When It Happened In Scotland

by George Chamier

From the Roman invasion of Caledonia in 80AD to the present day, George Chamier recounts the essential facts, figures and personalities of the history of Scotland. Who was the real King Macbeth? What were the origins of the 'Auld Alliance'? When was the 'Year of the Sheep'? In a series of short entries, the nation's story is revealed for all who had forgotten what they were taught in class or have never been had the opportunity. Intertwined with entries covering the major events and ideas, Chamier also offers pen portraits of some of the great Scots throughout history - writers, politicians, economists, warriors and preachers. 1587 The execution of Queen Mary Mary mounted the scaffold at Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire on 8 February. After forgiving her executioner, she removed her outer clothing to reveal a chemise of deep red, the colour of Catholic martyrdom. It took two strokes of the axe to sever her neck - 'Sweet Jesus', she was heard to murmur after the first blow - and when the executioner lifted her head Mary's auburn wig came away in his hand to reveal a grey stubble.

Genres: History

218 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

George Chamier was partly brought up in Ross-shire and educated at Eton and the universities of Cambridge and Lancaster. After seven years as an advertising executive in London and Amsterdam, he became a full-time fisherman in the Highlands for twelve years, having first learned the art of net and coble fishing for salmon as a schoolboy. George retired as Head of History at Bradfield College in 2005 and now lives in London, working as a tutor and editor. Until 2018 he spent at least a month every summer fishing on the Cromarty Firth. His previously published works include When it Happened in Britain and When it Happened in Scotland (both Constable), The First Light, a history of Innerpeffray, Scotland’s oldest lending library, and Britain’s Greatest Prime Ministers (Endeavour Press). ‘Cold Iron’, an article about the fishing, appeared in Archipelago magazine.

Reviews

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title says it all. A short chronological history of Scotland. Brief (1-2 page) articles on some of the bigger events and people. Although in chronological order it is fairly easy to read in short bursts.