Palace of Holyroodhouse abbey tours

As the official Scottish residence of the Queen, Holyroodhouse has always been a popular visitor attraction, and a tour of the royal estate will now include a trip to its ruined abbey, which has a fascinating history of its own. Built in 1128 by King David I of Scotland for the Augustinian Canons, Holyrood Abbey witnessed the marriage of James III to Margaret of Denmark and the Scottish coronation of Charles I. It is also the site of the Royal Vault, the final resting place of David II, James II of Scotland and James V. From an early date the abbey contained royal chambers for use by the sovereign. By the 15th century, when Edinburgh became the capital of Scotland, the monarch preferred to stay at the abbey, surrounded by gardens and hunting grounds, rather than at the castle. These royal lodgings came to eclipse the abbey in both size and importance until James IV converted them into a palace, which became Holyroodhouse. During the mid-16th century, English armies plundered the site. After the reformation, the Canons abandoned the monastic buildings.

Tours of the abbey run until 30 September. For details visit www.royalcollection.org.uk

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