Edinburgh Castle

Lower Ward

After crossing the Esplanade, entry to Edinburgh Castle is through the Gatehouse built in 1888, which replaced a plainer and more functional 17^th century gate. On either sides of the entrance are statues of Robert the Bruce and William Wallace – these were added in 1929 to mark the 600th anniversary of Bruce's death. On the walls of the entry passage are two carved stone panels, which were taken from the earlier gate, showing guns and other military equipment, including Mons Meg, that were in the castle.

Inside the Gatehouse is the Lower Ward, or court, with the Old Guardhouse, which now serves as the castle shop, to the right. The guardhouse was originally a gun platform used to protect the Inner Barrier. A roof was added around 1850 and it was converted into the guardhouse.

Leading past the guardhouse is the 17^th century Inner Barrier. It was narrower at the time it was created and, with a drawbridge and ditch in front of it, was a formidable obstacle between the outer and inner gates of the castle.

The Portcullis Gate was built over the ruins of the Constable’s Tower, which was destroyed during the Lang Siege of 1571. To the left of the Portcullis Gate is a stone plaque recording the exploits of Sir William Kirkcaldy during the siege.

This became the main entrance into the castle following the rebuilding work that took place after that event. It has two outer doors, facing the Inner Barrier, an iron portcullis and another door at the rear leading to the Middle Ward. The stone panel above the outer doors is decorated with hearts and stars, the armorial insignia of James Douglas, the Earl of Morton and Regent of Scotland, who commissioned the work. The shield displaying the Lion Rampant was inserted in 1887 at the same time as the upper storey, the Argyle Tower, was added.

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