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Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle has dominated its surroundings with majesty for centuries. Today the castle continues to attract people to its rocky perch. They are captivated by the ancient buildings, overawed by the marvellous views from the battlements and spellbound by its wonderful story. For Edinburgh Castle is an awesome stronghold, and its sotory is Scotland's story.
49 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1994
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About the author
Chris J. Tabraham
57 booksChristopher J. Tabraham was Principal Historian at Historic Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 3, 2013
Laugh at me for rating a souvenir book, but this one is well written and organized. And it's 64 pages. The only suggestion I have is a section where they draw maps that show the changes of the rock over time, so we get a sense of the transformation.
June 7, 2021
This guide is filled with history. Nicely done.
July 26, 2022
On July 8, 2022, I climbed to Edinburgh Castle that is located high up above the city of Edinburgh and looks down upon that city. The castle is so interesting, has been used for so much, The castle was occupied by so many buildings, some have been destroyed, others pus to different use. There were so many people over the many hundreds of years, living in Edinburgh Castle, there have been so many wars. So many wanted the power of being king, so many fascinating stories are within the castle walls, The long walk to the castle up hilly streets, up so many stairs tired me out. Edinburgh is a hilly town.
The oldest building in Edinburgh is a chapel built by King David I, a very religious king, built to honor his mother, St Margaret's Chapel, a very devout woman.
Mons Meg is a very powerful cannon that is located on the battlement of the castle. She was built in 1449 and was given as a gift to King James II. She did her job working to defend in several battles. She became popular with visitors. She was still working, then dumped and sent to the Tower of London. This would never do. Sir Walter Scott was instrumental in having Mons Meg returned to Edinburgh Castle. She is part of history. In 1829 Mons Meg was piped from Leith to where she belongs and can be seen by many.
The Stone of Destiny is held in Edinburgh Castle. The Stone of Destiny was taken by King Edward I of England and kept until 1950, four Scottish students took the stone from Westminister Abbey back to Scotland. It was returned and placed in Edinburgh Castle. It cannot leave the castle unless there is a coronation.
A terrible act occurred in David's Tower. Two young boys were murdered, the boys were friends of the ten year old king. The young king's uncle was the one responsible for the murders. The young king cried and begged, but was not listened to.
The castle was used for many things, barracks, torture chambers, religious wars, residences for royalty and those who serve them. Now it is open to tourists to enjoy, see and learn of a good deal of Scotland's history.
The oldest building in Edinburgh is a chapel built by King David I, a very religious king, built to honor his mother, St Margaret's Chapel, a very devout woman.
Mons Meg is a very powerful cannon that is located on the battlement of the castle. She was built in 1449 and was given as a gift to King James II. She did her job working to defend in several battles. She became popular with visitors. She was still working, then dumped and sent to the Tower of London. This would never do. Sir Walter Scott was instrumental in having Mons Meg returned to Edinburgh Castle. She is part of history. In 1829 Mons Meg was piped from Leith to where she belongs and can be seen by many.
The Stone of Destiny is held in Edinburgh Castle. The Stone of Destiny was taken by King Edward I of England and kept until 1950, four Scottish students took the stone from Westminister Abbey back to Scotland. It was returned and placed in Edinburgh Castle. It cannot leave the castle unless there is a coronation.
A terrible act occurred in David's Tower. Two young boys were murdered, the boys were friends of the ten year old king. The young king's uncle was the one responsible for the murders. The young king cried and begged, but was not listened to.
The castle was used for many things, barracks, torture chambers, religious wars, residences for royalty and those who serve them. Now it is open to tourists to enjoy, see and learn of a good deal of Scotland's history.
March 17, 2015
Edinburgh is my favorite city in the whole world. I was lucky enough to visit a few years ago and have been planning to go back ever since. That's one of the reasons I collected the souvenir guidebooks from so many locations I found so interesting - so when I miss the city, I can go back, read the guides, and pretend I'm there again, even for a few minutes.
This guidebook is well put together and well written, tons of beautiful photographs, along with detailed descriptions of various locations within the castle walls, and the history of Castle Rock going back 3,000 years. I also greatly appreciated the suggestions for further readings listed in the back.
Edinburgh Castle has always been more of a military fortress, and I'm less interested in military campaigns than the castles as royal residences, but there's still a charm about the place. It's certainly breathtaking to see it's powerful and imposing outline commanding your attention as it looms over the city. This guide is a great read that does justice to an amazing part of Scotland's history.
This guidebook is well put together and well written, tons of beautiful photographs, along with detailed descriptions of various locations within the castle walls, and the history of Castle Rock going back 3,000 years. I also greatly appreciated the suggestions for further readings listed in the back.
Edinburgh Castle has always been more of a military fortress, and I'm less interested in military campaigns than the castles as royal residences, but there's still a charm about the place. It's certainly breathtaking to see it's powerful and imposing outline commanding your attention as it looms over the city. This guide is a great read that does justice to an amazing part of Scotland's history.
July 13, 2014
Whilst I was living in England, I was lucky enough to get a four day weekend, which allowed me a chance to do a tour of Scotland, which I was very excited about. On this tour, I stopped in Edinburgh and visited Edinburgh Castle (among many other castles in Scotland). This is the official souvenir guide, and talks through the history of the castle, and the relationship between the Scots and English. Very interesting to see things from a non-English perspective.
September 9, 2022
It is a souvenir book that I bought at a second hand book store in America. So boo because I didn't actually get to go to Scotland :(
I thought for a souvenir book it was extremely informative and had a very nice layout. It only gets 3 stars because... it's just a souvenir book
{~* Want to follow me? https://linktr.ee/shelbyyyyyyrrrr *~}
I thought for a souvenir book it was extremely informative and had a very nice layout. It only gets 3 stars because... it's just a souvenir book
{~* Want to follow me? https://linktr.ee/shelbyyyyyyrrrr *~}
February 28, 2009
A short history of Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. This would be intersting to anyone who is planning on visiting the castle, has visited the castle, or who just wants to learn more about the castle.
May 10, 2010
Edinburgh is probably my favourite city in the world. And the Edinburgh Castle is a mighty, spooky and interesting. I wish I was there now.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews