Edinburgh, Scotland is the current capital of Scotland, and is part of the countries 32 council areas. Edinburgh, was constructed a little before the 12th century. The city was originated when a small-hill fort called Dun Eiden was built by the Gododdins. The forts original location of being built is not yet known, but historians believe it was probably built on Castle Rock. Castle Rock is a volcanic rock structure that sits in the middle of Edinburgh. Along the top of Castle Rock now sits the royal castle that was built during the middle ages under the reign of King Malcolm III.
The city of Edinburgh can now be looked at historically through the features of old and new town Edinburgh. Old town was built during the middle ages, at a time when the fear of being attacked was constant. Thus making its buildings sit at the top of Castle Rock overlooking the surrounding area. The New Town on the other hand was built later, and spreads out along many different streets and terraces.
Another part of history in which Edinburgh contributed to the medieval period was with Friars. In Edinburg Friars were some of the first to be founded. They worked for the community and could leave the monastery to preach. In the southern part of Edinburg lived two different types of Friars, Dominican and Augustinian. The Dominican Friars usually dressed in black while the Augustinian dressed in grey.
As time went on a settlement began to grow on the east side of the rock. The settlement was occupied by Edinburgh and Canongate. Both of these old english fortifications or "royal burghs" were allowed to take part in foreign trade. During the years Edinburgh became known for its wide scale commerce. Edinburgh became especially known for its making of wool cloth and leather exported from the nearby Port Leith. Cattle and sheep from this area were raised and sold in Cowgate, and other products like cereal and hay were sold at the grass market.
In the year 1296 the English captured the Edinburgh castle and kept control of it until the year 1322. The city of Edinburgh went through constant war between the Scotts and English. The city faced major damage in the year 1385 when the Cathedral of St. Giles Kirk and the Town Hall were burnt down. Edinburgh in 1329 brought forth a charter granting the townspeople certain rights, a sign of the cities growing importance, and by the 15th century Edinburgh had turned into the capital of Scotland.
Work Cited
“A BRIEF HISTORY OF EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND.” A History of Edinburgh, http://www.localhistories.org/edinburgh.html.
“Edinburgh's Other History: Walking Tour.” Edinburgh by CIVITATIS, https://www.introducingedinburgh.com/history
Turnbull, Archie Rule, et al. “Edinburgh.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., https://www.britannica.com/place/Edinburgh-Scotland.
I like the idea that their building strategies correlate with the concerns of their time. I think it is a cool to be able to understand the past through how and where a building was placed.
ReplyDeleteVery informative! It's odd to think that the capital of Scotland evolved from a small hill fort, especially when looking at photos of it now. I wonder if most medieval towns arose from outposts of sorts, given the more spontaneous nature of their construction? Great job!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to me that they built their castle on top of a volcanic rock! I also didn't think about structures having been built to give them an advantage in times of attack, like the old town's buildings being atop Castle Rock.
ReplyDeleteIt is extremely interesting that some of the first Friars to be founded were in Scotland. Having heard the term before briefly, it is nice to know where it comes from.
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