The Lang Siege

In the summer of 1571, Sir William Kirkcaldy of Grange, the Keeper of Edinburgh Castle, was still supporting Mary, Queen of Scots, despite her imprisonment and forced abdication in 1567. He refused to surrender the castle to James Douglas, Earl of Morton, who was governing on behalf of the infant James VI.

This siege continued until 1573, hence the name, when Morton sought help from Queen Elizabeth and heavy guns were sent from Berwick. Within ten days of bombardment, from six batteries around the castle, the eastern front of the castle was completely demolished. Kirkcaldy was forced to surrender, when the fore well was blocked by fallen masonry, and he was hauled behind a cart to the mercat cross on the Royal Mile where he was executed. His head was impaled on a spike on the castle walls.

Repairs to the castle began straight away - the Portcullis Gate replaced the Constable's Tower and the Half Moon Battery was built around the remains of David's Tower.

Search Site

See our Bookshop in association with Amazon.co.uk!

Accommodation
in the Lothians

Tourist Information