Stirling Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stirling Castle |
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| Stirling, Scotland | |
Aerial view of Stirling Castle
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 Stirling Castle
Stirling Castle
Location within Stirling council area
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| Coordinates | 56°07′26″N 03°56′52″W / 56.12389°N 3.94778°W |
| Grid reference | grid reference NS789940 |
| Site information | |
| Owner | Historic Environment Scotland Ministry of Defence |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| Built | Castle dates from at least early 12th century, present buildings mostly built between 1490 and 1600 |
| Built by | Significant works by James IV, James V, and James VI |
| In use | Still in use today |
| Battles/wars | Sieges and occupations during the Wars of Scottish Independence (1296–1357); sieges in 1651, 1746 |
| Garrison information | |
| Current commander |
James Erskine, 14th Earl of Mar |
| Past commanders |
Hereditary office of the Earls of Mar |
Stirling Castle, located in Stirling, is one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. It has a rich history and amazing architecture. The castle sits on top of a large rock called a crag, which makes it very strong for defense.
This special location, guarding the lowest crossing point of the River Forth, made it a key fortification for centuries. Most of the castle's main buildings were built between the 15th and 16th centuries. Some older parts from the 14th century still remain.
Before Scotland and England joined, Stirling Castle was a favorite home for Scottish kings and queens. It was both a palace and a fortress. Many Scottish Kings and Queens were crowned here, including Mary, Queen of Scots, in 1542. Others were born or died within its walls.
Stirling Castle has faced at least eight sieges. Several happened during the Wars of Scottish Independence. The last siege was in 1746, when Bonnie Prince Charlie tried to take the castle but failed. Today, Stirling Castle is a protected historic site and a popular place for tourists. It is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
Contents
History of Stirling Castle
Early Days
Stirling Castle is built on Castle Hill, which is part of a rock formation called the Stirling Sill. This rock is about 350 million years old and was shaped by glaciers. It's likely that people lived on this hill a very long time ago.
The Romans did not build a fort here, but the rock might have been used by local tribes. Some legends say King Arthur had a court here, but there is no real proof.
The first official record of Stirling Castle is from around 1110. King Alexander I dedicated a chapel there and later died at the castle in 1124. Under King David I, Stirling became an important town, and the castle became a key center for government.
King William I created a deer park near the castle. After he was captured by the English in 1174, he had to give up several castles, including Stirling. However, the English did not actually live in the castle, and it was given back to Scotland in 1189. Stirling remained a favorite royal home for many years.
Wars for Independence
Stirling was a royal center until King Alexander III died in 1286. His death led to a big problem: who would be the next king? Edward I of England was asked to help decide. In 1291, Edward came north and demanded control of Stirling and other Scottish castles during this time.
In 1296, Edward invaded Scotland, starting the Wars of Scottish Independence. These wars lasted for 60 years. The English took Stirling Castle, but the Scots, led by Andrew Moray and William Wallace, won the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. The English soldiers in the castle were starved out and had to surrender.
The castle changed hands many times. After the English won the Battle of Falkirk, they took Stirling again. King Edward made the castle stronger. But in 1299, Robert Bruce and his forces besieged it, forcing the English to give up.
By 1303, Stirling was the last castle still held by the Scots. Edward's army arrived in 1304 with many siege engines, including a huge trebuchet called "Warwolf". This machine destroyed the castle's gatehouse. Even though Edward won, he died in 1307, and Robert Bruce became King of Scots.
By 1313, only a few castles were still held by the English. Robert Bruce's brother, Edward Bruce, besieged Stirling. The English commander, Sir Philip Mowbray, made a deal: he would surrender the castle if the English army did not rescue it within one year. Edward Bruce agreed.
The next summer, King Edward II led a large English army north to save the castle. On June 23, 1314, King Robert's army met the English at the Battle of Bannockburn, near the castle. The Scots won a huge victory. King Edward tried to hide in the castle, but Mowbray kept his word and would not let him in. The English had to run away. Mowbray then gave the castle to the Scots. King Robert ordered the castle's defenses to be destroyed so the English could not use it again.
The war continued, and the English took Stirling Castle again by 1336. Robert Stewart, who would later become King Robert II, took Stirling back in 1341–1342.
Early Stewart Kings
Under the early Stewart kings, Robert II (1371–1390) and Robert III (1390–1406), the oldest parts of the castle that still stand today were built. The north gate, which you can still see, was built on foundations from the 1380s.
In 1424, Stirling Castle was given to James I's wife, Joan Beaufort, as part of her marriage agreement. This became a tradition for future queens.
After James I was murdered in 1437, Joan and her young son, James II, found safety at the castle. In 1452, James II stabbed and killed William, 8th Earl of Douglas, at Stirling Castle. Douglas had refused to end a dangerous alliance with other powerful nobles.
James III (1460–1488) was born here. He improved the gardens and the royal chapel. His wife died at Stirling Castle in 1486. Two years later, James himself died at the Battle of Sauchieburn, fought near the castle.
A Renaissance Palace
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Most of the castle buildings you see today were built between 1490 and 1600. During this time, Stirling became a main royal center for the Stewart kings: James IV, James V, and James VI. The new buildings show a mix of English, French, and German styles.
James IV (1488–1513) wanted Stirling to be a grand European palace. He built the King's Old Building, the Great Hall, and the Forework. He also updated the royal chapel. The Forework, which was a large gatehouse, was designed to look impressive, like something from the "age of chivalry".
James IV died at the Battle of Flodden. His son, James V (1513–1542), was crowned in the chapel royal. He grew up in the castle. James V continued his father's building plans, creating the beautiful Royal Palace. This palace was built with help from French masons.
James V also died young. His baby daughter, Mary, Queen of Scots, was brought to Stirling Castle for safety. She was crowned in the chapel royal on September 9, 1543. Mary also grew up here until she was sent to France.
In the 1550s, new artillery defenses were added to the castle's south side, including the 'French Spur'. These defenses are part of the Outer Defences you see today.
Queen Mary returned to Scotland in 1561 and often visited Stirling Castle. Her son, James VI, was baptized here in December 1566. The celebrations included fireworks and a special show. James' guardian, the Earl of Mar, became the castle's governor.
The young King James was crowned in July 1567 in the nearby Church of the Holy Rude. He grew up inside the castle walls, taught by the scholar George Buchanan. Stirling became a safe place for James' supporters during the struggles with those who wanted Queen Mary back.
In 1594, Prince Henry, James VI's first son, was born in the castle. The current Chapel Royal was built for his baptism on August 30. This chapel completed the main square of the castle. When James VI became King of England in 1603, the royal family moved to London.
A Military Fortress
After the royal family left, Stirling Castle became mainly a military center. It was used as a prison for important people in the 17th century. King Charles I visited briefly in 1633.
After Charles I was executed, his son Charles II was crowned King of Scots. He was the last king to live at the castle in 1650. However, Oliver Cromwell's forces defeated the Royalists. General Monck then besieged Stirling Castle in 1651. The soldiers inside gave up on August 14. You can still see damage from this siege on the church and the Great Hall.
After Charles II became king again, the castle was often used as a prison. Its military role became more important. A powder magazine (for storing gunpowder) was built, and a permanent group of soldiers was stationed there from 1685.
In 1715, a rebellion started to put James Stuart (the "Old Pretender") on the throne. Government troops quickly took over the castle. In 1746, Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie) and his army passed Stirling. The town surrendered, but the castle governor refused. The Jacobites tried to attack the castle but failed.
From 1800, the British War Office owned the castle and used it as a barracks (a place for soldiers to live). Many changes were made to the Great Hall, Chapel Royal, and Royal Palace to create living spaces for soldiers. New buildings, like a prison and powder magazine, were also built.
In 1881, two Scottish regiments, the 91st and 93rd, joined to form the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Stirling Castle became their main base.
Twentieth Century and Today
The Royal Apartments have been restored to look like they did when kings and queens lived there. A big project, costing £12 million, finished in 2011. Since 2002, a team has been recreating The Hunt of the Unicorn tapestries. Four of these are now hanging in the Queen's Presence Chamber in the Royal Palace. Historians believe similar tapestries were once owned by Scottish royalty.
The weavers studied the original tapestries and learned old weaving methods. The project was finished in 2015.
Stirling Castle is still the headquarters of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Their regimental museum is also inside the castle.
Exploring the Castle Interior
Outer Defences
The Outer Defences are strong walls built to protect against cannons. They were mostly built in the 18th century. Some parts, like the French Spur, date back to the 1550s. The French Spur was a special ear-shaped part of the wall called an orillon. It had places for guns to protect the main castle.
After a planned invasion in 1708, the castle's defenses were made even stronger. The main front wall was made wider, creating Guardhouse Square. This gave the castle two defensive walls, both protected by ditches and covered firing tunnels called caponiers. One of these tunnels still exists and you can visit it.
Behind the walls, special rooms called casemates were built. These made the walls stronger and provided more places for cannons. Outside the castle is the Esplanade, a large open area once used for military parades. Today, it's a car park and a place for events.
The Forework
The main gatehouse, called the Forework, was built by King James IV around 1506. It was once part of a long wall that stretched across the whole Castle Hill. The gatehouse itself is now less than half its original height. It had round towers with pointed roofs and battlements.
The Forework was probably built more to look grand than for actual defense against powerful cannons. It had a main entrance for carriages and two smaller passages for people. This triple entrance was unusual for the time. The gatehouse was slowly taken apart over the years and rebuilt into its current form in 1810.
Outer Close
Inside the Forework is a courtyard called the Outer Close. On the southeast side are military buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries. The old North Gate, which leads to the Nether Bailey, once held the castle's original kitchens. The Great Kitchen you see today was built later. However, in 1689, these rooms were filled with stones to make a strong base for cannons.
The small building above the North Gate is traditionally said to have been a mint, where coins were made. To the west of the Outer Close, the main parts of the castle are arranged around the Inner Close. These include the Royal Palace, the King's Old Building, the Chapel Royal, and the Great Hall.
King's Old Building
The King's Old Building is the oldest part of the Inner Close. It's on the western side and was finished around 1497. King James IV started it as a new home. The main rooms were on the first floor, with great views to the west.
In 1855, the north end of the building burned down. It was rebuilt in a style that looked like old Scottish castles. At the southwest end, there's a building that was once used as kitchens. Some people think this part might be even older, from the 15th century.
The Great Hall
On the east side of the Inner Close is the Great Hall, also called Parliament Hall. King James IV built this after the King's Old Building was finished in 1497. It was plastered by 1503. It's known as "the grandest building built in Scotland in the late Middle Ages." It was the first royal building in Scotland to show Renaissance influences.
The Great Hall is 42 meters (138 feet) long and 14.25 meters (47 feet) wide. It has five fireplaces and large windows. The king would sit at the raised end of the hall.
In 1800, the original wooden roof was removed, and the hall was divided into barracks for soldiers. It was not until 1999 that the Great Hall was fully restored. The beautiful wooden roof and other features were put back, and the walls were painted white.
Royal Palace
To the left of the gatehouse, on the south side of the Inner Close, is the Royal Palace. This was the first Renaissance palace in the British Isles. It was built by King James V. It combines Renaissance style with detailed late-Gothic carvings. It is one of Scotland's most impressive buildings, covered with unique carved stonework. Building started in the 1530s and was mostly finished by the late 1540s.
The statues on the palace include soldiers, a portrait of James V, the Devil, St Michael, and figures of Venus and other planets. These carvings are very detailed and unique.
Inside, the Palace has two separate apartments, one for the king and one for the queen. Each apartment has a hall, a special room for receiving guests, and a bedroom. The Renaissance decoration continued inside, but much of it was lost when the building was used by the military.
The ceiling of the King's Presence Chamber was once decorated with carved oak portraits called the Stirling Heads. These are considered "among the finest examples of Scottish Renaissance wood-carving." Many of these heads were taken down in 1777, but 38 of the original 56 still exist. Most are now kept in the castle, and some are in museums.
A £12 million project to restore the Royal Palace finished in 2011. This work brought six royal apartments back to how they looked in the 1540s, when Mary, Queen of Scots lived there as a child. The project also included restoring seven hand-woven tapestries.
Stirling Heads
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Part of the restored ceiling of the King's Presence Chamber
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Henry VIII
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Mary of Guise
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A Roman Emperor
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An original Stirling Head, James V
Chapel Royal
The first royal chapel, where Queen Mary was crowned in 1543, was in a different spot. When James VI's first son, Prince Henry, was born in 1594, a new chapel was built for his royal baptism.
The new chapel was built in just one year. It has Italian-style arched windows and was designed by William Schaw. The inside was decorated by the painter Valentine Jenkin. Like other parts of the castle, the chapel was later changed for military use, becoming a dining room. The original wall paintings were found in the 1930s and restored after World War II.
Nether Bailey
Beyond the North Gate, the Nether Bailey is at the northern end of Castle Hill. This area has defensive walls, a 19th-century guard house, and gunpowder stores. There is also a modern studio where tapestries are made.
Gardens
The castle has two gardens. Below the castle's west wall is the King's Knot. This was a formal garden from the 16th century. Today, you can only see its shape in the ground. It once had hedges and patterns made from plants. The gardens were built on the site of a medieval jousting arena, where knights would compete. This arena was known as the Round Table, like the legendary court of King Arthur.
Modern Use of the Castle
The castle esplanade, a large open area, is used for outdoor concerts. Famous musicians like R.E.M., Bob Dylan, and Rod Stewart have performed here. It also hosts the city's New Year's Eve (Hogmanay) celebrations. The Regimental Museum is located in the King's Old Building.
The castle is open to the public all year round. Stirling Castle is a very popular tourist spot. In 2019, over 600,000 people visited it.
An image of Stirling Castle is on the back of some £20 notes issued by the Clydesdale Bank.
Because it looks similar to Colditz Castle in Germany, Stirling Castle was used for filming the outside scenes of the 1970s TV show Colditz. This show was about Allied prisoners of war trying to escape from a military prison during World War II.
Castle Ghost Stories
Many ghost stories are told about Stirling Castle. The most famous is about the Green Lady. Many people who live or visit the castle say they have seen her. One story says the Green Lady was a maid who saved Queen Mary from danger. People often believe that seeing the Green Lady means something bad, like a fire, is about to happen.
See also
In Spanish: Castillo de Stirling para niños
- Governor of Stirling Castle
- Banknotes of Scotland (featured on design)
- Castles in Great Britain and Ireland
- List of castles in Scotland
