Edinburgh castle is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It dates back to the twelfth century. It is now a museum and a tourist attraction and has served many different purposes in the history, but it is uncertain as to what exactly its purpose was back when it was constructed and the reason why it was constructed. The interesting bit is that it sits atop an extinct volcano. Did the people back then know that the rock is volcanic? If so, did they know it was extinct? Enjoy the read, we have listed down ten amazing facts about the castle itself.
10. MONS MEG CANNON
Mons Meg Cannon is a gigantic supergun that was made around 1449. It used to fire huge solid cannon balls made out of stone; almost thrice the size of an average human head. Considering the year it was made, it is to my amazement really that the cannon could be fired at a distance of 2 miles. Please note that the cannon ball used to weigh 400 pounds. The ritual of firing the One O’Clock Gun continues to date. The gun is fired at one every day except for Sunday. This particular ritual first began in 1861.
9. EDINBURGH MILITARY TATTOO
This particular event takes place in August in Scotland at nighttime. The entire event is telecasted all over the world and thousands of people come to witness this amazing spectacle. Hundreds of bagpipes and drums are played while you see the Scottish regiment parade in their traditional kilt. You get to hear Scottish songs, see various performances and witness amazing display of fireworks. The event ends with a mournful tune, to pay respect to the dead.
8. LAIRD’S LUGS
If you happen to visit the Great Hall of the Castle, you will notice a window far above the fireplace. These holes or windows are called Laird’s Lugs in Scotland and that means ‘Lord’s ears’. King James IV would use this hole to eavesdrop on important meetings. When Gorbachev planned to visit the castle in the year 1984, the Soviet national security insisted that the hole should be closed because it was just that effective.
7. HAUNTED
It is reported that Edinburgh Castle is one of the most haunted places in all of Scotland. The most famous ghost of the castle is Lone Piper. Several secret tunnels were discovered underground. They ran from the castle to different parts of the city. A piper boy was sent down the tunnels and he was asked to keep playing the piper so his progress could be charted. The piper stopped and a search party was sent. He had vanished. Legend has it that you can sometimes hear a piper from within the grounds. That is scary.
6. MYTH
Do you believe in superstitions? Even if you don’t, I am sure you will not be willing to try this one out. This particular superstition applies to the students of University of Edinburgh. It is said that if they ever pass through the gates of the castle, they shall fail their final examinations. Many students are terrified because of this particular superstition. They aren’t really in a position to test it either because what if it actually stands true. Failing the final examinations is not worth a visit to the Castle. You guys can go after you graduate though, the curse will be lifted.
5. STONE OF DESTINY
Edinburgh Castle is home to the Crown Jewels of Scotland and with them rests the ‘Stone of Destiny’ also knows as ‘Stone of Scone’. It is a traditional coronation stone of all the Kings and Queens of England and Scotland. That stone has been fought for by England and Scotland many a times. There are rumors that the actual stone does not exist anymore and that it was swapped for a fake one somewhere in the thirteenth century. The actual stone is hidden. It is uncertain whether anyone knows its location, of course it this legend is true.
4. DUNGEONS
Dungeons are common to almost every castle around the world. There are several dungeons in this particular castle as well. Many prisoners over time have been held in these dungeons and forgotten about (death in solitude; what a painful way to die). There is a dungeon right below the floor of King James’ birth chamber. It is not known as to who was put in that dungeon. Not many people are aware of its existence. Now, I am not sure, but if you are in the area, try visiting and take a closer look.
3. ST. MARGARET’S CHAPEL
The several buildings of the Edinburgh Castle date between the twelfth century and the eighteenth century. So which is the oldest building? It has to be the St. Margaret’s Chapel. It is actually the oldest building in all of Scotland and was constructed in the early twelfth century in the memory of Queen Margaret. The legend has it that she died in the year 1093 because of a broken heart. She heard the news of the death of her husband and she could not handle it. Her husband was King Malcolm III.
2. THE CASTLE
The castle itself has not only been used as a place of royal residence. The castle has been used as a prison and a military garrison as well. The Edinburgh Castle is one of the most important castles in Scotland. It has been attacked numerous times and it was the center of many wars. These days however, it serves as a national monument (an important one at that), a museum and a tourist attraction. It dominates the skyline of the entire city and is pretty easy to spot. If you are around, do give the place a visit; you will not regret it.
1. CASTLE ROCK
Castle Rock makes the top of the list. According to the archaeological reports this rock is said to be around 700 million years old. It used to be volcanic but now that is extinct. Castle Rock sits almost in the middle of the city and to think it used to be volcanically active. Traces of human inhabitance have been found since the Bronze Age, that is to say around 850 BC. A royal castle has been on the very spot since the twelfth century. Considering this, the rock is very aptly named.