Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland, from its position on the Castle Rock. Archaeologists have established human occupation of the rock since at least the Iron Age (2nd century AD), although the nature of the early settlement is unclear. There has been a royal castle on the rock since at least the reign of David I in the 12th century, and the site continued to be a royal residence until 1633. As one of the most important strongholds in the Kingdom of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle was involved in many historical conflicts from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century to the Jacobite rising of 1745.
A Fortress on a Volcano
The castle stands upon the plug of an extinct volcano, which is estimated to have risen about 350 million years ago. This geological formation, known as Castle Rock, rises 80 meters (260 ft) above the surrounding landscape, providing a natural defense that has made it a strategic fortification for millennia. The sheer cliffs on three sides made it almost impregnable, with the only accessible route being the steep slope to the east, now known as the Royal Mile.
The Honours of Scotland & The Stone of Destiny
The castle is home to the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain, comprising the Crown, the Sceptre, and the Sword of State. First used together at the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots in 1543, they have a tumultuous history:
- Hidden from Cromwell: During Oliver Cromwell's invasion, they were buried under a medieval church floor to prevent capture.
- Lost and Found: Following the Act of Union in 1707, they were locked away in a chest and forgotten for over a century until Sir Walter Scott rediscovered them in 1818.
- World War II: Fearing a Nazi invasion, the Crown was hidden in a medieval latrine (toilet) within David's Tower, while the other items were hidden behind a wall.
Alongside the jewels sits the Stone of Destiny (Stone of Scone), an ancient symbol of Scotland's monarchy, used for centuries in the coronation of its kings. Seized by Edward I of England in 1296, it was returned to Scotland in 1996, 700 years later.
Famous Features & Traditions
The One O'Clock Gun
Every day at exactly 1:00 pm (except Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day), a gun is fired from the Mills Mount Battery. This tradition dates back to 1861 and was originally designed as a time signal for ships in the Firth of Forth and the port of Leith. The blast is synchronized with the drop of the time ball on top of the Nelson Monument on Calton Hill.
Mons Meg
Mons Meg is one of the largest medieval cannons ever built. Gifted to King James II in 1457, this six-tonne siege gun could fire a 150kg (330lb) stone ball up to 2 miles (3.2 km). It was considered cutting-edge military technology in its time.
St Margaret's Chapel
The oldest surviving building in Edinburgh is the tiny St Margaret's Chapel, located within the castle walls. Built around 1130 by King David I in memory of his mother, Queen Margaret, it is a fine example of Romanesque architecture. It survived the destruction ordered by Robert the Bruce in 1314 during the Wars of Independence.
Dark History: The Black Dinner & Prisoners
The castle has witnessed grim events, none more infamous than the Black Dinner of 1440. The young Earl of Douglas and his brother were invited to dine with the child King James II. At the end of the feast, the head of a black bull—a symbol of death—was brought in. The brothers were dragged out to the courtyard and beheaded on trumped-up charges of treason. This event is said to have inspired the "Red Wedding" in Game of Thrones.
The castle also served as a prison for centuries. The Prisons of War exhibition recreates the conditions of the 18th century when French, American, and Spanish sailors were held captive in the gloomy vaults below Crown Square.
Visiting Tips
- Book in Advance: Tickets often sell out days in advance, especially in summer.
- The Lang Stairs: Be prepared for a steep climb. The "Lang Stairs" lead up to the summit, though there is a vehicle for those with mobility issues.
- Best Views: The batteries offer panoramic views over the New Town, the Firth of Forth, and towards Fife.