Stirling Castle
Attractions
Stirling Castle was a Royal residence from the time David I (1124) until James VI was crown as King of England (1603) and Scotland, he then moved to London. Stirling Castle is the best example of how a 16th century castle interior would look.
Stirling Castle Scotland as Edinburgh Castle Scotland stands on a Volcanic Rock that overlooks the city.
Mary Queen of Scots coronation also was performed in Stirling Castle’s Chapel Royal in 1543.
Robert the Bruce
Statue Stirling Castle
Robert I of Scotland who led the successful Battle at Bannockburn against the English, which was to give Scotland independence in 1314. Subject of the fill the ‘Outlaw King’ in 2018.
Argyle and Southern Highlanders
Memorial Statue Stirling
Find out the History of the Argyle and Southern Highlanders and when visiting Edinburgh Castle see the Memorial Fountain on the Castle Esplanade ramparts. Regimental history of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum Tells the story of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders and the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders up to their amalgamation in 1881 when they became the 1st and 2nd Battalions of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regiment and the history there after
Stirling Castle
Forework Gate House
Stirling Castle
Kings Outer Hall
Stirling Castle
Kings Original Ceiling Plaques
Stirling Castle
Nether Bailey
Stirling Castle
Lady’s Lookout
Stirling Castle
Lion’s Den
Stirling Castle
North Gate
Stirling Castle
Old Chapel
Stirling Castle
Powder Magazine
Stirling Castle
Postern Gate
Stirling Castle
Three Gun Battery
Stirling Castle
Great Kitchens
Stirling Castle
Vaults
Stirling Castle
Water Well
Stirling Castle
King’s Knot & Queen’s Knot
Stirling Castle
Grand Battery
The Grand Battery was built in 1698, but was only used once against the Jacobites and Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746.
Stirling Bridge
Wallace Monument
The view below is the way the Grand Battery faced protecting the Castle entrance and Old Stirling Bridge where William Wallace defeated the English in 1297.
Stirling Castle
French Spur
King Henry II of France the father-in-law of Mary Queen of Scots help keep the English out of Scotland. The French occupied Stirling and built the Spur known as the French Spur circa 1554. The gun fortification with 11 guns protected the entrance to the Castle and the Old Stirling Bridge over the Forth.
Stirling Castle
Guard House
The Main Guard House at the entrance to Stirling Castle was built in 1790 and was used to keep order in the Castle Garrison.
​The second Guard House was to watch over the powder magazines, circa 1850 this was converted into cells to maintain order within the Garrison.
Stirling Castle
Great Hall
The Great Hall was a banqueting hall built for James IV in 1503 and is the largest of its kind built in Scotland. Used for ceremonies and pageants and once for a meeting of Parliament. Once the royals moved to London it fell out of use. The Great Hall was renovated and brought back to its original glory and opened in 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II taking over 20 years to recreate.
Stirling Castle
James V Palace
Palace at Stirling Castle.was built to accommodate the new Queen in the style of the French as she was accustomed. The project took several years with building starting in 1538 on his return with his new wife Marie de Guise. Mary saw the completion of the Palace as James died in 1542 without seeing the completion. There were 6 rooms three for the King and three for the Queen The Bedchamber where they each slept. The inner chamber where each could give audience to a closer circle of friends with the outer hall being used for functions and less personal meetings. Mary of Guise became Regent of Scotland on the death of her husband James V taking care of the crown for her daughter who was Mary Queen of Scots.
Stirling Castle
Prince’s Walk
The Prince’s Walk can be seen from Queen Anne Garden. The decoration on the outside of the palace walls would frighten most people away.
Stirling Castle
Queen’s Chambers
Stirling Castle
Queen’s Dressing Table
Stirling Castle
Queen’s Bed
The Queens Bedchamber decorated in the opulent style of circa 1550. The grand tapestries and large fireplaces, bedding of silk with rich colours.
Stirling Castle
Queen’s Linen Cupboard
Stirling Castle
Queen’s Inner Hall
Stirling Castle
Queen’s Outer Hall
Stirling Castle
King’s Chambers
Kings Bedchamber
Ceiling Plaques
Stirling Castle
Kings Inner Hall
The King’s Presence Chamber (Inner Hall) was where the original Stirling Heads (wooden carved heads) decorated the ceiling. Taken down circa 1775 the ceiling had circa 100 carved oak heads some are on display in a gallery above the Royal Apartments. There are replica hand carved heads on the ceiling of the Presence (Inner) Chamber.
Stirling Castle
Kings Inner Hall
The King’s Presence Chamber (Inner Hall) was where the original Stirling Heads (wooden carved heads) decorated the ceiling. Taken down circa 1775 the ceiling had circa 100 carved oak heads some are on display in a gallery above the Royal Apartments. There are replica hand carved heads on the ceiling of the Presence (Inner) Chamber.