The History of Edinburgh, Scotland's Capital City

Steeped in history and famed for its panoramic skyline, Edinburgh is one of the world's most enchanting cities. So what is the history of Scotland's capital? Well, Edinburgh's history is one that stretches far back to the Bronze Age. Here, this ancient civilisation found themselves dotted along East Scotland's coastline and further towards the central belt; both areas which are now consumed by Edinburgh's growing boundaries. Historians believe that later, during the Iron age, a tribe known as the Votadini ruled the area.
By the 12th century, Edinburgh's famous crag and tail - a glacial rock formation that now acts as the rocky perch for the city's iconic castle - was home to a fortress and look out which quickly established itself as a burgh; otherwise known as a trading town. During the next few hundred years, Edinburgh - or Dunedin or Edenburgh as it was known then - became something of a religious and regal hub as monks and the monarchy alike moved to the city and called it home.

The 1600s were a tumultuous time for Edinburgh as the Scottish Reformation - where the Scottish church moved away from Catholicism to Presbyterianism - as well as the birth of the Union - where Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland became one nation - the United Kingdom.

The 1700s were little different as the city was temporarily occupied by Jacobean forces on their way to fight in the Battle of Culloden; a battle that was subsequently lost. Some time after this and once peace was restored to the city, Edinburgh played host to the Scottish Enlightenment - a period of time where the cultural foundations - for which Edinburgh is now globally renowned - where laid. For example, during this time Edinburgh's New Town was built and still remains one of the most striking and beautiful examples of Georgian architecture in the whole of Britain. Writers and poets such as Robert Burns starting creating their most famous works while science and philosophy also played an important role thanks to the work of James Hutton and David Hume.

In the 1900s, Edinburgh was overtaken in size by Scotland's other big city - Glasgow - whose industrialism saw it become an epicentre for manufacturing. Today, Edinburgh's industries still reflect its history as a city steeped in culture and academia with key business types being in the arts, banking, education, digital design and Edinburgh HR consultancy.

Never visited the beautiful city of Edinburgh? Make sure to book your trip now that you know the history of this wonderful city.

Mary McGee is an expert in travel and tourism.

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Tags: Edinburgh HR, Edinburgh, Scotland, history