The Scottish kings had a castle on this volcanic crag from early times, but only one rear gateway now predates the rebuilding by James IV and James V in the first half of the 16th century, when an impressive wall with towers at either end and a central gatehouse was built across the landward side, with palatial apartments around a small court and a large detached hall block, recently restored to its former glory. The chapel dates from the 1590s and there are considerable outer defensive works of the 18th century.
Written by
Mike Salter.
Stirling Castle is well worth a visit but you should also spend some time exploring the graveyards just below the castle. There are two distinct graveyards beside the Church of the Holy Rude in Stirling. The “Old Kirkyard” has some headstones dating… Read more...
Written by
Karen Bryan.
Stirling Castle sits high on top of an extinct volcano, rich in history (the eighth Earl of Douglas met a particularly sticky end here in 1452) and with a restored Great Hall ' all carved oak beams, lead windows ' and three-storey Royal Palace, it's wonderfully evocative stuff; coach parties notwithstanding.
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