Plate 001 · Bombard · Medieval

Mons Meg

A medieval bombard of staggering caliber, gifted to King James II of Scotland.

Historical Record

Provenance & Service

Forged in 1449 at Mons in the Duchy of Burgundy, Mons Meg was presented to King James II of Scotland in 1457 by Philip the Good. Built from longitudinal iron staves bound with hoops, she fired stone balls weighing up to 175 kg. She remains on display at Edinburgh Castle, having burst her barrel in 1681 firing a salute.