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Stirling Castle
Drawing: J. J. Joass (1893)
Source: RIBA British Architectural Library Drawings & Archives Collection

Stirling Castle is sited at the geographical centre of Scotland. On its rocky bluff, it commanded what was once the most strategic point in the country. Not surprisingly, this site has long been occupied and constantly adapted by successive rulers.

The castle was founded in the twelfth century. However, its most exciting phase, architecturally, was from the early sixteenth century onwards, when kings James IV, James V and James VI rebuilt much of the castle’s accommodation.  The castle now became a fashionable showpiece: a new great hall, courtyard and chapel were added, elaborately decorated inside and out; broad battlements combined with crow-step gables created the busy roof line; and rippling walls were covered with snippets of Renaissance ornament.

This bird’s eye view, by the young Scottish architect J.J. Joass (1868-1952), recreates Stirling’s Renaissance magnificence. Deftly drawn, we can appreciate the castle’s excellent position, its complicated layout, and blend of Medieval and Renaissance architecture, just as visitors would have done around 1600.