Craigmillar Castle is a medieval castle located in the county of Midlothian, Scotland. It is situated about 5 miles south of the city of Edinburgh and is one of the best-preserved castles in Scotland.
The castle was built in the 14th century by the Preston family, and it served as their family seat for many years. The castle was constructed using red sandstone, and it is characterized by its tall, slender towers and impressive curtain walls. The castle was designed to be both a defensive structure and a comfortable home, and it features a number of beautifully decorated rooms and halls.
In the 16th century, the Preston family sold Craigmillar Castle to the Seton family, who made a number of renovations and improvements to the castle. They added a number of new buildings to the castle, including the Great Hall, which is one of the most impressive rooms in the castle. The Setons also added a number of gardens to the castle grounds, including the Rose Garden, which is home to a variety of beautiful flowers and plants.
Craigmillar Castle is closely associated with Mary Queen of Scots, who spent much of her childhood at the castle. Mary was born in 1542, the only surviving child of King James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise. She was just six days old when her father died, and she became Queen of Scotland at a very young age. As a child, Mary spent much of her time at Craigmillar Castle, which served as a royal palace and was home to many of the Scottish nobility. She was raised at the castle by a series of governesses and tutors, and she received a classical education that included languages, literature, music, and dance.
In 1558, when Mary was just 16 years old, she married the Dauphin of France, Francis, who was the son of King Henry II. The couple moved to France, and Mary became Queen Consort of France when her husband ascended to the throne in 1559.
After Francis’s death in 1560, Mary returned to Scotland and took up residence at Craigmillar Castle once again. She ruled Scotland for a number of years, but her reign was marked by political turmoil and conflict. She was eventually forced to flee to England, where she was imprisoned by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I.
Mary was eventually tried and found guilty of plotting against Elizabeth, and she was executed in 1587. Her tragic story has captured the imagination of people around the world, and she remains one of Scotland’s most enduring and iconic figures.
Today, Craigmillar Castle is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can learn more about Mary Queen of Scots and her time at the castle. The castle is home to a number of artifacts and features that are associated with Mary, including a portrait of her that hangs in the Great Hall. Visitors can also explore the castle’s beautifully decorated rooms and gardens, and they can imagine what life was like for Mary and the other residents of the castle during her time there.
In addition to its historical significance, Craigmillar Castle is also rumored to be haunted. There have been reports of strange noises and ghostly apparitions at the castle, and it is said that the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots herself haunts the castle. Whether or not these stories are true, they add to the castle’s allure and make it an even more interesting place to visit.
Overall, Craigmillar Castle is a beautiful and historic mansion with a rich history. Its Palladian architecture and beautiful surroundings make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in the history of the Edinburgh area. Its association with Mary Queen of Scots only adds to its appeal, and the stories of its hauntings only add to its mystique. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique and interesting place to visit, Craigmillar Castle is sure to be a memorable experience.
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