Once upon a time there was a sleeping volcano, an unpronounceable name, and a whole bunch of other stuff
Ah, Edinburgh Castle, that stone masterpiece towering over the city from the top of Castle Rock!
How awesome is that?
But who built it, and what is its story?
If you want the answer to these questions, you’ll find everything in our article—so get ready for a seriously in-depth explanation. And even if you don’t want it, you’re getting it anyway.
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The legendary origins of Edinburgh Castle, or: what you’re about to read might be complete nonsense
The origins of Edinburgh Castle go all the way back to prehistory, when the dormant volcano of Castle Rock, formed by ancient eruptions, became the perfect place for a defensive settlement.
It’s not as if the area’s first inhabitants were planning to build a castle from the start, but you know, a high vantage point from which to scan the Scottish landscape and spot troublemakers right away is always useful.
Archaeologists have found traces here dating back to the Bronze Age, suggesting that the site was used for defensive and perhaps ceremonial purposes.
It seems that the first fortress built on this site dates back to the 7th century and was called Eidyn. It is mentioned in an ancient poem that may trace its construction to the wishes of a man named Mynyddog Mwynfawr.
And no, it’s not a joke, that really was his name.
So, the answer to the question “Who built Edinburgh Castle?” would appear to be “Mynyddog Mwynfawr.” A prize goes to anyone who can pronounce it without twisting their tongue.
But how does the legend of the fortress continue?
The Angles (ancestors of the English) arrive, cause chaos, and conquer the castle, occupying it and giving it the name Edinburgh, meaning “Edwin’s fortress,” in honor of the king who took control of the area.
The turbulent life of Edinburgh Castle
During the Middle Ages, Edinburgh Castle began to emerge from myth and appear clearly in historical chronicles.
King Malcolm III, nicknamed “Canmore,” used it as his personal residence.
However, the real upgrade came with his son David I, whose contribution was essential in raising the settlement to the rank of royal capital. David I didn’t just sit back and enjoy the castle he inherited, but also oversaw the construction of important structures: the oldest and still intact of these is St Margaret’s Chapel, which survives as a testament to the deep devotion of his mother, Malcolm III’s wife.
In the following years, the construction of buildings such as the Great Hall and the introduction of the Honours of Scotland (the crown, sword, and scepter symbolizing the power of the Scottish monarchy) added a touch of royalty to the citadel.
But it certainly wasn’t all smooth sailing. The Scots’ neighbors were still the English, and with them just a stone’s throw away, peace and quiet were never guaranteed.
During the Wars of Independence against the English in the 13th and 14th centuries, for example, the fortress was fiercely contested by both sides. In 1314, King Robert the Bruce ordered it to be demolished to prevent his hated enemies from using it. A few decades later, the castle was rebuilt by his son David II, who added David’s Tower.
And then came plenty more trouble, so much so that the Scots decided to make it even stronger by adding the Half Moon Battery, a formidable line of cannons.
And so, always at the heart of an epic struggle to maintain independence from neighboring England, Edinburgh Castle became a strategic royal stronghold and an enduring symbol of Scottish sovereignty.
From Walter Scott’s bold proposal to the present day: Edinburgh Castle in modern times
In the centuries that followed, the ancient castle became a military barracks and a prison for pirates, rebels, and prisoners of war. St Margaret’s Chapel was even turned into a storehouse for artillery.
But then came the definitive transition from defensive fortress to national monument, when in 1818 Sir Walter Scott persuaded the future George IV to put the jewels on display so that everyone could see them.
We mean the Honours of Scotland, of course!
From that moment on, Edinburgh Castle began its new life, attracting visitors from all over the world and even becoming part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today it is the capital’s main attraction, hosting the Edinburgh Military Tattoo every year, a festival of music and military performances in perfect Scottish style.
And let’s not forget the cannon fired at noon, which startles unsuspecting visitors every day but is much loved by locals for its precision.
In conclusion
Edinburgh Castle is a legendary fortress that has seen it all, from legendary kings with impossible names to centuries-long wars between the English and the Scots.
It has gone from being a simple defensive settlement atop a sleeping volcano to becoming an enduring symbol of local history, complete with chapel, tower, and an extraordinary collection of jewels. And today it stands there, ready to be visited by you too.
So, how about joining us to experience the thrill of the Half Moon Battery’s blank cannon fire ringing in our ears? And of course, we’ll also take the chance to see lots of other amazing places around Scotland.
Want to know more?
Take a look at the itinerary for our 8-day Highlands tour and then start packing your backpack for your next departure!
