Edinburgh Castle - Archaeology & History,' Adrian Cox, Archaeologist Historic Scotland

President Peter gave a warm welcome to Adrian Cox who is a Cultural Resources Advisor with Historic Scotland specialising in archaeological and historical matters.  Historic Scotland is an executive agency of the Scottish Government and is responsible for safeguarding the nation's historical environment and promoting its understanding and enjoyment. It welcomes visitors from around the world to more than 300 historic sites in its care, including historic buildings, monuments and battlefields across all parts of Scotland. 

With the aid of pictorial slides Adrian gave a very interesting talk about the history and origins of Edinburgh Castle, being the oldest building (St Margaret's Chapel) in Edinburgh and a key part of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site.  Adrian explained that archaeological research is still ongoing and that artefactual evidence exists of the Castle's enduring symbol of power and strategic control. Bronze Age settlers existed on the Castle Rock as early as 900 BC and a thriving Iron Age hill fort, probably visited by the Romans, existed there during the first century AD. The Castle was home to kings and queens and Queen Margaret (later St Margaret) died there in 1093 and Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to James VI in the Royal Palace in 1566. From the 1600's onwards the Castle was a military base with a large garrison and was also used to accommodate prisoners of war.

As well as explaining the architectural evolution and features of the Castle, including the Great Chamber, Royal Palace, Well Tower, Round Tower and David's Tower, Adrian provided insight of his own particular interests in the 'hidden areas' around and under the battlements. Restoration works and excavations over the years have supported ongoing archaeological research and have unearthed Roman brooches, pendants, horse harness fittings as well as arrowheads and spears, all of which provided evidence of everyday life, occupation and of the many sieges and attacks by Jacobites and others on the Castle. Adrian also commented on the the principal tourist highlights at the Castle including the Crown Jewels, Mons Meg and of its spectacular backdrop to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

John Dea thanked Adrian for his enthusiastic and interesting talk.