April 17, 2011 - Trip to Edinburgh

I woke up to a nice sunny day for my excursion into Edinburgh today. I spent 3 hours walking around the oldest part of the city and seeing the sights...some history below to go with the photos...

(Sir Walter) Scott Monument - stands in the East Princes Street Gardens and is the largest (200 feet tall) monument in the world to be built for a writer. It was built several years after his death in 1832 and has a series of viewing decks that can be reached from spiral staircases.

Edinburgh Castle - built on Castle Rock (a volcanic crag) around 1130AD it has been destroyed in war and rebuilt many times (the last time 1574-1578). The original chapel built in 1130 and dedicated to Queen Margaret still stands. The Honours of Scotland (the crown, sceptre, and sword) reside here in the Crown Room.Today, the castle still houses a garrison used by the Scottish regiments in the British Army.

Royal Mile - street that begins at the castle and continues east where it ends at the Palace of Hoyroodhouse.

World's End Pub - on corner of High Street (Royal Mile) and St. Mary's Street. Derives its name from its location adjacent to the former Netherbow Port. This was a defensive gateway which once once stood across the Royal Mile at this point, separating the Old Town from the Canongate. The area inside the Port gateway came to be known as the "World's End" because as far as the townspeople of Edinburgh were concerned, it was quite literally where their world ended! The base of the Port can still be seen outside the pub, marked by metal plates in the roadway. The pub's foundations also incorporate part of the Flodden Wall which was once a major part of the Town's defenses.

Palace of Holyroodhouse - founded as a monestary in 1128 the Kings of Scotland chose to live here surrounded by parkland rather than in the bleak castle. The current building is largely a 17th century creation with the tower house of the original building incorporated. Mary, Queen of Scots lived here between 1561-1567. It is a working palace and the Queen's official residence in Scotland.

Carlton Hill - site of the Nelson Monument (to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson) and the National Monument.

North Bridge - connects High Street (part of the Royal Mile) and Princes Street. Passes over the rail lines at Waverly Station.

Hope everyone enjoys the photos...
Karen