Episode Summary: Dan Snow's History Hit – "Edinburgh Castle"

Release Date: August 10, 2025

In this captivating episode of Dan Snow's History Hit, renowned historian Dan Snow takes listeners on an immersive journey through the storied walls of Edinburgh Castle. Accompanied by Mari Summers, a Senior Castle Guide, Snow delves deep into the castle's rich history, dissecting pivotal moments that have shaped Scotland and, by extension, the United Kingdom.

1. Introduction to Edinburgh and Its Rich Tapestry

Dan Snow opens the episode by painting a vivid picture of Edinburgh—a city steeped in myth and legend, yet equally abundant in documented history. He remarks:

"Edinburgh is a city where there's no shortage of myth and legend, but also, thankfully, a vast reservoir of actual history as well."
[02:00]

Snow highlights Edinburgh's geographical significance, noting its construction atop Castle Rock, a volcanic crag that has been a human settlement for approximately 10,000 years. He emphasizes the city's enduring allure, especially during the Edinburgh Festival and the Fringe Festival, where the streets transform into a vibrant hub of creativity and performance.

2. The Foundations of Edinburgh Castle

As Snow ascends Castle Rock, he reflects on the fortress's ancient origins:

"Around 2,000 years ago, we think a small fort called Dun Eden was built by the Celtic Godin people on what is now Castle Rock."
[02:15]

Mari Summers elaborates on the castle's longevity:

"This castle originally started as an early Bronze Age settlement. There have been people living here for 3,000 years."
[06:38]

The castle's strategic location is underscored by its formidable defenses, including a dry ditch and a single massive gatehouse hewn from the living rock, making it one of the most besieged sites in British history without ever being captured by force.

3. Edinburgh Castle Through the Ages

a. The Post-Roman Era and the Wars of Independence

Snow delves into the tumultuous post-Roman period, highlighting Edinburgh's role as the royal center of Scotland. He recounts the intricate dynastic marriages that intertwined Scottish and English royalty, notably the union of Malcolm III and Margaret, which had lasting political ramifications.

"David was the one that truly fortified Edinburgh Castle... He brought lots of Norman ideas, engineers."
[12:00]

Mari Summers discusses the castle's destruction under Robert the Bruce's scorched earth policy during the Wars of Independence, save for St. Margaret's Chapel:

"From 1307 onwards, every castle keep stately home that they captured, they destroyed. So Edinburgh Castle was raised to the ground."
[16:55]

b. The Stuart Dynasty and Mary Queen of Scots

The narrative shifts to the 16th century, focusing on Mary Queen of Scots. Snow details her tumultuous reign, including her marriage to Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley, and the subsequent scandals that led her to seek refuge in Edinburgh Castle, where she gave birth to her son, James VI.

"Mary then fled for her own safety to Edinburgh Castle, which was more defensible."
[28:00]

Mari Summers provides an intimate look into the castle's royal apartments, where Mary endured personal tragedies and political turmoil, ultimately leading to her abdication and tragic execution.

4. The Crown Jewels of Scotland

A significant highlight of the episode is the exploration of the Scottish Crown Jewels. Mari Summers describes these treasures:

"The Sceptre was gifted in 1494, the sword in 1507. They're both Italian papal gifts to King James IV of Scotland."
[31:37]

She narrates the daring tale of their preservation during Oliver Cromwell's invasion:

"Two very impressive local women went in under the guise of delivering supplies and left with their skirts a little fuller than before."
[33:12]

Furthermore, the discovery of the jewels by Sir Walter Scott, a famed Scottish novelist, adds a romantic twist:

"111 years, nobody has seen them, but Walter Scott finds them."
[34:58]

This revelation turned the jewels into one of Scotland's earliest tourist attractions, enhancing Edinburgh Castle's allure.

5. The Jacobite Rebellions and Modern Military Significance

Snow recounts the Jacobite Rebellions, particularly focusing on Bonnie Prince Charlie's unsuccessful attempt to seize Edinburgh Castle:

"He besieged the front door of the castle, but he could never get in through force or through any sort of wily nature."
[37:48]

Mari Summers shares an intriguing anecdote about a cannonball from the castle still embedded in a local restaurant, symbolizing the enduring legends of the rebellion.

The episode also touches on the castle's military role in the 20th century, notably during World War I when the iconic one o' clock gun was fired at a German Zeppelin:

"Only time the one o' clock gun has ever been fired in anger."
[39:54]

6. Edinburgh Castle Today

Mari Summers concludes the historical tour by emphasizing the castle's dual role as both a military garrison and a tourist attraction. She shares stories of past prisoners, including American captives from various wars and notable figures like the Red Clydesider, Davy Kirkwood.

"We were putting him in one of the darkest of the cellars and he was said to have remarked afterwards that he thought he was going to be left there to die."
[42:17]

Additionally, she highlights the daily firing of the one o' clock gun, a cherished tradition that continues to draw crowds eager to witness this historic practice.

"You need to put your earplugs in."
[43:34]

7. Conclusion and Future Explorations

As the episode wraps up, Dan Snow expresses his gratitude to Mari Summers and teases the next installment of his summer tour, promising an exploration of the ancient ruins of Pompeii.

"Make sure you hit follow in your podcast player so you don't miss out."
[45:01]

Notable Quotes:

• "Edinburgh is a city where there's no shortage of myth and legend, but also, thankfully, a vast reservoir of actual history as well." – Dan Snow (02:00)

• "This castle originally started as an early Bronze Age settlement. There have been people living here for 3,000 years." – Mari Summers (06:38)

• "From 1307 onwards, every castle keep stately home that they captured, they destroyed. So Edinburgh Castle was raised to the ground." – Mari Summers (16:55)

• "Two very impressive local women went in under the guise of delivering supplies and left with their skirts a little fuller than before." – Mari Summers (33:12)

• "Only time the one o' clock gun has ever been fired in anger." – Mari Summers (39:54)

Final Thoughts:

Dan Snow's exploration of Edinburgh Castle serves as a microcosm of Scotland's broader historical narrative. From ancient settlements and royal dramas to military sieges and modern-day traditions, the castle embodies the resilience and enduring spirit of Edinburgh. This episode not only educates but also enthralls listeners, inviting them to appreciate the layers of history etched into the very stones of this magnificent fortress.