Stirling Castle

Stirling, United Kingdom

Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles, both historically and architecturally, in Scotland. The castle is a great symbol of Scottish Independence and a source of enduring national pride. Its strategic location, guarding what was, until the 1890s, the farthest downstream crossing of the River Forth, has made it an important fortification from the earliest times. Stirling Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, and is now a tourist attraction managed by Historic Scotland.

The legacy of Stirling’s long history is complex. It is first mentioned around 1110, in Alexander I’s reign; he died here in 1124. Throughout the Wars of Independence with England (1296–1356), Stirling was hotly fought over, changing hands frequently. Bloody battles were fought in its shadow – Wallace’s great victory over Edward I at Stirling Bridge (1297), and Bruce’s decisive encounter with Edward II at Bannockburn (1314). Bruce then destroyed the castle to prevent it falling into enemy hands again.

Stirling was the favoured residence of most of Scotland’s later medieval monarchs. Most contributed to its impressive architecture. In James IV’s reign (1488–1513), Scotland was increasingly receptive to Classical ideas spreading across Europe from Renaissance Italy. James spent much time and money making the castle fit for a European monarch, chiefly to impress his queen, Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII of England.

His legacy was continued by his son, James V, equally determined to impress his second bride, Queen Mary of Guise. Their daughter, Mary Queen of Scots, was crowned here in 1543, and Mary Queen of Scots’ own son, the future James VI, was baptised here in 1566. The celebrations culminated in a fireworks display on the Esplanade, the first recorded use in Scotland.

At the castle's heart lies the Inner Close, around which are ranged the most important buildings – the King’s Old Building (built for James IV in 1496), the Great Hall (James IV around 1503), the Palace (James V around 1540) and the Chapel Royal (James VI in 1594). Around the Outer Close are the Great Kitchens (early 16th century) and later Army buildings. The Nether Bailey occupyies the lowest part of the castle rock. It houses 19th-century powder magazines.

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Founded: 12th century
Category: Castles and fortifications in United Kingdom

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Andrew Tyler (4 months ago)
#join historic Scotland first! Excellent guided tour for about an hour. Then wander around and look at the sights! Beautiful gardens and lots of history. Excellent family destination. Allow 2.5 hours for thorough exploration
Amrit Singh (4 months ago)
Great experience to experience and learn about such an important part of Scottish history. The views from the castle walls were just fantastic and helps convey just why the castle is situated where it is and value it held in controlling the area in historic times. Can't believe it took so long despite living about 20 minutes away my whole life!
GREG Baiocchi (4 months ago)
A castle dating back to the 1100s. An interesting look at Scottish history (monarchy, wars, architecture). Many of the rooms in the palace had guides in period dress ready to explain history, features, etc. Has numerous interactive exhibits. Strongly recommend a guided tour to maximize the experience. You can easily spend 3 hours here and not cover it all.
tom wilson (4 months ago)
Breathtakingly beautiful Castle with exquisite views from a multitude of vantage points. Walk through almost every inch of this Castle, and receive a full history lesson on all that happened there. Actors are inside the main halls and queens chambers, giving full (in character) stories of the Queens business matters. Very educational and fun as well. Highly recommend
Jeffery Smithwick (5 months ago)
One of our favorite castles to have visited. You could almost feel yourself walking inside as you walk from courtyard to courtyard. The exhibits had a very good traffic flow. The guided tour was organized, clear and on topic. All of the buildings were clean and accessible. Truly world the stop.
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