Edinburgh Castle is one of the most recognizable landmarks and top attractions in Scotland’s capital city. It’s hard to miss it, as this stone bastion sits upon a mighty rock atop the Royal Mile and has a commanding presence over the town. Those who built this stalwart stronghold knew what they were doing, as with this prime location, they had strategic advantage.
As you tour the castle, you’ll learn that it has guarded some key moments in history, but it also suffered numerous bombardments and sieges. And it changed hands countless times while Scots and English fought to rule over this land.
Among the famous characters associated with Edinburgh Castle include Sir Walter Scott, Mary Queen of Scots, Oliver Cromwell, Kings James 1V and James V1 and Queen Margaret who became Saint Margaret.
There are many sections to explore when touring the castle, as it’s vast, so be sure to get a map before you begin (note: book your tickets in advance to assure entrance). Among the many places to check out is the Great Hall, an excellent example of medieval splendor. You can picture all the grand banquets and state events that took place here. At one point, however, it served as a barracks and later as a military hospital. Among the artifacts on display are weapons and armor that speak to its military past.
In the Argyle Tower, you’ll get the opportunity to hear the dramatic story of the castle during the Wars of Independence. An immersive exhibition puts you in the middle of these battles and brings this history to life through projections, animated episodes and an array of medieval objects dug up from within the castle. There’s even a recreated stone-throwing type of catapult used in ancient warfare.
The oldest Crown jewels in Britain dazzle with their brilliance in the Crown Room. Made of gold, silver and precious gems, they comprise the Honours of Scotland: the crown, scepter and sword of state. You’ll learn these significant pieces have had a turbulent past, as they were removed from the castle and hidden for nearly ten years to keep them from Oliver Cromwell’s army. Later, they were locked in a chest and sealed away. Fortunately, Sir Walter Scott, the famed novelist, rediscovered them in 1818.
These jewels are considered priceless because of their historic and cultural value, but some experts have unofficially valued them. Their estimates range between 3-5 billion euros.
There’s a chapel in this castle, too, where Scotland’s royal family once privately worshipped. Built in the 12th century, St. Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. Peek inside, as it’s open to the public now and continues to host weddings and christenings.
The Royal Apartments are also open in the Royal Palace, as are the Birthing Rooms, where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI. Story has it that the labor was arduous and a companion of the queen is said to have tried using magic to transfer the birth pains to a servant. Not sure how successful that was!
James VI was crowned King of Scotland at just thirteen months old and became the first monarch of both Scotland and England in 1603.
Within these apartments, you’ll find replicas of a set of exquisite embroideries made by Mary Queen of Scots during her exile in England. There are 37 needlework scenes in all, each one tells a story. They are amazing in their detail. Mary had plenty of time to work on them, being confined for nearly nineteen years. This was all Queen Elizabeth I’s doing, as she perceived her cousin Mary as a threat. After Mary’s long captivity, she was ultimately found guilty of plotting to assassinate Elizabeth and subsequently beheaded in 1586.
Other buildings of interest include the Scottish National War Museum and Scottish National War Memorial. The museum has a large collection of artifacts used by the Scottish forces over the centuries, including uniforms, chemical warfare suits, broadswords and more, as well as medals, personal possessions and even letters sent home from foreign wars.
Artwork lines the walls with portraits of military officers and bagpipers, along with a variety of battle scenes. The most famous work is Robert Gibb’s iconic painting, “The Thin Red Line,” which depicts Scottish Highland bravery in the Crimean War.
The War Memorial is dedicated to the Scots who died in both world wars and in other conflicts. It’s a grand display, adorned with sculptures and stained glass, symbols of courage, peace and justice and animal figures portraying both virtues and vices.
Edinburgh Castle was also utilized as a prison for prisoners of war and pirates. Such individuals were held down below in the vaults. A re-created scene provides a glimpse into the conditions within these dark, dank and cramped spaces. These conditions were regulated by law. Ironically, they were generally better off than those found in common prisons.
The men, for example, were given six pence a day and received daily rations that included two pints of beer, one and a half pounds of bread and three-quarters of a pound of beef, plus a half a pint of pease (porridge made from peas) every other day. However, the Americans who were imprisoned in the castle only got one pound of bread a day because they were officially deemed pirates. Sleeping conditions were tight, as the men slept body-to-body on a long, hard platform with others hanging in sacks above them.
Outside, you’ll find Mons Meg, the world’s most famous medieval gun. Purportedly, it was the “ultimate weapon of mass destruction in her day.” Withing six tons, it could fire 330-pound stone ball up to two miles. Nearby is the Half Moon Battery, where cannons sit, lined up in a row. This is also a great place for picturesque and expansive views of the city and beyond.
If during your visit, you hear a loud crack, don’t worry – it’s the traditional One o’Clock Gun that’s fired off daily (except Sundays, Christmas and Good Friday). The firing of the gun dates back to 1861 when Scottish businessman John Hewat brought the idea to Edinburgh from Paris.
