This evening, I am presenting images and information on one of Edinburgh's major sites, namely the Abbey of Holyroodhouse which is located at foot of the Royal Mile adjacent to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Latter was subject of yesterday's post.

The ruined early 13th century Nave and West Front (altered 1633) are all that remain of this magnificent building which was founded by King David I ( of Scotland) in 1126.

The key features are:

• A vaulted south aisle with fine blind arcading.
• Nave, which was converted to Chapel Royal in the 17th century and the converted again to Chapel of the Order of the Thistle. The latter can now be found in St. Giles Cathedral located in the Royal Mile.
• Curious traceried windows in the east and west ends.
• Addition of a stone slates in 1758 which caused the building's destruction in the 19th century.
• Inspiration for Mendelssohn's Scottish Symphony.
  

A visit to the Abbey is usually undertaken in context of a tour of Holyroodhouse.

Labels: Edinburgh

posted by Nigel Cole @ 1:09 PM