Where History Meets the Supernatural

Edinburgh Castle is more than just a historic landmark. It’s a place where legend and truth blur and boundaries are crossed.

The fortress has seen centuries of war, royal drama, and unspeakable suffering. Beyond the aesthetic stone halls lies something chilling, a reputation of one of the most haunted places in the world.

Castle on the Rock

Edinburgh Castle is located on top of Castle Rock, formed about 350 million years ago during volcanic activity in the early Carboniferous period, not exactly 340 million years ago.

Over the years, glacial erosion surrounded softer sedimentary rocks, leaving behind “crag and tail” formations. The castle occupies the crag while the Royal Mile extends along the tail.

Ancient Beginnings

According to the archaeological evidence, the Castle Rock has been a site of human activity for at least 3000 years. Excavations have uncovered signs of settlements which date back to the late Bronze Age or early Iron Age.

During the Iron Age, the Votadini tribe established a hillfort on the rock. The site during the early medieval period was occupied by the Gododdin people.

St. Margaret’s Chapel

Located within Edinburgh Castle, this chapel is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. It was constructed around 1130 by King David I and was dedicated to his mother, Queen Margaret.

The chapel is adorned with Romanesque architecture. The chapel in today’s day and age hosts intimate ceremonies, making sure to preserve its legacy as a sacred space.

Royal Birthplace

Mary Queen of Scots, on June 19, 1566, gave birth to her only son James. James was born in a modest chamber within the Royal Palace of Edinburgh Castle.

During her pregnancy, Mary sought refuge in the castle after the assassination of her secretary, David Rizzio. The birth room was dimly lit, was attended only by the queen, a midwife, and select female attendants.

Crown Jewels and Destiny

Edinburgh Castle houses the Honors of Scotland, the nation’s crown jewels. These items include the Crown, Sceptre, and Sword of State.

These jewels date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. This has made them the oldest surviving set in the British Isles, and they were first used together during the coronation of Mary, Queen of Scots.

Mons Meg

Mons Meg is a formidable medieval bombard that was constructed back in 1449. The equipment served as a powerful siege weapon during the 15th and early 16th centuries.

After its military service, Mons Meg was fired on various occasions, including a salute in 1558 to celebrate the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots. It was moved to the Tower of London but was later returned to Edinburgh Castle.

The One O’Clock Gun

Since 1861, Edinburgh Castle has followed the tradition of the daily firing of the One O’Clock Gun at precisely 1:00 PM. Sundays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day are excluded.

This tradition stemmed as an audible time signal for ships in the Fifth of Forth to set their maritime clocks accurately. The One O’Clock Gun is fired alongside the Time Ball on Calton Hill, Nelson Monument.

Prisoners of War

Between 1757 and 1814, Edinburgh Castle’s subterranean vaults, which are located beneath Crown Square, were repurposed to detain prisoners of war. These wars included the Seven Years’ War, the American Revolutionary War, and the Napoleonic Wars.

An incident occurred in 1811, in which 49 prisoners managed to escape by carving a hole through the wall. This event, along with several others, led to the end of the castle’s use as a prison by 1814.

Witch Trials

Over 300 individuals, mostly women, were executed in Edinburgh Castle’s vicinity, particularly on Castle Hill. These executions ended up being fueled by speculations, superstitions, and societal fears.

Many victims were even subjected to extreme torture and were burned at the stake. A notable memorial, the Witches’ Well, now stands near the castle esplanade.

The Lost Piper

According to legends, there’s a mysterious tunnel beneath Edinburgh Castle. The tunnel is believed to be connected to Holyrood Palace.

Centuries ago, a young boy was sent in to explore the passage, and he was playing his bagpipes so those above could trace his path by sound. The music was heard along the Royal Mile, but it suddenly ended near the Tron Kirk, and despite extensive searches, the boy was never found.

The Headless Drummer

In 1650, as Edinburgh Castle was facing the threat of Oliver Cromwell’s forces, a spectral figure appeared within its walls. Witnesses described the figure as a headless young drummer boy.

This sighting was interpreted as the beginning of the siege, during which the castle fell to Cromwell’s army. Since that event, the headless drummer has become a famous legend.

The Grey Lady

Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis, was a 16th-century Scottish noblewoman who was executed in 1537 due to the accusation of treason against King James V. Her killing was largely motivated by the King’s animosity toward the Douglas family.

Following her death, reports about a Grey Lady wandering the halls of Edinburgh Castle started circulating. Witnesses described the lady as a sorrowful figure who was sometimes seen weeping.

Ghostly Canine

Located within the walls of Edinburgh Castle is a small, secluded pet cemetery which was established in 1840. This ground serves as the final resting place for mascots and the cherished dogs of high-ranking officers.

Names like Jess, Yum, and Tinker are among the loyal companions who once roamed the castle grounds. Visitors and staff have reported seeing a black dog wandering near the cemetery, and when some of them tried to pet the dog, it would vanish.

Dungeon Echoes

The dungeon located beneath the castle is reported to have sudden drops in temperature, feelings of unease, and unexplained sounds. The damp cells in the old times were known for their harsh conditions.

Some of the visitors have described feelings of being touched or pulled. These events contribute to the castle’s reputation as one of Scotland’s most haunted sites.

Talking about historical sites, check out the The Shocking Evolution of Hagia Sophia if you’ve got a knack for such topics.

Scientific Investigations

In April 2001, psychologist Dr. Richard Wiseman from the University of Hertfordshire carried out an extensive scientific investigation into paranormal activity at the castle. Over 200 volunteers participated in the study and explored haunted areas like the castle’s prison cells.

The investigation ended up providing no proof of supernatural entities. Have you ever heard about castle-like homes?

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