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Edinburgh Castle

Presence on the Castle Rock

This book tells the long story of man's presence on the Castle Rock from its beginnings in the Bronze Age, through the Rock's great eminence as a fortress, royal palace, treasury and arsenal, up to the late 20th century when Edinburgh Castle has become one of the most visited places in Scotland.

Historic building

Edinburgh Castle is a stronghold on the Castle Rock in the center of the city of Edinburgh. The castle has been used by assorted military forces since 900 AD. Three sides of Edinburgh Castle are protected by sheer cliffs and access to the castle was limited to a steep road on the eastern side.
Edinburgh Castle is a majestic landmark, which dominates the capital city's skyline. After the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle is the next most visited ancient monument in Britain. Edinburgh Castle has dominated Scotland's long and colorful history and is the best known and most visited of Scotland's historic buildings.

On an extinct volcano

The castle lies at the top of the Royal Mile, the principal street of the Old Town, which leads down to Holyrood Palace. The castle is open to visitors, and is managed by Historic Scotland. It is Scotland's leading paid tourist attraction. Situated on an extinct volcano and offering stunning views, this instantly recognizable fortress is a powerful national symbol, and part of Edinburgh's World Heritage site.

Nor Loch

Historically there was a loch on the north side of Edinburgh Castle, called the Nor Loch. Nor Loch was drained in the Georgian era when the New Town was constructed, as by this point the castle had lost much of its defensive role and Nor Loch was used as an open sewer.

St. Margaret's Chapel

The oldest building in the castle, and in Edinburgh, is St. Margaret's Chapel, which dates to the start of the 12th century. The Parish Church of Edinburgh Castle is the Kirk of the Canongate, where the Governor of the Castle has his own pew.