Edinburgh Castle's Haunted History
Edinburgh Castle is reputed to be one of the most haunted locations in Scotland, and Edinburgh itself has been called the most haunted city in all of Europe. Edinburgh Castle sits on top of Castle Rock, an extinct volcano and has been a fortification for over 2,000 years. The castle is protected to the north, south and west by sheer cliffs rising 400 feet above sea level. Access to the castle is by a steep road on the eastern side. The castle from its high position dominates views of the city of Edinburgh
A rich mix of architectural styles reflects the castle's complex history and role as both stronghold and the seat of Kings. St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh Castle dates from the early 12th Century. Crown square, the main courtyard, was developed in the 15th century; the Great Hall with its impressive hammer beam roof was built by James IV in 1511. The Half Moon Battery was created in the late 16th century. The Vaults were where foreign prisoners-of-war were held, particularly those captured in the wars with France in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Scottish National War memorial was added after the First World War.
Edinburgh has a hidden underworld to which the castle is strongly connected, a series of secret tunnels leading from Edinburgh castle down the Royal Mile. One of these is rumoured to lead to Holyrood House. Holyrood house itself is closely associated with Scotland's turbulent past, including Mary, Queen of Scots, who lived here between 1561 and 1567. Successive kings and queens have made the Palace of Holyrood house the premier royal residence in Scotland; even today it's still a royal residence.
When the tunnels were first discovered several hundred years ago, a piper was sent to explore. As he navigated the tunnels he played his bagpipes so that his progress could be tracked by those above. About half way down the Royal Mile the piping suddenly stopped. When a rescue party was sent, there was no trace of the piper. He had simply vanished. Several search parties went into the tunnel system but no trace of the piper was ever found.
The piper's ghost still haunts Edinburgh today, walking endlessly along the underground tunnel beneath the Royal Mile. His music can sometimes be heard from within the castle and on the streets above the tunnels.
Read More:
Edinburgh Castle's Haunted HistoryEdinburgh Castle Ghosts
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