By Tim Lambert
Dedicated to Donna Shaw
Early Dunblane
The Scottish town of Dunblane probably takes its name from the words Dun Blane, meaning Blane’s fort. Blane was a Scottish saint who lived in the 6th century and who founded a monastery on the site of the cathedral.
Most of Dunblane Cathedral was built during the 13th century. The Bishop’s Palace was also built in the 13th century. The settlement at Dunblane grew in importance and for centuries it was a busy little market town.
The first library in Dunblane was the Leighton Library, which was built in 1687. Robert Leighton, Bishop of Dunblane died in 1684 and he left his collection of books to Dunblane Cathedral. The library was built to house the books.
Modern Dunblane
At the time of the first census in 1801 the population of Dunblane was 2,600. By the standards of the time it was a small town. The population rose during the 19th century and by 1901 it was over 3,000.
In 1813 mineral wells were discovered in Dunblane. At that time people believed that drinking mineral water was good for your health and so many visitors were drawn to Dunblane. Dunblane Hydro opened as a health spa in 1878.
During the 19th century amenities in the town improved. In 1841 Dunblane gained gas light. The first police station in Dunblane was built in 1842 and the railway reached Dunblane in 1848. In 1889 a restoration of the Cathedral was begun.
There was a mill in Dunblane by Allan Water by 1790. It was rebuilt in 1851. In the late 19th century the carding and spinning Mill was a major employer in Dunblane. It closed in 1980.
Dunblane continued to develop in the 20th century. The first school in the town was Queen Victoria’s School, which opened in 1908. Dunblane High School opened in 1974. Meanwhile the Dunblane Cemetery opened in 1914 and the War Memorial was unveiled in 1921.
The Dunblane and District Electricity Supply Company was formed in 1922 andDunblane Museum was established in 1943.
Today Dunblane is an affluent commuter town. The population of Dunblane is about 8,800.
