25 April 2013
Located at the opposite end of the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle is the impressively beautiful Palace of Holyrood House (Holyrood Palace) and the striking ruins of Holyrood Abbey.
(Remember to Click to enlarge the photos)
 |
Courtyard of Holyrood Palace
|
 |
| Fran knocking to see if the Queen would let her in! |
Holyrood Palace has been the principal residence of the Kings and Queens of Scotland since the 16th century when it was built for James 1V (1671-1679) in the Baroque design of the architect Sir William Bruce.
Today it is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth and the 16th century Historic Apartments of Mary, Queen of Scots and the State Apartments are used for state occasions and official entertaining. The palace is open to the public throughout the year except when members of the Royal Family are in residence. Queen Elizabeth spends one week in Holyrood Palace at the beginning of each summer.
Unfortunately, we were unable to take photos inside Palace but here are a couple from the internet (Wikipedia).
 |
| The Landing of the Great Stair |
 |
| Royal Dining Room |
The Ruins of Holyrood Abbey.
 |
| The Ruins of Holyrood Abbey |
The ruins of the Augustinian Holyrood Abbey, which was founded by David 1 King of the Scots in 1128, are situated in the grounds of Holyrood Palace. As the abbey was also close to Edinburgh Castle it became an important administrative centre and has witnessed many of the major events in Scotland's history including many Royal coronations, weddings, births and funerals.
In 1688 a mob broke into the abbey, destroyed the Chapel Royal and desecrated the royal tombs. Parts of the abbey were badly renovated in 1758 so during a storm in 1768 the roof collapsed leaving the abbey ruined as it currently stands today.
 |
| Could Holyrood Abbey have looked like this? |
 |
| The Ruined Nave. Where is Fran? |
 |
| Royal Coat of Arms |
 |
One of the Elaborate Sections of the Abbey
|
It is worth the visit to Holyrood Palace and Holyrood Abbey not only to admire the stunning building but to wander around in the peaceful manicured gardens.
No comments:
Post a Comment