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 Edinburg became known for its wide scale commerce. Edinburg 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, and in 1385 the Cathedral of St. Giles Kirk and the Town Hall were burnt down. Edinburg in 1329 brought forth a charter granting the townspeople certain rights, a sign of the cities growing importance, and by the 15th century Edinburg 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.
This was a really cool post, Joe! I always heard of Edinburgh, but I had never looked at the city in this much detail. I thought it was interesting that the English captured the Edinburgh castle because this was definitely a huge event during the time period. That probably did not help the cause for the fights between the English and Scotts throughout history.
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