Edinburgh

Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Palace of Holyroodhouse was created from the original royal residence, which was a wing in the monastic guesthouse of the existing Holyrood Abbey. This was a more favourable location than the castle due to being in a secluded valley. A wing was added during the reign of James II for the exclusive use of the court. A palace replaced this in 1504 for James IV, with additions made from 1528-36 by James V.

The English damaged the palace in 1544 and again in 1650. It was rebuilt in 1671 for Charles II, though he never actually lived there. The tower that forms the northwestern block is from the palace of James IV, with a mirror image built at the other end.

This is now the official residence in Scotland of the reigning monarch.

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