Edinburgh Castle
First documented around 100 AD by the Romans as "Alauna", or Rock Place, where some people were living. Local history, being in Scottish, is impossible to understand if any Rs are in the words, so this is what we have.Around 400-600, various local kings and leaders had a settlement in this area and there was much conflict around the point. At 1000ish, the real castle was begun in earnest (well, the very small point at the top because stone is expensive).
Taken over by the English in 1296 in a power move to own Scotland, it was back and forth during the wars of independence until 1357. Well, let's just say over the next 600 years, there was a lot of competition for the throne and Zillow had it as a mixed neighborhood to settle down.
In the late 1800s, when acceptance of Scottish identity was mainstream (thanks to Sir Walter Scott), it was determined that the castle, as a core piece of that history, should be revered, fixed up, and centered for its Scottish uniqueness.
The Arrival - Walking Up The Royal Mile
So, for a super long time, the castle was like on its own atop the hill along a road called the Royal Mile (but originally was a couple roads between Holyrood Palace and the castle). On the main cross street, High Street (look, Edinburgh is like 8 stories of difference in roads in the space of 1/2 mile, so, High Street is high up) was the big market along with some official buildings. In the early 1800s, tons of buildings went up and now it's mostly tourist shops and dining).It's a fairly steep walk no matter what direction you come from; I came from High Street. It's also mobbed with people. 15 minutes is a good plan for how long it takes from High Street to the entrance (that is if you ignore the shops. Linger at your own peril).
Then it was to the Esplanade, and waiting for my entrance time that I had booked online.
Entering and Lower Ward
One enters from the Esplanade, through the gatehouse, up the narrow causeway to the portcullis gate. Then you are in the lower ward. Home of the Scottish National War Museum, 1 o'clock gun, a cafe, and various support buildings.Scottish Military Museum
The Scottish national museum of military is inside the castle, documenting from olden times to the modern, the stories and used items of Scottish military.Royal Scotts Museum
So, also on the grounds is the barracks and museum for the Royal Scots, the premiere unit from Scotland for 300 or so years. Origins, battles, and modern-day duties are highlighted in a couple of buildings.Upper Ward
Having several layers of defense, the upper keep is the last line before the royal quarters are reached and the castle would fall. It's been taken a few times over the centuries. Not here for just show!
First gate to overcome
Long range greetings sent from here
Every day at 1pm, the cannon is fired
Literally a 'commanding view' of the city
The military museum area
Scottish military museum
Utilized as a prison in the 1700's
Most of the prisoners were American revolutionaries
Looks crowded, but there were more rats than prisoners
World War 2
Handheld bludgeons and boom booms
Firearms through the ages
Uniforms, WW1 and onwards
18th century firearms
Sporrans, or... kilt purses
Women in harms way
Yep, a shop
Not a happy time in 1941 for them
Stabbing people someplace. Actually a very famous scene in France
The 2nd building of the Royal Scots
Of course they have a store
Into the upper reach, or the last walled section of the castle
St. Margaret's Chapel, oldest surviving building here (1130)
More greeting cannons for enemies
The most center and protected area
Where the crown jewels are, but no pictures allowed, so I have none to show you
The great hall, where the coronation and such important matters were handled
Original roof timbers, in a norse pattern. They used non-union labor for these
I'm sure that was easy to keep fed with about a tree an hour
The Scottish national memorial to the fallen in war
Royal Quarters, were yes, the famous Mary Queen of Scots stayed
And of course we have a shop for the royal quarters too
Summary
Well, one, it's a castle, so it's already cool. Two, it's THE Scottish castle and a sign of national identity, so, double cool. Also you can load up on your Scot stuff - tartans, shortbread, things you never knew were Scottish.Busy as heck, first run of the day is the lightest group it seems. If you want to see the royal jewels, make your way there first off. Also, this is good for kids and adults alike.