Edinburgh Castle has a long and fascinating history of holding prisoners of war, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries. From French privateers and American revolutionaries to Jacobite rebels and Caribbean pirates, the castle’s vaults and dungeons have housed a diverse array of captives over the centuries.
Nationalities Represented at Edinburgh Castle
The prisoners of war held at Edinburgh Castle came from a wide range of nationalities, including:
| Nationality | Description |
|---|---|
| French | Privateers and sailors captured during the various Anglo-French wars |
| American | Soldiers and sailors fighting for independence during the American Revolutionary War |
| Spanish, Dutch, Italian, Polish | Sailors and soldiers captured from various European powers |
| British and Irish | Rebels and supporters of the Jacobite risings against the British Crown |
| Caribbean | Pirates, including members of the notorious crew of “Black Bart” |
Life as a Prisoner of War
To pass the time and earn a little money, prisoners of war at Edinburgh Castle engaged in a variety of activities. Many crafted items such as hats, wooden boxes, board games, and chess sets using materials like bones, straw, and wood. These handmade goods were then sold to the public during designated visiting hours, typically from 10 am to 3:30 pm.
Some prisoners even turned to counterfeiting, using bone die stamps to create counterfeit banknotes. This illicit activity provided a means of supplementing their meager rations and improving their living conditions.
Living Conditions and Escape Attempts
The living conditions for prisoners of war at Edinburgh Castle were notoriously harsh, with overcrowding and poor sanitation. Many prisoners attempted to escape, often with varying degrees of success.
One notable incident occurred in 1811, when 49 French prisoners managed to cut a hole in the rampart and climb down Castle Rock using a rope. However, all but one of the escapees were quickly recaptured.
Notable Prisoners and Incidents
Over the centuries, Edinburgh Castle has held a number of notable prisoners of war, each with their own unique stories:
- Sir Thomas Grey, an English knight, was held at the castle in 1355 and used the castle’s library to write the “Scalacronica,” a chronicle of British history.
- In 1607, two noble prisoners, Sir Seumas MacDonald of Dunyvaig and Lord John Maxwell, joined forces to plot their escape from the castle.
- In 1799, a French prisoner attempted to escape by hiding in a hand barrow used to remove dung from the prison.
Exploring the Prisons of War at Edinburgh Castle
Visitors to Edinburgh Castle can explore the Prisons of War exhibition, which provides a glimpse into the grim living conditions and daily lives of the prisoners held within the castle’s walls. The exhibition includes a recreation of the vaults as they would have appeared around 1800, offering a powerful and immersive experience.
References
- https://blog.edinburghcastle.scot/edinburgh-castle-prisons-war/
- https://www.edinburghcastle.scot/see-and-do/highlights/prisons-of-war
- https://blog.edinburghcastle.scot/ten-epic-attempts-to-escape-edinburgh-castle/
- https://cdnsm5-ss6.sharpschool.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_65154/File/Migration/edinburgh-castle.pdf
- https://retrospectjournal.com/2017/12/09/napoleonic-prisoners-and-edinburgh-castle-a-brief-examination/