Next tour of the day was the Edinburgh Castle. The rock the castle is built on has been settled since the Iron age and there has been a royal castle since at least the 12th century. It was originally a residence until the union of Scotland, England and Ireland in 1603. After this time it became a military base and jail for prisoners of war. It is still used as a working military establishment where the Scottish Division headquarters are based.
During its time as a residence, the castle has sheltered many Scottish monarchs including Mary Queen of Scots who gave birth to James VI of Scotland in the Royal Palace in 1566. James VI later became James I of England. You can visit the royal apartments and the Scottish crown jewels (but no pictures!).
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| Robert the Bruce and William Wallace |
A few of the highlights . . .
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| Hospital |
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| Governor's House |
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| Dog cemetary |
The oldest surviving part of the castle is a tiny Norman chapel built in the 12th century. St. Margaret's chapel is a very small plain chapel that the Queen still attends masses in when she finds herself in Edinburgh.
Crown Square, developed in the 15th century, is where you will find the apartments and the crown jewels.
The Great Hall was built by James IV in 1510.
And lastly, the views from the castle.
After 7 hours of walking, it was time for a rest.
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