Mons Meg: The Mighty Medieval Bombard of Edinburgh Castle
Discover Mons Meg, the colossal 15th-century siege cannon at Edinburgh Castle, a symbol of Scotland’s medieval military might and royal heritage.
Mons Meg is a colossal 15th-century siege cannon housed at Edinburgh Castle. Built in 1449 in Mons, Belgium, and gifted to King James II of Scotland in 1457, this six-tonne bombard could fire 150kg stone cannonballs up to 3.2 km. Once cutting-edge military technology, Mons Meg saw action in sieges before retiring to ceremonial use. Its barrel burst in 1681, ending its firing days. Now prominently displayed outside St Margaret’s Chapel, it remains a symbol of Scotland’s medieval martial heritage.
A brief summary to Edinburgh Castle - Mons Meg
- Castlehill, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG, GB
- +441312259846
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 9:30 am-6:15 pm
- Tuesday 9:30 am-6:15 pm
- Wednesday 9:30 am-6:15 pm
- Thursday 9:30 am-6:15 pm
- Friday 9:30 am-6:15 pm
- Saturday 9:30 am-6:15 pm
- Sunday 9:30 am-6:15 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the day to avoid peak crowds and get clear views of Mons Meg and St Margaret’s Chapel.
- Take time to explore the detailed information panels near the cannon to learn about its history and technical features.
- Combine your visit with a tour of Edinburgh Castle to understand the broader historical context of Mons Meg.
- Wear comfortable shoes as the castle grounds involve some uphill walking and cobblestone surfaces.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Public Transport
Take Lothian Buses routes 1, 35, or 36 to the Princes Street stop, then walk uphill approximately 10 minutes on cobblestone paths to Edinburgh Castle. Buses run frequently with fares around £1.80-£2.00 GBP.
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Taxi or Ride Share
A taxi or ride-share from Edinburgh city center to Edinburgh Castle takes about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, costing approximately £5-£10 GBP. Drop-off is available near the castle entrance but expect some uphill walking.
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Walking
From central Edinburgh, a 15-20 minute walk to Edinburgh Castle is possible via the Royal Mile or Princes Street. The terrain includes cobblestones and uphill sections, so wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for moderate exertion.
Edinburgh Castle - Mons Meg location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Edinburgh Castle - Mons Meg
Origins and Construction of a Medieval Marvel
Mons Meg was forged in 1449 in the town of Mons, in modern-day Belgium, by the iron founder Jehan Cambier. Commissioned by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, it was presented as a grand gift to King James II of Scotland in 1457, coinciding with the king’s marriage to Mary of Guelders, Philip’s niece. This massive bombard, weighing over six tonnes and stretching 15 feet in length, was among the largest cannons of its time. It was designed to fire enormous stone cannonballs weighing approximately 150 kilograms (330 pounds) over distances reaching two miles (3.2 kilometers), a remarkable feat of medieval artillery engineering.Military Service and Ceremonial Roles
Mons Meg was actively used in several key military campaigns during the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Notably, it was hauled to the siege of Roxburgh Castle in 1460 and later deployed by King James IV against Dumbarton and Norham Castles. Moving Mons Meg was a monumental task, often requiring teams of oxen and slow progress due to its immense weight. By the mid-1500s, advances in artillery rendered Mons Meg obsolete for battlefield use, and it transitioned to ceremonial roles. One famous occasion was in 1558 when Mons Meg fired a celebratory shot to mark the marriage of Mary, Queen of Scots, to the French Dauphin, with the cannonball reportedly landing two miles away.The End of Its Firing Days and Later History
The cannon’s active firing career ended dramatically in 1681 when its barrel burst during a salute to James, Duke of Albany and York (later King James VII). This catastrophic failure rendered Mons Meg unusable as a weapon. Following this, it was left outside the castle gates for many years. In 1754, Mons Meg was taken to the Tower of London along with other disarmed weapons as part of efforts to reduce armed threats in Scotland. After decades in England, a campaign led by Sir Walter Scott and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland successfully secured its return. In 1829, Mons Meg was ceremoniously brought back to Edinburgh Castle, where it has remained ever since.Preservation and Display Today
Mons Meg now stands prominently outside St Margaret’s Chapel at Edinburgh Castle, where visitors can admire its formidable size and craftsmanship. It has undergone several conservation efforts, including a major restoration in 2015 to remove corrosion and repaint the cannon to protect it from the elements. The wooden carriage supporting Mons Meg was reconstructed in the 20th century based on historical designs. As part of the Royal Armouries collection on loan to Historic Environment Scotland, Mons Meg is recognized as a significant artifact of Scotland’s military heritage and medieval technology.Symbolism and Cultural Legacy
Beyond its military history, Mons Meg symbolizes Scotland’s medieval power and craftsmanship. Its presence at Edinburgh Castle, a site steeped in history and royal significance, connects visitors to Scotland’s turbulent past, including its wars of independence and royal ceremonies. The cannon’s dramatic barrel burst and subsequent abandonment became part of local lore, reflecting tensions between Scotland and England. Today, Mons Meg is not only a historic weapon but also a cultural icon, drawing visitors worldwide to marvel at one of the largest medieval cannons ever made.Visitor Experience and Context
Standing before Mons Meg, you can appreciate the sheer scale of medieval artillery and the logistical challenges of warfare in the 15th century. The cannon’s massive barrel, large enough for a person to climb inside, and the huge stone balls it fired evoke the era’s military ingenuity. Its location at Edinburgh Castle, a fortress with over two millennia of history, adds layers of context—from Iron Age fortifications to royal stronghold and military garrison. Mons Meg’s story intertwines with Scotland’s national narrative, making it a compelling highlight for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Tranquil
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
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For the architecture buff
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- Landmarks
- Sacred Sites
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Protected Area
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
