The Childhood Home Of Mary Queen Of Scots - Stirling Castle

The castle dates back to the early 12th century, but most of the principal buildings date somewhere from the 15th and 16th centuries. Before the union with England, Stirling Castle was the Scottish Royal residence. During peacetime Scottish royalty came to Stirling to enjoy its comforts, hunting and to hold court - the castle was the center of government.

Here is what caught my eye, I hope you enjoy!

The exterior of the Royal Palace where Mary Queen of Scotts grew up and also gave birth.

Heads of previous battle victims were placed on poles and posted outside the castle to discourage others from starting battle.

The exterior of the Great Hall

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Rebirth of a Palace: The Royal Court at Stirling Castle

By Harrison, John

Stirling Castle: Its Place in Scotland's History, in Battle, and in the Lives of Scottish Kings and Queens

By Stair-Kerr, Eric

Mary Queen of Scots

By Fraser, Antonia

The exterior of the Royal Palace

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The Great Hall, completed around 1503, was the castle’s huge reception room and the largest of its kind built in Scotland. The royal couples would hold banquets in this space.

The detail of the hammer beam roof of the Great Hall.

The beautiful leaded stained glass windows in the Great Hall.

The exterior of the Great Hall

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The bridge built between the Queen’s chamber and the Great Hall.

During the war of Independence, the castle changed hands eight times in 50 years.

The interior of the Chapel Royal which was built in 1594 for Christening of Prince Henry, the first-born son of King James VI and the heir to the thrown.

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The Stirling Heads are one of Scotland’s great art treasures. 16th-century oak medallions carved with images of kings, queens, nobles, Roman emperors and Bible and mythological characters.

Some of the bizarre figures of the castle facade

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The Queen’s Outer Hall

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The Queen’s Inner Hall

The bedchamber of the Queen

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The King’s outer hall

The King’s bedchamber

The King’s bedroom ceiling

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The Stirling Heads on the ceiling

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The Great Kitchen

The castle with the Mountain View in the distance

The view of the Palace from the Queen Anne Garden

The guide told the group that saying, ‘no thank you’ to a Queen at dinner was not an option, if you were full, a birds feather down your throat would remedy the situation, and you could eat again. But if the Queen happened to eat quick, you were also done, and the table was cleared.

What you should know:

• There are walkways thoughout the castle complex.

• Public restrooms are available.

• Tickets can be bought on-line or in person.

• Check the website for days and hours of operation, and any special events.

• You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day here, depending on your level of interest.

• People are friendly and helpful.

• Most of the castle buildings and grounds are self-guided.

• There are a few shop and food option on the premises.

• There is parking on the premises.

Location: Castle Wind, Stirling FK8 1EJ

For more information: Stirling Castle