Stirling Castle is situated - like Edinburgh Castle - on a volcanic outcrop in the centre of the city, in the heart of Scotland.
The oldest Castle buildings date from around 1370. Stirling featured in ‘Braveheart’, starring Mel Gibson. Controversy about restoration works to the Castle emerged around 2000 with recreation of historical styles irritating some contemporary architects. The timber roof is well worth a visit in itself. The images of the great hall are from Cowco - Scottish timber craftsmen based in Angus.
Stirling Castle Opening Times:
Apr to Sep: 9.30am to 6pm - Oct to Mar: 9.30am to 5pm
always check with the owners: Historic Scotland Press Office 0131 668 8685
Attractions: an exhibition on the castle’s history, the reconstructed medieval kitchen display, a specialist bookshop, gift shop & café.
Location: The castle is located at the top of Stirling’s historic old town
Directions: off the M9, follow signs to Stirling
Admission: adult £8 child £3 conc £6
Scottish country houses in Edinburgh & Lothian
Scottish architects of the past
Scottish churches in Edinburgh & Lothian
Stirling Castle Architecture + History:
The Romans built a Fort on Stirling Castle rock. This building was replaced by a new castle commissioned by the King Alexander I; he died at the Castle in 1124.
William the Lion signed the Treaty of Falaise in 1174 which ensured the six most important castles in Scotland should be garrisoned by the English. In 1189 Stirling Castle was returned to Scottish ownership.
King Edward I of England took Stirling Castle during the Wars of Independence around 1296. Scottish forces of William Wallace, Braveheart, beat the English army in battle at Stirling Bridge the following year. Edward I besieged Stirling in 1304.
The English held Stirling Castle until 1313: following the Bannockburn victory by Robert the Bruce the Scots resumed control. Robert Bruce tried to destroy the fortifications to prevent it being used as an English garrison, but after defeating the Scots at Halidon Hill, the English returned and strengthened the castle.
1342 saw the English yielding in turn to the Scots. And with the accession of the Stewarts as the Scottish Royal Family, the Castle once more became a Royal residence.
In 1543, the young Queen Mary - Mary Queen of Scots - was crowned in the chapel royal at Stirling. In 1566 Stirling became the refuge of the two month old Prince James, son of Mary (later James VI) was moved there.
In 1651, the Cromwell's General Monk, lay siege to Stirling Castle and the Governor was forced to surrender.
Key Building Elements of Stirling Castle:
The Gatehouse
The Great Hall - which dates from the end of the Middle Ages and which has now been restored to its full medieval glory
The Renaissance Royal Palace of James V
The Chapel Royal of James VI
The artillery fortifications of the 16th to 18th centuries
Stirling Castle images from Cowco in early 2005
Stirling Architecture
Station Square Stirling
Stirling Tolbooth
Stirling Municipal Buildings
Athenaeum Stirling
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Scottish Buildings
Scottish Castle
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Stirling Castle Building - page: adrian welch / isabelle lomholt