Thesis: in the next few moments i would like to inform you about two major castles in scotland. In doing so i hope to explain some of the historical points about these castles. The location, and some buildings with in the two castles. Also what these castles bring to Scotland by way of travel and tourism.
I. History of the two major castles.
A. History of Stirling Castle.
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1. No one can confirm when Stirling Castle was first built, but references to it begin to appear in historical records in the early 12th century. However the records themselves refer to an earlier building site. The castle that stands today is said to have been built between 1370 and 1750, in various stages by a number of differnt occupants, according to the book Landmarks of Scotland(Douglas, 1993). The varied types of statues and stone carvings that are mounted around the castle walls and on display in the gardens have many sources, ranging from the Devil, Planetary Gods, and even sculptures of kings throug hthe centuries. Stirlings history is probably one of the most famous in the world. This is so because the major motion picture "Braveheart", starring Mel Gibson, was released. This movie is famous due to the fact that it was filmed in the castle, and is based on true events(Landmarks of Scotland, 58-64).
2. Stirlings colourful if somewhat bloody history saw many births and deaths throughout the last few hundred years. One of the most notable William, Earl of Douglas murdered by King James the Second and his mutilated body hurled out of a high window in the castle. Not surprisingly the castle has a reputation for having many ghosts. It is claimed by spiritualists that there are over 1000 lost souls in its walls. The most famous of all being the Green Lady.(Landmarks of Scotland,49-54).
B. History of Edinburfh Castle.
1. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, was the site of the daring raid led by Sir William Douglas, the legendary knight of Liddesdale, 1333.
