Stirling
is a large and impressive Castle built on the rock above the town. There are many
buildings to explore, and the castle’s history extends from earliest times to the
present. A bridge over the outer ditch leads to the outer defences, followed by the
forework. To the left is the Lion’s Den and gardens, with the Queen Anne Battery of
1708. The next gateway leads through to the lower square with the palace block to the
left, which has fine external statuary. The great hall stands in front and to the right
are the foundations and vaults of the Elphinstone Tower. Between the palace and the great
hall a passage leads to the upper square, with the King’s Old Building to the left
(now the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ Regimental Headquarters and Museum), and
the former Chapel Royal. A wall-walk can be followed round much of the castle, and at one
point it bears the initials of various royals. From it can be seen the King’s Knot,
an ornamental garden, which may date from 1628.
The history of Stirling Castle
is tied to the history of Scotland. It has been in Royal hands since construction, though
after 1746 was used as a barracks until 1964. There is much restoration work underway. |
