Cannon: Plural?

[Shatnerfan]

I've seen cannon (plural) with an s and without an s. Which is right?

[Quizmonster]

When used collectively - in the sense of an 'artillery battery' - cannon is generally used. Tennyson did so in 'The Charge of the Light Brigade'..."Cannon to right of them, cannon to left of them".

However, cannons - in the sense of such weapons in different places - is also perfectly acceptable. One might say: "There are cannons in both Edinburgh and Stirling Castles."