Castle of the Week: Stirling Castle

Picture showing castle up on Castle Hill.

For hundreds of years, Stirling Castle has held prominence and power in Scotland. Sitting atop a crag, the castle reaches into the sky, an imposing dominant force to be reckoned with. Being a seat of power, the castle has been through many sieges time and again--several times during the Scottish War on Independence (think William Wallace and Longshanks) and the last attempt with Bonnie Prince Charlie in the 18th century. To take the castle meant you were taking Scotland--holding the power.

Stirling first became an important stronghold in the 7th or 8th centuries and was home to powerful rulers: King William, Robert the Bruce, Mary Queen of Scots, James V. The castle is huge, housing a chapel, grand great hall, king and queen's lodgings (each with three rooms: outer hall, inner hall, bedchamber), storerooms, great kitchens, gardens, vaults, and so much more. Courtiers flocked to the castle. To be seen at Stirling, to be a part of that court was indeed a noble thing--unless of course it was under siege, then you'd best get your armor on and weapons ready.

Some pics of Stirling Castle...

Drawn in the 17th century by John Slezer

Castle Gardens in front of Prince's Tower

Prince's Tower

Northern Bailey

Entrance to the Castle

The castle is open to tours, and if you should find yourself in Scotland is not to be missed! Its decorated for the 15th century, so when you enter, its like stepping back in time. Check out the official site here: http://www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk/

My series, The Stolen Bride Series features William Wallace and Stirling Castle. In fact, the Battle of Stirling Bridge is on the beginning scenes in The Highlander's Reward.

She belonged to another… But was destined to be his…

Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she arrives in Stirling, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Besieged by rebels, she is whisked from her horse by a Highland warrior who promises her safety. But when he kisses her she fears she's more in danger of losing herself.

The last thing Magnus Sutherland wants is to marry the beautiful English lass he saved. As the laird of his clan, he has a responsibility to his clan and allies. But when Arbella is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to make her his. A decision that promises to be extremely satisfying.

Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle in the Highlands. And that’s where the trouble begins… Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who've been scorned are out for revenge. Can their new found love keep them together or will their enemies tear them apart?

“Eliza Knight has crafted a wonderfully entertaining, emotional and sensual read. I loved the sizzling romance and the exciting adventures. Magnus, the hot Highland hero, stole my heart just as he did Arbella’s.” Vonda Sinclair, Award-Winning author of Scottish romance

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