Ronald Maddox (British, B. 1930) "Edinburgh Castle in Scotland" Signed lower right. Original Watercolor painting on Paper. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original which appeared on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Great Britain 2 Edinburgh Castle stamp issue October 18, 1988. Edinburgh Castle dominates the city of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, from its position high atop basalt cliffs, which themselves drop 270 feet to a grassy valley planted with trees and flowers. The position of the castle can be clearly seen in this artwork; it is viewed from the Castle Gardens, which lie below the mound. The castle's origins go back to at least the sixth century A.D., although the oldest surviving construction -- St. Margaret's Chapel -- is eleventh century. The history of the castle reflects that of Scotland itself, a nation determined to preserve its independence. King Malcolm III (whose father, Duncan, was murdered by Macbeth) first made Edinburgh Castle the royal residence in the late eleventh century. Until the reign of James VI of Scotland (James I of England), it remained the residence of the Scottish monarchy, becoming the scene of many historic events and battles. In 1174, the castle was occupied by Henry II's English forces, although it was returned to Scottish hands in 1186. it fell to England again in 1296, and it was not until 1313 that Robert the Bruce regained control. Mary, Queen of Scots, like many other Scottish sovereigns, used the castle as a place of refuge, and her son (later James VI) was born there in 1566. Edinburgh Castle became somewhat neglected after the seventeenth century, serving only as a fortress occasionally visited by England's monarchs. Today, however, it is an impressive reminder of Scotland's past glories. Image Size: 12 x 14 in. Overall Size: 19.5 x 20.75 in. Unframed. (B11763)