Stirling Castle facts

Posted on by Gary

Stirling Castle facts

Stirling Castle is one of Scotland’s most historically significant castles, with a reputation as fearsome as its walls. It has served as a fortification and a royal palace for Scotland’s Kings and Queens. Additionally, the conflicts in which it took part were among the nation’s most important. Furthermore, the interior art and gardens are among of the greatest in Scotland. The castle has a lot of intriguing stuff to discuss because it has such a good reputation. Here are some awesome Stirling castle facts that you’ll find intriguing.

Image by – Andrew Shiva / Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 4.0

Stirling Caste – History Timeline

This timeline depicts some individuals and events that have formed the castle’s dramatic and violent past.
As part of the ransom for William the Lion, the castle was given to Henry II of England. After the Scottish garrison retreats, the gatekeeper delivers the fortress up to Edward I of England. Following the defeat of the English at Stirling Bridge by William Wallace and Andrew Moray, the Scots seize the fortress.

Stirling Castle Facts

First Records

Stirling Castle was first mentioned in the 12th century. In 1124, King Alexander I died there, and King David I utilized the castle as a royal administration centre and home. Stirling was utilized in this fashion until Alexander III’s reign came to an end (1286).

Stirling Castle Was Abandoned

The castle is one of the few that has not been occupied continuously over the years. When Edward invaded Scotland during the Wars of Independence in 1296, he discovered the huge fortress abandoned. This made it relatively easy for the English monarch to establish a Scottish stronghold.

The Battle Of Bannockburn

King Robert the Bruce reclaimed possession of the castle following the legendary bloody conflict. The castle had changed hands so many times throughout the Wars of Independence. That’s why Robert ordered that all the defences be demolished so that it could never be used against him again.

Image by – DeFacto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

First Attempt At Taking Flight

The earliest recorded attempt at flying occurred on the castle walls in 1507.
At James IV’s court, an Italian alchemist by the name of John Damian was there. He leaped from the battlements, believing that with the help of feathered wings, he would be able to fly. Of course, this plan backfired miserably, and John ended up in a dunghill, breaking his thigh-bone.

Mary The Queen Of Scots Spent A Lot Of Her Life Here

Mary was a well-known royal figure who spent much of her childhood and adulthood at the castle. She was crowned in the Royal Chapel here as Scotland’s youngest monarch, her father, King James V, having died when Mary was just six days old. When her son James VI took up residence in the palace in his senior years, she returned here.

Oldest Football

Mary, Queen of Scots, was a huge fan of sports, particularly football. In one of her journals, she even recorded a game within one of her diaries. The world’s oldest surviving football was unearthed under the panelling in the Queen’s room. Nobody knows how it got there, but one theory is that the queen buried it somewhere safe to keep it safe from witchcraft. The ball was manufactured from an inflated pig’s bladder that was wrapped in cow’s skin and was around half the size of modern footballs.

Military Fortress

With the Union of the Crowns, King James VI transferred his court to London, and the castle took on more of a military than a royal role. With the exception of King Charles II’s brief stay, Stirling became more of a military stronghold. Stirling Castle was used as a barracks by the War Office from 1800 to 1964.

Image by – Julien.scavini, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Constructed On A Rock

Stirling Castle is built on top of Castle Rock, which is similar to Edinburgh Castle in that it is built on top of a volcanic rock. An intrusive crag, like the one Stirling stands on, forms when volcanic lava enters existing rock and hardens. Stirling Still, a 350 million-year-old quartz-dolerite deposit, encompasses the whole region.

The Scene Of A Bloody Murder – Stirling Castle, Facts

While several murders are known to have occurred here, none appear to be as brutal or deliberate as that of William, 8th Earl of Douglas. With the aid of his courtiers, James II had the Earl killed in February 1452. He was stabbed 26 times before being thrown from a castle window into the grounds.

Music Video Appearances

Throughout the years, the parade ground outside the castle has been utilized as an open-air music venue. R.E.M., Bob Dylan, and Runrig are among many that shot their live performance DVDs here. Every year, the Hogmanay events in Stirling are hosted here and are aired live on television.

Restoration – Stirling Castle Facts

Much of the castle’s interior was reused under the War Office’s ownership, from the Great Hall to the Chapel Royal. The restoration started by researching artwork and tapestries in the castle. This way the Royal Lodgings were able to restore the castle like it was still a royal residence. In 2015, the restoration project was completed.

Stirling Castle FAQ

How old is Stirling castle

Stirling castle is 532 years old, as it was constructed in the 1490.

Who owns Stirling castle

The owner of Stirling castle is the Historic Environment of Scotland.

Who lives in Stirling castle now

The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders’ headquarters are still in Stirling Castle. Within the castle is also the regimental museum.

Why was Stirling castle built

During periods of peace, Scottish kings would visit Stirling to enjoy the comforts, the excellent hunting, and to conduct court. The castle was frequently the seat of administration.

What is Stirling castle made of

The castle was constructed in phases using various stones. The stones used include those from the Ballengeich, Cat Craig, and Longannet quarries.

Stirling castle tickets

Stirling castle tickets are easy to purchase online as well as at the gate. However, if you purchase online, you get the best price. You also ensure your entrance in the castle. If you decide to buy at the gate, you may pay a bit more. You might also not enter because it’s overcrowded or be waiting for a few hours. You can get tickets right here.

Stirling castle prices

The prices of the tickets is different for different age groups. It is somewhere between £10 for children and up to £61.5 for a family of 2 adults and 3 children.

Chauffeur driven tours to and from Stirling Castle and surrounding areas

One of the best ways to organize your trip to the Stirling castle is to get a chauffeur service. That way you can enjoy every moment of the way there and back. It’s one of the best and most stylish ways to travel when you are in Scotland and you want to see some historical places.