If castles could speak...
Written: Sep 01 '05 (Updated Sep 01 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: It's a well-preserved medieval castle--need I say more?
Cons: Don't go winter-time--wind's bitingly cold and will chill you to the bone.
The Bottom Line: If castles could speak, Edinburgh Castle would regale you with Scotland’s history.
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| jc_hall's Full Review: Edinburgh Castle |
If there is one monument that captures the spirit and encapsulates the history of Scotland, it is majestic Edinburgh Castle. The most visited site of the capital city (approximately one million visitors per year),Edinburgh Castle perches on top of an extinct volcano, dominating the skyline and looming over the city like an ancient and forbidding mascot.
It is fitting that a fort should be built on such a commanding and defendable site, though of course it meant a somewhat steep climb up the road leading to the castle entrance. From the battlements, where sentries in medieval times looked out for signs of their enemies, my husband and I enjoyed a panoramic view. To the north, between the Castle and the stretch of water known as the Firth of Forth, sprawls Edinburgh's new town. To the east, below the Castle ramparts, lies what remains of the Old Town.
We entered the castle through the imposing Gatehouse. Built in 1888, it was a conscious attempt to spruce up the plainer 17th century gate. The Esplanade beyond was created as a parade ground in 1753. The world-famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo—pipers and drummers marching back and forth across the Castle Esplanade—is held each year in August, and ends with a lone piper on the battlements. Floodlit historical re-enactments are also hugely popular.
In the north-east corner of the Esplanade is a small iron wall-fountain, popularly known as the Witches' Well. Centuries ago, women held to be guilty of witchcraft were put to death at the stake on this spot.
Originally the main way into the medieval castle, the picturesque and steep flight of Lang (Long) Stairs curve up 70 steps. The wall to the right of the stairs may well be part of the medieval Constable’s Tower, destroyed in the 1571-1573 Lang Siege. We huffed and puffed our way up to the top of the stairs, and were rewarded by a plaque commemorating the exploits of Sir Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray, during the Wars of Independence with England.
St Margaret's Chapel, Edinburgh's oldest building, dates from the 1100s. Tiny and charming, it withstood 900 years of sieges and wars, and is still used for christenings and weddings. The beautiful stained glass windows were added in 1922. Right beside St Margaret’s chapel is a medieval siege cannon called Mons Meg. At six tons (6040 kg), she’s hard to miss. Dating from 1457 when she was the leading edge in artillery technology, Meg’s great weight eventually led to her downfall. Last fired in 1681, her barrel burst, marking the end of Meg and, indeed, of an era.
Crown Square, the principal courtyard, was built in the 15th century as the principal courtyard. The Great Hall with its intricate hammerbeam roof was commissioned by James IV and now houses a collection of weapons and armour. The Half Moon Battery was built after the Long Siege of 1571-1573 to serve as the castle’s chief high-level defence on its more vulnerable east front. Nearby is the Scottish National War Memorial, a building designed and built shortly after the First World War. It is now a moving tribute to the fallen of both World Wars.
As can be expected, a rich mix of architectural styles reflects the castle's complex history and role as both a stronghold and the seat (and refuge) of Scottish monarchs. Indeed, the castle played such a huge role in Scotland’s chequered history that the story of the castle is, in major part, the story of Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle first emerged as a major royal fortress in the early 12th century. In 1296, the stone walls of the fortress failed to withstand an English invasion. The Scots, in a feat spearheaded by Sir Thomas Randolph, nephew of Robert the Bruce, recaptured it, but the castle lay ruined for another 20 years. All too soon, war broke out again and the castle was back in English hands. Back and forth the castle changed hands between the English and the Scots, the latter as insistent on their claim to the great fortress as the English were to make it their own.
When the royal Stewarts came to power after the Bruce’s son David II died in 1371, Edinburgh emerged as the nation’s capital and Edinburgh Castle became James III’s royal residence. It was also the chief arsenal of the realm, and the home of the Honours of Scotland and other royal treasures.
In the Royal Palace, a strongroom called the Crown Room was built to house the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State that constitute the Honours. Also on display is the Stone of Destiny. The oldest royal regalia in the United Kingdom, the Honours have had a most eventful history, having eluded the clutches of Oliver Cromwell, first at Dunnottar Castle and then under the floor of a nearby church. The Stone of Destiny served as the seat upon which Scottish kings were crowned, until the English King Edward I, ‘Hammer of the Scots’, forcibly removed it in 1296. Now back in its rightful place, it will only leave Scotland for a coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey.
The Stewarts had Holyrood (down at the far end of the Royal Mile) transformed from abbey to palace, resulting in a much more comfortable residence than draughty old Edinburgh Castle, perched as it were high on a rock and subject to mists and North Sea gales. But when security or protocol demanded, Edinburgh Castle was still the monarch’s and people’s choice. Accordingly, it was here that Mary, Queen of Scots, gave birth to Prince James. This heir to the throne, not only of Scotland but of England and Ireland, was the nation’s long-held hope for peace.
Apart from being a historic monument, Edinburgh Castle is also a working military establishment. The Scottish Division is headquartered here. Three museums (The National War Museum of Scotland; The Royal Scots Regimental Museum; The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards Regimental Museum) are devoted to Scotland’s proud military tradition, and will delight any diehard military fan. The castle is also home to the One O'Clock Gun. Fired every day (except Sunday) at precisely 1.00pm, it can be startling but lends itself well to the military flavour of the place.
A powerful national symbol, an icon of Scotland’s great medieval past, the spiritual home of Scotland’s military tradition, and a historic monument listed as a World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Castle has been a part of Scottish history for centuries. In order to gain any insight into the Scotland of the past and the present, one could do much worse than spend a day marveling at the stories and treasures that a visit to Edinburgh Castle can unfold.
Check out these photos: http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/jc_hall@rogers.com/detail?.dir=/c7fc&.dnm=117c.jpg
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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Epinions.com ID:
jc_hall
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Member: JC Hall
Location: Toronto, Canada
Reviews written: 199
Trusted by: 54 members
About Me:
Going back to Vancouver for Christmas! Happy Holidays, everyone!!
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