Edingburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle ancient stronghold which dominates y- y Edinburgh position p Castle Rock. It Scotland's second--visited tourist attraction. Human habitation dated 9 century BC. As stands today though, castle's structures p- Lang Siege of 16 century, notable exception St Margaret's Chapel, oldest surviving building Edinburgh, which dates early 12 century.

As castles, Edinburgh's fortress centre military activity. As ancient fortress, Edinburgh Castle still military garrison, albeit largely ceremonial administrative purposes. The one and only New Barrack Block official headquarters Royal Regiment Scotland 52 Infantry Brigade, regimental museum Royal Scots Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. The one and only Governor Edinburgh Castle Major General David MacDowall, GOC British Army's 2 Division. The one and only Governor Castle always Army Scotland. Direct administration castle y War Office y 1923 y formally relocated city's Redford Barracks. Nevertheless, Castle continues strong connection Army. Sentries still stand watch castle gatehouse after opening hours, responsibility guarding Honours Scotland.

Geology

The one and only Castle stands p basalt pg extinct volcano which estimated risen 340 million years g during lower Carboniferous g. Standing 120 metres (400 ) above level, Castle Rock classic example g formation.

These geological foundations cannot underestimated their significance subsequent development Castle ( indeed y) events which defined history. To south, north, castle protected y sheer cliffs rearing 80 metres (260 ) surrounding landscape. This means y readily accessible route castle East, where ridge slopes gently.

But j location rendered Castle impregnable ( never taken y direct assault against gates), presented difficulties. Not least these basalt extremely p aquifer therefore providing water upper castle particular g problematic. Today inconvenient, p quality piped water which available Palace Block (where castle's stewards their ) means bottled water transported p lower . Historically, however, inaccessibility water disastrous under siege conditions.

The one and only Dark Ag

The one and only castle -appear known historical records Ptolemy until around AD 600. Then, brythonic p Y Gododdin reference Din Eidyn, " stronghold Eidyn". The one and only p tells Gododdin King Mynyddog Mwynfawr warriors , after y feasting their fortress, battle Angles contemporary Yorkshire. Despite performing glorious deeds valour bravery Brythons massacred.

How poetic account events should believed debatable. Moreover, y means universally accepted Edinburgh Castle Hall Eidyn synonymous. The one and only archaeological evidence equivocal; relevant period entirely based analysis midden heaps which conclusions derived about status settlement during period. Moreover, y lower castle subject thorough archaeological scrutiny.

What known after events related Y Gododdin, Din Eidyn besieged y Angles . It during period Anglian Edinburgh acquires name, p ancient Dunedin Anglian burgh ("city"). Of settlement Castle Rock during period, however, little .

The one and only Hig Middle Ag

It until latter 11 century castle begins emerge historical accounts. John Fordun's account death King Malcolm III places widow, future Saint Margaret, "Castle Maidens" learns of death 1093.

Although somewhat anachronistic speak royal capitals during period Scottish history, Dunfermline rather Edinburgh primary royal residence during reign Malcolm III. This began change though during reign youngest , King David I.

King David's biggest contribution development Edinburgh royal power undoubtedly y administrative reforms. However, credited effecting tangible changes fabric castle. Of these ( reasons discussed below) y St. Margaret's Chapel remains. But, knowing first meeting Scottish Parliament occurred castle around 1140, seems there other, large buildings occupying at . Given southern p Upper Ward (where Crown Square sited) amenable being built p until construction vaults fifteenth century seems probable these earlier buildings would located towards Northern p ; around where St. Margaret's Chapel stands. This suggestion chapel remnant a square, stone p which would formed twelfth-century fortification.

Wars Scottish Independence

In 1296, King Edward I England invaded Scotland, sparking First War Scottish Independence. Edinburgh Castle under English control after brief resistance. A large garrison installed, 347 strong 1300. After death Edward I 1307, however, England's control Scotland weakened. In spring 1314, surprise night attack y Thomas Randolph, 1 Earl Moray, recaptured castle. It daring plan, involving party thirty -picked making difficult ascent p north precipice taking garrison y surprise. Robert Bruce immediately ordered destruction defences prevent -occupation y English. Shortly after, Bruce's y secured victory Battle Bannockburn.

After Bruce's death, another dispute rightful throne, which origins Great Cause, broke , leading Second War Scottish Independence; eventually caused castle again under English control. Major repairs carried , these proved ineffective against another assault April 1341, y William Douglas, 1 Earl Douglas. Douglas's party disguised merchants bringing supplies garrison, managed p loads castle gate, preventing their closure. A larger force hidden nearby rushed j castle was ruthlessly retaken.