OS1/11/105/26A

Continued entries/extra info

[Page] 26a

"At the part of the exterior wall of the Castle indicated in the map is a small posterior gateway
which for many years has been built up. It was here the viscount Dundee held his conference
with the DuKe of Gordon March 18th 1689 when on his way to raise the Highlands in favour
of King James. The convention was then sitting in the Parliament House for the purpose of settling the
new Government, and Dundee finding his party outvoted, resolved to go to the north and try
what arms could do in behalf of his expatriated master. With on thirty dragoons he rode
down Leith Wynd and along what was called the Long-gate a road nearly on the present line of
Prince's Street While the town was beating to arms to pursue him. Leving his men at the end
of the Long-gate he clambered up the rocK at this place and conversed with the DuKe
whom he endeavoured to prevail upon to go along with him to the Highlands in order to raise his
immense bands of dependents. The DuKe however resolved rather to remain in the Castle and hold it
out for the tenor of the Convention. That body was thrown into great alarm by the retirement of
Dundee and sent a Major Bunting with eighty horse to command his return or bring him bacK by
force. Dundee who was now on his way to Stirling coolly told this officer to go back to the convention
without attempting any violence as, otherwise he would send him bacK to them in a pair of blanKets
He was then permitted to pursue his way and the Convention proceeded to settle the Crown upon
William &. Mary. When Queen Margaret Consort of Malcolm Canmore died here in 1093 the castle was besieged
by Donald Bane the usurper so that her body could not obtain egress by the front gate. It was however
Carried away by the postern at the west side of the rocK and so transported to Dunfermline for
burial."
Chamber's RecKiana pages 65, 66, &. 67.

Transcriber's notes

This Name Book refers to Edinburgh 1852 - Sheet 35
OS large scale Scottish town plans, 1847-1895 - Scale: 1:1056