Construction of Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle stands on Castle Rock, an extinct volcanic plug that dominates the skyline of Scotland's capital. People lived on the rock long before the Middle Ages, but the royal stronghold took shape in the twelfth century under King David I, who is traditionally credited with building St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. Over the following centuries the castle was a royal residence, a military fortress and the scene of repeated sieges during the wars between Scotland and England. It houses the Scottish crown jewels, known as the Honours of Scotland, and the Stone of Destiny. Today it is one of the most visited historic attractions in the United Kingdom.

Open on the timeline