Holyrood House, a Debtor Hunt, 1820

Category

Library Item

Item no

1112

Title

Holyrood House, a debtor hunt, 1820

Description

Bailiffs with sticks chase a debtor down the road towards the towers of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. A crowd of adults, children and a dog watch the men running along the street. Horses and carts are also on the road which is bordered on either side by housing and other buildings.

Artist / maker

Skene, James

Date

1820

Size

17.5 x 23 cm.

Type

Watercolour

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is the Queen's official residence in Scotland. The site was founded as an Augustian monastery in 1128 by David I, after he had a vision of a stag with a rood or cross on its forehead. In 1501 James IV built a palace close to the Abbey. The Palace was home to Mary Queen of Scots from 1561-1567. It also played host to Cromwell's troops during the English Civil War, during which time it suffered extensive fire damage. It was significantly rebuilt and extended by Charles II, though he never stayed there. In 1745 Bonnie Prince Charlie held court there after seizing control of Edinburgh. Queen Victoria revived its use as a royal residence.

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

People > Commercial activities > Bailiffs

Places > Edinburgh areas > Canongate

Places > Edinburgh areas > Holyrood

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Activities > Chasing

Transport > Infrastructure > Streets

(55°57′9″N, 3°10′18″W)

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