Palace of Holyrood

Category

Library Item

Item no

8716

Title

Palace of Holyrood

Description

Holyroodhouse Palace and Abbey sit just beyond the houses of the Canongate, Edinburgh. The pointed spires of the palace are prominant whilst smoke can be seen coming from chimneys. People are travelling along a road through the Canongate one of whom pushes a wheelbarrow. The hill of Arthur's Seat provides the backdrop for the scene.

Artist / maker

Harding, James Duffield

Date

1854

Size

29.1 x 42.3 cm

Type

Lithograph

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. Queen Victoria revived its use as a royal residence.

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Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Roofs

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Landscape > Land > Hills

Places > Edinburgh areas > Canongate

Places > Edinburgh areas > Holyrood

Places > Edinburgh areas > Old Town

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Abbeys

(55°57′10″N, 3°10′20″W)

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