Wars of Scottish Independence

The castle’s medieval history is marked by the turbulent Wars of Scottish Independence (late 13th to early 14th centuries), during which it changed hands several times between the Scots and the English.

In 1296, King Edward I of England captured Edinburgh Castle early in his campaign to assert dominance over Scotland. The castle was one of the "key to Scotland" in Edward’s attempts to subjugate the country. The Scots, led by figures such as William Wallace and later Robert the Bruce, mounted determined efforts to reclaim it.

One notable episode was the "Lang Siege" (1571–1573), though that came later — but during the Wars of Independence, the castle endured numerous sieges and military actions. The castle's defenses were strengthened in response to these threats, and its position as a military stronghold was firmly established.

Royal Residence and Symbol of Power

Throughout the Middle Ages, Edinburgh Castle was the favored royal residence of the Scottish kings and queens. It was here that many important state ceremonies took place, including coronations and parliamentary meetings.

The castle housed the Honours of Scotland — the Scottish Crown Jewels, including the crown, sceptre, and sword of state — which symbolized royal authority. These regalia are among the oldest surviving crown jewels in Europe, with origins dating back to the 15th and 16th centuries. shutdown123