Stirling Castle
Though many parallels can be drawn with Edinburgh Castle , ask any Scot and they’ll tell you Stirling Castle is better. It’s a more stunning spectacle, has much more attractive architecture and has a fascinating history that is entwined with that of Scottish nationhood.
The indomitable fortress of Stirling Castle couldn’t be in a more strategic location. Perched on the precipice of an impregnable volcanic rock with commanding views of the main routes north to the Highlands , south to the Lowlands , east to Edinburgh , west to the Islands and seated at the lowest crossing point over the river Forth, Stirling Castle was known as the ‘key to the kingdom’.
The first recorded royal residence at Stirling Castle was under the reign of Alexander I between 1107 and 1115 from then it has been home to most of the Stewart monarchs notably to James’ IV, and V and Mary Queen of Scots and has seen bloody deeds like the murder of the Earl of Douglas by an enraged James II.
Its most significant period was during the ‘Wars of Independence’. Its no coincidence that many of the key battles were fought within sight of the castle. Both the Scottish and the English knew that gaining control of the Castle was vital and so it passed hands to the various winning sides following the Battle of Stirling Bridge, the Battle of Falkirk and ultimately to Robert the Bruce following the Battle of Bannockburn . However after Bannockburn and the year long stalemated siege of Stirling Castle that preceded it, Robert the Bruce ordered the destruction of many castles including Stirling so that they would be indefensible if they were ever held against him.
Much of what is now Stirling Castle was built in the later middle ages mainly accredited to James IV in the 14th Century and James V in the 15th Century who used elaborate Renaissance designs to display their wealth and power. The Outer Defences overlooking the Esplanade were later editions from around the 1700s. James IV was a prince of the renaissance, and around the inner close built the King’s Old Building and his crowning glory the magnificent Great Hall, the largest ever built in Scotland . The sumptuous Palace adjoining the Inner and Outer Close was built by James V. Employing several French masons to reproduce French influences and figurines he would have made sure his new French Queen felt at home.
After the Union of the Crowns James VI of Scotland and V of England moved court to London and the castle deteriorated as its powerbase diminished. It was adapted by the military throughout the Napoleonic and Jacobean times. When the army marched out in 1864 the castle was virtually deserted for 100 years. In 1964 a programme of meticulous restoration was started that has taken 35 years to complete. Much of Stirling Castle has been meticulously restored, to original 14th and 15th Century state and many of its art treasures have been successfully replicated making Stirling Castle one of the most fascinating attractions in Scotland.
This attraction is included in the Great British Heritage Pass.
