| This is by far the most rounded account of any Scottish town in either the medieval or early modern period. As such, it is on immense importance both for urban historians and for those interested in Scotland's history more generally. This book, the earlier of the new two volume official History of Aberdeen, provides a comprehensive picture of the development of the two historic burghs of Old Aberdeen and New Aberdeen over their first seven centuries, from 1100 to 1800. The contributors have exploited the unique riches of Aberdeen City Archives, which are not only the earliest substantial burgh archive but also, because of their sheer size, one of the least explored. The result is a wide-ranging study of one of Scotland's most important towns over the course of seven centuries. This volume brings together the work of 24 scholars, and its content encompasses local, regional, and national politics, as well as disease and death, culture, the economy, education and religion. As early as the 14th century, Aberdeen was recognised as one of the 'four great towns of Scotland'. These themes are examined in the setting of the town itself, but also in the context of the town's relationships with both the surrounding hinterland and the wider world. This makes it indispensable as a study of the north-east as a whole as well as of the two burghs - of Old and New Aberdeen. The book is distinguished by the richness and colour it brings to a surprisingly intimate picture of ordinary Aberdonians - whether n their daily lives, in town's last great confrontation with plague, it's never-ending battle with venereal disease or its risky Jacobite sympathies. Contents:
List of Figures and Maps
List of Black and White Illustrations
List of Colour Plates
Abbreviations
Contributors
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Preface
Introduction: Aberdeen Before Aberdeen Part 1: Locations and Lifestyles
1. The Growth of Two Towns
2. Life in the Two Towns
3. Health in the Two Towns
4. Housing in the Two Towns Part 2: Economy and Society
5. People in the Two Towns
6. The Economy: Town and Country
7. The Economy: Aberdeen and the Sea
8. Elite Society in Town and Country Part 3: Politics and Power
9. The Burgh and the Realm: Medieval Politics, c.1100-1500
10. The Menzies Era: Sixteenth Century Politics
11. 'The civill warrs sis overrun all': Aberdeen, c.1690-1800
12. Revolution to Reform: Eighteenth Century Politics, c.1690-1800 Part 4: Shaping Mentalities
13. The Faith of the People
14. Schooling the People
15. Educating the Elite: Aberdeen and its Universities
16. Contrasting Cultures: Town and Country Part 5: Pre-Modern Aberdeen and Beyond
17. Aberdeen and the Outside World
18. The Growth of a New Town
Appendix 1: Aberdeen Council Register, viii, 752-5
Notes to the Text
Bibliography
Index |
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