The 16th Century Monk Who Tried to Fly

Stirling Castle, perched atop a volcanic crag and overlooking the winding River Forth, has witnessed centuries of battles, royal intrigues, and grand celebrations. Yet, one of the most bizarre and memorable stories connected to the castle involves an Italian monk, an alchemist of dubious reputation, who believed he could fly. This eccentric figure, whose ambition was as lofty as the castle walls, carried out one of the most ill-fated experiments in Scottish history—an attempt to conquer the skies.