Edinburgh Castle
Human habitation dates back to 9th century BC and there has been a royal castle here since 12th century - it continued to be a royal residence until Union of the Crowns in 1603. From 15th C the castle's residential role declined, and by 17th C its principal role was as a military base As an historic monument it's importance was recognised from 19th C. As one of the most important fortresses in Scotland, the Castle was involved in many historical conflicts, from the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century, up to the Jacobite Rising of 1745, and has been besieged, both successfully and unsuccessfully, on several occasions.
Few of the present buildings pre-date the Lang Siege of the 16th century, when the medieval fortifications were largely destroyed by artillery bombardment: Notable exceptions are St Margaret's Chapel, the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, dating from early 12th century, the Royal Palace, and the early-16th-century Great Hall. The castle also houses the Honours of Scotland, the Scottish National War Memorial, and the National War Museum of Scotland.
Edinburgh Castle is owned by the Scottish Government and most of the site is in the care of Historic Scotland. It is Scotland's most-visited paid tourist attraction, with over 1.3 million visitors in 2011. The Army are responsible for some parts of the castle and as the backdrop to the annual Royal Edinburgh MIlitary Tattoo it has become an iconic symbol of Edinburgh and of Scotland.
Earl Haig Statue, Edinburgh Castle
Earl Haig: Born in Edinburgh's Charlotte Square in 1861, Douglas Haig attended school in the city before moving on to Oxford University and then Sandhurst College. From 1906-09 he was assigned to the War Office, where he helped form the Territorial Army and organise an expeditionary force for any future war in Europe. In August 1914, Haig led the 1st Corps in France. In December 1915 he was appointed commander-in-chief of the British Armies in France, perhaps the biggest assembled army in history. Many military historians say Earl Haig – who led the army in France between 1915 and 1918 – bears much of the responsibility for the huge losses at the likes of the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and the campaign in Passchendaele the following year. Instead of accepting an Army posting after the war, Field Marshal Haig committed his energy to the problem of ex-servicemen and set up the Royal British Legion in Edinburgh's Charlotte Square in 1861, Douglas Haig attended school in the city before moving on to Oxford University and then Sandhurst College. From 1906-09 he was assigned to the War Office, where he helped form the Territorial Army and organise an expeditionary force for any future war in Europe. In August 1914, Haig led the 1st Corps in France. In December 1915 he was appointed commander-in-chief of the British Armies in France, perhaps the biggest assembled army in history. Many military historians say Earl Haig – who led the army in France between 1915 and 1918 – bears much of the responsibility for the huge losses at the likes of the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and the campaign in Passchendaele the following year. Instead of accepting an Army posting after the war, Field Marshal Haig committed his energy to the problem of ex-servicemen and set up the Royal British Legion
EdinburghEdinburgh CastleScotlandSculptureearl haigmensculpture
