Royal Artillery

Northumbrian Gunners

Sunday, 14 December 2014

Edinburgh - Edinburgh Castle Prisons of War

Between 1756 and 1815 Edinburgh Castle held Prisoners Of War captured during Britain's wars. Prisoners from the Seven Years War, American Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars would end up in the prison in the Castle.

The Seven Years War was a series of conflicts in Europe, North America, Central America, the West African coast, India, and the Philippines as European powers fought to establish their colonial possessions. Britain clashed with France in Canada in 1754 - 1755.

The American Revolution was triggered by the Declaration of Independence 4th July 1776 and lead to a subsequent War between Britain and America. The French Revolution and the rise of Napoleon resulted in French expansion in Europe, the wars lasting from 1803 to 1815.

During the period the prison contained prisioners captured at sea, and over 1.000 men from America, Spain, France, Holland and Ireland were imprisoned. Officers were  billeted outside the castle, in houses in the town.

Edinburgh Castle Prison

Edinburgh Castle Prison Cell

Edinburgh Castle Prisoners Accommodation

Edinburgh Castle Prisoners Life