Monday, June 11, 2012

“He Who Holds Stirling, Holds Scotland”


Surrounded on three sides by the steep cliffs of Castle Hill, Stirling Castle soars majestically above the town of Stirling and the River Forth.  Its strategic position, guarding what was once the only crossing over the River Forth into the Highlands, made it a hotspot for political and military conflict for centuries.  But for the modern traveler there are other reasons to visit Stirling Castle.
Stirling Castle is one of the largest surviving castles in Scotland.  Contained within its walls are some of the finest examples of Medieval and Renaissance architecture around.  Massive reconstruction and restoration efforts have brought many parts of the castle back to their former glory, including the Palace, the Great Hall, and the Chapel Royal.  Yet, beyond the fascinating “furnishings,” there are plenty of other things to see.  Look around.  You never know what you might find tucked away in a corner, down a stairs, or through an archway. 
 
The Great Hall contains the largest medieval banqueting hall ever built in Scotland.  Occasionally, important historical events are reenacted in the hall giving visitors an exciting glimpse of life during the height of the castle’s power.


The Palace, built in the mid-1500s by James V, has undergone extensive restoration and is now nearly entirely restored to its former beauty with lavish Renaissance facades, furnishings, and hand-woven tapestries.

Between the Great Hall and the Chapel Royal is a narrow walkway that leads to a quiet garden called the Douglas Garden.  It got its name from William, earl of Douglas, who was murdered by his own king, James II, and had his body was thrown here by the king’s frightened courtiers.


When you're done exploring these places, take a look at the great kitchens still bustling with activity, the outer defenses which afford an amazing view of Stirling and the Wallace Monument, and the Argyll Regimental museum. 
Stirling is not just a castle where you go down the list of things to see.  To me, Stirling is one of the purest examples of what any boy or girl imagines when they hear their first stories of knights and castles.  Take time to explore this enchanting castle and, like me, you may find something new that’s not on your map.

For more information and pictures, check out these great sites:

      The bustling Great Kitchen                         The ghost of the Douglas?
                                                                       No just the actor taking a stroll,
                                                                   but it was perfectly spooky in the fog.


Please do not use these pictures without permission.

No comments:

Post a Comment