Entrance Facade The Royal Collection © 2009 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
The West Facade The Royal Collection © 2009 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
Holyrood Palace, like many of the Royal residences, has grown and developed over the centuries. Legend states that the land was the spot where King David I found himself about to be attacked by a hart when the animal was distracted by a sign from God. Following that “miraculous” encounter, King David I, ordered that an abbey be built on the land. The monastery at Holyrood Abbery was founded in 1128.
The abbey was the site of many marriages and burials as well as coronations until the roof collapsed in 1768. The structure has remained as it is—un-restored—for two hundred fifty years. Though many have proposed rebuilding or restoring the abbey since the Eighteen Century, no plan has ever been accepted. And, so, the abbey remains ruined.
Holyrood Abbey The Royal Collection © 2009 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
An Aerial View The Royal Collection © 2009 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
Bed Chamber of Mary, Queen of Scots The Royal Collection © 2009 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
Built around an enormous quadrangle, the new palace contained a chapel, a great hall and various Royal apartments. James V added to the palace, constructed the suite of rooms and the tower which would be occupied by Mary, Queen of Scots.
With the ascension of James VI to the throne in 1603, the palace fell out of use when the permanent Royal court was moved to London. In 1650, the palace was destroyed (some say accidentally) by Oliver Cromwell’s troops. Cromwell insisted that he would rebuild the palace, and he did. However, Cromwell’s additions were pulled down by King Charles II who erected the structure we see today.
Since then, Holyrood Palace has welcomed many different British monarchs and heads of state. Today, the Scottish branch of the Queen’s Gallery is located in Holyroodhouse and welcomes visitors from around the world.
To learn more about this historic Royal residence, visit the Official Web Site of the British Monarchy.
With the ascension of James VI to the throne in 1603, the palace fell out of use when the permanent Royal court was moved to London. In 1650, the palace was destroyed (some say accidentally) by Oliver Cromwell’s troops. Cromwell insisted that he would rebuild the palace, and he did. However, Cromwell’s additions were pulled down by King Charles II who erected the structure we see today.
The Queen's Gallery The Royal Collection © 2009 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
To learn more about this historic Royal residence, visit the Official Web Site of the British Monarchy.
The King's Closet The Royal Collection © 2009 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
As it was in 1789. The Royal Collection © 2009 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
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