Dan Snow's History Hit Edinburgh Castle
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Aug 10, 2025 In a fascinating discussion, Mhairi Summers, a Senior Guide at Edinburgh Castle and an expert on its rich history, shares captivating stories of the castle’s evolution. She highlights its transformation from a Bronze Age settlement to a pivotal site during the Wars of Independence. Mhairi delves into the legacy of Mary, Queen of Scots, the intriguing concealment of Scotland's crown jewels, and tales of battles and prisoners that shaped its identity. Listeners will be entranced by the dramatic history that echoes through the castle's stone walls.
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Ancient Roots Of Edinburgh
- Edinburgh's site drew people for millennia, with settlements dating back to prehistoric times.
- Dan Snow highlights human presence here for about 10,000 years.
Volcanic Crag Is The Primary Defence
- Castle Rock's volcanic crag provides a powerful natural defence that shaped the city.
- Dan Snow emphasizes the crag as the reason settlers chose and defended the site.
Archaeology Reveals Long Occupation
- Archaeology shows Castle Rock hosted Bronze Age hearths and Iron Age roundhouses for millennia.
- Mhairi Summers notes Roman trading finds reached as far north as Edinburgh.
