Edinburgh Castle

Western Defences

The Western Defences at Edinburgh Castle was an exposed part of the castle that was developed in the 17^th century to accommodate the expanding garrison as well as offering extra protection for this side of the castle. This area is generally closed off during the winter months due to the hostile conditions in what is still a very exposed part of the castle.

A roadway between the Cartshed and the Governor’s House, in the Middle Ward, leads to the Ordnance Storehouse and the Military Hospital. These are where a gunpowder magazine, which was capable of holding 1000 barrels, was built in 1748 and later joined by two storehouses. The powder magazine was demolished in 1897, but the storehouses were converted for use as a military hospital. They now house the National War Museum of Scotland, which was opened in 1933.

More soldiers also meant that more drinking water was required, so the Back Well was cut out of the rock in 1628 to provide this. As 2.5m/8ft deep it was more like a cistern as it collected the water that drained through fissures in the rock. Beyond this is Butts Battery where the medieval garrison practised their archery skills.

Midway along the defensive wall was the Sallyport – the back gate into the castle. This was blocked up and the Western Defences redesigned, with sentry boxes added, after Jacobites nearly breached the defences during the 1715 Rising.

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