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Interesting facts about Edinburgh Castle
Home to Scotland’s oldest building
The Edinburgh Castle houses the St Margaret Chapel, which is one of Scotland’s oldest buildings. Built in memory of Queen Margaret by David I in 1130, it is the only part of the castle which was untouched during the castle's destruction in 1314.
The castle stands on a dormant volcano
Edinburgh Castle was built on top of a dormant volcano, and Castle Rock was formed due to a volcanic explosion more than 340 million years ago.
An elephant once lived In the castle
The 78th Highlanders returned to Scotland after a long stint in Sri Lanka with an elephant. The elephant lived at Edinburgh Castle for a while and was the head of the marching band. You can view the elephant’s toes at the National War Museum.
A piper's ghost haunts the castle
Legend has it that the ghost of a lone piper haunts the Edinburgh Castle to date. The young boy mysteriously disappeared within the walls of the castle, leaving behind a haunting melody, which some believe continues to echo through the passages and corridors of the castle.
The castle was under siege 23 times
Edinburgh Castle was supposedly attacked 23 times by invaders looking to claim its strategic position and power. While it is the most attacked fortress in Britain, some historians believe it is the most of any fortress in Europe.
There is a dog cemetary on the premises
You will find a dog cemetery, a small area of land dedicated to the canine companions of the Scottish battalion since 1840. The dogs are buried in the cemetery as a sign of honor and respect for their unconditional loyalty and service. Unfortunately, the cemetery is off-limits to the public.
The Crown Jewels were lost for a century
The Honours of Scotland were used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs. But after the Union of 1707, the Crown Jewels were locked in a chest in Edinburgh Castle and forgotten about for nearly a century, until they were rediscovered by Sir Walter Scott in 1818.
It held thousands of prisoners
Royalty aside, the castle was also used to house prisoners, including 21 pirates of the Caribbean who were ultimately sentenced to death by hanging. Edinburgh Castle also imprisoned several Americans during the War of Independence. The youngest prisoner was a 5-year-old boy!
King James IV spied on courtiers
In the 16th century, paranoid King James IV had small holes built into the Great Hall so that he could spy on his courtiers’ conversations. These holes remained an open secret until Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev and the KGB insisted that the holes be bricked over before his trip to the castle in 1984.
Frequently Asked Questions about Edinburgh Castle facts
When was Edinburgh Castle built?
Edinburgh Castle was built on Castle Rock after a volcanic eruption in 1103 AD.
How big is the castle?
With over 27 small buildings built on top of an extinct volcano, Edinburgh Castle is spread across 2.8 hectares of land covering an area of around 35, 567 square meters.
Who built the castle?
Edinburgh Castle, which is around 135 metres above sea level was built by King David I in 1103 atop an extinct volcano.
What can I expect to find at the castle?
You will find a bunch of attractions, including The Honours of Scotland, the National War Museum, the Stone of Destiny, and the One o'clock Gun among others.
How many visitors visit Edinburgh Castle each year?
The Edinburgh Castle welcomes around 2 million visitors each year.
