The Historic Stirling Castle

Scottish Castles > Stirling Castle

It was almost as if I could 'feel' the history surrounding the place.

Without a doubt it's one of the grandest castles in Scotland, and though it's difficult to imagine the events that took place here, you do tend to get that weird 'feeling'.

The castle stands on an old volcanic outcrop guarding the main route north into the Scottish Highlands. Although there is no confirmation as to when the castle was first built, references to it appear in historical records as far back as the early 12th Century.

During a long and bloody history it has been attacked or besieged at least 16 times, and the castle's most famous (or infamous) period in history was during the late 13th and early 14th centuries when it played a prominent part in the conflict between England and Scotland.

It was seized by Edward I in 1296, but in the following year the Scottish forces of William Wallace gathered at Stirling Bridge and overthrew the English in the most famous defeat ever suffered by an English army.

Stirling Castle was a particularly important issue, because the belief was that whoever controlled the castle controlled Scotland.

The bloody history continued with the great seige of 1304 and the castle surrendered to the English after four months of constant bombardment.

But perhaps the most famous battle was the Battle of Bannockburn, on the 24th June 1314, two miles south of Stirling. Following the Bannockburn victory by Robert the Bruce the Scots resumed control.




However, after the defeat at Halidon Hill, Stirling was once again under English control and English soldiers patrolled its walks. In 1337 the strengthened castle was besieged by a Scottish army led by Sir Andrew Moray, but was later recaptured by King Edward III. The last military experience here was an attack by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745.

Mary Queen of Scots was crowned in Stirling Castle in 1543 and her son, James VI was christened in the nearby parish church. On her return from France in 1561, Queen Mary, asleep in her bed at Stirling, was almost overcome by smoke when a candle set fire to the curtains in her room.

Almost all of Scotlands castles have stories of ghosts, and perhaps the best known ghost of Stirling Castle is that of the Green Lady, a phantom said to appear at the most unexpected times and places in the castle.

The town of Stirling is one of the most important towns in Scotland's history and has borne witness to many of the important events of the past, which significantly shaped the country's future.

Today Stirling is trouble free and a delightful place to visit. Close to Stirling is the Wallace Monument, a magnificent memorial to one of Scotland's heroes. Other visitor attractions include the Bannockburn Heritage Centre, and the Old Town Jail, open 9.30-6pm April-September, 9.30-5pm October & March, 10.30-4.30 Novenmber-February.

Stirling Castle is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the country, due to it's rich history. To get the most out of your visit to Stirling Castle I would advise that you allocate a minimum of two or three hours.

Opening Times :

April - September 9.30am - 6pm
October - March 9.30am - 5pm
Last admission is 45 mins before closing.

Entrance Charges :

Adults £9.00
Child £5.40
Concession £7.20
Access to the Regimental Museum is free.

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