Mons Meg: Famous Medieval Cannon At Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Mons Meg is one of the oldest surviving pieces of gun-powdered artillery in the world.

Mons Meg was once seen as cutting edge military technology.

Given to King James II in 1457, the six-tonne siege gun could fire a 150kg gunstone for up to 2 miles.

The cannon itself weighs around 15,366 pounds, making it one of the largest medieval artillery pieces ever constructed.

The 20 inches-diameter cannon accepted stone balls that weighed an incredible 175 kilograms (386 lb).

In early years the gun, like the other royal cannon, was painted with red lead to keep it from rusting, which cost 30 shillings in June 1539.

The gun remained in Edinburgh Castle until 1754 when, along with other weapons in Scotland, it was taken to the Tower of London.

Sir Walter Scot and others campaigned for its return, which was effected in 1829.

Mons Meg has since been restored and is now on display within Edinburgh Castle - and visitors can get up close to the magnificent canon.

She is named after the Belgian town where she was made.

In 1460, James II had Mons Meg hauled 50 milesto the siege of Roxburgh Castle - this was no small task: even a team of oxen couldn’t move her more than 3 miles a day.

But the unlucky king was killed there when another of his cannons exploded.

King James IV put Mons Meg back in action, first to attack Dumbarton Castle and then Norham Castle - but she ended her fighting days in King James V’s navy, retiring around 1550.

When Mary Queen of Scots married in 1558, Mons Meg fired a gunstone over the city in celebration: it landed in what is now the Royal Botanic Garden. Her barrel finally burst in 1681.

Despite its formidable reputation, Mons Meg eventually fell out of active use as advances in artillery technology rendered it obsolete on the battlefield.

However, it remained a cherished relic of medieval warfare and Scottish history.

After 75 years in England, Mons Meg made a glorious return to Edinburgh Castle in 1829. Cavalry and infantry escorted her from Leith Docks to Castle Rock.

Today, Mons Meg is preserved at Edinburgh Castle, where it continues to attract visitors from around the world, offering a tangible link to the martial past of the region.

It sits outside St Margaret’s Chapel, just beyond the Whisky and Finest Food Shop.

Cannons in Scottish history

Cannons played a significant role in Scottish military history, particularly during the medieval and early modern periods.

Scottish lords and monarchs utilised cannons to besiege and capture castles, fortresses, and walled towns held by their enemies.

Cannons were instrumental in breaching defensive walls, weakening fortifications, and demoralising defenders.

Scotland's extensive coastline made it vulnerable to attacks from seafaring powers, including England and various European nations.

Cannons were strategically placed along coastal fortifications, such as castles and coastal batteries, to defend against naval incursions.

They were used to repel enemy ships, deter amphibious assaults, and protect key ports and harbours.

While cannons were primarily associated with siege warfare and coastal defence, they were also deployed in field battles, particularly during the later medieval and early modern periods.

Cannons provided artillery support to infantry and cavalry forces, raining down projectiles on enemy formations and disrupting their ranks.

However, the rugged terrain of much of Scotland limited the effectiveness of cannons in traditional open-field battles compared to flatter regions.

Beyond their military utility, cannons were also used for symbolic and political purposes in Scotland.

Monarchs and nobles displayed cannons as symbols of their authority, power, and prestige.

The possession of formidable artillery pieces like Mons Meg served to assert the strength and legitimacy of rulers.

Visiting the canon at Edinburgh Castle

Edinburgh Castle is one of Scotland's most popular tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Perched atop Castle Rock, an extinct volcanic plug, Edinburgh Castle dominates the skyline of Scotland's capital city.

Its strategic location provides commanding views of the surrounding landscape, including the city of Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, and the surrounding countryside.

The castle's position made it a natural defensive stronghold, guarding the approaches to the city from potential invaders.

The earliest known reference to a fortification on Castle Rock dates to the 12th century, though archaeological evidence suggests the site may have been inhabited even earlier.

Over the centuries, the castle has undergone numerous modifications, expansions, and renovations, reflecting the changing needs and aspirations of its occupants.

Edinburgh Castle has played a central role in many key events in Scottish history. It served as a royal residence, military fortress, state prison, and symbol of royal authority.

The castle witnessed numerous sieges, battles, and intrigues, including conflicts between Scottish monarchs, clashes with English forces, and periods of political unrest and rebellion.

The architecture of Edinburgh Castle reflects its rich and varied history.

The complex includes a mix of medieval, Renaissance, and Georgian structures, ranging from imposing defensive walls and gatehouses to elegant palaces and barracks.

Key architectural features include the Crown Jewels of Scotland, the Stone of Destiny, St. Margaret's Chapel (one of the oldest surviving buildings in Edinburgh), and the Great Hall.

If you’d like to visit the castle, tickets can be booked via their official website in advance.

Someone who recently visited the castle said: “Amazing place to look around. Have to pay to get in but could easily spend 3+ hours in there.

”There’s a museum on site and so much to look at! All the staff were lovely and helpful! This is my 2nd time visiting and I still noticed so much I didn’t before so definitely something you can return to!”

If you’d like to visit, the address is: Castlehill, Edinburgh EH1 2NG.

If you enjoyed this blog post, please follow Exploring GB on Facebook for daily travel content and inspiration.

Don’t forget to check out our latest blog post below!

Thank you for visiting Exploring GB.