Holyrood house

Category

Library Item

Item no

673

Title

Holyrood house

Description

A view of Holyroodhouse Palace with its many towers, spires and turrets. An entrance way with columns, ornate carvings and sculptures is guarded by soldiers in sentry boxes. Two horse-drawn carriages are making their way along a road.

Artist / maker

Skene, James

Date

1817

Size

15 x 20 cm.

Type

Watercolour

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

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.

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Related images

Related subjects

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Places > Edinburgh areas > Holyrood

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Land > Carriages

(55°57′10″N, 3°10′20″W)

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