Removal of the Regalia of Scotland

Category

Library Item

Item no

640

Title

Removal of the Regalia of Scotland from the Castle to Holyrood House preparitory to the King's arrival 12th August 1822

Description

Soldiers are marching along a cobbled road through an arched entrance which has a carved stone lintel. They are being watched by a crowd of people including men and women. The soldiers are wearing different types of uniform. Some wear highland dress consisting of kilt, tam o' shanter hats, sporrans and claymore swords. The other soldiers wear red coats, breeches and tricorn hats. They carry the honours of Scotland which are a sceptre, sword and crown.

Artist / maker

Skene, James

Date

1822

Size

26 x 17 cm.

Type

Watercolour

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Edinburgh Castle is perhaps the city's most famous landmark. It stands on top of the remaining core of an extinct volcano. Excavations suggest the site was inhabited by Bronze Age man as early as 900 BC, and was fortified by Iron Age man roughly 2000 years ago. The oldest part of the present day Castle is St Margaret's Chapel, built in the early 12th century. The Castle holds the Honours of Scotland and more recently has welcomed back the Stone of Scone otherwise known as the Stone of Destiny.

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. Its use as a Royal residence was revived by Queen Victoria.

The word cobble has been used here to help with searching, an alternative term is sett. Sett stones describe both the type of stone and the method in which they are used.

Find out more about visiting Edinburgh Castle at Historic Environment Scotland.

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

People > Military activities > Soldiers

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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