Castle Paintings
Edinburgh Castle
After the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle is the next most visited ancient monument in Britain. From the battlements of the castle you get a panoramic view over the city of Edinburgh, laid out before you. Inside the walls is a remarkable fortress and former Royal residence, packed with history. Remember also that though the castle is a historic monument, it is also a working military establishment. The Scottish Division is headquartered here and is a military guard on the main gate. You can see:
- the Great Hall, with its ornate wooden ceiling, has a collection of armour and weapons
- the Crown Room with the Crown, Sceptre and Sword of State of Scotland
- the Royal apartments with an exhibition depicting Scottish history
- a small room in the Royal apartments where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son, later James VI of Scotland and I of England
- the One O’clock gun fired daily (except Sunday) at the exact hour, to provide a time check for the city
- the Castle Esplanade, where the Military Tattoo is held in August every year
- St. Margaret’s Chapel, a tiny Norman building, which has survived the various sieges of the castle
- a small iron wall-fountain; known as the Witches’ Well, where women found guilty of witchcraft were put to death.
- Mons Meg, a massive fifteenth-century cannon, first used by James II to attack Threave Castle
