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Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Midlothian One Place Study

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Location: Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland, United Kingdommap
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Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Midlothian One Place Study

This profile is part of the Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Midlothian One Place Study.
{{One Place Study|place=Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Midlothian|category=Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Midlothian One Place Study}}

Name

Edinburgh Castle


Geography

Continent: Europe
Sovereign State:
Country: Scotland
County: Midlothian
GPS Coordinates: 55.948611, -3.200833
Elevation: 111.0 m or 364.2 feet

The castle is located above Princes Street, and at the upper end of Castlehill Road in the Scottish capital town of Edinburgh.


Geology

[1]

The castle sits on what is referred to as Castle Rock (aka 'The Rock') which is a volcanic plug formed in the Carboniferous period (340 million years) ago.

Dolerite rock was formed as part of an ancient volcanic complex that underlies the heart of the city of Edinburgh. The surrounding sedimentary rocks is known as a crag-and-tail formation.


Overview

Edinburgh Castle has been a fortress, royal residence, seat of government, armoury, and prison throughout the centuries, as well as the scene of murders, royal births, deaths, and twenty-three sieges.


Historical Timeline

[2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10]

5th - 10th Century

400-900 AD - Iron Age tribe called 'Votadini' made the rock their home. Next came the Celtic group called 'Gododdin' in which they called their fort 'Din Eidyn'. Then the Saxon's showed up and started to clash with the Scots and Picts to no avail. The rock was then referred to as 'Castle of the Maidens'.


11th Century

1058 - King of Scots, Malcolm III (aka Malcolm Canmore) (1031-1093), and his wife, Queen Margaret (1045-1093) made their home here.

1093 - After Malcolm III and son were killed, spouse Queen Margaret died of a broken heart in the castle.


12th Century

1130-1140 - David I of Scotland built St. Margaret’s Chapel in honour of his mother (Queen Margaret).

1174-1186 – After William the Lion (1142-1214) was captured by the English, he gave up the castle to Henry II of England. The castle was given back to William as a dowry of his Norman bride, Ermengarde Beaumont in 1186.


13th Century

1251 – At ten years old, Alexander III of Scotland and his wife Margaret (daughter of Henry III of England) made their home in the castle.

1290 - Heir to the throne, Margaret, Made of Norway died.

1291 - England's John Balliol is chosen to lead Scotland by Edward I of England.

1296 - John II, King of Scots (aka John Balliol), surrendered and was relieved of his duties.

1296-1346 - At different times, the Scots and the English both took up residence in the castle during the Anglo-Scottish Wars (aka Wars of Scottish Independence).


14th Century

1313 - Thomas Randolph (aka The Earl of Moray), nephew of Robert the Bruce attacks and secures the castle. The Bruce then had all the buildings destroyed except for St. Margaret's Chapel.

1313-1334 - The castle lies in ruins.

1336 - England's King Edward III rebuilt the castle anew.

1341 - Sir William Douglas captured the castle for Scotland in the name of Scots King David II.

1346-1356 - Robert The Bruce's son David II of Scotland built ‘David's Tower’, it took ten years.

1371 – David II died in his own tower.

Note: After the death of David II, the castle became the residence for the House of Stuart.

1375 - John Lyon, 1st Thane of Glamis , 4th Knight, of Glamis, (1340-1382) appointed Keeper of Edinburgh Castle.


15th Century

1450 - The 'Black Dinner' was held by James II of Scotland where 16-year-old William Douglas, 6th Earl of Douglas, and his younger brother dined in the castle then beheaded.

1480 - The brother of James III of Scotland, Alexander, was imprisoned in David's Tower for plotting against the king.

1483 - James III of Scotland was imprisoned for two months in David's Tower.


16th Century

1512 - James IV built 'The Great Hall' and 'Crown Square' at the castle.

1554-1560 - Mary of Guise was Queen Regent to her daughter Mary Queen of Scots.

1560 - Queen Mary (aka Marie) of Guise (aka Queen Mary of Lorraine) died in the castle.

1566 - Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to son James in the castle who would eventually be crowned James VI of Scotland and I of England which resulted i both Scotland and England being united under one crown.

1568 - Mary Queen of Scots fled to England.

1571–1573 - The 'Lang Siege', a 2 year left the castle in a destroyed state.

1573 – Sir William surrendered to the English and was hanged on the Royal Mile below the castle.


17th Century

1603 - With the English and Scottish crowns united, James VI of Scotland, and I of England, ruling from his English base of operation, turned Edinburgh Castle into a military base.

1617 - King James VI of Scotland returned to Edinburgh Castle to celebrate his Golden Jubilee.

1633 - The last monarch to stay in the castle, Charles I spent the night before his coronation.

1640 - Castle fell to the Covenanters.

1650 - Castle fell to Oliver Cromwell.

1660-1661 - For supporting Oliver Cromwell, the Marquess of Argyle was beheaded on the 'Maiden' (guillotine).

1668 - James VII of Scotland and II of England into exile, and the Duke of Gordon (1649-1716) held onto the castle until James was released.

1689 - Defense positions of the English were reestablished as the Jacobite Risings started.

1689-1746 - Attempting to restore the Stuart's control, The Jacobite's tried twice to take the castle, once in 1715 and again in 1745 for Bonnie Prince Charlie (Stuart). he was able to take the city of Edinburgh, but not the castle.

Note: Since this time there have been no more siege's on Edinburgh castle.


18th Century

1707 - The Honors of Scotland (Crown Jewels) were lock in an oak chest in the 'Crown Chamber' and forgotten until 1818.

1757-1814 - The castle served as a prison during this period for men from the American Revolution, the Seven Years’ War with France, and even the Napoleonic Wars.


19th Century

1818 - Sir Walter Scott gets permission to open up the hidden vault which contained the 'Honors of Scotland'.

1822 - King George IV visits the castle.

1887 - Hippolyte Blanc, the architect was employed to restore and remodel the Great Hall.


20th Century

1950 - The Stone of Scone which was stolen from the Scots in 1296 is stolen back from the English at Westminster Abbey and returned to Scottish soil.

1953 - Her Royal Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Phillip visited.

1995 - The castle is designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.


21st Century

2003 - During restoration work at the castle, a group of construction workers said they were harassed by the ghosts of prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars and refused to work.

2015 - Care of the castle is placed under 'Historic Environment Scotland (HES).


Points of Interest

[11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23]


Argyle Battery c.1700's

Armed with six cannons that face North, this six gun battery together with Mill's Mount Battery and the low defenses below it were the main northern defense of the castle.

Named in honor of the Duke of Argyle, it was rebuilt in the 1730s to its present condition and each turret houses a cast iron, muzzle-loading 18 pound guns made during the Napoleonic Wars about 1810.

The battery was designed by Major General Wade, and on the top of each barrel you can see the royal cipher GR3 (for George III).


Crown Square (aka The Palace Yard)

Created by James III of Scotland (1451-1488).

Crown Square served as the main courtyard for the castle, and was built on the south-facing slopes of castle rock.

The square is built on an artificial platform above a series of great stone vaults.

It was originally known as Palace Yard but was renamed after the discovery of the Scottish Crown Jewels in 1818.


David's Tower

David II added a tower that was the location of the royal chambers for a century or so after its completion in the mid-1370s.

Its style was a mixture of English and French styles. As massive as it was, the tower was brought down during the 'Lange Siege' (Long Siege) in 1573.

After the siege, the smoking ruin was buried beneath the Half-Moon Battery.

The perimeter wall on either side was built during King Charles II reign (1649-85) to bolster the castle's defenses.


Dog Cemetery c.1837

Solidier's of the past often had dogs as pets and they too have their own pet cemetery. The oldest visible inscription is from 1881, a dedication to Jess, band pet of the Black Watch 42nd Royal Highlanders. The youngest headstone commemorates Winkle, who died in 1980 and was the “dear and faithful friend of Lady Gow and the Governor.”


Dury's Battery

Named after Captain Theodore Dury who rebuilt the castle’s south walls in the early 18th century.


Esplanade c.1753

The Castle Esplanade was laid out as a parade ground using soil from the building of the Royal Exchange.

It is home to numerous monuments and statues. See Memorials and Monuments heading below.


Foogs Gate

This was the principle gate to the Upper Ward.

The perimeter wall on either side was built during King Charles II reign (1649-85) to bolster the castle's defenses.


Forewall Battery

This battery defending the eastern end of the castle was rebuilt in 1544 on the approximate line of the old medieval defenses.

Reconstructed again in the 17th century, the Forewall battery is now armed with five iron guns made in 1810 during the Napoleonic Wars.


Governors House c.1742

Official residence of the governor who acts as the Commander of the Army in Scotland.


Great Hall c.1511

Completed for King James IV of Scotland, this hall was built to hold banquets but King James did not get to use it much, he died in 1513.

When Oliver Cromwell took the castle in 1650 he used it as a barracks. It later served as a military hospital, until 1886.

It now houses a great display of armour and weapons.


Half Moon Battery

So named because it resembles a semi-circle like a half moon.

Built after the 'Lange Siege' (about 1500 for James IV on the orders of the Regent Morton, these guns are referred to as the Seven Sisters'.


Honors of Scotland (aka Crown Jewels) c.1540

The Jewels consist of The Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State.

The Sceptre - Was presented to James IV by Pope Alexander VI in 1494 but redesigned by James V. It's a silver rod with figures of the Virgin Mary, St. James , and St. Andrew capped off with a crystal globe and a Scottish pearl.

The Sword of State - Was presented to James IV in 1507 by Pope Julius II. The Pope's name is etched on the blade along with that of the Apostiles Peter and Paul. It's wooded scabard is covered in silk and bears the Pope's name and coat of arms on an enamelled plate.

The original Crown - Was depicted in the portrait of King James IV in the 'Book of Hours' commissioned for his marriage to Margaret Tudor in 1503.

A redesigned crown dates to 1540 by order of James V is Scottish gold with 94 pearls, 10 diamonds, and 33 other stones. The velvet cushion it rests on is 350 years old.

Over the years, more jewels have been added to enrich the collection, and these include the Stewart Jewels with the large ruby ring said to have been worn by Charles I of England (r. 1625-1649) during his coronation in Westminster Abbey.

The jewels were at times in history removed for safe keeping against the English. They were finally locked up (1707) in an oak chest and forgotten until 1818 when Sir Walter Scott discovered them.

Belt of the Sword of State -consists of a silver clasp; the 'Lord High Treasure's Mace; and some miscellaneous jewels including a 'Coronation Diamond Ring' of Charles I.


Lange Stairs (Long Stairs)

An exterior flight of 70 stone steps of a steep curved stairway leading from the Portcullis Gate to the upper section of the castle.

At the bottom of the Lang Stairs, look up! The decoration high on the wall remembers Thomas Randolph who took charge of the castle by climbing up the steep rocky cliffs in 1314.


Main Entrance

The entrance is adorned on either side by inset statues of King Robert I (aka Robert The Bruce) and William Wallace the freedom fighter.


Mons Meg c.1449

Named for the town of Mons, Belgium, and designed by Frenchman Jehan Cambier, the cannon was presented to James II in 1547 as a wedding present.

This king sized cannon weighs six tons once fired 175 kilograms (386 lb) cannon balls over a distance of 3.2 km (2 miles).


National War Memorial

A tribute to the military who gave their lives in World war I and World War II, and other conflicts since 1945.

The Hall of Honor near the Shrine is a memorial to the twelve Scottish Regiments. There are separate memorials for the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and Mercantile Marine as well.

The memorial stands on the former site of the church of St Mary, which was used as a munitions store in the 1530s and torn down in 1755.


One O'clock Gun

A 105 mm gun that is fired each day at 1 pm (except Sundays), a tradition that began in 1861 as a navigational aid to passing ships.


The Palace

Located in Crown Square, it's a distinctive three story structure with clock tower.

Crown Square took shape over time, with King James IV completing the quadrangle in the early 1500s.


Queen Anne Building (aka Barracks) c.1708

In the Middle Ages, this location served as a kitchen to the Great Hall as well as the Gunhouse.

It was rebuilt in 1933 as the Naval and Military Museum to complement the Scottish National War Memorial.


Scottish United Services Museum

A great museum in Crown Square that recognises the military services such as the Royal North British Dragoons (aka Royal Scots Greys), Scottish Troop of Horse Grenadiers, Gordon Highlanders, Royal Artillery, Royal Engineers, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force.


St. Margaret's Chapel c.1130

Scotland’s oldest building was built by David I of Scotland in 1130. This was built in tribute to the King’s mother, Saint Margaret of Scotland.

St. Margaret’s Chapel was also used to store artillery ammunition as well as a camp for prisoners of war during the Jacobite rebellion (1745-1746) ,and the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815).


Stone of Scone (aka The Stone of Destiny)

It is a stool like oblong block of sandstone weighing 336 pounds (152 kg), measuring 26 inches (66 cm) by 16 inches (41 cm) by 11 inches (28 cm). A Latin cross is its only decoration.

Taken by Edward I of England in 1296, the Stone is a symbol of Scotland's nationhood.

It was the coronation stone for Scottish kings such as MacBeth.

In 1950 the stone was stolen from England's Westminster Abbey by Scottish nationalists who took it back to Scotland. In 1996 the British government officially "returned" the stone to Scotland.


Memorials on the Esplanade

[24][25][26]


Sir William Alexander, First Baron of Nova Scotia Plaque

By way of 'Taking Sasine' (receiving possession) Sir William colonized the new land he named "Nova Scotia'.


Ensign Charles Ewart Memorial and Grave

Ensign (Sergeant) Ewart took the enemy's standard (flag) during the battle of Waterloo.


The King’s Own Scottish Borderer's Memorial

David Leslie successfully defended the city of Edinburgh in 1689 with a group of men called the 'Borderer's Regiment'.


Field Marshal His Royal Highness Frederick Duke of York c.1839

Chief of the British Army in 1795.


King George III

He built Edinburgh's central area called 'New Town'.


Scottish Horse Memorial Cross c.1905

Horse Regiment killed during the South African War of 1901-1902.


The Runic Cross c.1862

In memory of the soldiers of the 78th Highland Regiment who died at the First Relief of Lucknow India in 1857 during the Indian Mutiny (1857-59).


72nd Highlanders Obelisk c.1883

For the solidier's of the Duke of Albany's 72nd highlanders who died in the Afghan campaigns of 1878-1880.


The Princess Louise’s Argyllshire Highlanders Fountain

In honor of the 9th Duchess of Argyll.


Gordon Highlanders

Honoring those who lost their lives in the South African war from 1899-1902 in Natal, Transvaal, Cape Colony and The Orange Free State.


Memorial Celtic Cross c.1861

in memory of Colonel Kenneth Douglas Mackenzie a member of the 92nd Highlanders.


The Witches’ Well

A cast iron fountain and plaque honors the Scottish people (witches) who were burned at the stake between the 15th and 18th centuries. They never received a proper trial.


Notable People

[27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42]


Alexander III of Scotland (1241-1286)

Born: Roxburgh, Scotland

Died: Kinghorn Ness, Fife, Scotland

Resting Place: Dunfermline Abbey, Dunfermline, Scotland

Bio Summary: Reign 1249-1286

Was married at 10 years old and lived in Edinburgh Castle.

Parents: Alexander II (1198-1249) and his second wife Marie de Coucy (1218-1285) Married 1239

Siblings: Unknown

Spouse Number 1: Margaret of England (1240-1275) Married 1251. (Married at age 11, and Alexander was age 10). She became Margaret Queen of Scots by marriage to Alexander III.

Issue: Margaret of Scotland (1261-1283), Alexander, Prince of Scotland (1264-1284), David (1272-1281)

Spouse Number 2: Yolande de Dreux (1263-1322) Married 1285

Issue: None


Donald Bane (aka King Donald III of Scotland) (1033-1099)

Born: Unknown

Died: Rescobie, Angus, Kingdom of Scotland

Resting Place: Dunfermline Abbey, later removed to Iona

Bio Summary: Reign: 1093-1097

Upon the death of his brother Malcolm III Canmore (1093) he took Edinburgh Castle and became king.

Parents: Duncan I (1001-1040) and Suthen Sibylla of Scotland (1009-1070)

Siblings: Malcolm III, King of Scotland (1031-1093)

Spouse: Unknown

Issue: Unknown


John Balliol (1248-1314), (aka John II) King of Scots

Born: Barnard Castle, Gainford, Durham, England

Died: Chateau Galliard, Normandy, Francemaphis was followed by the fall of Edinburgh Castle, and on 10 July 1296 John II, king of Scots , surrendered and was stripped of his authority.

Resting Place: Hélicourt, Tilloy-Floriville, Picardy, France

Bio Summary: Reign: 1292-1296

Turned out to be a weak king and was stripped of his title and put in the Tower of London prison after Edward I took Edinburgh Castle.

Parents: John I de Balliol (1208-1268) and Dervorguilla of Galloway (1218-1290)

Siblings: Margaret de Balliol (1235-XXXX), Hugh de Ballio (1239-1271), Cecily de Burgh (1240-1273), Alan de Balliol (1240-1271), Alexander de Balliol (1244-1278), Isabella Balliol (1248-XXXX), Ada Balliol (1248-XXXX), Alianora Balliol (1253-1302), Maud Balliol (1257-1340)

Spouse: Isabella de Warenne (1253-1295) Married 1279

Issue: Edward de Balliol (1283-1364)

For more information see WikiTree Profile Balliol-8


Hippolyte Blanc (1844-1917) Architect

Born: Edinburgh, Scotland

Died: 17 Strathearn Place, Morningside, Edinburgh, Scotland

Resting Place: Warriston Cemetery, Edinburgh, Scotland

Bio Summary: Did restoration work to Edinburgh Castle (1886).

Parents: Victor Jacques Blanc (XXXX-XXXX) and Sartia Bauress (XXXX-XXXX)

Siblings: 3 Others Unknown names

Spouse: Elizabeth Shield (XXXX-XXXX) Married 1873

Issue: Unknown


Charles I King of Scotland, England, Ireland (1600-1649)

Born: Dunfermline Palace, Rosyth, Scotland

Died: Palace of Whitehall, London, England

Resting Place: St George's Chapel, Windsor, England

Bio Summary: Reign: 1625-1649

From the House of Stuart, he was king until his execution in 1649 by beheading.

He was the last monarch to stay in the castle.

Parents: King James VI (1566-1625) and Anne of Denmark (1574-1619) Married 1589

Siblings: Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia (1596-1662), Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales (1594-1612), Robert Stuart, Duke of Kintyre and Lorne (1602-1602)

Spouse: Henrietta Maria (1609-1669) Married 1625

Issue: Charles II of England (1630-1685), James II of England (1633-1701), Mary, Princess Royal and Princess of Orange (1631-1660), Elizabeth Stuart (1635-1650), Anne Stuart, Princess of England (1637-1640), Catherine Stuart (1639-1639), Henry Stuart, Duke of Gloucester (1640-1660), Henrietta of England (1644-1670)


Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) General, English Army

Born: Huntingdon, Huntingdonshire, England

Died: Palace of Whitehall, London, England

Resting Place: Westminster Abbey

Bio Summary: Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland - 1653-1658

Oliver was educated at Huntingdon Grammar School and Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge.

He took Edinburgh Castle in 1650.

Parents: Robert Cromwell MP (1565-1617) and Elizabeth Stewart (1565-1654)

Siblings: Elizabeth Cromwell (1593-1672), Henry Cromwell (1595-1600), Catherine Henrietta Cromwell (1596-1660), Margaret Cromwell (1601-XXXX), Anne Cromwell (1602-1646), Jane Cromwell (1606-1656), Robert Cromwell (1608-1609), Robina Cromwell (1610-1660)

Spouse: Elizabeth Bourchier (1598-1665) Married 1620

Issue: Robert Cromwell (1621-1639), Oliver Cromwell (1623-1644, Bridget Cromwell (1624-1662), Richard Cromwell (1626-1712), Henry Cromwell (1628-1674), Elizabeth Cromwell (1629-1658), James Cromwell (1632-1632), Mary Cromwell (1637-1713), Frances Cromwell (1638-1720)

See WikiTree Profile Cromwell-39


David I (1124-1153) (aka Dauíd mac Maíl Choluim) King of Scotland

Born: ???? Scotland

Died: Carlisle, England

Resting Place: Dunfermline Abbey, Scotland

Bio Summary: Reign: 1124-1153

Founded Holyrood Abbey, and built St. Margaret’s Chapel at Edinburgh Castle in honour of his mother.

Parents: Malcolm III (1031-1093) and Margaret of Wessex (1046-1093)

Siblings: Edward, Edmund, Ethelred, Edgar of Scotland, Edith, Mary of Scotland, Alexander I of Scotland

Spouse Number: Maud, Countess of Huntingdon (1032-1130)

Issue: Henry of Scotland


David II (1324-1371) King of Scots

Born: Dunfermline Abbey, Dunfermline, Scotland

Died: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland

Resting Place: Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh, Scotland

Bio Summary: Reign 1329-1371

Married at age 4, he was crowned at only age 5 upon the death of his father.

Built 'Davids Tower' in the late 1300's.

Parents: King Robert I (aka Robert the Bruce) (1274-1329) and Elizabeth de Burgh (1284-1327)

Siblings: John (de Brus) Bruce (1327-XXXX)

Spouse Number 1: Joan of the Tower (1321-1362) Married 1328 (The marriage was in accordance with the terms of the Treaty of Northampton, she was 7 and David was 4).

Issue: None

Spouse Number 2: Margaret Drummond, Queen of Scotland (1340-1375) Married 1364

Issue: None

Mistress: Agnes Dunbar (XXXX-XXXX) (David died before he could marry her).

issue: None


Sir William Douglas Knight of Liddesdale (aka Flower of Chivalry) (1300-1353)

Born: Unknown

Died: Unknown

Resting Place: Melrose Abbey, Roxburghshire, Scotland

Bio Summary: Captured Edinburgh Castle for the Scots in 1341. (See Historical Highlights 1341 heading above).

Parents: Sir James Douglas (1286-1330)

Siblings: Archibald Douglas (1328-1400)

Spouse: Elizabeth ?? (XXXX-XXXX)

Issue: Mary Douglas (XXXX-XXXX)


James II of Scotland (1430-1460) King of Scots

Born: Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh

Died: Roxburgh Castle, England

Resting Place: Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh, Scotland

Bio Summary: Reign: 1437-1460

Ascended to the throne at 6 years old.

See Historical Highlights (1450) heading above.

Parents: King James I of Scotland (1394-1437) and Joan (Johanna) Beaufort (1404-1445)

Siblings: Alexander Stewart, Duke of Rothesay (1430-1430)

Spouse: Mary of Guelders (1434-1463) Married 1449 ​ Issue: Unnamed son (1450-1450), James III (1451-1488), Mary Stewart, Countess of Arran (1451-1488), Margaret (1453-XXXX), Alexander, Duke of Albany (1454-1485), David, Earl of Moray (1455-1457), John, Earl of Mar and Garioch (1456-1479),


James III of Scotland (1451-1488) King of Scots

Born: Stirling Castle, Stirling, Scotland

Died: Stirlingshire, Scotland

Resting Place: Cambuskenneth Abbey, Stirlingshire, Scotland

Bio Summary: Reign: 1460-1488

Ascended to the throne at age 8.

In 1470 James III arrested his two brothers Alexander and John when they plotted against him.

Parents: James II of Scotland (1430-1460) and Mary of Guelders (1434-1463)

Siblings: Unnamed son (1450-1450), James III (1451-1488), Mary Stewart, Countess of Arran (1451-1488), Margaret (1453-XXXX), Alexander, Duke of Albany (1454-1485), David, Earl of Moray (1455-1457), John, Earl of Mar and Garioch (1456-1479),

Spouse: Margaret of Denmark, Queen of Scotland (1456-1486) Married 1469

Issue: James IV of Scotland (1473-1513), James Stewart, Duke of Ross, (1476-1504), John Stewart, Earl of Mar (1479-1503)


James IV of Scotland (1473-1513) King of Scots

Born: Stirling Castle, Stirling, Scotland

Died: At the Battle of Flodden Field, Branxton, Northumberland, England

Resting Place: Richmond, Surrey, England

Bio Summary: Reign: 1488-1513

Ascended to the throne at 15 years old.

Very well educated , James spoke six languages. He also had an interest in science, law, and dentistry.

He built Holyrood Palace between 1501-1505, the Great Hall, and Quadrangle at Edinburgh Castle.

Parents: King James III Of Scotland (1451-1488) and Margaret Of Denmark (1456-1486)

Siblings: James Stewart, Duke of Ross (1476-1504), John Stewart, Earl of Mar (1479-1503)

Spouse Number 1: Margaret Tudor (1489-1541) Married 1503

Issue: James, Duke of Rothesay (1507-1508), Unnamed Daughter (1508-1508), Arthur, Duke of Rothesay (1509-1510), James V of Scotland (1512-1542), Unnamed Daughter (1512-1512), Alexander, Duke of Rothesay (1514-1515)

Mistress Number 1: Marion Boyd (XXXX-XXXX)

Issue: Alexander Stewart (1493-1513), Catherine Stewart (1495-1554)

Mistress Number 2: Margaret Drummond (1475-1501)

Issue: None

Mistress Number 3: Janet Kennedy (1480-1545)

Issue: James Stewart, 1st Earl of Moray (1500-1544)

Mistress Number 4: Isabel Stewart (XXXX-XXXX)

Issue: Janet Stewart, Lady Fleming (1502-1562)


James VI of Scotland, and I of England (James Charles Stuart) (1566-1625)

Born: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland

Died: Theobalds Estate, Goff's Oak, England

Resting Place: Westminster Abbey, London, England

Bio Summary: Reign: Scotland - 1567-1625; England and Ireland - 1603-1625

Became King at the age of 13 months and was the first monarch of both Scotland and England.

He sponsored the translation of the Bible into English later named after him, aka the King James Version.

Parents: Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley (1546-1567) and Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587)

Siblings: Unknown

Spouse: Anne of Denmark (1574-1619) Married 1589

Issue: Henry Frederick, Prince of Wales (1594-1612), Elizabeth Stuart (1596-1652), Margaret Stuart (1598–1600), Robert Bruce Stuart, Duke of Kintyre and Lorne (1602-1602), Mary Stuart (1605–1607), Charles I of England (1600-1649), Sophia Stuart (1606-1606)


Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange (1520-1573) Politician and Solider; Governor of the Castle of Edinburgh

Born: Fife, Scotland

Died: Mercat Cross, Edinburgh, Scotland

Resting Place: Unknown

Bio Summary: He was leader of Scotland’s Protestants in the reign of the Roman Catholic Queen Mary Stuart.

He murdered the powerful Cardinal David Beaton at St. Andrews Castle in May 1546.

In 1557 he joined the Protestant lords against the Roman Catholic Mary of Lorraine (Mary of Guise), mother of and Queen Regent for Mary Stuart.

Knighted at Holyrood Palace by Mary, Queen of Scots in 1562.

He led her supporters in holding Edinburgh Castle against the partisans of her young son, King James VI. The stronghold surrendered in May 1573, and three months later Kirkcaldy was hanged.

Parents: James Kirkcaldy of Grange (1490-1556) and Janet Melville (1494-1565)

Siblings: Agnes Kirkcaldy (1525-XXXX), James Kirkcaldy (1530-XXXX), Janet Kirkcaldy (1530-1580)

Spouse: Margaret Learmonth

Issue: Janet Kirkcaldy

For more information see WikiTree profile Kirkcaldy-2


Malcolm III (1031-1093) (aka Máel Coluim mac Donnchada) (aka Malcolm Canmore)

Born: Blair Atholl, Perthshire, Scotland

Died: Alnmouth, Northumberland, England

Resting Place: Tynemouth Castle and Priory. Reburied in Dunfermline Abbey, Scotland

Bio Summary: Reign: 1058-1093

The first King to occupy Edinburgh Castle and was the leader of five invasions in England.

Malcolm killed Macbeth in 1057 at the Battle of Lumphanan in Aberdeenshire, and also killed his son Lulach in 1058 at Huntly, Aberdeenshire.

Parents: Duncan I (1001-1040) and Suthen Sibylla of Scotland (1009-1070)

Siblings: Donald Bane (aka King Donald of Scotland) (1033-1079)

Spouse Number 1: Ingibiorg Finnsdottir (1030-1069)

Issue: Duncan II of Scotland (1069-1094), Donald (XXXX-1094), Malcolm (XXXX-1085)

Spouse Number 2: Margaret of Wessex (aka St. Margaret) (1045-1093)

Issue: Matilda of Scotland (1080-1118), David I of Scotland (1084-1153), Edgar, King of Scotland (1074-1107), Alexander I of Scotland (1078-1124), Mary of Scotland (1082-1116), Edmund of Scotland (1070-1097), Ethelred of Scotland (XXXX-1093), Edward Prince of Scotland (1068-1093)


Mary Queen of Scots (aka Mary I) (1542-1587) Queen of Scotland

Born: Linlithgow Palace, West Lothian, Scotland

Died: Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire, England (Executed)

Resting Place: Peterborough Cathedral, Cambridgeshire, England (1587); Re-buried Westminster Abbey (1612)

Bio Summary: Reign: (1542-1567)

Ascended to the throne at only six days old.

Her mother Mary (Marie) Guise acted as regent for the child until Mary became an adult.

Parents: James V of Scotland (1512-1542) and Mary (Marie) Guise (1515-1560)

Siblings: James Stewart, Duke of Rothesay (1540-1541), Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany (1541-1541)

Spouse Number 1: Dauphin Francois (aka Francis II of France) (1544-1560) Married 1558

Issue: None

Spouse Number 2: Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley (1546-1567) Married 1565 ​ Issue: James VI of Scotland, and James I of England (James Charles Stuart) (1566-1625)

Spouse Number 3: James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell (1534-1578) Married 1567

Issue: None (was raped by James but did not produce a child)


Queen Mary (aka Marie) of Guise (aka Mary (aka Marie) of Lorraine) (1515-1560) Queen Consort of Scotland

Born: Bar-le-Duc, France

Died: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland

Resting Place: Abbey of St. Pierre at Rheims

Bio Summary: Reign: 1538 until 1542

Mary was the second wife of King James V of Scotland and became queen upon her his death in 1542.

Parents: Claude, Duke of Guise (1496-1550), and Antoinette de Bourbon (1494-1583)

Siblings: Francis, Duke of Guise (1519-1563), Louise of Lorraine (1520-1542), Renee of Guise (1522-1602), Charles, Cardinal of Lorraine (1524-1574), Claude, Duke of Aumale (1526-1573), Louis, Cardinal of Guise (1527-1578), Philippe de Guise (1529-1529), Pierre de Guise (1530-XXXX), Antonie de Guise (1531-1561), Francois de Guise (1534-1563), Rene, Marquess of Elbeuf (1536-1566)

Spouse Number 1: Louis II, Duke of Longueville (1510-1537) Married 1534

Issue: François and Louis (XXXX-1537)

Spouse Number 2: King James V of Scotland (1512-1542) Married 1538

Issue: James, Duke of Rothesay (1540-1541), Robert, Duke of Albany (1541-1541) and Mary Stuart (Queen of Scots) (1542-1587).


Thomas Randolph 1st Earl of Moray (1285-1382) Solider, Diplomat

Born: Stranith, Dumfriesshire, Scotland

Died: Musselburgh, East Lothian, Scotland

Resting Place: Dunferline Abbey, Scotland

Bio Summary: Nephew of King Robert I (aka Robert the Bruce)

Captured Edinburgh Castle from the English in 1314 .

Regent to young David II

Parents: Sir Thomas Randolph (1231-1306) and Martha of Kilconquhar (1270-XXXX) (Robert's older half-sister)

Siblings: Unknown

Spouse: Isabel Stewart (XXXX-1351)

Issue: Thomas, 2nd Earl of Moray (1304-1332), John, 3rd Earl of Moray (1306-1346), Agnes Randolph (1312-1369), Isobel Randolph (1313-1361)

For more information see WikiTree profile Randolph-132


Robert I (aka Robert The Bruce) (aka Robert de Brus) (1274-1329)

Born: Turnberry Castle, Turnberry, Scotland

Died: Cardross, Dunbartonshire, Scotland

Resting Place: Dunfermline, Scotland

Bio Summary: Resistance fighter in Ayr; King of Scotland. It is likely that Robert set foot in the castle at some point in his life.

Parents: Robert (Bruce) Lord of Annandale and Earl of Carrick (1243-1304) and Marjorie Carrick, Countess of Carrick (1252-1292)

Siblings: Maud (Brus) de Brus Countess of Ross (1272-1326), Isabel (Brus) de Brus (1272-1358), Christian (Brus) de Brus, Countess of Mar (1273-1356), Mary (Brus) de Brus (1275-1323), Edward (Brus) de Brus (1276-1318), Margaret (Brus) de Brus (1276-1325), Neil (Brus) de Brus (1279-1306), Alexander (Brus) de Brus (1282-1307), Thomas (Brus) de Brus (1284-1307).

Spouse Number 1: Isabella Mar, Countess of Carrick (1278-1302) Married 1295

issue: Marjorie (de Brus) Bruce (1294-1317), Margaret (de Brus) Bruce (1300-1370), Neil (de Brus) Bruce (1300-1346)

Spouse Number 2: Elizabeth Burgh (1284-1327) Married 1302

Issue: Robert (de Brus) Bruce (1303-1332), Matilda (de Brus) Bruce (1303-1353), Margaret (de Brus) Bruce (1307-1346), Christina (de Brus) Bruce (1317-1329), Elizabeth (de Brus) Bruce (1317-1364), David (de Brus) Bruce (1324-1371), John (de Brus) Bruce (1327-XXXX)

See WikiTree Profile Bruce-129


Sir Walter Scott 1st Baronet, FRSE FSAScot (1771-1832) Scottish Novelist, Poet, Historian, and Biographer

Born: Old Town Edinburgh, Midlothian, Roxburghshire, Scotland

Died: Abbotsford, Roxburgh, Scotland

Resting Place: Dryburgh Abbey, Scotland

Bio Summary: Scott and a small team of military men found an oak chest in the castle which contained the Royal Jewels and was granted the title of Baronet by the Prince Regent.

There is so much more to his life that cannot fit into this small profile of him.

Parents: Walter Scott (1729-1799) and Anne Rutherford (1733-1819)

Siblings: John Scott (XXXX-XXXX), six others died in infancy

Spouse: Marguerite Charlotte Genevieve Charpentier (1770-1826) Married 1797

Issue: Charlotte Sophia Scott (1799-1837), Walter Scott (1803-1873), Anne Scott (1803-1833), Charles Scott (XXXX-XXXX),

For more information see WikiTree Profile Scott-3476


Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley (1546-1567) King Consort

Born: Temple Newsam, Yorkshire, England

Died: Kirk o' Field, Edinburgh, Scotland

Resting Place: Royal vault, Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh, Scotland

Bio Summary: Husband of Mary Queen of Scots

Parents: Matthew Stewart, 4th Earl of Lennox (1516-1571) and Lady Margaret Douglas (1515-1578)

Siblings: Unknown

Spouse: Mary Queen of Scots (1542-1587) Married 1565

Issue: James (the future King James VI of Scotland and I of England)


William the Lion (1142-1214) (aka William I, King of Scots)

Born: Huntingdon, England

Died: Stirling, Scotland

Resting Place: Arbroath Abbey, Arbroath, Scotland

Bio Summary: Reign: 1165-1214

Became King of Scots at age 21.

Parents: Henry of Scotland (XXXX-XXXX) and Ada de Warenne (XXXX-XXXX)

Siblings: Malcolm IV (1141-1165)

Spouse: Ermengarde de Beaumont (1170-1234) Married 1186

Issue: Margaret of Scotland, Countess of Kent (1193-1259), Isabella of Scotland , Countess of Norfolk (1195-1263), Alexander II of Scotland (1198-1249), Marjorie , Countess of Pembroke (1200-1244)


Military Presence

[43]


One of the castle buildings now house the Regimental Headquarters of the Royal Regiment of Scotland and the Regimental Headquarters of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys).


Military Tattoo

[44][45][46]


Held annually in the month of August on the castle esplanade, the Tattoo it is a series of military tattoos performed by British Armed Forces, Commonwealth and international military bands, and artistic performance teams on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle.

It was inspired by a simple show called 'Something About a Soldier' performed in 1949 at the Ross Bandstand in Princes Street Gardens just below the Castle.


Historical Points of Interest (Nearby)

[47][48][49]


Canongate Kirk c.1691

Located at 153 Canongate


St. Giles Cathedral c.13th century

Located along the Royal Mile,


Holyrood Palace c.1678

Located at the end of the Royal Mile,


The Makars Slabs

Located in Makars' Court, Lawnmarket Royal Mile Edinburgh, in the court yard outside the Writers' Museum.

A Makar was originally a reference to poets of fifteenth and sixteenth century Scotland. It now includes about 40 more recent writers as well.


Princes Street

The 1.2km (3/4 mile) shopping street running below the Edinburgh Castle. It originally was a medieval country lane known as the 'Lang Dykes' (Long Walls).

It was named Prince's Street after King George's eldest son, Prince George, Duke of Rothesay (later King George IV).

This street also features 'The Princes Street Gardens' which is one of the many green spaces in the heart of Edinburgh.


The Royal Mile

Made up of five interconnecting streets that run for one 'Scots Mile' (actually 1.8 km) from Holyrood Palace to Edinburgh castle.

The name derives from it being the traditional processional route of monarchs.


Tron Kirk c.17th century

Located at 122 High Street

Sources

  1. Edinburgh Geological Society; https://www.edinburghgeolsoc.org
  2. The Scotsman; https://www.scotsman.com
  3. Live Science; https://www.livescience.com
  4. Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
  5. Destination History; https://destinationhistorypod.com
  6. Cartwright, Mark. "Edinburgh Castle." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified April 14, 2021. https://www.worldhistory.org/Edinburgh_Castle/.
  7. Edinburgh Castle, Booklet, Her Majesty's Stationary Office, 1960
  8. Edinburgh News; https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com
  9. Spooky Scotland; https://spookyscotland.net
  10. Stuart Wilson; Personal Visit 2019
  11. The Royal Mile; http://www.royal-mile.com
  12. https://www.roy-stevenson.com
  13. Edinburgh Castle; https://blog.edinburghcastle.scot
  14. Uncover Travel; https://uncover.travel
  15. Atlas Obscura; https://www.atlasobscura.com
  16. https://www.roy-stevenson.com
  17. Stuart Wilson; Personal visit 2019
  18. The Royal Mile; http://www.royal-mile.com
  19. Edinburgh Castle, Booklet, Her Majesty's Stationary Office, 1960
  20. Google; https://www.google.com
  21. Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
  22. Britannica; https://www.britannica.com
  23. History; https://www.history.com
  24. All About Edinburgh; https://www.allaboutedinburgh.co.uk
  25. Atlas Obscura; https://www.atlasobscura.com
  26. Stuart Wilson; Personal visit 2019
  27. Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
  28. Britannica; https://www.britannica.com
  29. English Monarchs; https://www.englishmonarchs.co.uk
  30. Undiscovered Scotland; https://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
  31. Dictionary of Scottish Architects; http://www.scottisharchitects.org.uk
  32. Britannica; https://www.britannica.com/biography/Oliver-Cromwell
  33. OSU; https://ehistory.osu.edu/biographies/oliver-cromwell
  34. The Douglas Archives; https://www.douglashistory.co.uk
  35. Electric Scotland; https://electricscotland.com
  36. The Royals; https://www.royal.uk
  37. Scot Clans; https://www.scotclans.com
  38. Mary Queen of Scots; https://www.maryqueenofscots.net
  39. World History Encyclopedia; https://www.worldhistory.org
  40. Hidden Scotland; https://hiddenscotland.co
  41. Historic UK; https://www.historic-uk.com
  42. Google; https://www.google.com
  43. Stuart M. Wilson; Personal visit, 2019
  44. The Royal Military Edinburgh Tattoo; https://www.edintattoo.co.uk/
  45. Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org/
  46. Stuart M. Wilson; Personal visit, 2019
  47. Wikipedia; https://en.wikipedia.org
  48. Google Maps; https://www.google.com/maps
  49. All About Edinbutgh; https://www.allaboutedinburgh.co.uk




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