A little history of Edinburgh

The 15 most stunning places in the UK outside of London, according to Instagram | The Independent | The IndependentEdinburgh, Scotland's capital, has a rich history spanning thousands of years. The earliest known human habitation in the area dates back to around 8500 BC, with evidence of Bronze and Iron Age settlements on Castle Rock, Arthur's Seat, and the Pentland Hills.

In the 7th century, the Angles of Northumbria established a fortress called Dun Eadain on Castle Rock, which later evolved into Edinburgh. The town began to develop beyond the fortress during the 11th century, with King David I founding the royal burgh in the early 12th century. The 15th and 16th centuries saw significant growth, with the construction of the first town wall in 1437 and the building of Holyrood Palace. The city also became a centre for arts and education, with the establishment of Scotland's first printing press in 1508 and the granting of a charter to the Royal College of Surgeons in 1506.

The 17th century was marked by religious and political upheaval, including the signing of the National Covenant in 1638 and Cromwell's occupation in 1650. The 18th century brought the Scottish Enlightenment, with figures like Adam Smith and David Hume contributing to Edinburgh's intellectual and cultural life. The city's architecture expanded with the development of the New Town, featuring Georgian-style buildings. In the 19th and 20th centuries, Edinburgh continued to grow, incorporating surrounding areas like the port of Leith, and became known for events like the Edinburgh International Festival.