Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

18665

Title

Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh

Description

Holyrood Palace has many towers and turrets. The grand entranceway has two pillars on either side of the door, a crest immediately above the door, and two further statues on the roof above which flank a centrepiece featuring a crown. People are gathered outside the palace, including children playing and soldiers in highland dress.

Artist / maker

Shepherd, Thomas Hosmer

Engraver

Barber, T

Date

1829

Size

9.2 x 15.1 cm

Type

Engraving

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

This image comes from 'Modern Athens', a book of engravings based on drawings by Thomas Shepherd published in 1829. In the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries Edinburgh was growing rapidly. The popular neoclassical architectural style of the time was inspired by the ancient Greeks and Romans, and Edinburgh was nicknamed 'Athens of the North'. Shepherd's engravings celebrate the beauty of Edinburgh and show many notable buildings and streets both within the city, and further afield.

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.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Columns

Architecture > Architectural features > Courtyards

Architecture > Architectural features > Doors and doorways

Architecture > Architectural features > Turrets

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Places > Edinburgh areas > Holyrood

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.