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Holyrood

This image is by Finlay McWalter and is copyright free.

It is thought that the palace at Holyrood was founded as an abbey in the twelfth century. Once Edinburgh was recognised as Scotland's capital, Scottish kings chose to live at Holyrood, preferring it to Edinburgh Castle up on its wind blown rock. James the Fourth and James the Fifth ordered extensive modifications to the palace, which made it more of a grand house and less of a castle designed to be defended. James the Fifth's second wife, Mary of Guise, was crowned at Holyrood, and their daughter Mary Queen of Scots spent most of her life here. It was at Holyrood, pregnant with the future James the Sixth of Scotland and First of England, that Mary had to endure seeing her secretary David Riccio murdered in front of her by her jealous husband Lord Darnley.

Since the turbulent days of Mary Queen of Scots Holyrood has been through many turns of fortune. The house fell into decline when James left to become king of England in 1603, but was restored on his return in 1616. After the overthrow of the Stuarts in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, Bonnie Prince Charlie used Holyrood as his base during his unsuccessful attempt to win back the throne for the Stuarts. Holyrood then entered another period of decline, until George the Forth's state visit to Scotland in 1822 encouraged much needed improvements. Queen Victoria then revived the custom of staying at Holyrood, and returned Holyrood to its former status as the first royal residence of Scotland. It has remained in this role ever since, being the official Scottish home of British monarchs.

Opening Times: The Palace is open daily, but is closed during royal visits, also on the 21st March, 14th - 21st May, 2nd - 6th June, 30th June - 4th July and 25th - 26th December. Opening times are 1st March to 31st October 9:30am to 6pm and 1st November to 29th February 9:30am to 4:30pm. Exceptions to these hours are: 24th December 9:30am - 2pm, 31st December 9am - 3pm and 1st January 11am - 4:30pm. Last admission is one hour before closing.

Holyrood stands at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, behind the Scottish parliament building. Click here for an interactive map centred on Holyrood.

Access: wheelchair access is difficult. Phone the number below for more details.

Contact:

phone: +44(0) 20 7766 7324

web site: www.royal.gov.uk