Ancient porch of Holyroodhouse

Skene, James, 1827, Watercolour

Category

Library Item

Item no

672

Title

Ancient porch of Holyroodhouse

Description

A large arched entry porch with a vaulted ceiling leads into Holyroodhouse. A watchtower is on one side of the entrance with a tower topped by a spire on the other. Crenellated ramparts join the two towers. There is a second less grand arched entrance way joined to the main entrance by wall suffering disrepair. Two figures can be seen in the street beyond this. Soldiers on horseback stand to attention as horse-drawn carriages drive by. Two of the riders are wearing hats. The carriages are ornately carved. A man stands in the foreground wearing a hat and carrying a stick.

Artist / maker

Skene, James

Date

1827

Size

20 x 22 cm.

Type

Watercolour

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Copied from an etching by John Rinciman.

The Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh is the Queen's official residence in Scotland. The site was founded as an Augustian Monestry 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 for much of her life. 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.

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Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

People > Military activities > Soldiers

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Land > Carriages

Transport > Land > Horse and riders

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