The seemingly unpenitrable Edinburgh Castle, perched upon this sheer face volcanic rock, was actually attacked and rebuilt many times. In 1296, Edward I of England attacked and gained control of the castle. During 1314, armed with only 30 men at his command, the Earl of Moray in a daring commando raid attacked and retook the castle back again. The English and Scottish armies continued to take it in turns to occupy the castle during the preceding centuries.