Due to its position on the borderlands of Scotland and England, the castle has been involved in a number of attacks 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, between further troubles with Scotland.

It was strengthened by Henry VIII from 1540 - 43 and was prison to Mary Queen of Scots for a few months in 1568. Charles I re-fortified the castle during the Civil War, it featured during the Jacobite rebellion, and then became a barracks in 1745. It's a great medieval fortress, built on the site of a roman fort and you can explore ancient chambers, stairways and dungeons and find the legendary 'licking stones'.

The history can be experienced through the various exhibitions telling the stories of William Rufus, Mary Queen of Scots and Bonnie Prince Charlie. And for an informative history of the castle with all its feuding, you can take a guided tour of the Castle.