Centre of royal celebrations
Stirling was the preferred residence of most of Scotland’s later medieval monarchs, and most added something to its impressive architecture.
Scotland embraced the classical ideas coming from Renaissance Europe during the reign of James IV (1488-1513). He spent much time and money making the castle fit for a European monarch - partly to impress his queen,
Margaret Tudor, daughter of Henry VII of England.
James V continued this legacy, as he was just as keen to impress
his second French bride, Queen Mary of Guise. Their daughter,
Mary Queen of Scots, lived in the Royal Palace as a child and was
crowned here in 1543.
Later, in 1566, Mary’s own son, the future James VI, was baptised here.
The fireworks display that ended the celebrations was the first recorded
use of fireworks in Scotland.
In turn, James VI had the Chapel Royal built in haste for the baptism
in 1594 of his first son, Prince Henry. A three-day celebration followed,
but Henry died before inheriting the crown.
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