Queensberry House, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

16419

Title

Queensberry House, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Artist / maker

Murphy, Bernard

Date

2006

Size

10.1 x 14.9 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Queensberry House is a 17th century building which has been renovated and integrated into the Scottish Parliament complex. It has kept its traditional exterior although it has been strengthened by a new steel and concrete structure, and an additional storey which was added in 1808 has been removed. The building contains the office of the Presiding Officer, two Deputy Presiding Officers, the Parliament's Chief Executive and other staff.

The house was probably built in 1681, bought by the first Duke of Queensberry in 1686 and passed on to his descendants. Notoriously, in 1707 the son of the second Duke of Queensberry roasted a kitchen boy on a spit, and the fireplace where this is thought to have occurred is still visible on the ground floor.

The house was purchased by the Board of Ordnance in 1803, and remodelled as a barracks in 1808. It has also been used as accommodation for the destitute and at various times as a hospital, most recently as Queensberry Hospital for the elderly.

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Mansions

People > Transportation > Pedestrians

Places > Edinburgh areas > Royal Mile

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Queensberry House

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Scottish Parliament Building

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Bus stops

Transport > Infrastructure > Streets

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