I have finally made it to the UK. I love my British History, 16th Century and earlier is my favorite- Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, the War of the Roses, Eleanor of Aquitaine, King Arthur’s court. I was so excited to see Edinburgh, home to many memorable events in Mary, Queen of Scots tragic life.
We stayed in Hunter’s Square, which is in the middle of the Royal Mile. The Royal Mile is the road in Old Town Edinburgh that connects Edinburgh Castle and Holyrood Palace.
Edinburgh Castle is a magnificent fortress that sits atop Castle Rock, overlooking the city. Kings and Queens have lived on this land since the 12th century, with human occupation noted since 2nd century AD. It ceased to be a royal residence in 1633, becoming a military base. The castle is massive, brimming with history, and there is a ton to explore.
With additions being made and parts being destroyed over it’s centuries old existence, the Castle’s layout is interesting. It’s a confusing mix of Royal Apartments, Towers, staircases, and military buildings.
St. Margaret’s Chapel was built by King David I around 1130. Named after his Mother, Margaret, it has been spared in battles, and is the oldest building in Edinburgh.
Mons Meg was a huge cannon used for blowing holes in castle walls, weighing six tonnes. It could fire a 150kg stone ball up to 3.2km. In the 15/16th century she was cutting edge.
David’s Tower where the original “Black Dinner” took place. In 1441 King James II invited the Douglases (his rivals) to dine. During dinner, they were accused of treason and summarily beheaded immediately.
Robert the Bruce getting crowned on the Stone of Destiny.
The Scottish National War Museum. It honors lives lost since 1914.
James IV built The Great Hall in 1511. It is a long room room with a beautiful wooden ceiling, displaying armor and swords. Like most spaces in the Castle, this room was repurposed multiple times over the years.
Prisons for POWs as they were in 1781. The War of American Independence (that’s what they call the American Revolution I guess) brought almost 1000 POWs to Edinburgh Castle. The prisoners carved graffiti on the wooden doors of the prison. In some of the old carvings, you can see an early version of the U.S. flag. Very cool.
The western view from atop. Good-bye Edinburgh Castle, I loved you.
The view from the street. Pretty amazing structure and strategic placement.
Greyfriars Kirkyard is a beautiful cemetery that has been around since the late 16th century. A lot of notable Edinburgh residents are buried there.
Flodden Wall was built in the aftermath of Scotland’s defeat (against the English) in the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
Greyfriars Bobby is a Skye terrier who guarded his owner’s grave in the kirkyard for 14 years in the mid 1800s. He is apparently a big thing around here. You are supposed to (gently) rub his nose for luck.
Before I started researching this trip, I had no idea the role Edinburgh played in the Harry Potter Universe. While I am not a die hard Harry Potter fan, I have enjoyed the books and movies and could definitely see places around the city reflected in Rowling’s works.
The Elephant House, where Rowling did a lot of her early Potter writing.
Diagon Alley aka Victoria Street filled with cute shops, restaurants, bars, and lots of Potter memorabilia.
From the aformentioned Greyfriar’s Kirkyard- home of Tom Riddle and Professor McGonagall’s namesakes.
George Heriot’s School (1628) was the basis for Hogwarts.
We stayed right beside St. Giles Cathedral. Though restored in the 19th century, the current church is said to date back to the late 14th century.
My favorite part of St. Giles was the Thistle Chapel. In 1687, King James VII created the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle. There are only 16 living members, knighted by the monarch for services rendered to Scotland. The Chapel is a small, beautifully detailed room, hidden in the rear of the Cathedral, built in 1911. Each knight has a personal seat, with their (and previous seat holder’s) coat of arms on the wall. The currant knight has their emblem at the apex of their seat.
Quick stop at the Royal Museum. We really could have spent the whole day here. It is really massive, with lovely historical collections.
Some impressive period ladies fashion. That’s commitment.
Queen Mary and a museum selfie for you.
I was obsessed with the closes. They are little alleyways off the main road.
Breakfast at Southern Cross Cafe.
Lunch at Oink. Pork and Diet Coke (real DC, not Coke light), two of my great loves.
Some of the Pubs we liked. And some of the drinks we drank.
So many stairs.
xoxo-sk
ps. Couldn’t resist.
xoxo-sk 