Aberdeen history

At the Origins of the Granite City

The history of Aberdeen is rooted in deep antiquity: archaeological finds confirm the presence of humans at the mouths of the rivers Dee and Don as early as 8,000 years ago. However, the city began to take shape as a significant administrative centre in the 12th century.

The year 1179 is often considered the official starting point, when King William I the Lion granted Aberdeen a charter and the status of a Royal Burgh. Historically, the city developed as two independent settlements: Old Aberdeen (a centre of religion and education) and New Aberdeen (a centre of trade and fishing), which officially united only in the late 19th century.

Factors of Formation and Development

The transformation of a coastal settlement into a thriving city was driven by a fortunate combination of several factors:

• Geography and Hydrology: Its location between two major rivers provided natural defence and access to resources, while access to the North Sea made the city a strategically important point on the map.
• Maritime Trade: A convenient harbour allowed for the establishment of strong commercial ties with Scandinavia, the Netherlands, and the Baltic states.
• Royal Privileges: Support from Scottish monarchs, including land grants (such as Stocket Forest by Robert the Bruce), laid the financial foundation for the development of urban infrastructure.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the Middle Ages, the region's economy was based on the export of wool, leather, and salted fish. Aberdeen merchants were renowned for their enterprise, and local salmon was considered a delicacy at the royal courts of Europe.

The cultural status of the city rose sharply during the Renaissance. In 1495, King's College was founded, making Aberdeen Scotland's third university city. This event turned the trading port into one of the region's leading intellectual centres, attracting scholars and students.

Key Historical Milestones

• 1179 — King William I the Lion grants Aberdeen the status of a Royal Burgh, officially securing its trading privileges.
• 1319 — Robert the Bruce signs the Great Charter, granting citizens rights to Stocket Forest, the revenues from which became the foundation of the city budget.
• 1495 — Bishop William Elphinstone founds King's College, turning Old Aberdeen into a centre of education.
• 1593 — Marischal College is founded, making Aberdeen unique for that time as a city with two universities.
• Mid-18th Century — Active development of granite quarries begins, thanks to which the city would later receive its famous nickname "The Granite City".
• 1860 — The merger of King's College and Marischal College into the unified University of Aberdeen takes place.
• 1891 — Old Aberdeen and New Aberdeen officially unite into a single administrative city.
• 1906 — Construction is completed on the grand facade of Marischal College, becoming the second-largest granite building in the world.
• 1970 — The discovery of major oil fields in the North Sea starts Aberdeen's transformation into the "Energy Capital of Europe".
• 1975 — Queen Elizabeth II formally opens the first pipeline delivering oil from offshore platforms to the shore.
• 2019 — The opening of the modern P&J Live exhibition complex marks a new stage in the city's development as a centre for business tourism and events.

Facets of the City: Achievements and Modern Appearance

Aberdeen is not just history set in stone. Behind the stern granite facades lies an innovative city that has repeatedly made its mark on the world stage, not only through industrial but also cultural achievements. Here are the key aspects forming its unique character, going beyond a dry chronology.

• Shipbuilding Legends and Tea Clippers.
  In the 19th century, local shipyards revolutionised maritime navigation by introducing a special hull design to the world — the "Aberdeen Bow". This allowed for the creation of incredibly fast tea clippers. The city's most famous creation was the clipper "Thermopylae", considered the main rival to the famous "Cutty Sark" and renowned for its speed and grace.
• Record Holder of "Britain in Bloom".
  Contrary to the stereotype of a "grey" granite city, Aberdeen is a recognised champion of floristry. The city has won the prestigious national "Britain in Bloom" competition a record number of times. Thanks to millions of roses and crocuses planted annually in parks and on median strips, Aberdeen is often called the "City of Roses".
• Capital of Street Art and Light.
  Modern Aberdeen has become a canvas for global artists thanks to the Nuart Aberdeen festival. This event turns building walls into an open-air gallery, attracting street art masters from around the world. In winter, the city transforms during the Spectra light festival, when historical architecture comes alive through interactive light installations.
• Innovative Hydrogen Hub.
  While maintaining its status as an energy capital, the city is actively transforming. Today, Aberdeen is a pioneer in the use of hydrogen technologies. It is here that the world's first hydrogen double-decker buses entered service on city routes, symbolising the transition from the oil era to the age of clean energy and "Net Zero".

A Chronicle in Stone: From the Middle Ages to the Present Day

The architectural appearance of Aberdeen is unique and recognisable due to the dominant material — local grey granite. Unlike many British cities built of soft sandstone or brick, Aberdeen looks monumental and sparkles in the sun thanks to flecks of mica, earning it the nickname "The Silver City".

Major Architectural Eras and Styles

• Medieval Gothic (14th–16th Centuries).
  The historic heart of the city, the Old Aberdeen district, has preserved its medieval layout and iconic monuments. The prime example is St Machar's Cathedral, a rare example of a fortified church with massive twin towers. The chapel of King's College, with its famous stone "Imperial Crown" on the spire, also belongs to this period.
• Classicism and Georgian Style (Late 18th – Early 19th Century).
  The golden age of Aberdeen urban planning is linked to the names of architects Archibald Simpson and John Smith. It was they who shaped the appearance of modern central Aberdeen. The main thoroughfare, Union Street, represents the "Granite Mile" with majestic buildings in the neoclassical style, built upon a complex system of viaducts.
• Victorian Neo-Gothic (19th – Early 20th Century).
  In this era, granite processing reached perfection. The main symbol became Marischal College — the second-largest granite building in the world after El Escorial. Its facade, executed in the Perpendicular Gothic style, proves that even hard granite can be used to create intricate and airy forms.
• Modernism and Contemporary Eclecticism (20th–21st Centuries).
  In the second half of the 20th century, on the wave of the oil boom, examples of brutalism appeared in the city. The modern stage is characterised by the careful integration of new materials into the historical environment. A vivid example is the renovation of the Aberdeen Art Gallery, where copper and glass structures contrast with centuries-old granite, as well as the new Marischal Square complex.

Distinguished Figures of Aberdeen

The history of Aberdeen is inextricably linked with the names of people whose achievements in science, culture, sport, and architecture have received worldwide recognition. Below are key figures who have left a noticeable mark on the city's chronicle.

• William Elphinstone (1431–1514)
  Bishop, statesman, and educator
  A key figure in the city's history. In 1495, he founded King's College, laying the foundation for the University of Aberdeen. Thanks to his efforts, Aberdeen became one of the main intellectual centres of medieval Scotland.
• George Gordon Byron (1788–1824)
  Romantic poet
  The great English poet spent his childhood in Aberdeen and studied at the local Grammar School. The rugged beauty of Scottish nature and local legends had a profound influence on his early work and character formation.
• Archibald Simpson (1790–1847)
  Architect
  The chief architect of Aberdeen, who shaped its classical appearance. He designed many iconic granite buildings, including the Music Hall and the Athenaeum. Together with John Smith, he is considered the creator of the "Granite City" architectural style.
• James Clerk Maxwell (1831–1879)
  Physicist and mathematician
  One of the greatest scientists in history. For four years, he was a professor at Marischal College. It was in Aberdeen that he completed his work on the theory of Saturn's rings and laid the foundations of the kinetic theory of gases.
• Thomas Blake Glover (1838–1911)
  Entrepreneur and diplomat
  Known as the "Scottish Samurai". A native of the region, he played a decisive role in the industrialisation of Japan, participated in the founding of the Mitsubishi company and the creation of the Japanese navy. His home in Nagasaki is a tourist attraction, and his legacy is honoured in Aberdeen.
• Nan Shepherd (1893–1981)
  Writer and poet
  Author of the famous book "The Living Mountain", celebrating the nature of the Cairngorms highlands. She lived her entire life in the vicinity of Aberdeen and taught at the local college, becoming one of the most important figures in 20th-century Scottish literature.
• Denis Law (born 1940)
  Footballer
  A legend of world football, striker for Manchester United and the Scotland national team. A native of Aberdeen, he is the only Scottish footballer to be awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or.
• Annie Lennox (born 1954)
  Singer, composer, and social activist
  World-famous vocalist of the duo Eurythmics and a successful solo artist. Born and raised in Aberdeen. Winner of an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and multiple Grammy Awards.