The iconic Stone of Destiny, used for centuries to inaugurate monarchs, is also on display in the Crown Room.įollowing the ‘Union of the Crowns’ of 1603, Edinburgh Castle was rarely visited by the reigning monarch, but from the 1650s it grew into a significant military base. The crown, sceptre and sword of state were first used together for the coronation of a monarch in 1543, when Mary Queen of Scots came to the throne.
Made of gold, silver and precious gems, they were created in Scotland and Italy during the reigns of James IV and James V. The Honours of Scotland are the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. He became king of Scotland at 13 months old and united the crowns of Scotland and England in 1603. Mary gave birth to James VI in the Royal Palace in 1566. James IV died at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, fighting English forces sent by his brother-in-law, King Henry VIII of England.Ībove the door to the Royal Palace are the gilded initials MAH – for Mary Queen of Scots and her second husband Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley. But the king had little time to enjoy his new addition. The Great Hall, completed in 1511 for King James IV, hosted grand banquets and state events. St Margaret’s Chapel still hosts weddings and christenings today.
The chapel built in her honour by her son, King David I, is Edinburgh’s oldest building. Queen Margaret (who was later made a saint) died here in 1093. Edinburgh Castle was home to kings and queens for many centuries.
