. Ninian went to Galloway and Strathclyde, introduced Catholicism
500 Eastern Kingdom of Manau disappeared after king Cunadag [Cunedda] was removed to North Wales. Anglians of Northumbria [northwest England] moved into the Tweed Valley, the Merse, and Lothian. SCOTTI from Ireland settled in Argyll, and formed the kingdom of Dalriada
563 St. Columba arrived in Iona from Ireland to convert the Scots and the Picts
575 Treaty of Drumceat
597 Death of St. Columba
606 Death of Aidan of Dalriada, king of Scots
685 Battle of Nectansmere- Northumbrian invasion north of Firth 0f Clyde defeated by Picts.
700 Aethelfrith King of Northumbria Extended his kingdom into Dumfries.
794 Beginning of Norse invasions and settlements on east, north, and west coasts of Scotland
802 Danes plundered Iona
843 Kenneth I MacAlpin [843-858] of Pict royal family is king of Scots and later also of Picts.
942 Malcolm I crowned
1000 Many TOMBSTONES at Govan with dates in the 9th and 10th centuries.
1005 Malcolm II Mackenneth [1005-1034] crowned king of Scots-Seen as first king of Scotland
1018 Battle of Carham- decisive defeat of Northumbria. Strathclyde annexed by Malcolm II
1034 Duncan I [1034-1040] king
1040 King Duncan murdered by Macbeth [1040-1057] a Pict, who reigned until defeated by Duncan’s son Malcolm III Macduncan [also known as Canmore]
1057 Malcolm III Canmore [1057-1093], crowned after killing Macbeth.
1069 Marriage of Malcolm III Canmore and [Saint] Margaret. Kingdom of Scotland established.
St. Margaret seems to have introduced the Rule of Benedictine Monks at Dunfermline
1093 Death of Malcolm and Margaret. Rival line placed on throne by those antagonistic to England. Malcolm’s brother Donaldbane [1093-1094], and Duncan II [1094]
1095 Donaldbane [Restored 1095-1097]
1097 Malcolm’s son Edgar [1097-1107crowned with English help. Celtic Religion suppressed.
1098 Magnus Barefoot claimed Western Isles
1107 Malcolm III’s son Alexander I [1107-24] crowned as a child of 8.Alexander I founded the Augustine Houses at Scone and Inchcolm
1124 Alexander’s brother David I [1124-1153] crowned. He, Malcolm IV, and William the Lion introduced the feudal system of landholding by bringing Norman families from England to Scotland and granting them lands in areas where the King’s personal power was weak in exchange for manpower, food or other commodities: The Bruces were established in Annandale for providing 10 knights.. the De Morvilles were settled in Ayrshire and Lauderdale, and the Stewarts in Renfrewshire.
David I also founded the reform orders of the Cistercian houses of Melrose and Newbattle, the Tironensian house of Kelso, and the Augustinian house of Cambuskenneth. The establishing of religious houses was expensive, requiring large tracts of land to endow each house, but an excellent return in loyalty, goods, and services were received by the kings until the 15th century.
1130 Province of Moray forfeited to the Crown
1138 Battle of the Standard
1153 David’s grandson Malcolm IV [1153-1165] crowned. Revolt against the crown by Somerled in Argyll and Galloway
1160 Galloway subjected to the Crown
1164 Death of Somerled
1165 William the Lion [1165-1214]
1174 Treaty of Falaise
1179 Province of Ross subdued by William the Lion [1143-1214]
1180 Inverness received charter from William the Lion
1200 Lowly paid vicars set up in churches.
1214 Alexander II [1198-1249] made king
1222 Alexander II conquered Argyll
1249 Alexander II died at Kerrera. Alexander III [1249-1286] crowned
1263 Battle of Largs Magnus V Lagaboeter, king of Norway surrendered all Norse lands to Scotland except Orkney and Shetland.
1266 Western Isles annexed by the Crown
1274 Robert the Bruce born
1280 The religion of Scotland is Roman Catholic.
1286 Alexander III died His only heir was his daughter’s [who had married Eric II king of Norway] daughter Margaret [the “Disputed Succession”1286-1290] “the Maid of Norway.” A group of Barons were appointed guardians responsible for the welfare of the state while she came of age and could travel to Scotland.
1290 Maid of Norway died [Interregnum1290-1292]13 descendants of prior Monarchs contend
1292 John de Baliol[1292-1296] grandson of David I aided by Edward I of England Overlordship of English kings recognized by Scottish nobility.
1296 [Interregnum 1296-1306] Invasion of' Scotland by Edward I of England. Ragmans Roll issued. Revolt of William Wallace. Franco-Scottish Alliance signed
1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge
1298 Battle of Falkirk
1305 Execution of William Wallace
1306 Red Comyn killed by Robert the Bruce [1306-1329] at Dumfries. Coronation of Robert the Bruce at Scone
1308 Battle of Brander Pass
1314 Battle of Bannockburn. English invasion force destroyed by Robert the Bruce.
1320 Letter to the Pope asserted the Independence of Scotland
1326 First Scottish Parliament met
1328 Treaty of Northampton
1329 Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland died. Accession of David II Bruce [1329-1370]
1332 Balloil invaded Scotland. Battle of Dupplin
1333 battle of Halidon Hill
1346 Battle of Neville’s Cross
1371 Accession of Robert II [1371-1390], first of the Stewart Kings
1386 Battle of Otterburn
1390 Robert III [1390-1406]
1400 a few earlier DEEDS exist. “SASINES” registered on the county and national level at Edinburgh recorded land and immovable property transfers from this time forward.
1406 James I [1394-1437] captured by the English
1411 Battle of Harlaw
1412 Foundation of St. Andrews University
1424 James I returns to Scotland
1429 Battle of Drumnacoub
1437 James I assassinated at Perth. James II [1437-1460]
1451 University of Glasgow established.
1452 Earl of Douglas killed
1455 Downfall of the Black Douglases
1460 Death of James II. James III [1460-1488]
1466 Battle of Blair-na-park
1468 Orkney and Shetlands acquired by Scotland from Norway
1480 Battle of Bloody Bay near Tobermory
1488 Battle of Sauchieburn. James III assassinated. James IV [1488-1513] Stuart Dynasty
1493 End of the Lordship of the Isles. James IV visited Dunstaffnage and Mingarry
Castles.
1495 University of Aberdeen established. James IV visits the Western Highlands
1507 Printing introduced to Scotland by Miller
1513 Battle of Flodden. Death of James IV. James V [1513-1542] Stuart.
Coal was being mined extensively
1514 PROBATE: The recording of testaments (WILLS) began in Scotland, kept by the commissary courts until 1876, when shifted to county sheriff courts.
1532 James V visited the Highlands
1540 James V toured the Western Isles
1542 James V died. Mary [1542-1567] Queen of Scots born at Linlithgow
1544 Battle of blar-na-leine
1547 Battle of Pinkie
l550 Death of MacKinnon, last abbot of Iona
1552 the “OLD PARISH RECORDS,” or OPR. established by the General Provincial Council order that each parish keep a register of baptisms and banns of marriage. Some deaths. Most have been numbered, stored, and microfilmed at the Registrar General’s Office.
1553 The earliest known Scottish PARISH RECORDS were created at Errol, Perthshire.
1559 John Knox returned from Geneva
1560 Scottish Parliament established Calvinism, Roman Catholicism was abolished. Records previously kept by the commissary courts under the Bishop’s jurisdiction were disrupted.
1561 Mary Queen of Scots returned from France to Scotland
1562 Mary Queen of Scots visited Inverness
1563 Queen Mary established new commissary courts under the jurisdiction of the crown
1567 James VI [1567-1625]
1568 Battle of Langside
1570 Regent Moray murdered by nobles
1571 Regent Lennox slain
1572 John Knox died. Regent Mar died
1579 Bible printed in Scotland for first time
1581 Presbyterian Church was established as the Church of Scotland
1582 The University of Edinburgh was established
1588 Spanish Armada ship sunk off Tobermory
1592 The Presbyterian Church was formally established. All minister were equal.
There were no bishops, and secular commissaries were appointed by the crown
1594 Battle of Glenlivet
1597 Highlanders gave assistance to Queen Elizabeth I of England
1600 Scotland changed from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar.
1602 Battle of Glenfruin
1603 Union of the Crowns
1606 Coal and salt miners became virtual slaves. Beggars, vagrants and those guilty of minor crimes were forced into lifelong bondage in the mine
1607 MacKenzie of Kintail acquired the island Lewis
1608 The Plantation of Ulster, which is now the Province of Ulster in Ireland was formed. It was divided and sold to purchasers from England and Scotland. These purchasers took many laborers or farmers from Scotland to cultivate the land.
1610 Episcopal Church proclaimed the church of Scotland by James VI. Presbyterians were persecuted, lands and churches confiscated, records lost.
1614 Islay granted to Campbells of Cawder
1617 A law was passed requiring that SASINE REGISTERS be kept
1625 James VI died Charles I [1625-1649] also king of England.
1633 Charles I (1600-49) visited Scotland
1638 National Covenant signed abolishing Episcopacy and vowing loyalty to Presbyterian religion by the General Assembly of Presbyterians at Glasgow
1640 An estimated 5% of the parishes of the Presbyterian Church were keeping records
1641 Charles I and the English Parliament acknowledged the Presbyterian Church in Scotland
1642 Civil War. Scotland supported Oliver Cromwell.
1644 Battle of Tippermuir
1645 Battle of Inverlochy. Montrose ravaged Argyll. Battle of Philiphaugh. Montrose defeated. Each county and burgh was ordered to raise and maintain a certain amount of foot soldiers, according to its population, to serve as a militia. The population of Scotland was estimated to be about 420,000. The dreaded plague made its last appearance in Scotland.
1646 Charles I persuaded Scotsmen to fight in his favor. Some settled in the border area and some moved to England.
1647 Garrison at Dunaverty massacred by General Leslie
1649 Charles I executed. Charles II (1630-85) proclaimed king
[Commonwealth Rule1649-1660]
1650 Execution of Montrose. Battle of Dunbar. Battle of Invercarron
1651 Battle of Inverleithing. Battle of Worcester. Scottish prisoners were transported by Cromwell to the English settlements in America
1653 Scotland taken under the Protectorate
1660 Restoration of Charles II [1660-1685] to the throne
1661 Episcopacy was reestablished under Charles II. Once again the commissariat
records were under the control of the bishops and parish registers suffered.
Execution of the Marquis of Argyll
1662 First Quakers settled in Scotland
1666 Pentland Rising occurred in north
1672 An act was passed by the Scottish Parliament making the REGISTRATION OF FAMILY COAT OF ARMS COMPULSORY
1679 Battle of Drumclog
1682 Sir George Mackenzie founded the Library of Advocates in Edinburgh, and valuable books and manuscripts were acquired. In 1925 it became the National Library of Scotland
1685 Battle of Bothwell Bridge. Charles II died. Earl of Argyll invaded Scotland and was executed in Edinburgh. James VII (James II of England) [1685-1688]
1688 Rebellion broke out in England and Scotland against the Roman Catholic King James II of England and VII of Scotland. The king fled and was deposed. His son-in-law and daughter., William and Mary [1688-1702], were crowned king and queen
1689 James VII died., Battle of Killiecrankie. Battle of Dunkel
1690 The Presbyterian Church was permanently restored as the Church of Scotland. Scattered NONCONFORMIST records were kept by other religious groups.
1692 Massacre of MacLans by government troops at Glencoe
1694 A POLL TAX was imposed on all persons over 16, except the destitute and the insane. Each town was listed with the names of all taxable individuals living there. Most tax rolls have been lost.
1702 Death of William II Ann [1702-1714] Also queen of England and Ireland after 1707.
1707 Union with England. The countries were now known as Great Britain
1714 Death of Queen Anne
1715 The successor to Anne was a German Protestant who became known as “George I of the United Kingdom,” Immediately the son of the deposed King James I., called “the Old Pretender James III” started a rebellion in Scotland known as the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. his army marched into England but was defeated. Some-of his army remained in England, but thousands fled for their lives to America. Battle of Sheriffmuir
1718 The first Glasgow owned ship sailed the Atlantic. By 1800 Glasgow merchants owned more than 500 vessels. People from all parts of Scotland traveled to Glasgow for work. It gradually became a great center for shipbuilding , glass, metal, weaving and other industries. BURGESS and GUILD- BRETHREN records kept.
1719 More Jacobite Uprising. battle of Glenshiel
1725 Major Road Construction began in the highlands
1727 George I died
1734 Secession Church broke off from the Church of Scotland
1739 Black Watch raised
1743 the Potato was introduced into the Highlands
1745 The second Jacobite uprising occurred. "Bonnie Prince Charlie" also known as “the Young Pretender” landed with an army in Scotland in an attempt to obtain the British throne, but he was defeated. 900 Scots were banished to America and the West Indies, and hundreds fled to escape punishment. The Secession Church was divided on the issue of the Burgess Oath required by the govt. after the 1745 Rebellion. The new denomination became known as the Anti-Burgers Church, with its earliest records commencing in 1747. In 1847 it united with the Free Church to become the United Presbyterian Church.
1746 The tobacco industry began in Scotland. Weavers from Holland were brought over to teach the Scots how to weave fine linen. Battle of Falkirk. Battle of Culloden
1751 During this time many men were recruited from Scotland by the Hudson Bay Company, whose ships called at various ports along the coasts and in the islands of Scotland, for employment in Canada
1752 Three ministers seceded from the Presbyterian Church and formed the Relief Church. By 1790 there were about 150,000 seceders from the Presbyterian Church.
1759 The Carron Iron Works was set up near Falkirk, Stirlingshire. Robert Burns (1759-96) was born in Alloway
1760 Death of George II
1763 Immigration was taking place from the Scottish Highlands to North America, especially from the Hebrides and from the shires of Sutherland, Inverness, and Argyll
1767 The lst New Testament was printed in Gaelic
1769 James Watt invented the steam engine, and this helped increase production of the mines and factories
1770 The River Clyde was deepened for shipping and Glasgow became another important port
1771 Sir Walter Scott born in Edinburgh (1771-1832)
1774 The foundation stone of the Old Register House was laid in Edinburgh
1775 The need for coal was so great that all new men entering the mines were allowed to be free. The tobacco industry failed and merchants turned to cotton.
1778 Roman Catholic Relief Bill.
1779 The Industrial Revolution began to affect Scotland. The first cotton mill was built at Rothesay Butte. Household weaving gradually declined and people moved to places where factories had been built
1780 Many Scots moved to Liverpool, England with their families because of the increase of jobs in the cotton industry. The “clearing of the Highlands” took place. Estate owners in the Highlands set up deer forests and sheep walks to make more money and drove the people from their homes. These refugees migrated to Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, and particularly to America
1782 A severe famine in this year caused a movement of people south across the border. It is said that about 10,000 men went from Scotland to London then.
1783 The govt. imposed a tax on every christening, marriage, and burial entry recorded in church records. Parish Records scanty. First Gaelic Bible published.
1788 Prince Charles Edward died
1790 The canal connecting the rivers Forth and Clyde was opened. People now began to use the canal systems as a means of travel
1792 The laws against Episcopalians were repealed. They were permitted to worship and keep records
1793 The 1783 tax on christening, marriage, and burial entries in church records was repealed. Some delayed entry records found.
1799 All miners were freed from their virtual slavery
1801 Large quantities of ironstone were discovered on land between the rivers Clyde and Forth. It was mined extensively
1810 The first power loom was used in Scotland
1812 Steamboats were built and used
1815 Battle of Waterloo
1820 New register books were required to be kept in parishes. Many delayed entries recorded
1822 George IV visited Scotland
1829 Roman Catholics were permitted by law to buy and inherit property and keep records
1840 Railroads were introduced and people traveled much more freely
1841 The first CENSUS of genealogical value was taken, continued at ten year intervals.
1842 Queen Victoria visited Scotland
1843 Free Church formed by Ministers who broke away from the established church.
1847 The Secession and Relief Churches combined to form the United Presbyterian Church
1848 One of the largest migrations of Scotsmen sailed for New Zealand
1850 Robert Louis Stevenson was born in Edinburgh (1850-1894)
1851 Many Scots emigrated to Australia. The second census of genealogical value was taken. The information collected was far superior to any prior census
1855 CIVIL REGISTRATION commenced. This was the first government attempt to record vital statistics of all people regardless of religion or social status. BIRTH records give name & sex of child, date and place of birth; father’s name, residence, and occupation; mother’s maiden name, and usually the date and place of parents marriage. MARRIAGE records contain the date and place of the marriage, name, age, marital status, residence and occupation of the bride and groom, their father’s names and occupations, and mother’s maiden names. DEATH records give the name, age, marital status, and occupation of the deceased, the date, place, and cause of death, the parents names and father’s occupation.
Records from 1855 to the present are found at:
Registrar General’s Office Search Unit
New Register House
Edinburgh EH1 3YT, Scotland
1886 Crofters Act passed
1914 First World War started
1918 First World War ended
1929 Union of the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church
1934 Queen Mary [ocean liner] was launched at Clydebank, Glasgow
1938 The Queen Elizabeth [ocean liner] was launched at Clydebank
1939 World War II began
1945 World War II ended
1947 First Edinburgh Festival. Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh were married at Westminster Abbey
1952 George VI died. Accession of Elizabeth
1959 Worlds largest atomic reactor opened
1964 Forth Road Bridge completed. Strathclyde University founded
1972 North Sea Oil boom began
1973 UIC joined the common market
BC 55 Julius Caesar (102-44 BC) landed in Britain. Present day Scotland was inhabited by the Novantae in Galloway, the Slegovae in the Tweed Valley, the Votadini in Lothian, the Merse and Damnonii around the estuary of the Clyde, and the Caledonians along the Great Glen.
AD 80 Julius Agricola [Roman Governor of Briton] invaded Scotland, built fortifications as far north as Strathmore.
84 Agricola won the battle of Mons Graupius [site uncertain]
121 Hadrian's Wall was built
142 Antonine's Wall or Graham's Dyke was built
196 Caledonians victorious over Romans, the land now called CALEDONIA
209 Campaign of Emperor Severus
300 Picts settled in Strathmore
397 St. Ninian went to Galloway and Strathclyde, introduced Catholicism
500 Eastern Kingdom of Manau disappeared after king Cunadag [Cunedda] was removed to North Wales. Anglians of Northumbria [northwest England] moved into the Tweed Valley, the Merse, and Lothian. SCOTTI from Ireland settled in Argyll, and formed the kingdom of Dalriada
563 St. Columba arrived in Iona from Ireland to convert the Scots and the Picts
575 Treaty of Drumceat
597 Death of St. Columba
606 Death of Aidan of Dalriada, king of Scots
685 Battle of Nectansmere- Northumbrian invasion north of Firth 0f Clyde defeated by Picts.
700 Aethelfrith King of Northumbria Extended his kingdom into Dumfries.
794 Beginning of Norse invasions and settlements on east, north, and west coasts of Scotland
802 Danes plundered Iona
843 Kenneth I MacAlpin [843-858] of Pict royal family is king of Scots and later also of Picts.
942 Malcolm I crowned
1000 Many TOMBSTONES at Govan with dates in the 9th and 10th centuries.
1005 Malcolm II Mackenneth [1005-1034] crowned king of Scots-Seen as first king of Scotland
1018 Battle of Carham- decisive defeat of Northumbria. Strathclyde annexed by Malcolm II
1034 Duncan I [1034-1040] king
1040 King Duncan murdered by Macbeth [1040-1057] a Pict, who reigned until defeated by Duncan’s son Malcolm III Macduncan [also known as Canmore]
1057 Malcolm III Canmore [1057-1093], crowned after killing Macbeth.
1069 Marriage of Malcolm III Canmore and [Saint] Margaret. Kingdom of Scotland established.
St. Margaret seems to have introduced the Rule of Benedictine Monks at Dunfermline
1093 Death of Malcolm and Margaret. Rival line placed on throne by those antagonistic to England. Malcolm’s brother Donaldbane [1093-1094], and Duncan II [1094]
1095 Donaldbane [Restored 1095-1097]
1097 Malcolm’s son Edgar [1097-1107crowned with English help. Celtic Religion suppressed.
1098 Magnus Barefoot claimed Western Isles
1107 Malcolm III’s son Alexander I [1107-24] crowned as a child of 8.Alexander I founded the Augustine Houses at Scone and Inchcolm
1124 Alexander’s brother David I [1124-1153] crowned. He, Malcolm IV, and William the Lion introduced the feudal system of landholding by bringing Norman families from England to Scotland and granting them lands in areas where the King’s personal power was weak in exchange for manpower, food or other commodities: The Bruces were established in Annandale for providing 10 knights.. the De Morvilles were settled in Ayrshire and Lauderdale, and the Stewarts in Renfrewshire.
David I also founded the reform orders of the Cistercian houses of Melrose and Newbattle, the Tironensian house of Kelso, and the Augustinian house of Cambuskenneth. The establishing of religious houses was expensive, requiring large tracts of land to endow each house, but an excellent return in loyalty, goods, and services were received by the kings until the 15th century.
1130 Province of Moray forfeited to the Crown
1138 Battle of the Standard
1153 David’s grandson Malcolm IV [1153-1165] crowned. Revolt against the crown by Somerled in Argyll and Galloway
1160 Galloway subjected to the Crown
1164 Death of Somerled
1165 William the Lion [1165-1214]
1174 Treaty of Falaise
1179 Province of Ross subdued by William the Lion [1143-1214]
1180 Inverness received charter from William the Lion
1200 Lowly paid vicars set up in churches.
1214 Alexander II [1198-1249] made king
1222 Alexander II conquered Argyll
1249 Alexander II died at Kerrera. Alexander III [1249-1286] crowned
1263 Battle of Largs Magnus V Lagaboeter, king of Norway surrendered all Norse lands to Scotland except Orkney and Shetland.
1266 Western Isles annexed by the Crown
1274 Robert the Bruce born
1280 The religion of Scotland is Roman Catholic.
1286 Alexander III died His only heir was his daughter’s [who had married Eric II king of Norway] daughter Margaret [the “Disputed Succession”1286-1290] “the Maid of Norway.” A group of Barons were appointed guardians responsible for the welfare of the state while she came of age and could travel to Scotland.
1290 Maid of Norway died [Interregnum1290-1292]13 descendants of prior Monarchs contend
1292 John de Baliol[1292-1296] grandson of David I aided by Edward I of England Overlordship of English kings recognized by Scottish nobility.
1296 [Interregnum 1296-1306] Invasion of' Scotland by Edward I of England. Ragmans Roll issued. Revolt of William Wallace. Franco-Scottish Alliance signed
1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge
1298 Battle of Falkirk
1305 Execution of William Wallace
1306 Red Comyn killed by Robert the Bruce [1306-1329] at Dumfries. Coronation of Robert the Bruce at Scone
1308 Battle of Brander Pass
1314 Battle of Bannockburn. English invasion force destroyed by Robert the Bruce.
1320 Letter to the Pope asserted the Independence of Scotland
1326 First Scottish Parliament met
1328 Treaty of Northampton
1329 Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland died. Accession of David II Bruce [1329-1370]
1332 Balloil invaded Scotland. Battle of Dupplin
1333 battle of Halidon Hill
1346 Battle of Neville’s Cross
1371 Accession of Robert II [1371-1390], first of the Stewart Kings
1386 Battle of Otterburn
1390 Robert III [1390-1406]
1400 a few earlier DEEDS exist. “SASINES” registered on the county and national level at Edinburgh recorded land and immovable property transfers from this time forward.
1406 James I [1394-1437] captured by the English
1411 Battle of Harlaw
1412 Foundation of St. Andrews University
1424 James I returns to Scotland
1429 Battle of Drumnacoub
1437 James I assassinated at Perth. James II [1437-1460]
1451 University of Glasgow established.
1452 Earl of Douglas killed
1455 Downfall of the Black Douglases
1460 Death of James II. James III [1460-1488]
1466 Battle of Blair-na-park
1468 Orkney and Shetlands acquired by Scotland from Norway
1480 Battle of Bloody Bay near Tobermory
1488 Battle of Sauchieburn. James III assassinated. James IV [1488-1513] Stuart Dynasty
1493 End of the Lordship of the Isles. James IV visited Dunstaffnage and Mingarry
Castles.
1495 University of Aberdeen established. James IV visits the Western Highlands
1507 Printing introduced to Scotland by Miller
1513 Battle of Flodden. Death of James IV. James V [1513-1542] Stuart.
Coal was being mined extensively
1514 PROBATE: The recording of testaments (WILLS) began in Scotland, kept by the commissary courts until 1876, when shifted to county sheriff courts.
1532 James V visited the Highlands
1540 James V toured the Western Isles
1542 James V died. Mary [1542-1567] Queen of Scots born at Linlithgow
1544 Battle of blar-na-leine
1547 Battle of Pinkie
l550 Death of MacKinnon, last abbot of Iona
1552 the “OLD PARISH RECORDS,” or OPR. established by the General Provincial Council order that each parish keep a register of baptisms and banns of marriage. Some deaths. Most have been numbered, stored, and microfilmed at the Registrar General’s Office.
1553 The earliest known Scottish PARISH RECORDS were created at Errol, Perthshire.
1559 John Knox returned from Geneva
1560 Scottish Parliament established Calvinism, Roman Catholicism was abolished. Records previously kept by the commissary courts under the Bishop’s jurisdiction were disrupted.
1561 Mary Queen of Scots returned from France to Scotland
1562 Mary Queen of Scots visited Inverness
1563 Queen Mary established new commissary courts under the jurisdiction of the crown
1567 James VI [1567-1625]
1568 Battle of Langside
1570 Regent Moray murdered by nobles
1571 Regent Lennox slain
1572 John Knox died. Regent Mar died
1579 Bible printed in Scotland for first time
1581 Presbyterian Church was established as the Church of Scotland
1582 The University of Edinburgh was established
1588 Spanish Armada ship sunk off Tobermory
1592 The Presbyterian Church was formally established. All minister were equal.
There were no bishops, and secular commissaries were appointed by the crown
1594 Battle of Glenlivet
1597 Highlanders gave assistance to Queen Elizabeth I of England
1600 Scotland changed from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar.
1602 Battle of Glenfruin
1603 Union of the Crowns
1606 Coal and salt miners became virtual slaves. Beggars, vagrants and those guilty of minor crimes were forced into lifelong bondage in the mine
1607 MacKenzie of Kintail acquired the island Lewis
1608 The Plantation of Ulster, which is now the Province of Ulster in Ireland was formed. It was divided and sold to purchasers from England and Scotland. These purchasers took many laborers or farmers from Scotland to cultivate the land.
1610 Episcopal Church proclaimed the church of Scotland by James VI. Presbyterians were persecuted, lands and churches confiscated, records lost.
1614 Islay granted to Campbells of Cawder
1617 A law was passed requiring that SASINE REGISTERS be kept
1625 James VI died Charles I [1625-1649] also king of England.
1633 Charles I (1600-49) visited Scotland
1638 National Covenant signed abolishing Episcopacy and vowing loyalty to Presbyterian religion by the General Assembly of Presbyterians at Glasgow
1640 An estimated 5% of the parishes of the Presbyterian Church were keeping records
1641 Charles I and the English Parliament acknowledged the Presbyterian Church in Scotland
1642 Civil War. Scotland supported Oliver Cromwell.
1644 Battle of Tippermuir
1645 Battle of Inverlochy. Montrose ravaged Argyll. Battle of Philiphaugh. Montrose defeated. Each county and burgh was ordered to raise and maintain a certain amount of foot soldiers, according to its population, to serve as a militia. The population of Scotland was estimated to be about 420,000. The dreaded plague made its last appearance in Scotland.
1646 Charles I persuaded Scotsmen to fight in his favor. Some settled in the border area and some moved to England.
1647 Garrison at Dunaverty massacred by General Leslie
1649 Charles I executed. Charles II (1630-85) proclaimed king
[Commonwealth Rule1649-1660]
1650 Execution of Montrose. Battle of Dunbar. Battle of Invercarron
1651 Battle of Inverleithing. Battle of Worcester. Scottish prisoners were transported by Cromwell to the English settlements in America
1653 Scotland taken under the Protectorate
1660 Restoration of Charles II [1660-1685] to the throne
1661 Episcopacy was reestablished under Charles II. Once again the commissariat
records were under the control of the bishops and parish registers suffered.
Execution of the Marquis of Argyll
1662 First Quakers settled in Scotland
1666 Pentland Rising occurred in north
1672 An act was passed by the Scottish Parliament making the REGISTRATION OF FAMILY COAT OF ARMS COMPULSORY
1679 Battle of Drumclog
1682 Sir George Mackenzie founded the Library of Advocates in Edinburgh, and valuable books and manuscripts were acquired. In 1925 it became the National Library of Scotland
1685 Battle of Bothwell Bridge. Charles II died. Earl of Argyll invaded Scotland and was executed in Edinburgh. James VII (James II of England) [1685-1688]
1688 Rebellion broke out in England and Scotland against the Roman Catholic King James II of England and VII of Scotland. The king fled and was deposed. His son-in-law and daughter., William and Mary [1688-1702], were crowned king and queen
1689 James VII died., Battle of Killiecrankie. Battle of Dunkel
1690 The Presbyterian Church was permanently restored as the Church of Scotland. Scattered NONCONFORMIST records were kept by other religious groups.
1692 Massacre of MacLans by government troops at Glencoe
1694 A POLL TAX was imposed on all persons over 16, except the destitute and the insane. Each town was listed with the names of all taxable individuals living there. Most tax rolls have been lost.
1702 Death of William II Ann [1702-1714] Also queen of England and Ireland after 1707.
1707 Union with England. The countries were now known as Great Britain
1714 Death of Queen Anne
1715 The successor to Anne was a German Protestant who became known as “George I of the United Kingdom,” Immediately the son of the deposed King James I., called “the Old Pretender James III” started a rebellion in Scotland known as the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. his army marched into England but was defeated. Some-of his army remained in England, but thousands fled for their lives to America. Battle of Sheriffmuir
1718 The first Glasgow owned ship sailed the Atlantic. By 1800 Glasgow merchants owned more than 500 vessels. People from all parts of Scotland traveled to Glasgow for work. It gradually became a great center for shipbuilding , glass, metal, weaving and other industries. BURGESS and GUILD- BRETHREN records kept.
1719 More Jacobite Uprising. battle of Glenshiel
1725 Major Road Construction began in the highlands
1727 George I died
1734 Secession Church broke off from the Church of Scotland
1739 Black Watch raised
1743 the Potato was introduced into the Highlands
1745 The second Jacobite uprising occurred. "Bonnie Prince Charlie" also known as “the Young Pretender” landed with an army in Scotland in an attempt to obtain the British throne, but he was defeated. 900 Scots were banished to America and the West Indies, and hundreds fled to escape punishment. The Secession Church was divided on the issue of the Burgess Oath required by the govt. after the 1745 Rebellion. The new denomination became known as the Anti-Burgers Church, with its earliest records commencing in 1747. In 1847 it united with the Free Church to become the United Presbyterian Church.
1746 The tobacco industry began in Scotland. Weavers from Holland were brought over to teach the Scots how to weave fine linen. Battle of Falkirk. Battle of Culloden
1751 During this time many men were recruited from Scotland by the Hudson Bay Company, whose ships called at various ports along the coasts and in the islands of Scotland, for employment in Canada
1752 Three ministers seceded from the Presbyterian Church and formed the Relief Church. By 1790 there were about 150,000 seceders from the Presbyterian Church.
1759 The Carron Iron Works was set up near Falkirk, Stirlingshire. Robert Burns (1759-96) was born in Alloway
1760 Death of George II
1763 Immigration was taking place from the Scottish Highlands to North America, especially from the Hebrides and from the shires of Sutherland, Inverness, and Argyll
1767 The lst New Testament was printed in Gaelic
1769 James Watt invented the steam engine, and this helped increase production of the mines and factories
1770 The River Clyde was deepened for shipping and Glasgow became another important port
1771 Sir Walter Scott born in Edinburgh (1771-1832)
1774 The foundation stone of the Old Register House was laid in Edinburgh
1775 The need for coal was so great that all new men entering the mines were allowed to be free. The tobacco industry failed and merchants turned to cotton.
1778 Roman Catholic Relief Bill.
1779 The Industrial Revolution began to affect Scotland. The first cotton mill was built at Rothesay Butte. Household weaving gradually declined and people moved to places where factories had been built
1780 Many Scots moved to Liverpool, England with their families because of the increase of jobs in the cotton industry. The “clearing of the Highlands” took place. Estate owners in the Highlands set up deer forests and sheep walks to make more money and drove the people from their homes. These refugees migrated to Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, South Africa, Canada, and particularly to America
1782 A severe famine in this year caused a movement of people south across the border. It is said that about 10,000 men went from Scotland to London then.
1783 The govt. imposed a tax on every christening, marriage, and burial entry recorded in church records. Parish Records scanty. First Gaelic Bible published.
1788 Prince Charles Edward died
1790 The canal connecting the rivers Forth and Clyde was opened. People now began to use the canal systems as a means of travel
1792 The laws against Episcopalians were repealed. They were permitted to worship and keep records
1793 The 1783 tax on christening, marriage, and burial entries in church records was repealed. Some delayed entry records found.
1799 All miners were freed from their virtual slavery
1801 Large quantities of ironstone were discovered on land between the rivers Clyde and Forth. It was mined extensively
1810 The first power loom was used in Scotland
1812 Steamboats were built and used
1815 Battle of Waterloo
1820 New register books were required to be kept in parishes. Many delayed entries recorded
1822 George IV visited Scotland
1829 Roman Catholics were permitted by law to buy and inherit property and keep records
1840 Railroads were introduced and people traveled much more freely
1841 The first CENSUS of genealogical value was taken, continued at ten year intervals.
1842 Queen Victoria visited Scotland
1843 Free Church formed by Ministers who broke away from the established church.
1847 The Secession and Relief Churches combined to form the United Presbyterian Church
1848 One of the largest migrations of Scotsmen sailed for New Zealand
1850 Robert Louis Stevenson was born in Edinburgh (1850-1894)
1851 Many Scots emigrated to Australia. The second census of genealogical value was taken. The information collected was far superior to any prior census
1855 CIVIL REGISTRATION commenced. This was the first government attempt to record vital statistics of all people regardless of religion or social status. BIRTH records give name & sex of child, date and place of birth; father’s name, residence, and occupation; mother’s maiden name, and usually the date and place of parents marriage. MARRIAGE records contain the date and place of the marriage, name, age, marital status, residence and occupation of the bride and groom, their father’s names and occupations, and mother’s maiden names. DEATH records give the name, age, marital status, and occupation of the deceased, the date, place, and cause of death, the parents names and father’s occupation.
Records from 1855 to the present are found at:
Registrar General’s Office Search Unit
New Register House
Edinburgh EH1 3YT, Scotland
1886 Crofters Act passed
1914 First World War started
1918 First World War ended
1929 Union of the Church of Scotland and the United Free Church
1934 Queen Mary [ocean liner] was launched at Clydebank, Glasgow
1938 The Queen Elizabeth [ocean liner] was launched at Clydebank
1939 World War II began
1945 World War II ended
1947 First Edinburgh Festival. Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh were married at Westminster Abbey
1952 George VI died. Accession of Elizabeth
1959 Worlds largest atomic reactor opened
1964 Forth Road Bridge completed. Strathclyde University founded
1972 North Sea Oil boom began
1973 UIC joined the common market