Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)

Mons Meg

Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 23, 2018

1. Mons Meg Marker

Inscription. Mons Meg The world's most famous medieval gun showed the strength and prestige of Scotland's kings. In the Middle Ages, only the wealthiest rulers could afford such cutting-edge military technology.

Mons Meg was made from wrought iron near the city of Mons, now in Belgium, in 1449. Just eight years later, she was given by Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, to James II, King of Scotland. James had married Philip's great-niece, Mary of Guelders.

On the Road
Mons Meg was carried on a reinforced cart pulled by horses or exen. The road was levelled by gangs of labourers before her. Even so, she only moved about nine miles (14.5km) a day.

Raising the Titanic
When Mons Meg reached her destination, she was winched off the cart using a sturdy wooden frame blocks and rope. She was then lowered into position.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Military. A significant historical year for this entry is 1449.

Location. 55° 56.932′ N, 3° 12.009′ W. Marker is in Edinburgh, Scotland. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Royal Mile and Johnston Terrace, on the left when traveling west. Located at Edinburgh Castle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Edinburgh, Scotland EH1 2NG, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within

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walking distance of this marker. The Biggest Gun of All (here, next to this marker); Dog Cemetery (a few steps from this marker); St. Margaret’s Chapel (a few steps from this marker); Foog’s Gate (within shouting distance of this marker); Their Name Liveth (within shouting distance of this marker); Forewall Battery (within shouting distance of this marker); Scottish National War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Queen Anne Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Edinburgh.

Also see . . .
1. Mons Meg on Wikipedia. (Submitted on November 28, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Edinburgh Castle. (Submitted on November 28, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)

Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 23, 2018

2. Mons Meg

Photographed By Michael Herrick, August 23, 2018

3. Mons Meg

( plaque in front of Mons Meg ) Defend Mons Meg!
Please do not climb on Mons Meg
She levelled castle walls and
terrified the enemies of Scotland’s
kings. But that was more than
500 years ago.
Please treat this grand old lady
with some respect.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 192 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 28, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.