Edinburgh Castle History

The Castle Rock

The dominating rock on which Edinburgh castle stands is around 340 million years old, the product of a long extinct volcano.

Castle rock towers 120m (390ft) above sea level and has provided a natural defence ever since first habitation around 900BC.

On three sides the castle is protected by shear cliffs some 80m high, while this is outstanding as a defence feature, it becomes problematic when attempting to get water to occupants in a siege situation. This was illustrated fully in 1573 when the garrison ran out of water during The Lang Siege.