Railings at Holyrood House

Category

Library Item

Item no

18199

Title

Railings at Holyrood House, Edinburgh

Description

An image of ornate railings situated on top of the boundary wall to Holyrood Place. On the left there is a pillar with a decorative stonework at the top. Beyond the fencing is an area of trees.

Artist / maker

Smith, John

Date

1927

Size

7 x 11.5 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This is a photograph from the book 'Origin, nomenclature and location of various houses and streets in Edinburgh'.

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. It was significantly rebuilt and extended by Charles II, though he never stayed there. The accompanying text reads, "The metal railing which is to be twelve feet high is said to surpass in elegance anything of the kind to be seen in Scotland...The design is remarkably appropriate to the ancient edifice and does great credit to the taste and skill of Mr Reid the architect. The metal work as appears on the base of the corner pillars has been executed by the Shotts Iron Company".

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Railings

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Places > Edinburgh areas > Holyrood

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Plants > Trees > Trees

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