Starting in the 5th century lasting until the 15th century, Europe is marked by the Medieval Ages, also known as the Middle Ages. The Medieval Ages began around year 495 AD. The fall of the Western Roman Empire often denotes the start of the Medieval period that lasts almost 1,000 years. The Medieval era is signified by castles, crusaders, and the rise of religion, specifically, Catholicism and their cathedrals (MiddleAges.org). The Scottish Lowlands is an area of Europe that was a part of the Middle Ages and experienced the growth of religion, faith and had battles with crusaders. At the beginning of the Middle Age Scotland was made up of four separate kingdoms: The Picts, Scots, The Briton’s and the Kingdom of Bernicia. By the 9th century …show more content…
The castle guarded the lowest crossing point of the River Forth (HistoricEnvironment.scot). English and Scottish forces fought over the castle many times and control of the castle switched occupation frequently between the English and Scots. When William Wallace and his forces fought at the bridge of the River Forth, Wallace’s army was outnumbered by Englishmen, but Wallace and his men came through with a victory. This win was one of the first moments that the Scot’s were free from occupying forces and finally tasted freedom. Because of this first taste of freedom, the castle is still a representation of Scottish independence. The castle would be taken over again by English forces and regained by Scottish forces multiple times in the years to follow, but Wallace’s first victory of English forces at Stirling Castle gave Scotland the momentum and confidence to continue to fight for their …show more content…
Almost all the monarchs and rulers of Scotland have lived in Stirling Castle or have spent some amount of time serving in the castle at some period of their lives. While kings and queens resided in Stirling Castle they added on to the architecture of the castle. Each monarch that has resided in the castle has left their mark in Stirling Castle.
Stirling Castle is one of the grandest castles in Scotland and a main visitor attraction. The castle is located 250 ft. above the plains on a dormant volcano. The castle is designed with Renaissance architecture with French influence (InStirling.com). It took four years for the palace to be built and the castle is built upon another building because there was not enough room. The oldest room in the castle was built in 1381. Statues of unicorns and lions that weigh .75 tons each top the Great Hall and there are three wells located inside the castle, two of which are still full of water