The most
famous Scottish castle, Edinburgh is instantly recognisable, perched on its rock in the
centre of the capital city. From the Esplanade one crosses the dry ditch and passes
through the 1886 gatehouse, which has statues of Sir William Wallace and Robert Bruce.
From the Lower Ward one walks through the portcullis gate, the lower half of which dates
from the 16th century, the upper part (Argyle Tower) to 1886. On the right of
the Middle Ward is the Argyle Battery (with the famous One O’clock Gun) and 18th
Century cart shed. Behind this are military museums in the Ordnance Store and Hospital.
The Governor’s House and NEW Barracks are still used for military purposes. Passing
through Foog’s Gate one enters the Upper Ward, with St Margaret’s Chapel on the
left, dating from the 12th Century making it the oldest part of the castle.
This is a very simple, but dignified building. Entry is made to Crown Square, on the East
Side of which is the Palace. The south side has the 16th century Great Hall,
with the huge hammerbeam roof, built by James IV. On show are many examples of arms.
The Queen Anne Building (West
Side) contains a military museum. The Scottish National War Memorial on the north, dating
from 1923 and designed by Robert Lorimer, contains earlier work. Within are memorials to
those Scots who died in the Great War, their names recorded in books of remembrance. The
Castle Vaults contain the large 15th century cannon, Mons Meg, and the French
prison a series of cells.
Edinburgh rock has been
fortified for thousands of years, Bronze Age relics having been discovered in excavations.
The oldest record of "Din Eidyn" dates from around AD600. The castle has
basically been in royal and government hands ever since.
The
castle has many facilities for the disabled, as well as Braille plaques. |
