As many of you might imagine, Edinburgh was a fort in the middle ages. The name of the city dates back to the 7th century when the English captured this part of Scotland and called it Eiden’s burgh (this last word is an old word for fort). The Scots were able to recapture this part of land on the 10th century and King Malcom III built a castle on Castle Rock, thus enabling the creation of a small town nearby. By the 12th century, Edinburg had become a considerable community.
Medieval Edinburgh made wool cloth, animal hides, cattle, sheep and grain. But the newly born city was in constant fight against the English, but by resisting and keep on growing it became Scotland’s capital in the 15th century. By 1550, Edinburgh had a population of 15,000, which meant a large town in those times. A bit earlier, in 1513, the Scots built a southern wall to defend from the English but they didn’t finish it until 1560. Since the 12th century, Scotland started building many castles for protection, some of them are ruins nowadays, but many others still offer a living to some lucky ones. Let’s take a look at some of them.
BEST CASTLES IN EDINBURGH
- The first castle in Edinburgh was built in the 12th century, we are talking about the Edinburgh Castle, but it still is under construction, it has multiple buildings of different periods including 19th century barracks.
- The Craigmillar Castle began its building in the 14th century, granted to Sir Simon Preston in 1374. Burnt by the English in 1543. The castle is in state care since 1946.
- Cramond Tower was built in the 15th century and still remains a private residence after a 19th century restoration.
- Dundas Castle, built in the 15th century, was used as a barrage balloon base during the Second World War.
- Lauriston Castle was built in the 16th century and is owned by the City of Edinburgh’s Council, it is still in use and perfect shape.
A PALACE-CASTLE IN EDINBURGH THAT DESERVES A VISIT
- The Palace of Holyroodhouse or Holyrood Palace is the official residence of the British monarch in Scotland, Queen Elizabeth II. It is on the opposite side to Edinburgh’s Castle and is a currently a setting for official entertaining. You must go and visit it.
Edinburgh is a beatiful city. It really deserves a visit of at least three complete days. In The Nomadvisor you have plenty of information about the city and many other parts of Scotland if you like. There is even a complete post on Where to stay in Edinburgh: Best areas and neighbourhoods. Take a look at it and plan your trip to Scotland now !
