How did the people at Edinburgh castle live?

- Royal Feasts: The royal court at Edinburgh Castle enjoyed lavish banquets and feasts. Meat dishes, such as venison, beef, and lamb, were commonly served. Wine, ale, and mead were popular beverages.

- Lower-ranking Personnel: Cooks, servants, and soldiers likely had simpler meals, consisting of porridge, bread, cheese, and vegetables.

- Gardens: The castle may have had its own kitchen gardens to provide fresh produce.

- Brewhouse: There's evidence of a brewhouse within the castle, indicating that beer and ale were produced.

Hygiene and Sanitation:

- Privy Gardens: The castle had "privy gardens," which were designated areas for relieving oneself.

- Water: Fresh water was sourced from wells and brought into the castle.

- Baths: The castle likely had baths for royal family members, but the majority likely washed themselves in chambers.

Lodging:

- Great Hall: The Great Hall was a multi-purpose space where people gathered for meals and social functions.

- Royal Apartments: The King and Queen had their own private apartments within the castle, equipped with tapestries, furniture, and beds.

- Servants and Soldiers: Lower-ranking personnel likely lived in shared rooms or dormitories within the castle.

- Barracks: The castle had a guard house and barracks for the soldiers.

Social Structure and Activities:

- Courtly Life: The castle was the center of political and cultural life in Edinburgh, with frequent visits from nobles, ambassadors, and courtiers.

- Music and Entertainment: Musicians, jugglers, and poets were often invited to entertain the court.

- Hunting: The royals and nobles engaged in hunting expeditions in nearby forests.

- Jousting Tournaments: The castle might have hosted jousting tournaments or other forms of chivalric entertainment.

Defenses and Security:

- Fortifications: The castle's strong walls, towers, and gatehouse provided protection from attacks.

- Guards and Soldiers: The castle was constantly guarded by soldiers to deter potential threats.

Overall, life within Edinburgh Castle reflected the hierarchical feudal society of the time, with the royal court and nobility enjoying luxurious accommodations and privileges, while the lower-ranking personnel endured more modest living conditions and performed various tasks to keep the castle functioning.