Islay: The Land of the Lordship - Hardcover

David Caldwell

3.8

5 ratings by Goodreads

9781841583587: Islay: The Land of the Lordship

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1841583588 ISBN 13: 9781841583587

Publisher: Birlinn Ltd, 2008

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Islay is the most fertile island in the Hebrides, with an abundance of corn and metal, and world-famous whisky distilleries. Leading archaeologist David Caldwell has produced a detailed history of the island covering the period 100CE to 2003. From changes in farming and house building techniques to a curiously absorbing index of Islay surnames, Caldwell's study explores the 'Queen of the Hebrides' from the perspective of the families that ruled it and their tenants who called it home.

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Review:

a rich history of the fertile isle. --Scottish Field

[For] all who love Islay...this book is a must-have. --Scots magazine

Synopsis:

Islay was originally part of Dal Riata, the early kingdom of the Scots, but was then colonised by Scandinavian settlers in the middle of the ninth century. It was also the home of the MacDonalds who established the Lordship of the Isles during the Medieval Period. In the Gaelic world, their status was king-like and, at the height of their power in the 15th century, they mounted a challenge to the Stewart dynasty for control of Scotland. However, this book is not just about the great men. It also looks at the lesser folk, especially during the time of the Campbell lairds, from the early 17th century onwards.Archaeology combined with documentary research has helped to build up a picture of how the people of Islay lived, the way the land was farmed and the development of local industries, including the distilling of whisky. This book provides a comprehensive grounding in island history for visitors and locals alike, and, for the valuable details it gives on local families, will be particularly valued by genealogists and those tracing their roots to Islay.

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