Standing upon the basalt core of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle is an assemblage of buildings dating from the 12th to the 20th centuries, reflecting its changing role as fortress, royal palace, military garrison and state prison. Though there is evidence of Bronze Age occupation of the site, the original fortress was built by the 6th-century Northumbrian King Edwin, from whom the city takes its name.
The castle was a favourite royal residence until the Union of Crowns in 1603, after which the king resided in England. After the Union of Parliaments in 1707, the Scottish regalia were walled up in the Palace for over a hundred years. The castle is now the zealous possessor of the
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The castle was a favourite royal residence until the Union of Crowns in 1603, after which the king resided in England. After the Union of Parliaments in 1707, the Scottish regalia were walled up in the Palace for over a hundred years. The castle is now the zealous possessor of the so-called Stone of Destiny, a relic of ancient Scottish kings, which was seized by the English and not returned until 1996.
The Governor’s House in complete with Flemish-style gables, this building was constructed for the governor in 1742 and now serves as the Officers’ Mess for the castle garrison.
The Scottish Crown is now on display in the palace; the crown was restyled by James V Scotland in 1540.
The Argyle Battery is a fortified wall that commands a spectacular northern view of the city’s New Town.
Mary, Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI in this 15th-century palace, where the Scottish regalia are on display.
The Esplanade is the location of the Military Tattoo.
The Half Moon Battery was built in the 1570’s as a platform for the artillery defending the northeastern wing of he castle.
David I built St. Margaret’s Chapel in the early 12th century. The chapel is the castle’s oldest building.
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