Schmap Edinburgh Historical Background

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Edinburgh - Historical Background
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The huge rock upon which Edinburgh Castle now stands is a natural stronghold, and warring Celtic tribes would use it as such during the first centuries of the first millennium. King Edwin of Northumbria is thought to have built the castle here in the 7th century and the settlement's name was anglicised to Edinburgh. In 1018 King Malcolm II defeated the Northumbrians and Edinburgh Castle became Scottish.

Medieval Edinburgh

Essentially the town took its starting point from the Castle, and developed down the slope of Castle Rock. In 1128 an abbey was founded at Holyrood, at the foot of the rock, and what's now called the "Canongate" took its name from the presence of its canons who founded a separate burgh there.

Since the 9th century there has been a church on the site where St Giles' Cathedral now stands, but little is known about it until the building founded by Alexander I in 1120.

The developing route from the Castle, along Lawn Market & High Street (past St Giles' Cathedral), to Canongate became known as the "Royal Mile".

Struggles against the English

A brief spell under the English and some ferocious power struggles marked the 14th and 15th centuries. During this time, Edinburgh received a royal charter from Robert the Bruce and in 1498 the Palace of Holyrood was built at the site of the Abbey. At this time Edinburgh was beginning to benefit from the trade and export of wool. Meanwhile, the "Old Town" was developing - creating the Grassmarket and Cowgate.

After a hefty defeat by the English, at the battle of Flodden in 1513, the people of Edinburgh began work on the Flodden Wall in a desperate attempt to defend themselves against possible invasion. Completed in 1560, it marked Edinburgh's boundary for the next 200 years.

Reformation Edinburgh

Also in 1560 Protestantism was declared as Scotland's official religion. Two factions were now set against each other. They are best represented here by the two leaders who personified them in Scotland: John Knox, zealous Protestant reformer, and Mary Queen of Scots, pro-French Catholic.

Espionage and bloodshed suffused every level of Edinburgh society, most famously in an incident when Queen Mary could only watch in horror as her favourite and (alleged) lover, David Rizzio, was murdered by a group of noblemen in Holyroodhouse under the orders of her husband, Lord Darnley. Their son became King James VI of Scotland in 1567, when he was 13 months old. In 1582 Edinburgh University was established, and 1603 saw the accession of James VI of Scotland to the English throne.

Georgian Edinburgh

In 1633 Edinburgh officially became the capital of Scotland. Then, in 1707 the Act of Union joined Scotland to England and the Scottish parliament was dissolved.

By the 18th century it was decided to branch out of the city's original ("Flodden") walls - a "new town" was to be built. Scottish architect James Craig developed a simple grid design based around three parallel streets: Princes Street, George Street and Queen Street. This plan, and the beautiful Georgian architecture of which it is comprised, are still in place today.

Victorian Era

The Victorian era was another time of expansion. Middle-class suburbs such as Marchmont and Morningside were born. The Edinburgh and Leith railway line was built in 1831, linking the port and industrial centre with the capital city, and the Edinburgh and Glasgow line followed in 1842.

Modern Edinburgh

Many people associate modern Edinburgh with the Edinburgh International Festival, which has been keeping the city at the centre of the international arts scene since 1947.

More recently still, the re-introduction of the Scottish parliament, three centuries after it was dissolved by the Act of Union, has meant a return of Scottish government to Edinburgh.

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Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle

Castlehill
City of Edinburgh, Midlothian Scotland EH1 2NG
United Kingdom
+44 131 225 9846
http://www.edinburghcastle.biz

The castle is Edinburgh's best known and most popular attraction and one of the most visited ancient monuments in the UK. It has breathtaking views of Edinburgh and tons to interest young and old alike - the Great Hall and Royal Apartments, the Crown Room, the Half Moon Battery, statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace, and the Esplanade to name but a few. The Esplanade is also the venue of the world-renowned Military Tattoo, with its music, marching and historical re-enactments. The castle is home to Scotland's most famous cannon - a 15th century monstrosity called Mons Meg, which is fired every day (except Sunday) at precisely 1pm - be warned, it's deafening! In a more sombre corner of the castle is the Witches' Well where over 300 women were burned between 1492-1722.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Chris Hill

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Edinburgh Castle photo by Matthew Speicher

Photo: Matthew Speicher

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Edinburgh Castle photo by Mark Leicester

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Photo: Keith Hodgskiss

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Photo: Sarah L R Johnston

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Photo: Carrie Puttock

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Photo: Elizabeth Williams

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Photo: Nancy R. Lambert

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Photo: Rebecca Hunter

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Photo: Raquel Cáceres

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Edinburgh Castle photo by Mackenzie Brooks

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Edinburgh Castle photo by Ian Mulholland

Photo: Ian Mulholland

Edinburgh Castle photo by Nora Kischer-Browne

Photo: Nora Kischer-Browne

Edinburgh International Festival

The oldest of six arts festivals Various venues
Edinburgh
United Kingdom
+44 131 473 2001
http://www.edinburgh-festivals... The Edinburgh International Festival is one of six arts festivals which, together, make up The Edinburgh Festival. The focus of the event is to "provide the world with a centre where, year after year, all that is best in music, drama and the visual arts can be seen and heard in ideal surroundings". Edinburgh is indeed ideal: the beauty of the surrounding landscape provides the perfect backdrop for the music and drama of the International Festival. Opera, ballet, symphony concerts, and performances all take place in the larger venues around the city. The programme is available in March, and tickets are EUR5.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Tom Gardner
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Photo: Peter Doe
Photo: www.theedinburghblog
Photo: E.Robson
Photo: Greg Beal

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Edinburgh - Historical Background"
Edinburgh
Edinburgh - Neighborhood Guide
Edinburgh - Where to Stay
Edinburgh - Dining & Drinking
Edinburgh - Art & Entertainment
Other nearby cities:
Glasgow (75 miles)
Newcastle upon Tyne (149 miles)
Belfast (228 miles)
York (262 miles)
Leeds (263 miles)
Manchester (285 miles)
Liverpool (287 miles)
Sheffield (310 miles)
Dublin (357 miles)
Birmingham (396 miles)

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