The History of Holyrood Palace
-Copyright 2026 Stephanie Hardy- Approaching the Palace of Holyroodhouse on the Royal Mile feels like stepping back in time. The magnificent structure stands out among the bustling modern life around it, like a rose amidst common dandelions. Holyroodhouse is seated at the base of an extinct volcano known as Arthur’s Seat, the castle has been a symbol of Scottish heritage and history for centuries. At almost 350 years old, Holyroodhouse is still a working palace, visited by the reigning monarch of Britain every summer. This article will focus primarily on this landmark as it relates to Scottish history and lore. From Abbey to Palace The first kings of Scotland resided in Edinburgh Castle, which in modern times stands opposite Holyroodhouse on the Royal Mile. In the early 1100’s, Scottish King David I was hunting in the area, when he had a vision of a white stag with a glowing cross between its antlers. Taking this as a sign from God, King David built an Augusti...