See some of the fabulous dishes that Stewart kings and queens would have tucked into when they celebrated Easter at Stirling Castle. Treats like a boar’s head, and a trout presented to look like it’s swimming up a bed of seaweed, will be displayed on the high table in the Great Hall over the holiday weekend, starting on Friday 22nd April, 2011.



The Stewarts and their court traditionally went to the castle at this time of year and took part in religious ceremonies in the old Chapel Royal. It was also a time to indulge in lots of food and fun as it marked the end of Lent. In some ways it was effectively the start of the royal year – long cold winters were behind and summer joys lay ahead.

Visitors will be able to find out just what it was like from costumed characters who will stage performances in the Chapel Royal and Great Hall, from the Friday to the Monday, and will talk about Easter (or Pasche) in the 16th century. There will be guards, maids, nobles and possibly even the dowager queen herself – Mary of Guise.

These small-scale events, under the title of A Stewart Easter, will also provide a sneak preview of the costumes and characters that visitors can look forward to when the royal palace opens in June. Performances will take place throughout the day.