It’s thought that there was an Iron Age Fort on this site long before the Castle was built.
Since David I in the 12th century, there has been a Royal Castle here, at the top of the Royal Mile. It continued to be a Royal Residence right up till 1633. After that, it was primarily used as a military barracks.
Edinburgh Castle was one Scotlands most import military strongholds during the Wars of Independence in the 14th century, right through to the Jacobite Rising of the 18th century.
It’s said that during its 1100 years, it has been the site of 26 sieges, leading to the claim that it is the ‘most besieged place in Great Britain and one of the most attacked in the world’.
St Margaret’s Chapel, from the 12th, is said to be the oldest building in Edinburgh.
The Royal apartments are in the Royal Palace. Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI here in 1566. The Scottish Crown Jewels are kept in Crown Room of this building. You can walk round the building but are not allowed to photograph them. The Stone of Destiny is also kept here. Scottish Monarchs were traditionally Crowned on the Stone.
Although the Army formally moved from Edinburgh Castle, they still have a barracks here, and it’s one of the few ancient castles in Britain to still have a military garrison.
The one o’clock gun sounds Monday to Saturday.
Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland’s most haunted locations.
The dungeons are reportedly haunted by former prisoners.
A headless drummer has been seen many times, with the first sighting before Cromwell attacked the castle in 1650. He is rarely seen, said to only appear when the castle is in danger, however the sound of drumming is regularly reported.
Lady Janet Douglas of Glamis, was accused of witchcraft and conspiring to kill King James V. People have reported seeing her apparition in the corridors.
Knocking is repeatedly heard at night, along with ghostly shadows
I’ve been to the castle many times over the years, with my last visit being in March a couple of years ago. It’s always extremely busy, even in March as you can see in my photos- Kaz
Project Paranormal 