The Palace of Holyroodhouse

About this book

The Palace of Holyroodhouse in its exceptional setting at the end of Edinburghs Royal Mile has played a central role in Scotlands history ever since its foundation by King David I of Scotland nearly 900 years ago. Rebuilt by James V of Scotland it was to become the home of his daughter Mary Queen of Scots and the scene for many of the most dramatic and tragic events of her reign culminating in the murder in the palace of her secretary David Rizzio. Rebuilt again by Charles II after the Civil War the palace became a showplace of baroque architecture and interior decoration. It was the Edinburgh headquarters of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745 a refuge after the French Revolution of 1789 for the future Charles X of France and from the time of the visit of George IV in 1822 onwards one of the foremost attractions in the Scottish capital. Today visitors are drawn to the Palace as much for its association with Scotlands past as for its role as The Queens official home in Edinburgh. The palace also houses a significant part of the Royal Collection with paintings and works of art on display both within the palace and in the Queens Gallery. This fully illustrated guide includes an introduction to its fascinating history a plan of the palace and a tour through the state rooms including Charles IIs splendid baroque interiors and the hauntingly atmospheric chambers of Mary Queen of Scotsscene of the famous murder.