Edinburgh part 3. Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Click on the picture to see 360 yt video of the castle

 This most famous of Scottish castles has a complex building history. The oldest part, St Margaret's Chapel, dates from the 12th century; the Great Hall was

erected by James IV around 1510; the Half Moon Battery by the Regent Morton in the late 16th century; and the Scottish National War Memorial after the First World War.

The Crown of Scotland, Sword of State and Sceptre of Scotland.

Stone of Scone - Stone of Destiny

The Stone of Destiny, the coronation rock of early kings and queens of Scotland, is now on display at the castle. In the 13th century, the English captured the stone and took it to Westminster Abbey. The Stone remained in England for coronations; in 1996, the Stone of Destiny returned to Scotland.

Castle entrance 

 At the entrance there are two statues. On the left is Robert the Bruce, on the right is William Wallace. In the center is the royal arms with the Scottish red lion, and Latin motto:
 "Nemo me impune lacessit" which means "Attack me, and there will be consequences."

.

Who is William Wallace?

William Wallace is one of Scotland's most famous historical figures. He fought for Scotland's independence over 700 years ago, leading his army in raids on English forces and in major battles at Stirling Bridge and Falkirk.

Hero or murderous rebel?

William Wallace was a national hero to his fellow Scots, but a murderous rebel so far as the English were concerned, and they reckoned no death was too unpleasant for him.

Wallace's death was as unpleasant as you could get. 

Wallace led the Scottish rebellion against Edward I and inflicted a famous defeat on the English army at Stirling Bridge. He showed no mercy to prisoners.

Wallace was seized near Glasgow and was charged and tried with treason, which he denied, saying he had never sworn allegiance to the English king.

He is remembered as a patriot and national hero to many Scots.

 William Wallace was a military legend who was portrayed in a famous film: "Braveheart" by Mel Gibson.

Who is Robert the Bruce?
Robert the Bruce or Robert I was the King of Scots during the early 14th century. He was a great military leader and perhaps the best known Scottish hero of all times.


He led the Scots in the Scottish War for Independence against English forces under Edward I and Edward II.

His single most notable achievement was securing Scotland’s independence, for which he is revered in his country, even to this day by signing of Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton with Edward III of England.

.

The vaults are said to be haunted by at least nine entities. Among these include a boy called Jack who tugs on visitor's clothing. If you are interested in spooky stories about Edinburgh visit: http://www.ghostclub.org.uk/edinburgh.htm

Interior of St Margaret's Chapel

Edinburgh Castle is a fortress that sits on a pile of volcanic rock, and is visible throughout the city. Strategically situated, the castle was attacked over and over in wars between the Scots and English, and during the Jacobite rebellion.

If you want to learn more about the castle check out:
https://travelforkids.com/Funtodo/Scotland/edinburgh-city/edinburgh-castle.htm

or watch a video by Rick Stevens who can show you around Edinburgh:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk6B4YyQSbo&t=106s