Photographs of Stirling Castle
Click on an image to see the full picture
Stirling Castle is one of the largest and most important castles in
Scotland. Like Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle sits on top of a volcanic
crag which dominates the town. Also like Edinburgh, it comprises a number of
buildings constructed at different times for different kings. There is also the
outline of a formal garden which may have been laid out for Charles II.
The Inner Close of the castle is surrounded by the most important buildings
– the King’s Old Building (built for James IV in 1496), the Great Hall
(James IV around 1503), the Palace (James V around 1540) and the Chapel
Royal (James VI in 1594).
Around the Outer Close are the Great Kitchens (early 16th century) and
later Army buildings. The Nether Bailey occupying the lowest part of the
castle rock houses 19th-century powder magazines. The Outer Defences (Queen
Anne around 1710) and Forework (James IV around 1500) guard the main
entrance from the town.
