Due to its position on the borderlands of Scotland and England, the castle has been involved in a number of skirmishes over the years. The first stone castle was built by Henry I in 1122, and Henry II added to it in 1158, 1163 and 1186 in between the skirmishes.

It was strengthened by Henry VIII in 1540-3 and was prison to Mary Queen of Scots for a few months in 1568 - one of many prisons to which Mary became accustomed. Charles I re-fortified the castle during the Civil War, it featured during the Jacobite rebellion and became a barracks in 1745. It's a great medieval fortress, built on the site of a roman fort. 

You can explore the ancient chambers, stairways and dungeons and find the legendary 'licking stones'. Here, thirsty Jacobite prisoners found enough moisture to stay alive, only to be brutally executed on Gallows Hill. This fascinating history can be experienced through the various exhibitions, telling the stories of William Rufus, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie.

An informative history of the castle and the feuding of years gone by is available by taking a guided tour.