Holyrood House

Category

Library Item

Item no

12914

Title

Holyrood House

Description

A sepia image of the large turreted Palace of Holyrood with the Abbey behind is seen with an empty expanse of grounds in front.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1880

Size

13.9 x 19 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The accompanying descriptive text in the volume begins as follows:
'Holyrood House, popularly known as Holyrood Palace, the metropolitan residence of the Scottish kings, is situated in a park at the base of Arthur's Seat. It forms the eastern termination of the Canongate of Edinburgh, with which so many historical events are associated, and which derived its name from the monks or canons of the Abbey of Holyrood.'

The full text may be viewed from the volume which is held at the Edinburgh and Scottish Collection, Central Library, Edinburgh.

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 subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Doors and doorways

Architecture > Architectural features > Turrets

Architecture > Architectural features > Walls

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Homes > Residential buildings > Castles and palaces

Places > Edinburgh Landmarks > Holyrood Palace

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh