History of the Stewarts | Castles and Buildings
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Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle dominates Scotland´s capital city from its great rock. Its story has helped shape the nation´s story.
Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been and inspired by it.
Ancient Stronghold
Iron Age warriors defended a hill fort here, and the nation´s oldest poetry tells of a war band feasting here for a year before riding to their deaths in battle.
The Scots and English struggled for control of the castle during the Wars of Independence. In 1314 it was recaptured from the English in a daring night raid led by Thomas Randolph, nephew of King Robert the Bruce.
Home of Royalty
The castle has sheltered many Scottish monarchs. They included Queen Margaret (later St Margaret), who died here in 1093, and Mary Queen of Scots, who gave birth to James VI in the Royal Palace in 1566. Her great-great-great grandson Charles Edward Stuart - Bonnie Prince Charlie - captured Edinburgh but was unable to take the castle during the 1745-6 Jacobite Rising.
Army Headquarters
In the 1600s, the castle became a military base. Some buildings were rebuilt and new ones were raised to house a huge garrison - and provide a secure jail for prisoners of war. There is still a military presence.
More information on Edinburgh Castle can be found at www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk
Battles and sieges were fought over it, royalty lived and died within its walls, and countless generations have been and inspired by it.
Ancient Stronghold
Iron Age warriors defended a hill fort here, and the nation´s oldest poetry tells of a war band feasting here for a year before riding to their deaths in battle.
The Scots and English struggled for control of the castle during the Wars of Independence. In 1314 it was recaptured from the English in a daring night raid led by Thomas Randolph, nephew of King Robert the Bruce.
Home of Royalty
The castle has sheltered many Scottish monarchs. They included Queen Margaret (later St Margaret), who died here in 1093, and Mary Queen of Scots, who gave birth to James VI in the Royal Palace in 1566. Her great-great-great grandson Charles Edward Stuart - Bonnie Prince Charlie - captured Edinburgh but was unable to take the castle during the 1745-6 Jacobite Rising.
Army Headquarters
In the 1600s, the castle became a military base. Some buildings were rebuilt and new ones were raised to house a huge garrison - and provide a secure jail for prisoners of war. There is still a military presence.
More information on Edinburgh Castle can be found at www.edinburghcastle.gov.uk
Reference: Castles, Palaces ... of Mary ...
