HOW EDINBURGH CASTLE DEFIED THE JACOBITE REBELLION

During the rebellion of 1745, Jacobite forces took control of Edinburgh - but the city's iconic castle would not surrender

- REBECCA FORD

On 15 September 1745, the sound of bells echoed throughout the city of Edinburgh. They clanged a warning; the Jacobite army of Charles Edward Stuart, 'Bonnie Prince Charlie', was on its way south. People rushed into the streets in panic, for the city, with the exception of the castle, was ill prepared for battle. Efforts were made to improve its defences and arms were handed out to enthusiastic volunteers. But when a letter from Prince Charles arrived the next day warning citizens that he was determined to enter the city and could not answer for the consequences if anyone opposed him - many urged capitulation. Rumours spread - one said that 16,000 Highlanders were going to take the city and the volunteers lost their courage and marched swiftly back up the hill to the castle to hand back their weapons. In the early hours of the morning of 17 September, Charles - who was encamped nearby - sent a party to break into the city. It proved easier than expected; a gate at the Netherbow Port was opened by mistake, so the Jacobites rushed in and went on to seize the guardhouse in the High Street, followed by the guard posts on the walls. By midday, the sound of bagpipes filled the air and the Highlanders were in control of the Scottish capital. Well, most of it, as a flag of defiance still flew from the castle - and the commander inside refused to surrender.

Early Settlement

Perched high on the tip of a volcano that became extinct some 70 million years ago, Edinburgh Castle is an enduring symbol both of the city and of Scotland itself. It has functioned as palace and prison, fortress and refuge, royal residence and republican garrison, and its strategic position - with commanding views over the city and surrounding countryside - has made it highly prized as a symbol of military might and political power.