Edinburgh Castle

Throughout the ages, Edinburgh Castle has been the home of many figures of royalty. Scottish Monarchs commissioned grand buildings there–both to secure lodgings and as a reminder to others that they possessed tremendous wealth and power.

Princess Margaret of England lived in the castle after she fled England during the Norman Conquest in 1066. Mary Queen of Scots also took shelter at the castle and she gave birth to James VI in the Royal Palace in 1566. James VI became the King of Scotland and was also the King of England and Ireland as James I. Oliver Cromwell and novelist Sir Walter Scot are some of the other notable figures in history who stayed in Edinburgh Castle.

Royal Palace, Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is packed with history. But, beyond the grand halls and sweeping views, there are some truly surprising stories hidden in its past. From its fiery volcanic origins to ghostly legends and fierce battles for control, these lesser-known facts will make you see Scotland’s most famous fortress in a whole new light.

The Castle’s Prisoners of War

Example prisons in Edinburgh Castle. Photo Credit: Yair Haklai

Scottish Wars of Independence (1296 – 1357)

Many political prisoners were held in the Edinburgh Castle Vaults (below the Great Hall) at this time. Sir Thomas Grey is probably one of the most well-known prisoners to be held at the castle during the period. He was a Knight of England held in the vaults in 1355. At the time of his imprisonment, he began to research the library and archives of the castle, which resulted in his written piece, Scalacronica. This chronicle, written in Anglo-Norman French, documents the history of Britain to this period.

The Seven Years’ War (1756 – 1763)

The Seven Years’ War was the first of a number of international clashes fought between the nations of Britain, America, France and their allies. This time saw the castle’s first official prisoners of war, a 78-strong crew of French privateers, from the Chevalier Bart, who were caught in 1758.

The American War of Independence (1775 – 1783)

Edinburgh Castle held many prisoners of war during the American War of Independence. You would think, judging by the name of the period, that the castle vaults held mostly American soldiers who were fighting during the American War of Independence. The castle prison did have many Americans occupying the dungeons, but prisoners from countries such as France, Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Denmark and Poland filled the underground cells. An interesting fact, especially for Americans reading along, is that an early version of the Stars and Stripes flag has been etched into one of the doors – most likely by one of the American prisoners who had been held captive in the Edinburgh underground vaults.

Napoleonic Wars (1793 – 1815)

In 1793, Britain and France were once again at war, and the Napoleonic Wars saw even more prisoners fill the Edinburgh Castle vaults. As July 1799 approached, the vaults now housed around 750 prisoners – they must have faced terrible conditions as the maximum capacity was around 450 at the time.

World War I

From December 1914, Edinburgh Castle was also briefly used as a prisoner of war camp during the First World War. The castle was used as the main collection centre for prisoners of war in Scotland, but its role lessened with the development of the camp system and its headquarters at Stobs, Harwick, near the Scottish Borders. Stobs Military Camp has been stated to be the best preserved World War I camp in Britain.

One o Clock Gun. Photo Credit: VisitScotland

Edinburgh Castle is a sprawling historic fortress with a wealth of must-see attractions, from grand royal chambers and powerful medieval defences to fascinating museums and centuries-old chapels, offering visitors a deep dive into Scotland’s rich and turbulent past.

Fight for the Castle

For those interested in the Scottish Wars of Independence, a dramatic exhibition is shown in Argyle Tower. Detailing the tug of war battle between the Scottish and the English for control of the castle through animation, the exhibition uses projections and a display full of fascinating medieval objects.

The Queens Embroideries

Detailed replicas of Mary Queen of Scots embroideries can be seen in the Royal Apartments. The original embroideries were sewn by Mary after her enemies forced her to relinquish the throne and leave Scotland. The replicas were made by volunteers from the School of Ancient Crafts.

St Margaret’s Chapel

St Margaret’s Chapel was built by King David I in 1130 and named after his mother, Queen Margaret. The chapel really captivates the eye. To this day, it still hosts weddings and christenings.

The Great Hall

This vast room is like stepping back in time to the medieval age. Those interested in military weaponry of Scotland’s past will not want to miss out on visiting the Great Hall. Swords, shields, axes and armour are proudly hung on the walls. Even if you are not into weaponry, the hall is a spectacular sight.

Prisoners of War Exhibition

As discussed in the Fascinating Facts section, Edinburgh Castle was the ‘home’ to many prisoners over the centuries of warfare. At the Prisoners of War Exhibition, you can see for yourself the conditions that the prisoners were kept in. Just imagine what it must have been like being cramped in the underground vaults with many other international prisoners. Be on the lookout to see what has been carved into the wooden doors by the inmates.

The Museums

If you love walking around museums and learning about the past, you will be happy to know that there are two museums to explore. In the National War Museum, you can find many artefacts used by Scottish soldiers. In the Royal Scots and Royal Regiment of Scotland Museum, you can learn all about the history of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and its past battles.

Half-Moon Battery Cannons

The Half Moon Battery is a row of cannons that point through archways and, in the past, protected the castle from enemy invasion. Dubbed the Seven Sisters, the original cannons were built around 1500 during James IV period. The cannons that are displayed in modern times were built in 1810, which was around the time of the Napoleonic Wars. The cannons here are beautifully displayed in a synchronized pattern – it is hard to believe that such stunning imagery was used to cause so much destruction.

Royal Palace

As previously mentioned, many monarchs called Edinburgh Castle home. The Royal Palace is located in Crown Square and is a must-see for everyone visiting. You will see the grand rooms that many famous historical royals occupied. The Royal Palace is full of breathtaking paintings and sculptures that show the wealth the royals possessed.

Honours of Scotland

The Honours of Scotland are probably one of the most popular attractions in the castle. They are the oldest crown jewels (Crown, Scepter, and Sword) in Britain. The crown was created for James V, but the origin of the Scepter is uncertain—some believe it to have been a papal gift to James IV.

The crown jewels were removed from the castle and hidden in the 1600s from Oliver Cromwell’s army. Returned for the Restoration of the Monarchy with Charles II in 1660, they were not used to crown a sovereign again. The novelist Sir Walter Scott was present when these jewels were rediscovered in 1818. The Honours of Scotland are currently located on the first floor of the Royal Palace.

Scottish National War Memorial

In 1927, the former North Barracks was adapted to create the Scottish National War Memorial. It has now become a beautiful remembrance area dedicated to the Scottish soldiers that gave the ultimate sacrifice to defend the future. It is worth stopping by here to see the stunning craftsmanship detailed in the stained glass.