The now world-famous medieval gun was the ultimate weapon of mass destruction in her day. Mons Meg weighed six toned and could fire a 150kg (330lb) stone ball up to 3.2 kilometres (2 miles).
This mighty siege cannon was designed to smash holes through castle walls. No weapon in the country could match her destructive power. Rebellious enemies of the crown surrendered rather than face her fury.
Mons Meg was wedged into place on a block of wood. Gunners adjusted the elevation and direction of her barrel. Gunpowder was put down the barrel, a wad of straw rammed over it and the ball was rolled inside. A smouldering taper was touched to the hole in Mons Meg’s powder chamber to ignite the explosive block of powder inside. The stone ball was fired at great speed, to deliver a massive blow to whatever it hit.
Mons Meg can still be seen today at Edinburgh Castle however, visitors are urged to treat this grand old lady with respect and not to try to climb on her!
SOURCES:
- Information signs at Edinburgh Castle
