Top 10 Facts about the Edinburgh Castle

By Suicasmo – Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about the Edinburgh Castle

This Castle is one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks. It has defined the city’s dramatic landscape since time immemorial.

More than 2 million visitors go to the castle in a year making it the most visited landmark in the city.

The castle is built on a volcanic rock that is more than 350 million years ago. It is undeniably the most magnificent castle with a rich history and breath-taking views.

A lot of tales about the castle have been told from ghosts, espionage, pirates and many more.

This historic fortress was occupied by David I in the 12^th century, it continued to be a royal residence until the 17^th century.

It was turned into military barracks and garrison. In the 19^th century, the castle became a national heritage and restoration work was done.

As one of the most important landmarks in Scotland, there is a lot that can be said about this Castle.

Here are the Top 10 Facts about the Edinburgh Castle.

1. The castle was once home to an elephant

You read that right, an elephant once lived like royalty in this castle.

This is how the elephant got to the castle; the 78^th Highland regiment brought the elephant with him from Sri Lanka after an expedition in 1838.

The elephant was to be their regimental mascot. It was a strange sight for many at first, but soon enough the residents and locals got used to it.

This familiarity was extended to the elephant who developed a taste of beer.

It headed the regimental parades and marching bands. The elephant’s toenail is on display in the Scottish War Museum.

2. The Edinburg Castle is on top of a Volcano

Photo by Jörg Angeli on Unsplash

The volcano that the castle is sitting on is dormant. Its last eruption was more than 350 million years ago.

Archaeologists have found evidence that shows that humans have been living in the area around the rock since 850 B.C.

The castle was built in the 12^th century on top of the volcano. This proved to be a vantage point in defending the castle from attack.

The summit of the castle is 130 metres above sea level while the rear is 80 metres above the surrounding landscape.

This means that the only way to access the castle is on the east side where the ridge slope is gentle.

3. It’s the most besieged place in Britain

Although the Edinburgh Castle is set on a rock and was a fortress for the longest time, it was not spared by determined attackers.

The castle has witnessed more than 20 attempts from hostile attackers to take over the castle.

The Longshanks Siege of 1296 saw Edward I loot the castle and shipped all its treasures to London.

In 1314, a group of more than 30 men were said to have attempted to climb up the steep rockface of the castle. They failed since their ladder could not reach the ramparts.

Another siege that the castle faced was between 1571-1573 during the Lang Siege. They had declared their support for Queen Mary of Scots.

4. The Castle is believed to be the most haunted in Scotland

Photo by Stefano Pollio on Unsplash

The Edinburgh Castle is said to be one of the most haunted places in Scotland.

There are resident ghosts that have names and many people have reported paranormal activities in the castle.

The ghosts are said to be in the underground tunnels, one who happens to be boy plays the pipe.

Visitors to the castle said they have seen shadowy figures, a sudden change in temperature, goosebumps and so many other unusual feelings.

5. The Ghosts in the castle have names

The resident ghosts of the Edinburgh castle have names. These are names associated with the last activity they did while still alive.

One of the ghosts is known as the Lone Piper. He is said to be a young boy who disappeared within the castle tunnels while playing the bagpipe.

The other ghost is known as the Dung Prisoner. This ghost is found in the castle dungeons where the prisoners were frequently caned.

The ghost is said to belong one of the prisoners that died in the dungeon. Visitors have reported witnessing strange clouds of mist and coloured orbs.

There is also the Headless Drummer Boy. Occupants of the castle in 1650 reported having seen a headless boy wandering through the castle walls.

6. Margaret’s Chapel is the oldest building in Scotland

Photo by By Jonathan Oldenbuck – Wikimedia

The buildings at the Castle were built at different times due to its embattled history.

The oldest building here in St. Margaret’s Chapel which was built in the 12^th century. This commissioned by David I in the memory of his mother, the queen.

It was named after Queen Margaret who was the consort Malcolm III of Scotland.

She was famous for her piousness although she died a few days after learning of King Malcolm’s death in battle.

The Chapel was the only structure that was spared by Robert the Bruce when he captured the castle in 1314.

7. The Great Hall in the Castle held many a banquet and state visit

The Great Hall in the Edinburgh castle has held several banquets and state visit since its completion in 1511, it was built for King James IV.

The hall has an innovative structure on its wall known as the Lord’s Ear.

This is a small window built into the wall that King James IV used to spy on his guests.

The window was blocked during the visit of former Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev.

This hall was later converted into a military hospital in 1887.

8. The Scottish National War Museum used to be a storehouse for ordnance

By Stefan Schäfer – Wikimedia

This building dates back to the 1700s, it served as a military hospital. This building is dedicated to warfare.

Now a Museum, the building boasts of artefacts and personal items ranging from letters, campaigns, highland broadswords to chemical warfare suits.

It was opened in 1933 in the converted 18th-century ordnance storehouse.

The National Museums Scotland runs the museum which has Scotland’s history from more than 400 years ago. There are both permanent and special exhibitions in the museum.

9. The Scottish crown jewels were lost in the castle for years

This is one of the Honours of Scotland, it comprises of the Crown, the Sceptre and Sword of State. They were used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs.

The crown jewel was the only British regalia that survived the purge by Oliver Cromwell.

It got locked in a chest in Edinburgh Castle in 1707 and was forgotten for about a century.

They were rediscovered by Sir Walter Scott in 1818. The Crown jewel is on display in the castle.

10. There’s a dog cemetery on the grounds of the castle

The Castle has a small plot of land that has been dedicated to dogs of Scottish battalions dating back to 1840.

One of the dogs that are resting here is Jess. He was the mascot of the Black Watch 42^nd highlanders.

There is Dobbler too who followed the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders from China to Sri Lanka and South Africa.

They are honoured for their loyalty and service to the country by being buried on the castle grounds.