• Skip to main content
  • Skip to after header navigation
  • Skip to site footer

Truly Edinburgh

Visitor guide to Edinburgh

  • Home
  • Site Index
  • Blog
  • Edinburgh
  • Whisky
  • History of Scotland
    • Castles of Scotland
    • Early monarchs
    • Famous Scots
  • About
Home » History of Scotland » Mar’s Wark: Stirling Old Town

Mar’s Wark: Stirling Old Town

Built close to Stirling Castle


Mar’s Wark was once an imposing Renaissance mansion,  built close to Stirling Castle by John Erskine 1st Earl of Mar (1510-72).  All that remains today is its still impressive façade, dominated by its vaulted entrance and flanked by octagonal turrets.  Its richly carved stonework displays heraldic panels, gargoyles and inscriptions.

John Erskine 1st Earl of Mar (1510-72) needed a home befitting his status and building work began around 1570.  Some of the stone used in the construction came from Cambuskenneth Abbey, which during the Scottish reformation in 1560 was “ruined and cast down” and subsequently used as a quarry.

As a Protestant Governor of Edinburgh Castle during the regency of Mary of Guise, Mar trod a neutral path.  As guardian to the young Mary Queen of Scots, he accompanied her when she left for France in 1548. However, following the death of her second husband Lord Darnley in 1567 the working relationship they had developed deteriorated.

He was awarded the position of hereditary keeper of Stirling Castle. Later, following Regent Moray’s assassination in 1570, he became regent to the young James VI.

After his death, his mansion remained unfinished and his wife Annabella of Tullibardeine, once denounced by John Knox as, “a very Jezebel,” took up residence but never completed the work.

Related content

  • Stirling Castle: Royal Palace

Although incomplete, James VI and Queen Anna stayed there in 1593, some years after the death of the first earl.

Following the failure of the 1715 Jacobite rebellion, led by the 6th Earl of Mar, the house was converted into barracks.  During the 1745-46 rebellion it was badly damaged by cannon fire and fell into ruin.

Today Mar’s Wark is managed by Historic Environment Scotland.

other properties managed by Historic Environment Scotland

Blackness Castle

Blackness Castle: Outlander filming location

Stirling Castle, Scotland

Linlithgow Palace

Linlithgow Palace: birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots

Craigmillar Castle

Craigmillar Castle: favourite of Mary Queen of Scots

Edinburgh historic attractions

Royal Yacht Britannia
The Royal Yacht Britannia
William Chambers, St Giles Cathedral
St Giles’ Cathedral: the High Kirk of Edinburgh
Scott Monument
Scott Monument: an Edinburgh landmark
Rosslyn Chapel
Rosslyn Chapel: explore its history
Magdalen Chapel
Magdalen Chapel: Edinburgh Old Town landmark
Linlithgow Palace
Linlithgow Palace: birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots
Craigmillar Castle
Craigmillar Castle: favourite of Mary Queen of Scots
Canongate Kirk
Canongate Kirk: an Edinburgh Royal Mile Landmark

Sidebar

Things to do in Edinburgh

Things to do in Edinburgh

Truly Edinburgh Whisky Page

whisky in Edinburgh

Best Whisky Shops in Edinburgh

whisky in Edinburgh
visitor guide to Edinburgh Royal Mile attractions
  • Home
  • Edinburgh
  • Whisky
  • Blog
  • History
  • Site Index
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Pinterest

Copyright © 2022 · Truly Edinburgh · All Rights Reserved

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All


Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT