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Stirling Castle

Type Object Region Scotland Time c. 1100

Stirling Castle sits on a cliff above Stirling, controlling the land route between the Forth and Clyde, and was a repeatedly contested stronghold dur…

Timeline

  1. c. 1100–1290Stirling Castle · StirlingThe castle perched on volcanic rock cliffs controlled the key passage between the Scottish Lowlands and Highlands; successive Scottish monarchs resided there, and it gradually developed from a wooden structure into a composite stone defensive system.
  2. 1296–1304Stirling Castle · StirlingAfter the English occupation of 1296, Scottish forces recovered the surrounding area near the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297; in 1304 Edward I personally led a large army in siege, deploying siege engines such as the giant trebuchet "Warwolf," and after months of bombardment the garrison surrendered.
  3. 1304–1310Stirling Castle · StirlingAfter its fall in 1304 the castle was held by an English garrison, becoming the core stronghold for Edward I and his successors to exercise military rule in Scotland; between 1305 and 1310 the English continuously reinforced the defenses and maintained a heavy garrison.
  4. 1490Stirling Castle · StirlingIn the 15th–16th centuries Scottish monarchs such as James IV and V extensively rebuilt the royal palace and defenses; the castle became a symbol of Scottish royal power in the Renaissance and remains an important historic site and tourist attraction today.

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